Transient ischemic attacks on turning the head to one side, with immediate remission of symptoms when the head returned to the neutral position.

http://medicine-greece.blogspot.com/2017/05/transient-ischemic-attacks-on-turning.html

Alexandros Sfakianakis
Anapafseos 5 . Agios Nikolaos
Crete.Greece.72100
2841026182

6948891480

alsfakia@gmail.com

Characteristic and intermingled neocortical circuits encode different visual object discriminations

Publication date: 28 July 2017
Source:Behavioural Brain Research, Volume 331
Author(s): Guo-rong Zhang, Hua Zhao, Nathan Cook, Michael Svestka, Eui M. Choi, Mary Jan, Robert G. Cook, Alfred I. Geller
Synaptic plasticity and neural network theories hypothesize that the essential information for advanced cognitive tasks is encoded in specific circuits and neurons within distributed neocortical networks. However, these circuits are incompletely characterized, and we do not know if a specific discrimination is encoded in characteristic circuits among multiple animals. Here, we determined the spatial distribution of active neurons for a circuit that encodes some of the essential information for a cognitive task. We genetically activated protein kinase C pathways in several hundred spatially-grouped glutamatergic and GABAergic neurons in rat postrhinal cortex, a multimodal associative area that is part of a distributed circuit that encodes visual object discriminations. We previously established that this intervention enhances accuracy for specific discriminations. Moreover, the genetically-modified, local circuit in POR cortex encodes some of the essential information, and this local circuit is preferentially activated during performance, as shown by activity-dependent gene imaging. Here, we mapped the positions of the active neurons, which revealed that two image sets are encoded in characteristic and different circuits. While characteristic circuits are known to process sensory information, in sensory areas, this is the first demonstration that characteristic circuits encode specific discriminations, in a multimodal associative area. Further, the circuits encoding the two image sets are intermingled, and likely overlapping, enabling efficient encoding. Consistent with reconsolidation theories, intermingled and overlapping encoding could facilitate formation of associations between related discriminations, including visually similar discriminations or discriminations learned at the same time or place.

Graphical abstract

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Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) to improve naming ability in post-stroke aphasia: A critical review

Publication date: 14 August 2017
Source:Behavioural Brain Research, Volume 332
Author(s): Mohammed F. ALHarbi, Susan Armijo-Olivo, Esther S. Kim
PurposeTranscranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) is a non-invasive neuromodulation tool that can be used to influence cortical brain activity to induce measurable behavioral changes. Although there is growing evidence that tDCS combined with behavioural language therapy could boost language recovery in patients with post-stroke aphasia, there is great variability in patient characteristics, treatment protocols, and outcome measures in these studies that poses challenges for analyzing the evidence. The purpose of this study is to critically analyze the methodological rigor of the evidence regarding the use of tDCS for post-stroke anomia.MethodThis critical review was conducted by searching four databases (MEDLINE, EMBase, PsycINFO, and CINAHL). Nineteen studies fully met the inclusion criteria. Three critical appraisal tools and Robey and Schultz's (1998) five- phase model for conducting clinical outcome research were adopted to evaluate and analyze the current level of evidence. Methodological issues of the studies were also identified.ResultsThe current level of evidence for using tDCS for anomia is at the pre-efficacy level with emerging evidence at the efficacy level. Lack of proper evaluation of carry-over effects in cross-over studies, lack of or unclear randomization, allocation concealment, and incomplete data handling were the main methodological issues that could threaten the validity of the tDCS for anomia studies.ConclusionsSeveral methodological issues have been identified in pre-efficacy studies that pose challenges in determining whether tDCS is a beneficial adjunct to behavioral aphasia therapy. Future studies need to improve the quality of the methods used to investigate the effect of tDCS for anomia.



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Effects of exercise on depressive behavior and striatal levels of norepinephrine, serotonin and their metabolites in sleep-deprived mice

Publication date: 14 August 2017
Source:Behavioural Brain Research, Volume 332
Author(s): Thiago Medeiros da Costa Daniele, Pedro Felipe Carvalhedo de Bruin, Emiliano Ricardo Vasconcelos Rios, Veralice Meireles Sales de Bruin
Exercise is a promising adjunctive therapy for depressive behavior, sleep/wake abnormalities, cognition and motor dysfunction. Conversely, sleep deprivation impairs mood, cognition and functional performance. The objective of this study is to evaluate the effects of exercise on anxiety and depressive behavior and striatal levels of norepinephrine (NE), serotonin and its metabolites in mice submitted to 6h of total sleep deprivation (6h-TSD) and 72h of Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep deprivation (72h-REMSD). Experimental groups were: (1) mice submitted to 6h-TSD by gentle handling; (2) mice submitted to 72h-REMSD by the flower pot method; (3) exercise (treadmill for 8 weeks); (4) exercise followed by 6h-TSD; (5) exercise followed by 72h-REMSD; (6) control (home cage). Behavioral tests included the Elevated Plus Maze and tail-suspension. NE, serotonin and its metabolites were determined in the striatum using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Sleep deprivation increased depressive behavior (time of immobilization in the tail-suspension test) and previous exercise hindered it. Sleep deprivation increased striatal NE and previous exercise reduced it. Exercise only was associated with higher levels of serotonin. Furthermore, exercise reduced serotonin turnover associated with sleep deprivation. In brief, previous exercise prevented depressive behavior and reduced striatal high NE levels and serotonin turnover. The present findings confirm the effects of exercise on behavior and neurochemical alterations associated with sleep deprivation. These findings provide new avenues for understanding the mechanisms of exercise.



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Opioid receptors mediate the acquisition, but not the expression of mitragynine-induced conditioned place preference in rats

Publication date: 14 August 2017
Source:Behavioural Brain Research, Volume 332
Author(s): Nurul H.M. Yusoff, Sharif M. Mansor, Christian P. Müller, Zurina Hassan
Mitragynine is the main psychoactive ingredient of the herbal drug preparation Kratom (Ketum), derived from the plant Mitragyna speciosa. Kratom is a widely abused drug in Southeast Asian and has a psychostimulant profile at low-medium doses, while high doses have opioidergic effects. Mitragynine was shown to possess opiate receptor affinity. However, its role in the behavioural effects of mitragynine is unclear. Here we asked whether the reinforcing effects of mitragynine are mediated by opiate receptors using a conditioned place preference (CPP) paradigm in rats. In the first experiment we tested the effects of the opiate receptor antagonist naloxone (0.1, 0.3 and 1.0mg/kg) on the acquisition of mitragynine (10mg/kg)-induced CPP. In the second experiment, we tested the involvement of opiate receptors in the expression of mitragynine-induced CPP in rats. We found that naloxone suppresses the acquisition of mitragynine-induced CPP. This effect was already evident at a dose of naloxone (0.1mg/kg) which, by itself, had no conditioned place aversion (CPA) effect. Higher doses of naloxone induced a CPA and blocked mitragynine-induced CPP. In contrast, naloxone had no effect on the expression of mitragynine-induced CPP. These findings suggest that the acquisition, but not the expression of the reinforcing effects of mitragynine is mediated by opiate receptors.



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Novel reinforcement learning paradigm based on response patterning under interval schedules of reinforcement

Publication date: 28 July 2017
Source:Behavioural Brain Research, Volume 331
Author(s): Christin Schifani, Ilya Sukhanov, Mariia Dorofeikova, Anton Bespalov
There is a need to develop cognitive tasks that address valid neuropsychological constructs implicated in disease mechanisms and can be used in animals and humans to guide novel drug discovery. Present experiments aimed to characterize a novel reinforcement learning task based on a classical operant behavioral phenomenon observed in multiple species – differences in response patterning under variable (VI) vs fixed interval (FI) schedules of reinforcement. Wistar rats were trained to press a lever for food under VI30s and later weekly test sessions were introduced with reinforcement schedule switched to FI30s. During the FI30s test session, post-reinforcement pauses (PRPs) gradually grew towards the end of the session reaching 22–43% of the initial values. Animals could be retrained under VI30s conditions, and FI30s test sessions were repeated over a period of several months without appreciable signs of a practice effect. Administration of the non-competitive N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist MK-801 ((5S,10R)-(+)-5-Methyl-10,11-dihydro-5H-dibenzo[a,d]cyclohepten-5,10-imine maleate) prior to FI30s sessions prevented adjustment of PRPs associated with the change from VI to FI schedule. This effect was most pronounced at the highest tested dose of MK-801 and appeared to be independent of the effects of this dose on response rates. These results provide initial evidence for the possibility to use different response patterning under VI and FI schedules with equivalent reinforcement density for studying effects of drug treatment on reinforcement learning.



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VideoEndocrinology™ High-Impact Videos

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

FREE ACCESS through June 14, 2017.

Transoral Endoscopic Parathyroid Cyst Removal
Jonathon O. Russell, Mai G. Al Khadem, Ralph P. Tufano

Needle-Assisted Endoscopic Lateral Neck Dissection Through Bilateral Areola Approach for Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma Patients
Wen-Xin Zhao, Bo Wang, Shou-Yi Yan, Li-Yong Zhang, Jia Wen

 

The post VideoEndocrinology™ High-Impact Videos appeared first on American Thyroid Association.

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Pilates program design and health benefits for pregnant women: A practitioners' survey

Publication date: Available online 31 May 2017
Source:Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies
Author(s): Melissa Mazzarino, Debra Kerr, Meg E. Morris
BackgroundLittle is known about recommendations for safe and appropriate instruction of Pilates exercises to women during pregnancy. The aim of this study was to examine Pilates practitioners' perspectives regarding Pilates program design for pregnant women. We also sought to elucidate their views on the potential benefits, restrictions and contraindications on Pilates in pregnancy.MethodsA cross-sectional survey was performed. Pilates practitioners were invited to participate via email. Participants were surveyed about their experience and views on: screening processes in alignment with The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) (2002) guidelines; (ii) optimal exercise program features and (iii) physical and mental health benefits of Pilates for pregnant women.ResultsThe survey was completed by 192 Pilates practitioners from a range of settings. Practitioners reported conducting formal screening (84%) for safety in pregnant women prior to commencing Pilates classes. Most did not routinely seek medical approval from the woman's general practitioner. Divergent views emerged regarding the safety and benefits of Pilates exercises in the supine position. Mixed opinions were also generated regarding the effects of spinal flexion exercises, single-leg stance exercises and breathing manoeuvres. There was little agreement on the optimal frequency or dosage of exercises. Views regarding absolute contraindications to exercise differed from The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) (2002) guidelines which cautioned about the dangers of persistent bleeding, premature labour, pre-eclampsia, placental praevia and incompetent cervix. The most frequent reported physical and psychological benefit of Pilates was improving pelvic floor strength (12%) and improved social wellbeing (23%).ConclusionsThe study highlighted wide variations in practice for Pilates exercises with pregnant woman as well as low adherence to clinical practice guidelines. Further evidence is required to advise on appropriate screening and individualised Pilates programming, particularly for women with medical conditions during pregnancy.



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Multifidus muscle size in adolescents with and without back pain using ultrasonography

Publication date: Available online 31 May 2017
Source:Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies
Author(s): Nahid Rahmani, Ali Kiani, Mohammad Ali Mohseni-Bandpei, Iraj Abdollahi
ObjectiveThe purposes of this study were; a) to compare multifidus muscle cross sectional area (CSA) in male adolescents suffering from low back pain (LBP) with healthy male adolescents using ultrasonography (US), and b) to assess the correlation between multifidus muscle size and demographic variables.MethodsA random sample of 40 healthy boys (as a control group) and 40 boys with LBP (as an experimental) at the age range of 15-18 years was recruited in the present cohort study. Multifidus muscle dimensions including CSA, antero-posterior and medio-lateral dimensions were measured at level of L5 in both groups using US.ResultsThe results of an independent t-test to compare multifidus muscle size between experimental and control groups showed a significant difference between the two groups in terms of CSA, antro-posterior and medio-lateral dimensions so that the experimental group had smaller muscle size than the control group. A significant correlation was found between height, weight and body mass index (BMI) and multifidus muscle size, but no significant correlation was observed between age and muscle size. Pain intensity and functional disability index was significantly correlated with muscle size in the experimental group.ConclusionsAccording to the results, multifidus muscle size was decreased in 15 to 18 years old male adolescents suffering from LBP compared with their healthy counterparts. Further studies are needed to support the findings of the present study.



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A patellar bandage improves mobility but not static balance in elderly female fallers

Publication date: Available online 31 May 2017
Source:Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies
Author(s): Marcos Eduardo Scheicher, Ligia Cristiane Santos Fonseca, Tiago Buso Bortolloto, Isabela Feitosa de Carvalho
BackgroundThe deterioration in the somatosensory and motor systems observed with increasing age can cause balance problems. Studies have shown that the use of infrapatellar bandages can enhance proprioception and improve postural balance.AimsTo evaluate the effect of an infrapatellar bandage on static balance and mobility in elderly female fallers and non-fallers.MethodsForty older women (20 fallers and 20 non-fallers) were evaluated. Mobility (Timed Up and Go test) and balance (force platform) were measured in the presence and absence of additional sensory information (elastic infrapatellar bandage).ResultsMobility differed in fallers (p=0.0001), but not in non-fallers (p=0.27), when the patellar bandage was applied. Additional sensory information did not improve static balance in either group (p>0.05), but a trend towards improvement was observed in fallers.ConclusionAdditional sensory input from an infrapatellar bandage improves mobility but not bipedal stance in elderly fallers.



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An Electromyographic Analysis of Selected Asana in Experienced Yogic Practitioners

Publication date: Available online 31 May 2017
Source:Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies
Author(s): Kathleen Kelley, Katherine Slattery, Kaitlyn Apollo
The purpose of this study was to assess electromyographic (EMG) output of the anterior tibialis (TA), medial head of the gastrocnemius (GA), rectus femoris (RF), bicep femoris (BF), and gluteus medius (GM) in experienced yogic practitioners during selected yoga asana. A secondary purpose was to examine the differences in EMG output in unilateral V. bilateral standing yoga asana. The study was a single occasion descriptive design. Thirteen healthy yoga practitioners (1 male, 12 females, average age of 37.5) with more than five years of experience were recruited. EMG activity was recorded during maximum voluntary isometric contractions (MVIC) of the TA, GA, RF, and BF using the Biodex Multijoint System®, and GM using manual muscle testing position. Subjects then performed the following yoga asana while EMG activity was recorded: downward facing dog, half-moon, tree, chair, and warrior three pose. Each asana was held for fifteen seconds and performed three times. EMG data were band pass filtered and the root mean square was obtained. Asana data were then amplitude normalized with the subjects' MVIC data. Integrated EMG was calculated for TA, GA, RF, BF and GM, in each asana. A multilevel regression analysis was performed, and peak EMG data was compared. Analysis between muscles showed that during CH and DD EMG activity was greatest in the TA muscle compared to the other muscles, while during HM and WR the GA muscle showed the greatest activity. Analysis within muscles showed low GA, BF, and GM activity during chair pose and downward facing dog compared to half moon, tree, and warrior three, and high RF activity during chair compared to the other poses. In conclusion, there were differences in frontal and sagittal plane muscle activation between single limb and double limb poses in experienced yogic practitioners.



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Pathoanatomical characteristics of temporomandibular dysfunction: Where do we stand?

Publication date: Available online 31 May 2017
Source:Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies
Author(s): Raymond Butts, James Dunning, Thomas Perreault, Jersey Mettille, James Escaloni
Temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD) is a complicated and multifactorial condition that affects the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and muscles of mastication, resulting in pain and disability in 5-12% of the population. The condition involves genetic, anatomic and hormonal factors and is propagated, in part, by trauma, habitual activity, psychosocial components and occlusal variation. Yet, the exact etiology of TMD is still unknown and the most strategic conservative management of the condition is still a topic of debate. The purpose of this paper, the first of a two part series, is to provide greater insight into the pathoanatomical factors associated with TMD. Consistent with Scully (2008, 2013), degenerative changes seem to disrupt the relationship between the TMJ capsule, articular disc and muscles of mastication. The resulting position of the articular disc coincides with three primary classifications of TMD: Type 1 (muscle disorders), Type 2a/b (disc displacement with and without reduction), and Type 3 (any joint pain). Given the association of the lateral pterygoid with both the joint capsule and articular disc, the superior and inferior head seem to play a key role in TMD. Both heads undergo biological changes associated with the vicious cycle, pain adaptation and integrated pain adaptation, making the muscle a key pain generator associated with TMD. Clinicians must understand the pathoanatomic features associated with TMD so as to choose appropriate treatment strategies leading to optimal short and long-term outcomes. While the former is discussed in part 1 of this narrative review, the latter will be considered in part 2.



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Effects of Amplitude and Predictability of Perturbations to the Arm on Anticipatory and Reactionary Muscle Responses to Maintain Balance

Publication date: Available online 31 May 2017
Source:Journal of Electromyography and Kinesiology
Author(s): Ali Forghani, Richard Preuss, Theodore Edgar Milner
Disturbances to balance arising from forces applied to the upper limb have received relatively little attention compared to disturbances arising from support surface perturbations. In this study we applied fast ramp perturbations to the hand in anterior, posterior, medial and lateral directions. The effects of perturbation predictability and amplitude on the postural response of upper limb, trunk and lower limb muscles were investigated. Perturbations were applied either in blocks of constant amplitude and direction (predictable) or with direction and amplitude varying randomly (random) from trial to trial. The spatial-temporal patterns of anticipatory muscle activation under the predictable condition and the reactionary responses following the perturbation under both conditions were similarly organized. The size of the response increased systematically with the perturbation magnitude for both anticipatory and reactionary changes in muscle activation. However, the slope of the relation between perturbation amplitude and the magnitude of the change in muscle activation was greater when perturbations were predictable than when they were randomly selected. The timing of both the anticipatory and reactionary increases in muscle activation was invariant across perturbation amplitudes. The characteristics of the reactionary responses have a similar organization to the long latency muscle responses to support surface perturbations.



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Angle of gaze and optic flow direction modulate body sway

Publication date: Available online 31 May 2017
Source:Journal of Electromyography and Kinesiology
Author(s): Milena Raffi, Alessandro Piras, Michela Persiani, Monica Perazzolo, Salvatore Squatrito
Optic flow is a crucial signal in maintaining postural stability. We sought to investigate whether the activity of postural muscles and body sway was modulated by eye position during the view of radial optic flow stimuli. We manipulated the spatial distribution of dot speed and the fixation point position to simulate specific heading directions combined with different gaze positions. The experiments were performed using stabilometry and surface electromyography (EMG) on 24 right-handed young, healthy volunteers. Center of pressure (COP) signals were analyzed considering antero-posterior and medio-lateral oscillation, COP speed, COP area, and the prevalent direction of oscillation of body sway. We found a significant main effect of body side in all COP parameters, with the right body side showing greater oscillations. The different combinations of optic flow and eye position evoked a non-uniform direction of oscillations in females. The EMG analysis showed a significant main effect for muscle and body side. The results showed that the eye position modulated body sway without changing the activity of principal leg postural muscles, suggesting that the extraretinal input regarding the eye position is a crucial signal that needs to be integrated with perceptual optic flow processing in order to control body sway.



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VideoEndocrinology™ High-Impact Videos

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

FREE ACCESS through June 14, 2017.

Transoral Endoscopic Parathyroid Cyst Removal
Jonathon O. Russell, Mai G. Al Khadem, Ralph P. Tufano

Needle-Assisted Endoscopic Lateral Neck Dissection Through Bilateral Areola Approach for Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma Patients
Wen-Xin Zhao, Bo Wang, Shou-Yi Yan, Li-Yong Zhang, Jia Wen

 

The post VideoEndocrinology™ High-Impact Videos appeared first on American Thyroid Association.

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VideoEndocrinology™ High-Impact Videos

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

FREE ACCESS through June 14, 2017.

Transoral Endoscopic Parathyroid Cyst Removal
Jonathon O. Russell, Mai G. Al Khadem, Ralph P. Tufano

Needle-Assisted Endoscopic Lateral Neck Dissection Through Bilateral Areola Approach for Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma Patients
Wen-Xin Zhao, Bo Wang, Shou-Yi Yan, Li-Yong Zhang, Jia Wen

 

The post VideoEndocrinology™ High-Impact Videos appeared first on American Thyroid Association.

from #ORL via a.lsfakia on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2rqIeLB
via IFTTT

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Children, apprenticeship and pedagogy: Domestic crafting and obsidian core production at the Zaragoza-Oyameles source area in Puebla, Mexico

Publication date: September 2017
Source:Journal of Anthropological Archaeology, Volume 47
Author(s): Charles L.F. Knight
The role of novices, which often are children, in domestic craft production and the replication of crafting knowledge is a topic that is often ignored in archaeological discussions of domestic economies. However, ethnographic and ethnohistoric examples repeatedly indicate that children played a number of roles in household economies. The presence of novice obsidian core production was identified in a domestic habitation context at the Zaragoza-Oyameles obsidian source area in eastern Puebla, Mexico. Miniaturized polyhedral cores were found along side standard-sized macrocores and polyhedral cores, and all stages of core reduction debitage at a large, domestic core manufacturing site. This, coupled with evidence from experimental core replication and ethnographic examples, suggests that these miniature cores represent the detritus of craft learning. The presence of domestic core production and the role of craft learning are then contextualized within the regional economy centered on the nearby city of Cantona.



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Are Goal States Represented During Kinematic Imitation?.

Author: Cole, Geoff G.; Atkinson, Mark A.; D'Souza, Antonia D. C.; Welsh, Timothy N.; Skarratt, Paul A.

DOI: 10.1037/xhp0000429

Publication Date: POST AUTHOR CORRECTIONS, 29 May 2017

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Beyond Opponent Coding of Facial Identity: Evidence for an Additional Channel Tuned to the Average Face.

Author: Jeffery, Linda; Burton, Nichola; Pond, Stephen; Clifford, Colin W. G.; Rhodes, Gillian

DOI: 10.1037/xhp0000427

Publication Date: POST AUTHOR CORRECTIONS, 29 May 2017

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Identifying the Locus of Compatibility-Based Backward Crosstalk: Evidence From an Extended PRP Paradigm.

Author: Janczyk, Markus; Renas, Sandra; Durst, Moritz

DOI: 10.1037/xhp0000445

Publication Date: POST AUTHOR CORRECTIONS, 29 May 2017

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Combined Effects of Form- and Meaning-Based Predictability on Perceived Clarity of Speech.

Author: Signoret, Carine; Johnsrude, Ingrid; Classon, Elisabet; Rudner, Mary

DOI: 10.1037/xhp0000442

Publication Date: POST AUTHOR CORRECTIONS, 29 May 2017

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Working Memory Load and the Retro-Cue Effect: A Diffusion Model Account.

Author: Shepherdson, Peter; Oberauer, Klaus; Souza, Alessandra S.

DOI: 10.1037/xhp0000448

Publication Date: POST AUTHOR CORRECTIONS, 29 May 2017

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The Average Facial Expression of a Crowd Influences Impressions of Individual Expressions.

Author: Griffiths, Sarah; Rhodes, Gillian; Jeffery, Linda; Palermo, Romina; Neumann, Markus F.

DOI: 10.1037/xhp0000446

Publication Date: POST AUTHOR CORRECTIONS, 29 May 2017

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You Said You Would! The Predictability of Other's Behavior From Their Intentions Determines Predictive Biases in Action Perception.

Author: Hudson, Matthew; Bach, Patric; Nicholson, Toby

DOI: 10.1037/xhp0000451

Publication Date: POST AUTHOR CORRECTIONS, 29 May 2017

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Decision-Making Training Reduces the Attentional Blink.

Author: Verghese, Ashika; Mattingley, Jason B.; Garner, K. G.; Dux, Paul E.

DOI: 10.1037/xhp0000454

Publication Date: POST AUTHOR CORRECTIONS, 29 May 2017

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Perceptual Surprise Aides Inhibitory Motor Control.

Author: Wessel, Jan R.

DOI: 10.1037/xhp0000452

Publication Date: POST AUTHOR CORRECTIONS, 29 May 2017

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Prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea in patients with posttraumatic stress disorder and its impact on adherence to continuous positive airway pressure therapy: A meta-analysis

Although some authors have recently investigated the co-occurrence of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), the topic remains insufficiently studied. The aim of this meta-analysis was to detect the pooled prevalence of OSA in PTSD and its impact on adherence to continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy.

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Cannabis for restless legs syndrome: A report of six patients

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a chronic and sometimes severe sensorimotor disorder of still unclear pathophysiology [1]. Usually symptoms respond well to dopamine agonists (DA), opiates, or anticonvulsants, used either alone or in combination. However, a subset of patients remains refractory to medical therapy, and serious side effects such as augmentation and impulse control disorder have been observed with DA. We present six patients' spontaneous reports of a remarkable and total remission of RLS symptoms after cannabis use.

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GHB Levels in Breast Milk of Women with Narcolepsy with Cataplexy Treated with Sodium Oxybate

To determine GHB levels in breastmilk of women taking sodium oxybate (Xyrem) for treatment of narcolepsy and cataplexy.

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Do gender and racial/ethnic disparities in sleep duration emerge in early adulthood? Evidence from a longitudinal study of U.S. adults

Gender and racial/ethnic disparities in sleep duration are well documented among the U.S. adult population, but we know little about how these disparities are shaped during the early course of adult life, a period marked by substantial changes in social roles that can influence time for sleep.

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Electrophysiological and microstructural features of sleep in children at high risk for depression: A preliminary study

This preliminary study investigated electrophysiological and microstructural features of sleep in children and adolescents 4–18 years of age who were born to depressed mothers.

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Vascular targeted photodynamic therapy with TOOKAD® Soluble (WST11) in localized prostate cancer: efficiency of automatic pre-treatment planning

Abstract

Vascular targeted photodynamic therapy (VTP) with WST11 is a novel non-thermal focal treatment for localized prostate cancer that has shown favorable and early efficacy results in previously published studies. In this work, we investigate the efficiency of automatic dosimetric treatment planning. An action model established in a previous study was used in an image-guided optimization scheme to define the personalized optimal light dose for each patient. The calculated light dose is expressed as the number of optical cylindrical fibers to be used, their positions according to an external insertion grid, and the lengths of their diffuser parts. Evaluation of the method was carried out on data collected from 17 patients enrolled in two multi-centric clinical trials. The protocol consisted of comparing the method-simulated necrosis to the result observed on day 7 MR enhanced images. The method performances showed that the final result can be estimated with an accuracy of 10%, corresponding to a margin of 3 mm. In addition, this process was compatible with clinical conditions in terms of calculation times. The overall process took less than 10 min. Different aspects of the VTP procedure were already defined and optimized. Personalized treatment planning definition remained as an issue needing further investigation. The method proposed herein completes the standardization of VTP and opens new pathways for the clinical development of the technique.

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Genotoxicity in adult residents in mineral coal region—a cross-sectional study

Abstract

The present study assessed the DNA damage in environmentally exposed volunteers living in seven municipalities in an industrial coal region, through the use of the comet assay with blood cells and the micronucleus test with buccal cells. Blood and buccal smears were collected from 320 male volunteers living in seven cities inserted in a coal region. They were ages of 18 and 50 years and also completed a questionnaire intended to identify factors associated with DNA damage through a Poisson regression analysis. The comet assay detected significant differences in DNA damage in volunteers from different municipalities, and neighboring cities (Pedras Altas, Aceguá, and Hulha Negra) had a higher level of DNA damage in relation to control city. Some of the risk factors associated with identified DNA lesions included residence time and life habits. On the other hand, the micronucleus test did not identify differences between the cities studied, but the regression analysis identified risk factors such as age and life habits (consumption of mate tea and low carbohydrates diet). We conclude that there are differences in the DNA damage of volunteers from different cities of the carboniferous region, but the presence of micronuclei in the oral mucosa does not differ between the same cities. Furthermore, we alert that some related factors may increase the risk of genotoxicity, such as residence location and time, and living and food habits. Finally, we suggest the need for continuous biomonitoring of the population, as well as for investing in health promotion in these vulnerable populations.

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Specific needs of families of young adults with profound intellectual disability during and after transition to adulthood: What are we missing?

Publication date: July 2017
Source:Research in Developmental Disabilities, Volume 66
Author(s): Camille Gauthier-Boudreault, Frances Gallagher, Mélanie Couture
IntroductionAt the age of 21, the trajectory of services offered to youth with profound intellectual disability (ID) change significantly since access to specialised services is more limited. Despite the desire of parents to avoid any impact on their child, several factors can influence the course of this transition. However, there is little research on facilitators and obstacles to the transition to adulthood, and impacts on people with a profound ID. It is therefore difficult to provide solutions that meet their specific needs.ObjectiveThe study aimed to document the needs of parents and young adults with profound ID during and after the transition to adulthood by exploring their transitioning experience and factors that influenced it.MethodUsing a descriptive qualitative design, two individual semi-structured interviews were conducted with fourteen (14) parents of young adults aged between 18 and 26 with a profound ID.ResultsAt this point, many material, informative, cognitive and emotional needs of young adults and their parents are not met. Obstacles, mainly organisational, persist and result in a particularly difficult transition to adulthood experience.ConclusionBy knowing the specific needs of these families, it is possible to develop and implement solutions tailored to their reality.What the papers adds?The transition to adulthood is a critical period for families with young adults with an intellectual disability (ID), a reality observed internationally. Current literature on all levels of ID suggests some barriers to transition that lead to negative impacts on both parents and young adults with ID. However, presently, very little research exists on the reality of families of young adults with profound ID and factors influencing transition to adult life. Most of studies target people with mild to moderate ID. Considering the significant disabilities of people with profound ID, it is possible to imagine that their experience of transition will be even more difficult and they will present specific needs. The lack of understanding of these needs makes it difficult to introduce solutions tailored to their reality. The results of this current study suggest that many needs of young adults with profound ID and their parents are not met despite existent transition planning services. Transition to adulthood seems particularly difficult for these families who face many challenges. Parents in this study proposed different obstacles during transition to adulthood that could be improved for creation of future solutions adapted to their reality.



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Primitive path analysis of linear polymer embedded in post array

Abstract

We present an extensive set of simulation results for the relaxation processes of linear polymer chains embedded in post arrays using Monte Carlo algorithm. The data allow us to explore the crossover of chain dynamics from single-chain regime to entangled regime. Using primitive path analysis, the statistical information of the system, including the average value and the fluctuation of the length of primitive path, is also obtained. We have performed a clear test on Doi's theory on contour length fluctuation and we find excellent agreement for Doi's theory in entangled regime.

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Effects of upper-airway stimulation on sleep architecture in patients with obstructive sleep apnea

Abstract

Purpose

Selective upper-airway stimulation (UAS) is a novel therapy for patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The aim of this study was to compare changes in sleep architecture during the diagnostic polysomnography and the post-implantation polysomnography in UAS in patients with OSA.

Methods

Twenty-six patients who received a UAS device (Inspire Medical Systems) were included. Treatment outcome was evaluated 2 and 3 months after surgery. Data collection included demographics, body mass index (BMI), apnea hypopnea index (AHI), oxygen saturation and desaturation index (ODI), Epworth sleepiness score (ESS), arousal parameter, and sleep patterns.

Results

The mean age was 60.2 years, 25 patients were male, 1 patient was female. Mean BMI was 29.0 kg/m². The mean pre-implantation AHI of 33.9/h could be reduced to 9.1/h at 2 months post-implantation (p < 0.001). The amount of time spent in N1-sleep could be reduced from 23.2% at baseline to 16.0% at month 3 post-implantation. The amount of time spent in N2- and N3-sleep did not change during the observation period. A significant increase of the amount of REM sleep at month 2 (15.7%) compared to baseline (9.5%; p = 0.010) could be observed. A reduction of the number of arousals and the arousal index could be observed.

Conclusion

In conclusion, significant changes in sleep architecture of patients with OSA and sufficient treatment with UAS could be observed. A reduction of the amount of time spent in N1-sleep could be caused by treatment with UAS and the rebound of REM sleep, observed for the first time in a study on UAS, is also a potential marker of the efficacy of UAS on sleep architecture.

Trial registration

NCT02293746.

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Response to “is sedation administration strategy and analysis during drug-induced sedation endoscopy objective and systematic?”

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Uncovering the pathogenesis of microtia using bioinformatics approach

Publication date: August 2017
Source:International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology, Volume 99
Author(s): Liu Lei, Liu Zhenzhong, Lin Lin, Pan Bo
ObjectiveBioinformatics is widely used in the field of cancer research, but in the research of pathogenesis of congenital malformations the situation is different. The aim of this study was to explore the underlying mechanism using bioinformatics approach.MethodsThe data were available from Mouse Genome Informatics and Pubmed. Protein–protein interaction (PPI) network of pathogenic genes was conducted using STRING. Gene ontology and pathway enrichment analyses were also performed to pathogenic genes.ResultsTotal 63 genes were identified as pathogenic genes in the study. The PPI networks for pathogenic genes were constructed, which contained 62 nodes and 228 edges with PAX6, FGFR1 and CTNNB1 as the hub genes. All the genes were linked to 921 pathways in biological processes, 31 pathways in cell component, 41 pathways in molecular function, and 76 pathways in the KEGG. These genes were discovered significantly enriched in embryonic organ development, ear morphogenesis, ear development, and regulation of RNA synthesis and processing.Conclusionsbioinformatics methods were utilized to analysis pathogenic genes involved in microtia development, including pathogenic genes identifying, PPI network construction and functional analysis. And we also predicted that several potential mechanisms might contribute to occurrence of microtia by disturbing GO terms and pathways. This approach could be useful for the study of the etiology and pathogenesis of microtia.



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Uncovering the pathogenesis of microtia using bioinformatics approach

Publication date: August 2017
Source:International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology, Volume 99
Author(s): Liu Lei, Liu Zhenzhong, Lin Lin, Pan Bo
ObjectiveBioinformatics is widely used in the field of cancer research, but in the research of pathogenesis of congenital malformations the situation is different. The aim of this study was to explore the underlying mechanism using bioinformatics approach.MethodsThe data were available from Mouse Genome Informatics and Pubmed. Protein–protein interaction (PPI) network of pathogenic genes was conducted using STRING. Gene ontology and pathway enrichment analyses were also performed to pathogenic genes.ResultsTotal 63 genes were identified as pathogenic genes in the study. The PPI networks for pathogenic genes were constructed, which contained 62 nodes and 228 edges with PAX6, FGFR1 and CTNNB1 as the hub genes. All the genes were linked to 921 pathways in biological processes, 31 pathways in cell component, 41 pathways in molecular function, and 76 pathways in the KEGG. These genes were discovered significantly enriched in embryonic organ development, ear morphogenesis, ear development, and regulation of RNA synthesis and processing.Conclusionsbioinformatics methods were utilized to analysis pathogenic genes involved in microtia development, including pathogenic genes identifying, PPI network construction and functional analysis. And we also predicted that several potential mechanisms might contribute to occurrence of microtia by disturbing GO terms and pathways. This approach could be useful for the study of the etiology and pathogenesis of microtia.



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Uncovering the pathogenesis of microtia using bioinformatics approach

Publication date: August 2017
Source:International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology, Volume 99
Author(s): Liu Lei, Liu Zhenzhong, Lin Lin, Pan Bo
ObjectiveBioinformatics is widely used in the field of cancer research, but in the research of pathogenesis of congenital malformations the situation is different. The aim of this study was to explore the underlying mechanism using bioinformatics approach.MethodsThe data were available from Mouse Genome Informatics and Pubmed. Protein–protein interaction (PPI) network of pathogenic genes was conducted using STRING. Gene ontology and pathway enrichment analyses were also performed to pathogenic genes.ResultsTotal 63 genes were identified as pathogenic genes in the study. The PPI networks for pathogenic genes were constructed, which contained 62 nodes and 228 edges with PAX6, FGFR1 and CTNNB1 as the hub genes. All the genes were linked to 921 pathways in biological processes, 31 pathways in cell component, 41 pathways in molecular function, and 76 pathways in the KEGG. These genes were discovered significantly enriched in embryonic organ development, ear morphogenesis, ear development, and regulation of RNA synthesis and processing.Conclusionsbioinformatics methods were utilized to analysis pathogenic genes involved in microtia development, including pathogenic genes identifying, PPI network construction and functional analysis. And we also predicted that several potential mechanisms might contribute to occurrence of microtia by disturbing GO terms and pathways. This approach could be useful for the study of the etiology and pathogenesis of microtia.



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Uncovering the pathogenesis of microtia using bioinformatics approach

Publication date: August 2017
Source:International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology, Volume 99
Author(s): Liu Lei, Liu Zhenzhong, Lin Lin, Pan Bo
ObjectiveBioinformatics is widely used in the field of cancer research, but in the research of pathogenesis of congenital malformations the situation is different. The aim of this study was to explore the underlying mechanism using bioinformatics approach.MethodsThe data were available from Mouse Genome Informatics and Pubmed. Protein–protein interaction (PPI) network of pathogenic genes was conducted using STRING. Gene ontology and pathway enrichment analyses were also performed to pathogenic genes.ResultsTotal 63 genes were identified as pathogenic genes in the study. The PPI networks for pathogenic genes were constructed, which contained 62 nodes and 228 edges with PAX6, FGFR1 and CTNNB1 as the hub genes. All the genes were linked to 921 pathways in biological processes, 31 pathways in cell component, 41 pathways in molecular function, and 76 pathways in the KEGG. These genes were discovered significantly enriched in embryonic organ development, ear morphogenesis, ear development, and regulation of RNA synthesis and processing.Conclusionsbioinformatics methods were utilized to analysis pathogenic genes involved in microtia development, including pathogenic genes identifying, PPI network construction and functional analysis. And we also predicted that several potential mechanisms might contribute to occurrence of microtia by disturbing GO terms and pathways. This approach could be useful for the study of the etiology and pathogenesis of microtia.



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Tau pathology and cognitive reserve in Alzheimer's disease

Publication date: September 2017
Source:Neurobiology of Aging, Volume 57
Author(s): Merle Christine Hoenig, Gérard Nisal Bischof, Jochen Hammes, Jennifer Faber, Klaus Fliessbach, Thilo van Eimeren, Alexander Drzezga
Cognitive reserve (CR) is defined as the ability to maintain functionality despite accumulating pathology. Education has been used as a proxy for CR. For example, by using positron emission tomography imaging, higher educated Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients presented increased amyloid β pathology than lower educated patients despite equal symptomatology. Whether similar associations exist for in vivo tau pathology remains elusive. We utilized [¹⁸F]AV-1451 positron emission tomography imaging to examine whether high-educated AD patients (n = 12) present more severe tau pathology compared with low-educated patients (n = 12) despite equal clinical severity in regions of interest corresponding to the pathologic disease stages defined by Braak & Braak. We report tau pathology in advanced Braak stages associated with parietal and frontal regions in high-educated AD patients, whereas in low-educated AD patients tau accumulation is still confined to lower Braak stages associated with temporal and cingulate regions. Highly educated AD patients seem to be able to tolerate more tau tangle pathology than lower educated patients with comparable cognitive impairment supporting the cognitive reserve hypothesis.



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Possible maternal offloading of metals in the plasma, uterine and capsule fluid of pregnant ragged-tooth sharks ( Carcharias taurus ) on the east coast of South Africa

Abstract

We studied the possible metal offloading onto the progeny of three pregnant female ragged-tooth sharks (Carcharias taurus) (C. taurus). The presences of five metals, i.e. aluminium (Al), arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb) and selenium (Se) were validated by mass spectrometry in the maternal plasma as well as the intracapsular and uterine fluids (UF) in which embryos develop. Metals were ranked in a decreasing concentration as follows: Plasma: As > Al > Se > Pb > Cd; ICF: As > Se > Al > Cd > Pb and UF: As > Se > Al > Cd > Pb. As was present in the highest concentration in all three sharks. Al, Pb and Cd were found to be the highest within the plasma, while concentrations of Se were similar in all three fluids. These results indicate that C. taurus embryos are exposed to metals during early development, but the impact of this exposure remains unknown. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first investigation to confirm the presence of metals in the fluids that surround the developing C. taurus embryos, a species that is already listed as vulnerable.

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The biological response chain to pollution: a case study from the “Italian Triangle of Death” assessed with the liverwort Lunularia cruciata

Abstract

The liverwort Lunularia cruciata, known for being a species tolerant to pollution able to colonize urban areas, was collected in the town of Acerra (South Italy) to investigate the biological effects of air pollution in one of the three vertices of the so-called Italian Triangle of Death. The ultrastructural damages observed by transmission electron microscopy in specimens collected in Acerra were compared with samples collected in the city center of Naples and in a small rural site far from sources of air pollution (Riccia, Molise, Southern Italy). The biological response chain to air pollution was investigated considering vitality, photosynthetic efficiency, heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70) induction and gene expression levels, and chlorophyll degradation and related ultrastructural alterations. Particularly, a significant increment in Hsp70 expression and occurrence, and modifications in the chloroplasts' ultrastructure can be strictly related to the environmental pollution conditions in the three sites. The results could be interpreted in relation to the use of these parameters as biomarkers for environmental pollution.

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Diagnosis of canine Echinococcus multilocularis infections by copro-DNA tests: comparison of DNA extraction techniques and evaluation of diagnostic deworming

Abstract

The use of copro-DNA detection methods for the diagnosis of canine Echinococcus multilocularis infection was evaluated with a focus on DNA extraction techniques: two commercial kits and a modified alkaline-sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) technique. Dog feces (0.2 g) mixed with a protoscolex or with 1 or 10 eggs of E. multilocularis were subjected to DNA detection following extraction by these methods. DNA was extracted from all protoscolex samples by all methods, but success for samples with eggs depended on extraction technique with the modified technique showing success on all samples. Following experimental infection of dogs, copro-DNA was successfully extracted from fecal samples (0.2 g) of dogs in the patent period by all methods. In the prepatent period, PCR testing of feces subsamples (0.2 g) extracted by each technique was positive at a rate of 79.6–94.4%. Extraction by the modified technique with fecal samples of over 1 g showed detection of copro-DNA in all samples in both the patent and prepatent periods, and it produced reproducible detection in the addition recovery test using feces from 72 different domestic dogs. As copro-DNA was detected for at least 1 day following deworming with administration of anthelmintic drugs in experimentally infected dogs, diagnostic deworming might be useful for clinical examination. Using the present detection method can provide quick and accurate diagnosis of canine E. multilocularis infection, which with prompt management and treatment of infected dogs can prevent pet owners from becoming infected and prevent echinococcosis from spreading into non-endemic areas.

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Organic free decavanadate based materials: Inorganic linkers to obtain extended structures

Publication date: 15 October 2017
Source:Journal of Molecular Structure, Volume 1146
Author(s): Sridevi Yerra, Samar K. Das
Decavanadate based extended structures containing compounds [{Na3(H2O)8(μ2-H2O)6Ag2}HV10O28]n·6nH2O (1), [Co(H2O)6]n[{Na2(H2O)6(μ2-H2O)4Co(H2O)2}V10O28]n·4nH2O (2) and [Zn(H2O)6]n[{Na2(H2O)6(μ2-H2O)4Zn(H2O)2}V10O28]n·4nH2O (3) have been synthesized from respective aqueous solutions of sodium metavanadate. Compounds 1, 2 and 3 crystallize in a triclinic space group P-1. Compound 1 is a three-dimensional inorganic solid, whereas compounds 2 and 3 are isomorphous one-dimensional inorganic polymers. In the crystal structure of compound 1, the silver (I) cation is coordinated to the terminal oxygen as well as bridging oxygen atoms of decavanadate anion and it is also connected to bridging oxygen atom of trimeric sodium aqua cluster cation. In the crystals of compound 2, one hexa-hydrated cobalt cation is present as a counter cation and one "di-sodium cobalt aqua-complex" cation is supported on the [V10O28]^6– cluster anion by coordinate covalent bond. Compound 3 is isomorphous with compound 2, with Zn²⁺ present (in compound 3) in the place of Co²⁺ (in compound 2). Compounds 1, 2 and 3 are characterized by routine elemental analyses, FT-IR spectroscopy and unambiguously by single crystal X-ray crystallography. In the crystal structure of compound 1, an unusual silver dimer is observed.

Graphical abstract

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Cathodic electrosynthesis of ZnMn2O4/Mn3O4 composite nanostructures for high performance supercapacitor applications

Publication date: 5 October 2017
Source:Journal of Alloys and Compounds, Volume 720
Author(s): Bahareh Ameri, Saied Saeed Hosseiny Davarani, Hamid Reza Moazami, Hamideh Darjazi
ZnMn2O4/Mn3O4 composite nanostructures were prepared by cathodic electrodeposition followed by heat treatment. A mixed hydroxide precursor was galvanostatically electrodeposited from aqueous solution containing Mn and Zn (as nitrates) and the obtained precursor was annealed to prepare the composite. This composite exhibited much better electrochemical behaviors than bare Mn3O4. Rietveld analysis of the X-ray diffraction (XRD) data showed that the product was composed of Mn3O4, ZnMn2O4 and minor amounts of λ-MnO2. Furthermore, the obtained composite was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FT-IR) and energy dispersive spectrometry (EDS). Field emission scanning electron micrographs (FE-SEM) and transmission electron micrographs (TEM) revealed co-existence of nanoparticles and high aspect ratio nanorods. Electrochemical performance and ion transport of ZnMn2O4/Mn3O4 composite were studied via galvanostatic charge-discharge (GCD) cycling and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Cyclic voltammetric (CV) measurements showed a maximum specific capacitance of 321.34 F/g at the scan rate of 1 mV/s. 93% of this specific capacitance was retained after 2000 cycles.

Graphical abstract

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A facile synthetic protocol to construct 1D Zn-Mn-Oxide nanostructures with tunable compositions for high-performance lithium storage

Publication date: 5 October 2017
Source:Journal of Alloys and Compounds, Volume 720
Author(s): Yuan Tian, Zhangxian Chen, Weijian Tang, Zeheng Yang, Weixin Zhang, Sheng Li, Kai Wang, Yonghui Sun, Qing Xia, Bing Guo
The synthesis of one-dimensional (1D) Zn-Mn-Oxide (ZMO) for lithium storage is an important research topic, since ZMO can potentially satisfy the ever-increasing demand on the high energy density, natural abundance and long lifespan of lithium ion batteries. Generally, the synthesis of 1D ZMO nanostructures relies on various templates. A facile construction of 1D ZMO nanostructures with tunable compositions via the same synthetic protocol remains a great challenge. Herein, two different Zn-Mn-Oxides of ZnMn2O4 and ZnMnO3 both with 1D rod morphology were successfully prepared via a simple co-precipitation reaction coupled with subsequent heat treatment. As the anode materials for lithium ion battery, both ZMO nanorods exhibit good lithium storage performances. Especially, ZnMn2O4 nanorods display superior electrochemical performances to ZnMnO3 nanorods, including higher discharge capacities of 1119.3 and 572.6 mAh g⁻¹ at 0.1 C and 0.5 C, respectively and better cyclability with capacity retention of 80% after 300 cycles at 0.5 C. The improved electrochemical properties should be attributed to the porous and interparticle-bridging microstructures in ZnMn2O4 nanorods, which can offer better contact between electrolyte and anode and tolerate larger volume changes during discharge/charge process.



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Comparison of HER2 amplification status among breast cancer subgroups offers new insights in pathways of breast cancer progression

Abstract

Although the prognostic and predictive significance of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) in invasive breast cancer is well established, its role in ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) remains unclear. Reports on combined evaluation of both HER2 protein expression and HER2 amplification status in pure DCIS and DCIS adjacent to invasive ductal carcinoma (i.e., admixed DCIS) are scarce. In this study, immunohistochemistry and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) were used to assess HER2 status in 72 cases of pure DCIS, 73 cases of DCIS admixed with invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC), and 60 cases of pure IDC. HER2 copy number-based amplification was present in 49% of pure DCIS, 16% of admixed DCIS, 18% of admixed IDC, and 8% of pure IDC. Amplified pure DCIS with clusters of HER2 signals showed a significantly lower HER2 copy number than amplified admixed DCIS with clusters. Whereas pure DCIS and admixed DCIS presented significant differences, the in situ and invasive component of admixed tumors showed striking similarities regarding mean HER2 and chromosome 17 centromere (CEP17) copy number, grade, and estrogen and progesterone receptor expression. The discrepant prevalence of HER2 amplification among breast cancer subgroups indirectly suggests that HER2 may not play a crucial role in the transition of in situ to invasive breast cancer. The similarities in HER2 amplification status between the in situ and invasive component of admixed tumors hint at a common biological pathway for both components. Our data support the theory that pure DCIS, pure IDC, and admixed lesions have a common progenitor, but can progress as separate lineages.

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Comparison of HER2 amplification status among breast cancer subgroups offers new insights in pathways of breast cancer progression

Abstract

Although the prognostic and predictive significance of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) in invasive breast cancer is well established, its role in ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) remains unclear. Reports on combined evaluation of both HER2 protein expression and HER2 amplification status in pure DCIS and DCIS adjacent to invasive ductal carcinoma (i.e., admixed DCIS) are scarce. In this study, immunohistochemistry and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) were used to assess HER2 status in 72 cases of pure DCIS, 73 cases of DCIS admixed with invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC), and 60 cases of pure IDC. HER2 copy number-based amplification was present in 49% of pure DCIS, 16% of admixed DCIS, 18% of admixed IDC, and 8% of pure IDC. Amplified pure DCIS with clusters of HER2 signals showed a significantly lower HER2 copy number than amplified admixed DCIS with clusters. Whereas pure DCIS and admixed DCIS presented significant differences, the in situ and invasive component of admixed tumors showed striking similarities regarding mean HER2 and chromosome 17 centromere (CEP17) copy number, grade, and estrogen and progesterone receptor expression. The discrepant prevalence of HER2 amplification among breast cancer subgroups indirectly suggests that HER2 may not play a crucial role in the transition of in situ to invasive breast cancer. The similarities in HER2 amplification status between the in situ and invasive component of admixed tumors hint at a common biological pathway for both components. Our data support the theory that pure DCIS, pure IDC, and admixed lesions have a common progenitor, but can progress as separate lineages.

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Magneto-thermo-mechanical dynamic buckling analysis of a FG-CNTs-reinforced curved microbeam with different boundary conditions using strain gradient theory

Abstract

In this article, dynamic buckling analysis of an embedded curved microbeam reinforced by functionally graded carbon nanotubes is carried out. The structure is subjected to thermal, magnetic and harmonic mechanical loads. Timoshenko beam theory is employed to simulate the structure. Furthermore, the temperature-dependent surrounding elastic foundation is modeled by normal springs and a shear layer. Using strain gradient theory, the small scale effects are taken into account. The extended rule of mixture is employed to estimate the equivalent properties of the composite material. The governing equations and different boundary conditions are derived based on the energy method and Hamilton's principle. Dynamic stability regions of the system are obtained using differential quadrature method. The aim of this paper is to investigate the influence of different parameters such as small scale effect, boundary conditions, elastic foundation, volume fraction and distribution types of carbon nanotubes, magnetic field, temperature and central angle of the curved microbeam on the dynamic stability region of the system. The results indicate that by increasing the volume fraction of CNTs, the frequency of the system increases and thus the dynamic stability region occurs at higher frequencies.

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Effects of upper-airway stimulation on sleep architecture in patients with obstructive sleep apnea

Abstract

Purpose

Selective upper-airway stimulation (UAS) is a novel therapy for patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The aim of this study was to compare changes in sleep architecture during the diagnostic polysomnography and the post-implantation polysomnography in UAS in patients with OSA.

Methods

Twenty-six patients who received a UAS device (Inspire Medical Systems) were included. Treatment outcome was evaluated 2 and 3 months after surgery. Data collection included demographics, body mass index (BMI), apnea hypopnea index (AHI), oxygen saturation and desaturation index (ODI), Epworth sleepiness score (ESS), arousal parameter, and sleep patterns.

Results

The mean age was 60.2 years, 25 patients were male, 1 patient was female. Mean BMI was 29.0 kg/m². The mean pre-implantation AHI of 33.9/h could be reduced to 9.1/h at 2 months post-implantation (p < 0.001). The amount of time spent in N1-sleep could be reduced from 23.2% at baseline to 16.0% at month 3 post-implantation. The amount of time spent in N2- and N3-sleep did not change during the observation period. A significant increase of the amount of REM sleep at month 2 (15.7%) compared to baseline (9.5%; p = 0.010) could be observed. A reduction of the number of arousals and the arousal index could be observed.

Conclusion

In conclusion, significant changes in sleep architecture of patients with OSA and sufficient treatment with UAS could be observed. A reduction of the amount of time spent in N1-sleep could be caused by treatment with UAS and the rebound of REM sleep, observed for the first time in a study on UAS, is also a potential marker of the efficacy of UAS on sleep architecture.

Trial registration

NCT02293746.

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Response to “is sedation administration strategy and analysis during drug-induced sedation endoscopy objective and systematic?”

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Dr. Jonathan An named UW Magnuson Scholar

Dr. Jonathan An, who earned his DDS degree from the University of Washington School of Dentistry in 2016 and is now pursuing a PhD in oral biology at the school, has been named a UW Magnuson Scholar for 2017-18, the university has announced.

The post Dr. Jonathan An named UW Magnuson Scholar appeared first on UW School of Dentistry.

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Dr. Jonathan An named UW Magnuson Scholar

Dr. Jonathan An, who earned his DDS degree from the University of Washington School of Dentistry in 2016 and is now pursuing a PhD in oral biology at the school, has been named a UW Magnuson Scholar for 2017-18, the university has announced.

The post Dr. Jonathan An named UW Magnuson Scholar appeared first on UW School of Dentistry.

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Left Ventricular Assist Devices: Challenges Toward Sustaining Long-Term Patient Care

Abstract

Over the last few decades, the left ventricular assist device (LVAD) technology has been tremendously improved transitioning from large and noisy paracorporeal volume displacement pumps to small implantable turbodynamic devices with only a single transcutaneous element, the driveline. Nevertheless, there remains a great demand for further improvements to meet the challenge of having a robust and safe device for long-term therapy. Here, we review the state of the art and highlight four key areas of needed improvement targeting long-term, sustainable LVAD function: (1) LVADs available today still have a high risk of thromboembolic and bleeding events that could be addressed by the rational fabrication of novel surface structures and endothelialization approaches aiming at improving the device hemocompatibility. (2) Novel, fluid dynamically optimized pump designs will further reduce blood damage. (3) Infection due to the paracorporeal driveline can be avoided with a transcutaneous energy transmission system that additionally allows for increased freedom of movement. (4) Finally, the lack of pump flow adaptation needs to be encountered with physiological control systems, working collaboratively with biocompatible sensor devices, targeting the adaptation of the LVAD flow to the perfusion requirements of the patient. The interdisciplinary Zurich Heart project investigates these technology gaps paving the way toward LVADs for long-term, sustainable therapy.

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Special Issue Devoted to a New Field of Regenerative Medicine: Reproductive Tissue Engineering

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Determination of a new index of sexual maturity (ISM) in zebra mussel using flow cytometry: interest in ecotoxicology

Abstract

The global dynamic spread of chemical contamination through the aquatic environment calls for the development of biomarkers of interest. Reproduction is a key element to be considered because it is related to the sustainability of species. Spermatogenesis is a complex process that leads to the formation of mature germ cells, whose steps and impairments need to be finely described in ecotoxicological analyses. The physiological process has been commonly described by histological analyses of gonads in different taxa. In the present paper, we describe the development of a novel technique to characterize spermatogenesis based on the analysis of the DNA content of germ cells by flow cytometry, using a DNA-intercalating agent. This new biomarker, referred to as an index of sexual maturity, proved relevant to describe the seasonal reproductive cycle of the zebra mussel, Dreissena polymorpha (Pallas, 1771), used as a sentinel species in the biomonitoring of continental waters and sensitive to highlight the reprotoxicity of carbamazepine (an anti-epileptic pharmaceutical) tested under ecosystemic conditions (mesocosms).

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Removal of hexavalent chromium upon interaction with biochar under acidic conditions: mechanistic insights and application

Abstract

Chromium pollution of soil and water is a serious environmental concern due to potential carcinogenicity of hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)] when ingested. Eucalyptus bark biochar (EBB), a carbonaceous black porous material obtained by pyrolysis of biomass at 500 °C under oxygen-free atmosphere, was used to investigate the removal of aqueous Cr(VI) upon interaction with the EBB, the dominant Cr(VI) removal mechanism(s), and the applicability to treat Cr(VI)-contaminated wastewater. Batch experiments showed complete removal of aqueous Cr(VI) at pH 1–2; sorption was negligible at pH 1, but ~55% of total Cr was sorbed onto the EBB surface at pH 2. Detailed investigations on unreacted and reacted EBB through Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectrometry (XPS) indicate that the carboxylic groups in biochar played a dominant role in Cr(VI) sorption, whereas the phenolic groups were responsible for Cr(VI) reduction. The predominance of sorption–reduction mechanism was confirmed by XPS studies that indicated ~82% as Cr(III) and ~18% as Cr(VI) sorbed on the EBB surface. Significantly, Cr(VI) reduction was also facilitated by dissolved organic matter (DOM) extracted from biochar. This reduction was enhanced by the presence of biochar. Overall, the removal of Cr(VI) in the presence of biochar was affected by sorption due to electrostatic attraction, sorption–reduction mediated by surface organic complexes, and aqueous reduction by DOM. Relative dominance of the aqueous reduction mechanism depended on a critical biochar dosage for a given electrolyte pH and initial Cr(VI) concentration. The low-cost EBB developed here successfully removed all Cr(VI) in chrome tanning acidic wastewater and Cr(VI)-contaminated groundwater after pH adjustment, highlighting its potential applicability in effective Cr(VI) remediation.

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Study on the removal of hormones from domestic wastewaters with lab-scale constructed wetlands with different substrates and flow directions

Abstract

Eight wastewater samples from a university campus were analysed between May and July of 2014 to determine the concentration of 14 natural and synthetic steroid hormones. An on-line solid-phase extraction combined with ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (on-line SPE-UHPLC-MS/MS) was used as extraction, pre-concentration and detection method. In the samples studied, three oestrogens (17β-estradiol, estrone and estriol), two androgens (boldenone and testosterone), three progestogens (norgestrel, progesterone and norethisterone) and one glucocorticoid (prednisone) were detected. The removal of hormones was studied in primary and secondary constructed wetland mesocosms. The porous media of the primary constructed wetlands were palm tree mulch. These reactors were used to study the effect of water flow, i.e. horizontal (HF1) vs vertical (VF1). The latter was more efficient in the removal of 17β-estradiol (HF1: 30%, VF1: 50%), estrone (HF1: 63%, VF1: 85%), estriol (100% both), testosterone (HF1: 45%, VF1: 73%), boldenone (HF1:-77%, VF1: 100%) and progesterone (HF1: 84%, VF1: 99%). The effluent of HF1 was used as influent of three secondary constructed wetland mesocosms: two double-stage vertical flow constructed wetlands, one with gravel (VF2gravel) and one with palm mulch (VF2mulch), and a mineral-based, horizontal flow constructed wetland (HFmineral). VF2mulch was the most efficient of the secondary reactors, since it achieved the complete removal of the hormones studied with the exception of 17ß-estradiol. The significantly better removal of BOD and ammonia attained by VF2mulch suggests that the better aeration of mulch favoured the more efficient removal of hormones.

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Androgens, oestrogens, and progesterone concentrations in wastewater purification processes measured with capillary electrophoresis

Abstract

A novel analytical-scale concept to improve reliability of detection and analysis of natural and processed wastewater samples from a purification plant was developed. A sequential sample clean-up system of polymer-based octadecyl and silane-based quaternary amine sorbents were used for concentrating human based steroid hormones and their metabolites and detecting them by UV absorption with capillary electrophoresis (CE). The water samples were collected from influent and effluent processes of the water purification plant in Helsinki, Finland.

The CE methods were partial-filling micellar electrokinetic chromatography and capillary zone electrophoresis. The analysis times and method concentration levels were optimized with eight steroids at the range of 0.5–10 mg/L. Since in CE the detectable quantities were higher than the existing amounts in the process waters, the real samples needed matrix removal combined with steroid enrichment. After 20,000-fold concentration testosterone-glucoside, androstenedione, progesterone, and estradiol-glucoside could be determined in the process water samples. The amounts of individual steroids in influent and effluent waters were 0–429 and 0–207 ng/L, respectively. Correspondently, their total amounts were 735 and 212 ng/L with excellent in day and inter-day repeatability. The RSD values were less than 1, 9.7, and 19% in repeated analyses, calculated from 60 analyses during 24 h, and from 130 analyses during 15 months, respectively. The steroid removal in purification process was 65% on average. The solid particles separated in three steps during the water clean-up concept contained 9.8–45 ng/g steroids in combined dry precipitates.

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Nitrate removal from drinking water with a focus on biological methods: a review

Abstract

This article summarizes several developed and industrial technologies for nitrate removal from drinking water, including physicochemical and biological techniques, with a focus on autotrophic nitrate removal. Approaches are primarily classified into separation-based and elimination-based methods according to the fate of the nitrate in water treatment. Biological denitrification as a cost-effective and promising method of biological nitrate elimination is reviewed in terms of its removal process, applicability, efficiency, and associated disadvantages. The various pathways during biological nitrate removal, including assimilatory and dissimilatory nitrate reduction, are also explained. A comparative study was carried out to provide a better understanding of the advantages and disadvantages of autotrophic and heterotrophic denitrification. Sulfur-based and hydrogen-based denitrifications, which are the most common autotrophic processes of nitrate removal, are reviewed with the aim of presenting the salient features of hydrogenotrophic denitrification along with some drawbacks of the technology and research areas in which it could be used but currently is not. The application of algae-based water treatment is also introduced as a nature-inspired approach that may broaden future horizons of nitrate removal technology.

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Apatinib Treatment for Advanced Esophagus Cancer

Condition:   Advanced Esophagus Cancer
Intervention:   Drug: Apatinib
Sponsors:   Henan Cancer Hospital;   Jiangsu HengRui Medicine Co., Ltd.
Recruiting - verified May 2017

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Genomic Profiling of Nodular Thyroid Disease and Thyroid Cancer

Conditions:   Thyroid Nodule;   Thyroid Cancer;   Thyroid Diseases;   Thymic Carcinoma
Intervention:  
Sponsor:   Aventura Hospital and Medical Center
Recruiting - verified May 2017

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Gastric Pull up Versus Free Flap Reconstruction for Laryngo-pharyngeal Defects

Conditions:   Head and Neck Neoplasms;   Pharyngectomy;   Reconstructive Surgical Procedures
Interventions:   Procedure: Gastric Pull Up;   Procedure: Free Flap Surgery
Sponsor:   University of British Columbia
Recruiting - verified May 2017

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When a Surgical Trainee Needs Surgery: Autonomy, Privacy, and Maintaining the Standard of Care

Publication date: Available online 31 May 2017
Source:Journal of Surgical Education
Author(s): Maija Cheung, Michael DeWane, Walter Longo, Peter Yoo




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Apatinib Treatment for Advanced Esophagus Cancer

Condition:   Advanced Esophagus Cancer
Intervention:   Drug: Apatinib
Sponsors:   Henan Cancer Hospital;   Jiangsu HengRui Medicine Co., Ltd.
Recruiting - verified May 2017

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Genomic Profiling of Nodular Thyroid Disease and Thyroid Cancer

Conditions:   Thyroid Nodule;   Thyroid Cancer;   Thyroid Diseases;   Thymic Carcinoma
Intervention:  
Sponsor:   Aventura Hospital and Medical Center
Recruiting - verified May 2017

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Gastric Pull up Versus Free Flap Reconstruction for Laryngo-pharyngeal Defects

Conditions:   Head and Neck Neoplasms;   Pharyngectomy;   Reconstructive Surgical Procedures
Interventions:   Procedure: Gastric Pull Up;   Procedure: Free Flap Surgery
Sponsor:   University of British Columbia
Recruiting - verified May 2017

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Apatinib Treatment for Advanced Esophagus Cancer

Condition:   Advanced Esophagus Cancer
Intervention:   Drug: Apatinib
Sponsors:   Henan Cancer Hospital;   Jiangsu HengRui Medicine Co., Ltd.
Recruiting - verified May 2017

http://ift.tt/2rljCSF


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Genomic Profiling of Nodular Thyroid Disease and Thyroid Cancer

Conditions:   Thyroid Nodule;   Thyroid Cancer;   Thyroid Diseases;   Thymic Carcinoma
Intervention:  
Sponsor:   Aventura Hospital and Medical Center
Recruiting - verified May 2017

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Gastric Pull up Versus Free Flap Reconstruction for Laryngo-pharyngeal Defects

Conditions:   Head and Neck Neoplasms;   Pharyngectomy;   Reconstructive Surgical Procedures
Interventions:   Procedure: Gastric Pull Up;   Procedure: Free Flap Surgery
Sponsor:   University of British Columbia
Recruiting - verified May 2017

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Reimagining the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children Career Ladder as Requirements Change for Registered Dietitian Nutritionists

Publication date: Available online 31 May 2017
Source:Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
Author(s): Jennifer L. Hernandez, Laura A. Weber, Sara Horner




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Age-Related Differences in the Processing of Temporal Envelope and Spectral Cues in a Speech Segment.

Objectives: As people age, they experience reduced temporal processing abilities. This results in poorer ability to understand speech, particularly for degraded input signals. Cochlear implants (CIs) convey speech information via the temporal envelopes of a spectrally degraded input signal. Because there is an increasing number of older CI users, there is a need to understand how temporal processing changes with age. Therefore, the goal of this study was to quantify age-related reduction in temporal processing abilities when attempting to discriminate words based on temporal envelope information from spectrally degraded signals. Design: Younger normal-hearing (YNH) and older normal-hearing (ONH) participants were presented a continuum of speech tokens that varied in silence duration between phonemes (0 to 60 ms in 10-ms steps), and were asked to identify whether the stimulus was perceived more as the word "dish" or "ditch." Stimuli were vocoded using tonal carriers. The number of channels (1, 2, 4, 8, 16, and unprocessed) and temporal envelope low-pass filter cutoff frequency (50 and 400 Hz) were systematically varied. Results: For the unprocessed conditions, the YNH participants perceived the word ditch for smaller silence durations than the ONH participants, indicating that aging affects temporal processing abilities. There was no difference in performance between the unprocessed and 16-channel, 400-Hz vocoded stimuli. Decreasing the number of spectral channels caused decreased ability to distinguish dish and ditch. Decreasing the envelope cutoff frequency also caused decreased ability to distinguish dish and ditch. The overall pattern of results revealed that reductions in spectral and temporal information had a relatively larger effect on the ONH participants compared with the YNH participants. Conclusions: Aging reduces the ability to utilize brief temporal cues in speech segments. Reducing spectral information-as occurs in a channel vocoder and in CI speech processing strategies-forces participants to use temporal envelope information; however, older participants are less capable of utilizing this information. These results suggest that providing as much spectral and temporal speech information as possible would benefit older CI users relatively more than younger CI users. In addition, the present findings help set expectations of clinical outcomes for speech understanding performance by adult CI users as a function of age. Copyright (C) 2017 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.

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Rotational and Collic Vestibular-Evoked Myogenic Potential Testing in Normal Developing Children and Children With Combined Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder.

Objectives: Vestibular dysfunction in childhood can have a major effect on a child's developmental process. Balance function has been reported to be poorer in children with attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) than in their typically developing peers. Due to contradictory available evidence and the paucity of research on vestibular function specifically in children with combined ADHD (cADHD), we designed this aged-matched study to assess vestibular function in children with cADHD. Design: We enrolled 30 typically developing children (15 boys and 15 girls; mean age, 9 years 6 months; range, 7 to 12 years) and 33 children (19 boys and 14 girls; mean age, 9 years 0 months; range, 7 to 12 years) with cADHD diagnosed by our research psychiatrist. Typically developing controls were used to obtain normative data on vestibular testing and to examine the impact of age on the vestibular response parameters, and these results were compared with those of the cADHD group. All children underwent the sinusoidal harmonic acceleration subtype of the rotary chair test (0.01, 0.02, 0.08, 0.16, and 0.32 Hz) and the cervical vestibular-evoked myogenic potential (cVEMP) test. Results: At all five frequencies in the sinusoidal harmonic acceleration test, there was no significant correlation between age and any of the following rotary chair response parameters in typically developing children: vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) gain, phase, asymmetry, and fixation index. Furthermore, there was no significant correlation between age and any of the following cVEMP parameters for the right and left ears of control group: p1 and n1 latency, amplitude, threshold, and amplitude ratio. Significantly higher VOR gains were observed for children with cADHD at frequencies of 0.01 (p = 0.001), 0.08 (p

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Age-Related Differences in the Processing of Temporal Envelope and Spectral Cues in a Speech Segment.

Objectives: As people age, they experience reduced temporal processing abilities. This results in poorer ability to understand speech, particularly for degraded input signals. Cochlear implants (CIs) convey speech information via the temporal envelopes of a spectrally degraded input signal. Because there is an increasing number of older CI users, there is a need to understand how temporal processing changes with age. Therefore, the goal of this study was to quantify age-related reduction in temporal processing abilities when attempting to discriminate words based on temporal envelope information from spectrally degraded signals. Design: Younger normal-hearing (YNH) and older normal-hearing (ONH) participants were presented a continuum of speech tokens that varied in silence duration between phonemes (0 to 60 ms in 10-ms steps), and were asked to identify whether the stimulus was perceived more as the word "dish" or "ditch." Stimuli were vocoded using tonal carriers. The number of channels (1, 2, 4, 8, 16, and unprocessed) and temporal envelope low-pass filter cutoff frequency (50 and 400 Hz) were systematically varied. Results: For the unprocessed conditions, the YNH participants perceived the word ditch for smaller silence durations than the ONH participants, indicating that aging affects temporal processing abilities. There was no difference in performance between the unprocessed and 16-channel, 400-Hz vocoded stimuli. Decreasing the number of spectral channels caused decreased ability to distinguish dish and ditch. Decreasing the envelope cutoff frequency also caused decreased ability to distinguish dish and ditch. The overall pattern of results revealed that reductions in spectral and temporal information had a relatively larger effect on the ONH participants compared with the YNH participants. Conclusions: Aging reduces the ability to utilize brief temporal cues in speech segments. Reducing spectral information-as occurs in a channel vocoder and in CI speech processing strategies-forces participants to use temporal envelope information; however, older participants are less capable of utilizing this information. These results suggest that providing as much spectral and temporal speech information as possible would benefit older CI users relatively more than younger CI users. In addition, the present findings help set expectations of clinical outcomes for speech understanding performance by adult CI users as a function of age. Copyright (C) 2017 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.

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Rotational and Collic Vestibular-Evoked Myogenic Potential Testing in Normal Developing Children and Children With Combined Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder.

Objectives: Vestibular dysfunction in childhood can have a major effect on a child's developmental process. Balance function has been reported to be poorer in children with attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) than in their typically developing peers. Due to contradictory available evidence and the paucity of research on vestibular function specifically in children with combined ADHD (cADHD), we designed this aged-matched study to assess vestibular function in children with cADHD. Design: We enrolled 30 typically developing children (15 boys and 15 girls; mean age, 9 years 6 months; range, 7 to 12 years) and 33 children (19 boys and 14 girls; mean age, 9 years 0 months; range, 7 to 12 years) with cADHD diagnosed by our research psychiatrist. Typically developing controls were used to obtain normative data on vestibular testing and to examine the impact of age on the vestibular response parameters, and these results were compared with those of the cADHD group. All children underwent the sinusoidal harmonic acceleration subtype of the rotary chair test (0.01, 0.02, 0.08, 0.16, and 0.32 Hz) and the cervical vestibular-evoked myogenic potential (cVEMP) test. Results: At all five frequencies in the sinusoidal harmonic acceleration test, there was no significant correlation between age and any of the following rotary chair response parameters in typically developing children: vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) gain, phase, asymmetry, and fixation index. Furthermore, there was no significant correlation between age and any of the following cVEMP parameters for the right and left ears of control group: p1 and n1 latency, amplitude, threshold, and amplitude ratio. Significantly higher VOR gains were observed for children with cADHD at frequencies of 0.01 (p = 0.001), 0.08 (p

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From evidence-based to hope-based medicine? Ethical aspects on conditional market authorization of and early access to new cancer drugs

Publication date: Available online 31 May 2017
Source:Seminars in Cancer Biology
Author(s): Lars Sandman, Jan Liliemark
There is a strong patient demand for early access to potentially beneficial cancer drugs. In line with this authorization agencies like the European Medicines Agency are providing drugs with conditional market authorisation based on positive interim analyses. This implies that drugs are used with insecure evidence of efficacy and adverse side-effects. Several authors have pointed to ethical problems with such a system but up to date no indepth ethical analysis of this system is found which is the aim of this article. Drawing of the four generally accepted principles of medical ethics: beneficence, nonmaleficence, respect for autonomy and justice the ethical pros and cons of conditional market authorisation are analysed. From the perspective of beneficence and non-maleficence it is found that the main problem is not risk of adverse side-effects to patients, but rather risk of less beneficial outcomes than what can be expected which could change incentives for patients' choice of treatment. This is also related to the extent to which patients might make an autonomous choice, especially taking into account problematic psychological attitudes and biases in medical decision-making. However, the main problem is related to justice and an equitable distribution of scarce health-care resources given the opportunity cost of drugs treatment. When using resources on cancer treatments which later might be found to be less efficacious than was first expected, other patients (in and outside the cancer field) are deprived of potentially more beneficial treatments even though their needs might be equally or more severe. At the same time, demanding more evidence has an ethical cost to patients in terms of depriving them of potential benefits in terms of reduced mortality and morbidity. In order to handle these ethical conflicts further research and analyses are required and it is suggested that pricing strategies and information requirements are alternatives to be further explored.



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Quassia “biopiracy” case and the Nagoya Protocol: a researcher's perspective

Publication date: Available online 31 May 2017
Source:Journal of Ethnopharmacology
Author(s): Bourdy Geneviève, Aubertin Catherine, Jullian Valérie, Deharo Eric
Biopiracy accusations are common in the world of biodiversity research. At the end of 2015, a French NGO accused researchers from the Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD) of biopiracy. These researchers had applied for a patent for a natural bioactive molecule against malaria, the Simalikalactone E, isolated from Quassia amara L. (Simaroubaceae) leaves. This biopiracy allegation triggered a huge wave of attacks from the media and social networks, and vehement recrimination from political officials in French Guiana against researchers who have been accused of ethical misconduct, by stealing the traditional knowledge of indigenous people. These accusations were made in the contentious context of the ratification of the Nagoya Protocol in the frame of implementing the French law on biodiversity, nature and landscapes. So, in an atmosphere of heightened emotions it is crucial to understand the issues behind these accusations. We describe herein the genesis of our discovery, present the detractors' arguments, and discuss the consequences of such biopiracy denunciations for scientific research. We also address our concerns about the gap between rhetoric and reality and the real impact of the Nagoya Protocol on biodiversity conservation.

Graphical abstract

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Suppression of Baeckea frutescens L. and its components on MyD88-dependent NF-κB pathway in MALP-2-stimulated RAW264.7 cells

Publication date: Available online 31 May 2017
Source:Journal of Ethnopharmacology
Author(s): Qin-Wei Yu, Hao Wang, Jing-Ting Huo, Xiao-Fei An, Peng Gao, Zhen-Zhou Jiang, Lu-Yong Zhang, Ming Yan
Ethnopharmacological relevanceBaeckea frutescens L. is commonly used as a folk medicinal material. There are nineteen components in its volatile oil, including Pcymol which has effects of eliminating phlegm, relieving asthma and antiviral. This study was aimed to investigate the anti-infectious inflammatory activities of Baeckea frutescens L. and its conponents and analyzing the mechanisms.Materials and methodsThe anti-infectious inflammation of Baeckea frutescens L. were studied by using macrophage activating lipopeptide-2 (MALP-2)-stimulated RAW264.7 cell model in vitro. Secretion of nitric oxide (NO), expression of inducible NO synthase (iNOS) and cytokines were detected as classic inflammatory index. Expression of Myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88), degradation of inhibitory κBα (IκBα) and nuclear translocation of NF-κB p65 were further investigated.ResultsThe results suggested that Baeckea frutescens L. has effect on suppression of MALP-2-mediated inflammation in RAW264.7 cells. The secretion of NO and the expression of iNOS could be inhibited. The secretion of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were also declined. Baeckea frutescens L. significantly decreased the expression of MyD88, therefore, inhibited the degradation of IκBα, reduced the level of nuclear translocation of p65.ConclusionThe results of this study indicated that Baeckea frutescens L. and its components could inhibit the anti-infectious inflammatory events and iNOS expression in MALP-2 stimulated RAW264.7 cells. Among them, BF-2 might play a role through the inhibition of the MyD88 and NF-κB pathway. Our study might provide a new strategy to design and develop this kind of drug towards mycoplasma-infected inflammation.



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The Interaction of Contextual and Syntactic Information in the Processing of Turkish Anaphors

Abstract

In contrast with languages where anaphors can be classified into pronouns and reflexives, Turkish has a tripartite system that consists of the anaphors o, kendi, and kendisi. The syntactic literature on these anaphors has proposed that whereas o behaves like a pronoun and kendi behaves like a reflexive, kendisi has a more flexible behavior and it can function as both a pronoun and a reflexive. Using acceptability judgments and a self-paced reading task, we examined how Turkish anaphors are processed in isolated sentences and within larger discourse contexts. We manipulated contextual information by creating passages where the context favored a local, long-distance or extra-sentential referent prior to the appearance of the anaphor. We measured the effect of the context on participants' reading times and their end-of-trial coreference assignments. Our results suggest that contextual information affects the interpretive possibilities associated with an anaphor, but that the influence of context depends on the degree to which the anaphor is syntactically constrained.

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