Inflammation and the Metabolic Syndrome: The Tissue-Specific Functions of NF-kappa B

Obesity is becoming a major health concern in Western society, and medical conditions associated with obesity are grouped in the metabolic syndrome. Overnutrition activates several proinflammatory signaling pathways, leading to a condition of chronic low-grade inflammation in several metabolic tissues affecting their proper function. Nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kappa B) signaling is a crucial pathway in this process and has been studied extensively in the context of obesity and the metabolic syndrome. Here we give an overview of the molecular mechanisms behind the inflammatory function of NF-kappa B in response to overnutrition and the effect this has on several metabolic tissues.

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Patterns, Receptors, and Signals: Regulation of Phagosome Maturation

Recognition of microbial pathogens and dead cells and their phagocytic uptake by specialized immune cells are essential to maintain host homeostasis. Phagosomes undergo fusion and fission events with endosomal and lysosomal compartments, a process called 'phagosome maturation', which leads to the degradation of the phagosomal content. However, many phagocytic cells also act as antigen-presenting cells and must balance degradation and peptide preservation. Emerging evidence indicates that receptor engagement by phagosomal cargo, as well as inflammatory mediators and cellular activation affect many aspects of phagosome maturation. Unsurprisingly, pathogens have developed strategies to hijack this machinery, thereby interfering with host immunity. Here, we highlight progress in this field, summarize findings on the impact of immune signals, and discuss consequences for pathogen elimination.

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Inflammatory cytokines in normal and irreversibly inflamed pulps: A systematic review

Publication date: October 2017
Source:Archives of Oral Biology, Volume 82
Author(s): Vivian Hirsch, Michael Wolgin, Aleksandr V. Mitronin, Andrej M. Kielbassa
ObjectiveTo review the available literature in regard to the inflammatory process and pulpitis. Setting forth to evaluate if differences in the levels of various cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-2, IL-6 and IL-8) can be observed in clinically diagnosed normal and irreversibly inflamed pulps that could serve as possible markers and/or diagnostic tools to predict and differentiate between certain states of inflammation.Methods used to measure and assess levels of cytokines have been limited to two protein quantification methods ELISA and/or Multiplex Array.DesignThe databases PubMed, EMBASE/Ovid, The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cochrane Reviews and Scopus were consulted for the electronic literature search. Screening of titles and abstracts followed the PRISMA guidelines while data extraction and the assessment of the full texts were carried out in accordance to the GRADES assessment.ResultsThe review showed that significant increases in levels of IL-1β, IL-2, IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α in irreversible pulpitis samples exist, in comparison to normal pulp samples which serve as a good basis for potential markers. Due to larger discrepancies in available literature, IL-2 seems rather unsuitable at the moment, while IL-6 and TNF alpha seem to be more promising.ConclusionIt may be concluded that even by combining two protein quantification methods inconsistencies between studies exist. At the moment it is difficult to select just one specific cytokine suitable for testing, rather it supports the rationale that further high-quality clinical studies are needed.



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Novel serum metabolomics-based approach by gas chromatography/triple quadrupole mass spectrometry for detection of human skin cancers: Candidate biomarkers

Abstract

Skin cancer incidence rates are continuing to rise; however, if detected at an early stage, they can be cured with minimally invasive treatment. Therefore, the identification of novel and robust biomarkers for the early detection of skin cancer is required to improve the quality of life of the patient after treatment. In the present study, we aimed to identify novel biomarkers of skin cancers. We carried out serum metabolomics using gas chromatography/triple quadrupole mass spectrometry for two types of skin cancer: squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma. The changes in the expression of metabolites compared with healthy volunteers were analyzed by principal component analysis. Among all 118 metabolites, 27 in patients with squamous cell carcinoma and 33 in patients with melanoma showed significant changes in comparison with healthy volunteers. Principal component analysis showed that both skin cancer groups could be distinguished from the healthy volunteers group. We further investigated the specific metabolites most useful for these distinctions. In the squamous cell carcinoma group, these metabolites were glycerol, 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, sebacic acid, fucose and suberic acid. In the melanoma group, these metabolites were glutamic acid, sebacic acid, suberic acid, 4-hydroxybenzoic acid and phenylalanine. The present study identified several metabolites that were distinct for certain skin cancer types, which could potentially be used as diagnostic biomarkers leading to novel clinical management strategies.

http://ift.tt/2qYUEau

Aging in hair follicle stem cells and niche microenvironment

Abstract

Hair graying and hair loss are prominent and common characteristics of the elderly population. In some individuals these processes can significantly impact their quality of life, leading to depression, anxiety and other serious mental health problems. Accordingly, there has been much interest in understanding the complex physiological changes within the hair follicle in the aging individual. It is now known that hair follicles represent a prototypical stem cell niche, where both micro- and macroenvironmental influences are integrated alongside stem cell–stem cell and stem cell–stem niche interactions to determine hair growth or hair follicle senescence. Recent studies have identified imbalanced stem cell differentiation and altered stem cell activity as important factors during hair loss, indicating new avenues for the development of therapeutic agents to stimulate hair growth. Here, we pull together the latest findings on the hair follicle stem cell niche and the multifactorial interactions underlying the various forms of hair loss.

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Dermoscopic features of mucoepidermoid carcinoma of the lip

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Overview of surgery for laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancer in Ontario, 2003-2010

Abstract

Background

The primary purpose of this study was to describe variations in incidence rates, resections rates, and types of surgical resection for patients diagnosed with laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancers in Ontario.

Methods

All laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancer cases in Ontario (2003-2010) were identified from the Ontario Cancer Registry (n = 3034). Variations in incidence rates, resection rates, and type of surgical resection were compared by sex, age group, neighborhood income, community population, health region, and physician specialty.

Results

Incidence rates per 100 000 vary significantly by sex, age, neighborhood income, and community size. Women, the elderly (75+ years), those in the higher income quintiles, and those living in larger communities were significantly less likely to receive a laryngectomy procedure.

Conclusions

Laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancer incidence rates vary by sex, age, neighborhood income, community size, and health region. Resection rates vary by age, sex, and health region. These disparities warrant further evaluation to improve the quality of delivered care in Ontario.

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Outcomes for patients with synchronous and metachronous primary lung cancer after diagnosis of head and neck cancer

ABSTRACT

Background

Not-infrequently patients with head and neck cancer are also diagnosed with synchronous lung cancer or metachronous primary lung cancer, which complicates the treatment decisions and prognosis.

Methods

Patients were identified from a database of patients with head and neck cancer with second primary non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Results

Thirty-four eligible patients (15 with synchronous lung cancer and 19 with metachronous lung cancer) were identified. Thirteen of 15 patients with synchronous lung cancer received curative intent treatment for head and neck cancer first. Six of 15 patients were in complete remission, 5 of 15 patients had died, and 4 were alive with progressive disease. Median time between 2 diagnoses was 47 months in the metachronous lung cancer group. Twelve patients had died, 3 were alive with disease, and 4 were lost to follow-up. Median survival from the time of lung cancer diagnosis was 13 months with a trend to better survival with synchronous lung cancer (15 vs 11 months; p = .11).

Conclusion

Aggressive multidisciplinary management of second primary lung malignancies in patients with head and neck cancer can result in respectable long-term disease control particularly in patients with synchronous lung cancer. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2017

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Analysis of archived newborn dried blood spots (DBS) identifies congenital cytomegalovirus as a major cause of unexplained pediatric sensorineural hearing loss

Congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV) infection is the most common non-genetic cause of sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL). However, accurate diagnosis of cCMV as the etiology of SNHL is problematic beyond the neonatal period. This study therefore examined whether cCMV infection could be identified retrospectively in children presenting with unexplained SNHL to a multidisciplinary diagnostic outpatient otolaryngology clinic at an academic medical center in Minnesota.

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Ultraviolet A photosensitivity profile of dexchlorpheniramine maleate and promethazine-based creams: Anti-inflammatory, antihistaminic, and skin barrier protection properties

Summary

Background

Unwanted side effects such as dryness, hypersensitivity, and cutaneous photosensitivity are challenge for adherence and therapeutical success for patients using treatments for inflammatory and allergic skin response.

Aims

In this study, we compared the effects of two dermatological formulations, which are used in inflammatory and/or allergic skin conditions: dexchlorpheniramine maleate (DCP; 10 mg/g) and promethazine (PTZ; 20 mg/g).

Methods

We evaluated both formulations for phototoxicity potential, skin irritation, anti-inflammatory and antihistaminic abilities, and skin barrier repair in vitro and ex vivo using the standard OECD test guideline n° 432, the ECVAM protocol n° 78, and cultured skin explants from a healthy patient. Ultraviolet A was chosen as exogenous agent to induce allergic and inflammatory response.

Results

Both PTZ and DCP promoted increases in interleukin-1 (IL-1) synthesis in response to ultraviolet A (UVA) radiation compared to control. However, the increase observed with PTZ was significantly greater than the DCP, indicating that the latter has a lower irritant potential. DCP also demonstrated a protective effect on UVA-induced leukotriene B4 and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) synthesis. Conversely, PTZ demonstrates more robust UVA antihistaminic activity. Likewise, PTZ promoted a significantly greater increase in the production of involucrin and keratin 14, both associated with protective skin barrier property.

Conclusion

In conclusion, these data suggest possible diverging UVA response mechanisms of DCP and PTZ, which gives greater insight into the contrasting photosensitizing potential between DCP and PTZ observed in the patients.

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Constant maintenance of an alternative route of coronary flow in radical surgery for gastric cancer following coronary artery bypass grafting involving the right gastroepiploic artery: a case report

Abstract

We describe a 64-year-old man diagnosed as having gastric cancer with a patent right gastroepiploic artery (RGEA) used for coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Before gastrectomy, the native coronary artery was revascularized to safely dissect the infrapyloric lymphatic tissue along the layer recently identified as an appropriate layer for radical lymphadenectomy, in anticipation of preserving the radically skeletonized RGEA. The perioperative strategy was feasible. Postoperatively, hemorrhage extended the stopping period of antiplatelet therapy. However, since the RGEA was preserved, an alternative route was available for coronary flow. After a 41-month postoperative follow-up, the patient remained in good health, with no recurrence or cardiac ischemia. In this case, the alternative route of coronary flow could be constantly maintained, although radical infrapyloric lymphadenectomy had been performed. Preoperative revascularization and preserving the RGEA with radical skeletonization can be a safe yet permissibly radical strategy for gastric cancer treatment following CABG involving the RGEA.

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Primary solitary peritoneal tumor of the abdominal wall—report of a rare case and review of the literature

Abstract

Abdominal wall tumors are sometimes diagnosed as metastases of ovarian cancer, however, primary peritoneal tumors should be taken into consideration in the final diagnosis. A 49-year-old female patient was admitted in our Department for the excision of a pulpable abdominal wall lump, with no other abnormalities shown on imaging investigation. On histology examination, the excised specimen revealed characteristics of metastatic high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma. Total hysterectomy, bilateral oophorectomy, omentectomy and appendectomy were performed. No signs of malignancy were proved on histology, leading to the final diagnosis of a primary serous peritoneal tumor. This is the third described case of solitary primary serous peritoneal tumor located in the abdominal wall. This condition should be included in the differential diagnosis of a probable metastatic ovarian carcinoma, as both present similar histologic characteristics.

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Synchronous contralateral adrenal metastasis of colorectal cancer: case report

Abstract

The most frequent sites of distant metastasis of colorectal cancer (CRC) are primarily liver and lung, followed by brain and bone metastases. Infrequently, metastases are found in the adrenal glands. They usually have a metachronous and homolateral character. We present a case of contralateral synchronic adrenal metastasis of CRC and its surgical resolution.

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Cost Effectiveness of Lenvatinib, Sorafenib and Placebo in Treatment of Radioiodine-Refractory Differentiated Thyroid Cancer

Thyroid , Vol. 0, No. 0.


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Farmakoekonomiczne aspekty zastosowania immunoterapii alergenowej w leczeniu alergicznego nieżytu nosa i astmy

Publication date: Available online 7 June 2017
Source:Alergologia Polska - Polish Journal of Allergology
Author(s): Radosław Gawlik, Grzegorz Zagórny, Andrzej Bożek
Allergic rhinitis is a most common allergic disease affecting 40% of the population. The impact of AR on health-related quality of life (QoL) and productivity results in a significant economic burden. Allergen immunotherapy is the only causative treatment of allergic rhinitis and asthma. However, it is still unclear whether AIT is more cost-effective than the other treatments of AR without long-term cost-effectiveness studies. There is a need for further economic evaluations comparing different ways of immunotherapy and immunotherapy with pharmacotherapy.



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New Frontiers in Surgical Innovation

It is an exciting time for head and neck surgical innovation with numerous advances in the perioperative planning and intraoperative management of patients with cancer, trauma patients, and individuals with congenital defects. The broad and rapidly changing realm of head and neck surgical innovation precludes a comprehensive summary. This article highlights some of the most important innovations from surgical planning with sentinel node biopsy and three-dimensional, stereolithic modeling to intraoperative innovations, such as transoral robotic surgery and intraoperative navigation. Future surgical innovations, such as intraoperative optical imaging of surgical margins, are also highlighted.

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Genetic architecture of acne vulgaris

Abstract

Background

Acne vulgaris is a ubiquitary skin disease characterized by chronic inflammation of the pilosebaceous unit resulting from bacterial colonization of hair follicles by Propionibacterium acnes, androgen-induced increased sebum production, altered keratinization and inflammation.

Objective

Here we review our current understanding of the genetic architecture of this intriguing disease and want to show rare and corresponding diseases like PCOS with acne vulgaris.

Methods

We conducted a data research identifying genome-wide association studies (GWAS), candidate genes studies as case reports for acne vulgaris. Moreover, we included GWAS for the PCOS as it revealed shared genes with acne vulgaris.

Results

The data research revealed from different ethnic populations sixteen genes with single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), two repeat polymorphisms, one gene mutation as five diseases associated with acne vulgaris. Moreover, the GWAS PCOS identified twenty-six SNPs from twenty-one susceptible loci.

Conclusion

The genetic architecture is complex which has been revealed by GWAS. Further and larger studies in different populations are required to confirm or disprove results from candidate gene studies as well to identify signals that may overlap between different populations. Finally, studies on rare genetic variants in acne and associated diseases like PCOS may deepen our understanding of its pathogenesis.

This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

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Eye Movements Are Correctly Timed During Walking Despite Bilateral Vestibular Hypofunction

Abstract

Individuals with bilateral vestibular hypofunction (BVH) often report symptoms of oscillopsia (the perception that the world is bouncing or unstable) during walking. Efference copy/proprioception contributes to locomotion gaze stability in animals, sometimes inhibiting the vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR). Gaze stability requires both adequate eye velocity and appropriate timing of eye movements. It is unknown whether eye velocity (VOR gain), timing (phase), or both are impaired for individuals with BVH during walking. Identifying the specific mechanism of impaired gaze stability can better inform rehabilitation options. Gaze stability was measured for eight individuals with severe BVH and eight healthy age- and gender-matched controls while performing a gaze fixation task during treadmill walking. Frequency response functions (FRF) were calculated from pitch eye and head velocity. A one-way ANOVA was conducted to determine group differences for each frequency bin of the FRF. Pearson correlation coefficients were calculated to determine the relationship between the real and imaginary parts of the FRF and the Oscillopsia Visual Analog Scale (oVAS) scores. Individuals with BVH demonstrated significantly lower gains than healthy controls above 0.5 Hz, but their phase was ideally compensatory for frequencies below 3 Hz. Higher oVAS scores were correlated with lower gain. Individuals with BVH demonstrated ideal timing for vertical eye movements while walking despite slower than ideal eye velocity when compared to healthy controls. Rehabilitation interventions focusing on enhancing VOR gain during walking should be developed to take advantage of the intact timing reported here. Specifically, training VOR gain while walking may reduce oscillopsia severity and improve quality of life.

http://ift.tt/2r7qocY

Eye Movements Are Correctly Timed During Walking Despite Bilateral Vestibular Hypofunction

Abstract

Individuals with bilateral vestibular hypofunction (BVH) often report symptoms of oscillopsia (the perception that the world is bouncing or unstable) during walking. Efference copy/proprioception contributes to locomotion gaze stability in animals, sometimes inhibiting the vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR). Gaze stability requires both adequate eye velocity and appropriate timing of eye movements. It is unknown whether eye velocity (VOR gain), timing (phase), or both are impaired for individuals with BVH during walking. Identifying the specific mechanism of impaired gaze stability can better inform rehabilitation options. Gaze stability was measured for eight individuals with severe BVH and eight healthy age- and gender-matched controls while performing a gaze fixation task during treadmill walking. Frequency response functions (FRF) were calculated from pitch eye and head velocity. A one-way ANOVA was conducted to determine group differences for each frequency bin of the FRF. Pearson correlation coefficients were calculated to determine the relationship between the real and imaginary parts of the FRF and the Oscillopsia Visual Analog Scale (oVAS) scores. Individuals with BVH demonstrated significantly lower gains than healthy controls above 0.5 Hz, but their phase was ideally compensatory for frequencies below 3 Hz. Higher oVAS scores were correlated with lower gain. Individuals with BVH demonstrated ideal timing for vertical eye movements while walking despite slower than ideal eye velocity when compared to healthy controls. Rehabilitation interventions focusing on enhancing VOR gain during walking should be developed to take advantage of the intact timing reported here. Specifically, training VOR gain while walking may reduce oscillopsia severity and improve quality of life.

http://ift.tt/2r7qocY

Analysis of archived newborn dried blood spots (DBS) identifies congenital cytomegalovirus as a major cause of unexplained pediatric sensorineural hearing loss

Publication date: Available online 7 June 2017
Source:American Journal of Otolaryngology
Author(s): Lucy Meyer, Bazak Sharon, Tina C. Huang, Abby C. Meyer, Kristin E. Gravel, Lisa A. Schimmenti, Elizabeth C. Swanson, Hannah E. Herd, Nelmary Hernandez-Alvarado, Kirsten R. Coverstone, Mark McCann, Mark R. Schleiss
PurposeCongenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV) infection is the most common non-genetic cause of sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL). However, accurate diagnosis of cCMV as the etiology of SNHL is problematic beyond the neonatal period. This study therefore examined whether cCMV infection could be identified retrospectively in children presenting with unexplained SNHL to a multidisciplinary diagnostic outpatient otolaryngology clinic at an academic medical center in Minnesota.MethodsOver a 4-year period, 57 patients age 3months to 10years of age with unexplained SNHL were recruited to participate in this study. Informed consent was obtained to test the archived dried blood spots (DBS) of these patients for cCMV infection by real-time PCR, targeting a highly conserved region of the CMV UL83 gene. Results were normalized to recovery of an NRAS gene control. Chart review was conducted to identify subjects who underwent genetic testing and/or neurodiagnostic imaging to investigate possible genetic, syndromic, or anatomical causes of SNHL.ResultsIn total, 15 of the 57 children with unexplained SNHL tested positive for CMV DNA in their DBS (26%). A mean viral load of 8.3×10⁴ (±4.1×10⁴) [range, 1×10³–6×10⁵] copies/μg DNA was observed in subjects retrospectively diagnosed with cCMV. No statistically significant correlation was found between viral load and SNHL severity.ConclusionsA retrospective DBS analysis demonstrated 26% of patients presenting with unexplained SNHL in childhood had cCMV. DBS testing is useful in the retrospective diagnosis of cCMV, and may provide definitive diagnostic information about the etiology of SNHL.



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Pneumococcal meningitis with normal cerebrospinal biochemistry and no pneumococci at microscopy, mimicking a stroke: a case report

Bacterial meningitis commonly presents with symptoms such as headache, impaired consciousness, neck stiffness, and fever. In most cases, cerebrospinal fluid analysis will yield white cell counts >100/mm3. Atypica...

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Thyroid Open Access Articles

Thyroid

Latest Impact Factor: 3.784
The Official Journal of: American Thyroid Association

Read these new open access articles today:

Contrasting Phenotypes in Resistance to Thyroid Hormone α Correlate with Divergent Properties of Thyroid Hormone Receptor α1 Mutant Proteins
Carla Moran, Maura Agostini, Anne McGowan, Erik Schoenmakers, Louise Fairall, Greta Lyons, Odelia Rajanayagam, Laura Watson, Amaka C Offiah, John Stephen Barton, Susan Price, John WR Schwabe, V. Krishna Chatterjee

A 10-gene Classifier for Indeterminate Thyroid Nodules: Development and Multicenter Accuracy Study
Hernan E Gonzalez, Jose R. Martínez, Sergio Vargas, Antonieta Solar, Loreto Pamela Véliz, Francisco Cruz, Tatiana Arias, Soledad Loyola, Eleonora Horvath, Hernán Tala, Eufrosina Traipe, Manuel Meneses, Luis Marin, Nelson Wohllk, RENE EDUARDO DIAZ, Jesús Véliz, Pedro Pineda, Patricia Arroyo, Natalia Mena, Milagros Bracamonte, Giovanna Miranda, Elsa Bruce, Soledad Urra

 

The post Thyroid Open Access Articles appeared first on American Thyroid Association.

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Issue Information - Journal Info page

No abstract is available for this article.

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Issue Information - TOC

No abstract is available for this article.

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Olfactory loss in chronic rhinosinusitis

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Response to: Finding clinical efficacy with balloon sinus dilation in pediatric chronic rhinosinusitis patients

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Issue Information

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Vertical bone regeneration using rhBMP-2 and VEGF

Abstract

Background

Sufficient vertical and lateral bone supply and a competent osteogenic healing process are prerequisities for the successful osseointegration of dental implants in the alveolar bone. Several techniques including autologous bone grafts and guided bone regeneration are applied to improve quality and quantity of bone at the implantation site. Depending on the amount of lacking bone one- or two-stage procedures are required. Vertical bone augmentation has proven to be a challenge particularly in terms of bone volume stability. This study focuses on the three dimensional vertical bone generation in a one stage procedure in vivo. Therefore, a collagenous disc-shaped scaffold (ICBM = Insoluble Collagenous Bone Matrix) containing rhBMP-2 (Bone Morphogenetic Protein-2) and/or VEGF (Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor) was applied around the coronal part of a dental implant during insertion. RhBMP-2 and VEGF released directly at the implantation site were assumed to induce the generation of new vertical bone around the implant.

Methods

One hundred eight titanium implants were inserted into the mandible and the tibia of 12 mini pigs. Four experimental groups were formed: Control group, ICBM, ICBM + BMP-2, and ICBM + BMP-2 + VEGF.

After 1, 4 and 12 weeks the animals were sacrificed and bone generation was investigated histologically and histomorphometrically.

Results

After 12 weeks the combination of ICBM + rhBMP2 + VEGF showed significantly more bone volume density (BVD%), a higher vertical bone gain (VBG) and more vertical bone gain around the implant (PVBG) in comparison to the control group.

Conclusion

By using collagenous disc-shaped matrices in combination with rhBMP-2 and VEGF vertical bone can be generated in a one stage procedure without donor site morbidity. The results of the presenting study suggest that the combination of rhBMP-2 and VEGF applied locally by using a collagenous carrier improves vertical bone generation in vivo. Further research is needed to establish whether this technique is applicable in clinical routines.

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Layered Justice: Assessing the Acceptance of the Multiple International Criminal Justice Mechanisms in Post-War Kosovo

The violent conflict in Kosovo from 1998-1999 was marked by severe human rights abuses. According to the Kosovo Memory Book (2014), 13,517 people were killed or went missing, both civilians and members of armed forces. This includes 10,415 Albanians, 2,197 Serbs, and 528 Roma, Bosniaks and other non-Albanians. UNCHR accounts in 1999 refer to 700,000 refugees and 70,000 homes that had been damaged or destroyed (UNHCR 1999). Since the end of the Kosovo conflict in June 1999 the international community has been actively involved in seeking justice and has introduced several transitional justice mechanisms. Such extensive involvement by international actors in domestic jurisdiction has attracted the attention of many academics, most of whom have focused on exploring the functioning of international criminal justice (ICJ) mechanisms, their legitimacy, and providing extensive analysis of the concepts and doctrines produced by these mechanisms (Dickinson 2003, 1059). However, the mere reception of international criminal justice by the recipient groups, such as the passive and active acknowledgement of its processes remains mostly ignored by previous research. The objective of this chapter is to identify the dominant discourse of the acceptance of international criminal justice in Kosovo, and how international criminal justice is perceived and appreciated by the recipient groups

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Survival after refusal of surgical treatment for locally advanced laryngeal cancer

Publication date: August 2017
Source:Oral Oncology, Volume 71
Author(s): Sean T. Massa, Nosayaba Osazuwa-Peters, Joel Franco, Gregory W. Ward, Ronald J. Walker
ObjectiveSurvival of advanced laryngeal cancer is declining while the popularity of organ preservation protocols grows. This study assesses the survival impact of refusing surgical treatment for locally advanced, resectable laryngeal cancer.MethodsAdult patients with T3 and T4a non-metastatic laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma were identified from the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results 18 database from 2004 to 2013. Patients were stratified based on a recommendation for extirpative surgery and the refusal of surgery. Multivariate logistic regression modeling identified variables associated with refusal. A multivariate cox proportional hazard model produced adjusted Kaplan-Meier survival curves. Survival was compared using adjusted hazard ratios (aHR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI).ResultsOf 5786 patients in the study, 2877 were recommended for surgical treatment and 138 (4.8%) refused. Refusal of surgery was associated with unmarried status (Single, odds ratio (OR) 1.79, CI 1.10–2.92), black race (OR 1.50, CI 1.00–2.22), T3 tumors (OR 1.80, CI 1.26–2.61) and N3 nodal disease (OR 3.50, CI 1.24–8.48). Compared to patients undergoing surgery, those who refused had lower 5-year cancer specific survival and increased hazard of cancer-specific mortality (aHR 1.60, CI 1.24–2.07) which resulted in decreased 5-year survival (50.0vs 60.1%), after controlling for other factors.ConclusionRefusal of surgery for locally advanced laryngeal cancer is more common in patients without marital support and with T3 tumors. This decision results in a 10% survival decrease at 5-year. Future study is needed to understand patients' reasoning behind this decision and to investigate additional factors not available in this dataset.



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External validation of the AJCC Cancer Staging Manual, 8th edition, in an independent cohort of oral cancer patients

Publication date: August 2017
Source:Oral Oncology, Volume 71
Author(s): Leandro Luongo Matos, Rogerio Aparecido Dedivitis, Marco Aurélio Vamondes Kulcsar, Evandro Sobroza de Mello, Venâncio Avancini F. Alves, Claudio Roberto Cernea
Objectives: To evaluate the new American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) cancer staging manual (8th edition) in an independent cohort of patients surgically treated for oral squamous cell carcinoma in order to determine whether the upstaging of pT and pN classification was indicative of a worse prognosis. Methods: A cohort of 298 patients was analyzed retrospectively. Results: Of these patients, 22.8% received an upstaging when the depth of invasion was included into the pT classification. Similarly, 29.2% of them were upstaged when extracapsular extension was added to pN classification. Twenty-eight of 68 patients (41.2%) that received an upstaging of pT classification died, and 23 (33.8%) experienced disease recurrence compared to 98/229 (42.8%) and 68/229 (29.7%), respectively, for those with the same pT during follow-up. With regard to pN classification, 70.6% of upstaged patients (60/85) died, and 50.6% (43/85) developed recurrence of the disease compared to 63/205 (30.7%) and 42/205 (20.5%), respectively, for those with the same pN during follow-up. Patients who were upstaged in pT classification presented a worse DFS (51.1% versus 80.4%, P=0.007) and OS (31.5% versus 58.6%, P=0.017). Similarly, those that were upstaged in pN classification presented a worse DFS (17.1% versus 61.2%, P=0.001) and OS (8.5% versus 37.9%, P<0.001). Conclusion: The new AJCC cancer staging manual (8th edition) allows a better stratification of oral SCC patients. By including the depth of invasion to the pT classification and extranodal extension to the pN classification, a worse disease-free and overall survival was assessed for these patients.



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Impact of combined modality treatment with radiotherapy and S-1 on T2N0 laryngeal cancer: Possible improvement in survival through the prevention of second primary cancer and distant metastasis

Publication date: August 2017
Source:Oral Oncology, Volume 71
Author(s): Yosuke Kitani, Akira Kubota, Madoka Furukawa, Yukiko Hori, Yuko Nakayama, Tetsuo Nonaka, Nobutaka Mizoguchi, Yuka Kitani, Hiromitsu Hatakeyama, Nobuhiko Oridate
BackgroundIn patients with head and neck cancer, the management of second primary cancer (SPC) is particularly important for improving survival because of its high incidence and associated mortality. We evaluated the impact of combination chemotherapy on survival and SPC.MethodWe retrospectively analyzed data from 49 patients treated with definitive radiation therapy (RT) for T2N0M0 laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma between 2003 and 2011. Among them, 22 patients received combined modality treatment with radiotherapy and S-1 (RT+CT group).ResultsThe median follow-up period was 71months (32–111months). A significant difference in overall survival (OS, P<0.01) was observed between the RT+CT group (n=22) and the RT alone group (n=27) though no significant differences were observed in local control and disease specific survival. Univariate analyses showed that an older age (P<0.05) and a higher grade (P<0.05) were associated with OS. Multivariate analysis identified chemotherapy as the most significant predictor of survival (OR, 0.056; 95% CI, 0.008–0.353, P<0.01). A significantly lower incidence of distant metastasis (DM)+SPC (5-year incidence: 5% vs. 19%, P<0.05) and fewer deaths from these causes (1 vs. 8: P<0.05) were observed in the RT+CT group. Multivariate analysis showed that chemotherapy was the most significant factor for the incidence of DM+SPC (OR, 0.074; 95% CI, 0.0065–0.84; P<0.05).ConclusionThe findings of this study suggest the possibility that combined modality treatment with radiotherapy and S-1 improve survival by preventing distant metastasis and second primary cancer.



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Spatio-temporal co-occurrence of alien and native molluscs: a modelling approach using physical-chemical predictors

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Respiratory Syncytial virus infection compromises asthma tolerance by recruiting interleukin-17A-producing cells via CCR6-CCL20 signaling

Publication date: August 2017
Source:Molecular Immunology, Volume 88
Author(s): Tianyun Shi, Yanchao He, Wei Sun, Yi Wu, Ling Li, Zhijun Jie, Xiao Su
Asthma tolerance can be induced by breast-feeding or oral feeding with ovalbumin (OVA). Anergy or deletion of specific T cells and generation of T regulatory cells might contribute to this process. However, whether respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection would affect asthma tolerance is not very clear. Here, we first established asthma and oral tolerance mouse models and then analyzed airway hypersensitivity and asthma-related genes in the lung, CCR6-expressing IL-17A⁺ cells in the lungs, hilar or mesenteric lymph nodes (HLN or MLN) among control, asthmatic, tolerized, RSV infection, and RSV-infected asthmatic and tolerized groups. We also administrated CCL20 or IL-17A neutralizing antibody to RSV-infected tolerized mice to test whether RSV infection would mobilize CCR6-expressing IL-17A⁺ cells from MLN to the infected lungs. We found that tolerized mice infected with RSV developed asthma-like responses manifested by increasing airway hypersensitivity, exacerbating peribronchial inflammation, elevating lung asthma-related genes (Il17a, Mu5ac, and Gob5), accumulating CCR6-expressing IL-17A⁺ cells in the lungs and HLN with a reduction of this cell population in MLN. CCL20-CCR6 co-expression in RSV-infected tolerized MLN was reduced. Neutralization of CCL20 reduced CD3⁺CD4⁺CCR6⁺ cells in the RSV-infected tolerized HLN. Neutralization of IL-17A mitigated the compromising effects of RSV infection on asthma tolerance. Taken together, RSV infection impairs asthma tolerance by recruiting IL-17A-producing cells via CCR6-CCL20 signaling. The findings provide novel insight into exacerbation and therapeutic strategy of asthma under RSV infection.



http://ift.tt/2sDWG1a

THP-1 and human peripheral blood mononuclear cell-derived macrophages differ in their capacity to polarize in vitro

Publication date: August 2017
Source:Molecular Immunology, Volume 88
Author(s): Hiromi Shiratori, Carmen Feinweber, Sonja Luckhardt, Bona Linke, Eduard Resch, Gerd Geisslinger, Andreas Weigert, Michael J. Parnham
Macrophages (Mφ) undergo activation to pro-inflammatory (M1) or anti-inflammatory (M2) phenotypes in response to pathophysiologic stimuli and dysregulation of the M1-M2 balance is often associated with diseases. Therefore, studying mechanisms of macrophage polarization may reveal new drug targets. Human Mφ polarization is generally studied in primary monocyte-derived Mφ (PBMC Mφ) and THP-1-derived Mφ (THP-1 Mφ). We compared the polarization profile of THP-1 Mφ with that of PBMC Mφ to assess the alternative use of THP-1 for polarization studies. Cellular morphology, the expression profiles of 18 genes and 4 cell surface proteins, and phagocytosis capacity for apoptotic cells and S. aureus bioparticles were compared between these Mφ, activated towards M1, M2a, or M2c subsets by stimulation with LPS/IFNγ, IL-4, or IL-10, respectively, for 6h, 24h and 48h. The Mφ types are unique in morphology and basal expression of polarization marker genes, particularly CCL22, in a pre-polarized state, and were differentially sensitive to polarization stimuli. Generally, M1 markers were instantly induced and gradually decreased, while M2 markers were markedly expressed at a later time. Expression profiles of M1 markers were similar between the polarized Mφ types, but M2a cell surface markers demonstrated an IL-4-dependent upregulation only in PBMC Mφ. Polarized THP-1 Mφ but not PBMC Mφ showed distinctive phagocytic capacity for apoptotic cells and bacterial antigens, respectively. In conclusion, our data suggest that THP-1 may be useful for performing studies involving phagocytosis and M1 polarization, rather than M2 polarization.



http://ift.tt/2s4p2EH

Novel insights into the expression pattern of anaphylatoxin receptors in mice and men

Publication date: Available online 7 June 2017
Source:Molecular Immunology
Author(s): Yves Laumonnier, Christian M. Karsten, Jörg Köhl
The anaphylatoxins (AT) C3a and C5a play important roles as mediators of inflammation. Further, they regulate and control multiple innate and adaptive immune responses through binding and activation of their cognate G protein-coupled receptors, i.e. C3a receptor (C3aR), C5a receptor 1 (C5aR1) and C5a receptor 2 (C5aR2), although the latter lacks important sequence motifs for G protein-coupling. Based on their pleiotropic functions, they contribute not only to tissue homeostasis but drive, perpetuate and resolve immune responses in many inflammatory diseases including infections, malignancies, autoimmune as well as allergic diseases. During the past few years, transcriptome expression data provided detailed insights into AT receptor tissue mRNA expression. In contrast, our understanding of cellular AT receptor expression in human and mouse tissues under steady and inflammatory conditions is still sketchy. Ligand binding studies, flow cytometric and immunohistochemical analyses convincingly demonstrated tissue-specific C5aR1 expression in various cells of myeloid origin. However, a detailed map for C3aR or C5aR2 expression in human or mouse tissue cells is still lacking. Also, reports about AT expression in lymphoid cells is still controversial. To understand the multiple roles of the ATs in the innate and adaptive immune networks, a detailed understanding of their receptor expression in health and disease is required. Recent findings obtained with novel GFP or tdTomato AT-receptor knock-in mice provide detailed insights into their expression pattern in tissue immune and stroma cells. Here, we will provide an update about our current knowledge of AT receptor expression pattern in humans and mice.



http://ift.tt/2sE3uvE

The role of the complement system in hereditary angioedema

Publication date: Available online 7 June 2017
Source:Molecular Immunology
Author(s): Dorottya Csuka, Nóra Veszeli, Lilian Varga, Zoltán Prohászka, Henriette Farkas
Hereditary angioedema (HAE) is a rare, but potentially life-threatening disorder, characterized by acute, recurring, and self-limiting edematous episodes of the face, extremities, trunk, genitals, upper airways, or the gastrointestinal tract. HAE may be caused by the deficiency of C1-inhibitor (C1-INH-HAE) but another type of the disease, hereditary angioedema with normal C1-INH function (nC1-INH-HAE) was also described. The patient population is quite heterogeneous as regards the location, frequency, and severity of edematous attacks, presenting large intra- and inter-individual variation. Here, we review the role of the complement system in the pathomechanism of HAE and also present an overview on the complement parameters having an importance in the diagnosis or in predicting the severity of HAE.



http://ift.tt/2s4mI0q

Demodex-Positive Acneiform Eruption Responsive to Ivermectin

This case report describes a man taking cetuximab with a tetracycline-resistant acneiform eruption successfully treated with oral ivermectin.

http://ift.tt/2s4yNTs

Asymptomatic Pigmented Lesions of the Gingiva

A white woman in her 50s with a medical history of orolabial melanotic macules presented to an oral medicine clinic for evaluation of asymptomatic pigmented lesions affecting the maxillary and mandibular gingiva. What is your diagnosis?

http://ift.tt/2sE9CUI

Gender-Based Price Differences in Over-the-Counter Minoxidil

This observational study compares the prices of minoxidil products for men and women at retail pharmacies.

http://ift.tt/2s528Nk

Factors Associated With a Mole-Prone Phenotype in Late Adolescence

This cohort study from the Study of Nevi in Children examines host, behavioral, and dermoscopic factors in early adolescence that are associated with a mole-prone phenotype in late adolescence.

http://ift.tt/2sE1hjQ

Skin Cancer Screening in a Veterans Affairs Health Care System

This study assesses the association of skin cancer training and screening by primary care practitioners with dermatology referral patterns and rates of skin biopsies.

http://ift.tt/2s4Bvbw

Faziale Manifestationen granulomatöser Erkrankungen

Zusammenfassung

Klinische Manifestationen granulomatöser Erkrankungen sind eine wiederkehrende Herausforderung im dermatologischen Alltag. Die klinische Präsentation und das histologisches Reaktionsmuster sind dabei, abhängig von der jeweiligen Erkrankung, durchaus variabel. Das Wissen um die Differenzialdiagnose granulomatöser Veränderungen am Gesicht ist von entscheidender Bedeutung für die Steuerung einer rationalen Diagnostik und Therapie im Sinne des Patientenwohles. Histologische und klinische Merkmale wichtiger granulomatöser Erkrankungen, die sich typischerweise am Gesicht manifestieren, sollen hier daher vorgestellt werden.

http://ift.tt/2sgw6xL

What can Global Health Case Reports do for the “Neglected Stepchild of Global Health”?

By Nathan Douthit

Access to safe, affordable surgery is an essential aspect of global health. Eight million people are killed or injured every year due to inadequate availability of surgical services. Five billion are at risk due to lack of access to these services. Despite investment in surgery providing a 10:1 benefit:cost ratio for developing economies, surgery remains "the neglected stepchild of global health."

 

The case report "Penetrating cardiac injury: sustaining health by building team resilience in growing civilian violence" by Pol et al addresses some of these issues. The report includes two cases, both of young men. This represents a demographic at greater risk for perpetrating and being victims of violence. The case report addresses the issue raised by the greater availability of cheap firearms, so called 'desi-kattas' in India. Readily available firearms represent a risk for global health in both developed and developing nations. Pol et al discuss the importance of government initiative to curb violence as well as to build multi-disciplinary surgical teams capable of handling the surgical emergencies created by these underlying issues. One third of the global burden of disease is addressed surgically, and without these systems in place, needless death and disability will occur.

 

BMJ Case Reports invites authors to draw more attention to problems created by violence and conflict and the need for surgery in global health as well as the successes in this field. Case reports can expose:

-Increasing prevalence of surgical disease in developing countries

-Complications associated with delayed presentation

-Issues faced by vulnerable populations in the developed and developing world

-Management of surgical care in limited resource settings

-Violence and conflict and their effect on the health of populations

The Lancet Commission on Global Surgery discussed the importance of supporting research in developing countries by partnering with local practitioners in the developing world. This literature can be submitted by students, physicians and other medical professionals and will be necessary in helping to develop solutions to these global health problems.

 

Selected references on conflict, resilience and surgery within BMJ Global Health Case Reports:

–Landmines in the Golan Heights: a patient's perspective

–Complications of Dysgerminoma: meeting the health needs of patients in conflict zones

–The Tell-Tale Thigh

–Rheumatic fever with severe carditis: still prevalent in the South West Pacific

–Birth brachial plexus palsy: a race against time

–A Syrian Man with Abdominal Pain

For further guidance on how to write for BMJ Case Reports, please see here.

Selected references outside of BMJCR

1. Ng-Kamstra JS, Greenberg SL, Abdullah F, Amado V, Anderson GA, Cossa M, Costas-Chavarri A, Davies J, Debas HT, Dyer GS, Erdene S. Global Surgery 2030: a roadmap for high income country actors. BMJ Global Health. 2016 Apr 1;1(1):e000011.
2. Stewart F. Root causes of violent conflict in developing countries. BMJ: British Medical Journal. 2002 Feb 9;324(7333):342
3. Bruno E, Shrine MG. Surgery: The Neglected Stepchild of Global Health. The New York Times: Opinion. 2016 Apr 20. Accessed online at http://ift.tt/2rByfTt on 2017 June 4
4. Weinberger SE. Curbing Firearm Violence: Identifying a Target for Physician Action. Annals of internal medicine. 2016 Aug 2;165(3):221-2.

 

http://ift.tt/2r5Y0Ib

EXCESS RIVER SEDIMENTATION AT BRIDGES IN THE RAYA GRABEN (NORTHERN ETHIOPIA)

This study investigates the temporal variability and effects of bio-climatic factors and bridges on local hydro-geomorphic conditions that cause excess sedimentation and flood hazard in ephemeral rivers of the Raya graben (northern Ethiopia). Normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) was analyzed using Landsat imageries of 1972, 1986, 2000, 2005, 2010, and 2014. Daily rainfall data of three meteorological stations were considered to analyze the temporal trends and return time intervals of rainfall intensity in 24 h. Stream-bed gradient and bed material grain size were measured in 20 river reaches. Results show that the maximum NDVI values were recorded in the time interval from 2000 to 2014. Nevertheless, during this decade, the study bridges experienced the largest excess sedimentation, in some bridges up to 1.6 m. Different factors to account for it are discussed as no evidence of rainfall pattern, accountable for an increase in sediment delivery from the headwaters, is found. The field data show that channel narrowing at bridges is the main cause of thick upstream sedimentation and of increasing frequency of overbank flows during the last 15 years. A simple hydraulic approach is presented to explain the variability of sediment deposition at bridges and change in bed material grain size between the main stem and the reach right upstream of the bridge. Copyright (C) 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

http://ift.tt/2rLEp1I

In vitro susceptibility of Brachyspira hyodysenteriae to organic acids and essential oil components

The antibacterial potential of organic acids and essential oil components against Brachyspira hyodysenteriae, the causative pathogen of swine dysentery, was evaluated Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of 15 compounds were determined at pH 7.2 and pH 6.0, using a broth microdilution assay. In addition, possible synergism was determined. MIC values for the three tested strains were similar. For organic acids, MIC values at pH 6.0 were lower than at pH 7.2. B. hyodysenteriae was most sensitive to cinnamaldehyde and lauric acid, with MIC values <1.5 mM. Most antibacterial effects of binary combinations were additive, however, for thymol and carvacrol, synergism could be observed. In vitro results demonstrate the antibacterial action of certain essential oil components and organic acids against B. hyodysenteriae.

http://ift.tt/2r2ek1p

Cortisol directly impacts Flavobacterium columnare in vitro growth characteristics

Teleost fish faced with stressful stimuli launch an endocrine stress response through activation of the hypothalamicpituitary-interrenal axis to release glucocorticoids, in particular cortisol, into the blood. For the majority of bacterial fish pathogens, stress is considered a key factor in disease outbreaks. Based upon studies in mammals, there is considerable evidence to suggest that, besides impairing the immune system, cortisol can have a direct effect on bacterial cells. Hitherto, this intriguing field of microbial endocrinology has remained largely unexplored in aquatic diseases. The present study investigated in vitro the impact of cortisol on phenotypic traits of the fresh water fish pathogen Flavobacterium columnare. Colonies obtained from the highly virulent (HV) isolates resulted in significantly larger and more spreading colonies compared to those from the low virulent (LV) isolates. High cortisol doses added displayed a direct effect on the bacterial cells and induced a significant decrease in colony size. An additional intriguing finding was the inverse relationship between cortisol concentrations added to the broth and the spreading character of colonies retrieved, with higher cortisol doses resulting in less rhizoid to rough and even smooth colony formation (the latter only in the LV trout isolate), suggesting a dose-response effect. The loss of the rhizoid appearance of the F. columnare colonies upon administration of cortisol, and hence the loss of motility, might indicate a phenotypic change to the biofilm state. These findings form the basis for further research on the impact of glucocorticoids on other virulence factors and biofilm formation of F. columnare.

http://ift.tt/2rLJnLS

Congenital bilateral aplasia of the metacarpophalangeal joints in a foal

A 2-day-old Warmblood filly was presented for examination of an angular limb deformity of the left front limb and an upright conformation of both metacarpophalangeal joints. Radiological examination revealed bilateral absence of the metacarpophalangeal joint space with fusion of the third metacarpal bone and first phalanx (synostosis). No treatment was undertaken. The filly was readmitted to the clinic 10 weeks later for bilateral front limb lameness. On radiological examination, the synostosis of the front metacarpophalangeal joints was still present. Physitis of the distal growth plate of the right third metacarpal bone and proximal growth plate of the right proximal phalanx, and an avulsion fracture of the palmaromedial and proximal aspect of the left middle phalanx, with a cystic like lesion on the medial aspect of distal first phalanx and proximal middle phalanx were diagnosed. Given the poor prognosis, the foal was subjected to euthanasia. Post mortem examination confirmed the absence of the metacarpophalangeal joint space with a trabecular bony union between the third metacarpal bone and the first phalanx. A rudimentary joint capsule was present at the level of the absent joints as well as a small zone of articular cartilage, which invaginated over a short distance into the dorsal trabecular bone on the right front limb. On the medial aspect of the left proximal interphalangeal joint, a focal defect of articular cartilage with exposure of subchondral bone was observed. This is the first case report of a foal born with congenital aplasia of both metacarpophalangeal joints. Congenital malformations should be considered as differential diagnosis in lame foals or foals born with angular or flexural limb deformities.

http://ift.tt/2r25TDm

Everyday space-time geographies: using mobile phone-based sensor data to monitor urban activity in Harbin, Paris, and Tallinn

This paper proposes a methodology for using mobile telephone-based sensor data for detecting spatial and temporal differences in everyday activities in cities. Mobile telephone-based sensor data has great applicability in developing urban monitoring tools and smart city solutions. The paper outlines methods for delineating indicator points of temporal events referenced as midnight', morning start', midday', and duration of day', which represent the mobile telephone usage of residents (what we call social time) rather than solar or standard time. Density maps by time quartiles were also utilized to test the versatility of this methodology and to analyze the spatial differences in cities. The methodology was tested with data from cities of Harbin (China), Paris (France), and Tallinn (Estonia). Results show that the developed methods have potential for measuring the distribution of temporal activities in cities and monitoring urban changes with georeferenced mobile phone data.

http://ift.tt/2rLqSXT

Interactions of highly and low virulent Flavobacterium columnare isolates with gill tissue in carp and rainbow trout

The interactions of Flavobacterium columnare isolates of different virulence with the gills of carp (Cyprinus carpio L.) and rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss Walbaum) were investigated. Both fish species were exposed to different high (HV) or low virulence (LV) isolates and sacrificed at seven predetermined times post-challenge. Histopathological and ultrastructural examination of carp and rainbow trout inoculated with the HV-isolate disclosed bacterial invasion and concomitant destruction of the gill tissue, gradually spreading from the filament tips towards the base, with outer membrane vesicles surrounding most bacterial cells. In carp, 5-10% of the fish inoculated with the LV-isolate became moribund and their gill tissue displayed the same features as described for the HV-isolate, albeit to a lesser degree. The bacterial numbers retrieved from the gill tissue were significantly higher for HV- compared to LV-challenged carp and rainbow trout. TUNEL-stained and caspase-3-immunostained gill sections demonstrated significantly higher apoptotic cell counts in carp and rainbow trout challenged with the HV-isolate compared to control animals. Periodic acid-Schiff/alcian blue staining demonstrated a significantly higher total gill goblet cell count for HV- and LV-isolate challenged compared to control carp. Moreover, bacterial clusters were embedded in a neutral matrix while being encased by acid mucins, resembling biofilm formation. Eosinophilic granular cell counts were significantly higher in the HV-isolate compared to LV-isolate inoculated and control carp. The present data indicate a high colonization capacity, and the destructive and apoptotic-promoting features of the HV-isolate, and point towards important dynamic host mucin–F. columnare interactions warranting further research.

http://ift.tt/2r1Y4xt

The Rectum Is for Gravediggers: Homicide, HIV, Homophobia and Identity in Late Twentieth Century France

Kiely, JD; (2017) The Rectum Is for Gravediggers: Homicide, HIV, Homophobia and Identity in Late Twentieth Century France. Tropos , 4 (1) , Article 6. 10.14324/111.2057-2212.072 . Green open access

http://ift.tt/2sSRyp0

Graphene oxide derived carbons (GODCs): synthesis and gas adsorption properties

Gadipelli, S; Burress, J; Yildirim, T; (2012) Graphene oxide derived carbons (GODCs): synthesis and gas adsorption properties. Energy & Environmental Science , 5 (4) p. 6453. 10.1039/c2ee21100a .

http://ift.tt/2rV6PII

The EU Referendum Bill: Taking stock

Renwick, AJ; Hazell, R; (2015) The EU Referendum Bill: Taking stock. [Digital scholarly resource]. http://ift.tt/2rUL4ZH...

http://ift.tt/2sSS5Hv

Free bus passes for pensioners are too successful to cut

Mackett, RL; (2014) Free bus passes for pensioners are too successful to cut. [Digital scholarly resource]. http://ift.tt/2rUNyr4... Gold open access

http://ift.tt/2sSJkxp

Brief guides to non-English languages: 2, Hebrew

Freedman, V; (2016) Brief guides to non-English languages: 2, Hebrew. [Digital scholarly resource]. http://ift.tt/2sSGV5x...

http://ift.tt/2rUWmNA

Ereškigal (goddess)

Heffron, Y; (2011) Ereškigal (goddess). [Digital scholarly resource]. http://ift.tt/2sSY5jD... Gold open access

http://ift.tt/2rUWTz9

Zababa (god)

Heffron, Y; (2011) Zababa (god). [Digital scholarly resource]. http://ift.tt/2sSA8sH... Gold open access

http://ift.tt/2rUNvvo

Papsukkal (god)

Heffron, Y; (2011) Papsukkal (god). [Digital scholarly resource]. http://ift.tt/2sSXU86... Gold open access

http://ift.tt/2rUL3F7

Nergal (god)

Heffron, Y; (2011) Nergal (god). [Digital scholarly resource]. http://ift.tt/2sT30RA... Gold open access

http://ift.tt/2rULQ96

Regulation of the SRF cofactor MAL by actin

Guettler, S; (2007) Regulation of the SRF cofactor MAL by actin. Doctoral thesis, UCL (University College London). Green open access

http://ift.tt/2rUJebc

The cycling hair follicle as an ideal systems biology research model

Al-Nuaimi, Y; Baier, G; Watson, REB; Chuong, C-M; Paus, R; (2010) The cycling hair follicle as an ideal systems biology research model. Experimental Dermatology , 19 (8) pp. 707-713. 10.1111/j.1600-0625.2010.01114.x . Green open access

http://ift.tt/2sT2YZY

Inana/Ištar (goddess)

Heffron, Y; (2011) Inana/Ištar (goddess). [Digital scholarly resource]. http://ift.tt/2sSSNVk...

http://ift.tt/2rUWH2U

Gula/Ninkarrak (goddess)

Heffron, Y; (2011) Gula/Ninkarrak (goddess). [Digital scholarly resource]. http://ift.tt/2sSQKAw... Gold open access

http://ift.tt/2rUL8se

Damu (god)

Heffron, Y; (2011) Damu (god). [Digital scholarly resource]. http://ift.tt/2sSIJLS... Gold open access

http://ift.tt/2rULSh6

Asalluhi (god)

Heffron, Y; Brisch, N; (2011) Asalluhi (god). [Digital scholarly resource]. http://ift.tt/2sSLGfE... Gold open access

http://ift.tt/2rVbxpT

Domingo de Soto and the Vagueness of Vagrancy: The Wickedness of Itinerant Lives

Salamanca Charria, BE; (2017) Domingo de Soto and the Vagueness of Vagrancy: The Wickedness of Itinerant Lives. Tropos , 4 (1) , Article 5. 10.14324/111.2057-2212.070 . Green open access

http://ift.tt/2rV6FRy

The Transgressions of Belonging in Mohsin Hamid’s: The Reluctant Fundamentalist

Ahmed, A; (2017) The Transgressions of Belonging in Mohsin Hamid's: The Reluctant Fundamentalist. Tropos , 4 (1) , Article 4. 10.14324/111.2057-2212.069 . Green open access

http://ift.tt/2sSXZIN

Imperial Projections: Screening the German Colonies

Bowersox, J; (2017) Imperial Projections: Screening the German Colonies. [Review]. German History , 35 (2) pp. 330-331. 10.1093/gerhis/ghx012 .

http://ift.tt/2rULL5i

Where Has All the Bias Gone? Detecting Gender Bias in the Household Allocation of Educational Expenditure in India

Kingdon, G; (2005) Where Has All the Bias Gone? Detecting Gender Bias in the Household Allocation of Educational Expenditure in India. Economic Development and Cultural Change , 53 (2) pp. 409-451. 10.1086/425379 . Green open access

http://ift.tt/2sSRNR7

Analyzing spatio-temporal patterns of genuine cross-correlations

Rummel, C; Müller, M; Baier, G; Amor, F; Schindler, K; (2010) Analyzing spatio-temporal patterns of genuine cross-correlations. Journal of Neuroscience Methods , 191 (1) pp. 94-100. 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2010.05.022 .

http://ift.tt/2rUWHzV

Impact of Ribociclib on Head and Neck Squamous Cell Cancer

Condition:   Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck
Intervention:   Drug: Ribociclib
Sponsor:   Fox Chase Cancer Center
Not yet recruiting - verified June 2017

http://ift.tt/2s4vNpU

Regulation of G Protein-Coupled Receptors by Ubiquitination

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) comprise the largest family of membrane receptors that control many cellular processes and consequently often serve as drug targets. These receptors undergo a strict regulation by mechanisms such as internalization and desensitization, which are strongly influenced by posttranslational modifications. Ubiquitination is a posttranslational modification with a broad range of functions that is currently gaining increased appreciation as a regulator of GPCR activity. The role of ubiquitination in directing GPCRs for lysosomal degradation has already been well-established. Furthermore, this modification can also play a role in targeting membrane and endoplasmic reticulum-associated receptors to the proteasome. Most recently, ubiquitination was also shown to be involved in GPCR signaling. In this review, we present current knowledge on the molecular basis of GPCR regulation by ubiquitination, and highlight the importance of E3 ubiquitin ligases, deubiquitinating enzymes and β-arrestins. Finally, we discuss classical and newly-discovered functions of ubiquitination in controlling GPCR activity.

http://ift.tt/2r5PBUZ

Characterization of the interaction between the dopamine D4 receptor, KLHL12 and β-arrestins

Dopamine receptors are G protein-coupled receptors involved in regulation of cognition, learning, movement and endocrine signaling. The action of G protein-coupled receptors is highly regulated by multifunctional proteins, such as β-arrestins which can control receptor desensitization, ubiquitination and signaling. Previously, we have reported that β-arrestin 2 interacts with KLHL12, a BTB-Kelch protein which functions as an adaptor in a Cullin3-based E3 ligase complex and promotes ubiquitination of the dopamine D4 receptor. Here, we have investigated the molecular basis of the interaction between KLHL12 and β-arrestins and questioned its functional relevance. Our data demonstrate that β-arrestin 1 and β-arrestin 2 bind constitutively to the most common dopamine D4 receptor polymorphic variants and to KLHL12 and that all three proteins can interact within a single macromolecular complex. Surprisingly, stimulation of the receptor has no influence on the association between these proteins or their cellular distribution. We found that Cullin3 also interacts with both β-arrestins but has no influence on their ubiquitination. Knockout of one of the two β-arrestins hampers neither interaction between the dopamine D4 receptor and KLHL12, nor ubiquitination of the receptor. Finally, our results indicate that p44/42 MAPK phosphorylation, the signaling pathway which is often regulated by β-arrestins is not influenced by KLHL12, but seems to be exclusively mediated by Gαi protein upon dopamine D4 receptor stimulation.

http://ift.tt/2rB0xh6

Application of ecosystem modelling for decision support in marine fisheries management in Vietnam

The Vietnamese marine ecosystem is under threat from a wide range of human activities including fisheries. These activities can change the structure and functioning of the marine ecosystem. To achieve more sustainable fisheries, an ecosystem approach to fisheries management (EAFM) is needed. Therefore, the overarching aim of this thesis is to develop scientific tools that can support EAFM in the Vietnamese marine ecosystem. To do so, assessing fishing impacts on ecosystem structure and functioning of the Vietnamese marine ecosystem were performed using different methodologies. First, a time-series assessment of the fisheries was carried out based on reconstructed catch data (landing) between 1981 and 2012. Then, based on the landing data, fishery-based indicators were used to assess the impacts of fishing on the structure of the entire Vietnamese marine ecosystem. Next, inverse models and Ecopath with Ecosim (EwE) model were used to evaluate fishing effects on fish communities. Of those, the inverse models were performed to investigate human-induced changes on the functioning of fish communities in the Vietnamese coastal ecosystem. The EwE modelling tool was used to predict ecosystem-level consequences of various fishing scenarios, taking into account the trophic interactions and ecological, social and economic constraints of the Vietnamese coastal fisheries. The present results demonstrated that the Vietnamese ecosystem has experienced changes and stress the need for a closer inspection of the ecological impact of fishing.

http://ift.tt/2r5PDw5

Biotic interactions within sandy beach ecosystems, with implications for an ecologically-sound beach nourishment

Sandy beaches are the largest coastal ecosystem on earth, covering 70% of all continental margins. As more people interact directly with beaches than with any other type of shoreline worldwide, beaches are of huge social and cultural importance. Sandy beaches have a multitude of ecological but also economic functions: they are important nursery areas for a variety of marine species and function as natural coastal defence. Beaches are also highly valuable as socio-economic areas since they are key components of many tourist destinations and are important for coastal fisheries. These activities are causing a direct anthropogenic impact and put, together with natural impacts such as sea level rise and beach erosion, a severe pressure on the sandy beach ecosystem. To preserve beaches and their important ecosystem functions, management and conservation have become critical issues, especially in the light of burgeoning global population growth, demographic shifts towards the coast, and economic prosperity. However, to develop a valuable management strategy, sound knowledge of all the aspects of the beach ecosystem is important. As studies on sandy beaches are however poorly represented in scientific literature, there are some critical gaps in basic ecological information. Although patterns on sandy beaches are well-studied, the functional beach ecosystem is largely unknown. Food web dynamics, species interactions and energetic linkages on sandy beaches are barely studied and ecosystem-wide processes as nutrient cycling, cross-system nutrient fluxes, productivity and connectivity among metapopulations on different sandy beaches are undescribed. An overview of the current knowledge on the sandy beach ecosystem is presented in chapter 1. Both the physical characteristics and biological features of sandy beaches are reviewed. In addition, important beach functions and threats are discussed and an overview of current beach management is given. In chapter 2, a modelling approach is applied to examine the role of abiotic and biotic factors in clarifying the distribution and zonation patterns of sandy beach macrobenthos in Western Europe. The seven most important and abundant species were selected, including the amphipods Bathyporeia pilosa and B. sarsi, the isopods Eurydice pulchra and E. affinis and the polychaetes Scolelepis squamata, Nephtys cirrosa and Eteone longa. Species-specific regression models were developed, taking into account abiotic and biotic factors as explanatory variables and the selected species' distribution as response variable. The variance in the model could in part be explained by the abiotic factors and in part by the biotic factors. The two abiotic variables used (median grain size of the sediment and emersion time) did not exclusively explain the variance in species distribution and biotic interactions were suggested to explain up to one third of the variance in species distribution accounted for by the model. Both predator-prey interactions and competition were suggested as likely biotic interactions. Although the modelling approach could not unravel the true processes and implications of biotic interactions, this study gave indications for the importance of biotic interactions on sandy beaches. Moreover, it allowed us to select the most appropriate potential cause-effect relationships to be tackled subsequently. The first hypothesis that was experimentally tested was competition between the congeneric amphipods Bathyporeia pilosa and B. sarsi (chapter 3). These two amphipods co-occur on West European sandy beaches, are morphologically very similar but show a segregated zonation pattern on the beach. A mesocosm experiment was set up to elucidate the role of competition in explaining this zonation pattern. Nine treatments, combining several densities of the two species multiplied with three food level treatments were combined and replicated five times. After a period of three weeks, the experiment was finished and the population parameters (mortality, recruitment, injuries) of the two amphipod species were determined. Results show that the two amphipods attacked each other by biting off appendages. This encounter competition was more pronounced when food was scarce and densities were high. Intraspecific competition could be significantly shown in the B. sarsi-population, while intraspecific competition could not be observed in the B. pilosa-population. Interspecific competition between both amphipods could not be demonstrated significantly based on the results of this study. Conclusively, our observations of encounter competition in B. sarsi, especially under lowered food conditions, suggest that intraspecific competition contributes to this species' upper distribution limit and peak density in the mid-intertidal zone. As no indications of competition effects in B. pilosa populations were detected, we suggest that the high abundance of this species in the high-intertidal zone is independent from B. sarsi occurrence lower on the beach and primarily relates to lower predation pressure by epi- and hyperbenthic organisms in the high-intertidal zone, as was further studied in the following chapter. Hyperbenthic and epibenthic predators are known to be of great structuring importance for the communities on soft-bottom intertidal sediments but the great majority of the studies concentrated on tidal flats. On sandy beaches, the importance of predation by epi- and hyperbenthic predators and the trophic relationships between these predators and the macrobenthos community are far less studied and information on predation pressure is lacking. Therefore, the value of top-down regulation on the macrobenthic community of intertidal sandy beaches by brown shrimp and juvenile flatfish predators is studied in chapter 4. Two mesocosm experiments were carried out to answer general questions on predation pressure and prey selectivity. The results confirmed the role of Crangon crangon as an opportunistic omnivore on dissipative intertidal sandy beaches, similar as in other intertidal habitats. The consumption results of juvenile flatfish acknowledged S. squamata as being the most important prey for this predator group. Bathyporeia pilosa also was a substantial prey in the predator's diet and this amphipod was significantly preferred over B. sarsi. Prey selectivity between both amphipods was assumed to be specifically based on the general size of B. pilosa and B. sarsi. Bathyporeia sarsi is larger than B. pilosa and this may be an adaptation against predation by intertidal predators of intermediate size. Furthermore, the estimated predation pressure of shrimp and juvenile flatfish was found to be extensive and the combination of substantial predation pressure with significant prey selectivity suggests that predation may be an important structuring factor for macrobenthos communities on sandy beaches. An important abiotic habitat characteristic for macrobenthos on sandy beaches is the beach sediment, as infaunal organisms live in close relation with this sediment and greatly rely on it for their food and survival. In the light of current beach nourishments, we conducted mesocosm sediment selection experiments (chapter 5) with four dominant macrobenthic species, both in allotopic and in syntopic conditions. These experiments indicated the sediment preference of these dominant species and could therefore contribute to the ecological adjustment of beach nourishments. Furthermore, the experiments in syntopic conditions showed whether interactions (competition and predation) changed the sediment preferences. As such, the latter experiments could show if species interactions are important structuring factors on the beach. The frequency distribution of sediment choices was tested with a log-likelihood test (G-test) against the null hypothesis that choices were equally distributed among the four sediment types presented. Results indicated that B. pilosa and E. pulchra preferred the finest sediment, while B. sarsi had a broader preference and also occurred in medium-coarse sediments. The polychaete S. squamata had the broadest preference and even showed a high occurrence in very coarse sediments that are not naturally occurring on sandy beaches where the animals were caught. While the preferences of the amphipods were supported by other studies, the preference of E. pulchra for fine sediments did not correspond to the results in former studies and this contrast deserves further study. The obtained preference for the polychaete was not surprising as S. squamata is a cosmopolitan polychaete, occurring both on fine-grained as well as coarse-grained beaches. These preferences imply that beach nourishment with coarse sediment will have a negative effect on B. pilosa; effects of coarser sediments on S. squamata will be rather positive. Finally, interspecific competition with the syntopically occurring amphipod B. sarsi was found to change the sediment selection of the amphipod B. pilosa towards the coarser sediments where B. sarsi occurred in lower frequencies. In chapter 6, a combined envelope-mechanistic food web model is developed, predicting the response of the beach ecosystem on beach nourishment, with emphasis on the impact of several scenarios of beach nourishment on the dominant macrobenthic species (cf. previous chapters) as well. The model consists of three major modules, one determining the abiotic conditions of the beach, a second modelling expected changes in densities and biomass of lower trophic levels (microphytobenthos and macrobenthos) and a third one predicting the maximal abundance of the most important species from higher trophic levels. Three abiotic variables determine the abundances and densities of microphytobenthos and macrobenthos along soft-sanded beaches: median grain size, total organic matter and elevation relative to the lowest tide. The model is stochastic with parameters for species envelopes and beach characteristics estimated from prior statistical distributions. The input data for these envelope models were derived from 23 beaches sampled in the period 1997-2011 along the Belgian coast. The obtained regression coefficients are used to estimate species abundances according to implemented beach characteristics in the main simulation model. In this simulation model, abundances of higher trophic levels including birds and flatfish are estimated based on their relationships with macrobenthos. The simulation model was validated by sampling two beaches from which densities of the dominant species, total AFDW and species richness were subsequently compared with simulated data according to the sample location. In general, observed species densities and total biomass matched the expected values. To illustrate the ecological value of this beach nourishment simulation model, different scenarios were tested. All model simulations indicate that the used nourishment sediment is the dominant factor in determining the effect on the ecosystem, with deterioration of the beach ecosystem after nourishment with too coarse sediment (e.g. >> than 300 µm). Based on these results, a gradient of sediment grain size could be recommended for nourishment of natural, fine-grained beaches: 200-300 µm and generally, it is advised to use sediment that resembles natural beach conditions. Furthermore, it is advised to evaluate the beach ecosystem health by a combination of different variables (biodiversity, macrobenthos biomass) since focusing on one variable can be deceptive as opportunistic species can become very abundant on a beach impacted by nourishment. In conclusion, this thesis showed that biotic interactions are present within the sandy beach ecosystem and that these interactions can have a structuring role in community patterns, as discussed more profoundly in chapter 7. In addition, the better ecosystem knowledge obtained in this study, is essential for ecologically-sound beach nourishment and sandy beach management.

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Detection of G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) dimerization by coimmunoprecipitation

With 356 members in the human genome, G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) constitute the largest family of proteins involved in signal transduction across biological membranes. GPCRs are integral membrane proteins featuring a conserved structural topology with seven transmembrane domains. By recognizing a large diversity of hormones and neurotransmitters, GPCRs mediate signal transduction pathways through their interactions with both extracellular small-molecule ligands and intracellular G proteins to initiate appropriate cellular signaling cascades. As there is a clear link between GPCRs and several disorders, GPCRs currently constitute the largest family of proteins targeted by marketed pharmaceuticals. Therefore, a detailed understanding of the biogenesis of these receptors and of GPCR protein complex assembly can help to answer some important questions. In this chapter, we will discuss several methods to isolate GPCRs and to study, via coimmunoprecipitation, protein protein interactions. Special attention will be given to GPCR dimerization, which often starts already in the endoplasmic reticulum and influences the maturation of the 'receptor. Next, we will also explain an elegant tool to study GPCR biogenesis based on the glycosylation pattern of the receptor of interest.

http://ift.tt/2r5E2Nw

Ecological and socio-economic assessment of Kenyan coastal fisheries : the case of Malindi-Ungwana Bay artisanal fisheries versus semi-industrial bottom trawling

http://ift.tt/2rB5F4D

New Class of Double-Duty Magnetic Nanoparticles Engineered to Lower Cancer’s Defenses While Firing up Immune System

Scientists at Johns Hopkins have created a nanoparticle that carries two different antibodies capable of simultaneously switching off cancer cells' defensive properties while switching on a robust anticancer immune response in mice. Experiments with the tiny, double-duty "immunoswitch" found it able to dramatically slow the growth of mouse melanoma and colon cancer and even eradicate tumors in test animals, the researchers report.

http://ift.tt/2s3Ywvh

Dopamine D4 receptor ubiquitination

Ubiquitination is a post-translational modification that targets proteins for degradation but can also regulate other cellular processes such as endocytosis, trafficking and DNA repair. We investigate ubiquitination of the dopamine D4receptor (D4R) which belongs to the superfamily of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCR). Several polymorphic variants of the D4R exist, which differ in the number of 16-amino acid repeats in the third intracellular loop (IC3) of the receptor. The functional role of this polymorphic region is not known but persons with the seven-repeat allele show a predisposition to develop attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). We identified a protein, KLHL12, which specifically interacts with this polymorphic region and enhances ubiquitination of the D4R. We have tested the influence of KLHL12 on the ubiquitination of the most common D4R polymorphic variants and found that KLHL12 strongly promotes ubiquitination of the two- and four-repeat variant but has hardly any effect on ubiquitination of the seven-repeat D4R. This suggests that differential ubiquitination of the D4R may have functional implications. Moreover, we were able to demonstrate that KLHL12-mediated D4R ubiquitination does not lead to receptor degradation. Next, we aimed to identify specific residues in the sequence of D4R which undergo ubiquitination and observed that the lysine-less receptor mutant is still ubiquitinated. Subsequently, we have tested the hypothesis whether KLHL12 could promote ubiquitination on non-lysine residues of the D4R. The importance of the cysteine and serine/threonine residues in the ubiquitination process of the receptor was examined and the obtained results confirmed that D4R can be ubiquitinated on non-lysine residues. In this review we summarize our data on D4R ubiquitination and put this in the light of other GPCR ubiquitination studies.

http://ift.tt/2rUH3od

The 5-HT4 receptor agonist prucalopride does not facilitate cholinergic neurotransmission in circular and longitudinal smooth muscle preparations of equine mid-jejunum

http://ift.tt/2r1HCgL

Code civil

http://ift.tt/2rLq1GJ

Advanced reduction processes for trace organic contaminant removal in drinking water treatment

http://ift.tt/2r1OV7O

Deciphering the evolutionary acquisition of cyclic lipopeptide gene clusters coding for similar metabolites in different Pseudomonas spp.

http://ift.tt/2rLmokj

Advanced reduction processes for trace organic contaminant removal in drinking water treatment

http://ift.tt/2r1I6n2

Advanced reduction processes for trace organic contaminant removal in drinking water treatment

http://ift.tt/2rLiOGD

Full nitrogen recovery and potable water production from human urine by membrane distillation

Human urine offers some interesting possibilities for ammonia and potable water recovery. Membrane distillation holds possible advantages over existing urine treatment technologies, specifically regarding ammonia recovery. It was shown that up to 95 m% of all ammonia present in hydrolyzed urine could be recovered by increasing the urine pH to 10.5 or higher within a period of 2 hours, with a maximal separation factor of up to 16. The possibility of potable water production was investigated in human urine by assessing the permeate water quality, maximum recovery and mid-term process stability. It was shown that at least 75% of the available water could be recovered from non-hydrolyzed human urine without process failure. As such, membrane distillation is a viable alternative for existing urine treatment.

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Modelling N2O emissions in wastewater treatment : state of the art

http://ift.tt/2sDwTX0

Application of a mechanistic UV/hydrogen peroxide model at full-scale : sensitivity analysis, calibration and performance evaluation

Numerous mechanistic models describing the UV/H2O2 process have been proposed in literature. In this study, one of them was used to predict the behavior of a full-scale reactor. The model was calibrated and validated with non-synthetic influent using different operational conditions. A local sensitivity analysis was conducted to determine the most important operational and chemical model parameters. Based on the latter, the incident UV irradiation intensity and two kinetic rate constants were selected for mathematical estimation. Hydrogen peroxide concentration, the decadic absorption coefficient at 310 nm (UVA310, as a surrogate for natural organic matter) and pH could be satisfactorily predicted during model validation using an independent data set. It was demonstrated that quick real-time calibration is an option at less controllable full-scale conditions. Parameters that determine the initiation step, i.e. photolysis of hydrogen peroxide, have a large impact on most of the variables. Some reaction rate constants were also of importance, but nine kinetic constants did show absolutely no influence to one of the variables. Parameters related to UV shielding by NOM were of main importance. Hydrogen peroxide concentration was classified as a non-sensitive variable, in contrast to the concentration of a micro pollutant which showed to be very to extremely influential to many of the parameters. UV absorption as a NOM surrogate is a promising variable to be included in future models. Model extension by splitting up the UVA310 into a soluble and a particulate fraction seemed to be a good approach to model AOP treatment of real (waste)waters containing both dissolved and particulate (suspended) material.

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Diabetes and nutritution

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Complex pain in children and young people: part I—assessment

1H022E033J02

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Diagnostik und Therapie akuter venöser Erkrankungen

Zusammenfassung

Akute Venenerkrankungen, insbesondere die tiefe Bein- und Beckenvenenthrombose, stellen einen phlebologischen Notfall dar und können akut zu lebensgefährlichen Komplikationen durch Entwicklung einer Lungenarterienembolie und längerfristig zu schweren Folgeschäden im Sinne eines postthrombotischen Syndroms an den betroffenen Körperpartien führen. Sie zählen neben dem Myokardinfarkt und Schlaganfall zu den häufigsten kardiovaskulären Erkrankungen. Eine frühe und zielorientierte Diagnostik sowie rasche Therapieeinleitung sind hierbei essenziell.

http://ift.tt/2sSkYnb

Severe pelvic fracture with profound hypotension: a case report and treatment algorithm

Abstract

Approximately 9% of all blunt trauma patients suffer pelvic fractures. These fractures can range from insignificant and requiring almost no therapy to massive destruction of the pelvic ring with associated with multisystem injury and life-threatening hypotension which mandates the attention of the trauma surgeon, the orthopedic surgeon, the interventional radiologists and possibly other subspecialists. We present a case of a patient who presented to the emergency room in extremis from massive bleeding from a complex pelvic fracture. The patient developed abdominal compartment syndrome. The patient was emergently taken to the operating room but we were unable to control his pelvic bleeding. We propose an algorithm which might be helpful in these critically ill patients.

http://ift.tt/2r1jafm

Thoracic outlet syndrome as a consequence of isolated atraumatic first rib fracture

Abstract

Neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome (nTOS) resulting from an isolated first rib fracture is extremely infrequent. We report a case of performance limiting nTOS in a college athlete who was initially evaluated and treated for upper extremity ligamentous injury with only transient improvement. Subsequent noninvasive studies were consistent with TOS physiology and MRA showed a large hypertrophic callus on the first rib adjacent to the brachial plexus. With continued athletic limitations and radiographic findings consistent with TOS, surgical decompression was performed resulting in resolution of symptoms. Although apparent atraumatic isolated first rib fractures are infrequently reported etiologies for TOS in athletes, they are a reasonable consideration in this population with corresponding presentations.

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Cutaneous presentation of gastrointestinal adenocarcinoma

Abstract

Seeding of a central nervous system malignancy to the abdominal cavity is an uncommon but well documented complication of a ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt. However, the metastasis of a primary gastrointestinal cancer to the skin via a VP shunt is extremely rare. We report the clinical case of an 85-year-old male who presented with a right upper quadrant nodule over his shunt, which on histopathology and tumour marker profile was diagnosed as an adenocarcinoma of likely upper gastrointestinal origin. This case illustrates the importance of proceeding to biopsy to inform prognosis and management, despite the risks of shunt infection.

http://ift.tt/2r1K075

Concomitant leaching and electrochemical extraction of rare earth elements from monazite

Rare earth elements (REEs) have become increasingly important in modern day technologies. Unfortunately, their recycling is currently limited, and the conventional technologies for their extraction and purification are exceedingly energy and chemical intensive. New sustainable technologies for REE extraction from both primary and secondary resources would be extremely beneficial. This research investigated a two-stage recovery strategy focused on the recovery of neodymium (Nd) and lanthanum (La) from monazite ore that combines microbially based leaching (using citric acid and spent fungal supernatant) with electrochemical extraction. Pretreating the phosphate-based monazite rock (via roasting) dramatically increased the microbial REE leaching efficiency. Batch experiments demonstrated the effective and continued leaching of REEs by recycled citric acid, with up to 392 mg of Nd L-1 and 281 mg of La L-1 leached during seven consecutive 24 h cycles. Neodymium was further extracted in the catholyte of a three-compartment electrochemical system, with up to 880 mg of Nd L-1 achieved within 4 days (at 40 A m(-2)). Meanwhile, the radioactive element thorium and counterions phosphate and citrate were separated effectively from the REEs in the anolyte, favoring REE extraction and allowing sustainable reuse of the leaching agent. This study shows a promising technology that is suitable for primary ores and can further be optimized for secondary resources.

http://ift.tt/2sSrJFH

Application of freeze desalination for chromium (VI) removal from water

http://ift.tt/2rUqQPR

Editorial board

Publication date: June–July 2017
Source:Annales de Dermatologie et de Vénéréologie, Volume 144, Issues 6–7





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Keloid occurring in a tattoo

Publication date: June–July 2017
Source:Annales de Dermatologie et de Vénéréologie, Volume 144, Issues 6–7
Author(s): N. Kluger, S. Bosonnet




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Calendrier

Publication date: June–July 2017
Source:Annales de Dermatologie et de Vénéréologie, Volume 144, Issues 6–7





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Pigmented macular variant of chronic cutaneous lupus erythematosus: an under-recognized subset in dark skin

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T regulatory cells and other lymphocyte subsets in patients with bullous pemphigoid

Summary

Background

Bullous pemphigoid (BP) is the most common autoimmune blistering disease, and is associated with autoantibodies to the hemidesmosomal BP autoantigens BPAG1 and BPAG2.

Aim

We aimed to investigate the significance of T regulatory cells and other lymphocyte subsets in patients with BP.

Methods

In total, 31 inpatients with BP were treated with systemic prednisolone in a tapered dose regimen, while 28 healthy individuals matched for age and sex served as the healthy control (HC) group., Blood samples were taken at baseline and after treatment, and levels of inducer/helper and suppressor/cytotoxic T lymphocytes, B lymphocytes, natural killer cells, CD4+CD25++CD127− cells were assessed by flow cytometry, while CD4, CD8, and FOXP3 positivity were assessed by immunohistochemistry, and FOXP3 mRNA was assessed by reverse transcription (RT)-PCR.

Results

Flow cytometry showed that numbers of CD8+ and CD4+CD25++CD127− cells were significantly increased, while the number of CD4+ cells and the CD4/CD8 ratio were significantly decreased at baseline and after therapy in patients with BP compared with HCs. Immunohistology revealed that CD4+, CD8+ and FOXP3+ cells were significantly increased at baseline and post-treatment in patients with BP compared with HCs. FOXP3 mRNA levels were significantly increased in the blood of patients with BP compared with HCs.

Conclusion

These results indicate that increased numbers of CD8+, CD4+CD25++CD127− cells and FOXP3+ cells may play a pathogenetic role during the course of BP.

http://ift.tt/2sfouva

Annular itchy rash in a woman with chronic pancreatitis

http://ift.tt/2qWgjAc

The pedosphere and its dynamics. A systems approach to soil science. Volume 1: Introduction to soil science and soil science resources : N.G. Juma, Salman Productions, University of Alberta, Edmonton, 1999. Hardcover, 315 pp. ISBN 1-896263-10-0. Web site: http://ift.tt/2rKUHI6

http://ift.tt/2r1LIFp

Regulation of endothelial E-selectin molecule expression by Neisseria meningitidis

Jacobsen, MC; (2007) Regulation of endothelial E-selectin molecule expression by Neisseria meningitidis. Doctoral thesis, UCL (University College London). Green open access

http://ift.tt/2rL4Apt

Regulation of dictyostelium gene expression and chemotaxis by inositol signalling

Keim-Reder, M; (2006) Regulation of dictyostelium gene expression and chemotaxis by inositol signalling. Doctoral thesis, UCL (University College London). Green open access

http://ift.tt/2r1eqGl

The Rights Claims of the Sans-papiers: Transgressing the borders of citizenship

Rees, P; (2017) The Rights Claims of the Sans-papiers: Transgressing the borders of citizenship. Tropos , 4 (1) , Article 3. 10.14324/111.2057-2212.073 . Green open access

http://ift.tt/2rL7Z7v

Regulation of connective tissue growth factor/CCN2 gene expression in systematic sclerosis fibroblasts

Holmes, AM; (2007) Regulation of connective tissue growth factor/CCN2 gene expression in systematic sclerosis fibroblasts. Doctoral thesis, UCL (University College London). Green open access

http://ift.tt/2r1Cl8F

The Transgressive practices of Revolutionary Subjectivity: The Hunger Strike in Occupied Palestine (2012-2016)

Ajour, A; (2017) The Transgressive practices of Revolutionary Subjectivity: The Hunger Strike in Occupied Palestine (2012-2016). Tropos , 4 (1) , Article 2. 10.14324/111.2057-2212.068 . Green open access

http://ift.tt/2rKYWn4

Transport fuel demand responses to fuel price and income projections: Comparison of integrated assessment models

Edelenbosch, OY; van Vuuren, DP; Bertram, C; Carrara, S; Emmerling, J; Daly, H; Kitous, A; Edelenbosch, OY; van Vuuren, DP; Bertram, C; Carrara, S; Emmerling, J; Daly, H; Kitous, A; McCollum, DL; Saadi Failali, N; - view fewer (2017) Transport fuel demand responses to fuel price and income projections: Comparison of integrated assessment models. Transportation Research Part D: Transport and Environment 10.1016/j.trd.2017.03.005 . (In press).

http://ift.tt/2r1IcLd

Jewish Theatre in Budapest: The question of belonging 1939-1944

Kalmár, A; (2017) Jewish Theatre in Budapest: The question of belonging 1939-1944. Tropos , 3 (1) , Article 1. 10.14324/111.2057-2212.067 . Green open access

http://ift.tt/2rLjdcb

The impact of penicillin allergy labels on antibiotic and health care use in primary care: a retrospective cohort study

Suspected penicillin allergy (Pen-A) is often not verified by diagnostic testing. In third line penicillin allergy labels were associated with prescription of broad spectrum antibiotics, hospital stay duration...

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La représentation politique dans les villes flamandes du bas Moyen Âge: limites et possibilités des "anciennes démocraties des Pays-Bas"

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Centre et périphéries: les facteurs de croissance économique au Moyen Âge

http://ift.tt/2rU9z9j

Sigillografie en stadsarcheologie: een vergeten relatie? Over de oudste afbeelding van de Gentse Braempoort (1226)

http://ift.tt/2sRTQF6

Safety and efficacy of laryngeal mask airway ventilation in obese patients with airway stenosis

Objective

To assess the efficacy of laryngeal mask airway (LMA) ventilation in obese patients with airway stenosis.

Study Design

A retrospective chart review was conducted in an academic practice in a tertiary care center.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed our experience using LMA ventilation in obese patients with airway stenosis. Lowest intraoperative O₂ saturation and maximum-end tidal carbon dioxide (CO₂) levels were recorded. Complications including intubation, unplanned admission, re-admission, postoperative pain, dysphonia, oral trauma, pneumothorax, pneumomediastinum, and tracheostomy were recorded.

Results

Fourteen bronchoscopies with laser incisions and dilation were performed in patients with airway stenosis exclusively using LMA ventilation. Thirteen of 14 procedures were performed on patients who had body mass index (BMI) > 30 kg/m². Mean BMI was noted to be 38 kg/m² (range 25–54). All patients underwent successful laser incisions and dilation via LMA anesthesia without major or minor adverse events. The mean lowest O₂ saturation level was noted to be 92%; the mean highest CO₂ level was noted to be 56 mm Hg; and no patients required endotracheal intubation.

Conclusion

In this small series of obese patients with airway stenosis, LMA anesthesia was effectively used without major or minor complications.

Level of Evidence

4. Laryngoscope, 2017

http://ift.tt/2r1vH2f

A Neural Network Architecture for Detecting Grammatical Errors in Statistical Machine Translation

In this paper we present a Neural Network (NN) architecture for detecting grammatical er- rors in Statistical Machine Translation (SMT) using monolingual morpho-syntactic word rep- resentations in combination with surface and syntactic context windows. We test our approach on two language pairs and two tasks, namely detecting grammatical errors and predicting over- all post-editing e ort. Our results show that this approach is not only able to accurately detect grammatical errors but it also performs well as a quality estimation system for predicting over- all post-editing e ort, which is characterised by all types of MT errors. Furthermore, we show that this approach is portable to other languages.

http://ift.tt/2rKFlTY

The Diplomatic Role of the European Parliament's Standing Committees, Delegations and Assemblies: Insights from ACP-EU Inter-Parliamentary Cooperation

http://ift.tt/2r1mhDW

Meningoencephalomyelitis of unknown aetiology in dogs - a diagnostic, therapeutic and prognostic challenge

http://ift.tt/2rKUtkl

Cobalt carbonyl-catalyzed carbonylation of functionalized aziridines to versatile β-lactam building blocks

http://ift.tt/2r1mhnq

Lanthanide “Chameleon” Multistage Anti-Counterfeit Materials

http://ift.tt/2rKOU5D

Relationship between chocolate microstructure, oil migration, and fat bloom in filled chocolates

Fat bloom is one of the main quality problems in the chocolate industry. A bloomed chocolate product is characterized by the loss of its initial gloss and the formation of a gray-whitish haze, which makes the product unappealing from a consumer point of view. In the industry, most of the fat bloom related problems arise in filled chocolate products, like pralines and chocolate-coated biscuits. In these products, oil migration is considered the main cause of fat bloom development. It leads to the dissolution of solid cocoa butter crystals in the chocolate shell which may recrystallize with the formation of undesired crystals. These give rise, upon growth, to visual fat bloom. When looking at the available literature, most of the studies elucidate the possible mechanisms of oil migration and the subsequent fat bloom formation using model systems. These model systems are sometimes too distant from the real industrial applications and the important role of the microstructure of the products are often neglected, although it plays a crucial role in migration-induced fat bloom development. The main objective of this review is to describe the relationships between chocolate microstructure, oil migration, and fat bloom. Practical applications: This review can be used as a base for the development of microstructural strategies to retard oil migration and fat bloom development in filled chocolates. An important strategy to retard oil migration and migration-induced fat bloom is the creation of more dense structures. By creating denser structures, the overall mobility is reduced leading to a decrease in the rate and extent of oil migration. Also, more dense structures hinder recrystallization and Ostwald ripening, thereby delaying the migration-induced fat bloom development. As fillings are less standardized and not bound by legislation, modification of the filling composition and microstructure offers more opportunities in delaying fat bloom. The main objective of the review is to describe the relationships between chocolate microstructure, oil migration, and fat bloom, as illustrated in this scheme. The numbers indicate the four parts that are discussed in this review.

http://ift.tt/2r1ayWb