Treatment allocation in patients with early-stage esophageal adenocarcinoma: Prevalence and predictors of lymph node involvement

BACKGROUND

In considering treatment allocation for patients with early esophageal adenocarcinoma, the incidence of lymph node metastasis is a critical determinant; however, this has not been well defined or stratified by the relevant clinical predictors of lymph node spread.

METHODS

Data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database of the National Cancer Institute were abstracted from 2004 to 2010 for patients with early-stage esophageal adenocarcinoma. The incidence of lymph node involvement for patients with Tis, T1a, and T1b tumors was examined and was stratified by predictors of spread.

RESULTS

A total of 13,996 patients with esophageal adenocarcinoma were evaluated. Excluding those with advanced, metastatic, and/or invasive (T2-T4) disease, 715 patients with Tis, T1a, and T1b tumors were included. On multivariate analysis, tumor grade (odds ratio [OR], 2.76; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 1.58-4.82 [P<.001]), T classification (OR, 0.47; 95% CI, 0.24-0.91 [P =.025]), and tumor size (OR, 2.68; 95% CI, 1.48-4.85 [P = .001]) were found to be independently associated with lymph node metastases. There was no lymph node spread noted with Tis tumors. For patients with low-grade (well or moderately differentiated) tumors measuring <2 cm in size, the risk of lymph node metastasis was 1.7% for T1a (P<.001) and 8.6% for T1b (P = .001) tumors.

CONCLUSIONS

For patients with low-grade Tis or T1 tumors measuring ≤2 cm in size, the incidence of lymph node metastasis appears to be comparable to the mortality rate associated with esophagectomy. For highly selected patients with early esophageal adenocarcinomas, the results of the current study support the recommendation that local endoscopic resection can be considered as an alternative to surgical management when followed by rigorous endoscopic and radiographic surveillance. Cancer 2016. © 2016 American Cancer Society.

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Prostate tumor DNA methylation is associated with cigarette smoking and adverse prostate cancer outcomes

BACKGROUND

DNA methylation has been hypothesized as a mechanism for explaining the association between smoking and adverse prostate cancer (PCa) outcomes. This study was aimed at assessing whether smoking is associated with prostate tumor DNA methylation and whether these alterations may explain in part the association of smoking with PCa recurrence and mortality.

METHODS

A total of 523 men had radical prostatectomy as their primary treatment, detailed smoking history data, long-term follow-up for PCa outcomes, and tumor tissue profiled for DNA methylation. Ninety percent of the men also had matched tumor gene expression data. A methylome-wide analysis was conducted to identify differentially methylated regions (DMRs) by smoking status. To select potential functionally relevant DMRs, their correlation with the messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of corresponding genes was evaluated. Finally, a smoking-related methylation score based on the top-ranked DMRs was created to assess its association with PCa outcomes.

RESULTS

Forty DMRs were associated with smoking status, and 10 of these were strongly correlated with mRNA expression (aldehyde oxidase 1 [AOX1], claudin 5 [CLDN5], early B-cell factor 1 [EBF1], homeobox A7 [HOXA7], lectin galactoside-binding soluble 3 [LGALS3], microtubule-associated protein τ [MAPT], protocadherin γ A [PCDHGA]/protocadherin γ B [PCDHGB], paraoxonase 3 [PON3], synaptonemal complex protein 2 like [SYCP2L], and zinc finger and SCAN domain containing 12 [ZSCAN12]). Men who were in the highest tertile for the smoking-methylation score derived from these DMRs had a higher risk of recurrence (odds ratio [OR], 2.29; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.42-3.72) and lethal disease (OR, 4.21; 95% CI, 1.65-11.78) in comparison with men in the lower 2 tertiles.

CONCLUSIONS

This integrative molecular epidemiology study supports the hypothesis that smoking-associated tumor DNA methylation changes may explain at least part of the association between smoking and adverse PCa outcomes. Future studies are warranted to confirm these findings and understand the implications for improving patient outcomes. Cancer 2016. © 2016 American Cancer Society.

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Is nonalcoholic fatty liver disease driving the increased incidence of liver cancer?

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The role of the gastrointestinal microbiome in infectious complications during induction chemotherapy for acute myeloid leukemia

BACKGROUND

Despite increasing data on the impact of the microbiome on cancer, the dynamics and role of the microbiome in infection during therapy for acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) are unknown. Therefore, the authors sought to determine correlations between microbiome composition and infectious outcomes in patients with AML who were receiving induction chemotherapy (IC).

METHODS

Buccal and fecal specimens (478 samples) were collected twice weekly from 34 patients with AML who were undergoing IC. Oral and stool microbiomes were characterized by 16S ribosomal RNA V4 sequencing using an Illumina MiSeq system. Microbial diversity and genera composition were associated with clinical outcomes.

RESULTS

Baseline stool α-diversity was significantly lower in patients who developed infections during IC compared with those who did not (P = .047). Significant decreases in both oral and stool microbial α-diversity were observed over the course of IC, with a linear correlation between α-diversity change at the 2 sites (P = .02). Loss of both oral and stool α-diversity was associated significantly with the receipt of a carbapenem P < 0.001. Domination events by the majority of genera were transient (median duration, 1 sample), whereas the number of domination events by pathogenic genera increased significantly over the course of IC (P = .002). Moreover, patients who lost microbial diversity over the course of IC were significantly more likely to contract a microbiologically documented infection within the 90 days after IC neutrophil recovery (P = .04).

CONCLUSIONS

The current data present the largest longitudinal analyses to date of oral and stool microbiomes in patients with AML and suggest that microbiome measurements could assist with the mitigation of infectious complications of AML therapy. Cancer 2016. © 2016 American Cancer Society.

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Endoscopy versus imaging: Analysis of surveillance methods in sinonasal malignancy

Abstract

Background

The purpose of this study was to assess the utility of imaging and endoscopy in posttreatment surveillance of sinonasal malignancies.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective analysis of primary sinonasal malignancies diagnosed between 2000 and 2014. Posttreatment surveillance included nasal endoscopy and imaging (MRI, CT, and positron emission tomography [PET]/CT). Positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), specificity, and sensitivity were calculated for each modality and compared.

Results

One hundred nine sinonasal malignancies were identified with 30 recurrences. Endoscopy showed a sensitivity and specificity of 24% and 89%, respectively, whereas imaging was 76% and 90%, respectively. Identifying suspicious symptoms significantly improved the PPV of both endoscopy and imaging. MRI demonstrates the highest PPV when compared with other imaging modalities.

Conclusion

Both modalities are necessary in posttreatment surveillance. MRI shows the highest PPV, whereas endoscopy trends toward a higher specificity. PET/CT scans have a high false-positive rate and should be reserved for tumors with a high propensity for distant metastases. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2016

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Nasoseptal flap for reconstruction after robotic radical tonsillectomy

Abstract

Background

The nasoseptal flap has revolutionized reconstruction of ventral skull base defects. The past decade is also noticeable by the evolution of transoral robotic surgery (TORS). Reconstruction of the oropharyngeal defect is challenging. Good reconstructive options with less cicatricial retraction are desirable and still lacking in the literature.

Methods

Cadaver dissection and illustrative case are used to show the feasibility of harvesting a nasoseptal flap to reconstruct oropharyngeal defect after radical tonsillectomy. Surgical resection included part of the soft palate and tongue base.

Results

The flap was sufficient to cover two-thirds of the tonsillar defect during the cadaver dissection. In our illustrative case, the flap filled the palatal defect and also was sufficient to cover the superior half of the tonsillar defect.

Conclusion

The nasoseptal flap has shown to be feasible and reliable for reconstruction of the oropharyngeal defect after TORS. When soft palate resection is warranted, this flap provides excellent coverage. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2016

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Prognostic significance of metabolic tumor volume in patients with piriform sinus carcinoma treated by radiotherapy with or without concurrent chemotherapy

Abstract

Background

The purpose of this study was to elucidate the prognostic significance of the pretreatment metabolic tumor volume (MTV) in patients with piriform sinus carcinoma treated by radiation-based therapy.

Methods

This retrospective study included 100 patients with piriform sinus carcinomas who had received treatment by radiation-based therapy. The MTV values were obtained from pretreatment positron emission tomography (PET). The association between clinical factors, including the MTV, and survival was analyzed.

Results

Kaplan–Meier estimates revealed the 5-year disease-free survival (DFS) rates were significantly poorer for patients with a high MTV compared to those with a low MTV. In the multivariate analysis, MTV (p < .001), nodal metastasis (p = .011), and applied chemotherapy regimen (p = .004) were found to be independent prognostic factors for DFS.

Conclusion

The locoregional MTV is a prognostic factor for DFS in patients with piriform sinus carcinoma treated by radiation-based therapy. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2016

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From informed consent to dissemination: Using participatory visual methods with young people with long-term conditions at different stages of research

Vindrola-Padros, C; Martins, A; Coyne, I; Bryan, G; Gibson, F; (2016) From informed consent to dissemination: Using participatory visual methods with young people with long-term conditions at different stages of research. Global Public Health 10.1080/17441692.2016.1165718 . (In press).

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Shock Index Values and Trends in Pediatric Sepsis: Predictors or Therapeutic Targets? A retrospective observational study

Ray, S; Cvetkovic, M; Lutman, DH; Brierley, J; Pathan, N; Inwald, D; Ramnarayan, P; Ray, S; Cvetkovic, M; Lutman, DH; Brierley, J; Pathan, N; Inwald, D; Ramnarayan, P; Peters, MJ; - view fewer Shock Index Values and Trends in Pediatric Sepsis: Predictors or Therapeutic Targets? A retrospective observational study. Shock (In press).

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Evolution of the Lower Cretaceous Coqen basin in northern Lhasa, central Tibet Plateau: stratigraphy, sedimentology, and detrital zircon geochronology

Gaoyuan Sun, ; Xiumian, H; Sinclair, H; Boudagher-Fadel, MK; (2016) Evolution of the Lower Cretaceous Coqen basin in northern Lhasa, central Tibet Plateau: stratigraphy, sedimentology, and detrital zircon geochronology. In: (Proceedings) European Geosciences Union General Assembly 2016. (In press).

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Short-range phase coherence and origin of the 1T-TiSe2 charge density wave

Hildebrand, B; Jaouen, T; Didiot, C; Razzoli, E; Monney, G; Mottas, M-L; Ubaldini, A; Hildebrand, B; Jaouen, T; Didiot, C; Razzoli, E; Monney, G; Mottas, M-L; Ubaldini, A; Berger, H; Barreteau, C; Beck, H; Bowler, DR; Aebi, P; - view fewer (2016) Short-range phase coherence and origin of the 1T-TiSe2 charge density wave. Physical Review B , 93 (12) , Article 125140. 10.1103/PhysRevB.93.125140 . Green open access

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Clarifying misconceptions of extinction risk assessment with the IUCN Red List.

Collen, B; Dulvy, NK; Gaston, KJ; Gärdenfors, U; Keith, DA; Punt, AE; Regan, HM; Collen, B; Dulvy, NK; Gaston, KJ; Gärdenfors, U; Keith, DA; Punt, AE; Regan, HM; Böhm, M; Hedges, S; Seddon, M; Butchart, SH; Hilton-Taylor, C; Hoffmann, M; Bachman, SP; Akçakaya, HR; - view fewer (2016) Clarifying misconceptions of extinction risk assessment with the IUCN Red List. Biology Letters , 12 (4) 10.1098/rsbl.2015.0843 .

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Anthropomorphic figurines from the Neolithic and Early Bronze Age Aegean : gender dynamics and implications for the understanding of Aegean prehistory.

Mina, M.; (2005) Anthropomorphic figurines from the Neolithic and Early Bronze Age Aegean : gender dynamics and implications for the understanding of Aegean prehistory. Doctoral thesis, University of London. Green open access

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A roving dual-presentation simultaneity-judgment task to estimate the point of subjective simultaneity

Yarrow, K; Martin, SE; Di Costa, S; Solomon, JA; Arnold, DH; (2016) A roving dual-presentation simultaneity-judgment task to estimate the point of subjective simultaneity. Frontiers in Psychology , 7 , Article 416. 10.3389/fpsyg.2016.00416 . Green open access

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An evaluation of UK foundation trainee doctors’ learning behaviours in a technology-enhanced learning environment

Background: Technology-Enhanced Learning (TEL) can be used to educate Foundation Programme trainee (F1 and F2) doctors. Despite the advantages of TEL, learning behaviours may be exhibited that are not desired by system developers or educators. The aim of this evaluation was to investigate how learner behaviours (e.g. time spent on task) were affected by temporal (e.g. time of year), module (e.g. word count), and individual (e.g. knowledge) factors for 16 mandatory TEL modules related to prescribing and therapeutics. Methods: Data were extracted from the SCRIPT e-Learning platform for first year Foundation trainee (F1) doctors in the Health Education England's West Midland region from 1 st August 2013 to 5 th August 2014. Generalised Estimating Equation models were used to examine the relationship between time taken to complete modules, date modules were completed, pre- and post-test scores, and module factors. Results: Over the time period examined, 688 F1 doctors interacted with the 16 compulsory modules 10,255 times. The geometric mean time taken to complete a module was 28.9 min (95 % Confidence Interval: 28.4–29.5) and 1,075 (10.5 %) modules were completed in less than 10 min. In February and June (prior to F1 progression reviews) peaks occurred in the number of modules completed and troughs in the time taken. Most modules were completed, and the greatest amount of time was spent on the learning on a Sunday. More time was taken by those doctors with greater pre-test scores and those with larger improvements in test scores. Conclusions: Foundation trainees are exhibiting unintended learning behaviours in this TEL environment, which may be attributed to several factors. These findings can help guide future developments of this TEL programme and the integration of other TEL programmes into curricula by raising awareness of potential behavioural issues that may arise.

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Single-cell profiling of human megakaryocyte-erythroid progenitors identifies distinct megakaryocyte and erythroid differentiation pathways

Background: Recent advances in single-cell techniques have provided the opportunity to finely dissect cellular heterogeneity within populations previously defined by "bulk" assays and to uncover rare cell types. In human hematopoiesis, megakaryocytes and erythroid cells differentiate from a shared precursor, the megakaryocyte-erythroid progenitor (MEP), which remains poorly defined. Results: To clarify the cellular pathway in erythro-megakaryocyte differentiation, we correlate the surface immunophenotype, transcriptional profile, and differentiation potential of individual MEP cells. Highly purified, single MEP cells were analyzed using index fluorescence-activated cell sorting and parallel targeted transcriptional profiling of the same cells was performed using a specifically designed panel of genes. Differentiation potential was tested in novel, single-cell differentiation assays. Our results demonstrate that immunophenotypic MEP comprise three distinct subpopulations: "Pre-MEP," enriched for erythroid/megakaryocyte progenitors but with residual myeloid differentiation capacity; "E-MEP," strongly biased towards erythroid differentiation; and "MK-MEP," a previously undescribed, rare population of cells that are bipotent but primarily generate megakaryocytic progeny. Therefore, conventionally defined MEP are a mixed population, as a minority give rise to mixed-lineage colonies while the majority of cells are transcriptionally primed to generate exclusively single-lineage output. Conclusions: Our study clarifies the cellular hierarchy in human megakaryocyte/erythroid lineage commitment and highlights the importance of using a combination of single-cell approaches to dissect cellular heterogeneity and identify rare cell types within a population. We present a novel immunophenotyping strategy that enables the prospective identification of specific intermediate progenitor populations in erythro-megakaryopoiesis, allowing for in-depth study of disorders including inherited cytopenias, myeloproliferative disorders, and erythromegakaryocytic leukemias.

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The design and synthesis of inhibitors of Mycobacterium tuberculosis thymidylate kinase (MtTMPK)

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Novel 2D coordination polymers of La(III) and Ce(III), doped with Eu(III), Tb(III), Sm(III) and Dy(III): synthesis and luminescence properties

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I C no O: C-glycosides of promising C6”-modified α-GalCer analogues

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SPECIES: SPEciation of Chromium in Ionic liquids as alternative Electrodeposition Solvents

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Study of the cross-talk between the dopamine D2-like receptors and the μ opioid receptor

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Getting fosmidomycin inside mycobacterial cells: a prodrug approach

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Effects of valproic acid on the placental barrier in the pregnant mouse: Optical imaging and transporter expression studies

Summary

Our aim was to evaluate the effects of valproic acid (VPA) on the function of the placental barrier in vivo, in pregnant mice. Studies were conducted on gestational days 12.5 (mid-gestation) or 17.5 (late gestation), following intraperitoneal treatment with 200 mg/kg VPA or the vehicle. Indocyanine green (ICG; 0.167 mg, i.v.) was used as a marker for the placental barrier permeability. Transporter expression was evaluated by quantitative -PCR. VPA treatment was associated with a 40% increase (p < 0.05) in accumulation of ICG in maternal liver in mid-pregnancy and a decrease by one fifth (p < 0.05) in late pregnancy. Ex vivo, VPA treatment led to a 20% increase (p < 0.05) in fetal ICG emission in mid-pregnancy. Also in mid-pregnancy, the placental expression of the L-type amino acid transporter, the organic anion–transporting polypeptide (Oatp)4a1 (thyroid hormone transporter), and the reduced folate carrier was lower in VPA-treated mice (p < 0.05). In late pregnancy, hepatic Oatp4a1 levels were 40% less than in controls (p > 0.05). The observed changes in placental transporter expression and function support further research into the potential role of the placenta in the adverse pregnancy outcomes of VPA. Near-infrared imaging provides a noninvasive, nonradioactive tool for future studies on the effects of epilepsy and antiepileptic drugs on tissue transport functions.

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Hepatoprotective properties of Dandelion: recent update

2016-05-03T05-56-24Z
Source: Journal of Applied Pharmaceutical Science
Ezhilarasan Devaraj.
Taraxacum officinalis (Dandelion) have been used as folk medicines in China, India, and Russia for the treatment of chronic liver diseases. This review focuses exclusively on published literature pertaining to the potential use of Taraxacum officinalis or Dandelion for the treatment of various chronic liver diseases. The extensive literature survey reveal the fact that Taraxacum officinalis or dandelion to be safe and the available evidence on the mechanisms of action appears promising, there are currently insufficient data from well-conducted clinical trials to recommend their use in patients with alcoholic liver chronic liver disease.


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Study of regulatory requirements for the conduct of bioequivalence studies in US, Europe, Canada, India, ASEAN and SADC countries: Impact on generic drug substitution

2016-05-03T05-56-24Z
Source: Journal of Applied Pharmaceutical Science
Nitika Kaushal, Sachin Kumar Singh, Monica Gulati, Yogyata Vaidya, Munish Kaushik.
In the last one decade, due to expiry of patented products as well as their exclusivity period, a drastic decline of branded pharmaceutical products and up streaming of generic drug market has been observed in developed as well as developing nations. This up rise in generic drug market is expected to rise in future till the arrival of new brand in market. This prevailing conditions could result in proliferation of generic drug manufacturing companies. The fact that generics do not undergo thorough extensive trials like innovator drugs, fuels further fears regarding their inferiority. Moreover, due to the hard competition amongst various companies to market their generics, the frequency of fraud and corruption have embarked doubts in consumers mind to reality. In order to blow away the doubts and re-establishing the credibility of generics in market, bioequivalence (BE) guidelines with stricter regulation should be the demand. The present study highlights the relevant regulatory guidelines for the conduct of bioequivalence studies in US, Europe, Canada, India, South Africa and South East Asian Nations. A comparative study of the differences in study design and specifications have also been addressed.


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A Study on Immunosuppressant Induced Dyslipidemia and Associated Chronic Graft Rejection in Renal Transplant Recipients

2016-05-03T05-56-24Z
Source: Journal of Applied Pharmaceutical Science
P. Samuel Gideon George, K. Dhivya.
Dyslipidemia is a common complication of renal transplantation referred to as new onset dyslipidemia. Immune suppressants, in particular cyclosporine, the calcineurin inhibitor and others are known to cause dyslipidemia through non-competitive inhibition of sterol 27-dehydroxylase (CYP27A1). On the other hand, dyslipidemia has been found to be associated with higher graft rejection due to decrease in immune suppressant activity and direct graft destruction. Hence the study was designed to analyze the effect of dyslipidemia on chronic allograft rejection. Clinical and biochemistry reports of 142 renal transplant recipients were collected in designed case report forms. All statistical analysis was carried out using International Business Machine (IBM) Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) 17.0. Immunosuppressive therapy, comorbid diabetes and hypertension, age and serum creatinine were found to be the common predictors of dyslipidemia whereas as dyslipidemia, age and gender were found to be predictors of graft destruction and loss (P>0.05). Incidence of graft loss was found higher in dyslipidemic patients (P


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Antidiabetic and Antihypercholesterolemia Activities of Rambutan (Nephelium lappaceum L.) and Durian (Durio zibethinus Murr.) Fruit Peel Extracts

2016-05-03T05-56-24Z
Source: Journal of Applied Pharmaceutical Science
M. Muhtadi, H. Haryoto, Tanti Azizah Sujono, Andi Suhendi.
This research study aimed to explore the antidiabetic and antihypercholesterolemia activities of Rambutan (Nephelium lappaceum L.) and Durian (Durio zibethinus Murr.) fruit peels extracts. Diabetic rats induced by alloxan intraperitoneal at dose 150 mg/kg.bw. Rats divided into eight groups, negative control received 0.5% CMC-Na, Glibenclamide 0.45 mg/kg.bw (positive control), groups of III, IV, and V were given ethanolic extracts of durian rind with successive doses of 500, 250, 125 mg/kg.bw, while groups of VI, VII and VIII were given of rambutan peels extracts for 11 days. Whereas, antihypercholesterolemia activity, high cholesterol gained by high-fat fed diet for 28 days and treated with the extracts for 14 days. The highest percentage reduction in blood glucose and cholesterol levels were shown of Rambutan fruit peels extract with dose 500 mg/kg.bw and the value of percentage reduction were 61.76±4.26% and 60.75±8.26%, respectively which the activity were higher than positive control. In line with rambutan, durian at that dose showed the reduction glucose levels at 50.19±3.66%. Meanwhile the antihypercholesterolemia activity was 35.82 ± 5.00%. Nephelium lappaceum and Durio zibethinus peels extracts had the antidiabetic and antihypercholesterolemia acitivities at doses of 125 to 500 mg/kg.bw.


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Vitamin C, total polyphenols and antioxidant activity in raw, domestically processed and industrially processed Indian Chenopodium quinoa seeds

2016-05-03T05-56-24Z
Source: Journal of Applied Pharmaceutical Science
Intelli Kaur, Beenu Tanwar, Manju Reddy, Ambika Chauhan.
Total antioxidant activity, Vitamin C and total polyphenols were determined for the first time in Indian Chenopodium quinoa seeds. The raw seeds were subjected to domestic processing method by soaking and germination to see the effect on antioxidant activity, Vitamin C and total polyphenols as compared to the industrially processed seeds. Antioxidant activities were determined by DPPH and FRAP method. Total phenolic content and flavonoid was determined colorimetrically and vitamin C by N- bromosuccinimide (NBS) method. The results show that domestically processed seeds have higher vitamin C, total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC) and also antioxidant activity as compared to the raw and industrially processed seeds. Antioxidant activity was found significantly correlated to the total phenolic content in raw, domestically processed and industrially processed seeds. Domestically processed quinoa, mainly by germination is reported to be rich in antioxidants, vitamin C and higher phenolic content. The results suggest use of domestic processing of quinoa seeds to retain nutrient value and also infer dietary importance of Indian Chenopodium quinoa.


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Dominant bacterial diseases in the extensive and semi-intensive animal breeding and their treatment method by ethnoveterinary medicine in Benin

2016-05-03T05-56-24Z
Source: Journal of Applied Pharmaceutical Science
Clément Abiola OGNI, Marc KPODEKON, Jacques DOUGNON, Hospice DASSOU, Judicaël Enagnon GOUSSANOU, Cyrille BOKO, Bénoît KOUTINHOUIN, Issaka YOUSSAO, Akpovi AKOEGNINOU.
In Africa, various medicines are used in animal diseases treatment. This study aims to identify the medicinal plants that are often used to cure bacterial diseases in domestic animals, in order to promote their rational and sustainable use. The work was performed by working with 787 breeders in the 8 agro-ecological zones of Benin, from June to December 2013. An ethnobotanical survey has identified 32 medicinal plants species among which Afzelia africana, Crossopteryx febrifuga, Albizia chevalieri, Khaya senegalensis, Mangifera indica and Entada africana are used for bovine pasteurellosis. The bronchitis is treated by 11 species of medicinal plants which include Allium sativum, Garcinia kola, Terminalia laxiflora, Zanthoxylum zanthoxyloides and Detarium microcarpum. For infectious coryza treatment, 8 plants have been identified among which, we have Securinega virosa, Capsicum annuum, Anacardium occidentale and Vitellaria paradoxa. About cutaneous streptothricosis, 3 plants (Zea mays, Piliostigma thonningii and Parkia biglobosa) were cited for its treatment. Contagious bovine peripneumonia is treated by 3 plants (Tamarindus indica, Oxythenanthera abyssinica and Khaya senegalensis). Avian salmonellosis is also treated by 3 plants (Bridelia ferruginea, Cissus quadrangularis and Ocimum gratissimum). Concerning Blackleg and enterotoxemia, they are respectively treated by Aganope stulhmannii and Ocimum gratissimum.


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Terminalia ivorensis A. Chev. Ethanolic Stem Bark Extract Protects Against Gentamicin-Induced Renal and Hepatic Damage in Rats

2016-05-03T05-56-24Z
Source: Journal of Applied Pharmaceutical Science
Charles Ansah, Aliu Moomin, Kwesi Mensah Boadu.
The aim of present study was to investigate the possible protective effects of an ethanolic stem bark extract of Terminalia ivorensis on gentamicin induced nephrotoxicity and hepatotoxicity in male Sprague-Dawley rats. Groups of animals received either gentamicin alone or in combination with 100, 300 or 1000 mg/kg of extract for a period of 14 days. On the 15th day, the modulatory effect of Terminalia ivorensis was examined by assessing biochemical and renal markers of hepatic and renal damage. Markers of oxidative injury including reduced glutathione, superoxide dismutase, catalase and lipid peroxidation were assessed. Histology of the kidneys and the liver were also processed for analysis. The extract at a dose of 100-1000 mg/kg significantly reduced elevations in creatinine, urea and serum enzymes evoked by gentamicin. Additionally, the low levels of reduced glutathione and the antioxidant enzymes from the gentamicin treatment were significantly improved in the extract-treated animals. The results correlated well with the histopathological findings as the extract reversed the severe architectural distortions of the kidneys and liver caused by gentamycin. We conclude from the study that, the ethanolic stem bark extract of Terminalia ivorensis protects the liver and the kidneys against gentamicin-induced renal and hepatic damage.


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Assessment of tumor heterogeneity in treatment-naïve adrenocortical cancer patients using 18 F-FDG positron emission tomography

Abstract

As an orphan malignancy, only limited treatment options are available in adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC). Non-invasive risk assessment has not been described but may be of value to stratify patients for treatment. We aimed to evaluate the potential value of intra-individual tumor heterogeneity as assessed by ¹⁸F-fluorodeoxyglucose (¹⁸F-FDG) positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) for outcome prediction in treatment-naïve ACC patients. Ten patients with primary diagnosis of ACC were included in this study. Prior to any treatment initiation, baseline ¹⁸F-FDG PET scans were performed. Tumor staging was performed using the European Network for the Study of Adrenal Tumors (ENS@T). Intratumoral heterogeneity of the primary tumor was assessed by manual segmentation using conventional PET parameters (standardized uptake values and tumor-to-liver ratios) and textural features. The impact of tumoral heterogeneity based on pre-therapeutic ¹⁸F-FDG PET to predict progression-free (PFS) and overall survival (OS) was evaluated by receiver operating characteristic analysis. On average, tumor recurrence or progression was detected after median of 561 days (range 71–1434 days) after the pre-therapeutic baseline PET scan. 50 % of the patients died of ACC within the follow-up period (mean 983 ± 404 days). Pre-therapeutic tumor volume was associated with PFS (r = −0.67, p = 0.05) and Ki67 index with OS (r = −0.66, p = 0.04). ENS@T tumor stage was the only parameter to correlate with both PFS and OS (r = −0.82, p = 0.001, and r = −0.72, p = 0.01, respectively). In the subgroup of patients without distant metastases (ENS@T stages II and III), age and pre-therapeutic tumor volume correlated significantly with PFS (r = 0.96, p = 0.01 and r = −0.93, p = 0.02, respectively) and OS (r = 0.95, p = 0.02 and r = −0.90, p = 0.04, respectively). None of the investigated classic or textural PET parameters predicted PFS or OS. In this pilot study in treatment-naïve ACC patients, conventional ¹⁸F-FDG PET-derived parameters and textural tumor heterogeneity features were not suitable to identify high-risk patients.

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Electron–deuteron DIS with spectator tagging at EIC: development of theoretical framework

An Electron–Ion Collider (EIC) would enable next-generation measurements of deep-inelastic scattering (DIS) on the deuteron with detection of a forward-moving nucleon (p, n) and measurement of its recoil momentum ("spectator tagging"). Such experiments offer full control of the nuclear configuration during the high-energy process and can be used for precision studies of the neutron's partonic structure and its spin dependence, nuclear modifications of partonic structure, and nuclear shadowing at small x. We review the theoretical description of spectator tagging at EIC energies (light–front nuclear structure, on-shell extrapolation in the recoil nucleon momentum, final-state interactions, diffractive effects at small x) and report about on-going developments.

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Discovery of the chitinozoans Belonechitina capitata from the Shiala Formation of northeastern Garhwal-Kumaon Tethys Himalaya, Pithoragarh District, Uttrakhand, India

Belonechitina capitata, a typically middle to late Ordovician chitinozoan index taxon was for the first time recovered from the northeastern Kumaon region, a part of Garhwal-Kumaon Tethys basin of the Himalaya, India. This species is of great biostratigraphic importance and has already been reported from Avalonia, Baltica and northern Gondwana. The study area was during Ordovician, part of a low-palaeolatitudinal Gondwana region. The vesicles of recovered forms are black and fragmentary. This is principally attributed to intense tectonic activity during the Himalayan orogenic movement which resulted into high thermal alteration. The chitinozoans are found along with melanosclerites.

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Late Palaeogene emplacement and late Neogene-Quaternary exhumation of the Kuril island-arc root (Kunashir island) constrained by multi-method thermochronometry

The Kuril islands constitute a volcanic island arc-trench system, stretching from eastern Hokkaido (Japan) to Kamchatka (Russia) along the northwestern Pacific subduction system. The current arc consists of several volcanic islands mainly with Neogene basement and capped by several, predominantly andesitic, active subduction stratovolcanoes. Kunashir Island is the southwestern-most island of the arc, just off the Hokkaido coast and represents the study area in this paper. The island is composed of a Lower Complex of mainly late Miocene to Pliocene volcanic rocks, covered by an Upper Complex of younger (basaltic) andesitic lava flows and tuffs on which currently four active volcanic edifices are built. In the Lower Complex sub-volcanic and deeper-seated intrusives of the so-called Prasolov and Dokuchaev magmatic complexes are found. More differentiated, tonalitic-granodioritic rocks were collected from these small intrusive bodies. An early Oligocene zircon LA-ICP-MS U/Pb age of 31 Ma for the Prasolov Complex was obtained, showing that the basement of Kunashir Island is older than previously thought. Thermochronometry (apatite fission-track and U-Th-Sm/He and zircon U-Th/He analyses) further shows that the magmatic basement of the island was rapidly exhumed in the Pleistocene to present levels in a differential pattern, with He-ages ranging from 1.9 to 0.8 Ma. It is shown that the northern section of the island was hereby exhumed more intensely. (C) 2015, China University of Geosciences (Beijing) and Peking University

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Tagged spectator deep-inelastic scattering off the deuteron as a tool to study neutron structure

We give an overview of a model to describe deep-inelastic scattering (DIS) off the deuteron with a spectator proton, based on the virtual nucleon approximation (VNA). The model accounts for the final-state interactions (FSI) of the DIS debris with the spectator proton. Values of the rescattering cross section are obtained by fits to high-momentum spectator data. By using the so-called "pole extrapolation" method, free neutron structure functions can be obtained by extrapolating low-momentum spectator proton data to the on-shell neutron pole. We apply this method to the BONuS data set and find a surprising Bjorken x dependence, indicating a possible rise of the neutron to proton structure function ratio at high x.

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Nature a diffuse vitesse: de verschillende werkelijkheidsbereiken van natuur

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De scenario-machine: planologen rusteloos op zoek naar houvast

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De planologie en het tijd-ruimte vraagstuk: crisis van de corrigerende tegenbeweging

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De stedebouw en haar kenniskarakter: het dialiectisch verband tussen het politieke en formele aspect van het stadsontwerp

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EFFECTS OF VITAMIN-D AND SUNLIGHT ON THE HEMATO-BIOCHEMICAL PARAMETERS IN MICE

2016-05-03T05-07-12Z
Source: International Journal of Current Research and Review
Muhammad Rakibul Hasan, Md. Kamrul Islam, Ziaul Haque.
Moderate exposure to sunlight increases vitamin-D status in the body and vitamin-D helps in absorption of calcium from intestine. This study was aimed to investigate the efficacy of vitamin-D and sunlight on blood parameters and serum biochemistry in mice. For this purpose, 50 adult Swiss albino mice were collected and randomly divided into five equal groups (Group A, B, C, D and E). Group A was considered as control and fed only on balanced normal feed. Group B was supplied with 15% butter in feed as a semi-synthetic source of vitamin-D, group C was exposed to direct sunlight (1.5 hours daily) and group D and E were supplied with oral synthetic form of vitamin-D @ 50 IU and 100 IU daily, respectively. After 120 days, blood and serum samples were collected for analysis. Our results showed that total erythrocytes count (TEC) and total leukocytes count (TLC) were found higher in group D but insignificant. Lymphocytes were significantly (P


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Bahnbrechende chirurgische Innovationen in Deutschland

Zusammenfassung

Hintergrund

In den letzten Jahren wurde von der Chirurgie zunehmend eine der evidenzbasierten Medizin (EBM) konforme Forschung gefordert. Uniforme Studien sollten den Nutzen neuer Verfahren beweisen. Zeitgleich war im Vergleich zu anderen Forschungssektoren ein Rückgang der öffentlichen Drittmittelunterstützung zu verzeichnen.

Fragestellung

Erfassung von Besonderheiten der Chirurgie im Hinblick auf die Drittmittelfinanzierung von chirurgischer Spitzenforschung. Überprüfung des Nutzens einer durchgängigen Förderung und von forschungsaktiven Einrichtungen.

Material und Methoden

Mit der in Teil 1 der Untersuchung dargestellten Methodik wurden bahnbrechende chirurgische Verfahren identifiziert und analysiert.

Ergebnisse

Von insgesamt 15 revolutionären Verfahren wurden insgesamt nur 3 Projekte durch Drittmittel finanziert, 2 Verfahren erhielten durch eine Kooperation mit der Industrie eine indirekte Unterstützung. Damit wurde die Mehrheit weder direkt noch indirekt finanziell gefördert. Abgesehen von einer Ausnahme waren es forschungsaktive Universitätskliniken, die Innovationen generierten.

Diskussion

Eine faktisch nicht existente Drittmittelförderung herausragender chirurgischer Entwicklungen und Kliniken legen eine Reformatierung der chirurgischen Forschung nahe. Um die Innovationskraft der Chirurgie zu stärken, ist eine Konzentration der Förderung auf forschungsaktive Einrichtungen sinnvoll. Um Projekte besonders in der Frühphase zu unterstützen, sollte künftig eine institutionelle Förderung, die projektgebundene Finanzierung ergänzt, angestrebt werden.

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Prävalenz der ASS-Low-Response in der Gefäßchirurgie

Zusammenfassung

Hintergrund

Untersuchungen zeigen, dass eine verminderte antithrombozytäre Wirksamkeit („Low Response [LR]"/„high on-treatment platelet reactivity [HPR]") von Acetylsalicylsäure (ASS) und Clopidogrel mit einem erhöhten Risiko für thrombembolische Ereignisse assoziiert ist. Die Prävalenzangaben für Low Responder schwanken stark in der Literatur und es gibt wenige Untersuchungen mit gefäßchirurgischen Patienten. Ziel der Studie war es, die Prävalenz von ASS- und Clopidogrel-Low-Respondern (ALR/CLR) und Risikofaktoren für Low Responder bei gefäßchirurgischen Patienten zu ermitteln.

Methodik

In die Studie wurden n = 154 Patienten mit einer antithrombozytären Dauertherapie eingeschlossen, die aufgrund einer pAVK und/oder Arteria-carotis-interna-Stenose behandelt wurden. Zur Ermittlung einer ASS- oder Clopidogrel-Low-Response wurde Vollblut mittels der Impedanzaggregometrie (ChronoLog® Aggregometer Modell 590) untersucht. Zur Detektion von Risikofaktoren wurden der Schweregrad der Gefäßerkrankung, Begleiterkrankungen, Laborparameter und die Begleitmedikation erfasst.

Ergebnisse

Es wurde eine Prävalenz von 19,3 % für ALR und von 21,1 % für CLR ermittelt. Als Risikofaktoren für präoperative ASS-Low-Responder wurde eine höhere Thrombozyten- und Leukozytenanzahl, sowie eine Begleitmedikation mit Pantoprazol identifiziert. Die Auswertung ergab keine signifikante Korrelation der erhobenen Parameter mit Clopidogrel-Low-Respondern.

Schlussfolgerung

Die Prävalenzen für die ALR und CLR liegen in den, bei anderen Studien ermittelten Bereichen, die vornehmlich an kardiologischen Patienten vorgenommenen wurden. Weitere Untersuchungen sind notwendig zur Evaluation von Risikofaktoren und zur Entwicklung eines wirksamen Therapieregimes zur Optimierung der Therapie mit Thrombozytenfunktionshemmern bei gefäßchirurgischen Patienten.

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Resektion beim fortgeschrittenen Adenokarzinom des Magens und des Ösophagus

Zusammenfassung

In den aktuell gültigen deutschen S3-Leitlinien wird bei metastasierten Magenkarzinomen und metastasierten Adenokarzinomen des ösophagogastralen Übergangs eine chirurgische Therapie in der Regel nicht empfohlen. In der täglichen Praxis findet jedoch schon heute in Einzelfällen eine Erweiterung der Indikation statt, sodass auch solche Patienten in kurativer Zielsetzung im Rahmen eines multimodalen Therapiekonzepts ausgedehnt und radikal operiert werden. Diese Arbeit stellt die wissenschaftliche Rationale eines solchen Vorgehens anhand der vorliegenden Literatur und unter Einbeziehung moderner, multimodaler Konzepte dar und verweist auf Kriterien, die für eine Erweiterung der Indikation gegeben sein sollten. Bislang existieren lediglich retrospektive Untersuchungen und wenige aktuelle Metaanalysen, die eine chirurgische Behandlung bei metastasierten Adenokarzinomen rechtfertigen. Es liegen zudem erste Ergebnisse der als Abstract publizierten FLOT-3-Studie vor, die eine Patientensubgruppe identifizieren konnte, die von einer Resektion im metastasierten Stadium profitiert. Ob die chirurgische Therapie zukünftig ein fester Bestandteil in der Behandlung des begrenzt metastasierten Adenokarzinoms des Magens und des Ösophagus wird, müssen große prospektiv randomisierte Studien wie die RENAISSANCE/FLOT-5-Studie zeigen.

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Die akute und chronische Mediastinitis

Zusammenfassung

Hintergrund

Eine Systematik in der Genese und dem möglichen Verlauf der akuten Mediastinitis ist die Voraussetzung für eine adäquate Diagnostik und Therapie. Die chronische Mediastinitis stellt im klinischen Alltag eine Rarität dar.

Material und Methoden

Es wurde eine selektive Literaturauswertung durchgeführt.

Ergebnisse

Die akute Infektion des Mediastinums tritt nach Perforation mediastinaler Strukturen, wie dem Ösophagus und der Trachea, meistens iatrogen sowie als deszendierende Infektion ausgehend von einem oropharyngealen Infektfokus als deszendierende (nekrotisierende) Mediastinitis (DM/DNM) auf. Die Mortalitätsrate der Ösophagusverletzung, unabhängig von der Ursache, wird heute mit 12 % angegeben. Die DM/DNM entsteht über die barrierefreie Ausbreitung entlang der zervikothorakalen Räume und ist eine schwere Infektion, die sich als septisches Krankheitsbild darstellt. Die Mortalität wird in der Literatur heute bis 14 % angegeben. Die chronische Mediastinitis ist eine sehr seltene Erkrankung die durch die Proliferation fibrösen und kollagenen Gewebes im Mediastinum gekennzeichnet ist. Die Genese ist unklar, es wird ein ursächlicher Zusammenhang mit einer Histoplasma-capsulatum-Infektion diskutiert. Die Prognose ist gut.

Schlussfolgerung

Nach Perforation von Ösophagus oder Trachea besteht immer die Möglichkeit einer Infektion des Mediastinums. Deshalb wird nach Diagnosesicherung eine frühzeitige Diagnostik und Therapie einsetzen. Bei der DM/DNM gilt es, für den Zusammenhang zwischen oropharyngealem Fokus und Mediastinitis zu sensibilisieren und beim geringsten Verdacht eine bildgebende Diagnostik einzuleiten. Die chronische Mediastinitis, als sehr seltene Erkrankung mit sehr unterschiedlichen Verläufen, kann diagnostisch problematisch sein. Eine histologische Abklärung zur Abgrenzung von einer malignen Erkrankung erscheint sinnvoll.

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Resektion beim fortgeschrittenen Pankreaskarzinom nach multimodaler Vorbehandlung

Zusammenfassung

Patienten, die sich mit grenzwertig resektablen oder lokal fortgeschrittenen, nichtresektablen Pankreaskarzinomen präsentieren, stellen weiterhin eine therapeutische Herausforderung dar. Trotz des Fehlens qualitativ hochwertiger randomisiert-kontrollierter Studien werden für diese Patientengruppe häufig perioperative/neoadjuvante Therapiestrategien angewendet. Momentan stellt FOLFIRINOX, ursprünglich für den palliativen Bereich entwickelt, das Rückgrat neoadjuvanter Therapien dar; lokal ablative Verfahren wie die stereotaktische Bestrahlung, die irreversible Elektroporation und andere Methoden befinden sich in klinischer Erprobung. Die Resektion nach moderner, multimodaler Vorbehandlung folgt den gleichen Prinzipien und Richtlinien wie für die primäre Resektion, vor allem das Ausmaß der Resektion betreffend, also z. B. Lymphadenektomie, vaskuläre und multiviszerale Resektionen. Da es weiterhin schwierig ist, das Ansprechen des Tumors auf die neoadjuvante Therapie zu evaluieren, bedarf es hier einer besonderen Vorgehensweise. Im Falle eines lokal stabilen Befundes nach neoadjuvanter Vorbehandlung kann eine aggressive chirurgische Exploration mit multiplen Schnellschnittuntersuchungen an kritischen (gefäßnahen) Stellen sinnvoll sein, um das Risiko einer palliativen Resektion zu minimieren und die Chance auf eine potenziell kurative Resektion zu maximieren. Eine multidisziplinäre und individualisierte Vorgehensweise ist bei dieser anspruchsvollen Patientengruppe notwendig.

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Myelographic Techniques for the Detection of Spinal CSF Leaks in Spontaneous Intracranial Hypotension.

Related Articles

Myelographic Techniques for the Detection of Spinal CSF Leaks in Spontaneous Intracranial Hypotension.

AJR Am J Roentgenol. 2016 Jan;206(1):8-19

Authors: Kranz PG, Luetmer PH, Diehn FE, Amrhein TJ, Tanpitukpongse TP, Gray L

Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Spinal leakage of CSF causes almost all cases of spontaneous intracranial hypotension. Leak detection and localization are important for both diagnosis and treatment. The myelographic appearance of the leaks may vary, however, depending on the cause of the leak, rate of leakage, and imaging modality used.
CONCLUSION: The purpose of this article is to review the imaging of spinal CSF leaks and to assist in the selection of appropriate imaging modalities in this condition.

PMID: 26700332 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

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Utility of 18F-FDG-PET/CT in patients suspected of paraneoplastic neurological syndrome: importance of risk classification

Abstract

Purpose

To assess the diagnostic impact of 18F-FDG-PET/CT in patients suspected of paraneoplastic neurological syndrome (PNS) based on our own pre-test risk classification (PRC).

Methods

A multicenter retrospective longitudinal study was conducted from 2006 to 2014. We designed a seven-point scoring system using the clinical syndrome characteristics [classical (CS) and non-classical syndromes (NCS)] and its location (central, peripheral, in the neuromuscular junction or combined), onconeural antibodies and tumor markers. Patients were classified as low (score 0–2), intermediate (3–4) and high (5–7) pre-test risk of PNS. FDG-PET/CT was classified as negative or positive. Final diagnosis according Graus' criteria (definite, possible or no PNS) was established. Relations between clinical and metabolic variables with the final diagnosis were studied.

Results

73 patients were included, with a follow-up time of 33 months. Eleven (15 %) patients were finally diagnosed with neoplasm (8 invasive cancers). Ultimately, 13 (18 %) and 24 (33 %) subjects were diagnosed as definite or possible PNS. All the patients with final diagnosis of neoplasm had a CS (p = 0.005). PET/CT was helpful to diagnose 6/8 (75 %) invasive cancers. PET/CT findings were associated with the final diagnosis of neoplasm (p = 0.003) and the diagnosis of PNS attending to Graus' criteria (p = 0.019). PRC showed significant association with the final diagnosis of neoplasm and PET/CT results. A majority of patients (10/11) diagnosed of neoplasm had intermediate/high-risk.

Conclusions

Our PRC seems to be a valid tool to select candidates for PET/CT imaging in this setting. PET/CT detected malignancy in a significant proportion of patients with invasive cancer.

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Vitamin D in Norwegian renal transplant recipients: A longitudinal study with repeated measurements in winter and summer.

Related Articles

Vitamin D in Norwegian renal transplant recipients: A longitudinal study with repeated measurements in winter and summer.

Eur J Dermatol. 2015 May-Jun;25(3):234-9

Authors: Rizvi SM, Veierød MB, Thorsby PM, Helsing P

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Organ transplant recipients (OTR) have an increased risk of non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) and are advised to avoid direct sunlight. OTR living in the Nordic countries are especially vulnerable to hypovitaminosis D as vitamin D production in the skin is restricted to the summer months.
OBJECTIVES: To investigate constitutional and external factors predicting hypovitaminosis and seasonal variation of vitamin D in renal transplant recipients (RTR) living in the vicinity of Oslo (59(o) N).
METHODS: Ninety-four RTR were included. Interviews covering dietary intake of vitamin D and sun exposure were performed and blood samples were collected in February and August 2013. Results Mean age of patients was 56.8 years and mean graft age 14.5 years. The mean daily total vitamin D intake was 11.8 μg, and the prevalence of hypovitaminosis D (<75 nmol/L) was 67.0% in winter and 56.4% in summer. Sunscreen users had significantly higher 25(OH)D than non-users (p = 0.03). Excluding patients having travelled to southern latitudes during the last three months before blood sampling, no statistical difference was found between winter and summer values of vitamin D (p = 0.60). Being male or having red/light blond hair colour increased vitamin D values significantly from winter to summer.
CONCLUSIONS: Hypovitaminosis D is relatively frequent in Norwegian RTR but not as frequent as earlier reported in studies of RTR from lower latitudes. Lack of seasonal variation in vitamin D may be explained by sun protective behaviour and high dietary intake of vitamin D among patients in this study.

PMID: 26412038 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

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Increasing incidence of thyroid cancer in Shanghai, China, 1983-2007.

Related Articles

Increasing incidence of thyroid cancer in Shanghai, China, 1983-2007.

Asia Pac J Public Health. 2015 Mar;27(2):NP223-9

Authors: Wang Y, Wang W

Abstract
Increasing incidence of thyroid cancer has been observed in some countries such as the United States, United Kingdom, France, and so on. Joinpoint regression was used to analyze the incidence of thyroid cancer in Shanghai, China, from 1983 to 2007. The results showed that there were 2 distinct slopes: in men, representing a significant annual percentage change (APC) of 2.6% from 1983 to 2000 (P < .001) followed by a sharp APC of 14.4% (P < .001), and in women, representing a significant APC of 4.9% from 1983 to 2003 (P < .001) followed by a sharp APC of 19.9% (P = .001). The sharp increase in thyroid cancer occurred 5 and 8 years after the iodine supplementation by salt, for men and women, respectively, suggesting that either the developed screening techniques or iodine supplementation might have contributed to the rapid increase in the incidence of thyroid cancer. The burden of thyroid cancer cases is expected to be substantial, based on predictions through 2020.

PMID: 22345304 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

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Early morbidity encountered in the dietary-related mouse model of Barrett's esophagus: a question of zinc?

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Early morbidity encountered in the dietary-related mouse model of Barrett's esophagus: a question of zinc?

Dis Esophagus. 2011 Jul;24(5):371-3

Authors: Grotenhuis BA, Franken PF, Swinkels WJ, Boonstra A, van der Valk MA, van Lanschot JJ, Fodde R

Abstract
Recently, a mouse model for Barrett's esophagus based on a zinc-deficient diet supplemented with deoxycholic bile acids has been published. The aim of this study was to attempt to reproduce these data and extend them by employing genetically modified mice and intraperitoneal iron supplementation. The study design encompassed six experimental groups (wild type, Apc-mutant and Smad4-mutant mice, with or without iron injections), with all animals fed with the zinc-deficient diet supplemented with deoxycholic bile acids. All treatments were started at 3-5 weeks of age (the majority [78%] at 5 weeks). Animals were scheduled for euthanasia at two distinct time points, namely at 3 and 6 months of age. All mice showed signs of considerable distress already 4 weeks after the start of the modified diets, and had to be euthanized before the first evaluation time point (mean age 9.3 weeks, range 5-15 weeks). No differences were observed between wild type and genetically modified mice, or between animals with or without iron supplementation. On histological examination, we could not detect any lesions (Barrett's esophagus-like or tumors) other than esophagitis. In the currently presented experimental settings, we were not able to reproduce the mouse model according to which Barrett's-like lesions could be detected in animals fed with the zinc-deficient diet supplemented with deoxycholic bile acids.

PMID: 21166735 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

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