OBJECTIVE: To determine the antimicrobial susceptibility of common respiratory tract pathogens from sheep and goats. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SAMPLE POPULATION: 41 respiratory tract isolates from sheep and 36 isolates from goats. PROCEDURES: Disk diffusion assay was used to determine antimicrobial susceptibility of isolates to amoxicillin-clavulanic acid, ceftiofur, ciprofloxacin, florfenicol, and tetracycline. Minimum inhibitory concentrations of florfenicol for these isolates were determined by use of the microbroth dilution technique. RESULTS: The most common isolates were Pasteurella multocida (n = 28) and Mannheimia haemolytica (39). All isolates were susceptible to amoxicillin-clavulanic acid, ceftiofur, ciprofloxacin, and florfenicol. Five percent (4/77) of isolates were resistant to tetracycline. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Susceptibility of respiratory tract pathogens isolated from sheep and goats to commonly used antimicrobial drugs in this study was high. Treatment of these species for bacterial respiratory tract disease is likely not complicated by antimicrobial resistance
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Medicine by Alexandros G.Sfakianakis,Anapafseos 5 Agios Nikolaos,Crete 72100,Greece,tel :00302841026182 & 00306932607174
Τρίτη 28 Ιουνίου 2016
Antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of respiratory tract pathogens from sheep and goats
Tracking how bacteria threaten newborns
For years, researchers have struggled to get a handle on Group B streptococcus (GBS), in the hopes of improving neonatal outcomes. GBS are a bacteria commonly found in the vagina, rectum, and urinary tract of women. In healthy women, the bacteria are commensal, simply living without causing dise...
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Cross-respiration Between Oral Bacteria Leads to Worse Infections
Washington, D.C.—June 28, 2016—Researchers determined that two bacterial species commonly found in the human mouth and in abscesses, cooperate to make the pathogenic bacterium, Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, more infectious. Key to the cooperation is that the harmless partner provides th...
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Researchers Identify New Strategy for Decreasing Neonatal Mortality
Researchers have discovered how the bacteria Group B streptococcus (GBS) avoids detection by the immune system during pregnancy. The findings, reported in the journal mBio, could lead to the development of new drugs and strategies for treating GBS infection, which is a leading cause of neonatal ...
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Variables associated with communicative participation in Parkinson's disease and its relationship to measures of health-related quality-of-life.
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Variables associated with communicative participation in Parkinson's disease and its relationship to measures of health-related quality-of-life.
Int J Speech Lang Pathol. 2016 Jun 27;:1-11
Authors: McAuliffe MJ, Baylor CR, Yorkston KM
Abstract
PURPOSE: Communication disorders associated with Parkinson's disease (PD) often lead to restricted participation in life roles, yet there is a limited understanding of influencing factors and few quantitative measurement tools available. This study aimed to identify variables associated with communicative participation in PD and to examine the relationship between the Communicative Participation Item Bank (CPIB) and existing health-related quality-of-life (HRQoL) measures.
METHOD: Self-report data from 378 participants with PD from the US and New Zealand were analysed. Data included responses to the CPIB, PD Questionnaire-8, sub-scales of the Global Health instrument from the Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) and additional self-report instruments.
RESULT: Greater perceived speech disorder, lower levels of speech usage, fatigue, cognitive and emotional problems and swallowing difficulties were associated with lower levels of communicative participation. Participants' age significantly influenced findings, interacting with country of residence, sex and speech usage. Scores on the CPIB were moderately correlated with HRQoL measures.
CONCLUSION: Communicative participation in PD is complex and influenced by both demographic and disease-based variables, necessitating a broader view of the communicative experiences of those with PD. Measurement of communicative participation as a separate construct to existing HRQoL measures is recommended.
PMID: 27347713 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
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The Neural Cell Adhesion Molecule-Derived (NCAM)-Peptide FG Loop (FGL) Mobilizes Endogenous Neural Stem Cells and Promotes Endogenous Regenerative Capacity after Stroke
Abstract
The neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM)-derived peptide FG loop (FGL) modulates synaptogenesis, neurogenesis, and stem cell proliferation, enhances cognitive capacities, and conveys neuroprotection after stroke. Here we investigated the effect of subcutaneously injected FGL on cellular compartments affected by degeneration and regeneration after stroke due to middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO), namely endogenous neural stem cells (NSC), oligodendrocytes, and microglia. In addition to immunohistochemistry, we used non-invasive positron emission tomography (PET) imaging with the tracer [18F]-fluoro-L-thymidine ([18F]FLT) to visualize endogenous NSC in vivo. FGL significantly increased endogenous NSC mobilization in the neurogenic niches as evidenced by in vivo and ex vivo methods, and it induced remyelination. Moreover, FGL affected neuroinflammation. Extending previous in vitro results, our data show that the NCAM mimetic peptide FGL mobilizes endogenous NSC after focal ischemia and enhances regeneration by amplifying remyelination and modulating neuroinflammation via affecting microglia. Results suggest FGL as a promising candidate to promote recovery after stroke.
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Neuropharmacologic Approaches to Restore the Brain’s Microenvironment
Abstract
Maintaining the central nervous system microenvironment after injury, infection, inflammatory and degenerative diseases is contingent upon adequate control of glial homeostatic functions. Disease is caused by microbial, environmental and endogenous factors that compromise ongoing nervous system functions. The final result is neuronal injury, dropout and nerve connection loss, and these underlie the pathobiology of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, stroke, and bacterial, parasitic and viral infections. However, what promotes disease are homeostatic changes in the brain's microenvironment affected by innate glial immune pro-inflammatory and adaptive immune responses. These events disturb the brain's metabolic activities and communication abilities. How the process affects the brain's regulatory functions that can be harnessed for therapeutic gain is the subject at hand. Specific examples are provided that serve to modulate inflammation and improve disease outcomes specifically for HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders.
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Phenomenological approach to describe oscillatory growth or decay in different dynamical systems
Abstract
The approach of the phenomenological universalities of growth is considered to describe the behaviour of a system showing an oscillatory growth. Two phenomenological classes are proposed to consider the oscillatory behaviour of a system. One of them is showing oscillatory nature with constant amplitude and the other represents oscillatory nature with a change in amplitude. The term responsible for decay (or growth) in amplitude in the proposed class is also been identified. The variations in the nature of oscillation with the dependent parameters are studied in this communication. In this connection, the variation of a specific growth rate is also been considered. The significance of the presence and the absence of each term involved in the phenomenological description are also taken into consideration. These proposed classes might be useful for the experimentalists to extract a characteristic feature from the data set and to develop a suitable model consistent with their data set.
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Association of High-Resolution Manometry Metrics with the Symptoms of Achalasia and the Symptomatic Outcomes of Peroral Esophageal Myotomy.
  | Related Articles |
Association of High-Resolution Manometry Metrics with the Symptoms of Achalasia and the Symptomatic Outcomes of Peroral Esophageal Myotomy.
PLoS One. 2015;10(9):e0139385
Authors: Tang Y, Xie C, Wang M, Jiang L, Shi R, Lin L
Abstract
BACKGROUND: High-resolution manometry (HRM) has improved the accuracy of manometry in detecting achalasia and has helped distinguish between clinically relevant subtypes. This study investigated whether HRM metrics correlate with the achalasia symptoms and symptomatic outcomes of peroral esophageal myotomy (POEM).
METHODS: Of the 30 patients who were enrolled, 25 were treated with POEM, 12 of who underwent HRM after 3 months. All the patients completed the Eckardt score questionnaires, and those who underwent POEM were followed up for about 6 months. Pearson correlation was used to assess the relationship between the HRM metrics and symptoms and outcomes.
KEY RESULTS: The integrated relaxation pressure (IRP) score positively correlated with the total Eckardt score, regurgitation score and weight loss score in all the patients, and with the weight loss score in type I achalasia. In 25 patients (10 patients, type I; 15 patients, type II) who underwent POEM, the total Eckardt scores and individual symptom scores significantly decreased after surgery. Changes in the Eckardt scores were similar between type I and type II. Further, the Eckardt scores and weight loss score changes were positively correlated with baseline IRP. Twelve patients (4 patients, type I; 8 patients, type II) underwent HRM again after POEM. IRP changed significantly after POEM, as did the DEP in type II. The IRP changes after POEM were positively correlated with the Eckardt score changes.
CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES: IRP is correlated with the symptoms and outcomes of achalasia patients. Thus, HRM is effective for assessing the severity of achalasia and can predict the efficacy of POEM.
PMID: 26421919 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
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Caffeine toxicity in forensic practice: possible effects and under-appreciated sources
Abstract
Caffeine is considered a very safe stimulant and is widely consumed in a variety of forms, from pure caffeine to beverages and foods. Typically, death is only seen when gram quantities of caffeine are consumed, usually in suicide attempts. Even in this scenario, death is rare. However, there are special populations that need to be considered in forensic presentations, who may be at greater risk. These include poor metabolizers, people with liver disease, and people with cardiac conditions, who can die as a result of caffeine intake at levels well below what is ordinarily considered toxic. Also, caffeine intake may be hidden. For example, herbal medicines with substantial caffeine content may not disclose these concentrations on their product label. The role of caffeine in medicolegal deaths is yet to be defined, however, herbal medicines and herbal weight loss supplements may represent an underappreciated source of caffeine in this context.
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Can postmortem computed tomography detect antemortem hypoxic–ischemic encephalopathy?
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of brain postmortem computed tomography (PMCT) findings for the detection of global hypoxia or hypoperfusion leading to hypoxic–ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) prior to death. Cadavers of individuals who died from non-traumatic causes were subjected to PMCT and pathological autopsy. Cases with an episode of cardiopulmonary arrest, hypoxia, or hypoperfusion that required intensive respiratory management at least 24 h before death and exhibited findings of HIE in conventional autopsy (HIE group, n = 6) were compared with those without such episodes prior to death (control group; overall, n = 37; age-matched, n = 8) with regard to four parameters: (1) width of the central sulcus (CS), (2) attenuation difference at the basal ganglia (BG) level, (3) attenuation difference between cerebral gray matter (GM) and cerebral white matter (WM), and (4) attenuation difference between cerebellar GM and cerebral GM. The results revealed significant differences in the width of the CS (P < 0.001), attenuation difference at the BG level (P < 0.001), and attenuation difference between cerebral GM and cerebral WM (P = 0.009) between the HIE group and the overall control group. When the age-matched control group and the HIE group were compared, there was a significant difference in the width of the CS (P = 0.026) and attenuation difference at the BG level (P < 0.001). Our results suggest that effacement of the sulcus of the cerebral hemisphere and the loss of contrast at the BG level on brain PMCT indicate the existence of HIE prior to death.
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Reproducibility measurement of glutathione, GABA, and glutamate: Towards in vivo neurochemical profiling of multiple sclerosis with MR spectroscopy at 7T
Purpose
To determine the reproducibility of a comprehensive single-session measurement of glutathione (GSH), γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), glutamate, and other biochemicals implicated in the pathophysiology of multiple sclerosis (MS) in the human brain with 1H magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS).
Materials and Methods
Five healthy subjects were studied twice in separate 1-hour sessions at 7T. One MS patient was also scanned once. GSH and GABA were measured with J-difference editing using a semilocalized by adiabatic selective refocusing sequence (semi-LASER, TE = 72 msec). A stimulated echo acquisition mode sequence (STEAM, TE = 10 msec) was used to detect glutamate along with the overall biochemical profile. Spectra were quantified with LCModel. Quantification accuracy was assessed through Cramer-Rao lower bounds (CRLB). Reproducibility of the metabolite quantification was tested using coefficients of variation (CoV).
Results
CRLB were ≤7% for GSH, GABA, and glutamate and average CoV of 7.8 ± 3.2%, 9.5 ± 7.0%, and 3.2 ± 1.7% were achieved, respectively. The average test/retest concentration differences at this measurement reproducibility and quantification accuracy were smaller for GABA and glutamate than intersubject variations in metabolite content with CoV ratios of 0.6 and 0.8, respectively. As proof of principle, GSH, GABA, and glutamate were also detected in an MS patient.
Conclusion
GSH, GABA, glutamate, and other metabolites relevant in MS can be quantified at 7T with high accuracy and reproducibility in a single 1-hour session. This methodology might serve as a clinical research tool to investigate biochemical markers associated with MS. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2016.
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Uncovering the acoustic vowel space of a previously undescribed language: The vowels of Nambo
This study presents the first acoustic description of the vowel space of a Papuan language—Nambo, spoken in southern Papua New Guinea—based on duration and first and second formant measurements from 19 adult male and female speakers across three age groups (young, middle-aged, senior). Phonemically, Nambo has six full vowels /i, e, æ, ɑ, o, u/ and a reduced vowel tentatively labeled /ə/. Unlike the full vowels, the quality of /ə/ showed great variation: seniors' and young females' realizations tended to be more open and retracted than those by young males, while middle-aged speakers' productions fell between these two variants.
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Intra- and interspecies effects of outer membrane vesicles from Stenotrophomonas maltophilia on β-lactam resistance
The treatment of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia infection with beta-lactam antibiotics leads to increased release of outer membrane vesicles (OMVs), which are packed with two chromosomally encoded beta-lactamases. Here, we show that these beta-lactamase-packed OMVs are capable of establishing extracellular beta-lactam degradation. We also show that they dramatically increase the apparent MICs of imipenem and ticarcillin for the cohabituating species Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Burkholderia cenocepacia.
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Comment on the publication of Hansson, Halling and Fangerau with the title 'The Nobel Prize and Otolaryngology: "Papa Gunnar's" promotion of his peers Gustav Killian and Themistocles Gluck'.
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Comment on the publication of Hansson, Halling and Fangerau with the title 'The Nobel Prize and Otolaryngology: "Papa Gunnar's" promotion of his peers Gustav Killian and Themistocles Gluck'.
Acta Otolaryngol. 2016 Jun 27;:1
Authors: Folz BJ
PMID: 27348338 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
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The expression of cancerous inhibitor protein phosphatase 2A in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps.
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The expression of cancerous inhibitor protein phosphatase 2A in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps.
Acta Otolaryngol. 2016 Jun 27;:1-7
Authors: Terna E, Luukkainen A, Seppälä M, Renkonen R, Huhtala H, Tommola S, Paavonen T, Kauppi P, Tynninen O, Jeskanen L, Toppila-Salmi S
Abstract
CONCLUSION: The study suggests that cancerous inhibitor of protein phosphatase 2A (CIP2A) expression and eosinophilia associate with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps with aspirin exacerbated respiratory disease (CRSwNP + AERD). Further studies with a larger sample size are needed to evaluate further the role of CIP2A and related pathways in CRSwNP + AERD.
OBJECTIVES: Low prostaglandin E2 levels putatively associate with CRSwNP + AERD and decreased c-Myc levels. The aim of this study was to evaluate the expression and revision-predictive role of oncoprotein CIP2A, another c-Myc modulator, in CRSwNP with/without AERD, and in antrochoanal polyps.
METHOD: Ninety retrospective archival objective glasses of nasal polyp tissue from CRSwNP or ACP patients were used for assessing mucosal eosinophilia. Of this population, 90 archival nasal polyp specimens were available for immunohistochemical staining with a polyclonal anti-CIP2A antibody, together with 19 control nasal mucosa specimens. CIP2A staining intensity and tissue eosinophilia were assessed by two blinded observers with a light microscope. Subject characteristics from 90 patients and 19 controls were obtained from patient records and additionally by a questionnaire from controls. The follow-up data was available from patient records of 84 patients and 16 controls.
RESULTS: The expression of epithelial CIP2A was detected both in control inferior turbinate mucosa and nasal polyps. The expression was significantly lower in the CRSwNP + AERD group compared to controls and CRSwNP without AERD (p < 0.01). High mucosal eosinophilia associated with CRSwNP (p < 0.01). Neither CIP2A nor eosinophilia predicted the need for revision surgery (p > 0.05), whereas previous surgery, allergic rhinitis, and use of corticosteroids did predict the need for revision surgery (p < 0.05).
PMID: 27348236 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
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Is dehydration test using isosorbide useful in Meniere's disease?
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Is dehydration test using isosorbide useful in Meniere's disease?
Acta Otolaryngol. 2016 Jun 27;:1-3
Authors: Lee JD, Kim HJ, Jung J, Kim SH, Kim BG, Kim KS
Abstract
CONCLUSION: The dehydration test using isosorbide is well tolerated when used to detect endolymphatic hydrops and may also be used to improve the sensitivity of ECoG performed on patients with MD, especially in poor hearing at low-frequency.
OBJECTIVE: This prospective study was to explore the diagnostic utility of a dehydration test, administering oral isosorbide, which has been used to treat Meniere's disease (MD).
METHOD: Electrocochleography (ECoG) and the dehydration test with isosorbide were performed on 32 patients diagnosed with definite diagnosed MD. Isosorbide (120 mL) was orally administered after baseline audiometric testing, and the testing was repeated 3 h later. The dehydration test was considered positive when improvements in hearing thresholds of 10 dB or more were evident at two or more frequencies, or the speech discrimination score increased by 12% or more. An abnormal ECoG finding was defined as an SP/AP (summating potential/action potential) ratio ≥0.4.
RESULTS: The dehydration test using isosorbide was positive in 10 of 32 patients (31.3%). The test was not associated with development of any serious side-effect. Abnormal ECoG findings were noted in 14 of 32 patients (43.8%). When endolymphatic hydrops was defined as an abnormal ECoG or a positive dehydration test, the condition was detected in 21 of 32 patients (65.6%). The positive result in dehydration test was significantly higher in patients with above moderate hearing loss at low-frequency.
PMID: 27348133 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
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Boutonnière Deformity Following Volar Proximal Interphalangeal Joint Dislocation.
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Boutonnière Deformity Following Volar Proximal Interphalangeal Joint Dislocation.
Eplasty. 2016;16:ic25
Authors: Sood A, Kotamarti VS, Granick MS
PMID: 27347279 [PubMed]
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Molecular identification of miR-145 and miR-9 expression level as prognostic biomarkers for early stage cervical cancer detection.
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Molecular identification of miR-145 and miR-9 expression level as prognostic biomarkers for early stage cervical cancer detection.
QJM. 2016 Jun 26;
Authors: Azizmohammadi S, Safari A, Azizmohammadi S, Kaghazian M, Sadrkhanlo M, Yahaghi E, Farshgar R, Seifoleslami M
Abstract
BACKGROUND: MiRNAs may act as carcinogen or tumor suppressor genes by targeting various biological molecules. Therefore, it is important to identify significant markers for prognosis, diagnosis treatment strategies of cancers.
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical importance and prognostic value of miR-9 and miR-145 in cervical cancer.
METHOD: MiRNAs expression was detected using quantitative real-time PCR in cervical cancer specimens and adjacent normal tissues.
RESULTS: MiR-9 upregulated in cervical cancer specimens than adjacent normal tissues (9.743 ± 2.172vs. 2.131 ± 1.083; p<0.05). MiR-145 was decreased in cervical cancer specimens compared to corresponding normal tissues (2.189 ± 0. 724 vs. 7.173 ± 1.558 p<0.05). In addition increased expression of miR-9 were strongly linked to lymph node metastasis (P= 0.017), and vascular invasion (P= 0.011). On the other hand, the low expression of miR-145 was related to advanced FIGO stage (P= 0.007), lymph node metastasis (P= 0.02), and vascular invasion (0.026). Kaplan-Meier survival and log-rank analysis suggested that patients with high expression of miR-9 had shorter overall survival compared with those with low expression (log-rank test P= 0.028; P<0.001). In addition, shorter overall survival time was remarkably linked to decreased expression of miR-145 (log-rank test P<0.001). Multivariate Cox proportional hazards model analysis of miR-9 and miR-145 showed that FIGO stage (P= 0.011), high expression of miR-9 and low expression of miR-145 (P=0.023; P= 0.031) were independent prognostic factors for overall survival of patients.
CONCLUSIONS: MicroRNA-145 and 9 may be as potential prognostic marker in patients suffering from cervical cancer.
PMID: 27345415 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
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Hepatic Portal Venous Gas in Anorexia Nervosa.
| Related Articles |
Hepatic Portal Venous Gas in Anorexia Nervosa.
QJM. 2016 Jun 26;
Authors: Wu D, Guan H
PMID: 27345414 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
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Comparison and outcome analysis of patients with apical and non-apical takotsubo cardiomyopathy.
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Comparison and outcome analysis of patients with apical and non-apical takotsubo cardiomyopathy.
QJM. 2016 Jun 24;
Authors: El-Battrawy I, Behnes M, Ansari U, Hillenbrand D, Haghi D, Hoffmann U, Papavassiliu T, Elmas E, Fastner C, Becher T, Baumann S, Dösch C, Heggemann F, Kuschyk J, Borggrefe M, Akin I
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TTC) is a relevant differential diagnosis in patients presenting with signs of an acute coronary syndrome. Although recent literature has highlighted some salient features of this disorder, there has been little information elucidating the differences in clinical features, electrocardiographic findings, echocardiographic data and TTC-related complications associated with the different variants of TTC.
METHODS AND RESULTS: Our institutional database constituted a collective of 114 patients diagnosed with TTC between 2003 and 2015 and these patients were subsequently divided into two groups based on the presence (n = 82, 72%) or absence (n = 32, 28%) of the apical form of TTC. The protocol for our proposed study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the University Medical Centre in Mannheim. It was noticed that the patients presenting with the apical form of TTC belonged to an older age group as compared to those presenting with the non-apical form (61.1 ± 8.9 years vs. 69.5 ± 11.2; P < 0.01). The QTc interval prolongation at index-event was observed to be quantifiably greater in the 'apical variant' patients group (484.8 ± 57 ms vs. 464 ± 34.1 ms; P = 0.06). With respect to cardiovascular risk factors, patients with arterial hypertension did have a higher predilection to present with the apical form (63.4% vs. 43.7%; P = 0.06), however, the impact of smoking was less pronounced in this patient group (24.4% vs. 50%, P = 0.01). Furthermore, our study highlighted a significant impact on ejection fraction (EF), with a compromised left ventricular function (36 ± 9% vs. 42.4 ± 9.7%, P < 0.01) and greater involvement of the right ventricle in the apical variant patients group (23% vs. 3%, P = 0.04). Patients with the apical form also showed a greater tendency to develop TTC-related complications such as cardiogenic shock and required longer monitoring and care in comparison.
CONCLUSIONS: The apical and non-apical variants of TTC are manifestations of the same syndrome. They differ significantly, however, in their clinical presentation, related complications and prognosis.
PMID: 27341847 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
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Autologous but not Fibrin Sealant Patches for Stump Coverage Reduce Clinically Relevant Pancreatic Fistula in Distal Pancreatectomy: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.
| Related Articles |
Autologous but not Fibrin Sealant Patches for Stump Coverage Reduce Clinically Relevant Pancreatic Fistula in Distal Pancreatectomy: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.
World J Surg. 2016 Jun 24;
Authors: Weniger M, D'Haese JG, Crispin A, Angele MK, Werner J, Hartwig W
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) causes significant morbidity and mortality after distal pancreatectomy. Patch coverage of the pancreatic stump is often used with the intention to prevent POPF. Despite numerous investigations, the effects of patch coverage remain unclear. The present meta-analysis aims to clarify the effects of patch coverage in distal pancreatectomy on the incidence of POPF.
METHODS: A systematic search of MEDLINE/PubMed and the Cochrane Database according to the PRISMA Statement was performed. Subsequently a meta-analysis on rates and overall incidence of POPF and length of hospital stay was carried out. By applying the inverse variance weighting method, the combined effect size and 95 % confidence interval were calculated. Heterogeneity was assessed using I (2) statistics.
RESULTS: Five randomized controlled trials and six observational clinical studies were included for final analysis. A cumulative incidence of 43 % of POPF grades A-C was identified. Patch coverage in distal pancreatectomy is significantly associated with a decreased rate of POPF grade C (p = 0.006). Patches of autologous vascularized tissue significantly reduce the overall incidence of POPF (p = 0.04) and clinically relevant POPF grade B and C (p = 0.002). Fibrin sealant patches do not influence rates of POPF after distal pancreatectomy. None of the outcomes evaluated showed adverse results for the patch group.
CONCLUSIONS: Patch coverage after distal pancreatectomy can reduce the rate of POPF. Patch coverage with autologous vascularized tissue but not fibrin sealant patches may be used to reduce clinically relevant POPF and postoperative morbidity in distal pancreatectomy.
PMID: 27343014 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
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Comparative modeling of an in situ diffusion experiment in granite at the Grimsel Test Site.
 | Related Articles |
Comparative modeling of an in situ diffusion experiment in granite at the Grimsel Test Site.
J Contam Hydrol. 2015 Aug;179:89-101
Authors: Soler JM, Landa J, Havlova V, Tachi Y, Ebina T, Sardini P, Siitari-Kauppi M, Eikenberg J, Martin AJ
Abstract
An in situ diffusion experiment was performed at the Grimsel Test Site (Switzerland). Several tracers ((3)H as HTO, (22)Na(+), (134)Cs(+), (131)I(-) with stable I(-) as carrier) were continuously circulated through a packed-off borehole and the decrease in tracer concentrations in the liquid phase was monitored for a period of about 2years. Subsequently, the borehole section was overcored and the tracer profiles in the rock analyzed ((3)H, (22)Na(+), (134)Cs(+)). (3)H and (22)Na(+) showed a similar decrease in activity in the circulation system (slightly larger drop for (3)H). The drop in activity for (134)Cs(+) was much more pronounced. Transport distances in the rock were about 20cm for (3)H, 10cm for (22)Na(+), and 1cm for (134)Cs(+). The dataset (except for (131)I(-) because of complete decay at the end of the experiment) was analyzed with different diffusion-sorption models by different teams (IDAEA-CSIC, UJV-Rez, JAEA) using different codes, with the goal of obtaining effective diffusion coefficients (De) and porosity (ϕ) or rock capacity (α) values. From the activity measurements in the rock, it was observed that it was not possible to recover the full tracer activity in the rock (no activity balance when adding the activities in the rock and in the fluid circulation system). A Borehole Disturbed Zone (BDZ) had to be taken into account to fit the experimental observations. The extension of the BDZ (1-2mm) is about the same magnitude than the mean grain size of the quartz and feldspar grains. IDAEA-CSIC and UJV-Rez tried directly to match the results of the in situ experiment, without forcing any laboratory-based parameter values into the models. JAEA conducted a predictive modeling based on laboratory diffusion data and their scaling to in situ conditions. The results from the different codes have been compared, also with results from small-scale laboratory experiments. Outstanding issues to be resolved are the need for a very large capacity factor in the BDZ for (3)H and the difference between apparent diffusion coefficients (Da) from the in situ experiment and out-leaching laboratory tests.
PMID: 26074058 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
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Matrix diffusion and sorption of Cs+, Na+, I- and HTO in granodiorite: Laboratory-scale results and their extrapolation to the in situ condition.
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Matrix diffusion and sorption of Cs+, Na+, I- and HTO in granodiorite: Laboratory-scale results and their extrapolation to the in situ condition.
J Contam Hydrol. 2015 Aug;179:10-24
Authors: Tachi Y, Ebina T, Takeda C, Saito T, Takahashi H, Ohuchi Y, Martin AJ
Abstract
Matrix diffusion and sorption are important processes controlling radionuclide transport in crystalline rocks. Such processes are typically studied in the laboratory using borehole core samples however there is still much uncertainty on the changes to rock transport properties during coring and decompression. It is therefore important to show how such laboratory-based results compare with in situ conditions. This paper focuses on laboratory-scale mechanistic understanding and how this can be extrapolated to in situ conditions as part of the Long Term Diffusion (LTD) project at the Grimsel Test Site, Switzerland. Diffusion and sorption of (137)Cs(+), (22)Na(+), (125)I(-) and tritiated water (HTO) in Grimsel granodiorite were studied using through-diffusion and batch sorption experiments. Effective diffusivities (De) of these tracers showed typical cation excess and anion exclusion effects and their salinity dependence, although the extent of these effects varied due to the heterogeneous pore networks in the crystalline rock samples. Rock capacity factors (α) and distribution coefficients (Kd) for Cs(+) and Na(+) were found to be sensitive to porewater salinity. Through-diffusion experiments indicated dual depth profiles for Cs(+) and Na(+) which could be explained by a near-surface Kd increment. A microscopic analysis indicated that this is caused by high porosity and sorption capacities in disturbed biotite minerals on the surface of the samples. The Kd values derived from the dual profiles are likely to correspond to Kd dependence on the grain sizes of crushed samples in the batch sorption experiments. The results of the in situ LTD experiments were interpreted reasonably well by using transport parameters derived from laboratory data and extrapolating them to in situ conditions. These comparative experimental and modelling studies provided a way to extrapolate from laboratory scale to in situ condition. It is well known that the difference in porosity between laboratory and in situ conditions is a key factor to scale laboratory-derived De to in situ conditions. We also show that cation excess diffusion is likely to be a key mechanism in crystalline rocks and that high Kd in the disturbed surfaces is critically important to evaluate transport in both laboratory and in situ tests.
PMID: 26024950 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
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"Exp Ther Med"[jour]; +81 new citations
81 new pubmed citations were retrieved for your search. Click on the search hyperlink below to display the complete search results:
These pubmed results were generated on 2016/06/28
PubMed comprises more than 24 million citations for biomedical literature from MEDLINE, life science journals, and online books. Citations may include links to full-text content from PubMed Central and publisher web sites.
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Treatment strategies for frontal sinus anterior table fractures and contour deformities.
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Treatment strategies for frontal sinus anterior table fractures and contour deformities.
J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg. 2016 Jun 18;
Authors: Delaney SW
Abstract
Anterior table frontal sinus fractures can result in aesthetically displeasing contour deformities. Acute anterior table frontal sinus fractures that are depressed may be reduced with an open, closed, or endoscope-assisted approach. Delayed contour deformity camouflage can be achieved using bone grafts, titanium meshes, methyl methacrylate, hydroxyapatite cement, and polyether ether ketone implants. The selection of surgical approach to repair a frontal sinus contour deformity depends on the fracture severity, chronicity, complexity, patient comorbidities, and surgeon preference and experience. Advancement in endoscopic technology and expertise has created a paradigm shift toward a less invasive approach to the frontal region, with considerably less morbidity than conventional open techniques.
PMID: 27345471 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
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Antitragicus muscle resection: A key to correction of prominent lobules.
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Antitragicus muscle resection: A key to correction of prominent lobules.
J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg. 2016 Jun 17;
Authors: Morioka D, Utsunomiya H, Kusano T, Muramatsu H, Ohkubo F
Abstract
The antitragicus muscle arises from the outer part of the antitragicus cartilage, and inserts into the helical tail and antihelix. Overdevelopment or malpositioning of the antitragicus muscle exerts an anterior pull on the helical tail, and it can cause prominent lobules. We attempted prominent lobule correction using antitragicus muscle resection and helical tail setback in combination with a Mustarde or Furnas suture technique. Seventeen children with prominent lobules underwent this technique, and all had satisfactory outcomes. Resection of the antitragicus muscle is minimally invasive and easy to perform. This procedure is a key to successful lobular setback.
PMID: 27345469 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
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Re: Basal cell carcinomata: Risk factors for incomplete excision and results of re-excision.
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Re: Basal cell carcinomata: Risk factors for incomplete excision and results of re-excision.
J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg. 2016 Jun 16;
Authors: Robinson AJ, Walsh M, Hill C
PMID: 27345470 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
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Evidence for miR-17-92 and miR-134 gene cluster regulation of ovarian cancer drug resistance
OBJECTIVE: Ovarian cancer treatments are often impeded by drug resistance. It has been proposed that microRNA (miRNA) expression patterns may play a role in drug resistance among ovarian cancers. The present study investigated the relationship between resistance to the cancer drug paclitaxel and miRNA expression.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: We compared the expression patterns of miRNA genes in paclitaxel-sensitive (SKOV3) and paclitaxel-resistant (SKOV3-TR30) cell lines.
RESULTS: Expression of the miR-134 gene cluster was found to be significantly lower in the paclitaxel-resistant cell line than in the paclitaxel-sensitive cell line, while the expression of the miR-17-92 gene cluster was significantly higher in the paclitaxel-resistant cells. An analysis of miRNA target gene protein expression revealed that several targets of miR-17-92 were significantly altered between the two cell types.
CONCLUSIONS: The higher expression of miR-17-92 and lower expression of mi-134 and the associated alterations of target gene expression may be associated with the drug-resistant nature of some ovarian cancers.
L'articolo Evidence for miR-17-92 and miR-134 gene cluster regulation of ovarian cancer drug resistance sembra essere il primo su European Review.
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An update on clinical applications of hepatospecific contrast media in magnetic resonance imaging of liver parenchyma
Hepatobiliary-specific contrast agents are now widely used in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of liver parenchyma. As extracellular fluid agents, they provide informations regarding lesion vascularity and their use in the hepatobiliary or delayed phase (DPI), and give additional data regarding hepatocyte presence and function. The aim of this article is to review the recent literature about MRI using hepatobiliary-specific contrast agents and to discuss benefits and limits of their clinical applications.
Since November 2008, hepatobiliary contrast agents were routinely employed in our Institution for the characterization of equivocal liver lesions detected by other imaging modalities, and for the evaluation of hepatic nodules in liver cirrhosis.
The informations provided are particularly relevant for the detection of metastases, for the differentiation between focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH) and hepatocellular adenoma (HCA), and for the detection and differentiation between dysplastic nodules (DNs) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in the cirrhotic liver. The role in the cirrhosis grading and the quantification of liver function is still controversial. Finally, their biliary excretion allows evaluation of anatomy and function of the biliary tree.
According to our and reported data, hepatobiliary contrast agents are able to improve liver lesions detection and characterization; their introduction in clinical practice has improved MRI diagnostic efficacy/accuracy, allowing to decrease the number of invasive diagnostic procedures.
L'articolo An update on clinical applications of hepatospecific contrast media in magnetic resonance imaging of liver parenchyma sembra essere il primo su European Review.
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The use of damage control orthopaedics to minimize negative sequelae of surgery delay in elderly comorbid patients with hip fracture
Hip surgeries count to the most frequent orthopaedic operations in older patients. Nonelective surgeries for hip fractures cause substantial economic burden because of high costs of medical treatment and high associated mortality. Surgery for hip fracture in the elderly comorbid patient still presents a challenge to orthopaedic surgeons. It is recommended that this surgery is performed within 48 hours after sustaining the hip fracture to decrease mortality. Yet the recommended early surgery (i.e. 48 hours after the incident) is not always feasible due to the frequent overall frailty of the patients or conditions of concomitant disease. The care of patients unfit for early surgery has been not adequately addressed in the literature. We have previously introduced an algorithm based on ASA-PS and P-POSSUM scores to stratify elderly comorbid patients for early vs delayed hip surgery, and used principles of Damage Control Orthopaedics to minimized negative sequelae of surgery delay (Dong C et al., PLoS One 2016).
In this paper, we elaborate on Damage Control Orthopaedics and the proposed approach in the context of frequent comorbidities in the elderly orthopaedic patients. Further studies on this subject are urgently needed to establish international consensus on hip fracture surgery delayed due to overall patient frailty or extensive comorbidities.
L'articolo The use of damage control orthopaedics to minimize negative sequelae of surgery delay in elderly comorbid patients with hip fracture sembra essere il primo su European Review.
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Fibula extension and correction of foot and ankle deformity to rectify post-osteomyelitis talipes equinovarus in a young adult: a case report and literature review
OBJECTIVE: Talipes equinovarus is traditionally viewed in the literature as a congenital disease.
CASE REPORT: We present here a case of the acquired talipes equinovarus (clubfoot) in a young adult patient that has developed the following osteomyelitis.
RESULTS: We have successfully corrected this condition by fibula extension and correction of foot and ankle deformity, using external fixation device. The treatment period has extended over three years and involved two operations.
CONCLUSIONS: This case report will increase awareness of adult orthopedists on acquired talipes equinovarus and propose orthopedic reconstructive strategies to rectify this condition.
L'articolo Fibula extension and correction of foot and ankle deformity to rectify post-osteomyelitis talipes equinovarus in a young adult: a case report and literature review sembra essere il primo su European Review.
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Is vaginal fractional CO2 Laser treatment effective in improving overactive bladder symptoms in post-menopausal patients? Preliminary results
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the role of vaginal fractional CO2 laser treatment in the relief of Overactive Bladder (OAB) symptoms in post-menopausal women.
PATIENTS AND METHODS: Post-menopausal women who complained of one or more symptoms related to vulvo-vaginal atrophy (VVA), who experienced symptoms of OAB and who underwent vaginal treatment with fractional CO2 laser were enrolled in the study. At baseline (T0) and 30 days post-treatment T1), vaginal status (using Vaginal Health Index – VHI), subjective intensity of VVA symptoms (using a visual analog scale – VAS) and micturition diary were evaluated. OAB symptoms were also assessed using a validated questionnaire.
RESULTS: Thirty patients were enrolled. A statistically significant improvement in VVA symptoms was observed and in VHI at T1 (p < 0.0001). A significant improvement was also identified in the micturition diary, in number of urge episodes and OAB-q (p < 0.0001). Nine of the 30 patients suffered from incontinence episodes and had improved at T1.
CONCLUSIONS: We showed that fractionated CO2 laser vaginal treatment has proved to be effective in improving OAB symptoms in post-menopausal women. Moreover, it is a safe and efficacious measure for the relief of VVA related conditions. Further long-term studies are needed to confirm these preliminary results.
L'articolo Is vaginal fractional CO2 Laser treatment effective in improving overactive bladder symptoms in post-menopausal patients? Preliminary results sembra essere il primo su European Review.
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Epiregulin-loaded PLGA nanoparticles increase human keratinocytes proliferation: preliminary data
OBJECTIVE: Epiregulin is a member of the epidermal growth factor (EGF) family produced by keratinocytes: the aim of this study was to investigate the ability of biocompatible nanoparticles loaded with such growth factor to increase human keratinocytes proliferation.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: Different PLGA (Poly-d,l-lactide-co-glycolide)-nanoparticles (NPs) formulations have been characterized in size and zeta potential by dynamic light scattering (DLS) analysis. The ability of the different PLGA-NPs formulations to adhere onto dental surfaces has been tested, and epiregulin-enriched PLGA-NPs has been produced. Epiregulin release from NPs has been tested by enzyme-linked immunosorbent (ELISA) assay and the proliferative effects of epiregulin-NPs on human keratinocytes have been evaluated.
RESULTS: DLS analysis revealed a different size distribution depending on the PLA/PGA (poly lactic acid/poly glycolic acid) ratio used. 50:50 PLGA-NPs exhibited the smaller size and the best dental adhesive ability. Moreover, such epiregulin-loaded NPs was able to increase cell proliferation.
CONCLUSIONS: Direct dental pocket drug delivery implies the NPs solution loading onto the dental surface at the cement-enamel junction level: 50:50 PLGA-NPs, with their small size and excellent adhesive ability, represent an interesting tool to deliver epiregulin directly where there is the need for epithelial proliferation. These results describe a possible strategy for periodontal pocket delivery of Epiregulin-loaded PLGA-NPs and might provide a new approach for the treatment of gingival recession, where gingival epithelium proliferation is needed.
L'articolo Epiregulin-loaded PLGA nanoparticles increase human keratinocytes proliferation: preliminary data sembra essere il primo su European Review.
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Targeted Programming of the Lymph Node Environment Causes Evolution of Local and Systemic Immunity
Abstract
Biomaterial vaccines offer cargo protection, targeting, and co-delivery of signals to immune organs such as lymph nodes (LNs), tissues that coordinate adaptive immunity. Understanding how individual vaccine components impact immune response has been difficult owing to the systemic nature of delivery. Direct intra-lymph node (i.LN.) injection offers a unique opportunity to dissect how the doses, kinetics, and combinations of signals reaching LNs influence the LN environment. Here, i.LN. injection was used as a tool to study the local and systemic responses to vaccines comprised of soluble antigen and degradable polymer particles encapsulating toll-like receptor agonists as adjuvants. Microparticle vaccines increased antigen presenting cells and lymphocytes in LNs, enhancing activation of these cells. Enumeration of antigen-specific CD8+ T cells in blood revealed expansion over 7 days, followed by a contraction period over 1 month as memory developed. Extending this strategy to conserved mouse and human tumor antigens resulted in tumor antigen-specific primary and recall responses by CD8+ T cells. During challenge with an aggressive metastatic melanoma model, i.LN. delivery of depots slowed tumor growth more than a potent human vaccine adjuvant, demonstrating local treatment of a target immunological site can promote responses that are potent, systemic, and antigen-specific.
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Amplification of transcutaneous and percutaneous bone-conduction devices with a test-band in an induced model of conductive hearing loss
10.1080/14992027.2016.1193234<br/>Marn Joon Park
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Paediatric tinnitus: The unmet clinical need
10.1080/14992027.2016.1190467<br/>Rachel Humphriss
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Novel role of ASC as a regulator of metastatic phenotype
Abstract
Disorders of cytoskeletal remodeling and signal transduction are frequently involved in cancer progression. In particular, apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a caspase-recruitment domain (ASC) has been reported a proapoptotic molecule that is epigenetically silenced in several human cancers. ASC is a well-characterized adaptor protein involved in the formation of multiprotein oligomers, called inflammasomes, and plays a crucial role in the activation and secretion of interleukin-1β and interleukin-18 in innate immune cells. However, the function of ASC in the regulation of tumor progression remains elusive. The present investigation examined the involvement of ASC in cancer progression and the acquisition of metastatic ability. To determine the effect of ASC depletion in in vitro and in vivo model systems, ASC was stably knocked down in B16 murine melanoma cell lines using retroviral transduction of shRNA. ASC suppression increased the motility of B16BL6 cells in scratch assays and augmented invasiveness as assessed by a Matrigel-coated transwell system. Invadopodia formation and Src phosphorylation level were markedly enhanced in ASC-knockdown cells as well. Since caspase-8 has been reported to enhance cellular migration by Tyr380 phosphorylation via Src, we examined Tyr380 phosphorylation of caspase-8 in ASC-knockdown cells and found it to be elevated in ASC-knockdown cells but attenuated by z-VAD-fmk or z-IETD-fmk. Moreover, ASC ablation increased pulmonary metastasis in mice after intravenous injection of B16BL6 cells. Our cumulative findings indicate that ASC suppresses cancer metastasis and progression via the modulation of cytoskeletal remodeling and the Src-caspase-8 signaling pathway.
This study proposes the novel concept of a contribution of ASC to cancer metastatic phenotype and progression in murine model systems. Although increasing evidence has linked epigenetic ASC suppression to a poor prognostic tendency in human cancers, this relationship remains poorly understood. We herein present multiple lines of evidence demonstrating how a reduction in ASC by RNA interference enhances cellular motility and invadopodia formation in a B16BL6 melanoma cell line via the Src signaling pathway.
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Prognostic significance of sarcopenia in upper tract urothelial carcinoma patients treated with radical nephroureterectomy
Abstract
We investigated the prognostic significance of sarcopenia in upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) patients treated with radical nephroureterectomy (RNU). The skeletal muscle index (SMI) was calculated from computed tomography images. Sarcopenia was defined as SMI <43 cm2/m2 for males with body mass index <25 kg/m2, <53 cm2/m2 for males with BMI ≥25 kg/m2, and <41 cm2/m2 for females. Associations of sarcopenia with cancer-specific survival (CSS) and overall survival (OS) were evaluated in 81 consecutive UTUC patients who underwent RNU. Forty-seven (58%) out of 81 patients had sarcopenia. Multivariate analyses identified sarcopenia as a significant and independent poor prognostic factor for both CSS (hazard ratio [HR] 8.58, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.63–158.1, P = 0.008) and OS (HR 6.05, 95%CI 2.00–26.21, P < 0.001). In patients with locally advanced disease (pT3/4 or pN+), those with sarcopenia showed significantly worse CSS and OS than those without (5-year CSS rate 55% vs. 100%, P = 0.014; 5-year OS rate 40% vs. 86%, P = 0.007). In contrast, no prognostic difference was observed between patients with and without sarcopenia in those with organ-confined disease (pTa-2pN0/x). Sarcopenia is an independent poor prognostic factor for UTUC patients treated with RNU, particularly for those with locally advanced disease.
Sarcopenia is an independent poor prognostic factor for upper tract urothelial carcinoma patients treated with radical nephroureterectomy, particularly for those with locally advanced disease. Thus, sarcopenia may be helpful in counseling patients on their personalized risk to determine therapeutic strategies.
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Pretreatment serum lactate dehydrogenase is an independent prognostic factor for patients receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy for locally advanced cervical cancer
Abstract
For locally advanced cervical cancer (LACC), hypoxia is a characteristic property. This study aimed to investigate whether baseline lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) level, which is a marker of hypoxia, had clinical value in determining neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) response and prognosis for LACC patients. The study cohort included 418 patients with a median follow-up of 37.5 months. Cox proportional hazards models were used to assess the prognostic value of baseline LDH levels. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify independent predictors of complete response after NACT. Backward stepwise selection with the Akaike information criterion was used to identify factors that could be entered into the multivariate regression model. Compared with patients with LDH levels <252.0 μ/L, patients with LDH levels ≥252.0 μ/L were more likely to have an elevated level of squamous cell carcinoma antigen, lymphatic vascular space involvement, lymph node metastasis, and positive parametrium and achieved lower complete remission rates. Baseline LDH levels ≥252.0 μ/L was an independent prognosticator for recurrence-free survival (adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 3.56; 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.22–5.69; P < 0.0001) and cancer-specific survival (adjusted HR, 3.08; 95% CI, 1.89–5.01; P < 0.0001). The predictive value of baseline LDH value remained significant in the subgroup analysis. LDH level ≥252.0 μ/L was identified as an independent predictor of complete remission after NACT (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 0.29; 95% CI, 0.15–0.58; P < 0.0001). Baseline LDH ≥252.0 μ/L is an independent prognostic predictor for patients receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy for LACC. It helps distinguish patients with different prognosis and select patients who are more likely to benefit from NACT.
Baseline LDH level is an independent prognosticator for patients with locally advanced cervical cancer (LACC). For LACC patients, baseline LDH level is an independent predictor of complete remission after neoadjuvant chemotherapy. This is the first study evaluating the prognostic value of LDH in LACC patients treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy.
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D-Dimer as a prognostic marker of morbidity and mortality among HIV patients: a call for attention
10.1080/23744235.2016.1201855<br/>Federico Aranda
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Anesthetic Management in a Gravida with Type IV Osteogenesis Imperfecta
Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is an inherited disorder of the connective tissues caused by abnormalities in collagen formation. OI may present many challenges to the anesthesiologist. A literature review reveals a wide range of implications, from basic positioning to management of the difficult airway. We present the anesthetic management of a 25-year-old gravid woman with OI, fetal demise, and possible uterine rupture, admitted for an exploratory laparotomy.
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Molecular events by which dendritic cells promote Th2 immune protection in helmith infection
10.1080/23744235.2016.1194529<br/>Patricia Méndez-Samperio
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The neuraminidase inhibitors evidence of harms – in context
Volume 48, Issue 9, September 2016, pages 661-662<br/>10.1080/23744235.2016.1189593<br/>Tom Jefferson
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