Παρασκευή 11 Δεκεμβρίου 2015
Cerebral-perfusion-based single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) staging using NeuroGam® in patients with moyamoya disease
Abstract
Background and purpose
Cerebral angiography (CA) is the gold standard for moyamoya disease (MMD) staging and diagnosis, but CA findings are not well correlated with clinical symptoms. The purpose of this study was to establish novel cerebral-perfusion-based staging for MMD that is well correlated with clinical symptoms.
Materials and methods
From 2010 to 2015, regional cerebrovascular reserve (rCVR) was examined by single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) using NeuroGam® (Segamicorp, Houston, TX, USA) in 30 patients (17 women, 13 men; 60 hemispheres; mean 42.0 years old [range 5–60 years old]) with MMD, which was diagnosed by CA and magnetic resonance angiography (MRA). Brain CT or brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used to evaluate neurological conditions such as transient ischemic attack (TIA), cerebral hemorrhage, and cerebral infarction. A novel staging system for MMD was developed by combining findings from CA, MRI, and SPECT with NeuroGam®.
Results
Our novel staging system was strongly associated with clinical symptoms. Twenty-two hemispheres out of 60 were categorized as stage I, 24 hemispheres were categorized as stage II, and 14 hemispheres were categorized as stage III. Hemispheres with higher scores exhibited a higher incidence of clinical symptoms. These findings indicate that cerebral-perfusion-based staging is predictive of MMD clinical symptoms.
Conclusion
Perfusion-based SPECT staging correlates well with clinical symptoms and may be a reliable alternative to the Suzuki staging by CA.
from #Medicine via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/1SSJsUt
via IFTTT
Infant Gastroesophageal Reflux Information on the World Wide Web
The purpose of this study was to describe the type and quality of health information about infant gastroesophageal reflux (GER) that a parent may find on the World Wide Web.
from #Medicine via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/1lVoVUz
via IFTTT
Educational Implications of Preterm Birth: A National Sample of 8- to 11-Year-Old Children Born Prematurely and Their Full-Term Peers
Preterm birth remains a significant public health issue, with children born prematurely experiencing health and educational difficulties throughout childhood. The specific aim of this study was to evaluate the educational implications of actual or potential health risks of premature birth for children in middle childhood compared with children of the same age who were born at term.
from #Medicine via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/1QCbRih
via IFTTT
Energies, Vol. 8, Pages 14049-14063: Solar Dryer Application for Olive Oil Mill Wastes
Global waste production has raised recently due to numerous agricultural and industrial activities. Among other actions devoted to waste reduction, revaluation seems to be the most advantageous one from an environmental and economic point of view. In the olive oil sector, by-product management (namely olive pomace, olive mill wastewater, and sludge residue) poses serious problems for companies, with the energy use of these wastes being a feasible option to solve these problems. Due to their high moisture content, drying constitutes the main stage for a possible bio-fuel conversion. This research work deals with the analysis of drying for the three main wastes from olive oil by using a prototype dryer. This equipment has different working regimes depending on the kind of convection (natural or forced for passive and active mode, respectively), the incidence of solar radiation on the product (indirect or mixed type) and the use of an additional system for energy supply (hybrid type). From the results, it could be said that all the wastes were suitable for solar drying. However, drying conditions were different for each case. Olive pomace and olive mill wastewater showed promising results for solar drying application in mixed active mode. Concerning sludge residue, its special physical structure could employ the use of turners for drying, in order to improve heat transfer to the product. Moreover, hybrid active mode enabled a considerable reduction in drying time, being an aspect to take into account for its use during low solar radiation or at night time.
from #Medicine via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/1TGO2Fz
via IFTTT
Energy expenditure and cost during walking after stroke: A systematic review
Publication date: Available online 11 December 2015
Source:Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Author(s): Sharon Flora Kramer, Liam Johnson, Julie Bernhardt, Toby Cumming
ObjectiveTo systematically review the evidence to determine energy expenditure (EE) in VO2 ml/kg/min and energy cost (EC) in VO2 ml/kg/m during walking post-stroke and how it compares to healthy controls. We aim to determine how applicable current exercise prescription guidelines are to stroke survivors.Data SourcesCENTRAL, Medline, EMBASE, CINAHL were searched on 9 October 2014 using search-terms related to stroke and energy expenditure. Additionally we screened reference lists of eligible studies.Study SelectionTwo independent reviewers screened titles and abstracts of 2,115 identified references. After screening the full text of 144 potentially eligible studies, we included 29 studies (501 stroke survivors, 123 healthy controls), including participants with confirmed stroke and a measure of volume of oxygen uptake (VO2) during walking using breath-by-breath analysis. Studies with (9 studies) and without (20 studies) a healthy control group were included.Data ExtractionTwo reviewers independently extracted data using a standard template including patient characteristics, outcome data and study methods.Data SynthesisMean age of stroke survivors was 57 years (range 40-67). Post-stroke EE was highly variable across studies and could not be pooled due to high heterogeneity. EE during steady-state overground walking at matched speeds was significantly higher in stroke survivors compared to healthy controls (MD 4.06 VO2 ml/kg/min; 95% CI 2.21-5.91; 1 study, n=26); there was no significant group difference at self-selected speeds. EC during steady-state overground walking was higher in stroke survivors at both self-selected (MD 0.47 VO2 ml/kg/m; 95% CI 0.29-0.66; 2 studies, n=38) and matched speeds compared to healthy controls (MD 0.27 VO2 ml/kg/m; 95% CI 0.03-0.51; 1 study, n=26).ConclusionsStroke survivors expend more energy during walking than healthy controls. Low intensity exercise as described in guidelines might be at a moderate intensity level for stroke survivors; there is a need for stroke specific exercise guidelines.
from #Medicine via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/1NTmyrR
via IFTTT
Improved weight-bearing symmetry for transfemoral amputees during standing up and sitting down with a powered knee-ankle prosthesis
Publication date: Available online 11 December 2015
Source:Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Author(s): Ann M. Simon, Nicholas P. Fey, Kimberly A. Ingraham, Suzanne B. Finucane, Elizabeth G. Halsne, Levi J. Hargrove
ObjectiveTo test a new user-modulated control strategy that enables improved control of a powered knee-ankle prosthesis during sit-to-stand and stand-to-sit movements.DesignWithin-subject comparison study.SettingGait laboratory.ParticipantsSeven (4 male, 3 female) unilateral transfemoral amputees capable of community ambulation.InterventionsSubjects performed ten repetitions of sit-to-stand and stand-to-sit with a powered knee-ankle prosthesis and with their prescribed passive prosthesis in a randomized order. With the powered prosthesis, knee and ankle power generation were controlled as a function of weight transferred onto the prosthesis.Main Outcome MeasuresVertical ground reaction force limb asymmetry and durations of movement were compared statistically (Wilcoxon Signed Rank test, α=0.05).ResultsFor sit-to-stand, peak vertical ground reaction forces were significantly less asymmetric using the powered prosthesis (19.3% [11.8%], mean [standard deviation]) compared to using the prescribed prosthesis (57.9% [13.5%]) (p=0.018), where positive asymmetry values represented greater force through the intact limb. For stand-to-sit, peak vertical ground reaction forces were also significantly less asymmetric using the powered prosthesis (28.06% [11.6%]) compared to using the prescribed prosthesis (48.2% [16.0%]) (p = 0.028). Duration of movement was not significantly different between devices (sit-to-stand: p=0.18; stand-to-sit: p=0.063).ConclusionsAllowing transfemoral amputees more control over the timing and rate of knee and ankle power generation enabled standing and sitting with their weight distributed more equally between limbs. Increased weight-bearing on the prosthetic limb may make such activities of daily living easier for transfemoral amputees.
from #Medicine via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/1IKDapC
via IFTTT
Autophagy Portends the Level of Cardiac Hypertrophy in Experimental Hypertensive Swine Model
BACKGROUND
Left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy (LVH) plays an important role in hypertensive heart disease, and may be accompanied by myocardial autophagy. However, the pattern of autophagy during evolution of LVH is unclear. We hypothesized that autophagy activation indicates advancing cardiac LVH with tissue remodeling.
METHODSTen domestic pigs with a 10-week unilateral renovascular hypertension (HTN) were classified as mild or moderate HTN (n = 5 each group) based on the degree of renal artery stenosis (above or below 75%). Seven normal pigs served as controls. Left ventricular remodeling, function, and microvascular density were assessed using multi-detector- and micro-computed tomography and histology. Markers of myocardial autophagic and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-related unfolded protein response (UPR), apoptosis, and fibrosis were examined ex vivo.
RESULTSBoth HTN groups had increased myocyte cross-sectional area, but it was greater in moderate HTN, accompanied by elevated LV muscle-mass. Moderate, but not mild HTN, also showed impaired microvascular density and impaired myocardial perfusion. Autophagy mediators were unaltered in mild HTN but UPR markers were increased, while in moderate HTN they were all upregulated, whereas UPR markers were suppressed. Myocardial apoptosis and fibrosis were also greater in moderate HTN. Autophagic proteins were correlated with LVH and fibrosis.
CONCLUSIONSAutophagic activity is stimulated during the exacerbation of LVH, following a transient early increase in ER stress, and may be involved in the progression of cardiac remodeling in renovascular hypertensive heart disease.
from #Medicine via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/1OWJoE2
via IFTTT
Correlates of Segmental Pulse Wave Velocity in Older Adults: The Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study
BACKGROUND
Carotid-femoral PWV (cfPWV) is a well-established measure of central arterial stiffness, while brachial-ankle PWV (baPWV) is being used more frequently in East Asian countries. Few studies have simultaneously characterized the distributions and correlates of segment-specific PWV measures and their associations with cardiovascular risk factors.
METHODSWe evaluated segment-specific PWV (cfPWV, baPWV, and femoral-ankle (faPWV)) in 4,974 older-aged African American and Caucasian adults in the community-based Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study using a standardized protocol and the OMRON VP-1000 Plus system. We examined the distribution and multivariable-adjusted correlates of PWV measures by race and sex.
RESULTSMean age ranged from 74±5 to 76±5 years across race–sex groups. In all race–sex groups, cfPWV correlated with baPWV but not with faPWV, and cfPWV and baPWV were higher with age, whereas faPWV was not. Heart rate and systolic blood pressure (SBP) were positively associated and weight was negatively associated with all PWV measures; however, the associations with age, glycated hemoglobin, triglycerides, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol varied by segment and race–sex group.
CONCLUSIONSOur findings indicate that cfPWV and faPWV reflect distinct aspects of segment-specific vascular stiffness and their associated profile of cardiovascular risk factors. Even among older adults, age is associated with higher cfPWV and baPWV, but not with faPWV. Understanding factors that ostensibly play a role in increasing arterial stiffness in different arterial territories can inform opportunities for cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention and risk management.
from #Medicine via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/1J0AIGq
via IFTTT
A Novel Swine Model of Spontaneous Hypertension With Sympathetic Hyperactivity Responds Well to Renal Denervation
BACKGROUND
The large animal model of arterial hypertension is very valuable to test the antihypertensive drugs and devices. We characterized a novel swine model of spontaneous hypertension and investigated its response to renal denervation (RDN).
METHODSThe blood pressure (BP), levels of plasma catecholamines and urine vanillylmandelic acid, and the protein expressions of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) and angiotensin II type 1 (AT1), and type 2 (AT2) receptors in the rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM) were compared between domestic pigs and Guizhou mini-pigs. Twelve-month-old Guizhou mini-pigs were divided into sham (n = 7) and ablation (n = 7) groups. The mini-pigs in ablation group received bilateral percutaneous RDN with a saline-irrigated Sniper ablation catheter. Three months after the procedure, the BP was measured and the histology of renal nerves and arteries was analyzed.
RESULTSThe mini-pigs spontaneously developed hypertension by the age of 6 months and the BP (162.2±11.4/111.8±9.2mm Hg) was significantly higher than age-matched domestic pigs (137.5±1.9/80.2±4.1mm Hg, P < 0.05). The levels of plasma catecholamines and urine vanillylmandelic acid were higher in mini-pigs than domestic pigs. The expressions of ACE and AT1 were increased, but the AT2 was decreased, in RVLM from mini-pigs compared with domestic pigs. Three months after the procedure, the BP was sharply reduced in ablation group (113.8±14.4/79.4±11.7mm Hg) compared with sham group (192.4±10.5/141.2±5.9mm Hg, P < 0.01). Renal nerves were substantially destroyed, while renal arteries and function were not significantly affected by ablation.
CONCLUSIONSThe Guizhou mini-pig is a novel spontaneous hypertensive animal model with sympathetic hyperactivity and responds well to RDN.
from #Medicine via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/1J0AIG8
via IFTTT
Association of Serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D and Parathyroid Hormone With Hypertension in Middle-Aged and Older Korean Adults
BACKGROUND
Previous studies have suggested that serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] and parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels are associated with hypertension. However, the associations have yet to be studied in Koreans. This study explored the relationship among serum 25(OH)D, PTH concentrations, and the presence of hypertension in middle-aged and older Korean adults using the most recent nationally representative survey data.
METHODSA population-based, cross-sectional study was conducted with data collected from 5,260 Korean adults (aged ≥50 years) who participated in the 2010 and 2011 Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys. Hypertension was defined as a systolic blood pressure ≥140mm Hg, diastolic blood pressure ≥90mm Hg, or current use of antihypertensive medication.
RESULTSThe prevalence of hypertension significantly increased according to the quartiles of serum PTH levels (P < 0.0001), but not of serum 25(OH)D levels. In multivariable logistic analysis, the adjusted odds ratios (ORs) for hypertension were significantly higher among participants in the highest quartile than among those in the lowest quartile of serum PTH level, after adjusting for potential confounders (OR = 1.26, 95% confidence interval: 1.02–1.56, P = 0.03). The adjusted ORs for hypertension tended to decrease across the quartiles of serum 25(OH)D level, but the associations were not significant.
CONCLUSIONSerum 25(OH)D was not associated with the presence of hypertension, whereas serum PTH was positively associated, suggesting that serum PTH may be an independent risk factor for hypertension in middle-aged and older Korean adults.
from #Medicine via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/1J0AIpC
via IFTTT
Hypertension, Diabetes Type II, and Their Association: Role of Arterial Stiffness
In patients with both hypertension and type II diabetes, the systolic blood pressure (SBP) increases linearly with age, while that of diastolic blood pressure (DBP) declines curvilinearly as early as age 45, all suggesting the development of increased arterial stiffness. Increased stiffness is an important, independent, and significant risk predictor in subjects with hypertension and diabetes. In patients with both diseases, stiffness assessed at the same mean arterial pressure (MAP) was significantly higher in diabetic patients. Arterial stiffness is related to age, heart rate (HR), and MAP, but in diabetic patients, it also related to diabetes duration and insulin treatment (IT). In the metabolic syndrome (MetSyn), diabetes also acts on the small arteries through capillary rarefaction to reduce the effective length of the arterial tree, increases the reflected pulse wave and thus the pulse pressure (PP). These studies indicate that diabetes and hypertension additively contribute to increased pulsatility and suggest that any means to reduce stiffness would be beneficial in these conditions.
from #Medicine via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/1OWJn2Q
via IFTTT
Clock Genes Explain a Large Proportion of Phenotypic Variance in Systolic Blood Pressure and This Control Is Not Modified by Environmental Temperature
BACKGROUND
Diurnal variation in blood pressure (BP) is regulated, in part, by an endogenous circadian clock; however, few human studies have identified associations between clock genes and BP. Accounting for environmental temperature may be necessary to correct for seasonal bias.
METHODSWe examined whether environmental temperature on the day of participants' assessment was associated with BP, using adjusted linear regression models in the Genetics of Lipid Lowering Drugs and Diet Network (GOLDN) (n = 819) and the Boston Puerto Rican Health Study (BPRHS) (n = 1,248) cohorts. We estimated phenotypic variance in BP by 18 clock genes and examined individual single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) associations with BP using an additive genetic model, with further consideration of environmental temperature.
RESULTSIn GOLDN, each additional 1 °C increase in environmental temperature was associated with 0.18mm Hg lower systolic BP [SBP; β ± SE = –0.18±0.05mm Hg; P = 0.0001] and 0.10mm Hg lower diastolic BP [DBP; –0.10±0.03mm Hg; P = 0.001]. Similar results were seen in the BPRHS for SBP only. Clock genes explained a statistically significant proportion of the variance in SBP [V G/V P ± SE = 0.071±0.03; P = 0.001] in GOLDN, but not in the BPRHS, and we did not observe associations between individual SNPs and BP. Environmental temperature did not influence the identified genetic associations.
CONCLUSIONSWe identified clock genes that explained a statistically significant proportion of the phenotypic variance in SBP, supporting the importance of the circadian pathway underlying cardiac physiology. Although temperature was associated with BP, it did not affect results with genetic markers in either study. Therefore, it does not appear that temperature measures are necessary for interpreting associations between clock genes and BP.
CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATIONTrials related to this study were registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT00083369 (Genetic and Environmental Determinants of Triglycerides) and NCT01231958 (Boston Puerto Rican Health Study).
from #Medicine via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/1OWJmMq
via IFTTT
Genetic Risk Score for Essential Hypertension and Risk of Preeclampsia
BACKGROUND
Preeclampsia is a hypertensive complication of pregnancy characterized by novel onset of hypertension after 20 weeks gestation, accompanied by proteinuria. Epidemiological evidence suggests that genetic susceptibility exists for preeclampsia; however, whether preeclampsia is the result of underlying genetic risk for essential hypertension has yet to be investigated. Based on the hypertensive state that is characteristic of preeclampsia, we aimed to determine if established genetic risk scores (GRSs) for hypertension and blood pressure are associated with preeclampsia.
METHODSSubjects consisted of 162 preeclamptic cases and 108 normotensive pregnant controls, all of Iowa residence. Subjects' DNA was extracted from buccal swab samples and genotyped on the Affymetrix Genome-wide Human SNP Array 6.0 (Affymetrix, Santa Clara, CA). Missing genotypes were imputed using MaCH and Minimac software. GRSs were calculated for hypertension, systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and mean arterial pressure (MAP) using established genetic risk loci for each outcome. Regression analyses were performed to determine the association between GRS and risk of preeclampsia. These analyses were replicated in an independent US population of 516 cases and 1,097 controls of European ancestry.
RESULTSGRSs for hypertension, SBP, DBP, and MAP were not significantly associated with risk for preeclampsia (P > 0.189). The results of the replication analysis also yielded nonsignificant associations.
CONCLUSIONSGRSs for hypertension and blood pressure are not associated with preeclampsia, suggesting that an underlying predisposition to essential hypertension is not on the causal pathway of preeclampsia.
from #Medicine via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/1OWJjAl
via IFTTT
Sex Differences in the Associations of Hemodynamic Load With Left Ventricular Hypertrophy and Concentric Remodeling
BACKGROUND
Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) and concentric remodeling are associated with adverse cardiovascular outcomes. We hypothesized that measures of arterial load are associated with LVH and concentric remodeling, and that associations differ by sex.
METHODSWe studied 600 non-Hispanic whites (59% women) belonging to hypertensive sibships. By integrating arterial tonometry with echocardiography, we obtained the following hemodynamic measures: aortic characteristic impedance (Z c), proximal aortic compliance (PAC), systemic vascular resistance, augmentation index, and carotid–femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV). LVH and concentric remodeling were assessed by left ventricular mass indexed to body surface area (LVMI) and relative wall thickness (RWT), respectively. LVMI was log-transformed to reduce skewness. Hemodynamic measures were indexed to body size. Sex-specific multivariable linear regression analyses adjusting for confounders were performed to assess the associations of measures of arterial load with log LVMI and RWT.
RESULTSNone of the hemodynamic measures were associated with LVMI in either sex, or with RWT in men. However, in women, measures of aortic stiffness and early, pulsatile hemodynamic load were independently associated with increased RWT: β ± SE = 0.008±0.004 for Z c; 0.003±0.001 for cfPWV, and –0.009±0.003 for PAC (P ≤ 0.05 for each). Female sex was a significant effect modifier of the associations of Z c, cfPWV, and PAC with RWT (P ≤ 0.03 for each of the interaction terms).
CONCLUSIONSGreater Z c and cfPWV and lower PAC are independently associated with increased RWT in women but not in men. Our findings suggest that aortic stiffness and greater early, pulsatile hemodynamic load affect left ventricular concentric remodeling in a sex-specific manner.
from #Medicine via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/1J0AChY
via IFTTT
Citosine-Adenine-Repeat Microsatellite of 11{beta}-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 2 Gene in Hypertensive Children
BACKGROUND
The impairment of 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 enzyme (11βHSD2) results in an inefficient conversion of cortisol to cortisone, which triggers hypertension. Cytosine-adenine repeat (CA repeat) microsatellite has been associated with low HSD11B2 gene expression.
AIMTo determine whether the CA-repeat length in intron 1 affect the serum cortisol to cortisone (F/E) ratio and/or blood pressure (BP) levels in pediatric subjects.
SUBJECTS AND METHODSEighty-one hypertensive (HT) and 117 normotensive (NT) subjects participated in this study. We measured BP levels, as well as the F and E and F/E ratio in morning sera and 12-hour urine samples. The length of CA repeats was determined through fragment analysis. We compared the allele distribution between the HT and NT groups, and the patients were dichotomized into groups with short alleles (S) (<21 CA repeats) or long alleles (L), and also in groups according genotype (allele combination: S/S and S/L + L/L).
RESULTSWe found no differences in the distribution of CA-repeat allelic length between the NT and HT groups (P = 0.7807), and there was no correlation between the CA-repeat allelic length and BP (P = 0.1151) levels or the serum F/E ratio (P = 0.6778). However, the serum F/E ratio was higher in the HT group than in the NT group (P = 0.0251). The serum F/E ratio was associated with systolic BP index independent of body mass index only in HT group.
CONCLUSIONSThe CA-repeat length did not influence BP levels or serum F/E ratios in pediatric subjects. However, the serum F/E ratio was associated with BP, suggesting a role of 11βHSD2 in mineralocorticoid hypertension.
from #Medicine via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/1OWJk7j
via IFTTT
Multilevel Associations of Neighborhood Poverty, Crime, and Satisfaction With Blood Pressure in African-American Adults
BACKGROUND
African-American adults experience the highest rates of elevated blood pressure (BP), and this disparity may be linked to socioeconomic and neighborhood-related disadvantage. Based on a bioecological stress-buffering framework, relations of poverty and neighborhood environmental perceptions with BP were assessed using multilevel regression in at-risk African-American adults.
METHODSThis cross-sectional study used baseline data that were collected in 2008 as part of the Positive Action for Today's Health (PATH) trial (N = 409), a community-based intervention to increase walking in low-income, high-crime neighborhoods. BP and perceived neighborhood crime and satisfaction were investigated as individual-level indicators of health and neighborhood environment. Census block groups (N = 22) served as geographic proxies for neighborhoods, and poverty was obtained using 2010U.S. Census data, to characterize the neighborhood-level socioeconomic environment.
RESULTSThere were no individual-level direct associations. Significant cross–product interactions demonstrated that with higher perceived crime, high satisfaction was associated with lower systolic ( = 3.34) and diastolic ( = –1.37) BP, but low satisfaction was associated with higher systolic ( = 15.12) and diastolic ( = 7.57) BP. Neighborhood-level poverty was associated with diastolic ( = 11.48, SE = 4.08, P = 0.008) and systolic BP ( = 12.79, SE = 6.33, P = 0.052). Variance in BP across block groups was low (intraclass correlation coefficients = 0.002–0.014) and there were no significant random effects.
CONCLUSIONSResults supported hypotheses, with greater neighborhood satisfaction linked to lower systolic and diastolic BP when perceived crime was high. Neighborhood poverty was also linked to higher systolic and diastolic BP. Prevention efforts should further investigate whether attending to issues of poverty and related neighborhood perceptions reduces high BP in at-risk African-American communities.
from #Medicine via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/1J0AC1j
via IFTTT
Is Isolated Nocturnal Hypertension A Reproducible Phenotype?
BACKGROUND
Isolated nocturnal hypertension (INH), defined as nocturnal without daytime hypertension on ambulatory blood pressure (BP) monitoring (ABPM), has been observed to be associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) events and mortality. The aim of this study was to determine the short-term reproducibility of INH.
METHODSThe Improving the Detection of Hypertension Study enrolled a community-based sample of adults (N = 282) in upper Manhattan without CVD, renal failure, or treated hypertension. Each participant completed two 24-hour ABPM recordings (ABPM1: first recording and ABPM2: second recording) with a mean ± SD time interval of 33±17 days between recordings. Daytime hypertension was defined as mean awake systolic/diastolic BP ≥ 135/85mm Hg; nocturnal hypertension as mean sleep systolic/diastolic BP ≥ 120/70mm Hg; INH as nocturnal without daytime hypertension; isolated daytime hypertension (IDH) as daytime without nocturnal hypertension; day and night hypertension (DNH) as daytime and nocturnal hypertension, and any ambulatory hypertension as having daytime and/or nocturnal hypertension.
RESULTSOn ABPM1, 26 (9.2%), 21 (7.4%), and 50 (17.7%) participants had INH, IDH, and DNH, respectively. On ABPM2, 24 (8.5%), 19 (6.7%), and 54 (19.1%) had INH, IDH, and DNH, respectively. The kappa statistics were 0.21 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.04–0.38), 0.25 (95% CI 0.06–0.44), and 0.65 (95% CI 0.53–0.77) for INH, IDH, and DNH respectively; and 0.72 (95% CI 0.63–0.81) for having any ambulatory hypertension.
CONCLUSIONSOur results suggest that INH and IDH are poorly reproducible phenotypes, and that ABPM should be primarily used to identify individuals with daytime hypertension and/or nocturnal hypertension.
from #Medicine via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/1J0ABKT
via IFTTT
Trends in Antihypertensive Medication Use and Blood Pressure Control Among Adults With Hypertension in Germany
BACKGROUND
Hypertension is a major risk factor for morbidity and mortality, therefore its control is of great importance. In this study we compare the use of antihypertensive medication among adults with hypertension in Germany 1998 and 2008–2011 and determine factors associated with use and control.
METHODSData from German Health Examination Surveys (GNHIES98 1998, n = 7,124 and DEGS1 2008–2011 n = 7,988, age 18–79 years) including standardized blood pressure (BP) measurements and Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical (ATC) medication codes were analyzed.
RESULTSThe use of antihypertensive medication among adults with hypertension in Germany increased from 54% to 72% in 1 decade. In 2008–2011, 67% of users were treated with polytherapy. The most commonly used antihypertensive class in 1998 was diuretics (43%) and in 2008–2011 beta-blockers (54%). Ramipril and metoprolol are currently the most commonly used monotherapy agents, while ramipril in combination with hydrochlorothiazide is the most frequent polytherapy. Being a woman, older age, having statutory health insurance, diabetes, coronary heart disease (CHD), stroke, and obesity were positively associated with antihypertensive use. The control rate among treated increased from 42% to 72%. Young women (18–54 years) had better control compared to older women or to men. Having CHD or stroke was positively associated with BP control.
CONCLUSIONSIncreased and improved antihypertensive use might be a main contributor to the decrease in BP observed in Germany in the last decade. However, there are still socio-demographic and health disparities in hypertension treatment and control.
from #Medicine via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/1J0ADT7
via IFTTT
The performance of an intermediate 16th week ultrasound scan for the follow up of euploid fetuses with increased nuchal translucency
Abstract
Objective
To assess the utility of an intermediate ultrasound scan at 16+0 -18+6 weeks of gestation (WG) in euploid fetuses with increased nuchal translucency ≥ 3.5 mm.
Methods
389 fetuses with NT ≥ 3.5 mm were identified in two prenatal centers between January 2008 and December 2012. Pregnancy work-up included karyotyping, monthly detailed US scan starting with a 16 weeks scan, a cardioechography, and a genetic counseling. Abnormal findings and pregnancy outcomes were analysed retrospectively.
Results
Of the 389 fetuses included, 52% had normal karyotype. Among euploid fetuses, 51 (30.7%) structural defects were identified overall. First trimester scan was useful to identify sixteen of the major defects (31.3%), the 16th week scan an additional 21 of them (41.2%) whereas the 22nd week scan pregnancy scan discovered an additional 14 (27.4%). Structural defects discovered with the 16th week scan were cardiac defects (n = 7), polymalformative syndromes (n = 3), left diaphragmatic hernias (n = 3) limbs abnormalities (n = 2), genito-urinary (n = 2), microretrognathism (n = 2), hydrops (n = 1) and exomphalos (n = 1). If the intermediate scan was normal, the chances of a favorable outcome were as high as 85% and were closed to 100% after 20 weeks, irrespective of initial NT.
Conclusion
The intermediate ultrasound was useful in fetuses with increased NT pregnancy work-up.
from #Medicine via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/1Z3uv5H
via IFTTT
Efficacy of a single dose of milbemycin oxime/praziquantel combination tablets, Milpro ® , against adult Echinococcus multilocularis in dogs and both adult and immature E. multilocularis in young cats
Abstract
Two single-site, laboratory, negatively controlled, masked, randomised dose confirmation studies were performed: one in dogs, the other in cats. After a period of acclimatisation, both the dogs and cats were orally infected with Echinococcus multilocularis protoscoleces. In the dog study, 10 dogs received a single dose of Milpro® tablets at a minimum dose of 0.5 mg/kg milbemycin oxime and 5 mg/kg praziquantel 18 days post-infection and 10 dogs received no treatment. In the cat study, 10 cats received a single dose of Milpro® tablets at a minimum dose of 2 mg/kg milbemycin oxime and 5 mg/kg praziquantel 7 days post-infection, 10 cats received a single dose of the treatment 18 days post-infection and 10 cats remained untreated. In both studies, intestinal worm counts were performed 23 days post-infection at necropsy. No worms were retrieved from any of the 30 treated animals. Nine of 10 control dogs had multiple worms (geometric mean 91, arithmetic mean 304) and all 10 control cats had multiple worms (geometric mean 216, arithmetic mean 481). The difference in worm counts between all three treated groups and their controls was highly significant (ANOVA p values of log transformed data <0.0001). Efficacy of 100 % was demonstrated for the elimination of adult E. multilocularis in dogs and cats as well as for elimination of immature E. multilocularis in cats as evidenced by the effectiveness of treatment 7 days post-infection. The treatments were well accepted and tolerated, and there were no adverse drug reactions observed.
from #Medicine via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/1Z3vsej
via IFTTT
Dietary Omega-3 Fatty Acids Prevented Adipocyte Hypertrophy by Downregulating DGAT - 2 and FABP - 4 in a Sex-Dependent Fashion
Abstract
Obesity is characterized by an increase in fat mass primarily as a result of adipocyte hypertrophy. Diets enriched in omega (n)-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) are suggested to reduce obesity, however, the mechanisms are not well understood. We investigated the effect of n-3 PUFA on adipocyte hypertrophy and the key genes involved in adipocyte hypertrophy. Female C57BL/6 mice were fed semi-purified diets (20 % w/w fat) containing high n-3 PUFA before mating, during pregnancy, and until weaning. Male and female offspring were continued on high n-3 PUFA (10 % w/w), medium n-3 PUFA (4 % w/w), or low n-3 PUFA (2 % w/w) diet for 16 weeks postweaning. Adipocyte area was quantified using microscopy, and gonadal mRNA expression of acyl CoA:diacylglycerol acyltransferase-2 (DGAT-2), fatty acid binding protein-4 (FABP-4) and leptin were measured. The high n-3 PUFA group showed higher levels of total n-3 PUFA in gonadal TAG compared to the medium and low n-3 PUFA groups (P < 0.001). The high n-3 PUFA male group had a lower adipocyte area compared to the medium and low n-3 PUFA group (P < 0.001); however, no difference was observed in females. The high n-3 PUFA male group showed lower mRNA expression of FABP-4, DGAT-2 and leptin compared to the low n-3 PUFA group, with no difference in females. Plasma lipid levels were lower in the high n-3 PUFA group compared to the other groups. Our findings show for the first time that n-3 PUFA prevents adipocyte hypertrophy by downregulating FABP-4, DGAT-2 and leptin; the effects are however sex-specific.
from #Medicine via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/1Qj4XQu
via IFTTT
The Simulacrum System as a Construct for Mass Spectrometry of Triacylglycerols and Others
Abstract
A construct called a simulacrum is defined that provides all possible solutions to a sum of two mass spectral abundances, based on values (abundances) or ratios of those values. The defined construct is applied to atmospheric pressure chemical ionization mass spectrometry (MS) of triacylglycerols (TAG). A simulacrum has precisely defined components, specifically a simulacrum sum, four Possibilities to Observe, two Cases, and eight solutions. A simulacrum with no restrictions is the First General Form of a Simulacrum. When one value is specified to be 1 (as in MS), the construct is called a Unit Simulacrum, also called the First Specified Form of a Simulacrum. When one value is 1 and no value can be greater than 1 (the two specifications dictated by mass spectrometry), the construct is called the Second Specified Form of a Simulacrum, or the Mass Spectrometry Simulacrum. Simulacra are used with three Critical Ratios calculated from raw abundances in mass spectra of TAG to provide structural information about the degree of unsaturation in TAG, the identity and quantity of regioisomers, and other structural characteristics. Three-level-deep nested simulacrum solutions yield the recently reported Updated Bottom Up Solution, from which the protonated molecule, [MH]+, and all diacylglycerol-like fragments, [DAG]+, of TAG can be reproduced from the Critical Ratios. Thus, the simulacrum solutions constitute a reduced data set in which more information is provided in fewer values than raw abundances, such that the Critical Ratios constitute a compact library of mass spectra.
from #Medicine via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/1Qj4VIv
via IFTTT
Social Anxiety Disorder and Quality of Life: How Fears of Negative and Positive Evaluation Relate to Specific Domains of Life Satisfaction
Source:Journal of Anxiety Disorders
Author(s): M. Taylor Dryman, Shani Gardner, Justin W. Weeks, Richard G. Heimberg
Individuals with social anxiety disorder (SAD) experience functional impairment in social, educational, and occupational arenas, contributing to poor quality of life. Previous research using the Quality of Life Inventory (QOLI) has identified four distinct domains of quality of life among individuals with SAD: Achievement, Personal Growth, Social Functioning, and Surroundings. The present study was designed to investigate how fear of negative evaluation (FNE) and fear of positive evaluation (FPE) relate to the four QOLI domains among individuals with SAD. We also examined the relationships of FNE and FPE to Satisfaction and Importance ratings on the QOLI. Individuals with SAD (N=129) completed a battery of questionnaires prior to initiating treatment. FNE and FPE showed distinct relationships with the four QOLI domains, even after controlling for demographic characteristics and comorbid depression. Both FNE and FPE were associated with ratings of Satisfaction with the QOLI domains, but neither was associated with ratings of Importance. Our findings highlight the differential impacts of FNE and FPE on SAD. Treatment implications are discussed.
from #Medicine via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/1meXjtS
via IFTTT
An analysis of inhibitory functioning in individuals with chronic posttraumatic stress disorder
Source:Journal of Anxiety Disorders
Author(s): Aileen M. Echiverri-Cohen, Lori A. Zoellner, William Ho, Jawad Husain
Cognitive abnormalities in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may be a function of underlying inhibitory deficits. Prepulse inhibition (PPI) and attentional blink (AB) are paradigms thought to assess inhibition. Using a sample of 28 individuals with PTSD compared to 20 trauma-exposed and 19 healthy individuals, PPI was examined using white noise that was preceded by a tone, and AB was examined using a presentation of letters in a stream of numbers. Relative to the control group, the PTSD and trauma-exposed groups did not follow the u-shaped pattern in AB, suggesting trauma-exposure and subsequent PTSD are associated with similar impairment in attention. Individuals with PTSD showed reduced PPI compared to trauma-exposed and healthy individuals, suggesting individuals with PTSD exhibit faulty automatic processing. For individuals with PTSD, PTSD severity was associated with a decline in PPI. These findings suggest a general faulty inhibitory mechanism associated with trauma exposure and PTSD.
from #Medicine via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/1meXlSG
via IFTTT
Altered Gene Expression of the Innate Immune, Neuroendocrine, and Nuclear Factor-Kappa B (NF-kB) Systems is Associated with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in Military Personnel
Source:Journal of Anxiety Disorders
Author(s): Pedro Guardado, Anlys Olivera, Heather L. Rusch, Michael Roy, Christiana Martin, Natasha Lejbman, Hwyunhwa Lee, Jessica M. Gill
Whole transcriptome analysis provides an unbiased examination of biological activity, and likely, unique insight into the mechanisms underlying posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and comorbid depression and traumatic brain injury. This study compared gene-expression profiles in military personnel with PTSD (n=28) and matched controls without PTSD (n=27) using HG-U133 Plus 2.0 microarrays (Affymetrix), which contain 54,675 probe sets representing more than 38,500 genes. Analysis of expression profiles revealed 203 differentially expressed genes in PTSD, of which 72% were upregulated. Using Partek Genomics Suite 6.6, differentially expressed transcription clusters were filtered based on a selection criterion of ≥ 1.5 relative fold Δ at a false discovery rate of ≤ 5%. Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (Qiagen) of the differentially expressed genes indicated a dysregulation of genes associated with the innate immune, neuroendocrine, and NF-kB systems. These findings provide novel insights that may lead to new pharmaceutical agents for PTSD treatments and help mitigate mental and physical comorbidity risk.
from #Medicine via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/1meXlCb
via IFTTT
Philosophies, Vol. 1, Pages 102-110: Quantum Parallelism Thesis, ManyWorld Interpretation and Physical Information Thesis
The aim of this paper is to address a particular interpretation of quantum computational processes, namely, the so called Many World Interpretation (MWI). I will show that if such an interpretation is supported by the Quantum Parallelism Thesis (QPT) and the Physical Information Thesis (PIT) at the same time, then it falls under circularity. I will suggest, in fact, that as long as this variation states both PIT and QPT cannot furnish a physical explanation of the latter unless it is already stating the truth of MWI. This specific case suggests the more general conclusion that MWI and other accounts of quantum computational processes instill very different concepts of information. I will show that the concept instilled by MWI advocates is too abstract in order to be a reliable source for a physical interpretation of quantum computational processes. I will nevertheless then suggest that MWI is not completely useless for our understanding of quantum computation.
from #Medicine via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/1meVOvP
via IFTTT
Ionic liquid-based zinc oxide nanofluid for vortex assisted liquid liquid microextraction of inorganic mercury in environmental waters prior to cold vapor atomic fluorescence spectroscopic detection
Publication date: 1 March 2016
Source:Talanta, Volume 149
Author(s): Meseret Amde, Jing-Fu Liu, Zhi-Qiang Tan, Deribachew Bekana
Zinc oxide nanofluid (ZnO-NF) based vortex assisted liquid liquid microextraction (ZnO-NF VA-LLME) was developed and employed in extraction of inorganic mercury (Hg2+) in environmental water samples, followed by cold vapor atomic fluorescence spectrometry (CV-AFS). Unlike other dispersive liquid liquid microextraction techniques, ZnO-NF VA-LLME is free of volatile organic solvents and dispersive solvent consumption. Analytical signals were obtained without back-extraction from the ZnO-NF phase prior to CV-AFS determination. Some essential parameters of the ZnO-NF VA-LLME and cold vapor generation such as composition and volume of the nanofluid, vortexing time, pH of the sample solution, amount of the chelating agent, ionic strength and matrix interferences have been studied. Under optimal conditions, efficient extraction of 1ng/mL of Hg2+ in 10mL of sample solution was achieved using 50μL of ZnO-NF. The enrichment factor before dilution, detection limits and limits of quantification of the method were about 190, 0.019 and 0.064ng/mL, respectively. The intra and inter days relative standard deviations (n=8) were found to be 4.6% and 7.8%, respectively, at 1ng/mL spiking level. The accuracy of the current method was also evaluated by the analysis of certified reference materials, and the measured Hg2+ concentration of GBW08603 (9.6ng/mL) and GBW(E)080392 (8.9ng/mL) agreed well with their certified value (10ng/mL). The method was applied to the analysis of Hg2+ in effluent, influent, lake and river water samples, with recoveries in the range of 79.8–92.8% and 83.6–106.1% at 1ng/mL and 5ng/mL spiking levels, respectively. Overall, ZnO-NF VA-LLME is fast, simple, cost-effective and environmentally friendly and it can be employed for efficient enrichment of the analyte from various water samples.
Graphical abstract
from #Medicine via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/1NmQT2A
via IFTTT
Philosophies, Vol. 1, Pages 87-101: Rethinking Experiments in a Socio-Technical Perspective: The Case of Software Engineering
Experiments in computing share many characteristics with the traditional experimental method, but also present significant differences from a practical perspective, due to their aim at producing software artifacts and the central role played by human actors and organizations (e.g., programmers, project teams, software houses) involved in the software development process. By analyzing some of the most significant experiments in the subfield of software engineering, we aim at showing how the conceptual framework that supports experimental methodology in this context needs an extension in a socio-technical perspective.
from #Medicine via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/1RegpNp
via IFTTT
Correlation between semitendinosus and gracilis tendon cross-sectional area determined using ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging and intraoperative tendon measurements
Publication date: Available online 11 December 2015
Source:Journal of Electromyography and Kinesiology
Author(s): Nikiforos Galanis, Matthaios Savvidis, Ioannis Tsifountoudis, George Gkouvas, Ilias Alafropatis, Ioannis Kirkos, Eleftherios Kellis
The purpose of this study was to examine the correlation in semitendinosus (ST) and gracilis (GT) tendon cross-sectional area (CSA) evaluated directly during anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) surgery and pre-operatively using ultrasound (US) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). A total of 14 patients undergoing ACL reconstruction with a quadruple ST - GT graft by the same orthopaedic surgeon participated in this study. Pre-operative evaluation included determination of ST and GT CSA area using US and MRI. Intraoperative measurement of the diameters of the ST, GT and the final ACL graft using a closed-hole sizing block with 0.5-mm increments was made and this diameter was used to estimate tendon CSA. The correlation between graft diameter and CSA were 0.563 (GT) and 0.807 (ST) for MRI and 0.498 (GT) and 0.612 (ST) for US. The final ACL graft diameter displayed a correlation coefficient of 0.813 with MRI CSA and 0.518 with US CSA. No differences in CSA were observed between intraoperative, MRI and US methods (p > 0.05). The intraclass correlation coefficients between the US, MRI and intraoperative graft methods for the ST and GT data ranged from 0.502 to 0.903 with an estimation error ranging from 1.41% to 2.26%. These results indicate that in clinical situations where MRI is contra-indicated or not accessible, US can provide measurable values which could predict sufficient diameter of the ACL graft. In addition, determination of tendon CSA using US displays errors less than 2% which is similar to that observed using MRI. This suggests that the application of US can be applied to in vivo examination of the ST and GT CSA.
from #Medicine via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/21UJjWM
via IFTTT
Resting blood pressure reductions following isometric handgrip exercise training and the impact of age and sex: protocol for a systematic review
The risk of developing cardiovascular disease is directly correlated to one's resting blood pressure (BP), age, and biological sex. Resting BP can be reduced using handgrip exercise training, but the impact of...
from #Medicine via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/1TFmjF4
via IFTTT
Clinical Manifestations of Respiratory Bronchiolitis as an Incidental Finding in Surgical Lung Biopsies: A Retrospective Analysis of a Large Austrian Registry
Background: While respiratory bronchiolitis (RB) is a frequent histopathological finding in smoker's lungs, RB-associated interstitial lung disease (RB-ILD) remains a rare disease. Objectives: We analyzed how the histological finding of RB was associated with clinical information in a series of 684 consecutive surgical lung biopsies. Methods: Retrospective analysis with delineation of clinical manifestations, smoking habits, pulmonary function test, and blood gas analysis in patients with RB in surgical lung biopsy. In 240 of these biopsies, RB was diagnosed, and in 146 of these cases a full clinical dataset was available. Results: The final diagnosis of these 146 patients was consistent with RB-ILD (n = 18), pulmonary Langerhans cell histiocytosis (n = 7), various ILD (n = 9), spontaneous pneumothorax (n = 43), traumatic pneumothorax (n = 5), lung cancer (n = 41), various benign lung tumors (n = 8), and chronic pulmonary effusion (n = 15). Smoking history was positive in 93% of patients, 72% revealed centrilobular emphysema in their biopsy, and 58% described dyspnea as the main symptom. Amongst these diagnoses there were significant differences in age and smoking habits, but only small distinctions in pulmonary function test and blood gas analysis. Out of the patients with RB-ILD, 17% developed lung cancer in the later course. Conclusion: RB is strongly related to smoking, emphysema, and dyspnea and frequently associated with lung cancer. RB-ILD is a rare disease that may represent a considerable risk for lung cancer. Pulmonary function testing and blood gas analysis do not differ between RB-associated diseases. The finding of RB should prompt further diagnostic workup, and in case of RB-ILD, entail regular screening for lung cancer.
Respiration
from #Medicine via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/1NKsJCO
via IFTTT
Respiration
from #Medicine via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/1NKsJCO
via IFTTT
Confocal Laser Microlaryngoscopy (CLMx)
Conditions: Laryngeal Dysplasia; Laryngeal Neoplasm
Interventions: Drug: Fluorescein injection, USP 10%; Device: Confocal laser microlaryngoscopy; Procedure: Biopsy (standard of care); Procedure: KTP laser photoablation (standard of care)
Sponsor: Washington University School of Medicine
Recruiting - verified December 2015
from #Medicine via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/1Re54wZ
via IFTTT
Interventions: Drug: Fluorescein injection, USP 10%; Device: Confocal laser microlaryngoscopy; Procedure: Biopsy (standard of care); Procedure: KTP laser photoablation (standard of care)
Sponsor: Washington University School of Medicine
Recruiting - verified December 2015
from #Medicine via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/1Re54wZ
via IFTTT
Cardiopulmonary Fitness in Long-Term Survivors of HPV-related Oropharynx Cancers
Condition: Oropharynx Cancers
Interventions: Other: blood draw; Behavioral: study questionnaire; Other: cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET); Other: DXA (dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry) scan
Sponsor: Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
Recruiting - verified December 2015
from #Medicine via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/1OlNpgs
via IFTTT
Interventions: Other: blood draw; Behavioral: study questionnaire; Other: cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET); Other: DXA (dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry) scan
Sponsor: Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
Recruiting - verified December 2015
from #Medicine via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/1OlNpgs
via IFTTT
Ramucirumab/Paclitaxel as Second-line Treatment in Metastatic Gastric or Gastroesophageal Junction Adenocarcinoma With Integrative Genomic Analysis
Conditions: Gastric Adenocarcinoma; Gastroesophageal Junction Adenocarcinoma
Interventions: Drug: Ramucirumab; Drug: Paclitaxel
Sponsor: Samsung Medical Center
Not yet recruiting - verified December 2015
from #Medicine via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/1Re53ZV
via IFTTT
Interventions: Drug: Ramucirumab; Drug: Paclitaxel
Sponsor: Samsung Medical Center
Not yet recruiting - verified December 2015
from #Medicine via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/1Re53ZV
via IFTTT
Clinical Target Volume Based on Disease Extension Risk Atlas and Computer-aided Delineation in Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma
Condition: Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms
Interventions: Radiation: IMRT using individualized CTV; Radiation: IMRT using traditional CTV; Drug: Gemcitabine and cisplatin (induction chemotherapy); Drug: Docetaxel and cisplatin (induction chemotherapy); Drug: Cisplatin 100mg/m² concurrent chemotherapy; Drug: Cisplatin 80mg/m² concurrent chemotherapy
Sponsor: Sun Yat-sen University
Recruiting - verified December 2015
from #Medicine via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/1Re53Je
via IFTTT
Interventions: Radiation: IMRT using individualized CTV; Radiation: IMRT using traditional CTV; Drug: Gemcitabine and cisplatin (induction chemotherapy); Drug: Docetaxel and cisplatin (induction chemotherapy); Drug: Cisplatin 100mg/m² concurrent chemotherapy; Drug: Cisplatin 80mg/m² concurrent chemotherapy
Sponsor: Sun Yat-sen University
Recruiting - verified December 2015
from #Medicine via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/1Re53Je
via IFTTT
Minerals, Vol. 5, Pages 894-918: Petrology and Geochemistry of the Harlan, Kellioka, and Darby Coals from the Louellen 7.5-Minute Quadrangle, Harlan County, Kentucky
The Harlan, Kellioka, and Darby coals in Harlan County, Kentucky, have been among the highest quality coals mined in the Central Appalachians. The Middle Pennsylvanian coals are correlative with the Upper Elkhorn No. 1 to Upper Elkhorn No. 3½ coals to the northwest of the Pine Mountain thrust fault. Much of the mining traditionally was controlled by captive, steel-company-owned mines and the coal was part of the high volatile A bituminous portion of the coking coal blend. Overall, the coals are generally low-ash and low-sulfur, contributing to their desirability as metallurgical coals. We did observe variation both in geochemistry, such as individual lithologies with significant P2O5/Ba + Sr/Rare earth concentrations, and in maceral content between the lithotypes in the mine sections.
from #Medicine via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/1Y86CYr
via IFTTT
Fully Covered or Partially Covered Stents in Malignant Esophageal Strictures
Conditions: Esophageal Cancer; Esophageal Stenosis
Interventions: Device: Partially covered SEMS; Device: Fully covered SEMS
Sponsor: Foundation for Liver Research
Recruiting - verified December 2015
from #Medicine via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/1HYrvU7
via IFTTT
Interventions: Device: Partially covered SEMS; Device: Fully covered SEMS
Sponsor: Foundation for Liver Research
Recruiting - verified December 2015
from #Medicine via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/1HYrvU7
via IFTTT
Clinical Study of Time Optimizing of Endoscopic Photodynamic Therapy on Esophageal and/or Gastric Cardiac Cancer
Conditions: Stage I Esophageal Adenocarcinoma; Stage II Esophageal Adenocarcinoma; Stage III Esophageal Adenocarcinoma; Stage I Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma; Stage II Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma; Stage III Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Interventions: Drug: photosensitizer(photofrin); Device: 630 nm laser irradiation (DIOMED)
Sponsor: The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Science and Technology
Recruiting - verified October 2015
from #Medicine via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/1Re53sN
via IFTTT
Interventions: Drug: photosensitizer(photofrin); Device: 630 nm laser irradiation (DIOMED)
Sponsor: The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Science and Technology
Recruiting - verified October 2015
from #Medicine via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/1Re53sN
via IFTTT
Safety Study of MGD009 in B7-H3-expressing Tumors
Conditions: Mesothelioma; Bladder Cancer; Melanoma; Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck; Non Small Cell Lung Cancer; Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma; Ovarian Cancer; Thyroid Cancer; Breast Cancer; Pancreatic Cancer; Prostate Cancer; Colon Cancer; Soft Tissue Sarcoma
Intervention: Biological: MGD009
Sponsor: MacroGenics
Recruiting - verified December 2015
from #Medicine via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/1OlNoJw
via IFTTT
Intervention: Biological: MGD009
Sponsor: MacroGenics
Recruiting - verified December 2015
from #Medicine via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/1OlNoJw
via IFTTT
Multi-Modality Imaging for Head & Neck Cancer Free Flap Design Assessment
Condition: Head and Neck Neoplasms
Interventions: Procedure: Pre-op CTA with IV contrast; Device: Computed tomography angiography (CTA)
Sponsor: University Health Network, Toronto
Recruiting - verified December 2015
from #Medicine via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/1RIogCj
via IFTTT
Interventions: Procedure: Pre-op CTA with IV contrast; Device: Computed tomography angiography (CTA)
Sponsor: University Health Network, Toronto
Recruiting - verified December 2015
from #Medicine via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/1RIogCj
via IFTTT
Metabolites, Vol. 5, Pages 720-732: Obesity-Related Chronic Kidney Disease—The Role of Lipid Metabolism
Obesity is an independent risk factor for chronic kidney disease (CKD). The mechanisms linking obesity and CKD include systemic changes such as high blood pressure and hyperglycemia, and intrarenal effects relating to lipid accumulation. Normal lipid metabolism is integral to renal physiology and disturbances of renal lipid and energy metabolism are increasingly being linked with kidney disease. AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) are important regulators of fatty acid oxidation, which is frequently abnormal in the kidney with CKD. A high fat diet reduces renal AMPK activity, thereby contributing to reduced fatty acid oxidation and energy imbalance, and treatments to activate AMPK are beneficial in animal models of obesity-related CKD. Studies have found that the specific cell types affected by excessive lipid accumulation are proximal tubular cells, podocytes, and mesangial cells. Targeting disturbances of renal energy metabolism is a promising approach to addressing the current epidemic of obesity-related kidney disease.
from #Medicine via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/1OW1ohY
via IFTTT
Micromachines, Vol. 6, Pages 1996-2009: Fluid Flow Shear Stress Stimulation on a Multiplex Microfluidic Device for Rat Bone Marrow Stromal Cell Differentiation Enhancement
Microfluidic devices provide low sample consumption, high throughput, high integration, and good environment controllability advantages. An alternative to conventional bioreactors, microfluidic devices are a simple and effective platform for stem cell investigations. In this study, we describe the design of a microfluidic device as a chemical and mechanical shear stress bioreactor to stimulate rat bone marrow stromal cells (rBMSCs) into neuronal cells. 1-methyl-3-isobutylxanthine (IBMX) was used as a chemical reagent to induce rBMSCs differentiation into neurons. Furthermore, the shear stress applied to rBMSCs was generated by laminar microflow in the microchannel. Four parallel microfluidic chambers were designed to provide a multiplex culture platform, and both the microfluidic chamber-to-chamber, as well as microfluidic device-to-device, culture stability were evaluated. Our research shows that rBMSCs were uniformly cultured in the microfluidic device and differentiated into neuronal cells with IBMX induction. A three-fold increase in the neuronal cell differentiation ratio was noted when rBMSCs were subjected to both IBMX and fluid flow shear stress stimulation. Here, we propose a microfluidic device which is capable of providing chemical and physical stimulation, and could accelerate neuronal cell differentiation from bone marrow stromal cells.
from #Medicine via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/1Y86Crm
via IFTTT
High resolution imaging of the fibrous microstructure in bovine common carotid artery using optical polarization tractography
The biomechanical properties of artery are primarily determined by the fibrous structures in the vessel wall. Many vascular diseases are associated with alternations in the orientation and alignment of the fibrous structure in the arterial wall. Knowledge on the structural features of the artery wall is crucial to our understanding of the biology of vascular diseases and the development of novel therapies. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) and polarization-sensitive OCT have shown great promise in imaging blood vessels due to their high resolution, fast acquisition, good imaging depth, and large field of view. However, the feasibility of using OCT based methods for imaging fiber orientation and distribution in the arterial wall has not been investigated. Here we show that the optical polarization tractography (OPT), a technology developed from Jones matrix OCT, can reveal the fiber orientation and alignment in the bovine common carotid artery. The fiber orientation and alignment data obtained in OPT provided a robust contrast marker to clearly resolve the intima and media boundary of the carotid artery wall.
The biomechanical properties of the artery are primarily determined by the fibrous structures in the vessel wall. This study demonstrated that optical polarization tractography (OPT) can visualize the 3D fiber architecture in the bovine common carotid artery. The fiber alignment profiles obtained in OPT provided a robust contrast marker to resolve the intima and media boundary of the carotid artery wall.
from #Medicine via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/1OlNpx0
via IFTTT
Εγγραφή σε:
Αναρτήσεις (Atom)
-
Αλέξανδρος Γ. Σφακιανάκης Medicine by Alexandros G. Sfakianakis,Anapafseos 5 Agios Nikolaos 72100 Crete Greece,00302841026182,0030693260717...
-
Alimentary Pharmacology &Therapeutics, EarlyView. https://ift.tt/2qECBIJ
-
heory of COVID-19 pathogenesis Publication date: November 2020Source: Medical Hypotheses, Volume 144Author(s): Yuichiro J. Suzuki ScienceD...
