Extreme/'pathological' demand avoidance

O'Nions, E; Happé, F; Viding, E; (2016) Extreme/'pathological' demand avoidance. DECP Debate , 160 (In press). Green open access

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Narratives of Urban Resistance: The Community Land Trust

Engelsman, Udi; Rowe, Mike; Southern, Alan; (2016) Narratives of Urban Resistance: The Community Land Trust. Architecture_MPS , 9 (1) pp. 1-22. 10.14324/111.444.amps.2016v9i1.001 . Green open access

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Rendering the Social in the Architectural Scene: Digital Representation and Social Inclusion on Architectural Design, Thinking, and Education

McGrath, Brian; Hsueh, Cheng-Leun; Shan, Paul Chu Hoi; (2016) Rendering the Social in the Architectural Scene: Digital Representation and Social Inclusion on Architectural Design, Thinking, and Education. Architecture_MPS , 8 (4) pp. 1-16. 10.14324/111.444.amps.2016v8i4.001 . Green open access

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Empty Architecture and Empty Urbanism: the Remaking and Reframing on Contemporary Beijing

Fong, Ian Ho-yin; (2016) Empty Architecture and Empty Urbanism: the Remaking and Reframing on Contemporary Beijing. Architecture_MPS , 8 (3) pp. 1-12. 10.14324/111.444.amps.2016v8i3.001 . Green open access

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Citying in the Anthropocene

Jemtrud, Michael; Ragsdale, Keith; (2015) Citying in the Anthropocene. Architecture_MPS , 8 (2) pp. 1-15. 10.14324/111.444.amps.2015v8i2.000 . Green open access

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Phantasmagoria and the Architecture of the Contemporary City

Lahiji, Nadir; (2015) Phantasmagoria and the Architecture of the Contemporary City. Architecture_MPS , 7 (4) pp. 1-17. 10.14324/111.444.amps.2015v7i4.001 . Green open access

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Institutions and Investment in the South and East Asia and Pacific Region: Evidence from Meta-Analysis

Yerrabati, S; Hawkes, D; (2016) Institutions and Investment in the South and East Asia and Pacific Region: Evidence from Meta-Analysis. Economics , 10 , Article 2016-11. 10.5018/economics-ejournal.ja.2016-11 . Green open access

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Affordable Housing: An Economic Perspective

McDonald, John F.; (2015) Affordable Housing: An Economic Perspective. Architecture_MPS , 7 (3) pp. 1-16. 10.14324/111.444.amps.2015v7i3.001 . Green open access

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Special Edition Title: Affordable Housing: An Economic Perspective

Cairns, Robert (Ed). (2015) Special Edition Title: Affordable Housing: An Economic Perspective. [Whole issue]. Architecture_MPS , 7 (2). Green open access

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Museum of Light: The New Acropolis Museum and the Campaign to Repatriate the Elgin Marbles

Beresford, James M.; (2015) Museum of Light: The New Acropolis Museum and the Campaign to Repatriate the Elgin Marbles. Architecture_MPS , 7 (1) pp. 1-35. 10.14324/111.444.amps.2015v7i1.001 . Green open access

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Peer workers' perceptions and experiences of barriers to implementation of peer worker roles in mental health services: a literature review

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Preventive effects of electrical stimulation on inflammation-induced muscle mitochondrial dysfunction.

Preventive effects of electrical stimulation on inflammation-induced muscle mitochondrial dysfunction.

Acta Histochem. 2016 May 18;

Authors: Tanaka K, Tanaka M, Takegaki J, Fujino H

Abstract
Cachexia is a complex metabolic syndrome associated with underlying chronic diseases and is characterized by the overexpression of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), which impair muscle oxidative metabolism. We hypothesized that electrical stimulation (ES) would prevent decrement in muscle oxidative metabolism by suppressing the phosphorylation of p38 MAPK, a critical regulator of inflammatory response. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to verify the effects of ES on inflammatory-induced decrement of oxidative metabolism in mice tibialis anterior muscles. ICR mice were randomly divided into three groups: control, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) injection for 4days, and LPS injection plus ES (LPS+ES). Cachexia was induced in the animals in the LPS groups via LPS injection (10mg/kg body weight/day, i.p.) during the intervention period. The animals in the LPS+ES group were stimulated electrically (carrier frequency, 2500Hz; modulation frequency, 100Hz; duration, 240s/day; type of contraction, isometric) during the intervention period. LPS injection resulted in decreased body and muscle wet weight and increased expression of TNF-α in plasma and skeletal muscle. In addition, LPS injection decreased indicators of mitochondrial function such as succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) and citrate synthase (CS) activity as well as the expression of PGC-1ɑ, and increased the phosphorylation of p38 MAPK. On the other hand, the intervention of ES attenuated the changes in muscle wet weight, SDH activity, CS activity, p38 MAPK, and PGC-1ɑ. These results suggest that ES could prevent decrement in muscle oxidative metabolism induced by pro-inflammatory cytokines in cachexia.

PMID: 27209425 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Scientific Achievements May Not Reach Everyone: Understanding Disparities in Acute Leukemia.

Scientific Achievements May Not Reach Everyone: Understanding Disparities in Acute Leukemia.

Curr Hematol Malig Rep. 2016 May 21;

Authors: Patel MI

Abstract
Over the past decade, scientific advancements have resulted in improved survival from acute leukemia. Continued advancements are expected given the attention to precision medicine and the resulting growth in development and adoption of risk-stratified, personalized therapies. While precision medicine has great potential to improve acute leukemia outcomes, there remain significant barriers to ensuring equitable access to these technologies and receipt of these prescribed targeted, personalized therapies. Over the past 3 years, studies report persistent outcome disparities among patients from specific racial and ethnic backgrounds, insurance and socioeconomic status, and other socio-demographic factors after a diagnosis of acute leukemia. A few recent studies examine etiologies for acute leukemia disparities and highlight the importance of ensuring access and equitable delivery of scientific advancements. In the context of continued scientific progress, future strategies require thoughtfully considered improvements in the delivery of care that can overcome the current challenges our patients face.

PMID: 27209407 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Challenges of diagnosing and managing the adolescent with heavy menstrual bleeding.

Challenges of diagnosing and managing the adolescent with heavy menstrual bleeding.

Thromb Res. 2016 May 3;143:91-100

Authors: Zia A, Rajpurkar M

Abstract
Unpredictable, prolonged or heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) may be expected for many adolescents soon after menarche. A decade of clinical experience and research has now established firmly that bleeding disorders (BD) are common in adolescents with HMB. Despite these advances, many questions remain, and several aspects of the diagnosis and management of BDs in adolescents are not supported by rigorous clinical trials. In this overview, four major areas will be discussed. First, we will discuss the frequency of BDs in young women with HMB. Up to 20% of older females with HMB are thought to have an underlying BD. Estimates from retrospective studies in adolescents suggest a prevalence that varies anywhere from 10 to 62%. Prospective studies with uniform hemostatic evaluation are needed to answer this question definitively. Second, we will review existing tools that help screen and diagnose adolescents with HMB with an underlying BD. Although identification of an underlying BD in older women with HMB is relatively straight forward, uncertainties remain for adolescents. Heavy menstrual bleeding in this age group may have different pathophysiological underpinnings than those in older women and may often be disregarded as anovulatory. There is an urgent need to develop novel tools, and evaluate existing diagnostic strategies in adolescents. Third, we will discuss the optimal medical management of HMB in young adolescents. As direct evidence is largely lacking, these areas are also subject to extrapolation from older women. Lastly, an important area- prediction, and management of future bleeding in those adolescents who are diagnosed with a mild BD-will be discussed. Throughout, areas of controversy and opportunities for further research are highlighted.

PMID: 27208978 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Decarboxylative Dearomatization and Mono-[small alpha]-Arylation of Ketones

Chem. Commun., 2016, Accepted Manuscript
DOI: 10.1039/C6CC03672D, Communication

Jon Tunge, Shehani Mendis
We report the first example of a palladium-catalyzed decarboxylative dearomatization reaction that occurs via Pd-[small pi]-benzyl intermediates. In fact, the Pd-catalyzed decarboxylative cross-coupling reaction of benzyl enol carbonates can lead to...
The content of this RSS Feed (c) The Royal Society of Chemistry

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Facile access to a Ge(II) dication stabilized by isocyanides

Chem. Commun., 2016, Accepted Manuscript
DOI: 10.1039/C6CC03789E, Communication

V.S.V.S.N. Swamy, Sandeep Yadav, Shiv Pal, Tamal Das, Kumar Vanka, Sakya Singha Sen
Herein, we introduce isocyanide as a ligand in main group chemistry and describe the facile isolation of a Ge(II) dication. The reaction of 2,6-dimethylphenylisocyanide with GeCl2 leads to the formation...
The content of this RSS Feed (c) The Royal Society of Chemistry

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PulmCrit- Overcoming occult diuretic resistance: Achieving diuresis without dehydration

Critically ill patients often strongly retain sodium. This may cause diuresis attempts to fail, if patients excrete dilute urine leading to a loss of water without loss of sodium. Such patients may seem to respond to diuresis, but in fact they are merely becoming progressively dehydrated and hypernatremic (occult diuresis resistance).

EMCrit by Josh Farkas.

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BRAF inhibitor treatment of primary BRAF-mutant ameloblastoma with pathologic assessment of response.

BRAF inhibitor treatment of primary BRAF-mutant ameloblastoma with pathologic assessment of response.

Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol. 2016 Feb 23;

Authors: Tan S, Pollack JR, Kaplan MJ, Colevas AD, West RB

Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Molecular characterization of ameloblastoma has indicated a high frequency of driver mutations in BRAF and SMO. Preclinical data suggest that Food and Drug Administration-approved BRAF-targeted therapies may be immediately relevant for patients with ameloblastoma positive for the BRAF V600E mutation.
METHODS: A neoadjuvant treatment regime of dabrafenib was given to a patient with recurrent BRAF-mutant mandibular ameloblastoma. The patient subsequently underwent left mandible composite resection of the tumor and pathologic evaluation of treatment response.
RESULTS: The ameloblastoma had a slow but dramatic response with >90% tumor volume reduction. The inner areas of the tumor underwent degeneration and squamous differentiation, and intact ameloblastoma was present in the outer areas associated with bone.
CONCLUSIONS: Targeted neoadjuvant therapy for ameloblastoma may be useful in certain clinical settings of primary ameloblastoma. These might include tumors of advanced local stage when a neoadjuvant reduction could alter the extent of surgery and instances of local recurrence when surgical options are limited.

PMID: 27209484 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Accuracy of virtual surgical planning in two-jaw orthognathic surgery: comparison of planned and actual results.

Accuracy of virtual surgical planning in two-jaw orthognathic surgery: comparison of planned and actual results.

Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol. 2016 Mar 14;

Authors: Zhang N, Liu S, Hu Z, Hu J, Zhu S, Li Y

Abstract
OBJECTIVE: This study aims to evaluate the accuracy of virtual surgical planning in two-jaw orthognathic surgery via quantitative comparison of preoperative planned and postoperative actual skull models.
STUDY DESIGN: Thirty consecutive patients who required two-jaw orthognathic surgery were included. A composite skull model was reconstructed by using Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) data from spiral computed tomography (CT) and STL (stereolithography) data from surface scanning of the dental arch. LeFort I osteotomy of the maxilla and bilateral sagittal split ramus osteotomy (of the mandible were simulated by using Dolphin Imaging 11.7 Premium (Dolphin Imaging and Management Solutions, Chatsworth, CA). Genioplasty was performed, if indicated. The virtual plan was then transferred to the operation room by using three-dimensional (3-D)-printed surgical templates. Linear and angular differences between virtually simulated and postoperative skull models were evaluated.
RESULTS: The virtual surgical planning was successfully transferred to actual surgery with the help of 3-D-printed surgical templates. All patients were satisfied with the postoperative facial profile and occlusion. The overall mean linear difference was 0.81 mm (0.71 mm for the maxilla and 0.91 mm for the mandible); and the overall mean angular difference was 0.95 degrees.
CONCLUSIONS: Virtual surgical planning and 3-D-printed surgical templates facilitated the diagnosis, treatment planning, and accurate repositioning of bony segments in two-jaw orthognathic surgery.

PMID: 27209483 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Enteral Access is not Required for Esophageal Cancer Patients Undergoing Neoadjuvant Therapy.

Enteral Access is not Required for Esophageal Cancer Patients Undergoing Neoadjuvant Therapy.

Ann Thorac Surg. 2016 May 18;

Authors: Huerter ME, Charles EJ, Downs EA, Hu Y, Lau CL, Isbell JM, McMurry TL, Kozower BD

Abstract
BACKGROUND: The nutritional status of esophageal cancer patients during neoadjuvant therapy remains a challenging problem. The objective of this study was to determine whether routine enteral feeding tube placement improved nutritional status and perioperative outcomes for patients undergoing neoadjuvant therapy for esophageal cancer.
METHODS: The Society of Thoracic Surgeons database was used to identify patients who underwent neoadjuvant therapy and esophagectomy at our institution between 2010 and 2014. Nutritional status before and after neoadjuvant therapy was determined through standardized nutrition consultations. Predictors of change in nutrition and adverse events were evaluated with multivariable and univariate logistic regressions.
RESULTS: Two hundred thirty-four esophagectomy patients were identified, and 127 (54%) received neoadjuvant therapy. Of those receiving neoadjuvant therapy, 80% (102/127) presented with dysphagia, and 48% (61/127) received enteral feeding access (EA). Multivariable regression revealed that high initial albumin level, high initial body mass index, and presence of EA were associated with nutritional stability during neoadjuvant therapy. However, 27.9% (17/61) of patients who received EA did not use their access at all or did not use it consistently during the course of preoperative treatment. The preoperative grades of malnutrition and esophagectomy outcomes were similar between groups (EA vs no EA).
CONCLUSIONS: EA is associated with improved nutritional status for patients undergoing neoadjuvant therapy for esophageal cancer. However, adverse events and suboptimal use are common. Esophagectomy outcomes were similar for patients with and without EA. These results support judicious patient selection for EA, expedited neoadjuvant therapy, and close collaboration with nutritionists.

PMID: 27209608 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Nuclear inclusions mimicking poly(A)-binding protein nuclear 1 inclusions in a case of inclusion body myopathy associated with Paget disease of bone and frontotemporal dementia with a novel mutation in the valosin-containing protein gene.

Nuclear inclusions mimicking poly(A)-binding protein nuclear 1 inclusions in a case of inclusion body myopathy associated with Paget disease of bone and frontotemporal dementia with a novel mutation in the valosin-containing protein gene.

Neuromuscul Disord. 2016 May 5;

Authors: Matsubara S, Shimizu T, Komori T, Mori-Yoshimura M, Minami N, Hayashi YK

Abstract
A middle-aged Japanese man presented with slowly progressive asymmetric weakness of legs and arm but had neither ptosis nor dysphagia. He had a family history of similar condition suggestive of autosomal dominant inheritance. A muscle biopsy showed mixture of neurogenic atrophy and myopathy with rimmed vacuoles. Furthermore we found intranuclear inclusions that had a fine structure mimicking that of inclusions reported in oculopharyngeal muscular dystrophy (OPMD). Immunohistochemical staining for polyadenylate-binding nuclear protein 1, which is identified within the nuclear inclusions of OPMD, demonstrated nuclear positivity in this case. However, OPMD was thought unlikely based on the clinical features and results of genetic analyses. Instead, a novel mutation in valosin-containing protein, c.376A>T (p.Ile126Phe), was revealed. A diagnosis of inclusion body myopathy associated with Paget disease of bone and frontotemporal dementia was made. This is the first report of polyadenylate-binding nuclear protein 1-positive nuclear inclusions in the muscle of this condition.

PMID: 27209344 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Traumatic aortic aneurysm diagnosed by computed tomography angiography in a 22-year-old man presenting with progressive dyspnea and dysphagia.

Traumatic aortic aneurysm diagnosed by computed tomography angiography in a 22-year-old man presenting with progressive dyspnea and dysphagia.

Int J Cardiovasc Imaging. 2016 May 21;

Authors: Ma X, Ma YT, Liu AH, Wang YL

Abstract
Traumatic aortic aneurysm is a rare and potentially fatal complication that can occur secondary to acute chest trauma. However, early diagnosis of this complication is often neglected due to the presence of severe chest and abdominal trauma. We report a case of delayed traumatic aortic aneurysm that was diagnosed by computed tomography angiography on day 13 after a traffic accident.

PMID: 27209281 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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IJMS, Vol. 17, Pages 771: Analysis of 2-(2-Phenylethyl)chromones by UPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS and Multivariate Statistical Methods in Wild and Cultivated Agarwood

Agarwood is the fragrant resinous material mainly formed from species of Aquilaria. 2-(2-phenylethyl)chromones, especially the highly oxidized 5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-2-(2-phenylethyl)chromones, are the main representative compounds from agarwood. It is important to determine whether agarwood in trade is from cultivated trees or natural trees in the Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). We characterized the 2-(2-phenylethyl)chromones in agarwood by ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (UPLC–ESI-QTOF-MS) and differentiated wild from cultivated agarwood by metabolomic analysis. A total of 141 chromones including 50 potentially new compounds were evaluated as belonging to four structural classes (unoxidized 2-(2-phenylethyl)chromones, 5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-2-(2-phenylethyl)-chromones, bi-2-(2-phenylethyl)chromones, and tri-2-(2-phenylethyl)chromones). The metabolic difference between wild and cultivated agarwood was analyzed by component analysis (PCA) and orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA). Fourteen markers of metabolisms in wild and cultivated agarwood were constructed (e.g., 6,7-dimethoxy-2-(2-phenylethyl)chromone, 6,8-dihydroxy-2-(2-phenylethyl)chromone, 6-methoxy-2-(2-phenylethyl)chromone, etc.). These results indicated that UPLC–ESI-QTOF-MS-based metabonomics analysis in agarwood may be useful for distinguishing wild agarwood from cultivated agarwood.

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IJMS, Vol. 17, Pages 795: Cold-Induced Browning Dynamically Alters the Expression Profiles of Inflammatory Adipokines with Tissue Specificity in Mice

Cold exposure or β3-adrenoceptor agonist treatment induces the adipose tissues remodeling, relevant for beige adipogenesis within white adipose tissue (WAT). It remains unclear whether this process influences inflammatory adipokines expression in adipose tissues. We determine the temporal profile of cold or β3-adrenoceptor agonist (CL316,243)-induced changes in the expression of inflammatory adipokines in adipose tissues in mice or primary mice adipocytes. Male C57BL/6J mice at eight weeks old were exposed to 4 °C for 1–5 days. Interscapular brown adipose tissue (iBAT), inguinal subcutaneous WAT (sWAT) and epididymal WAT (eWAT) were harvested for gene and protein expression analysis. In addition, cultured primary mice brown adipocyte (BA) and white adipocyte (WA) treated with or without CL316,243 were harvested for gene expression analysis. The inflammatory adipokines expressed significantly higher in WAT than BAT at baseline. They were rapidly changed in iBAT, while down-regulated in sWAT and up-regulated in eWAT during the cold acclimation. Upon CL316,243 treatment, detected inflammatory adipokines except Leptin were transiently increased in both BA and WA. Our in vivo and in vitro data demonstrate that the browning process alters the inflammatory adipokines expression in adipose tissues, which is acutely responded to in iBAT, dynamically decreased in sWAT whilst increased in eWAT for compensation.

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IJMS, Vol. 17, Pages 791: Circulating MicroRNAs as Biomarkers in Biliary Tract Cancers

Biliary tract cancers (BTCs) are a group of highly aggressive malignant tumors with a poor prognosis. The current diagnosis is based mainly on imaging and intraoperative exploration due to brush cytology havinga low sensitivity and the standard markers, such as carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and carbohydrate 19-9 (CA19-9), not having enough sensitivity nor specificity to be used in a differential diagnosis and early stage detection. Thus, better non-invasive methods that can distinguish between normal and pathological tissue are needed. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, single-stranded non-coding RNA molecules of ~20–22 nucleotides that regulate relevant physiological mechanisms and can also be involved in carcinogenesis. Recent studies have demonstrated that miRNAs are detectable in multiple body fluids, showing great stability, either free or trapped in circulating microvesicles, such as exosomes. miRNAs are ideal biomarkers that may be used in screening and prognosis in biliary tract cancers, aiding also in the clinical decisions at different stages of cancer treatment. This review highlights the progress in the analysis of circulating miRNAs in serum, plasma and bile as potential diagnostic and prognostic markers of BTCs.

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IJMS, Vol. 17, Pages 793: The Role of Proanthocyanidins Complex in Structure and Nutrition Interaction in Alfalfa Forage

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) is one of the main forages grown in the world. Alfalfa is a winter hardy, drought tolerant, N-fixing legume with a good longevity, high yield, high nutrient levels, high digestibility, unique structural to non-structural components ratio, high dry matter intake, and high animal productivity per hectare. However, its main limitation is its excessively rapid initial rate of protein degradation in the rumen, which results in pasture bloat and inefficient use of protein with consequent excessive excretions of nitrogen into the environment. Proanthocyanidins are secondary plant metabolites that can bind with protein and thereby reduce the rate and extent of ruminal protein degradation. However, these secondary metabolites do not accumulate in alfalfa. This review aims to firstly describe the events involved in the rapid release of protein from alfalfa and its effect on ruminant nutrition, environmental pollution, and pasture bloat; secondly, to describe occurrence, structure, functions and benefits of moderate amounts of proanthocyanidin; and finally, to describe the development of alfalfa which accumulates moderate amounts of proanthocyanidins. The emphasis of this review focuses on the role of proanthocyanidins compounds in structure and nutrition interaction in ruminant livestock systems.

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IJMS, Vol. 17, Pages 794: Gibberellic Acid: A Key Phytohormone for Spikelet Fertility in Rice Grain Production

The phytohormone gibberellic acid (GA) has essential signaling functions in multiple processes during plant development. In the "Green Revolution", breeders developed high-yield rice cultivars that exhibited both semi-dwarfism and altered GA responses, thus improving grain production. Most studies of GA have concentrated on germination and cell elongation, but GA also has a pivotal role in floral organ development, particularly in stamen/anther formation. In rice, GA signaling plays an important role in spikelet fertility; however, the molecular genetic and biochemical mechanisms of GA in male fertility remain largely unknown. Here, we review recent progress in understanding the network of GA signaling and its connection with spikelet fertility, which is tightly associated with grain productivity in cereal crops.

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Biomarkers to distinguish functional constipation from irritable bowel syndrome with constipation

Abstract

Treatments for functional constipation (FC) and irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C) differ, but symptom criteria do not reliably distinguish between them; some regard FC and IBS-C as parts of a single constipation spectrum. Our goal was to review studies comparing FC and IBS-C to identify possible biomarkers that separate them. A systematic review identified 15 studies that compared physiologic tests in FC vs IBS-C. Pain thresholds were lower in IBS-C than FC for 3/5 studies and not different in 2/5. Colonic motility was decreased more in FC than IBS-C for 3/3 studies, and whole gut transit was delayed more in FC than IBS-C in 3/8 studies and not different in 5/8. Pelvic floor dyssynergia was unrelated to diagnosis. Sympathetic arousal, measured in only one study, was greater in IBS-C than FC. The most reliable separation of FC from IBS-C was shown by a novel new magnetic resonance imaging technique described in this issue of the journal. These authors showed that drinking one liter of polyethylene glycol laxative significantly increased water content in the small intestine, volume of contents in the ascending colon, and time to first evacuation in FC vs IBS-C; and resulted in less colon motility and delayed whole gut transit in FC compared to IBS-C. Although replication is needed, this well-tolerated, non-invasive test promises to become a new standard for differential diagnosis of FC vs IBS-C. These data suggest that FC and IBS-C are different disorders rather than points on a constipation spectrum.

Optimal treatments for functional constipation (FC) and irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C) differ, but symptom criteria do not reliably distinguish between them; some regard FC and IBS-C as parts of a single constipation spectrum. Physiological studies show modest support for the hypothesis that decreased colonic motility and prolonged whole gut transit identify FC while pain hypersensitivity distinguishes IBS-C, but there is substantial overlap. A novel magnetic resonance imaging technique seems to reliably distinguish FC from IBS-C based on the response to an osmotic laxative.

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Issue Information

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Abstracts: 44th Annual Meeting of the Japanese Society for Wound Healing

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Chlorinated Thiazole-Containing Polyketide-Peptides from the Caribbean Sponge Smenospongia conulosa: Structure Elucidation on Microgram Scale

Studies of non-ribosomal peptide/polyketide (NRP/PK) hybrid compounds in the holobiome of the Caribbean marine sponge Smenospongia conulosa led to the isolation of two new chlorinated thiazole-containing metabolites, conulothiazoles A (5) and B (6), along with four NRP/PK hybrids previously isolated from a different Smenospongia species. Structural elucidation was accomplished on a few micrograms of pure compounds using extensive NMR and MS studies, whereas determination of the absolute configuration of the amino acid moiety was achieved by degradation and by high-resolution LC-Ms analysis using only 4 µg of each compound.

Conulothiazoles A and B are two new chlorinated non-ribosomal peptide/polyketide (NRP/PK) hybrids that were isolated from the Caribbean sponge Smenospongia conulosa. Structural elucidation was accomplished on a few micrograms of pure compounds using extensive NMR and MS studies and nanomol-scale chemical degradation studies.

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An uncommon manifestation of paraneoplastic cerebellar degeneration in a patient with high grade urothelial, carcinoma with squamous differentiation: A case report and literature review.

An uncommon manifestation of paraneoplastic cerebellar degeneration in a patient with high grade urothelial, carcinoma with squamous differentiation: A case report and literature review.

BMC Cancer. 2016;16(1):324

Authors: Zhu Y, Chen S, Chen S, Song J, Chen F, Guo H, Shang Z, Wang Y, Zhou C, Shi B

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Paraneoplastic neurological syndromes (PNS) are rare disorders associated with malignant tumours, which are triggered by autoimmune reactions. Paraneoplastic cerebellar degeneration (PCD) is the PNS type most commonly associated with ovarian and breast cancer. Two bladder cancers manifesting in PCD were previously reported. However, the cancers in these cases had poor outcomes.
CASE PRESENTATION: Here, we present a 68-year old man with history of high-grade papillary urothelial carcinoma of the bladder. The patient suffered from persistent cerebellar ataxia accompanied by bladder cancer recurrence five months after transurethral resection of the bladder tumour (TURBt). Laboratory screening for the specific antibodies of paraneoplastic neurological syndromes revealed no positive results. Symptoms were not remitted after a 7-day-course of high-dose glucocorticoid therapy. To our surprise, the patient recovered fully after laparoscopic radical cystectomy. Postoperative pathology revealed that surgical specimens were urothelial carcinoma in situ (CIS) and squamous cell carcinoma of the bladder. The patient remained asymptomatic and there was no evidence of recurrence after the followup period of 11 months.
CONCLUSION: To our knowledge, this is the third report of PCD in a patient with bladder cancer. This case showed that tumour resection cured the PCD. To assist clinical evaluation and management, literature regarding basic PNS characteristics and bladder cancers was reviewed.

PMID: 27209351 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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High Femoral Anteversion Is Related to Femoral Trochlea Dysplasia.

High Femoral Anteversion Is Related to Femoral Trochlea Dysplasia.

Arthroscopy. 2016 May 18;

Authors: Liebensteiner MC, Ressler J, Seitlinger G, Djurdjevic T, El Attal R, Ferlic PW

Abstract
PURPOSE: To investigate the possible relation between femoral anteversion (AV) and trochlear morphology.
METHODS: Among 560 available lower-limb computed tomography (CT) scans, those with previous fracture, arthroplasty, or osteotomy were excluded and 40 cases were randomly selected. The following 4 lines were determined from the CT scans: 1 through the center of the femoral head and neck; 1 through the lesser trochanter and the center of the femoral shaft; 1 as a tangent to the dorsal part of the distal femur, just above the gastrocnemius insertion; and 1 as a tangent to the posterior condyles. Between the respective lines, the following parameters of femoral AV were determined: (1) total AV, (2) proximal AV, (3) diaphyseal AV, and (4) distal AV. Trochlea parameters were determined from 2 separate axial CT slices (proximal trochlea and 5 mm farther distally): trochlea height (medial, central, lateral), transverse trochlea shift, trochlea depth, sulcus angle, lateral trochlea slope, and Dejour trochlea type. To prove or disprove our study hypothesis, a correlation analysis was performed between the variables of AV and trochlear morphology.
RESULTS: The total AV was significantly correlated with the trochlea parameters trochlea depth (P = .032), sulcus angle (P = .05), and lateral trochlea slope (P = .001). The diaphyseal AV was significantly correlated with the sulcus angle (P = .009). The distal AV showed significant correlations with medial, central, and lateral trochlea height (.005 <P < .032) and with Dejour trochlea type (P = .043).
CONCLUSIONS: The morphology of the trochlea is significantly related to femoral AV. Increased AV is associated with a flatter, more dysplastic trochlea. This was particularly true for AV located at the distal femur.
LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, diagnostic study of nonconsecutive patients.

PMID: 27209622 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Folate-conjugated gold nanoparticle as a new nanoplatform for targeted cancer therapy.

Folate-conjugated gold nanoparticle as a new nanoplatform for targeted cancer therapy.

J Cancer Res Clin Oncol. 2016 May 21;

Authors: Samadian H, Hosseini-Nami S, Kamrava SK, Ghaznavi H, Shakeri-Zadeh A

Abstract
Conventional cancer treatment methods suffer from many limitations such as non-specificity and low efficacy in discrimination between healthy and cancer cells. Recent developments in nanotechnology have introduced novel and smart therapeutic nanomaterials that basically take advantage of various targeting approaches. Targeted nanomaterials selectively bind to the cancer cells and affect them with minor effects on healthy cells. Folic acid (folate) is an essential molecule in DNA synthesis pathway which is highly needed for cancer cell duplication. Some certain cancer cells overexpress folate receptors higher than normal cells, and this fact is the basis of folate targeting strategy. There are many publications reporting various folate conjugated nanomaterials among which folate-conjugated gold nanoparticles hold great promises in targeted cancer therapy. Gold nanoparticles have been identified as promising candidates for new cancer therapy modalities because of biocompatibility, easy synthesis and functionalization, chemo-physical stability, and optical tunable characteristics. In the last decade, there has been a significant explosion in gold nanoparticles research, with a rapid increase in publications related to the area of biomedicine. Although there are many reports published on "gold nanoparticles" and "folate targeting," there are a few reports on "folate-conjugated gold nanoparticles" in biomedical literature. This paper intends to review and illustrate the recent advances in biomedicine which have been designed on the basis of folate-conjugated gold nanoparticles.

PMID: 27209529 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Effect of p16 Status on the Quality-of-Life Experience During Chemoradiation for Locally Advanced Oropharyngeal Cancer: A Substudy of Randomized Trial Trans-Tasman Radiation Oncology Group (TROG) 02.02 (HeadSTART).

Effect of p16 Status on the Quality-of-Life Experience During Chemoradiation for Locally Advanced Oropharyngeal Cancer: A Substudy of Randomized Trial Trans-Tasman Radiation Oncology Group (TROG) 02.02 (HeadSTART).

Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys. 2016 Mar 23;

Authors: Ringash J, Fisher R, Peters L, Trotti A, O'Sullivan B, Corry J, Kenny L, Van Den Bogaert W, Wratten C, Rischin D

Abstract
PURPOSE: Human papillomavirus-associated oropharyngeal cancer (OPC) has a favorable prognosis. Current research de-escalates treatment, aiming to improve quality of life (QOL). Understanding the QOL experience with current standard treatment (chemoradiation therapy) provides context for emerging data. We report the impact of p16 status on QOL for patients with stage III or IV OPC undergoing chemoradiation therapy in an international phase 3 trial (TROG 02.02 [HeadSTART]).
METHODS AND MATERIALS: A subgroup analysis by p16 status was conducted in patients with OPC treated in a phase 3 randomized trial. The study subset with OPC and known p16 status was mainly from Australasia, Western Europe, and North America. Of 861 participants, 200 had OPC, known p16 status, and baseline QOL data; 82 were p16 negative and 118 were p16 positive. Radiation therapy (70 Gy over a period of 7 weeks) was given concurrently with 3 cycles of either cisplatin (100 mg/m(2)) or cisplatin (75 mg/m(2)) plus tirapazamine. QOL was measured with the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Head and Neck (FACT-H&N) questionnaire at baseline and 2, 6, 12, 23, and 38 months. Because no significant difference in QOL score was observed between arms, results by p16 status are reported with arms combined.
RESULTS: The p16-positive patients were younger, had a better Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status, and were less often current smokers. Our primary hypothesis that the change in FACT-H&N score from baseline to 6 months would be more favorable in the p16-positive cohort was not met (p16 positive, -6.3; p16 negative, -1.8; P=.14). The mean baseline FACT-H&N score was statistically and clinically significantly better in p16-positive patients (111 vs 102, P<.001); at 2 months, scores declined in both groups but more dramatically for p16-positive patients. By 12 months, p16-positive patients again had superior scores. A higher baseline FACT-H&N score and p16-positive status were independent predictors of overall survival.
CONCLUSIONS: Patients with p16-positive OPC exhibited better baseline QOL but showed a more dramatic QOL drop with concurrent chemoradiation. Given the favorable prognosis of p16-positive OPC, efforts to reduce the QOL burden of treatment are warranted.

PMID: 27209505 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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High E6 Gene Expression Predicts for Distant Metastasis and Poor Survival in Patients With HPV-Positive Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

High E6 Gene Expression Predicts for Distant Metastasis and Poor Survival in Patients With HPV-Positive Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys. 2016 Mar 10;

Authors: Khwaja SS, Baker C, Haynes W, Spencer CR, Gay H, Thorstad W, Adkins DR, Nussenbaum B, Chernock RD, Lewis JS, Wang X

Abstract
PURPOSE: Patients with human papillomavirus (HPV)-positive oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) have a favorable prognosis. As a result, de-escalation clinical trials are under way. However, approximately 10% of patients will experience distant recurrence even with standard-of-care treatment. Here, we sought to identify novel biomarkers to better risk-stratify HPV-positive patients with OPSCC.
METHODS AND MATERIALS: Gene expression profiling by RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) and quantitative polymerase chain reaction was performed on HPV-positive OPSCC primary tumor specimens from patients with and without distant metastasis (DM).
RESULTS: RNA-seq analysis of 39 HPV-positive OPSCC specimens revealed that patients with DM had 2-fold higher E6 gene expression levels than did patients without DM (P=.029). This observation was confirmed in a validation cohort comprising 93 patients with HPV-positive OPSCC. The mean normalized E6 expression level in the 17 recurring primary specimens was 13 ± 2 compared with 8 ± 1 in the remaining 76 nonrecurring primaries (P=.001). Receiver operating characteristic analysis established an E6 expression level of 7.3 as a cutoff for worse recurrence-free survival (RFS). Patients from this cohort with high E6 gene expression (E6-high) (n=51, 55%) had more cancer-related deaths (23% vs 2%, P<.001) and DM (26% vs 5%, P<.001) than did patients with low E6 gene expression (E6-low) (n=42, 45%). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis revealed that E6-high had worse RFS (95% vs 69%, P=.004) and cancer-specific survival (97% vs 79%, P=.007). E6-high maintained statistical significance in multivariate regression models balancing surgery, chemotherapy, nodal stage, and smoking status. Gene set enrichment analysis demonstrated that tumors with high E6 expression were associated with P53, epidermal growth factor receptor, activating transcription factor-2, and transforming growth factor-β signaling pathways.
CONCLUSION: High E6 gene expression level identifies HPV-positive OPSCC patients with 5-fold greater risk of distant disease recurrence and worse cancer-specific survival. Validation in a multi-institutional prospective clinical trial is required to assess the utility of E6 gene expression as a clinically useful prognostic biomarker.

PMID: 27209503 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Radiation Therapy for Head and Neck Cancer and Angioneogenesis: Good for Cancer, Bad for Carotids?

Radiation Therapy for Head and Neck Cancer and Angioneogenesis: Good for Cancer, Bad for Carotids?

JACC Cardiovasc Imaging. 2016 May 11;

Authors: Arbustini E, Kodama T, Favalli V

PMID: 27209104 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Plaque Neovascularization Is Increased in Human Carotid Atherosclerosis Related to Prior Neck Radiotherapy: A Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound Study.

Plaque Neovascularization Is Increased in Human Carotid Atherosclerosis Related to Prior Neck Radiotherapy: A Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound Study.

JACC Cardiovasc Imaging. 2016 May 11;

Authors: Shah BN, Gujral DM, Chahal NS, Harrington KJ, Nutting CM, Senior R

Abstract
OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of radiotherapy (RT) on intraplaque neovascularization (IPN) in human carotid arteries.
BACKGROUND: Exposure of the carotid arteries to RT during treatment for head and neck cancer is associated with increased risk for stroke. However, the effect of RT on IPN, a precursor to intraplaque hemorrhage and thus associated with plaque vulnerability, is unknown.
METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, patients who had undergone unilateral RT for head and neck cancer ≥2 years previously underwent B-mode and contrast-enhanced ultrasound of both RT-side and non-RT-side carotid arteries. Presence of IPN during contrast-enhanced ultrasound was judged semiquantitatively as grade 0 (absent), grade 1 (present but limited to plaque base), or grade 2 (extensive and noted within plaque body).
RESULTS: Of 49 patients studied, 38 (78%) had plaques. The number of plaques was significantly greater in the RT than the non-RT arteries. Overall, 48 of 64 RT-side plaques (75%) had IPN compared with 9 of 23 non-RT-side (39%) plaques (p = 0.002). Among patients with plaques, IPN was present in 81% of patients with RT-side plaques and 41% of patients with non-RT-side plaques (p = 0.004). Grade 0 IPN was significantly more common in patients with non-RT-side plaques (25% vs. 61%, p = 0.002), whereas grade 2 plaques were more common on the RT side (31% vs. 9%, p = 0.03). The only clinical variable that predicted the presence or absence of IPN was RT laterality.
CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study in humans to reveal a significant association between RT and the presence and extent of IPN. This may provide insights into the mechanisms underlying the increased stroke risk among survivors of head and neck cancer treated by RT.

PMID: 27209103 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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TIM-3 is not essential for development of airway inflammation induced by house dust mite antigens.

TIM-3 is not essential for development of airway inflammation induced by house dust mite antigens.

Allergol Int. 2016 May 18;

Authors: Hiraishi Y, Nambu A, Shibui A, Nakanishi W, Yamaguchi S, Morita H, Iikura M, McKenzie AN, Matsumoto K, Sudo K, Yamasoba T, Nagase T, Nakae S

Abstract
BACKGROUND: T cell immunoglobulin domain and mucin domain-containing molecule 3 (TIM-3), which is preferentially expressed on Th1 cells rather than Th2 cells, is considered to be a negative regulator of Th1 cell function. This suggests that TIM-3 indirectly enhances Th2-type immune responses by suppressing Th1 cell function.
METHODS: To investigate TIM-3's possible involvement in Th2-type acute and chronic airway inflammation, wild-type and TIM-3-deficient (TIM-3(-/-)) mice were sensitized and challenged with a house dust mite (HDM) extract. Airway inflammation and the number of inflammatory cells in bronchoalveolar lavage fluids (BALFs) in the mice were determined by histological analysis and with a hemocytometer, respectively. Expression of mRNA in the lungs was determined by quantitative PCR, while the levels of cytokines in the BALFs and IgE in sera were determined by ELISA.
RESULTS: Despite constitutive expression of TIM-3 mRNA in the lungs, the number of eosinophils in bronchoalveolar lavage fluids (BALFs) and the score of pulmonary inflammation were comparable between wild-type and TIM-3(-/-) mice during both acute and chronic HDM-induced airway inflammation. On the other hand, the number of lymphocytes in the BALFs of TIM-3(-/-) mice was significantly increased compared with wild-type mice during HDM-induced chronic, but not acute, airway inflammation, while the levels of Th2 cytokines in the BALFs and HDM-specific IgG1 and IgG2a and total IgE in the sera were comparable in both groups.
CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate that, in mice, TIM-3 is not essential for development of HDM-induced acute or chronic allergic airway inflammation, although it appears to be involved in reduced lymphocyte recruitment during HDM-induced chronic allergic airway inflammation.

PMID: 27209052 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Physiologic and Acoustic Effects of Opera Performance.

Physiologic and Acoustic Effects of Opera Performance.

J Voice. 2016 May 18;

Authors: Kwak PE, Stasney CR, Hathway JR, Guffey D, Minard CG, Ongkasuwan J

Abstract
INTRODUCTION/HYPOTHESIS: Opera performance is physiological and emotional, and singing performers utilize their larynges in often strenuous ways. Historically, the training of a classical voice has been considered the paragon of healthy singing. However, the natural history of a performing larynx has not been studied systematically. There is paucity of scientific studies to guide practice patterns, particularly with regard to the course and extent of post-performance physiologic and acoustic changes.
STUDY DESIGN: A prospective case series was carried out.
METHODS: Principal singers in the Houston Grand Opera's 2012-2013 repertory were enlisted, for a total of seven singers. Stroboscopy was performed prior to the start of rehearsals, and at the completion of the opera's run. Data points included erythema, edema, masses or lesions, mucosal waveform, supraglottic posture; acoustic measurements were also performed.
RESULTS: There were statistically significant differences (P < 0.05) in the mucosal wave on pre- and postperformance stroboscopic examinations. Acoustical measures did not achieve statistical significance, but there was a trend toward increased harmonic-to-noise ratio in postperformance measures, as well as decreased frequency range and reading F0. Measures of intra- and inter-rater reliability indicated varying levels of intra-rater reliability, and generally poor inter-rater reliability.
CONCLUSIONS: This pilot study describes physiologic and acoustic changes that may occur over the course of a series of rehearsals and performances in the operatic larynx. In so doing, it highlights a need for larger studies with increased frequency of serial examinations to study in a systematized way what may be natural reactive changes that occur during performance.

PMID: 27208902 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Comparative study of copper, zinc, iron, ferritin, calcium and magnesium levels in pregnancy induced hypertension and normotensive primigravida mothers

2016-05-23T03-24-54Z
Source: International Journal of Research in Medical Sciences
Soumi Biswas, Abhishek Roy, Srabani Biswas.
Background: Exact pathophysiology of pregnancy induced hypertension (PIH) is still unknown but there is a definite relationship between trace elements and preeclampsia. Several studies in this context have conflicting reports. So, a comparative study of serum levels of copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), ferritin, calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg), in PIH and normotensive primipara mothers was conducted. Methods: Study was conducted in Department of Biochemistry & Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, R. G. Kar Medical College & Hospital, Kolkata over 1 year from September 2013 to August 2014 on fifty PIH patients as cases and fifty normotensive primipara mother without proteinuria as controls, both having ages ranging between 15-35 years in 2nd and 3rd trimesters. Results: Serum Ca, Mg, Cu and Zn levels were found to be significantly reduced (


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[Cranial trepanation in primitive cultures].

[Cranial trepanation in primitive cultures].

Neurocirugia (Astur). 2016 May 18;

Authors: González-Darder JM

Abstract
A review is presented on cranial trepanations performed by primitive cultures. The scientific interest in this topic began after the discovery in 1965 by Ephraim G. Squier of a pre-Columbian trepanated skull, and studied by Paul Broca in Paris. Pseudotrepanation and other types of cranial manipulation are reviewed. The techniques, technology, and instruments for every type of trepanation are well known. There are a surprisingly high percentage of cases showing signs of post-trepanation survival. Indications for trepanation are speculative, perhaps magic. Although trepanation in primitive cultures is widespread around the world, and throughout time, the main fields of interest are the Neolithic Period in Europe, the pre-Columbian Period in Andean South America, and some contemporaneous Pacific and African tribes. This particular trepanation procedure has no relationship with modern Neurosurgery, or with trepanations with therapeutic purposes performed since the Greco-Roman period in Europe, and afterwards around the world.

PMID: 27208912 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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The effectiveness of an e-learning course on medication calculation in nursing students: a clustered quasi-experimental study

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Functional complementation in Drosophila to predict the pathogenicity of TARDBP variants: evidence for a loss-of-function mechanism.

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Schistosoma mansoni and soil-transmitted helminths among preschool-aged children in Chuahit, Dembia district, Northwest Ethiopia: prevalence, intensity of infection and associated risk factors

Background: Intestinal schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminthiasis are the major public health problems globally. Compared with any other age group, pre-school aged children and school-aged children are the most exposed. There are few studies showing the burden of intestinal schistosomiasis, and soil-transmitted helminthiasis among pre-school aged children in Ethiopia. Hence, this study aimed to assess the prevalence of schistosoma mansoni and soil-transmitted helminths and associated risk factors among preschool aged children of Chuahit and surrounding Kebeles, Northwest Ethiopia. Methods: A community based cross sectional study was conducted from February 2 to March 27 2015. Four hundred one preschool-aged children were included in the study by using two stage cluster sampling technique. Pretested structured questionnaire was employed to collected data via face-to-face interview technique. A single stool specimen was collected, and a portion of the sample was processed by Kato Katz method. Results: Of the total children, 141 (35.2 %) harbored one or more intestinal helminthes. Schistosoma mansoni was found in 45 (11.2 %) of preschool age children. Ascaris lumbricoides was the predominant isolate, 77 (19.2 %) followed by S. mansoni, 45 (11.2 %). The least parasites isolated were Tania species, 2 (0.5 %). After adjusting for other variables, being mothers who did not have the habit of washing hands after toilet (AOR = 7.3, 95%CI: 2.97–17.95), being occupationally housewife mothers (AOR = 8.9, 95%CI: 2.27–25.4), using protected spring water as a main family source of water (AOR = 3.9, 95%CI: 1.2–12.3) and child habit of not wearing shoe (AOR = 1.91, 95%CI: 1.01–3.64) were significantly associated with high prevalence of soil-transmitted helminthiasis among preschool-age children in Chuahit. Conclusion: The current study showed that relatively higher level of STH and S. mansoni among preschool-aged children in Chuahit. This finding calls for a need of public health education, promotion of women education and provision of safe water to reduce the burden of soil-transmitted intestinal helminthiasis and schistosomiaisis.

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Serial transperineal sector prostate biopsies: impact on long-term erectile dysfunction

James JY Chong, Mieke Van Hemelrijck, Declan Cahill and Janette Kinsella

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The Interface of Syntax with Pragmatics and Prosody in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders.

The Interface of Syntax with Pragmatics and Prosody in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders.

J Autism Dev Disord. 2016 May 21;

Authors: Terzi A, Marinis T, Francis K

Abstract
In order to study problems of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) with morphosyntax, we investigated twenty high-functioning Greek-speaking children (mean age: 6;11) and twenty age- and language-matched typically developing children on environments that allow or forbid object clitics or their corresponding noun phrase. Children with ASD fell behind typically developing children in comprehending and producing simple clitics and producing noun phrases in focus structures. The two groups performed similarly in comprehending and producing clitics in clitic left dislocation and in producing noun phrases in non-focus structures. We argue that children with ASD have difficulties at the interface of (morpho)syntax with pragmatics and prosody, namely, distinguishing a discourse prominent element, and considering intonation relevant for a particular interpretation that excludes clitics.

PMID: 27209514 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Listening to the calls of the wild: The role of experience in linking language and cognition in young infants.

Listening to the calls of the wild: The role of experience in linking language and cognition in young infants.

Cognition. 2016 May 19;153:175-181

Authors: Perszyk DR, Waxman SR

Abstract
Well before they understand their first words, infants have begun to link language and cognition. This link is initially broad: At 3months, listening to both human and nonhuman primate vocalizations supports infants' object categorization, a building block of cognition. But by 6months, the link has narrowed: Only human vocalizations support categorization. What mechanisms underlie this rapid tuning process? Here, we document the crucial role of infants' experience as infants tune this link to cognition. Merely exposing infants to nonhuman primate vocalizations permits them to preserve, rather than sever, the link between these signals and categorization. Exposing infants to backward speech-a signal that fails to support categorization in the first year of life-does not have this advantage. This new evidence illuminates the central role of early experience as infants specify which signals, from an initially broad set, they will continue to link to core cognitive capacities.

PMID: 27209387 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Anesthesia management of a patient with left ventricular assist device for emergency open appendectomy: a case report

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this case report is to describe the management of anesthesia of a patient with an LVAD that underwent an emergency open appendectomy. Literature regarding emergency anesthesia management of such patients is still limited. A search in the PubMed engine with the keywords "LVAD appendectomy anesthesia management" revealed no results.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: The case regards a 54 years old male patient that received an LVAD implant 2 months before the current incident. Close monitoring was applied including invasive arterial pressure measurement. Etomidate was selected for induction thanks to its' insignificant hemodynamic effects. Careful titrated drug and liquids administration was applied to avoid hemodynamic destabilization. Anticoagulation treatment cannot be stopped in these patients, and there was no time for anticoagulation treatment changes. Two units of fresh frozen plasma were issued as preventive bleeding measures.

RESULTS: No hemodynamic destabilization (targeted MAP: 65-90 mmHg) and bleeding were registered. The patient was extubated without any complications.

DISCUSSION: Anesthesia management of similar cases should be focused around bleeding and hemodynamic destabilization and is harder in emergency surgery due to narrow time limits.

CONCLUSIONS: Drug and liquids titration and use of drugs with minimum hemodynamic effects are advised, as well as close cardiovascular monitoring.

L'articolo Anesthesia management of a patient with left ventricular assist device for emergency open appendectomy: a case report sembra essere il primo su European Review.

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Why Are Verbs So Hard to Remember? Effects of Semantic Context on Memory for Verbs and Nouns

Abstract

Three experiments test the theory that verb meanings are more malleable than noun meanings in different semantic contexts, making a previously seen verb difficult to remember when it appears in a new semantic context. Experiment 1 revealed that changing the direct object noun in a transitive sentence reduced recognition of a previously seen verb, whereas changing the verb had little impact on noun recognition. Experiment 2 revealed that verbs exhibited context effects more similar to those shown by superordinate nouns rather than basic-level nouns. Experiment 3 demonstrated that the degree of meaning change in a target word resulting from changes in semantic context influenced the magnitude of context effects, but context effects remained larger for verbs than for nouns even when the degree of meaning change was similar for nouns and verbs. These results are discussed with respect to the imageability and grammatical roles played by nouns and verbs in a sentence.

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