Medicine by Alexandros G.Sfakianakis,Anapafseos 5 Agios Nikolaos,Crete 72100,Greece,tel :00302841026182 & 00306932607174
Τρίτη 21 Ιουνίου 2016
Enzymatic mineralization of silk scaffolds
The present study focuses on the alkaline phosphatase (ALP) mediated formation of apatitic minerals on porous silk fibroin protein (SFP) scaffolds. Porous SFP scaffolds impregnated with different concentrations of ALP are homogeneously mineralized under physiological conditions. The mineral structure is apatite while the structures differ as a function of the ALP concentration. Cellular adhesion, proliferation, and colonization of osteogenic MC3T3 cells improve on the mineralized SFP scaffolds. These findings suggest a simple process to generate mineralized scaffolds that can be used to enhanced bone tissue engineering-related utility.
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Differences between endogenous and exogenous emotion inhibition in the human brain
The regulation of emotions is an integral part of our mental health. It has only recently been investigated using brain imaging techniques. In most studies, participants are instructed by a cue to inhibit a specific emotional reaction. The aim of the present study was to investigate the alternative situation where a person decides to inhibit an emotion as an act of endogenous self-control. Healthy participants viewed highly arousing pictures with negative valence. In the endogenous condition, participants could freely choose on each trial to inhibit or feel the emotions elicited by the picture. In an exogenous condition, a visual cue instructed them to either feel or inhibit the emotion elicited by the picture. Participants' subjective ratings of intensity of experienced emotion showed an interaction effect between source of control (endogenous/exogenous) and feel/inhibit based on a stronger modulation between feel and inhibition for the endogenous compared to the exogenous condition. Endogenous inhibition of emotions was associated with dorso-medial prefrontal cortex activation, whereas exogenous inhibition was found associated with lateral prefrontal cortex activation. Thus, the brain regions for both endogenous and exogenous inhibition of emotion are highly similar to those for inhibition of motor actions in Brass and Haggard (J Neurosci 27:9141-9145, 2007), Kuhn et al. (Hum Brain Mapp 30:2834-2843, 2009). Functional connectivity analyses showed that dorsofrontomedial cortex exerts greater control onto pre-supplementary motor area during endogenous inhibition compared to endogenous feel. This functional dissociation between an endogenous, fronto-medial and an exogenous, fronto-lateral inhibition centre has important implications for our understanding of emotion regulation in health and psychopathology.
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Gustilo type IIIC open tibia fractures with vascular repair: minimum 2-year follow-up
European Journal of Trauma and Emergency Surgery
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Association of renal stress/damage and filtration biomarkers with subsequent AKI during hospitalization among patients presenting to the emergency department
Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology
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Glenohumeral hematoma mimicking persisting anterior shoulder dislocation after reduction
The Journal of Emergency Medicine
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Center of Pressure Speed Changes with tDCS Versus GVS in Patients with Lateropulsion after Stroke
Source:Brain Stimulation
Author(s): Suzanne Babyar, Taiza Santos-Pontelli, Tenysson Lemos, Suleimy Mazin, Marom Bikson, Dennis Q. Truong, Dylan Edwards, Michael Reding
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Intra-Subject Consistency and Reliability of Response Following 2mA Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation
Source:Brain Stimulation
Author(s): Katherine Dyke, Soyoung Kim, Georgina M. Jackson, Stephen R. Jackson
BackgroundTranscranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a popular non-invasive brain stimulation technique that has been shown to influence cortical excitability. While polarity specific effects have often been reported, this is not always the case, and variability in both the magnitude and direction of the effects have been observed.Objective/ hypothesisWe aimed to explore the consistency and reliability of the effects of tDCS by investigating changes in cortical excitability across multiple testing sessions in the same individuals. A within subjects design was used to investigate the effects of anodal and cathodal tDCS applied to the motor cortex. Four experimental sessions were tested for each polarity in addition to two sham sessions.MethodsTranscranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) was used to measure cortical excitability (TMS recruitment curves). Changes in excitability were measured by comparing baseline measures and those taken immediately following 20minutes of 2mA stimulation or sham stimulation.ResultsAnodal tDCS significantly increased cortical excitability at a group level, whereas cathodal tDCS failed to have any significant effects. The sham condition also failed to show any significant changes. Analysis of intra-subject responses to anodal stimulation across four sessions suggest that the amount of change in excitability across sessions was only weakly associated, and was found to have poor reliability across sessions (ICC=0.276). The effects of cathodal stimulation show even poorer reliability across sessions (ICC=0.137). In contrast ICC analysis for the two sessions of sham stimulation reflect a moderate level of reliability (ICC=.424).ConclusionsOur findings indicate that although 2mA anodal tDCS is effective at increasing cortical excitability at group level, the effects are unreliable across repeated testing sessions within individual participants. Our results suggest that 2mA cathodal tDCS does not significantly alter cortical excitability immediately following stimulation and that there is poor reliability of the effect within the same individual across different testing sessions.
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Knowledge of staff members of residential care facilities for individuals with intellectual disability on medication administration via enteral feeding tube
Background: Guidelines for the safe administration of drugs through enteral feeding tube (EFT) are an important tool to minimise the risk of errors. This study aimed to investigate knowledge of these guidelines among staff of residential care facilities (RCF) for peoplewith ID. Method: Knowledge was assessed using a 13-item self-administered questionnaire. Questions reflected key aspects of guidelines on medication administration via EFT. All staff members that administer medication through EFT in Belgian RCFs were invited to participate (n=553). Results: Nine out of 10 RCFs participated, and 356 questionnaires were collected. Almost all participants were women (96%), and most (82%) had a non-nursing educational background.Mean self-perceived knowledge ofmedication administration via EFT was 6.7 (on a 0–10 scale). On average, 5.7 (SD 1.9) out of 13 questions were answered correctly. A nursing degree and previous education on medication administration via EFT were associated with significantly higher scores. Guideline recommendations regarding rinsing of used medicine cups (90% correct answers) and preparation of hard gelatin capsules (89%) were known best. Those regarding the use of protective equipment when crushing toxic substances (4% correct answers), crushing of sustained release and enteric-coated dosage forms (6%), elevation of the patient's backrest (14%) and flushing of the EFT (15%) were known the least. Conclusion: This study identified a substantial lack of knowledge of guidelines for drug administration through EFT among staff of RCFs for people with ID. Our findings call for tailored educational programmes in order to increase knowledge on this subject.
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Development and validation of a spina bifida-specific pediatric quality of life questionnaire: the Spina Bifida Pediatric Questionnaire, SBPQ
Based on existing questionnaires and patient interview, a health-related quality of life (HRQoL) questionnaire in spina bifida (SB) children is created and validated, the Spina Bifida Pediatric Questionnaire (SBPQ). SB patients from the SB reference centre Ghent University Hospital, Belgium, with mental ability between 6 and 18 years old and their parents were asked to participate in the study, together with a control group. Thirty-nine patients and parents answered the questionnaire once, 20 patients and their parents the test-retest. Thirty-five controls answered the questionnaire once, 34 controls and their parents the test-retest. The final questionnaire was retained when 3 consecutive patients approved all items. Visual clues were added for children with a mental ability below 10 years of age. The test-retest showed a good to excellent agreement for child self-report in 5 domains (not for social functioning), for parent proxy report in all domains (6), for control self-report in 4 domains (not for domain home) and for control parent proxy report in all domains (5). Internal consistency reliability was good in child self-report and in parent proxy report, except for physical functioning in child self-report. There was parent-child agreement for 4 out of 6 domains. Regarding social and emotional functioning, QoL was rated lower by parents than by children themselves. A SB HRQoL questionnaire was developed and validated. Because of visual aid, this questionnaire can be used by both young children and adolescents.
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Stochastic macromodeling for hierarchical uncertainty quantification of nonlinear electronic systems
A hierarchical stochastic macromodeling approach is proposed for the efficient variability analysis of complex nonlinear electronic systems. A combination of the Transfer Function Trajectory and Polynomial Chaos methods is used to generate stochastic macromodels. In order to reduce the computational complexity of the model generation when the number of stochastic variables increases, a hierarchical system decomposition is used. Pertinent numerical results validate the proposed methodology.
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Robust geometric forest routing with tunable load balancing
Although geometric routing is proposed as a memory-efficient alternative to traditional lookup-based routing and forwarding algorithms, it still lacks: i) adequate mechanisms to trade stretch against load balancing, and ii) robustness to cope with network topology change. The main contribution of this paper involves the proposal of a family of routing schemes, called Forest Routing. These are based on the principles of geometric routing, adding flexibility in its load balancing characteristics. This is achieved by using an aggregation of greedy embeddings along with a configurable distance function. Incorporating link load information in the forwarding layer enables load balancing behavior while still attaining low path stretch. In addition, the proposed schemes are validated regarding their resilience towards network failures.
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Delay models in ethernet long-reach passive optical networks
A variety of dynamic bandwidth allocation (DBA) algorithms have been proposed to foster the performance of Ethernet passive optical networks (EPONs). These DBA algorithms use packet delay as an important quality of service (QoS) metric. This has led to a significant interest in developing mathematical models for analyzing the delay. These delay models often provide valuable qualitative results and worthwhile insights in understanding the mechanism of the delay and the manner in which it depends upon algorithm characteristics. Up to now, the delay models have been developed under some approximations, e.g., fixed packet sizes, negligible distances between a server and its users, a gated bandwidth assignment method, and Poisson traffic. In this paper, we develop the delay models for more realistic scenarios than the current state-of-the-art, including gated and limited bandwidth assignment methods, Poisson and Pareto traffic, and long-reach PONs in which the distance between the server and the users is significant and hence not negligible. We model different DBA paradigms, such as REPORT after data, REPORT before data, and multi-thread polling. The results from simulation experiments confirm the accuracy of the delay models.
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On the impact of video stalling and video quality in the case of camera switching during adaptive streaming of sports content
The widespread usage of second screens, in combination with mobile video streaming technologies like HTTP Adaptive Streaming (HAS), enable new means for taking end-users' Quality of Experience (QoE) to the next level. For sports events, these technological evolutions can, for example, enhance the overall engagement of remote fans or give them more control over the content. In this paper, we consider the case of adaptively streaming multi-camera sports content to tablet devices, enabling the end-user to dynamically switch cameras. Our goal is to subjectively evaluate the trade-off between video stalling duration (as a result of requesting another camera feed) and initial video quality of the new feed. Our results show that short video stallings do not significantly influence overall quality ratings, that quality perception is highly influenced by the video quality at the moment of camera switching and that large quality fluctuations should be avoided.
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Onderzoeksrapport 'Gezondheidsprofiel gedetineerden'
Het onderzoeksproject 'Gezondheidsprofiel van gedetineerden' heeft als doel het gezondheidsprofiel bij gedetineerden in Vlaamse en Brusselse gevangenissen kwantitatief te beschrijven. Hiertoe is bij een representatieve steekproef van 817 gedetineerden in 12 geselecteerde gevangenissen informatie verzameld over hun gezondheid, gezondheidsgedrag en gezondheidsdeterminanten. De verzamelde gegevens illustreren dat gedetineerden voor de meeste gezondheidsproblemen en gezondheidsgedragingen slechter scoren dan de algemene populatie.
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Reply to: Letter to the Editor on the article "Parathyroid surgery can be safely performed in a community hospital by experienced parathyroid surgeons: A retrospective cohort study".
Reply to: Letter to the Editor on the article "Parathyroid surgery can be safely performed in a community hospital by experienced parathyroid surgeons: A retrospective cohort study".
Int J Surg. 2016 Jun 16;
Authors: Neychev VK, Ghanem M, Blackwood SL, Aragon Han P, Fazeli R, Schneider E, Najafian A, Bloch DC, Bard MC, Klarsfeld JH, Zeiger MA, Lipton RJ
PMID: 27321807 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
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Use of chewing gum in children undergoing an appendectomy: A randomized clinical controlled trial.
Use of chewing gum in children undergoing an appendectomy: A randomized clinical controlled trial.
Int J Surg. 2016 Jun 14;
Authors: López Jaimez G, Cuello García CA
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Post-operative ileus is a common condition among pediatric patients undergoing appendectomy. We aim to assess the feasibility, safety, and effectiveness of chewing gum to reduce ileus, and decrease time to oral tolerance.
METHODS: A randomized trial was conducted in 5 to 18 year old patients that underwent an appendectomy. Subjects in the intervention group received sugar-free chewing gum within the first 12 hours after surgery and control group received the usual therapy. We assessed the acceptability of the intervention, time to pass first flatus, present first bowel movement, and time to tolerate oral intake.
RESULTS: A total of 41 patients were recruited, 21 in the intervention group and 20 in the control group. Mean time (SD) to first flatus in the intervention group was 17.18 h (8.18), and 24.37 hours (17.53) in the control group (mean difference [MD] of -7.19 hrs; 95% CI, -15.7 to 1.38). Time to first bowel movement (MD, -4.6 hrs, 95%CI -18.5 to 9.3), time to tolerate oral intake (MD, 4.17 hrs; 95%CI -9.2 to 17.5), and length of hospital stay (MD, 6.9 hrs, 95%CI -19.1 to 33.1) appeared not to be affected by the intervention. Chewing gum was accepted, well tolerated, and without complications.
DISCUSSION: The use of chewing gum in children undergoing an appendectomy was safe and well tolerated and might lead to a faster recovery of bowel function, more studies are needed to prove if length of hospital stay and other outcomes are improved.
TRIAL REGISTRATION: clinicaltrials.gov Identifier NCT01583452.
PMID: 27321384 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
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Management of impacted common bile duct stones during a laparoscopic procedure: Non-conversion experience.
Management of impacted common bile duct stones during a laparoscopic procedure: Non-conversion experience.
Int J Surg. 2016 Jun 14;
Authors: Jinfeng Z, Yin Y, Chi Z, Junye G
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: To explore the techniques for managing impacted common bile duct (CBD) stones during laparoscopic common bile duct exploration (LCBDE).
METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 377 consecutive patients undergoing LCBDE from January 2008 to June 2015. Group 1 was defined as patients with impacted CBD stones. Group 2 included patients without impacted CBD stones. The outcomes of LCBDE were compared between the two groups.
RESULTS: There were 65 patients in Group 1 and 312 patients in Group 2. The incidence of jaundice, abnormal liver function tests, cholangitis and pancreatitis was higher in Group 1. Forty-one patients with small impacted CBD stones were managed using the tipless Nitinol basket. Seventeen patients with large impacted CBD stones and 7 patients with small impacted CBD stones underwent laser lithotripsy via choledochoscopy. None of the patients in Group 1 was converted to open procedures for impacted CBD stones. Operation duration was 13.6 min longer in Group 1 (133.2 min). Postoperative hospital stay was significantly longer in Group 1 (9.7±2.5 d) than in Group 2 (6.3±1.8 d). There was no difference in the overall postoperative complication rate, retained stone rate, and recurrence rate between the two groups.
CONCLUSION: Rational utilization of laser lithotripsy and an appropriate basket in LCBDE may avoid conversion to open procedures in patients with impacted CBD stones.
PMID: 27321383 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
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Log Odds of Positive Lymph Nodes is A Superior Prognostic Indicator in Stage III Rectal Cancer Patients.
Log Odds of Positive Lymph Nodes is A Superior Prognostic Indicator in Stage III Rectal Cancer Patients.
Int J Surg. 2016 Jun 14;
Authors: Huang B, Chen C, Ni M, Mo S, Cai G, Cai S
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Lymph node ratio (LNR) is considered a better staging system than N stage in rectal cancer. More recently, log odds of positive lymph nodes (LODDS) was identified as a novel prognostic classifier in many malignancies. Accordingly, our study aims to compare the predictive ability of LODDS with LNR for cancer-specific survival (CSS) in patients with stage III rectal cancer.
METHODS: We analyzed a subpopulation of the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) database containing patients with stage III rectal cancer. The patients were categorized into four groups (LNR1 to 4) according to the LNR cut-off values 0.25, 0.50 and 0.75. The patients were divided into five groups (LODDS1 to LODDS5) according to the LODDS cut-off values of LODDS -1, 0, 1 and 2. Univariate and multivariate analyses using the Cox proportional hazards model were performed to analyze the risk factors for survival outcome.
RESULTS: A total of 17,632 patients were included from the SEER database. Patients with LNR4 could be further divided into LODDS4 and LODDS5 and had a 5-year CSS of 39.1% and 23.3%, respectively (p<0.001). A multivariate analysis without the inclusion of LODDS showed that the LNR was an independent prognostic factor (HR 2.254, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.034-2.497, p<0.001). However, after adjusting for LODDS, the LNR was no longer associated with CSS (HR 0.709, 95% CI 0.481-1.045, p=0.083), and LODDS was identified as an independent prognostic factor (HR 1.303, 95% CI 1.197-1.419, p<0.001).
CONCLUSION: The prognostic value of LNR can be confounded by LODDS. In stage III rectal cancer patients, LODDS has superior discrimination power over LNR and can more accurately evaluate CSS.
PMID: 27321382 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
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The role of active surveillance of small renal masses.
The role of active surveillance of small renal masses.
Int J Surg. 2016 Jun 14;
Authors: Volpe A
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: The use of modern abdominal imaging modalities have led in recent years to an increased incidental diagnosis of small renal masses (SRMs), especially in elderly patients. The natural history of SRMs has been historically poorly understood because most have been traditionally surgically removed soon after diagnosis. However, several studies of active surveillance (AS) of SRMs have been published in the last decade.
METHODS: A review of English-language publications on AS of SRMs was performed from 1995 to 2015 using the Medline, Embase and Web of Science databases. Fifty-six articles were selected based on their scientific relevance and critically analysed.
RESULTS: When followed conservatively with serial imaging, SRMs have variable growth rates with an average of 0.31 cm/year in the largest multicenter analysis. A significant number of SRMs have a slow growth and some have zero growth under surveillance. The risk of progression to metastatic disease during AS is rare (1-2%). Population-based analyses in older patient populations (>75 years) fail to show a benefit in cancer-specific mortality for surgical treatment of SRMs.
DISCUSSION: The standard of care for localized renal tumors is surgery. In elderly or unfit patients with decreased life expectancy, it is reasonable to propose an initial period of AS, with delayed intervention for those tumors which exhibit a fast growth during follow-up. At present AS is not recommended in younger and fit patients and for masses >4 cm at diagnosis outside clinical trials. Percutaneous needle biopsies of renal tumors have the potential to characterize histologically SRMs at diagnosis, thereby providing useful information for the selection of the best suited patients for AS.
CONCLUSIONS: Most SRMs are benign tumors or RCCs with a relatively indolent clinical behaviour. AS can be offered to patients with SRMs and decreased life expectancy. Prospective series of AS of histologically confirmed RCCs are needed to confirm the long term safety of this conservative approach.
PMID: 27321381 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
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Diagnostic modalities.
Diagnostic modalities.
Int J Surg. 2016 Jun 14;
Authors: Elstob A, Gonsalves M, Patel U
Abstract
The incidental detection of small renal masses on imaging undertaken to evaluate unrelated symptoms or conditions is an increasingly common occurrence. Accurate imaging characterisation is fundamental to determining optimum patient management. The goals of imaging small renal masses include determining whether a lesion is solid or cystic, if there are signs of biological aggressiveness and whether the lesion is likely benign or malignant. The current imaging practices and the evidence supporting the use of different imaging modalities for the characterisation of small renal masses are discussed. CT remains the primary imaging modality and is able to classify most masses into surgical or non-surgical lesions. MRI and contrast enhanced ultrasound are most often employed to problem solve in lesions deemed indeterminate on contrast enhanced CT or for patients in which CECT is contraindicated. Percutaneous biopsy should be considered in lesions that remain indeterminate after initial imaging investigations. Given the central role of imaging in the management of small renal masses, all multidisciplinary team members involved in renal cancer care should have an understanding of the performance of the different imaging modalities.
PMID: 27321380 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
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Acute Appendicitis in an Overweight and Obese Mexican Population.
Acute Appendicitis in an Overweight and Obese Mexican Population.
Int J Surg. 2016 Jun 14;
Authors: Sotelo-Anaya E, Sánchez-Muñoz MP, Ploneda-Valencia CF, de la Cerda-Trujillo LF, Varela-Muñoz O, Gutiérrez-Chávez C, López-Lizarraga CR
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: México is the second place in overweight and obese adults. Acute appendicitis (AA), is the most common indication for an emergency surgery around the world, with an estimated lifetime incidence of 7-14%. Laparoscopic appendectomy (LA) has been described as a safe and good surgery approach for this group of patients. Nevertheless, in México, there is not any evidence supporting these outcomes in our population.
METHODS: All the patients that came to the ER from July to December 2014 with age >16-year, body mass index (BMI) >25 kg/m(2) (overweight) and, BMI >30 kg/m(2) (obese) were included in the study. We recorded the age, gender, BMI, grade of appendicitis, complications classified by the Clavien-Dindo Classification, and a follow-up period of 7-day, 30-day, 6-month, and 1-year.
RESULTS: 27 patients met the inclusion criteria, five had overweight (18.5%), and twenty-two were obese (81.5%). No surgical conversion was needed. The overall complications rate was 29.6%%, with 22.2% mild complications and 7.4% of moderate complication. The average in-hospital cost for the procedure was $15,860 MXN (range $12,860 - $22,860 MXN). The surgical time was ≈53.7 ± 19.93 hours and the LOS ≈1.6 ± 0.6 days.
CONCLUSION: The outcomes in the Mexican adult obese population with acute appendicitis when a laparoscopic appendectomy is performed are as good as reported in other countries.
PMID: 27321379 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
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First records of Canis dirus and Smilodon fatalis from the late Pleistocene Tule Springs local fauna, upper Las Vegas Wash, Nevada
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Interrater reliability of quantitative ultrasound using force feedback among examiners with varied levels of experience
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Towards evenly distributed grazing patterns: including social context in sheep management strategies
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Clinical and prognostic value of preoperative hydronephrosis in upper tract urothelial carcinoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis
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Diversity of Fusarium species isolated from UK forage maize and the population structure of F. graminearum from maize and wheat
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High-throughput drug screening identifies pyrimethamine as a potent and selective inhibitor of acute myeloid leukemia.
High-throughput drug screening identifies pyrimethamine as a potent and selective inhibitor of acute myeloid leukemia.
Curr Cancer Drug Targets. 2016 Jun 16;
Authors: Murphy C, Blanchard J, Ganser A, Brown E, Hassell J, Humpheries RK, Morgan M, Heuser M
Abstract
Hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell differentiation is blocked in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) resulting in cytopenias and a high risk of death. Most patients with AML become resistant to treatment due to lack of effective cytotoxic and differentiation promoting compounds. High MN1 expression confers poor prognosis to AML patients and induces resistance to cytarabine and all-trans-retinoic acid (ATRA) induced differentiation. Using a high-throughput drug screening, we identified the dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) antagonist pyrimethamine to be a potent inducer of apoptosis and differentiation in several murine and human leukemia cell lines. Oral pyrimethamine treatment was effective in two xenograft mouse models and specifically targeted leukemic cells in human AML cell lines and primary patient cells, while CD34+ cells from healthy donors were unaffected. The antileukemic effects of PMT could be partially rescued by excess folic acid, suggesting an oncogenic function of folate metabolism in AML. Thus, our study identifies pyrimethamine as a candidate drug that should be further evaluated in AML treatment.
PMID: 27321378 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
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Enriched Astaxanthin Extract from Haematococcus pluvialis Augments Growth Factor Secretions to Increase Cell Proliferation and Induces MMP1 Degradation to Enhance Collagen Production in Human Dermal Fibroblasts.
Enriched Astaxanthin Extract from Haematococcus pluvialis Augments Growth Factor Secretions to Increase Cell Proliferation and Induces MMP1 Degradation to Enhance Collagen Production in Human Dermal Fibroblasts.
Int J Mol Sci. 2016;17(6)
Authors: Chou HY, Lee C, Pan JL, Wen ZH, Huang SH, Lan CJ, Liu WT, Hour TC, Hseu YC, Hwang BH, Cheng KC, Wang HD
Abstract
Among many antioxidants that are used for the repairing of oxidative stress induced skin damages, we identified the enriched astaxanthin extract (EAE) from Haematococcus pluvialis as a viable ingredient. EAE was extracted from the red microalgae through supercritical fluid carbon dioxide extraction. To compare the effectiveness, EAE wastreated on human dermal fibroblasts with other components, phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA), and doxycycline. With sirius red staining and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), we found that PMA decreased the collagen concentration and production while overall the addition of doxycycline and EAE increased the collagen concentration in a trial experiments. EAE increased collagen contents through inhibited MMP1 and MMP3 mRNA expression and induced TIMP1, the antagonists of MMPs protein, gene expression. As for when tested for various proteins through western blotting, it was seen that the addition of EAE increased the expression of certain proteins that promote cell proliferation. Testing those previous solutions using growth factor assay, it was noticeable that EAE had a positive impact on cell proliferation and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) than doxycycline, indicating that it was a better alternative treatment for collagen production. To sum up, the data confirmed the possible applications as medical cosmetology agentsand food supplements.
PMID: 27322248 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
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CONJUGATED LINOLEIC ACIDS (CLA) DECREASE THE BREAST CANCER RISK IN DMBA-TREATED RATS.
| Related Articles |
CONJUGATED LINOLEIC ACIDS (CLA) DECREASE THE BREAST CANCER RISK IN DMBA-TREATED RATS.
Acta Pol Pharm. 2016 Mar-Apr;73(2):315-27
Authors: Białek A, Tokarz A, Zagrodzki P
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate how supplementation of diet of female Sprague-Dawley rats with different doses of conjugated linoleic acids and for a varied period of time influences breast cancer risk, fatty acids profile and lipids peroxidation in chemically induced mammary tumors. Animals were divided into nine groups with different modifications of diet (vegetable oil, 1.0 or 2.0% of CLA) and period of supplementation, which lasted after (A), before (B) and before and after (BA) carcinogenic agent--7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene administration at 50th day of life. Mammary adenocarcinomas occurred in all groups, but CLA supplementation decreased the cancer morbidity. Two percent CLA seems to be excessive because of the coexisting cachexia. Two CLA isomers (9-cis, 11-trans and 10-trans, 12-cis) were detected in tumors but content of rumenic acid was higher. Dietary supplementation significantly influenced some unsaturated fatty acids content (C18:2 n-6 trans, C20:1, C20:5 n-3, C22:2), but the anti- or prooxidant properties of CLA were not confirmed. CLA can inhibit chemically induced mammary tumors development in female rats, but their cytotoxic action seems not to be connected with lipids peroxidation. CLA isomers differ with their incorporation into cancerous tissues and they influence the content of some other fatty acids.
PMID: 27180424 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
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Gingerols and shogaols: Important nutraceutical principles from ginger.
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Gingerols and shogaols: Important nutraceutical principles from ginger.
Phytochemistry. 2015 Sep;117:554-68
Authors: Semwal RB, Semwal DK, Combrinck S, Viljoen AM
Abstract
Gingerols are the major pungent compounds present in the rhizomes of ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) and are renowned for their contribution to human health and nutrition. Medicinal properties of ginger, including the alleviation of nausea, arthritis and pain, have been associated with the gingerols. Gingerol analogues are thermally labile and easily undergo dehydration reactions to form the corresponding shogaols, which impart the characteristic pungent taste to dried ginger. Both gingerols and shogaols exhibit a host of biological activities, ranging from anticancer, anti-oxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic to various central nervous system activities. Shogaols are important biomarkers used for the quality control of many ginger-containing products, due to their diverse biological activities. In this review, a large body of available knowledge on the biosynthesis, chemical synthesis and pharmacological activities, as well as on the structure-activity relationships of various gingerols and shogaols, have been collated, coherently summarised and discussed. The manuscript highlights convincing evidence indicating that these phenolic compounds could serve as important lead molecules for the development of therapeutic agents to treat various life-threatening human diseases, particularly cancer. Inclusion of ginger or ginger extracts in nutraceutical formulations could provide valuable protection against diabetes, cardiac and hepatic disorders.
PMID: 26228533 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
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Nerve distributions in insertional achilles tendinopathy - a comparison of bone, bursae and tendon.
Nerve distributions in insertional achilles tendinopathy - a comparison of bone, bursae and tendon.
Histol Histopathol. 2016 Jun 20;:11790
Authors: Andersson G, Backman LJ, Christensen J, Alfredson H
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIM: In a condition of pain in the Achilles tendon insertion there are multiple structures involved, such as the Achilles tendon itself, the retrocalcaneal bursa and a bony protrusion at the calcaneal tuberosity called Haglund's deformity. The innervation patterns of these structures are scarcely described, and the subcutaneous calcaneal bursa is traditionally not considered to be involved in the pathology. This study aimed at describing the innervation patterns of the four structures described above to provide a better understanding of possible origins of pain at the Achilles tendon insertion.
METHODS: Biopsies were taken from 10 patients with insertional Achilles tendinopathy, which had pathological changes in the subcutaneous and retrocalcaneal bursae, a Haglund deformity and Achilles tendon tendinopathy as verified by ultrasound. The biopsies were stained using immunohistochemistry in order to delineate the innervation patterns in the structures involved in insertional Achilles tendinopathy.
RESULTS: Immunohistochemical examinations found that the subcutaneous bursa scored the highest using a semi-quantitative evaluation of the degree of innervation when compared to the retrocalcaneal bursa, the Achilles tendon, and the calcaneal bone.
CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that the subcutaneous bursa, which is traditionally not included in surgical treatment, may be a clinically important factor in insertional Achilles tendinopathy.
PMID: 27320798 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
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Prophylactic treatment of vestibular migraine.
Prophylactic treatment of vestibular migraine.
Braz J Otorhinolaryngol. 2016 Jun 2;
Authors: Salmito MC, Duarte JA, Morganti LO, Brandão PV, Nakao BH, Villa TR, Ganança FF
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Vestibular migraine (VM) is now accepted as a common cause of episodic vertigo. Treatment of VM involves two situations: the vestibular symptom attacks and the period between attacks. For the latter, some prophylaxis methods can be used. The current recommendation is to use the same prophylactic drugs used for migraines, including β-blockers, antidepressants and anticonvulsants. The recent diagnostic definition of vestibular migraine makes the number of studies on its treatment scarce.
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of prophylactic treatment used in patients from a VM outpatient clinic.
METHODS: Review of medical records from patients with VM according to the criteria of the Bárány Society/International Headache Society of 2012 criteria. The drugs used in the treatment and treatment response obtained through the visual analog scale (VAS) for dizziness and headache were assessed. The pre and post-treatment VAS scores were compared (the improvement was evaluated together and individually, per drug used). Associations with clinical subgroups of patients were also assessed.
RESULTS: Of the 88 assessed records, 47 were eligible. We included patients that met the diagnostic criteria for VM and excluded those whose medical records were illegible and those of patients with other disorders causing dizziness and/or headache that did not meet the 2012 criteria for VM. 80.9% of the patients showed improvement with prophylaxis (p<0.001). Amitriptyline, Flunarizine, Propranolol and Topiramate improved vestibular symptoms (p<0.001) and headache (p<0.015). The four drugs were effective in a statistically significant manner. There was a positive statistical association between the time of vestibular symptoms and clinical improvement. There was no additional benefit in hypertensive patients who used antihypertensive drugs as prophylaxis or depressed patients who used antidepressants in relation to other prophylactic drugs. Drug association did not show statistically significant results in relation to the use of a single drug.
CONCLUSIONS: Prophylactic medications used to treat VM improve the symptoms of this disease, but there is no statistically significant difference between the responses of prophylactic drugs. The time of vestibular symptom seems to increase the benefit with prophylactic treatment.
PMID: 27320656 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
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Does the intravenous administration of frusemide reduce endolymphatic hydrops?
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Does the intravenous administration of frusemide reduce endolymphatic hydrops?
J Laryngol Otol. 2016 Mar;130(3):242-7
Authors: Fiorino F, Mattellini B, Vento M, Mazzocchin L, Bianconi L, Pizzini FB
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To verify the hypothesis that intravenous frusemide reduces endolymphatic hydrops, as evaluated by three-dimensional fluid-attenuated inversion recovery magnetic resonance imaging following intratympanic gadolinium administration.
METHODS: The study comprised 12 patients (7 females and 5 males, aged 19-74 years) with Ménière's disease. Disease duration ranged from 0.5 to 8 years, with a frequency of 0.5 to 6 vertigo spells per month, as calculated in the last 6 months. Three-dimensional fluid-attenuated inversion recovery magnetic resonance imaging was performed 24 hours after intratympanic injection of gadobutrol diluted eight-fold. Frusemide 20 mg was given intravenously immediately after imaging. Magnetic resonance imaging was repeated after 1 hour, using the same parameters and sequence.
RESULTS: All patients showed enhancement defects, indicating endolymphatic hydrops of variable degrees. No modifications occurred at the second magnetic resonance imaging performed 1 hour after frusemide administration.
CONCLUSION: There was no evidence of endolymphatic hydrops modification 1 hour after intravenously administered frusemide. Therefore, loop diuretics in Ménière's disease, which are today used on an empirical basis, must be reconsidered. Implications of these outcomes are discussed and related to the role of endolymphatic hydrops in the development of Ménière's disease.
PMID: 26763125 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
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T2-prepared velocity selective labelling: A novel idea for full-brain mapping of oxygen saturation
Source:NeuroImage, Volume 139
Author(s): Thomas Alderliesten, Jill B. De Vis, Petra M.A. Lemmers, Frank van Bel, Manon J.N.L. Benders, Jeroen Hendrikse, Esben T. Petersen
Background and aimDisturbances in cerebral oxygenation saturation (SO2) have been linked to adverse outcome in adults, children, and neonates. In intensive care, the cerebral SO2 is increasingly being monitored by Near-InfraRed Spectroscopy (NIRS). Unfortunately NIRS has a limited penetration depth. The "modified T2-prepared Blood Imaging of Oxygen Saturation" (T2-BIOS) MR sequence provides a step towards full brain SO2 measurement.Materials and methodsTissue SO2, and venous SO2 (SvO2) were obtained simultaneously by T2-BIOS during a respiratory challenge in ten healthy volunteers. These two measures were compared to SO2 that was obtained by a single probe MR-compatible NIRS setup, and to cerebral blood flow and venous SO2 that were obtained by arterial spin labelling and T2-TRIR, respectively.ResultsSO2-T2-BIOS and SO2-NIRS had a mean bias of −4.0% (95% CI −21.3% to 13.3%). SvO2-T2-BIOS correlated with SO2-NIRS (R2=0.41, p=0.002) and SvO2-T2-TRIR (R2=0.87, p=0.002). In addition, SO2-NIRS correlated with SvO2-T2-TRIR (R2=0.85, p=0.003) Frontal cerebral blood flow correlated with SO2-T2-BIOS (R2=0.21, p=0.04), but was not significant in relation to SO2-NIRS.Discussion/conclusionFull brain SO2 assessment by any technique may help validating NIRS and may prove useful in guiding the clinical management of patient populations with cerebral injury following hypoxic-ischaemic events. The agreement between NIRS and T2-BIOS provides confidence in measuring cerebral SO2 by either technique. As it stands now, the T2-BIOS represents a novel idea and future work will focus on improvements to make it a reliable tool for SO2 assessment.
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