Glover, AG; Kemp, KM; Smith, CR; Dahlgren, TG; (2008) On the role of bone-eating worms in the degradation of marine vertebrate remains. Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences , 275 (1646) pp. 1959-1961. 10.1098/rspb.2008.0177 .
from #MedicinebyAlexandrosSfakianakis via xlomafota13 on Inoreader http://ift.tt/1Tpd5Lv
via IFTTT
Medicine by Alexandros G.Sfakianakis,Anapafseos 5 Agios Nikolaos,Crete 72100,Greece,tel :00302841026182 & 00306932607174
Πέμπτη 5 Μαΐου 2016
On the role of bone-eating worms in the degradation of marine vertebrate remains
The Bali COP: Plus ça change…
GRUBB, MICHAEL; (2008) The Bali COP: Plus ça change…. Climate Policy , 8 (1) pp. 3-6. 10.3763/cpol.2008.0514 .
from #MedicinebyAlexandrosSfakianakis via xlomafota13 on Inoreader http://ift.tt/1T3m7UC
via IFTTT
Body composition, dietary patterns, cardiovascular disease and mortality in older age
Atkins, JL; (2016) Body composition, dietary patterns, cardiovascular disease and mortality in older age. Doctoral thesis, UCL (University College London). Green open access
from #MedicinebyAlexandrosSfakianakis via xlomafota13 on Inoreader http://ift.tt/1Tpd5Lp
via IFTTT
Utility of nested polymerase chain reaction over the microscopy and immuno-chromatographic test in the detection of Plasmodium species and their clinical spectrum
Abstract
Though demonstration of Plasmodium parasite in peripheral blood on microscopy remains gold standard, it may miss some patients resulting in delay in instituting life-saving therapy. Studies on polymerase chain reaction (PCR), a highly sensitive and specific technique that also discriminates among different species of malaria parasite, are scanty. Hence, we aimed to evaluate the role of PCR in diagnosis and species identification of Plasmodium. Of 2186 febrile patients with clinical suspicion of malaria screened between July 2013 to February 2015, 561 patients fulfilled inclusion criteria. Microscopy, rapid diagnostic test (RDT) and PCR were performed to identify the parasite. Plasmodium was detected in 64/561 (11.40 %), 92/561 (16.40 %) and 78/561 (13.90 %) cases using microscopy, RDT and PCR, respectively. Of 78 positive cases by PCR, 47 (60.25 %) were confirmed as Plasmodium falciparum (P. falciparum), 28 (35.89 %) were Plasmodium vivax (P. vivax) and 3 (3.84 %) had mixed infections. Sensitivity and specificity of microscopy and RDT were 82.10 %, 100 % and 98.70 %, 96.90 %, respectively (p = 0.139). Of total 93 patients, 67 (72.04 %) were classified as complicated and 26 (27.96 %) were as uncomplicated. Creatinine (p = <0.001), conjugated bilirubin (p = 0.003) and total bilirubin (p = <0.001) level was elevated in complicated malaria along with renal (65 %) and liver dysfunction (25 %). In the present study, P. falciparum was responsible for 40/67 (59.70 %) cases of complicated malaria; P. vivax was also found in 17/67 (25.37 %) complicated cases using PCR. The findings highlight the alarming number of complicated vivax malaria in addition to falciparum. Moreover, PCR proved to be highly sensitive and specific test for detecting Plasmodium species.
from #MedicinebyAlexandrosSfakianakis via xlomafota13 on Inoreader http://ift.tt/1SOTusn
via IFTTT
Tick repellents and acaricides of botanical origin: a green roadmap to control tick-borne diseases?
Abstract
Arthropods are dangerous vectors of agents of deadly diseases, which may hit as epidemics or pandemics in the increasing world population of humans and animals. Among them, ticks transmit more pathogen species than any other group of blood-feeding arthropods worldwide. Thus, the effective and eco-friendly control of tick vectors in a constantly changing environment is a crucial challenge. A number of novel routes have been attempted to prevent and control tick-borne diseases, including the development of (i) vaccines against viruses vectored by ticks; (ii) pheromone-based control tools, with special reference to the "lure and kill" techniques; (iii) biological control programmes relying on ticks' natural enemies and pathogens; and (iv) the integrated pest management practices aimed at reducing tick interactions with livestock. However, the extensive employment of acaricides and tick repellents still remains the two most effective and ready-to-use strategies. Unfortunately, the first one is limited by the rapid development of resistance in ticks, as well as by serious environmental concerns. On the other hand, the exploitation of plants as sources of effective tick repellents is often promising. Here, we reviewed current knowledge concerning the effectiveness of plant extracts as acaricides or repellents against tick vectors of public health importance, with special reference to Ixodes ricinus, Ixodes persulcatus, Amblyomma cajennense, Haemaphysalis bispinosa, Haemaphysalis longicornis, Hyalomma anatolicum, Hyalomma marginatum rufipes, Rhipicephalus appendiculatus, Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus, Rhipicephalus pulchellus, Rhipicephalus sanguineus and Rhipicephalus turanicus. Eighty-three plant species from 35 botanical families were selected. The most frequent botanical families exploited as sources of acaricides and repellents against ticks were Asteraceae (15 % of the selected studies), Fabaceae (9 %), Lamiaceae (10 %), Meliaceae (5 %), Solanaceae (6 %) and Verbenaceae (5 %). Regression equation analyses showed that the literature grew by approximately 20 % per year (period: 2005–2015). Lastly, in the final section, insights for future research are discussed. We focused on some caveats for future data collection and analysis. Current critical points mainly deal with (a) not uniform methods used, which prevent proper comparison of the results; (b) inaccurate tested concentrations, frequently 100 % concentration corresponded to the gross extract, where the exact amounts of extracted substances are unknown; and (c) not homogeneous size of tested tick instars and species. Overall, the knowledge summarized in this review may be helpful for comparative screening among extensive numbers of plant-borne preparations, in order to develop newer and safer tick control tools.
from #MedicinebyAlexandrosSfakianakis via xlomafota13 on Inoreader http://ift.tt/1ToXGuI
via IFTTT
Morphological re-description and molecular characterization of Kudoa pagrusi (Myxosporea: Multivalvulida) infecting the heart muscles of the common sea bream fish Pagrus pagrus (Perciformes: Sparidae) from the Red Sea, Egypt
Abstract
In the present study, 100 samples of different sizes of the common sea bream fish Pagrus pagrus were collected from the Egyptian water along the Gulf of Suez, Red Sea and examined for the prevalence of myxosporidian parasites in general and Kudoa spp. in particular. Fish samples were thoroughly externally examined. After dissection, all the internal organs were removed and examined. A total of 60 out of 100 fish specimens were found to be infected with Kudoa stages. Parasitic infection was restricted to the heart muscles of the examined fish. None of the other organs was found to be infected. Macroscopic cysts (plasmodia) heavily infested the different parts of the heart muscles. Each plasmodium measured 1.2–2.5 (1.53 ± 0.2) mm × 0.63–0.80 (0.65 ± 0.2) mm. Mature spores are quadratic in shape in the apical view showing four equal valves and four symmetrical polar capsules. Fresh spores were 5.0–7.1 (5.7 ± 0.2) μm long × 5.4–8.5 (6.1 ± 0.3) μm wide. On the basis of spore morphology, the present species was identified as Kudoa pagrusi. Morphometric characterization revealed that the relatively small size of this Kudoa species was the distinctive feature that separates it from all previously described species. Molecular analysis based on small subunit ribosomal DNA (SSU rDNA) sequences revealed that the highest percentage of identity was observed with K. scomberomori and followed by K. shiomitsui, K. hypoepicarclialis, K. amamiensis, and K. kenti. The kudoid spores showed morphometric variations to some extents but had essentially identical nucleotide sequences of the SSU rDNA gene sequences closest to those of K. scomberomori and K. shiomitsui recorded from elasmobranchs in the Indo-Pacific Ocean. The present findings support the identification of an ancestral marine origin of the present Kudoa species.
from #MedicinebyAlexandrosSfakianakis via xlomafota13 on Inoreader http://ift.tt/1SOTx7n
via IFTTT
Complete mitochondrial genome analysis of Clinostomum complanatum and its comparison with selected digeneans
Abstract
Clinostomum complanatum is an important trematode in fishes, birds of the family Ardeidae, and humans. Until now, limited knowledge is available regarding its molecular epidemiology, ecology, and phylogenetic study. Knowledge of the full mitochondrial genome of C. complanatum will provide important information for the study of epidemiology, biology, and genetic diversity of this fluke. In the present study, the complete mitochondrial genome of C. complanatum was sequenced and analyzed. The complete C. complanatum mitochondrial genome is 13,796 bp in length and contains 12 protein-coding genes, 22 tRNA genes, two rRNA genes, and one non-coding control region. All the 12 protein-coding genes are transcribed in the same direction and are AT-rich. Phylogenetic analysis based on concatenated amino acid sequences of the 12 protein-coding genes from C. complanatum and other selective digeneans showed that C. complanatum is in a separate branch, indicating C. complanatum has no closer relationship with any of the selected families. The complete mtDNA sequence of C. complanatum will increase our knowledge of mitochondrial genomics data and will also provide an important resource for studies of inter- and intra-species variation of flukes belonging to Clinostomidae.
from #MedicinebyAlexandrosSfakianakis via xlomafota13 on Inoreader http://ift.tt/1ToXE5Z
via IFTTT
A revision of Sphaeria pilosa Pers. and re-evaluation of the Trichosphaeriales
Abstract
Sphaeria pilosa, the basionym of the type of Trichosphaeria, T. pilosa, was insufficiently described by Persoon. The current interpretation of T. pilosa comes from Fuckel and is based on his own material published in the exsiccatal series Fungi Rhen. Exs. no. 946. The examination of the type and other authentic material of S. pilosa and T. pilosa revealed several different fungi. Fresh material of T. pilosa is not available and Fuckel's historical specimens have never been sampled for DNA. In order to reconcile Persoon's concept of S. pilosa with Fuckel's concept of T. pilosa, we designate a neotype in our study. The species is a unitunicate ascomycete characterized by perithecial ascomata, persistent paraphyses, and cylindrical short-stipitate asci without visible apical annulus containing eight hyaline, ellipsoidal ascospores. The genus Trichosphaeria includes 87 described species and the Trichosphaeriales with the single family Trichosphaeriaceae recently accommodate 17 genera of apparently diverse phylogenetic affinity. Although the relationship of Trichosphaeria with other members of the Sordariomycetes is unknown, the family and order based on it are widely used to label incertae sedis clades inferred in phylogenetic analyses. Based on these findings, the Trichosphaeriales are re-evaluated and their use in phylogenetic studies is recommended to be abandoned until recognition of T. pilosa by molecular data.
from #MedicinebyAlexandrosSfakianakis via xlomafota13 on Inoreader http://ift.tt/1UBL2h3
via IFTTT
Percutaneous Catheter Drainage in Infected Pancreatitis Necrosis: a Systematic Review
Abstract
The primary aim of this study was to present the outcomes of percutaneous catheter drainage (PCD) in patients with infected pancreatitis necrosis. A second aim was to focus on disease severity, catheter size, and additional surgical intervention. A literature search of the PubMed/MEDLINE/Cochrane Library (January 1998 to February 2015) databases was conducted. All randomized, non-randomized, and retrospective studies with data on PCD techniques and outcomes in patients with infected pancreatitis necrosis were included. Studies that reported data on PCD along with other interventions without the possibility to discriminate results specific to PCD were excluded. The main outcomes were mortality, major complications, and definitive successful treatment with percutaneous catheter drainage alone. Fifteen studies of 577 patients were included. There was only one randomized, controlled trial, and most others were retrospective case series. Organ failure before PCD occurred in 55.3 % of patients. With PCD alone, definitive successful treatment was 56.2 % of patients. Additional surgical intervention was required after PCD in 38.5 % of patients. The overall mortality rate was 18 % (104 of 577 patients). Complications occurred in 25.1 % of patients, and fistula was the most common complication. PCD is an efficient tool for treatment in the majority of patients with infected pancreatitis necrosis as the only intervention. Multiple organ failures before PCD are negative parameters for the outcome of the disease. Large catheters fail to prove to be more effective for draining necrotic tissue. However, in the extent of multi-morbid patients, to determine one single prognostic factor seems to be difficult.
from #MedicinebyAlexandrosSfakianakis via xlomafota13 on Inoreader http://ift.tt/26UnzwJ
via IFTTT
Clinical and Pathological Factors Affecting the Sentinel Lymph Node Metastasis in Patients with Breast Cancer
Abstract
Sentinel lymph node biopsy has become the routine procedure in axilla-negative breast cancer patients at most medical centers for axillary staging and local control in the recent years. Sentinel lymph node is the only focus in axillary lymph metastasis in a large portion of patients. In our trial, we investigated the clinical and pathological factors that affect the positive status of sentinel lymph node. We included 89 patients, who underwent sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) with methylene blue and/or technetium-99 m Sulphur Colloid due to early-stage breast cancer. Five patients, in whom SLN was not detected and who underwent axillary dissection, were excluded from the trial. The patient age, location of the tumor, the type of the tumor, the T stage by the TNM staging system, the histological grade and type of the tumor, the status of multifocality, the lymphovascular invasion status of the tumor, and the ER, PR, and HER-neu2 status were recorded. The median age of the 89 patients was 52, 9 (±10) years. Fifty-seven (64 %) and 32 (36 %) of the 89 patients were detected to have positive and negative SLN, respectively. Assessing the SLNB positivity and the patient age, tumor size, tumor grade, multifocality, tumor localization, the T stage by the TNM staging, the ER/PR positivity/negativity, and the HER/neu2 and p53 status, the data revealed no statistically significant results with respect to SLN metastasis. The lymphovascular invasion status (LVI) was observed to statistically affect the SLN positivity (p < 0.016). We showed that LVI could be an important marker in predicting the SLN positivity in patients with axilla-negative early-stage breast cancer. In the future, upon introduction of new biomarkers and with relevant studies, it may be possible to predict the SLNB status of patients at an adequately high accuracy and a low risk.
from #MedicinebyAlexandrosSfakianakis via xlomafota13 on Inoreader http://ift.tt/1Wbu0Z2
via IFTTT
Bilateral, simultaneous pneumococcal septic arthritis of the knees: a normal immune system, an unknown source
Pneumococcal septic arthritis is a rare clinical entity and is often associated with a systemic bacteraemia. A 60-year-old man was admitted with bilateral swollen, painful knees. He was feeling feverish with raised inflammatory markers. Joint aspiration yielded purulent fluid, which, when cultured, grew Streptococcus Pneumoniae bilaterally. The patient underwent repeated arthroscopic knee washouts and was treated with intravenous (IV) antibiotics. During his admission, various investigations and scans were undertaken to find an infective focus or signs of immunodeficiency; none were found. After 4 weeks of IV antibiotics and 4 knee washouts, the patient was discharged. We believe this is the only case documented of bilateral simultaneous pneumococcal septic arthritis of the knees in an immunocompetent patient with no extra-articular infective focus. This case exemplifies the importance of careful assessment of patients who present with bilateral swollen joints.
from #MedicinebyAlexandrosSfakianakis via xlomafota13 on Inoreader http://ift.tt/21A8gW2
via IFTTT
Chronic anorexia and weight loss due to extensive fibroid compression of the bowel: an unusual complication of uterine fibroids in a patient with a twin pregnancy
A 36-year-old homeless Eritrean nulliparous woman was admitted to hospital, with abdominal pain, nausea and loss of appetite. She was found to be 17 weeks pregnant with dichorionic diamniotic twins. She was cachectic and had large palpable uterine fibroids. An extensive search for infection and malignancy did not yield any significant results. She was managed with enteral nutritional support and delivered healthy twins by emergency caesarean section at 36 weeks' gestation. She re-presented 19 days postpartum, with fever and abdominal pain. Imaging revealed multiple abdominal collections and large degenerating fibroids. At laparotomy, the fibroids were found to be adherent to, compressing and enveloping large sections of bowel. The patient required a right hemicolectomy, small bowel resection and total abdominal hysterectomy. Histology confirmed an infarcted leiomyoma and the patient made a good postoperative recovery.
from #MedicinebyAlexandrosSfakianakis via xlomafota13 on Inoreader http://ift.tt/1SP5XvT
via IFTTT
'For a quart of ale is a dish for a king: not always
We report the case of a man with a clear diagnosis of coeliac disease who nevertheless drank gluten-containing beer. We found that a 4-week period of drinking gluten-containing beer did not provoke significant changes in the intestinal mucosa of this patient with coeliac disease nor did it elicit any relevant symptoms. Serum antibody levels rose but did not reach a pathological threshold. However, a more prolonged gluten challenge may have led to clinically relevant changes in IgA antitransglutaminase titres. This case demonstrates how important individual sensitivity to gluten in a patient with coeliac disease is in determining symptoms, immunological response and intestinal mucosa damage.
from #MedicinebyAlexandrosSfakianakis via xlomafota13 on Inoreader http://ift.tt/21A8hJw
via IFTTT
Parkinsonism as a side effect of infliximab
We present a case of a 64-year-old man with Crohn's disease who developed parkinsonism after starting treatment with infliximab (Remicade). The patient had a 30-year history of Crohn's disease with previous surgical procedures and treatment with methotrexate. Treatment was augmented with infliximab, and 3 days after the first dose of 400 mg, a resting tremor began in the left leg. Over 4 months, symptoms progressed and now involved the right leg as well as both hands. There was no clinical effect of infliximab treatment, and the treatment was withdrawn 4 months later. The patient then experienced gradual, but continual, improvement of the resting tremor after withdrawal of infliximab. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case report describing a patient developing parkinsonism after starting treatment with infliximab, with symptoms remitting on discontinuation.
from #MedicinebyAlexandrosSfakianakis via xlomafota13 on Inoreader http://ift.tt/1SP5UAd
via IFTTT
Vibrio vulnificus infection and liver cirrhosis: a potentially lethal combination
We present a case of a 40-year-old man with decompensated alcoholic liver cirrhosis presenting with atraumatic cellulitis of one extremity and severe sepsis that rapidly progressed to compartment syndrome despite broad-spectrum antibiotics. Local cultures following debridement revealed Vibrio vulnificus, and subsequent history revealed consumption of raw oysters 48 h before presentation. Our case points out the unique susceptibility of those with cirrhosis and elevated iron saturation to Vibrio septicaemia, as well as the rapidity and severity of the disease progression.
from #MedicinebyAlexandrosSfakianakis via xlomafota13 on Inoreader http://ift.tt/21A8gp3
via IFTTT
Doctor, where is my iris?
Phacoemulsification cataract surgery with small clear corneal incision (CCI) is the standard of care for cataract treatment. Self-sealing, clear corneal wounds have been found to be stable and able to withstand high pressures. Nevertheless, there are a few cases published describing patients with previous cataract surgery and manually performed CCI who sustained blunt trauma with associated wound dehiscence, iris disinsertion and expulsion through the wound. The case described here demonstrates an eye that had traumatic aniridia post-blunt trauma, while the intraocular lens and the rest of the ocular structures remained intact.
from #MedicinebyAlexandrosSfakianakis via xlomafota13 on Inoreader http://ift.tt/1SP5Ws5
via IFTTT
Bilateral breast enlargement in a chronic alcoholic: do not miss Madelung's disease
Description
A 36-year-old man, a non-smoker, presented with painless and progressive enlargement of both breasts for the past 3 years. He had two biological children and had a long history of alcohol abuse (about 10 units/day for more than 10 years). He reported normal libido, no erectile dysfunction, normal spontaneous erections and no decrease in shaving frequency.
Physical examination revealed a masculine and well virilised man with a normal body mass index (BMI: 24.4 kg/m2) with central obesity (waist circumferences: 98 cm). Breast examination suggested lipomastia with a disc diameter of 0.5 cm bilaterally (figures 1 and 2). Both testes had normal consistency with a volume of 25 mL. Interestingly, the patient had multiple soft, painless masses distributed over the infra-axillary and supraclavicular areas, dorsocervical and interscapular regions (figures 3 and 4), suprasternal area (figure 5), and underneath the chin and occiput, without any definite...
from #MedicinebyAlexandrosSfakianakis via xlomafota13 on Inoreader http://ift.tt/21A8exc
via IFTTT
Incidental choledochocoele, imaging and endoscopic findings
Description
A 70-year-old man being investigated for weight loss was found to have an incidental cystic lesion at the level of the ampulla with a normal extrahepatic biliary tree on CT. Liver function tests were normal. MR cholangiopancreatography suggested a focal dilation of the common bile duct deemed proximal to the ampulla, suspicious for malignancy with post-stenotic dilation (figure 1). At endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography , it was seen to be a bulge into the duodenum (figure 2), through which the ampulla was cannulated with a guidewire (figure 3). Biliary and pancreatic duct anatomy was seen on cholangiography (figure 4). This was in keeping with a choledochocoele. Bile duct brushings were negative for malignancy on cytology and the patient subsequently underwent endoscopic sphincterotomy with release of multiple stones; he made an uneventful recovery.
Figure 1
MRCP image showing focal dilation...
from #MedicinebyAlexandrosSfakianakis via xlomafota13 on Inoreader http://ift.tt/1SP5TME
via IFTTT
Four synchronous cancers in a patient with tongue pain as the only symptom
Synchronous carcinomas may be present in up to 6% of patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) and thus may represent a significant factor in the disease burden. This case report illustrates the importance of a thorough examination of these patients. This patient presented with three synchronous squamous cell carcinomas, two in the tongue and one in the aryepiglottic fold. Positron emission tomography CT (PET-CT) was required for the detection of the carcinomas as the initial MRI and CT scans were inconclusive due to artefacts. Furthermore, PET-CT also revealed increased metabolic activity in the lymph nodes of the neck, which subsequently led to detection of a low-grade follicular lymphoma in addition to the squamous cell carcinomas. These findings support a generous use of PET-CT in patients with HNSCC, at least in those with obvious risk factors.
from #MedicinebyAlexandrosSfakianakis via xlomafota13 on Inoreader http://ift.tt/21A8e0f
via IFTTT
Young man with abdominal pain and right-sided abdominal fullness
Description
A 26-year-old man presented with a 5-day history of persistent central and right-sided dull abdominal pain with no associated symptoms. He had, at the age of 3 years, undergone a Duhamel procedure for Hirschsprung's disease. On presentation, he was in no pain and his vital signs were normal. There was right iliac fossa fullness with tenderness, guarding and rigidity. Routine blood tests including C reactive protein were normal. Acute abdominal series showed mild gaseous distension but no air fluid levels. Abdominal CT scan (figure 1) revealed diffuse stranding in the small bowel mesentery, with multiple lymph nodes and irregularly dilated venous channels; suggestive of mesenteric panniculitis. The patient was treated with analgaesics and prednisolone. Abdominal symptoms and signs improved dramatically over 48 h. He was completely asymptomatic at 9-month follow-up.
Figure 1
CT scan of the abdomen ((A) axial view, (B) sagittal view) showing diffuse stranding...
from #MedicinebyAlexandrosSfakianakis via xlomafota13 on Inoreader http://ift.tt/1SP5Q3H
via IFTTT
Invasive lobular carcinoma: a rare presentation in the male breast
Breast cancer in men is uncommon, accounting for <1% of all breast cancers. Even though lobular structures are quite infrequent in the male breast, rare cases of invasive lobular breast carcinoma have been described, representing 1–2% of all breast cancers in men. Risk factors include undescended testes, congenital inguinal hernia, orchiectomy, orchitis, testicular injury, infertility and Klinefelter's syndrome, previous thoracic radiotherapy, alterations of the oestrogen–testosterone ratio and familial history (BRCA 2 and 1). The authors present a case of a 52-year-old man with no relevant predisposing factors to breast cancer, who presented with a painless, firm nodule, fixed to the nipple on the left breast, associated with nipple retraction and ulceration, and fully characterised by mammogram and ultrasound. Histopathological and immunohistochemical analysis revealed the diagnosis of invasive lobular breast carcinoma and the patient underwent left radical mastectomy, followed by adjuvant chemotherapy, radiotherapy and hormonotherapy. A brief review of the literature is presented.
from #MedicinebyAlexandrosSfakianakis via xlomafota13 on Inoreader http://ift.tt/21A8fkU
via IFTTT
Stable intronic sequence RNAs (sisRNAs): a new layer of gene regulation
Abstract
Upon splicing, introns are rapidly degraded. Hence, RNAs derived from introns are commonly deemed as junk sequences. However, the discoveries of intronic-derived small nucleolar RNAs (snoRNAs), small Cajal body associated RNAs (scaRNAs) and microRNAs (miRNAs) suggested otherwise. These non-coding RNAs are shown to play various roles in gene regulation. In this review, we highlight another class of intron-derived RNAs known as stable intronic sequence RNAs (sisRNAs). sisRNAs have been observed since the 1980 s; however, we are only beginning to understand their biological significance. Recent studies have shown or suggested that sisRNAs regulate their own host's gene expression, function as molecular sinks or sponges, and regulate protein translation. We propose that sisRNAs function as an additional layer of gene regulation in the cells.
from #MedicinebyAlexandrosSfakianakis via xlomafota13 on Inoreader http://ift.tt/1TuebGb
via IFTTT
Regulation of actin nucleation and autophagosome formation
Abstract
Autophagy is a process of self-eating, whereby cytosolic constituents are enclosed by a double-membrane vesicle before delivery to the lysosome for degradation. This is an important process which allows for recycling of nutrients and cellular components and thus plays a critical role in normal cellular homeostasis as well as cell survival during stresses such as starvation or hypoxia. A large number of proteins regulate various stages of autophagy in a complex and still incompletely understood series of events. In this review, we will discuss recent studies which provide a growing body of evidence that actin dynamics and proteins that influence actin nucleation play an important role in the regulation of autophagosome formation and maturation.
from #MedicinebyAlexandrosSfakianakis via xlomafota13 on Inoreader http://ift.tt/1rW6AKD
via IFTTT
Context-based image acquisition from memory in digital systems
Abstract
A key consideration in the design of image and video processing systems is the ever increasing spatial resolution of the captured images, which has a major impact on the performance requirements of the memory subsystem. This is further amplified by the facts that the memory bandwidth requirements and energy consumption of accessing the captured images have started to become the bottlenecks in the design of high-performance image processing systems. Inspired by the successful application of progressive image sampling techniques in various image processing tasks, this work proposes the concept of Context-based Image Acquisition for hardware systems that efficiently trades image quality for reduced cost of the image acquisition process. Based on the proposed framework, a hardware architecture is developed which alters the conventional memory access pattern, to progressively and adaptively access pixels from a memory subsystem. The sampled pixels are used to reconstruct an approximation to the ground truth, which is stored in a high-performance image buffer for further processing. An instance of the architecture is prototyped on an FPGA and its performance evaluation shows that a saving of up to 85 % of memory accessing time and 33 %/45 % of image acquisition time/energy are achieved on a set of benchmarks while maintaining a high PSNR.
from #MedicinebyAlexandrosSfakianakis via xlomafota13 on Inoreader http://ift.tt/1rXboiP
via IFTTT
Hematology and serum biochemistry values in greylag geese ( Anser anser ) in Southeast Iran
Abstract
Greylag geese (Anser anser) migrate to the different parts of Iran including Sistan region, southeastern Iran. It breeds in Hamun lake in Sistan region. The current study was conducted to establish normal values of serum biochemistry and hematology parameters in greylag geese. Nineteen serum biochemistry and nine hematology parameters were measured in 31 healthy adult greylag geese from both genders (16 males and 15 females). With the exception of the high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL), serum biochemistry and hematology values did not vary significantly by sex. Graylag geese had greater total protein (TP), albumin, calcium, and phosphorus concentrations compared with some other waterfowl species. Additionally, ALP serum activity was drastically greater in greylag geese (mean = 1761 IU/l) than other waterfowl species. Serum uric acid concentration was lower for greylag geese than other waterfowls. PCV (%), Hb concentration, and WBC count were similar to those reported in some other waterfowl species.
from #MedicinebyAlexandrosSfakianakis via xlomafota13 on Inoreader http://ift.tt/1SQXMff
via IFTTT
Germline mutations in the VHL gene associated with 3 different renal lesions in a Chinese von Hippel-Lindau disease family
10.1080/15384047.2016.1167293<br/>Ping Yuan
from #MedicinebyAlexandrosSfakianakis via xlomafota13 on Inoreader http://ift.tt/1q1MrAM
via IFTTT
Identification of Mitoxantrone as a TRAIL-sensitizing agent for Glioblastoma Multiforme
10.1080/15384047.2016.1167292<br/>Filiz Senbabaoglu
from #MedicinebyAlexandrosSfakianakis via xlomafota13 on Inoreader http://ift.tt/1XabhMm
via IFTTT
Combination targeted therapy of VEGFR inhibitor, sorafenib, with an mTOR inhibitor, sirolimus induced a remakable response of rapid progressive Uterine PEComa
10.1080/15384047.2016.1167290<br/>Fang Gao
from #MedicinebyAlexandrosSfakianakis via xlomafota13 on Inoreader http://ift.tt/1q1Mtc2
via IFTTT
p.(L576P) -KIT mutation in GIST: Favorable prognosis and sensitive to imatinib?
10.1080/15384047.2016.1156263<br/>Jonathan Noujaim
from #MedicinebyAlexandrosSfakianakis via xlomafota13 on Inoreader http://ift.tt/1XabjUo
via IFTTT
Efficacy of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy for the treatment of obesity in a non-Western society.
| Related Articles |
Efficacy of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy for the treatment of obesity in a non-Western society.
Eat Weight Disord. 2016 May 3;
Authors: Yildiz B, Katar K, Hamamci O
Abstract
PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to analyze the mid-term outcomes of sleeve gastrectomy in a cohort of obese patients.
METHODS: We analyzed the outcomes of 159 adult patients who had laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy between January 2011 and January 2015 in our center. Data collected included patient demographics, presence of comorbid diseases, preoperative body mass index, percent excess weight loss, resolution of comorbid diseases, morbidity and in-hospital mortality.
RESULTS: We achieved a 24th month percent excess weight loss of 75.1 ± 10.5. Remission of diabetes mellitus, hypertension, hyperlipidemia and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome after sleeve gastrectomy was as high as 84, 63.9, 75.8 and 93 %, respectively, in different studies. Our results in diabetes mellitus, hypertension and hyperlipidemia are comparable with other data on the improvement of comorbidites after sleeve gastrectomy. We found less improvement in obstructive sleep apnea syndrome in our cohort when compared to other reports.
CONCLUSIONS: Sleeve gastrectomy is an efficient, durable technique for the treatment of obesity and associated comorbidities in all body mass index subgroups of obese population. For better outcomes, strategies for proper education and certification are needed.
PMID: 27142665 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
from #MedicinebyAlexandrosSfakianakis via xlomafota13 on Inoreader http://ift.tt/1q1Mrko
via IFTTT
The Positive Impact of Bariatric Surgery on Sleep.
| Related Articles |
The Positive Impact of Bariatric Surgery on Sleep.
Ir Med J. 2016 Jan;109(1):328-30
Authors: Xiel H, Doherty L, O'Boyle C
Abstract
Between June 2009 and July 2012, Apnoea-Hypopnoea Index (AHI) and Functional Outcomes of Sleep Questionnaires Scores (FOSQ) were prospectively evaluated pre- and post-operatively in patients undergoing bariatric surgery. A total of 167 subjects were studied, 75.4% were females. The median age was 46 (14-75) years and BMI 49 (36-69) kg/m2. Ninety two (55.0%) patients were diagnosed with Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA) preoperatively. Fifty (54.0%) required positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy. The mean reduction in BMI post bariatric surgery was 12.2 ± 4.52 kg/m2 at 6.56 ± 2.70 months. Eighty (87.9%) reported improved sleep quality reflected in improved scores in all domains of the FOSQ (p < 0.001, paired t-test). Improvement in FOSQ scores remained significant (p < 0.05) in those with and without OSA. Thirty-nine (90.7%) patients discontinued PAP due to resolution of daytime sleepiness. In conclusion, weight loss following bariatric surgery has a positive impact on sleep in-patients with and without OSAS.
PMID: 26904786 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
from #MedicinebyAlexandrosSfakianakis via xlomafota13 on Inoreader http://ift.tt/1q1MtbW
via IFTTT
Knowing What We're Doing: Why Specification of Treatment Methods Is Critical for Evidence-Based Practice in Speech-Language Pathology.
| Related Articles |
Knowing What We're Doing: Why Specification of Treatment Methods Is Critical for Evidence-Based Practice in Speech-Language Pathology.
Am J Speech Lang Pathol. 2016 May 4;:1-8
Authors: Turkstra LS, Norman R, Whyte J, Dijkers MP, Hart T
Abstract
Purpose: The purpose of this clinical focus article is to describe the conceptual framework of the multidisciplinary rehabilitation treatment taxonomy (RTT) and illustrate its potential use in speech-language pathology (SLP) clinical practice and research.
Method: The method used was a critical discussion.
Results: Current methods of defining and classifying SLP and other rehabilitation interventions maintain the "black box" of rehabilitation by referring to hours or days of therapy or using problem-oriented labels (e.g., naming treatment) to describe treatments, none of which reveal what is actually done to effect desired changes in patient functioning. The RTT framework uses treatment targets, ingredients, and mechanisms of action defined by treatment theory to specify SLP and other rehabilitation interventions with greater precision than current methods of treatment labeling and classification. It also makes a distinction between the target of treatment at which ingredients are directed and broader aims of treatment, which may be downstream effects explained instead by enablement/disablement theory.
Conclusion: Future application of the RTT conceptual scheme to SLP intervention may enhance clinical practice, research, and knowledge translation as well as training and program evaluation efforts.
PMID: 27145191 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
from #MedicinebyAlexandrosSfakianakis via xlomafota13 on Inoreader http://ift.tt/1q1MtbS
via IFTTT
Cortical Auditory Event Related Potentials (P300) for Frequency Changing Dynamic Tones.
| Related Articles |
Cortical Auditory Event Related Potentials (P300) for Frequency Changing Dynamic Tones.
J Audiol Otol. 2016 Apr;20(1):22-30
Authors: Kalaiah MK, Shastri U
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: P300 has been studied with a variety of stimuli. However, the nature of P300 has not been investigated for deviant stimuli which change its characteristics from standard stimuli after a period of time from onset.
SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Nine young adults with normal hearing participated in the study. The P300 was elicited using an oddball paradigm, the probability of standard and deviant stimuli was 80% and 20% respectively. Six stimuli were used to elicit P300, it included two pure-tones (1,000 Hz and 2,000 Hz) and four tone-complexes (tones with frequency changes). Among these stimuli, 1,000 Hz tone served as standard while others served as deviant stimuli. The P300 was recorded in five separate blocks, with one of the deviant stimuli as target in each block. Electroencephalographic was recorded from electrode sites Fz, Cz, C3, C4, and Pz. Latency and amplitude of components of the cortical auditory evoked potentials were measured at Cz.
RESULTS: Waveforms obtained in the present study shows that, all the deviant stimuli elicited obligatory P1-N1-P2 for stimulus onset. 2,000 Hz deviant tone elicited P300 at a latency of 300 ms. While, tone-complexes elicited acoustic change complex (ACC) for frequency changes and finally elicited P300 at a latency of 600 ms. In addition, the results showed shorter latency and larger amplitude ACC and P300 for rising tone-complexes compared to falling tone-complexes.
CONCLUSIONS: Tone-complexes elicited distinct waveforms compared to 2,000 Hz deviant tone. Rising tone-complexes which had an increase in frequency elicited shorter latency and larger amplitude responses, which could be attributed to perceptual bias for frequency changes.
PMID: 27144230 [PubMed]
from #MedicinebyAlexandrosSfakianakis via xlomafota13 on Inoreader http://ift.tt/21zBnc4
via IFTTT
Propranolol-induced gingival hyperplasia with Nager syndrome: A rare adverse drug reaction.
| Related Articles |
Propranolol-induced gingival hyperplasia with Nager syndrome: A rare adverse drug reaction.
J Adv Pharm Technol Res. 2016 Apr-Jun;7(2):64-8
Authors: Raheel SA, Kujan OB, Tarakji B, Umar D, Ibrahim S
Abstract
Drug reactions are a group of reactionary lesions generally show their manifestations in the oral cavity. The drug reactions may vary from local rashes to well-developed swellings in the oral cavity especially involving the gingiva. Most of the drug reactions are asymptomatic and commonly triggered from the active metabolite of a drug used for a long time. Nager syndrome is a group of acrofacial dysostosis that usually results in craniofacial and limb malformations. The craniofacial defects are very similar to the mandibulofacial dysostosis. A very early intervention is needed for the habilitation of the patient especially when it is concerned with speech and language development. This paper reports a case of a 32-year-old female with craniofacial, limb, and skeletal abnormalities along with a drug-induced gingival hyperplasia.
PMID: 27144155 [PubMed]
from #MedicinebyAlexandrosSfakianakis via xlomafota13 on Inoreader http://ift.tt/1Xa1fe5
via IFTTT
Videofluoroscopic Swallow Examination Does Not Accurately Detect Cricopharyngeal Radiation Strictures.
| Related Articles |
Videofluoroscopic Swallow Examination Does Not Accurately Detect Cricopharyngeal Radiation Strictures.
Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2016 May 3;
Authors: Szczesniak MM, Maclean J, O'Hare J, Humbert I, Wu PI, Quon H, Graham PH, Cook IJ
Abstract
Videofluoroscopy is the standard technique to evaluate dysphagia following radiotherapy for head and neck cancer (HNC). The accuracy of radiography in detecting strictures at the pharyngoesophageal junction is unknown. Our aim was to determine the diagnostic accuracy of videofluoroscopy in detecting strictures at the pharyngoesophageal junction prior to endoscopic dilatation in a consecutive series of HNC survivors with dysphagia. Presence of a stricture on videofluoroscopy was determined by 3 experienced blinded investigators and compared against a gold standard, defined as presence of a mucosal tear during endoscopic dilatation. In 10 of 33 patients, there was complete agreement among observers with respect to the presence or absence of a stricture. Overall, the concordance among observers in identification of strictures was very poor, with a kappa of 0.05 (P = .30). The diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of videofluoroscopy in detecting strictures was 0.76 and 0.58, respectively. Videofluoroscopy alone is inadequate to detect strictures in HNC survivors with dysphagia.
PMID: 27143709 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
from #MedicinebyAlexandrosSfakianakis via xlomafota13 on Inoreader http://ift.tt/1UBdlMB
via IFTTT
The use of standardised short-term and working memory tests in aphasia research: a systematic review.
| Related Articles |
The use of standardised short-term and working memory tests in aphasia research: a systematic review.
Neuropsychol Rehabil. 2016 May 4;:1-43
Authors: Murray L, Salis C, Martin N, Dralle J
Abstract
Impairments of short-term and working memory (STM, WM), both verbal and non-verbal, are ubiquitous in aphasia. Increasing interest in assessing STM and WM in aphasia research and clinical practice as well as a growing evidence base of STM/WM treatments for aphasia warrant an understanding of the range of standardised STM/WM measures that have been utilised in aphasia. To date, however, no previous systematic review has focused on aphasia. Accordingly, the goals of this systematic review were: (1) to identify standardised tests of STM and WM utilised in the aphasia literature, (2) to evaluate critically the psychometric strength of these tests, and (3) to appraise critically the quality of the investigations utilising these tests. Results revealed that a very limited number of standardised tests, in the verbal and non-verbal domains, had robust psychometric properties. Standardisation samples to elicit normative data were often small, and most measures exhibited poor validity and reliability properties. Studies using these tests inconsistently documented demographic and aphasia variables essential to interpreting STM/WM test outcomes. In light of these findings, recommendations are provided to foster, in the future, consistency across aphasia studies and confidence in STM/WM tests as assessment and treatment outcome measures.
PMID: 27143500 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
from #MedicinebyAlexandrosSfakianakis via xlomafota13 on Inoreader http://ift.tt/1XabgYW
via IFTTT
Spoken language samples of Australian children in conversation, narration and exposition.
| Related Articles |
Spoken language samples of Australian children in conversation, narration and exposition.
Int J Speech Lang Pathol. 2016 Jun;18(3):288-98
Authors: Westerveld MF, Vidler K
Abstract
PURPOSE: Language sample analysis is a powerful clinical tool for identifying and describing the oral language difficulties of children with language impairment. In response to a lack of existing Australian normative data, the current study collected spoken language samples from 127 children attending the first 3 years of schooling (YOS). This dataset was compared with the New Zealand (NZ) database of language samples to determine whether clinicians can use overseas databases for appraising language performance of Australian children.
METHOD: Children participated in several oral language tasks: conversation, personal narratives, story retelling and exposition (YOS3 only).
RESULT: Analyses of the spoken language samples revealed a developmental trend of increasing syntactic complexity, semantic diversity and verbal productivity. Discourse genre had a significant impact on children's language production, with the expository task yielding the syntactically most complex language from the YOS 3 children. Comparisons between the Australian and NZ datasets revealed some differences in performance, with the Australian children showing better syntactic complexity.
CONCLUSION: The Australian dataset of language samples provides clinicians with useful information regarding young school-age children's performance on a range of discourse tasks deemed important for classroom participation. Care should be taken when using the NZ database for diagnostic purposes.
PMID: 27142252 [PubMed - in process]
from #MedicinebyAlexandrosSfakianakis via xlomafota13 on Inoreader http://ift.tt/1XabgrN
via IFTTT
Exploring the development of cultural awareness amongst post-graduate speech-language pathology students.
| Related Articles |
Exploring the development of cultural awareness amongst post-graduate speech-language pathology students.
Int J Speech Lang Pathol. 2016 Jun;18(3):259-71
Authors: Howells S, Barton G, Westerveld M
Abstract
PURPOSE: Speech-language pathology programs globally need to prepare graduates to work with culturally and linguistically diverse populations. This study explored the knowledge, perceptions and experiences related to development of cultural awareness of graduate-entry Master of Speech Pathology students at an Australian university.
METHOD: Sixty students across both year-levels completed a cultural awareness survey at the beginning of the semester. To explore how clinical placement influenced students' knowledge and perceptions, year-2 students completed written reflections pre- and post-placement (n = 7) and participated in focus groups post-placement (n = 6).
RESULT: Survey results showed student interest in working with culturally and linguistically diverse populations was high (over 80%) and confidence was moderate (over 50%). More than 80% of students reported awareness of their own cultural identities, stereotypes and prejudices. Content analysis of focus group and written reflection data identified key concepts comprising of: (1) context-university, and clinical placement site; (2) competencies-professional and individual; and (3) cultural implications-clients' and students' cultural backgrounds.
CONCLUSION: Findings suggest clinical placement may positively influence cultural awareness development and students' own cultural backgrounds may influence this more. Further exploration of how students move along a continuum of cultural development is warranted.
PMID: 27142251 [PubMed - in process]
from #MedicinebyAlexandrosSfakianakis via xlomafota13 on Inoreader http://ift.tt/1XabgrH
via IFTTT
Surface electromyographic control of a novel phonemic interface for speech synthesis.
| Related Articles |
Surface electromyographic control of a novel phonemic interface for speech synthesis.
Augment Altern Commun. 2016 May 4;:1-11
Authors: Cler MJ, Nieto-Castañón A, Guenther FH, Fager SK, Stepp CE
Abstract
Many individuals with minimal movement capabilities use AAC to communicate. These individuals require both an interface with which to construct a message (e.g., a grid of letters) and an input modality with which to select targets. This study evaluated the interaction of two such systems: (a) an input modality using surface electromyography (sEMG) of spared facial musculature, and (b) an onscreen interface from which users select phonemic targets. These systems were evaluated in two experiments: (a) participants without motor impairments used the systems during a series of eight training sessions, and (b) one individual who uses AAC used the systems for two sessions. Both the phonemic interface and the electromyographic cursor show promise for future AAC applications.
PMID: 27141992 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
from #MedicinebyAlexandrosSfakianakis via xlomafota13 on Inoreader http://ift.tt/1XabgYE
via IFTTT
Language recovery following isolation for severe combined immunodeficiency disease.
| Related Articles |
Language recovery following isolation for severe combined immunodeficiency disease.
Nature. 1983 Nov 3-9;306(5938):54-5
Authors: Lazar RM, Tamaroff M, Nir Y, Freund B, O'Reilly R, Kirkpatrick D, Kapoor N
Abstract
Children with congenital severe combined immunodeficiency disease (SCID) lack an immune system and require continuous reverse isolation to protect them from exogenously transmitted infection. In our setting, protected environments consist of laminar flow rooms in which everything is sterilized (food, clothing, toys and so on). Staff and family wear complete surgical garb, preventing skin contact, observation of mouth movement and olfaction of typical human odours. Case studies of language development in children reared from infancy in protected environments have cited instances of mental retardation or language delay with some improvements after intervention, although the degree of language exposure is not well documented . We report here the case of a male patient, successfully treated for SCID, who lived in reverse isolation from 9 months to 4 yr 4 months of age and who has demonstrated nearly complete recovery of language usage. Our study illustrates the resilience of human intellectual function following a condition of early severe deprivation.
PMID: 27089556 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
from #MedicinebyAlexandrosSfakianakis via xlomafota13 on Inoreader http://ift.tt/1Xab2AQ
via IFTTT
Toxins, Vol. 8, Pages 142: Helicobacter pylori vacA Genotypes in Chronic Gastritis and Gastric Carcinoma Patients from Macau, China
Helicobacter pylori is the major triggering factor for gastric carcinoma, but only a small proportion of infected patients develop this disease. Differences in virulence observed among H. pylori strains, namely in the vacuolating cytotoxin vacA gene, may contribute to this discrepancy. Infection with vacA s1, i1 and m1 strains increases the risk for progression of gastric premalignant lesions and for gastric carcinoma. However, in East Asian countries most of the H. pylori strains are vacA s1, regardless of the patients' clinical status, and the significance of the vacA i1 and m1 genotypes for gastric carcinoma in this geographic area remains to be fully elucidated. The aim of the present study was to investigate this relationship in 290 patients from Macau, China. Using very sensitive and accurate genotyping methods, we detected infection with vacA i1 and with vacA m1 strains in, respectively, 85.2% and 52.6% of the patients that were infected with single genotypes. The prevalence of cagA-positive strains was 87.5%. No significant associations were observed between vacA genotypes or cagA and gastric carcinoma. It is worth noting that 37.5% of the infected patients had coexistence of H. pylori strains with different vacA genotypes. Additional studies directed to other H. pylori virulence factors should be performed to identify high risk patients in East Asia.
from #MedicinebyAlexandrosSfakianakis via xlomafota13 on Inoreader http://ift.tt/1Xa2WrX
via IFTTT
Toxins, Vol. 8, Pages 136: Toxin and Growth Responses of the Neurotoxic Dinoflagellate Vulcanodinium rugosum to Varying Temperature and Salinity
Vulcanodinium rugosum, a recently described species, produces pinnatoxins. The IFR-VRU-01 strain, isolated from a French Mediterranean lagoon in 2010 and identified as the causative dinoflagellate contaminating mussels in the Ingril Lagoon (French Mediterranean) with pinnatoxin-G, was grown in an enriched natural seawater medium. We tested the effect of temperature and salinity on growth, pinnatoxin-G production and chlorophyll a levels of this dinoflagellate. These factors were tested in combinations of five temperatures (15, 20, 25, 30 and 35 °C) and five salinities (20, 25, 30, 35 and 40) at an irradiance of 100 µmol photon m−2 s−1. V. rugosum can grow at temperatures and salinities ranging from 20 °C to 30 °C and 20 to 40, respectively. The optimal combination for growth (0.39 ± 0.11 d−1) was a temperature of 25 °C and a salinity of 40. Results suggest that V. rugosum is euryhaline and thermophile which could explain why this dinoflagellate develops in situ only from June to September. V. rugosum growth rate and pinnatoxin-G production were highest at temperatures ranging between 25 and 30 °C. This suggests that the dinoflagellate may give rise to extensive blooms in the coming decades caused by the climate change-related increases in temperature expected in the Mediterranean coasts.
from #MedicinebyAlexandrosSfakianakis via xlomafota13 on Inoreader http://ift.tt/1T0fdfG
via IFTTT
Involvement of Ubiquitin-Editing Protein A20 in Modulating Inflammation in Rat Cochlea Associated with Silver Nanoparticle-Induced CD68 Upregulation and TLR4 Activation.
Involvement of Ubiquitin-Editing Protein A20 in Modulating Inflammation in Rat Cochlea Associated with Silver Nanoparticle-Induced CD68 Upregulation and TLR4 Activation.
Nanoscale Res Lett. 2016 Dec;11(1):240
Authors: Feng H, Pyykkö I, Zou J
Abstract
Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were shown to temporarily impair the biological barriers in the skin of the external ear canal, mucosa of the middle ear, and inner ear, causing partially reversible hearing loss after delivery into the middle ear. The current study aimed to elucidate the molecular mechanism, emphasizing the TLR signaling pathways in association with the potential recruitment of macrophages in the cochlea and the modulation of inflammation by ubiquitin-editing protein A20. Molecules potentially involved in these signaling pathways were thoroughly analysed using immunohistochemistry in the rat cochlea exposed to AgNPs at various concentrations through intratympanic injection. The results showed that 0.4 % AgNPs but not 0.02 % AgNPs upregulated the expressions of CD68, TLR4, MCP1, A20, and RNF11 in the strial basal cells, spiral ligament fibrocytes, and non-sensory supporting cells of Corti's organ. 0.4 % AgNPs had no effect on CD44, TLR2, MCP2, Rac1, myosin light chain, VCAM1, Erk1/2, JNK, p38, IL-1β, TNF-α, TNFR1, TNFR2, IL-10, or TGF-β. This study suggested that AgNPs might confer macrophage-like functions on the strial basal cells and spiral ligament fibrocytes and enhance the immune activities of non-sensory supporting cells of Corti's organ through the upregulation of CD68, which might be involved in TLR4 activation. A20 and RNF11 played roles in maintaining cochlear homeostasis via negative regulation of the expressions of inflammatory cytokines.
PMID: 27142878 [PubMed]
from #MedicinebyAlexandrosSfakianakis via xlomafota13 on Inoreader http://ift.tt/1SOC0MD
via IFTTT
Process of Pancreas Head as a Risk Factor for Postoperative Pancreatic Fistula in Laparoscopic Gastric Cancer Surgery.
Process of Pancreas Head as a Risk Factor for Postoperative Pancreatic Fistula in Laparoscopic Gastric Cancer Surgery.
World J Surg. 2016 May 3;
Authors: Kobayashi N, Shinohara H, Haruta S, Ohkura Y, Mizuno A, Ueno M, Udagawa H, Sakai Y
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF)-often caused by pancreatic injury during dissection of the peripancreatic lymph nodes-is a serious complication after gastric cancer surgery. We defined protruding pancreatic tissue on the anterior side of the pancreas head as "process of the pancreas head" (PPH) and investigated whether PPH is a predictable risk factor for POPF after laparoscopic gastrectomy.
METHODS: We reviewed 255 patients who underwent laparoscopic total or distal gastrectomy for gastric cancer. The perioperative outcomes of 142 patients operated in the study's early phase were investigated to evaluate the risk factors for POPF. To evaluate whether preoperative identification of PPH by computed tomography (CT) and intraoperative prediction of pancreas head outline could reduce the risk of POPF, the outcomes of 113 patients operated in the late phase were assessed.
RESULTS: Of the 142 early-phase patients, PPH was identified intraoperatively in 38 patients (26.8 %). A total of 13 patients (9.1 %) developed POPF > grade 2. PPH was identified as a risk factor for POPF (P < 0.01). In early-phase patients with PPH, the POPF rate was 21.0 %; in the late phase, it decreased to 4.3 %. Further, the POPF rate in early-phase patients with BMI > 25 and PPH was 42.6 %, decreasing to 0 % in the late-phase patients.
CONCLUSIONS: The presence of PPH is a risk factor for POPF after laparoscopic gastrectomy for gastric cancer. Identifying PPH using preoperative CT images and predicting the shape of the pancreas head during infrapyloric lymph node dissection are valuable in preventing POPF following laparoscopic gastric cancer surgery.
PMID: 27142626 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
from #MedicinebyAlexandrosSfakianakis via xlomafota13 on Inoreader http://ift.tt/23rEsKs
via IFTTT
Εγγραφή σε:
Αναρτήσεις (Atom)