Chemical Senses by Alexandros G. Sfakianakis: Φεβρουαρίου 2017

Τρίτη 28 Φεβρουαρίου 2017

News and Announcements

Publication date: Available online 28 February 2017
Source:Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

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Clinical Characteristics of Arteriovenous Malformations of the Head and Neck.

BACKGROUND: Arteriovenous malformation (AVM) of the head and neck regions show low incidence; hence, studies regarding the causative factors of onset, diagnostic criteria, clinical aspects, treatment methods, and outcomes remain lacking. OBJECTIVE: To share the diagnostic and treatment experiences at the center and to understand the treatments' effect through a retrospective analysis of cases in the past 15 years. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The authors included 60 patients with AVM in the head and neck area between January 1999 and September 2014 to investigate diagnostic methods, distributions and locations of lesions, clinical stage, and treatment methods by retrospective evaluation. RESULTS: In all, 3.7% were diagnosed with AVMs of the head and neck. No sex-related differences were observed, and the mean age at diagnosis was 27.6 +/- 14.24 years. The left (26 patients, 43%) and V2 sections (33 patients, 55%) of the head and neck were the most frequent locations. Stage II (28 patients, 47%) had the largest distribution. Forty-four patients (73%) showed improvement after sclerotherapy, embolization, and surgical resection. CONCLUSION: The diagnosis and treatment of AVMs should be approached on a case-by-case basis by gathering opinions from specialists in each department using medical history, physical examination, and imaging results. (C) 2017 by the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, Inc. Published by Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.

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Vibration Anesthesia for Pain Reduction During Intralesional Steroid Injection for Keloid Treatment.

BACKGROUND: Patients suffer significant pain during intralesional steroid injection treatment for keloids and hypertrophic scars. Vibration anesthesia has been shown to effectively and safely alleviate pain sensations, likely by reducing pain transmission from peripheral receptors to the brain. OBJECTIVE: The objective was to evaluate the efficacy, safety, and patient satisfaction associated with vibration anesthesia for reducing pain during intralesional corticosteroid injection. METHODS: The authors recruited 40 patients with 58 keloids who were scheduled to undergo intralesional triamcinolone acetonide (TA) injections. Half of each keloid was injected with concomitant vibration anesthesia, whereas the other half was injected without vibration anesthesia. Pain experienced by patients during both procedures was assessed according to visual analog scale (VAS) score. The authors also assessed procedure safety. RESULTS: The mean VAS score during intralesional TA injection therapy without vibration was 5.88 +/- 2.34. By contrast, the same patients yielded a mean VAS score during intralesional TA injection therapy with vibration of 3.28 +/- 1.85; the difference between the mean scores was significant (p

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Different Glabellar Contraction Patterns in Chinese and Efficacy of Botulinum Toxin Type A for Treating Glabellar Lines: A Pilot Study.

BACKGROUND: Published research studies have described the existence of 5 glabellar contraction patterns. Botulinum toxin A (BoNTA) has been an approved and effective treatment of glabellar lines. OBJECTIVE: To study the pattern and frequency of glabellar contraction patterns in the Chinese population. To compare injection patterns and doses of BoNTA in Westerners within China. METHODS: Four hundred fifty-six healthy volunteers were randomly recruited. Photographs both in static and in frown state were taken and classified based on the method of 5 glabellar line patterns. The severity of the glabellar lines both at repose and during forced contraction was assessed by the Facial Wrinkle Scale (FWS). Subsequently, 75 of them were treated with BoNTA. RESULTS: The frequency of the various glabellar line patterns differs greatly between Chinese and Westerners with the "Converging arrows" pattern being the most common type and the "V" pattern being the least common when compared with the Westerners. Lower doses of BoNTA significantly improved the static and dynamic glabellar lines in the Chinese. CONCLUSION: The classification of 5 glabellar patterns is compatible for the Chinese population despite different proportions. The dosage of BoNTA should be less than 20 U during treatment in China with lowered incidence of complications. (C) 2017 by the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, Inc. Published by Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.

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New Classification System for Tear Trough Deformity.

BACKGROUND: Tear trough deformities (TTD) refer to a set of conditions leading to different shapes in the junction between the lower eyelid and the cheek. Tear trough deformity is a major aesthetic concern for a lot of individuals seeking periorbital rejuvenation and is one of the most discussed landmarks in facial aesthetic surgery. OBJECTIVE: To describe a new morphologically related classification system, providing an objective means to evaluating the deformity. METHODS: The article proposes a new classification system exhibiting 5 different forms of a TTD based on the author's clinical experience and review of medical literature. CONCLUSION: Five forms of a TTD include a "hill" due to the superficial infraorbital fat pad herniation; a "valley" caused by fat reduction and skin changes; a "hill-valley" resulting from the weakening of the orbital portion of the orbicularis oculi muscle and its retaining ligaments, followed by fat reduction and skin changes; a "hill-valley-hill-valley" formed by a series of changes in portions of the orbicularis oculi muscle and its retaining ligaments; and a "mixed" form depicting a range of any of the 4 deformities. Classification of TTD is of great value to aid the treating physician in choosing the appropriate treating options. (C) 2017 by the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, Inc. Published by Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.

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Reply to Blood Aspiration Test for Cosmetic Fillers to Prevent Accidental Intravascular Injection in the Face.

No abstract available

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Deoxycholic Acid.

No abstract available

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Synthesis of SAPO-56 with controlled crystal size

Abstract

Herein, we present the hydrothermal synthesis of SAPO-56 crystals with relatively controlled crystal/particle size. The effects of water content, aluminum source, gel composition, stirring, crystallization temperature and time, as well as the incorporation of crystal growth inhibitors during synthesis were systematically investigated. The synthesized SAPO-56 crystals displayed BET surface areas as high as ∼630 m² g⁻¹ with relative narrow size distribution in the ∼5–60 μm range. Nitrogen BET surface areas in the 451 to 631 m² g⁻¹ range were observed. Decreasing the crystallization temperature from 220 to 210 °C helped to decrease the average SAPO-56 crystal size. Diluted gel compositions promoted the formation of smaller crystals. Crystal growth inhibitors were found to be helpful in reducing crystal size and narrow the size distribution. Specifically, ∼5 μm SAPO-56 crystals displaying narrow size distribution were synthesized employing aluminum-tri-sec-butoxide as Al source, high water content, and high stirring rates.

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Benign Atrophic Papulosis (Degos Disease) With Lymphocytic Vasculitis and Lichen Sclerosus-Like Features.

Degos disease manifests as 2 distinct clinical variants, malignant atrophic papulosis and benign atrophic papulosis, which are distinguished by the presence or absence of systemic disease. Both forms feature cutaneous involvement typified by erythematous papules with scar-like centers, and the classic histologic picture is described as wedge-shaped dermal necrosis overlying thrombotic vasculopathy. However, the histopathology of early lesions is distinct and more variable. A case of benign atrophic papulosis with lymphocytic vasculitis and lichen sclerosus-like features is described, and the spectrum of histologic findings in Degos disease is reviewed. Copyright (C) 2017 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.

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Actinic Granuloma Annulare With Scarring and Open Comedones.

Actinic granuloma and annular elastolytic giant cell granuloma are variants of granuloma annulare affecting, respectively, sun-exposed and sun-covered skin sites on where, besides classical findings, abundant elastophagocytosis is observed. Here, we report a case of exuberant actinic granuloma annulare that, in addition to extensive scarring, showed multiple overlying open comedones. Markedly dilated follicular infundibula filled with compact masses of laminated keratinous material were observed in proximity to dermal inflammation composed of many histiocytes and multinucleated giant cells in close association with degenerated elastic fibers and abundant elastophagocytosis. Copyright (C) 2017 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.

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Metastatic Cellular Blue Nevus: A Rare Case With Metastasis Beyond Regional Nodes.

In this study, we present a rare case of a 35-year-old man with a long-standing blue-black lesion on his left hand with subsequent infraclavicular and axillary lymph node tumor deposits. The hand lesion and lymph nodes were excised revealing histological, immunohistochemical, and molecular findings consistent with cellular blue nevus. Despite nonregional lymph node involvement, there has been no progression at 12-months follow-up. This is an index case of a cellular blue nevus with metastasis to both regional and nonregional lymph nodes. The lack of atypical/malignant features in this lesion makes the metastatic behavior extraordinary, and hence the prognosis of lesions of this type is indeterminate. Copyright (C) 2017 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.

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Postural Control of Elderly Adults on Inclined Surfaces

Abstract

This study analyzed the postural control of older adults on inclined surfaces, and was conducted in 17 elderly adults and 18 young adults of both genders. Ground reaction forces and moments were collected using two AMTI force platforms, one of which was in a horizontal position (HOR), while the other was inclined 14° in relation to the horizontal plane. Each participant executed three 70 s-trials of bipedal standing with their eyes open and eyes closed in three inclination conditions: the HOR, the inclined position at ankle dorsi-flexion (UP), and the inclined position at ankle plantar-flexion (DOWN). Spectral analysis, global (mean velocity-Velm, ellipse area-Area and F80), and structural stabilometric descriptors (sway density curve–SDC, detrended fluctuation analysis–DFA, sample entropy-SEn) were employed to assess the center of pressure sway. Velm and F80 were greater for the elderly, whereas SDC, DFA, and SEn were smaller for this group. Global, SDC and DFA variables were sensitive to visual deprivation, however the relative difference from the EO to EC condition was higher in young than in elderly. The DOWN condition was more stable than the UP condition for both young and older adults. With regard to the UP condition, the challenge observed is essentially associated with the corresponding biomechanical constraints. In conclusion, the elderly showed significant differences compared to the young, but age per se may not necessarily result in compromised postural control.

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Fluid Dynamics in Rotary Piston Blood Pumps

Abstract

Mechanical circulatory support can maintain a sufficient blood circulation if the native heart is failing. The first implantable devices were displacement pumps with membranes. They were able to provide a sufficient blood flow, yet, were limited because of size and low durability. Rotary pumps have resolved these technical drawbacks, enabled a growing number of mechanical circulatory support therapy and a safer application. However, clinical complications like gastrointestinal bleeding, aortic insufficiency, thromboembolic complications, and impaired renal function are observed with their application. This is traced back to their working principle with attenuated or non-pulsatile flow and high shear stress. Rotary piston pumps potentially merge the benefits of available pump types and seem to avoid their complications. However, a profound assessment and their development requires the knowledge of the flow characteristics. This study aimed at their investigation. A functional model was manufactured and investigated with particle image velocimetry. Furthermore, a fluid–structure interaction computational simulation was established to extend the laboratory capabilities. The numerical results precisely converged with the laboratory measurements. Thus, the in silico model enabled the investigation of relevant areas like gap flows that were hardly feasible with laboratory means. Moreover, an economic method for the investigation of design variations was established.

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Mechanically Stable Intraspinal Microstimulation Implants for Human Translation

Abstract

The goal of this study was to develop stable intraspinal microstimulation (ISMS) implants for use in humans to restore standing and walking after spinal cord injury. ISMS electrically activates locomotor networks within the lumbar region of the spinal cord. In animals, ISMS produced better functional outcomes than those obtained by other interventions, and recent efforts have focused on translating this approach to humans. This study used domestic pigs to: (1) quantify the movements and length changes of the implant region of the spinal cord during spine flexion and extension movements; and (2) measure the forces leading to the dislodgement of the ISMS electrodes. The displacement of the spinal cord implant region was 5.66 ± 0.57 mm relative to the implant fixation point on the spine. The overall length change of the spinal cord implant region was 5.64 ± 0.59 mm. The electrode dislodgment forces were 60.9 ± 35.5 mN. Based on these results, six different coil types were fabricated and their strain relief capacity assessed. When interposed between the electrodes and the stimulator, five coil types successfully prevented the dislodgement of the electrodes. The results of this study will guide the design of mechanically stable ISMS implants for ultimate human use.

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Estrogen Preserves Pulsatile Pulmonary Arterial Hemodynamics in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

Abstract

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is caused by extensive pulmonary vascular remodeling that increases right ventricular (RV) afterload and leads to RV failure. PAH predominantly affects women; paradoxically, female PAH patients have better outcomes than men. The roles of estrogen in PAH remain controversial, which is referred to as "the estrogen paradox". Here, we sought to determine the role of estrogen in pulsatile pulmonary arterial hemodynamic changes and its impact on RV functional adaption to PAH. Female mice were ovariectomized and replenished with estrogen or placebo. PAH was induced with SU5416 and chronic hypoxia. In vivo hemodynamic measurements showed that (1) estrogen prevented loss of pulmonary vascular compliance with limited effects on the increase of pulmonary vascular resistance in PAH; (2) estrogen attenuated increases in wave reflections in PAH and limited its adverse effects on PA systolic and pulse pressures; and (3) estrogen maintained the total hydraulic power and preserved transpulmonary vascular efficiency in PAH. This study demonstrates that estrogen preserves pulmonary vascular compliance independent of pulmonary vascular resistance, which provides a mechanical mechanism for ability of estrogen to delay disease progression without preventing onset. The estrogenic protection of pulsatile pulmonary hemodynamics underscores the therapeutic potential of estrogen in PAH.

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Age-Related Differences in Gait Kinematics, Kinetics, and Muscle Function: A Principal Component Analysis

Abstract

Age-related increased hip extensor recruitment during gait is a proposed compensation strategy for reduced ankle power generation and may indicate a distal-to-proximal shift in muscle function with age. Extending beyond joint level analyses, identifying age-related changes at the muscle level could capture more closely the underlying mechanisms responsible for movement. The purpose of this study was to characterize and compare muscle forces and induced accelerations during gait in healthy older adults with those of young adults. Simulations of one gait cycle for ten older (73.9 ± 5.3 years) and six young (21.0 ± 2.1 years) adults walking at their self-selected speed were analyzed. Muscle force and induced acceleration waveforms, along with kinematic, kinetic, and muscle activation waveforms, were compared between age-groups using principal component analysis. Simulations of healthy older adults had greater gluteus maximus force and vertical support contribution, but smaller iliacus force, psoas force, and psoas vertical support contribution. There were no age-group differences in distal muscle force, contribution, or ankle torque magnitudes. Later peak dorsiflexion and peak ankle angular velocity in older adults may have contributed to their greater ankle power absorption during stance. These findings reveal the complex interplay between age-related changes in neuromuscular control, kinematics, and muscle function during gait.

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Dynamic Response and Residual Helmet Liner Crush Using Cadaver Heads and Standard Headforms

Abstract

Biomechanical headforms are used for helmet certification testing and reconstructing helmeted head impacts; however, their biofidelity and direct applicability to human head and helmet responses remain unclear. Dynamic responses of cadaver heads and three headforms and residual foam liner deformations were compared during motorcycle helmet impacts. Instrumented, helmeted heads/headforms were dropped onto the forehead region against an instrumented flat anvil at 75, 150, and 195 J. Helmets were CT scanned to quantify maximum liner crush depth and crush volume. General linear models were used to quantify the effect of head type and impact energy on linear acceleration, head injury criterion (HIC), force, maximum liner crush depth, and liner crush volume and regression models were used to quantify the relationship between acceleration and both maximum crush depth and crush volume. The cadaver heads generated larger peak accelerations than all three headforms, larger HICs than the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), larger forces than the Hybrid III and ISO, larger maximum crush depth than the ISO, and larger crush volumes than the DOT. These significant differences between the cadaver heads and headforms need to be accounted for when attempting to estimate an impact exposure using a helmet's residual crush depth or volume.

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Application of Adaptive Starling-Like Controller to Total Artificial Heart Using Dual Rotary Blood Pumps

Abstract

The successful clinical applicability of rotary left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) has led to research interest in devising a total artificial heart (TAH) using two rotary blood pumps (RBPs). The major challenge when using two separately controlled LVADs for TAH support is the difficulty in maintaining the balance between pulmonary and systemic blood flows. In this study, a starling-like controller (SLC) hybridized with an adaptive mechanism was developed for a dual rotary LVAD TAH. The incorporation of the adaptive mechanism was intended not only to minimize the risk of pulmonary congestion and atrial suction but also to match cardiac demand. A comparative assessment was performed between the proposed adaptive starling-like controller (A-SLC) and a conventional SLC as well as a constant speed controller. The performance of all controllers was evaluated by subjecting them to three simulated scenarios [rest, exercise, head up tilt (HUT)] using a mock circulation loop. The overall results showed that A-SLC was superior in matching pump flow to cardiac demand without causing hemodynamic instabilities. In contrast, improper flow regulation by the SLC resulted in pulmonary congestion during exercise. From resting supine to HUT, overpumping of the RBPs at fixed speed (FS) caused atrial suction, whereas implementation of SLC resulted in insufficient flow. The comparative study signified the potential of the proposed A-SLC for future TAH implementation particularly among outpatients, who are susceptible to variety of clinical scenarios.

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Effect of Anconeus Muscle Blocking on Elbow Kinematics: Electromyographic, Inertial Sensors and Finite Element Study

Abstract

The specific contribution of the anconeus muscle to elbow function is still uncertain. This study aimed to investigate the effect on elbow kinematics and kinetics of blocking anconeus using lidocaine. Ten healthy volunteers performed experimental trials involving flexion–extension and supination–pronation movements in horizontal and sagittal planes. Inertial sensors and surface electromyography were used to record elbow kinematics and kinetics and electrical activity from the anconeus, biceps and triceps brachii before and after blocking anconeus. Moreover, a finite element model of the elbow was created to further investigate the contribution of anconeus to elbow kinematics. The electrical activity results from the trials before blocking clearly indicated that activity of anconeus was increased during extension, suggesting that it behaves as an extensor. However, blocking anconeus had no effect on the elbow kinematics and kinetics, including the angular velocity, net torque and power of the joint. The electrical activity of the biceps and triceps brachii did not alter significantly following anconeus blocking. These results suggest that anconeus is a weak extensor, and the relative small contribution of anconeus to extension before blocking was compensated by triceps brachii. The finite element results indicated that anconeus does not contribute significantly to elbow kinematics.

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Californium-252 neutron brachytherapy combined with external pelvic radiotherapy plus concurrent chemotherapy for cervical cancer: a retrospective clinical study

Abstract

Background

Cervical cancer is the sixth most common cancer in Chinese women. A standard treatment modality for cervical cancer is the combination of surgery, chemotherapy, external-beam radiotherapy and intracavitary brachytherapy. The aim of this study was to retrospectively assess the long-term treatment outcomes of patients with cervical cancer who were treated with californium-252 neutron brachytherapy combined with external-beam radiotherapy plus concurrent chemotherapy.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed the medical records of 150 patients with primary stages IB-IVB cervical cancer who received neutron brachytherapy combined with external-beam radiotherapy concurrently with cisplatin chemotherapy. All patients were followed up. Using an actuarial analysis, patient outcomes and treatment-related adverse effects were evaluated and compared.

Results

The median overall survival (OS) was 33.2 months. The 3-year progression-free survival rates for patients with stages I–II, III, and IV diseases were 81.0% (68/84), 65.0% (39/60), and 0% (0/6), respectively; the 3-year OS rates were 90.5% (76/84), 85.0% (51/60), and 16.7% (1/6), respectively. Vaginal bleeding was controlled within the median time of 4.0 days. One month after treatment, 97.3% of patients achieved short-term local control. The local recurrence rates for patients with stages I–II, III, and IV disease were 4.8% (4/84), 11.7% (7/60), and 33.3% (2/6), respectively, and the occurrence rates of distant metastasis were 16.7% (14/84), 25.0% (15/60), and 100.0% (6/6), respectively. Cancer stage, tumor size, and lymph node metastasis were identified as prognostic risk factors, but only lymph node metastasis was found to be an independent prognostic factor. The most common adverse effects during treatment were grades 1 and 2 irradiation-related proctitis and radiocystitis.

Conclusion

For patients with cervical cancer, neutron brachytherapy combined with external-beam radiotherapy plus concurrent chemotherapy produces a rapid response and greatly improves local control and long-term survival rates with tolerable adverse effects.

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Effects of Iron on Physical and Mechanical Properties, and Osteoblast Cell Interaction in β -Tricalcium Phosphate

Abstract

Iron (Fe) is a vital element and its deficiency causes abnormal bone metabolism. We investigated the effects of Fe and its concentration in β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) on physicomechanical properties and in vitro proliferation and differentiation of osteoblasts. Our results showed that Fe addition at concentrations of 0.5 wt.% (0.5 Fe-TCP) and 1.0 wt.% (1.0 Fe-TCP) inhibits the β-TCP to α-TCP phase transformation at sintering temperature of 1250 °C. Addition of 0.25 wt.% Fe (0.25 Fe-TCP) increased the compressive strength of β-TCP from 167.27 ± 16.2 to 227.10 ± 19.3 MPa. After 3 days of culture, surfaces of 0.5 Fe-TCP and 1.0 Fe-TCP samples were covered by osteoblast cells, compared to that of pure and 0.25 Fe-TCP. Cells grew to confluency on all Fe-doped samples after 7 days of culture and monolayer sheet-like cellular structure was found at 11 days. Optical cell density and alkaline phosphatase activity were significantly higher on Fe-doped samples and the highest values were found in 0.5 Fe-TCP samples. Our results show that Fe concentration had significant effect on physical and mechanical properties of TCP ceramics, and also on the in vitro osteoblast cellular interactions in TCP ceramics.

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Distyrylbenzene-based segmented conjugated polymers: Synthesis, thin film morphology and chemosensing of hydrophobic and hydrophilic nitroaromatics in aqueous media

Publication date: 24 March 2017
Source:Polymer, Volume 113
Author(s): Marcela F. Almassio, Maria J. Romagnoli, Pablo G. Del Rosso, Ana Belén Schvval, Raúl O. Garay
Two new segmented conjugated polymers bearing distyrylbenzene chromophoric units and their model compounds were synthesized. The tendency of the model compounds to form H- and J-type aggregates in the amorphous matrix was greatly diminished by the twisted polymeric architecture. Fluorescence anisotropy measurements indicated good exciton mobilities in condensed phase. Fluorescence quenching by nitroaromatic aqueous solutions was fast, complete, selective and reversible pointing to a rapid diffusion of analytes into the films. The quenching response to nitrophenols was superior to that against nitrotoluenes. The increase of the electron-donating capabilities by diethoxy-substitution was detrimental to the amorphous morphology and it did not increase sensitivity to NACs. Quenching efficiencies of polymers were not modified when MeOH was used instead of water. The solubility parameter distances, Ra. indicate that the sensing materials show higher responses when their affinity with the analytes is lower. This observation could help in the designing of fluorescent sensors.

Graphical abstract

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Practical strategy to realistically measure the swelling ratio of poly(dimethylsiloxane) without underestimation due to the solvent volatility

Publication date: 24 March 2017
Source:Polymer, Volume 113
Author(s): Maura Cesaria, Valentina Arima, Maria Grazia Manera, Roberto Rella
We present an experimental method for measuring "realistically" the swelling ratio in terms of weight (SRW) of PDMS, where "realistically" means without the underestimation involved by the standard protocol (weight-measurements in open environment with time-delay incompatible with fast solvent evaporation rate). Comparison with the literature demonstrates that misleading conclusions can result under application of the standard protocol to very volatile solvents. To discuss this point, we develop a mathematical expression of SRW including solvent properties and the effective amount of sorbed solvent determining a weight gain, consider two solvents with different volatility that severely swell PDMS (i.e., toluene and dichloromethane), check that the results of our measurements are consistent with theoretical predictions, demonstrate that our protocol rules out any dependence of SRW on the solvent volatility and its reliability to measure and compare SRW values of PDMS (or any swelling polymer/soft material) in the case of solvents with very different volatility.

Graphical abstract

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Elevated expression of TIGIT on CD3+CD4+ T cells correlates with disease activity in systemic lupus erythematosus

It is well-known that lymphocytes play an important role in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). T cell immunoreceptor with Ig and immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibitory domains (TIGIT) is one of immunosuppre...

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Elevated expression of TIGIT on CD3+CD4+ T cells correlates with disease activity in systemic lupus erythematosus

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Smartphone use in dermatology for clinical photography and consultation: Current practice and the law

Abstract

Background

Smartphones are rapidly changing the way doctors capture and communicate clinical information, particularly in highly visual specialties such as dermatology. An understanding of how and why smartphones are currently used in clinical practice is critical in order to evaluate professional and legal risks, and to formulate policies that enable safe use of mobile technologies for the maximal benefit of practitioners and patients.

Methods

Australian dermatologists and dermatology trainees were surveyed on their current practices relating to clinical smartphone use.

Results

Of the 105 respondents, 101 provided useable results. The data show clinical smartphone use is common and frequent, with more than 50% of respondents sending and receiving images on their smartphones at least weekly. Clinical photographs were usually sent via multimedia message or email and were commonly stored on smartphones (46%). Security measures adopted to protect data were limited. There was inadequate documentation of consent for transmission of photographs and advice provided. Only 22% of respondents were aware of clear policies in their workplace regarding smartphone use, and a majority desired further education on digital image management.

Conclusions

Given the frequency of use and the degree of importance placed on the ability to send and receive clinical images, clinical smartphone use will persist and will likely increase over time. Current practices are insufficient to comply with professional and legal obligations, and increase practitioners' vulnerability to civil and disciplinary proceedings. Further education, realistic policies and adequate software resources are critical to ensure protection of patients, practitioners and the reputation of the dermatological profession.

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Congenital erosive and vesicular dermatosis with reticulated supple scarring

Abstract

Congenital erosive and vesicular dermatosis with reticulated supple scarring is a rare cutaneous disorder of unknown aetiology first described by Cohen and colleagues in 1985. It classically presents in the neonate as erosions and vesicles that heal within the first months of life, with supple scarring of a reticulated pattern. Along with a review of the literature, this article presents two atypical cases of congenital erosive and vesicular dermatosis with reticulated supple scarring. Patient one presented with neither erosions nor vesicles at birth, yet continued to experience sporadic blistering at the age of 15 months and patient two is the second documented case to develop congenital erosive and vesicular dermatosis after birth.

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Age-Related Differences in Face Recognition: Neural Correlates of Repetition and Semantic Priming in Young and Older Adults.

Author: Wiese, Holger; Komes, Jessica; Tuttenberg, Simone; Leidinger, Jana; Schweinberger, Stefan R.

DOI: 10.1037/xlm0000380

Publication Date: POST AUTHOR CORRECTIONS, 27 February 2017

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The cancer-immunity cycle as rational design for synthetic cancer drugs: Novel DC vaccines and CAR T-cells

Publication date: Available online 28 February 2017
Source:Seminars in Cancer Biology
Author(s): Mohanraj Ramachandran, Anna Dimberg, Magnus Essand
Cell therapy is an advanced form of cancer immunotherapy that has had remarkable clinical progress in the past decade in the search for cure of cancer. Most success has been achieved for chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cells where CAR T-cells targeting CD19 show very high complete response rates for patients with refractory acute B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and are close to approval for this indication. CD19 CAR T-cells are also effective against B-cell chronic lymphoblastic leukemia (CLL) and B-cell lymphomas. Although encouraging, CAR T-cells have not yet proven clinically effective for solid tumors. This is mainly due to the lack of specific and homogenously expressed targets to direct the T-cells against and a hostile immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment in solid tumors. Cancer vaccines based on dendritic cells (DC) are also making progress although clinical efficacy is still lacking. The likelihood of success is however increasing now when individual tumors can be sequences and patient-specific neoepitopes identified. Neoepitopes and/or neoantigens can then be included in patient-based DC vaccines. This review discusses recent advancements of DC vaccines and CAR T-cells with emphasis on the cancer-immunity cycle, and current efforts to design novel cell therapies.

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Cancer stem cells: the root of tumor recurrence and metastasis

Publication date: Available online 28 February 2017
Source:Seminars in Cancer Biology
Author(s): Claudia Peitzsch, Anna Tyutyunnykova, Klaus Pantel, Anna Dubrovska
Metastatic tumors are the cause of more than 90% of cancer related deaths. The metastasis formation can be considered as a culmination of the Darwinian evolutionary process within the tumor, when competing of multiple subclones results in the development of the cell inherent traits that favor tumor dissemination. The unit of tumor evolution is cancer stem cell (CSC) defined by the self-renewal potential, clonogenic properties and genomic instability. The cancer cells which have the capacity to colonize distant organs have the features of CSC but also exert their tumor-initiating capacity under adverse microenvironmental conditions. Recent studies support an idea that metastases can be driven by the evolved and selected subpopulations of CSC. In this review we discuss the common hallmarks of CSC and metastasis initiating cells (MIC) and the perspectives for implication of CSC concept for the development of anti-metastatic therapy.

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“The new pH-centric anticancer paradigm in Oncology and Medicine”; SCB, 2017

Publication date: Available online 27 February 2017
Source:Seminars in Cancer Biology
Author(s): Salvador Harguindey, Stephan J. Reshkin

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Population pharmacokinetics of ABT-767 in BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation carriers with advanced solid tumors or in subjects with high grade serous ovarian, primary peritoneal or fallopian tube cancer

Abstract

Purpose

The objective of the manuscript is to describe the development of a population pharmacokinetic model for ABT-767, a potent and orally bioavailable inhibitor of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase enzyme, and to evaluate the potential influence of patient demographics and baseline covariates on the pharmacokinetics of ABT-767.

Methods

A total of 1809 plasma ABT-767 concentrations from 90 subjects were used for population pharmacokinetic modeling. Covariates screened for influence on pharmacokinetic parameters were body weight, lean body weight, body surface area, albumin, creatinine clearance, serum creatinine, liver function tests, and age. The effect of food on absorption and bioavailability were also evaluated. Model validation was performed using bootstrap analysis and visual predictive check.

Results

A two-compartment model with firstorder absorption adequately described the pharmacokinetics of ABT-767. The population estimates of apparent clearance from central compartment (CL/F), volume of central compartment (V _c/F), and absorption rate constant (k _a) were 7.34 L/h, 25.8 L, 1.45 h⁻¹, respectively. The estimates of interindividual variabilities (%CV) in CL/F, V _c/F, and k _a were 40.4, 40.5, and 53.8%, respectively. The k _a was influenced by food. Albumin on CL/F was a statistically significant covariate; however, it explained only 8% of the variability in the pharmacokinetics of ABT-767.

Conclusions

Albumin on CL/F was the only statistically significant baseline covariate affecting ABT-767 pharmacokinetics, but it only explained a fraction of the pharmacokinetic variability. Dosage adjustments based on body size, age, or mild renal impairment are not needed for ABT-767. The developed model will be used to evaluate ABT-767 exposure–response analyses and to perform simulations for different dose and dosing regimens.

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From ancient herb to versatile, modern drug: Artemisia annua and artemisinin for cancer therapy

Publication date: Available online 28 February 2017
Source:Seminars in Cancer Biology
Author(s): Thomas Efferth
Artemisia annua L. is used throughout Asia and Africa as tea and press juice to treat malaria and related symptomes (fever, chills). Its active ingredient, artemisinin (ARS), has been developed as antimalarial drug and is used worldwide. Interestingly, the bioactivity is not restricted to malaria treatment. We and others found that ARS-type drugs also reveal anticancer in vitro and in vivo. In this review, we give a systematic overview of the literature published over the past two decades until the end of 2016. Like other natural products, ARS acts in a multi-specific manner against tumors. The cellular response of ARS and its derivatives (dihydroartemisinin, artesunate, artemether, arteether) towards cancer cells include oxidative stress response by reactive oxygen species and nitric oxide, DNA damage and repair (base excision repair, homologous recombination, non-homologous end-joining), various cell death modes (apoptosis, autophagy, ferroptosis, necrosis, necroptosis, oncosis), inhibition of angiogenesis and tumor-related signal transduction pathways (e.g. Wnt/β-catenin pathway, AMPK pathway, metastatic pathways, and others) and signal transducers (NF-κB, MYC/MAX, AP-1, CREBP, mTOR etc). ARS-type drugs are at the stairways to the clinics. Several published case reports and pilot phase I/II trials indicate clinical anticancer activity of these compounds. Because of unexpected cases of hepatotoxicity, combinations of ARS-type drugs with complementary and alternative medicines are not recommended, until controlled clinical trials will prove the safety of non-approved combination treatments.

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Idiopathic or Secondary?.

No abstract available

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Diagnosing Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia With Temporal Artery Biopsy.

No abstract available

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Correlation between olfactory acuity and sinonasal radiological findings in adult patients with chronic rhinosinusitis.

http:--linkinghub.elsevier.com-ihub-imag

Correlation between olfactory acuity and sinonasal radiological findings in adult patients with chronic rhinosinusitis.

Auris Nasus Larynx. 2016 Aug;43(4):422-8

Authors: Saito T, Tsuzuki K, Yukitatsu Y, Sakagami M

Abstract
OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to clarify the correlation between olfactory disorder severity and radiological findings in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) in the preoperative stage.
METHODS: From 2007 to 2014, 272 adult patients (163 men, 109 women; age range 22-80 years) with olfactory disorder due to bilateral CRS who were scheduled to undergo primary endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) were enrolled. Two groups were studied: eosinophilic CRS (ECRS, n=193); and non-ECRS (n=79). T&T olfactometer recognition and intravenous olfaction tests were used. Computed tomography (CT) scores for sinuses and olfactory clefts (OC) were applied. Correlations between olfactory acuity and CT score were statistically analysed.
RESULTS: In both groups, recognition threshold correlated significantly with CT score. Recognition threshold and CT score were significantly more severe in ECRS than in non-ECRS. CT score at OC showed the strongest correlation with recognition threshold. CT scores for total sinuses and OC in patients showing a positive response to the intravenous olfaction test (239 patients) were significantly milder than those in the negative group (29 patients), but ethmoid CT score was not.
CONCLUSION: Olfactory disorder severity correlated significantly with CT opacification. Olfactory disorder and CT findings were more severe in patients with ECRS than in those with non-ECRS.

PMID: 26743838 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

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Risk factors for sleep impairment in adult patients with chronic rhinosinusitis.

Risk factors for sleep impairment in adult patients with chronic rhinosinusitis.

Auris Nasus Larynx. 2016 Aug;43(4):418-21

Authors: Ando Y, Chiba S, Capasso R, Okushi T, Kojima H, Otori N, Wada K

Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Although sleep impairment is reported by patients with chronic rhinosinusitis, the associated factors have not been well studied. Therefore, we determined the associated risk factors for sleep impairment in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS).
METHODS: This study was a prospective cohort study. A total of 572 adult patients (171 women, 401 men; mean age, 49.0 years; range, 18-64 years) who completed a questionnaire, had a clinical examination, and underwent endoscopic sinus surgery were analyzed using stepwise multiple linear regression.
RESULTS: With regard to subjective symptoms, nasal obstruction (beta coef., 0.27; p<0.001), anterior nasal drainage (beta coef., 0.13; p=0.004), facial pain/pressure (beta coef., 0.09; p=0.048), headache (beta coef., 0.10; p=0.010), and cough (beta coef., 0.14; p<0.001) were predictors of an increased risk of sleep impairment of CRS (adjusted R(2), 0.240; p=0.048). In the matter of background parameters, total polyp score (polyp grading system) (beta coef., 0.16; p<0.001) and allergic rhinitis (beta coef., 0.09; p=0.034) were predictors of an increased risk of sleep impairment of CRS (adjusted R(2), 0.029; p=0.034).
CONCLUSION: These results suggest that sleep impairment in these patients is caused by the various mechanisms associated with nasal symptoms themselves, CRS and allergic rhinitis. However, the specific pathophysiology has not been clarified yet; further studies are expected to elucidate that of sleep impairment in patients with CRS.

PMID: 26559748 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

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Changes in natural head position in response to mandibular advancement

Publication date: Available online 28 February 2017
Source:British Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Author(s): Xiaozhen Lin, Sean P. Edwards
We investigated the change in the natural head position and its relation to the change in the mandibular position in patients with mandibular hypoplasia. Forty-one patients treated by orthognathic surgery were divided into three groups: bilateral sagittal split osteotomy (BSSO) advancement (n=8); BSSO advancement with genioplasty (n=12), and Le Fort I osteotomy with BSSO advancement (n=21). Cone-beam computed tomographic (CT) datasets were collected preoperatively and six weeks postoperatively. The natural head position was measured using the craniocervical angle and the distance from the second vertebra to the frontal plane, and the mandibular position was measured using the craniomandibular angle and the distance from the mandible to the frontal plane. Repeated measures two way ANOVA was used to assess the significance of differences between the angular and linear measurements, and Pearson’s correlation coefficient to assess those between the change in the mandibular position and the natural head position. The craniomandibular angle increased and the mandible to frontal plane distance decreased, as planned; the craniocervical angle increased, and the distance from the second vertebra to the frontal plane decreased in all three groups. ANOVA showed a significant difference (p=0.00?) in the time factor (preoperative compared with postoperative) but no significant differences between the groups or interaction (time multiplied by group) factors. There was a significant correlation between the change in mandibular position and the change in the natural head position (p=0.00?). Changes in the natural head position after correction of mandibular hypoplasia are correlated with the change in the mandibular position, regardless of whether a genioplasty or Le Fort I osteotomy was done.

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Unexpected case of sclerosing mucoepidermoid carcinoma of the submandibular salivary gland

Publication date: Available online 28 February 2017
Source:British Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Author(s): I. Gill, L. Brezina, J. Siddiqi

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Giving Patients’ Preferences a Voice in Medical Treatment Life Cycle: The PREFER Public–Private Project

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First-line screening tests for Cushing’s syndrome in patients with adrenal incidentaloma: the role of urinary free cortisol measured by LC-MS/MS

Abstract

Introduction and aim

Patients with adrenal incidentaloma present a wide range of cortisol secretion, which is not always properly defined by first-line screening tests recommended to rule out Cushing's syndrome (CS), such as 1-mg dexamethasone suppression test (1-mg DST), late night salivary cortisol (LNSC), or 24-h urinary free cortisol (UFC). Therefore, we examined the diagnostic performance of each screening test in patients with adrenal incidentaloma.

Materials and methods

In a series of 164 consecutive patients with adrenal incidentaloma, we measured serum cortisol after 1-mg DST, LNSC, and UFC (with LC-MS/MS). Medical history was investigated for cardiovascular events (CVE) in a subgroup of 93 patients with at least 2 years of follow-up.

Results

Serum cortisol <50 nmol/L after 1-mg DST presented the highest sensitivity (100%) to rule out CS, despite a low specificity (62%). UFC > 170 nmol/24 h achieved the highest diagnostic accuracy (sensitivity 98%, specificity 91%, and negative/positive likelihood ratios of 0.02/10.83, respectively). The prevalence of CVE was higher in patients with non-suppressed cortisol after 1-mg DST and high UFC levels (p = 0.018). Traditional cardiovascular risk factors (hypertension, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, BMI > 30 kg/m², smoke or high gender-based waist circumference) were not associated with CVE.

Conclusions

The 1-mg DST at its lowest threshold presented high sensitivity in identifying CS, but its low specificity encourages us to consider UFC levels, measured with LC-MS/MS, to reduce false-positive test results. High UFC levels could also be considered as markers to stratify cardiovascular risk in patients with adrenal incidentaloma.

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Radiographic Mastoid and Middle Ear Effusions in Intensive Care Unit Subjects

BACKGROUND:This study was conducted to determine the incidence of and risk factors associated with the development of radiographic mastoid and middle ear effusions (ME/MEE) in ICU patients.METHODS:Head computed tomography or magnetic resonance images of 300 subjects admitted to the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center neurologic ICU from April 2013 through April 2014 were retrospectively reviewed. Images were reviewed for absent, partial, or complete opacification of the mastoid air cells and middle ear space. Exclusion criteria were temporal bone or facial fractures, transmastoid surgery, prior sinus or skull base surgery, history of sinonasal malignancy, ICU admission < 3 days or inadequate imaging.RESULTS:At the time of admission, 3.7% of subjects had radiographic evidence of ME/MEE; 10.3% (n = 31) of subjects subsequently developed new or worsening ME/MEE during their ICU stay. ME/MEE was a late finding and was found to be most prevalent in subjects with a prolonged stay (P < .001). Variables associated with ME/MEE included younger age, the use of antibiotics, and development of radiographic sinus opacification. The proportion of subjects with ME/MEE was significantly higher in the presence of an endotracheal tube (22.7% vs 0.6%, P < .001) or a nasogastric tube (21.4% vs 0.6%, P < .001).CONCLUSIONS:Radiographic ME/MEE was identified in 10.3% of ICU subjects and should be considered especially in patients with prolonged stay, presence of an endotracheal tube or nasogastric tube, and concomitant sinusitis. ME/MEE is a potential source of fever and sensory impairment that may contribute to delirium and perceived depressed consciousness in ICU patients.

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Elevated Serotonin Interacts with Angiotensin-II to Result in Altered Valve Interstitial Cell Contractility and Remodeling

Abstract

While the valvulopathic effects of serotonin (5HT) and angiotensin-II (Ang-II) individually are known, it was not clear how 5HT and Ang-II might interact, specifically in the context of the mechanobiological responses due to altered valve mechanics potentiated by these molecules. In this context, the hypothesis of this study was that increased serotonin levels would result in accelerated progression toward disease in the presence of angiotensin-II-induced hypertension. C57/BL6 J mice were divided into four groups and subcutaneously implanted with osmotic pumps containing: PBS (control), 5HT (2.5 ng/kg/min), Ang-II (400 ng/kg/min), and 5HT + Ang-II (combination). Blood pressure was monitored using the tail cuff method. Echocardiography was performed on the mice before surgery and every week thereafter to assess ejection fraction. After three weeks, the mice were sacrificed and their hearts excised, embedded and sectioned for analysis of the aortic valves via histology and immunohistochemistry. In separate experiments, porcine valve interstitial cells (VICs) were directly stimulated with 5HT (10⁻⁷ M), Ang-II (100 nM) or both and assayed for cellular contractility, cytoskeletal organization and collagen remodeling. After three weeks, average systolic blood pressure was significantly increased in the 5HT, Ang-II and combination groups compared to control. Echocardiographic analysis demonstrated significantly reduced ejection fraction in Ang-II and the combination groups. H&E staining demonstrated thicker leaflets in the combination groups, suggesting a more aggressive remodeling process. Picrosirius red staining and image analysis suggested that the Ang-II and combination groups had the largest proportion of thicker collagen fibers. VIC orientation, cellular contractility and collagen gene expression was highest for the 5HT + Ang-II combination treatment compared to all other groups. Overall, our results suggest that 5HT and Ang-II interact to result in significantly detrimental alteration of function and remodeling in the valve.

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How a Clinical Trial Unit can improve independent clinical research in rare tumors: the Italian Sarcoma Group experience

Abstract

Background

The Italian Sarcoma Group (ISG) is a nonprofit group of professionals established in 1997 aimed to improve the quality of care and promote the independent research in sarcomas. The increased regulatory requirements, the chance to increase the number of trials with other cooperative groups and an interest from pharmaceutical companies in supporting independent research, generated the need of an internal service for research management.

Methods and results

In 2010, ISG implemented in its organization a Clinical Trial Unit (CTU). The CTU was appointed to fully manage Clinical Trial Operations, to guarantee regulation compliance and provide a central support to the investigators, fostering a collaboration both at national and international level. In 2016 ISG promoted 25 studies in about 120 centers, with a fivefold increase in the last 5 years: 68% were interventional and 32% observational. Nine of the 17 interventional studies (52%) were supported by pharmaceutical companies, while 4 (24%) were funded by European Commission within specific projects on sarcomas and 4 (24%) were supported by the ISG itself.

Conclusion

The contribution of ISG researchers to the international community was striking from the earliest years of the ISG creation. The challenges of the regulatory clinical research scenario, which imposes solid and hard-fast methodology with deep knowledge and expertise, highlighted the need to identify qualified and dedicated experts able to run and follow the multifaceted aspects of trials. Our analysis demonstrated how this model has led to a growth in competitiveness of the group. The collaboration between clinicians and CTU made possible to support the research with high scientific and ethical standards and to increase the number of trials, sites and overall enrolled patients. The reduced time for approvals, the continuous support to sites, the increased speed in data collection and analysis make the ISG research attractive for pharmaceutical industries, despite the problems that have characterized the independent research in the last years. The ability to fully manage and oversight Clinical Operations and the high quality of delivered services, have led the ISG to be recognized as a reliable partner and coordinator within the international sarcoma networks.

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In Vivo Plantar Pressures in Adult-Acquired Flatfoot Compared to Control Using an Intraoperative Pedobarographic Device

Abstract

Background

Intraoperative pedobarography has the potential to aid surgical decisions, but no parameters exist to guide its use.

Questions/Purposes

This study compared supine plantar pressures between flatfoot patients and controls using a previously validated intraoperative pedobarographic device and examined associations between supine, walking, and standing plantar pressures.

Methods

Ten preoperative patients with stage II adult-acquired flatfoot deformity (AAFD) were compared to ten healthy controls. Supine plantar pressures were assessed using the pedobarographic device. Standing and walking plantar pressures were assessed with an EMED-XT sensor array (Novel). Maximum force (MF) and peak pressure (PP) were calculated for nine anatomical foot regions adjusting for age and BMI.

Results

No differences in plantar pressures were found between flatfoot patients and controls in the supine or standing positions. During walking, flatfoot patients had greater MF of the first, second, and third metatarsals (p ≤ 0.018) and greater PP of the first and second metatarsals than controls (p ≤ 0.010). Supine MF and PP were both strongly positively correlated with their respective pressure measurements for both standing and walking in multiple foot regions (p ≤ 0.05, all analyses). Correlations in the first metatarsal region were generally weak and not statistically significant.

Conclusion

This device did not show differences in supine plantar pressures of flatfoot patients and healthy subjects, highlighting the limitations of intraoperative devices in guiding flatfoot correction. The differences between flatfoot and controls during walking and the correlations between supine and walking conditions suggest that dynamic plantar pressures are a more useful parameter in guiding flatfoot reconstruction.

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Additively manufactured sub-periosteal jaw implants

Severe bone atrophy jeopardizes the success of endosseous implants. This technical note aims to present the innovative concept of additively manufactured sub-periosteal jaw implants (AMSJIs). Digital datasets of the patient’s jaws and wax trial in occlusion are used to segment the bone and dental arches, for the design of a sub-periosteal frame and abutments in the optimal location related to the dental arch and for the design of the suprastructure. The implants and suprastructure are three-dimensionally (3D) printed in titanium alloy.

http://ift.tt/2lwkHDi

http://ift.tt/2lng0uJ

Additively manufactured sub-periosteal jaw implants

Severe bone atrophy jeopardizes the success of endosseous implants. This technical note aims to present the innovative concept of additively manufactured sub-periosteal jaw implants (AMSJIs). Digital datasets of the patient's jaws and wax trial in occlusion are used to segment the bone and dental arches, for the design of a sub-periosteal frame and abutments in the optimal location related to the dental arch and for the design of the suprastructure. The implants and suprastructure are three-dimensionally (3D) printed in titanium alloy.

http://ift.tt/2lwkHDi

http://ift.tt/2m68dWe

Additively manufactured sub-periosteal jaw implants

Severe bone atrophy jeopardizes the success of endosseous implants. This technical note aims to present the innovative concept of additively manufactured sub-periosteal jaw implants (AMSJIs). Digital datasets of the patient's jaws and wax trial in occlusion are used to segment the bone and dental arches, for the design of a sub-periosteal frame and abutments in the optimal location related to the dental arch and for the design of the suprastructure. The implants and suprastructure are three-dimensionally (3D) printed in titanium alloy.

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A rare subclinical or mild type of Becker muscular dystrophy caused by a single exon 48 deletion of the dystrophin gene

Abstract

In the material of 227 families with Becker muscular dystrophy (BMD), we found nine non-consanguineous families with 17 male individuals carrying a rare mutation—a single exon 48 deletion of the dystrophin gene—who were affected with a very mild or subclinical form of BMD. They were usually detected thanks to accidental findings of elevated serum creatine phosphokinase (sCPK). A thorough clinical analysis of the carriers, both children (12) and adults (5), revealed in some of them muscle hypotonia (10/17) and/or very mild muscle weakness (9/17), as well as decreased tendon reflexes (6/17). Adults, apart from very mild muscle weakness and calf hypertrophy in some, had no significant abnormalities on neurological assessments and had good exercise tolerance. Parents of the children carriers of the exon 48 deletion are usually unaware of their children being affected, and possibly at risk of developing life-threatening cardiomyopathy. The same concerns the adult male carriers. Therefore, the authors postulate undertaking preventive measures such as cascade screening of the relatives of the probands. Newborn screening programmes of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD)/BMD based on sCPK marked increase may be considered.

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Correlation between olfactory acuity and sinonasal radiological findings in adult patients with chronic rhinosinusitis.

Correlation between olfactory acuity and sinonasal radiological findings in adult patients with chronic rhinosinusitis.

Auris Nasus Larynx. 2016 Aug;43(4):422-8

Authors: Saito T, Tsuzuki K, Yukitatsu Y, Sakagami M

PMID: 26743838 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

} http://ift.tt/2l9oJWe

http://ift.tt/2lmdcOg

Small-Molecule RORγt Antagonists: One Stone Kills Two Birds

Publication date: Available online 28 February 2017
Source:Trends in Immunology
Author(s): Chao Zhong, Jinfang Zhu
Although small-molecule thymus-specific isoform of retinoic acid receptor-related orphan nuclear receptor γ (RORγt) antagonists suppressing interleukin (IL)-17-producing T helper (Th17) cells are widely reported, the effect of these molecules on other RORγt-expressing cells is unknown. However, a new study reports that RORγt inhibition in CD4⁺CD8⁺ thymocytes resulted in skewed T cell repertoire, contributing to a reduction in the frequency of self-reactive T cells and resistance to autoimmunity.

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Risk factors for sleep impairment in adult patients with chronic rhinosinusitis.

Risk factors for sleep impairment in adult patients with chronic rhinosinusitis.

Auris Nasus Larynx. 2016 Aug;43(4):418-21

Authors: Ando Y, Chiba S, Capasso R, Okushi T, Kojima H, Otori N, Wada K

PMID: 26559748 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

} http://ift.tt/2lU5mxm

http://ift.tt/2m5bbdC

Correlation between olfactory acuity and sinonasal radiological findings in adult patients with chronic rhinosinusitis.

Correlation between olfactory acuity and sinonasal radiological findings in adult patients with chronic rhinosinusitis.

Auris Nasus Larynx. 2016 Aug;43(4):422-8

Authors: Saito T, Tsuzuki K, Yukitatsu Y, Sakagami M

PMID: 26743838 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

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Risk factors for sleep impairment in adult patients with chronic rhinosinusitis.

Risk factors for sleep impairment in adult patients with chronic rhinosinusitis.

Auris Nasus Larynx. 2016 Aug;43(4):418-21

Authors: Ando Y, Chiba S, Capasso R, Okushi T, Kojima H, Otori N, Wada K

PMID: 26559748 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

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Neural signatures of adaptive post-error adjustments in visual search

Publication date: 15 April 2017
Source:NeuroImage, Volume 150
Author(s): Robert Steinhauser, Martin E. Maier, Marco Steinhauser
Errors in speeded choice tasks can lead to post-error adjustments both on the behavioral and on the neural level. There is an ongoing debate whether such adjustments result from adaptive processes that serve to optimize performance or whether they reflect interference from error monitoring or attentional orientation. The present study aimed at identifying adaptive adjustments in a two-stage visual search task, in which participants had to select and subsequently identify a target stimulus presented to the left or right visual hemifield. Target selection and identification can be measured by two distinct event-related potentials, the N2pc and the SPCN. Using a decoder analysis based on multivariate pattern analysis, we were able to isolate the processing stages related to error sources and post-error adjustments. Whereas errors were linked to deviations in the N2pc and the SPCN, only for the N2pc we identified a post-error adjustment, which exhibits key features of source-specific adaptivity. While errors were associated with an increased N2pc, post-error adjustments consisted in an N2pc decrease. We interpret this as an adaptive adjustment of target selection to prevent errors due to disproportionate processing of the task-irrelevant target location. Our study thus provides evidence for adaptive post-error adjustments in visual search.

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Estimating direction in brain-behavior interactions: Proactive and reactive brain states in driving

Publication date: 15 April 2017
Source:NeuroImage, Volume 150
Author(s): Javier O. Garcia, Justin Brooks, Scott Kerick, Tony Johnson, Tim R. Mullen, Jean M. Vettel
Conventional neuroimaging analyses have ascribed function to particular brain regions, exploiting the power of the subtraction technique in fMRI and event-related potential analyses in EEG. Moving beyond this convention, many researchers have begun exploring network-based neurodynamics and coordination between brain regions as a function of behavioral parameters or environmental statistics; however, most approaches average evoked activity across the experimental session to study task-dependent networks. Here, we examined on-going oscillatory activity as measured with EEG and use a methodology to estimate directionality in brain-behavior interactions. After source reconstruction, activity within specific frequency bands (delta: 2–3Hz; theta: 4–7Hz; alpha: 8–12Hz; beta: 13–25Hz) in a priori regions of interest was linked to continuous behavioral measurements, and we used a predictive filtering scheme to estimate the asymmetry between brain-to-behavior and behavior-to-brain prediction using a variant of Granger causality. We applied this approach to a simulated driving task and examined directed relationships between brain activity and continuous driving performance (steering behavior or vehicle heading error). Our results indicated that two neuro-behavioral states may be explored with this methodology: a Proactive brain state that actively plans the response to the sensory information and is characterized by delta-beta activity, and a Reactive brain state that processes incoming information and reacts to environmental statistics primarily within the alpha band.

Graphical abstract

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Mapping visual dominance in human sleep

Publication date: 15 April 2017
Source:NeuroImage, Volume 150
Author(s): Mark McAvoy, Anish Mitra, Enzo Tagliazucchi, Helmut Laufs, Marcus E. Raichle
Sleep is a universal behavior, essential for humans and animals alike to survive. Its importance to a person's physical and mental health cannot be overstated. Although lateralization of function is well established in the lesion, split-brain and task based neuroimaging literature, and more recently in functional imaging studies of spontaneous fluctuations of the fMRI BOLD signal during wakeful rest, it is unknown if these asymmetries are present during sleep. We investigated hemispheric asymmetries in the global brain signal during non-REM sleep. Here we show that increasing sleep depth is accompanied by an increasing rightward asymmetry of regions in visual cortex including primary bilaterally and in the right hemisphere along the lingual gyrus and middle temporal cortex. In addition, left hemisphere language regions largely maintained their leftward asymmetry during sleep. Right hemisphere attention related regions expressed a more complicated relation with some regions maintaining a rightward asymmetry while this was lost in others. These results suggest that asymmetries in the human brain are state dependent.

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High-sensitivity TMS/fMRI of the Human Motor Cortex Using a Dedicated Multichannel MR Coil

Publication date: 15 April 2017
Source:NeuroImage, Volume 150
Author(s): Lucia I. Navarro de Lara, Martin Tik, Michael Woletz, Roberta Frass-Kriegl, Ewald Moser, Elmar Laistler, Christian Windischberger
PurposeTo validate a novel setup for concurrent TMS/fMRI in the human motor cortex based on a dedicated, ultra-thin, multichannel receive MR coil positioned between scalp and TMS system providing greatly enhanced sensitivity compared to the standard birdcage coil setting.MethodsA combined TMS/fMRI design was applied over the primary motor cortex based on 1Hz stimulation with stimulation levels of 80%, 90%, 100%, and 110% of the individual active motor threshold, respectively. Due to the use of a multichannel receive coil we were able to use multiband-accelerated (MB=2) EPI sequences for the acquisition of functional images. Data were analysed with SPM12 and BOLD-weighted signal intensity time courses were extracted in each subject from two local maxima (individual functional finger tapping localiser, fixed MNI coordinate of the hand knob) next to the hand area of the primary motor cortex (M1) and from the global maximum.ResultsWe report excellent image quality without noticeable signal dropouts or image distortions. Parameter estimates in the three peak voxels showed monotonically ascending activation levels over increasing stimulation intensities. Across all subjects, mean BOLD signal changes for 80%, 90%, 100%, 110% of the individual active motor threshold were 0.43%, 0.63%, 1.01%, 2.01% next to the individual functional finger tapping maximum, 0.73%, 0.91%, 1.34%, 2.21% next to the MNI-defined hand knob and 0.88%, 1.09%, 1.65%, 2.77% for the global maximum, respectively.ConclusionOur results show that the new setup for concurrent TMS/fMRI experiments using a dedicated MR coil array allows for high-sensitivity fMRI particularly at the site of stimulation. Contrary to the standard birdcage approach, the results also demonstrate that the new coil can be successfully used for multiband-accelerated EPI acquisition. The gain in flexibility due to the new coil can be easily combined with neuronavigation within the MR scanner to allow for accurate targeting in TMS/fMRI experiments.

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Recent advances on bisphenol-A and endocrine disruptor effects on human prostate cancer

Publication date: Available online 28 February 2017
Source:Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology
Author(s): Marzia Di Donato, Gustavo Cernera, Pia Giovannelli, Giovanni Galasso, Antonio Bilancio, Antimo Migliaccio, Gabriella Castoria
Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are man-made substances widespread in the environment that include, among many others, bisphenol A (BPA), organochlorinated pesticides and hormone derivatives detectable in meat from animals raised in concentrated animal feeding operations. Increasing evidence indicates that EDCs have a negative impact on human health as well as on male and female fertility. They may also be associated with some endocrine diseases and increased incidence of breast and prostate cancer. This review aims to summarize available data on the (potential) impact of some common EDCs, focusing particularly on BPA, prostate cancer and their mechanisms of action. These compounds interfere with normal hormone signal pathway transduction, resulting in prolonged exposure of receptors to stimuli or interference with cellular hormone signaling in target cells. Understanding the effects of BPA and other EDCs as well as their molecular mechanism(s) may be useful in sensitizing the scientific community and the manufacturing industry to the importance of finding alternatives to their indiscriminate use.

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Structural aspects of vitamin D endocrinology

Publication date: Available online 28 February 2017
Source:Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology
Author(s): Natacha Rochel, Ferdinand Molnár
1α,25-Dihydroxvitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D3) is the hormonally active form of vitamin D3. Its synthesis and its metabolites, their transport and elimination as well as action on transcriptional regulation involves the harmonic cooperation of diverse proteins with vitamin D binding capacities such as vitamin D binding protein (DBP), cytochrome P450 enzymes or the nuclear vitamin receptor (VDR). The genomic mechanism of 1,25(OH)2D3 action involves its binding to VDR that functionally acts as a heterodimer with retinoid X receptor. The crystal structures of the most important proteins for vitamin D3, VDR, DBP, CYP2R1 and CYP24A1, have provided identification of mechanisms of actions of these proteins and those mediating VDR-regulated transcription. This review will present the structural information on recognition of the vitamin D3 and metabolites by CYP proteins and DBP as well as the structural basis of VDR activation by 1,25(OH)2D3 and metabolites. Additionally, we will describe, the implications of the VDR mutants associated with hereditary vitamin D-resistant rickets (HVDRR) that display impaired function.

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Update from the 4th Edition of the World Health Organization Classification of Head and Neck Tumours: Mucosal Melanomas

Abstract

The updated edition of The World Health Organization Classification of Tumours of the Head and Neck includes discussions on mucosal melanoma of both the sinonasal and oral cavity. Since the prior edition, sinonasal origin is now recognized as the most common site of occurrence of mucosal melanoma in the head and neck (66%) with oral cavity representing 25% of cases. Histologic features of mucosal melanomas vary widely from spindled, epithelioid, and pleomorphic to rhabdoid, plasmacytoid and undifferentiated. Additionally, mucosal melanomas are commonly amelanotic (or minimal pigmentation) (~50%) leading to overlapping features and diagnostic challenges in differentiating mucosal melanomas from other small cell/undifferentiated sinonasal tumors. Since the last edition, formal staging of head and neck mucosal melanomas was added to the American Joint Committee on Cancer entities, though the traditional histologic features that have prognostic significance in cutaneous melanomas fail to stratify mucosal melanomas (i.e. tumor thickness, ulceration). Interestingly, while melanomas of all sites are a malignancy derived from melanocytes, mucosal melanomas are now recognized to have distinct molecular alterations compared to cutaneous or uveal melanomas. BRAF V600E mutations are rare (<6%) in mucosally derived melanomas compared to a rate of 50% in cutaneous melanomas. CD117 (C-Kit) mutations are the most common alteration encountered (~25%) in mucosal sites with potential therapeutic targetability. The recognition of the distinct genetic changes in this subgroup of melanomas means that therapy advances in cutaneous melanomas may not translate to head and neck mucosal melanomas and clinical trials specific to this subgroup of patients are needed.

http://ift.tt/2mHW9HD

http://ift.tt/2lwgDmy

Update from the 4th Edition of the World Health Organization Classification of Head and Neck Tumours: What Is New in the 2017 WHO Blue Book for Tumors and Tumor-Like Lesions of the Neck and Lymph Nodes

Abstract

The World Health Organization (WHO) 2017 Classification of Head and Neck Tumors ("Blue Book") will now include a new chapter on tumors and tumor-like lesions of the neck and lymph nodes, which was not included in the previous edition. Tumors and tumor-like lesions, including a variety of cysts and metastases, can arise in any component in the neck, including soft tissue, lymph nodes, and developmental remnants. The pathology and clinical features of metastatic carcinoma of unknown primary in the head and neck has changed dramatically in the last several years. Many of these tumors which were previously diagnosed as unknown primary are now identified as oropharyngeal and nasopharyngeal carcinomas related to human papillomavirus (HPV), less commonly to Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and occasionally even to Merkel cell polyomavirus. Many unusual features can arise in these metastases, such as undifferentiated morphology, extensive cystic change with central degeneration, gland formation, and even ciliated cells. Rarely, carcinoma in the neck can arise in association with a heterotopic tissue, primarily thyroid or salivary gland tissue. Tumor-like lesions include branchial cleft cysts, thyroglossal duct cyst, dermoid and teratoid cyst, and ranula. Pathologists should be familiar with the diagnostic features and clinicopathologic corrections of these neck lesions in order to correctly diagnosis them and to provide for proper clinical management. This article will briefly describe the pathologic and clinical features of these entities as they are covered in the new 2017 Blue Book.

http://ift.tt/2mHI2SE

http://ift.tt/2lwqmcr

Update From the 4th Edition of the World Health Organization Classification of Head and Neck Tumours: Tumours of the Ear

Abstract

The 2017 fourth edition of the World Health Organization Classification of Tumours, specifically as it relates to the ear (Chap. 9), has several changes. Importantly, the number of entities has been significantly reduced by omitting tumors or lesions if they do not occur exclusively or predominantly at this site or if they are discussed in detail elsewhere in the book. These entities include: embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma, osteoma, exostosis, angiolymphoid hyperplasia with eosinophilia, Schneiderian papilloma, inverted papilloma, lipoma of the internal auditory canal, hemangioma, hematolymphoid tumors, and secondary tumors. Paraganglioma was included in the neck chapter. New entries include otosclerosis and cholesteatoma, while refinements to nomenclature, classification and criteria were incorporated into the ceruminous gland tumors and epithelial tumors of the middle and inner ear. Specifically, the middle and inner ear were combined, as practical limitations of origin and imaging make a definitive separation artificial. The classification reflects the state of current understanding for these uncommon entities, with this update only highlighting selected entities that were the most significantly changed.

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http://ift.tt/2lQQDFd

Update from the 4th Edition of the World Health Organization Classification of Head and Neck Tumours: Tumors of the Salivary Gland

Abstract

The salivary gland section in the 4th edition of the World Health Organization classification of head and neck tumors features the description and inclusion of several entities, the most significant of which is represented by (mammary analogue) secretory carcinoma. This entity was extracted mainly from acinic cell carcinoma based on recapitulation of breast secretory carcinoma and a shared ETV6-NTRK3 gene fusion. Also new is the subsection of "Other epithelial lesions," for which key entities include sclerosing polycystic adenosis and intercalated duct hyperplasia. Many entities have been compressed into their broader categories given clinical and morphologic similarities, or transitioned to a different grouping as was the case with low-grade cribriform cystadenocarcinoma reclassified as intraductal carcinoma (with the applied qualifier of low-grade). Specific grade has been removed from the names of the salivary gland entities such as polymorphous adenocarcinoma, providing pathologists flexibility in assigning grade and allowing for recognition of a broader spectrum within an entity. Cribriform adenocarcinoma of (minor) salivary gland origin continues to be divisive in terms of whether it should be recognized as a distinct category. This chapter also features new key concepts such as high-grade transformation. The new paradigm of translocations and gene fusions being common in salivary gland tumors is featured heavily in this chapter.

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Update from the 4th Edition of the World Health Organization Classification of Head and Neck Tumours: Tumors of the Nasal Cavity, Paranasal Sinuses and Skull Base

Abstract

The sinonasal tract remains an epicenter of a diverse array of neoplasia. This paper discusses changes to the WHO classification system of tumors involving this area. In particular, seromucinous hamartoma, NUT carcinoma, biphenotypic sinonasal sarcoma, HPV-related carcinoma with adenoid cystic features, SMARCB1-deficient carcinoma, and renal cell-like adenocarcinoma are discussed.

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Update from the 4th Edition of the World Health Organization of Head and Neck Tumours: Tumours of the Oral Cavity and Mobile Tongue

Abstract

There have been several additions and deletions in Chapter 4 on Tumours of the oral cavity and mobile tongue in the 2017 fourth edition of the World Health Organization Classification of Tumours of the Head and Neck. This chapter excludes the oropharynx, which now is a stand-alone chapter acknowledging the uniqueness of the oropharynx from the oral cavity. New entries in Chapter 4 include rhabdomyoma, haemangioma, schwannoma, neurofibroma and myofibroblastic sarcoma in the section titled Soft tissue and neural tumours. Discussion of salivary gland entities have been reduced and includes mucoepidermoid carcinoma and pleomorphic adenoma as the other salivary gland types are discussed elsewhere. In the Haematolymphoid tumours section, like the salivary gland section, only tumors that commonly present in the oral cavity are discussed in Chapter 4. Excluded entities in the updated classification include papillary hyperplasia, median rhomboid glossitis, keratoacanthoma, focal oral mucinosis, and secondary tumors. This article will summarize the changes in the new classification since the 2005 edition focusing on selected entities that have had significant changes along with new entries.

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http://ift.tt/2lQQbGY

Update from the 4th Edition of the World Health Organization Classification of Head and Neck Tumours: Preface

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Update from the 4th Edition of the World Health Organization Classification of Head and Neck Tumours: Oropharynx

Abstract

The changes for oropharyngeal lesions in the 2017 edition of the WHO/IARC Classification of Head and Neck Tumours reference book are dramatic and significant, largely due to the growing impact of high risk human papillomavirus (HPV). The upcoming edition divides tumours of the oral cavity and oropharynx into separate chapters, classifies squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) of the oropharynx on the basis of HPV status, abandons the practice of histologic grading for oropharyngeal SCCs that are HPV positive, recognizes small cell carcinoma of the oropharynx, and combines polymorphous low grade adenocarcinoma and cribriform adenocarcinoma of tongue and minor salivary glands under the single term "polymorphous adenocarcinoma." This review not only calls attention to these changes, but describes the rationale driving these changes and highlights their implications for routine clinical practice.

http://ift.tt/2mHCxnd

http://ift.tt/2lwe0AY

Update From The 4th Edition of the World Health Organization Classification of Head and Neck Tumours: Nasopharynx

Abstract

The current WHO classification system for tumors of the head and neck has made few changes from the previous edition with regards to tumors of the nasopharynx. The classification system is discussed here with particular attention to nasopharyngeal carcinoma, nasopharyngeal papillary adenocarcinoma, salivary gland anlage tumor, hairy polyp, juvenile angiofibroma, and other tumors.

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http://ift.tt/2lvUSDy

Update from the 4th Edition of the World Health Organization Classification of Head and Neck Tumours: What is New in the 2017 WHO Blue Book for Tumours of the Hypopharynx, Larynx, Trachea and Parapharyngeal Space

Abstract

Chapter 3 "Tumours of the hypopharynx, larynx, trachea, and parapharyngeal space" of the World Health Organization (WHO) Blue Book 2017 "Classification of Head and Neck Tumours" shows a shortened list of entities, especially due to reducing the number of benign and malignant soft tissue tumours, malignant melanoma and some others, which are transferred to more frequently affected regions of the head and neck. The basic concept of the new edition is to assimilate all advances concerning the discussed tumours in a shorter framework, appropriate for daily work. The main emphasis is on the most frequent lesions and tumors originating from the covering squamous epithelium. Laryngeal and hypopharyngeal conventional squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC), its variants and precursor lesions, occupy a major part of the chapter. New data on etiopathogenesis, with the focus on human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, are discussed in relation to the entities of the squamous epithelium. Although only a small fraction of these lesions are HPV-related, further studies are required for evaluation of the potential prognostic and therapeutic benefit of mRNA HPV determination. In contrast to earlier data, laryngeal and hypopharyngeal verrucous SCC, spindle cell SCC and basaloid SCC are not anymore considered as HPV-related tumours. New data on the pathogenesis of spindle cell SCC exhibiting divergent differentiation by epithelial—mesenchymal transition, are also briefly discussed. The most important innovation is brought by the section on precursor lesions, in which a unified two-tier classification, consisting of low- and high-grade dysplasia, is introduced. The proposed two-tier system can also be transformed into a three-tier classification for treatment purposes, with a distinction between carcinoma in situ and high-grade dysplasia. The reviewed morphological criteria of the proposed system are based on the amended Ljubljana classification. The section on laryngeal neuroendocrine carcinomas (NEC) represents a considerable improvement in terminology and classification. NEC are divided into well-, moderate- and poorly-differentiated neuroendocrine carcinoma. The latter is additionally divided into small cell NEC and large cell NEC (LCNEC). It is of extreme importance that LCNEC, which was associated in the WHO 2005 edition with atypical carcinoid/moderately differentiated neuroendocrine carcinoma, grade II, has now been transferred into the group of poorly differentiated NEC, grade III, displaying a specific morphology and poorer prognosis.

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Update from the 4th Edition of the World Health Organization Classification of Head and Neck Tumours: Odontogenic and Maxillofacial Bone Tumors

Abstract

The 4th edition of the World Health Organization's Classification of Head and Neck Tumours was published in January of 2017. This article provides a summary of the changes to Chapter 4 Tumours of the oral cavity and mobile tongue and Chapter 8 Odontogenic and maxillofacial bone tumours. Odontogenic cysts which were eliminated from the 3rd 2005 edition were included in the 4th edition as well as other unique allied conditons of the jaws. Many new tumors published since 2005 have been included in the 2017 classification.

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http://ift.tt/2lQTX2U

Update from the 4th Edition of the World Health Organization Classification of Head and Neck Tumours: Paragangliomas

Abstract

Updated editions of The World Health Organization Classification of Tumours Pathology & Genetics for both Head and Neck Tumours and Tumours of Endocrine Organs took place in 2016 based on consensus conferences. These editions present unification of concepts in paragangliomas and highlight expanding knowledge of their etiology. There is a major emphasis in the new bluebooks on familial/syndromic paragangliomas, representing ~40% of all head and neck paragangliomas. Ancillary use of immunohistochemical evaluation, specifically of SDHB, allows the pathologist to screen for a large subset of these potentially hereditary cases. In addition, similarly to other neuroendocrine tumors, paragangliomas are now considered to represent a continuum of risk, and are assessed in terms of risk stratification. Tumors with SDHB mutations pose the highest risk for metastasis. There is currently no validated or endorsed histologic grading system. Paragangliomas remain tumors of undetermined biologic potential and should not be termed benign.

http://ift.tt/2m9ZZws

http://ift.tt/2lwkYGr

Changes in the Brain Endocannabinoid System in Rat Models of Depression

Abstract

A growing body of evidence implicates the endocannabinoid (eCB) system in the pathophysiology of depression. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of changes in the eCB system, such as levels of neuromodulators, eCB synthesizing and degrading enzymes, and cannabinoid (CB) receptors, in different brain structures in animal models of depression using behavioral and biochemical analyses. Both models used, i.e., bulbectomized (OBX) and Wistar Kyoto (WKY) rats, were characterized at the behavioral level by increased immobility time. In the OBX rats, anandamide (AEA) levels were decreased in the prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, and striatum and increased in the nucleus accumbens, while 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) levels were increased in the prefrontal cortex and decreased in the nucleus accumbens with parallel changes in the expression of eCB metabolizing enzymes in several structures. It was also observed that CB₁ receptor expression decreased in the hippocampus, dorsal striatum, and nucleus accumbens, and CB₂ receptor expression decreased in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus. In WKY rats, the levels of eCBs were reduced in the prefrontal cortex (2-AG) and dorsal striatum (AEA) and increased in the prefrontal cortex (AEA) with different changes in the expression of eCB metabolizing enzymes, while the CB₁ receptor density was increased in several brain regions. These findings suggest that dysregulation in the eCB system is implicated in the pathogenesis of depression, although neurochemical changes were linked to the particular brain structure and the factor inducing depression (surgical removal of the olfactory bulbs vs. genetic modulation).

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http://ift.tt/2lwgDTA

Effect of collagen vascular disease-associated interstitial lung disease on the outcomes of lung cancer surgery

Abstract

Purpose

This study compared the effect of collagen vascular disease-associated interstitial lung disease (CVD-ILD) with that of idiopathic interstitial pneumonias (IIPs) on the outcomes of lung cancer surgery.

Methods

This study retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients who underwent surgery for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and compared the data of 16 patients with CVD-ILD with those of 70 patients with IIPs. The patterns of interstitial lung disease (ILD) on chest computed tomography were classified into usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP) and non-specific interstitial pneumonia (NSIP) patterns.

Results

The numbers of UIP and NSIP patterns were 10 (62.5%) and 6 (37.5%) patients in CVD-ILD group, and 62 (88.6%) and 8 (11.4%) patients in IIPs group, respectively. A postoperative acute exacerbation (AE) appeared in 1 patient (6.3%) in the CVD-ILD group and 6 patients (8.6%) in the IIPs group. No significant differences in the incidence of postoperative AE and mortalities were observed between the two groups. The five-year overall survival rates of the CVD-ILD and IIPs groups were 37.5 and 49.2%, respectively.

Conclusions

Surgery for NSCLC in CVD-ILD patients appear to cause no increase in postoperative AE and mortality in comparison to that seen in IIPs patients. Similar to IIPs, CVD-ILD might therefore affect the prognosis of resected NSCLC.

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Update from the 4th Edition of the World Health Organization Classification of Head and Neck Tumours: Hematolymphoid Tumours

Abstract

In 2017, the latest revision to the WHO Classification of Head and Neck Tumours will be released. Similar to the 2005 WHO, the codification of hematopoietic and lymphoid neoplasms of the head and neck is included within chapters pertaining to the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses, the nasopharynx, the larynx, the oral cavity and oropharynx, the neck and the salivary glands. Herein, we describe both changes to the classification of hematolymphoid neoplasms of the head and neck since the 2005 WHO, as well as recent advances in our understanding of the underlying pathogenesis and molecular pathology of these neoplasms.

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http://ift.tt/2lQRmWT

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Τρίτη 28 Φεβρουαρίου 2017

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