Ceramic variation and negotiated communities in the Late Valdivia phase of coastal Ecuador

Publication date: September 2016
Source:Journal of Anthropological Archaeology, Volume 43
Author(s): Sarah M. Rowe
Previous research of prehispanic coastal Ecuador has argued for the development of social hierarchies during the Late Valdivia period (2400–1800 BCE), based on changing regional settlement patterns, increased long-distance exchange, and increasing intra-site differentiation. Recent investigations at Valdivia sites have highlighted the diversity of settlement patterns and social forms during this period. The present research utilizes a negotiated community framework to investigate practices of community formation and maintenance. Through a comparative analysis of ceramic assemblages from four Late Valdivia sites I highlight differences in ceramic use and assemblage composition that indicate diverging ways of fomenting community through participation in communal eating. These differences point to the negotiated nature of communities, highlighting differing strategies for community maintenance at different sites, and emphasizing the contingent nature of increasing social complexity within Valdivia society.



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Electronic nicotine delivery system landscape in licensed tobacco retailers: results of a county-level survey in Oklahoma

Objectives

Electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) have recently emerged as a component of the tobacco retail environment. The aims of this study were to describe the availability, types of ENDS and placement of ENDS relative to traditional tobacco products at franchised licensed tobacco retailers and non-franchised licensed tobacco retailers.

Design

Observational study.

Setting

Franchised and non-franchised tobacco retailers in Cleveland County, Oklahoma, USA.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

The number of stores selling ENDS, the variability in brands of ENDS sold, the location of the ENDS within the retailers, the quantity of ENDS sold compared with traditional tobacco products, and the presence of outdoor signage.

Results

Data from 57 randomly sampled tobacco retailers were used to describe the presence of ENDS at independent non-franchised and franchised tobacco retailers. The overwhelming majority (90%) of licensed tobacco retailers sold ENDS, and differences were observed between franchised and non-franchised stores. 45 of the 51 retailers (88%) selling ENDS had them placed at the point of sale. 2 of the 21 franchised retailers (9.5%) had ENDS placed at ≤31/2 feet above floor level compared to none of the 30 non-franchised retailers (0%).

Conclusions

This small study is the first to characterise ENDS within the tobacco retail environment in a county in Oklahoma, USA. The results from this study demonstrate the complexity of the tobacco retail landscape and generate questions for future studies regarding the incorporation and placement of ENDS in tobacco retail environments.

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Validation of the Kinyarwanda-version Short-Form Leeds Dyspepsia Questionnaire and Short-Form Nepean Dyspepsia Index to assess dyspepsia prevalence and quality-of-life impact in Rwanda

Objectives

We aimed to develop and validate Kinyarwanda versions of Short-Form Leeds Dyspepsia Questionnaire (SF-LDQ) and Short-Form Nepean Dyspepsia Index (SF-NDI) to measure the frequency and severity of dyspepsia and associated quality-of-life impact in Rwanda.

Setting

A single, tertiary care centre in Rwanda.

Participants

200 consecutive Kinyarwanda-speaking patients referred to endoscopy (100 patients) or medical outpatients (100 patients).

Interventions

Kinyarwanda versions of the SF-LDQ and SF-NDI were developed from English versions by translation, with back translation, crosschecking and pilot testing. Study participants completed these questionnaires at enrolment (time 1), and then completed the surveys again with blinded phone interviewers 3 days later (time 2). 20 randomly selected participants, diagnosed with a peptic ulcer on index endoscopy, completed a third survey by phone at day 30 (time 3), after therapy.

Primary outcome measures

Internal consistency at time 1 (by Cronbach's α) and test–retest reliability between time 1 and time 2 (Spearman's correlation coefficient) for translated SF-LDQ and SF-NDI; validity versus clinical diagnosis (by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve) and responsiveness to treatment for SF-LDQ (by change in mean score). All outcomes were measured as per protocol.

Results

Cronbach's α of the translated SF-LDQ was 0.93, showing high internal consistency. Spearman's correlation coefficient comparing time 1 and time 2 was 0.978 (p<0.001), demonstrating high reliability. Cronbach's α for the translated SF-NDI was 0.92. A cut-off score of 16 on the SF-LDQ showed a sensitivity of 97% and a specificity of 71% for the diagnosis of dyspepsia, correctly classifying 89% of patients. In the responsiveness analysis, the mean SF-LDQ score was reduced from 20.1 prior to treatment to 13.9 after 30 days of treatment (p=0.003).

Conclusions

The Kinyarwanda versions of the SF-LDQ and SF-NDI were valid, reliable and responsive to treatment.

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Default options in advance directives: study protocol for a randomised clinical trial

Introduction

Although most seriously ill Americans wish to avoid burdensome and aggressive care at the end of life, such care is often provided unless patients or family members specifically request otherwise. Advance directives (ADs) were created to provide opportunities to set limits on aggressive care near life's end. This study tests the hypothesis that redesigning ADs such that comfort-oriented care is provided as the default, rather than requiring patients to actively choose it, will promote better patient-centred outcomes.

Methods and analysis

This multicentre trial randomises seriously ill adults to receive 1 of 3 different ADs: (1) a traditional AD that requires patients to actively choose their goals of care or preferences for specific interventions (eg, feeding tube insertion) or otherwise have their care guided by their surrogates and the prevailing societal default toward aggressive care; (2) an AD that defaults to life-extending care and receipt of life-sustaining interventions, enabling patients to opt out from such care; or (3) an AD that defaults to comfort care, enabling patients to opt into life-extending care. We seek to enrol 270 patients who return complete, legally valid ADs so as to generate sufficient power to detect differences in the primary outcome of hospital-free days (days alive and not in an acute care facility). Secondary outcomes include hospital and intensive care unit admissions, costs of care, hospice usage, decision conflict and satisfaction, quality of life, concordance of preferences with care received and bereavement outcomes for surrogates of patients who die.

Ethics and dissemination

This study has been approved by the Institutional Review Boards at all trial centres, and is guided by a data safety and monitoring board and an ethics advisory board. Study results will be disseminated using methods that describe the results in ways that key stakeholders can best understand and implement.

Trial registration number

NCT02017548; Pre-results.

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Identifying improvements to complex pathways: evidence synthesis and stakeholder engagement in infant congenital heart disease

Objectives

Many infants die in the year following discharge from hospital after surgical or catheter intervention for congenital heart disease (3–5% of discharged infants). There is considerable variability in the provision of care and support in this period, and some families experience barriers to care. We aimed to identify ways to improve discharge and postdischarge care for this patient group.

Design

A systematic evidence synthesis aligned with a process of eliciting the perspectives of families and professionals from community, primary, secondary and tertiary care.

Setting

UK.

Results

A set of evidence-informed recommendations for improving the discharge and postdischarge care of infants following intervention for congenital heart disease was produced. These address known challenges with current care processes and, recognising current resource constraints, are targeted at patient groups based on the number of patients affected and the level and nature of their risk of adverse 1-year outcome. The recommendations include: structured discharge documentation, discharging certain high-risk patients via their local hospital, enhanced surveillance for patients with certain (high-risk) cardiac diagnoses and an early warning tool for parents and community health professionals.

Conclusions

Our recommendations set out a comprehensive, system-wide approach for improving discharge and postdischarge services. This approach could be used to address challenges in delivering care for other patient populations that can fall through gaps between sectors and organisations.

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When procedures meet practice in community pharmacies: qualitative insights from pharmacists and pharmacy support staff

Objectives

Our aim was to explore how members of community pharmacy staff perceive and experience the role of procedures within the workplace in community pharmacies.

Setting

Community pharmacies in England and Wales.

Participants

24 community pharmacy staff including pharmacists and pharmacy support staff were interviewed regarding their view of procedures in community pharmacy. Transcripts were analysed using thematic analysis.

Results

3 main themes were identified. According to the 'dissemination and creation of standard operating procedures' theme, community pharmacy staff were required to follow a large amount of procedures as part of their work. At times, complying with all procedures was not possible. According to the 'complying with procedures' theme, there are several factors that influenced compliance with procedures, including work demands, the high workload and the social norm within the pharmacy. Lack of staff, pressure to hit targets and poor communication also affected how able staff felt to follow procedures. The third theme 'procedural compliance versus using professional judgement' highlighted tensions between the standardisation of practice and the professional autonomy of pharmacists. Pharmacists feared being unsupported by their employer for working outside of procedures, even when acting for patient benefit. Some support staff believed that strictly following procedures would keep patients and themselves safe. Dispensers described following the guidance of the pharmacist which sometimes meant working outside of procedures, but occasionally felt unable to voice concerns about not working to rule.

Conclusions

Organisational resilience in community pharmacy was apparent and findings from this study should help to inform policymakers and practitioners regarding factors likely to influence the implementation of procedures in community pharmacy settings. Future research should focus on exploring community pharmacy employees' intentions and attitudes towards rule-breaking behaviour and the impact this may have on patient safety.

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Clinical outcomes at 12 months and risk of inflammatory bowel disease in patients with an intermediate raised fecal calprotectin: a 'real-world view

Objectives

A recent systematic review confirmed the usefulness of fecal calprotectin (FC) in distinguishing organic (inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)) from non-organic gastrointestinal disease (irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)). FC levels <50 μg/g have a negative predictive value >92% to exclude organic gastrointestinal (GI) disease. Levels >250 μg/g correlate with endoscopic IBD disease activity; sensitivity 90%. We aimed to determine clinical outcomes in intermediate raised FC results (50–250 μg/g).

Setting

Primary care general practices in Coventry and Warwickshire, and 3 secondary care hospitals.

Participants

443 FC results in adults (>16 years old) were reviewed from July 2012 to October 2013. Clinical data was collected from hospital databases and general practitioners. Long-term clinical data was available in 41 patients (out of 48).

Primary and secondary outcome measures

The number of new diagnoses of IBD, IBS and other diagnoses for the intermediate group. The number referred and discharged from secondary care.

Results

A new IBD diagnosis was made in 19% (n=8) of intermediate results (1% of normal and 38% of raised results). 5% (n=2) of intermediate results had known IBD in remission. A new IBS diagnosis was made in 27% (n=11) of intermediate results, while 34% (n=14) remained undiagnosed, although 8 of these were not referred to secondary care.

Conclusions

FC testing remains useful in aiding diagnosis of organic GI conditions. However, unlike negative and strongly positive FC results, intermediate FC results lead to a mixture of diagnoses. The OR of a new diagnosis of IBD for an intermediate result compared to normal FC result was 26.6, while an intermediate FC result gave an OR of 0.54 for a new IBS diagnosis compared to normal FC. For intermediate FC results, 1 in 3 patients remained in secondary care after 12 months with an OR of 3.6 compared to a normal FC result.

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Comparing cognitive-behavioural psychotherapy and psychoeducation for non-specific symptoms associated with indoor air: a randomised control trial protocol

Introduction

Indoor air-related conditions share similarities with other conditions that are characterised by medically unexplained symptoms (MUS)-a combination of non-specific symptoms that cannot be fully explained by structural bodily pathology. In cases of indoor air-related conditions, these symptoms are not fully explained by either medical conditions or the immunological–toxicological effects of environmental factors. The condition may be disabling, including a non-adaptive health behaviour. In this multifaceted phenomenon, psychosocial factors influence the experienced symptoms. Currently, there is no evidence of clinical management of symptoms, which are associated with the indoor environment and cannot be resolved by removing the triggering environmental factors. The aim of this study is to compare the effect of treatment-as-usual (TAU) and two psychosocial interventions on the quality of life, and the work ability of employees with non-specific indoor air-related symptomatology.

Methods and analyses

The aim of this ongoing randomised controlled trial is to recruit 60 participants, in collaboration with 5 occupational health service units. The main inclusion criterion is the presence of indoor air-related recurrent symptoms in ≥2 organ systems, which have no pathophysiological explanation. After baseline clinical investigations, participants are randomised into interventions, which all include TAU: cognitive-behavioural psychotherapy, psychoeducation and TAU (control condition). Health-related quality of life, measured using the 15D-scale, is the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes include somatic and psychiatric symptoms, occupational factors, and related underlying mechanisms (ie, cognitive functioning). Questionnaires are completed at baseline, at 3, 6 and 12-month follow-ups. Data collection will continue until 2017. The study will provide new information on the individual factors related to indoor air-associated symptoms, and on ways in which to support work ability.

Ethics and dissemination

The Coordinating Ethics Committee of the Hospital District of Helsinki and Uusimaa, Finland, has granted approval for the study. The results will be published in peer-reviewed journals.

Trial registration number

NCT02069002; Pre-results.

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Longitudinal trends in use and costs of targeted therapies for common cancers in Taiwan: a retrospective observational study

Objectives

Some targeted therapies have improved survival and overall quality of cancer care generally, but these increasingly expensive medicines have led to increases in pharmaceutical expenditure. This study examined trends in use and expenditures of antineoplastic agents in Taiwan, and estimated market shares by prescription volume and costs of targeted therapies over time. We also determined which cancer types accounted for the highest use of targeted therapies.

Design

This is a retrospective observational study focusing on the utilisation of targeted therapies for treatment of cancer.

Setting

The monthly claims data for antineoplastic agents were retrieved from Taiwan's National Health Insurance Research Database (2009–2012).

Main outcome measures

We calculated market shares by prescription volume and costs for each class of antineoplastic agent by cancer type. Using a time series design with Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) models, we estimated trends in use and costs of targeted therapies.

Results

Among all antineoplastic agents, use of targeted therapies grew from 6.24% in 2009 to 12.29% in 2012, but their costs rose from 26.16% to 41.57% in that time. Monoclonal antibodies and protein kinase inhibitors contributed the most (respectively, 23.84% and 16.12% of costs for antineoplastic agents in 2012). During 2009–2012, lung (44.64% of use; 28.26% of costs), female breast (16.49% of use; 27.18% of costs) and colorectal (12.11% of use; 13.16% of costs) cancers accounted for the highest use of targeted therapies.

Conclusions

In Taiwan, targeted therapies are increasingly used for different cancers, representing a substantial economic burden. It is important to establish mechanisms to monitor their use and outcomes.

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Effect of affordable technology on physical activity levels and mobility outcomes in rehabilitation: a protocol for the Activity and MObility UsiNg Technology (AMOUNT) rehabilitation trial

Introduction

People with mobility limitations can benefit from rehabilitation programmes that provide a high dose of exercise. However, since providing a high dose of exercise is logistically challenging and resource-intensive, people in rehabilitation spend most of the day inactive. This trial aims to evaluate the effect of the addition of affordable technology to usual care on physical activity and mobility in people with mobility limitations admitted to inpatient aged and neurological rehabilitation units compared to usual care alone.

Methods and analysis

A pragmatic, assessor blinded, parallel-group randomised trial recruiting 300 consenting rehabilitation patients with reduced mobility will be conducted. Participants will be individually randomised to intervention or control groups. The intervention group will receive technology-based exercise to target mobility and physical activity problems for 6 months. The technology will include the use of video and computer games/exercises and tablet applications as well as activity monitors. The control group will not receive any additional intervention and both groups will receive usual inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation care over the 6-month study period. The coprimary outcomes will be objectively assessed physical activity (proportion of the day spent upright) and mobility (Short Physical Performance Battery) at 6 months after randomisation. Secondary outcomes will include: self-reported and objectively assessed physical activity, mobility, cognition, activity performance and participation, utility-based quality of life, balance confidence, technology self-efficacy, falls and service utilisation. Linear models will assess the effect of group allocation for each continuously scored outcome measure with baseline scores entered as a covariate. Fall rates between groups will be compared using negative binomial regression. Primary analyses will be preplanned, conducted while masked to group allocation and use an intention-to-treat approach.

Ethics and dissemination

The protocol has been approved by the relevant Human Research Ethics Committees and the results will be disseminated widely through peer-reviewed publication and conference presentations.

Trial registration number

ACTRN12614000936628. Pre-results.

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HIV infection and bone disease

Abstract

The success of antiretroviral therapy in treating HIV infection has greatly prolonged life expectancy in affected individuals, transforming the disease into a chronic condition. A number of HIV-associated non-AIDS comorbidities have emerged in the ageing HIV-infected population, including osteoporosis and increased risk of fracture. The pathogenesis of fracture is multifactorial with contributions from both traditional and HIV-specific risk factors. Significant bone loss occurs on initiation of antiretroviral therapy but stabilizes on long-term therapy. Fracture risk assessment should be performed in HIV-infected individuals and bone mineral density measured when indicated. Lifestyle measures to optimize bone health should be advised and, in individuals at high risk of fracture, treatment with bisphosphonates considered.

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Endothelial Progenitor Cells Predict Long-Term Mortality in Hemodialysis Patients

Background: The endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) dysfunction is a critical event in the initiation of atherosclerotic plaque development and the level of circulating EPCs can be considered a biomarker of cardiovascular events. The level and functional change in EPCs has been investigated in hemodialysis patients, but the effect of absolute number of EPCs on risk of death has not yet been explored. We hypothesized that the number of EPCs predicted death from cardiovascular and all-cause mortality in hemodialysis patients.

Methods: We evaluate the association between endothelial progenitor cells and clinical outcome in 154 patients on maintenance hemodialysis. The blood sample was drawn at the time of patient enrollment and EPCs were identified by flow cytometry using triple staining for CD34/CD133/KDR.

Results: The median duration of follow-up was 4.19 years. There were 79 (51.3%) deaths during the follow-up period, 41 of whom died due to a confirmed cardiovascular cause. The cumulative survival was greater in the high-EPC group than the low-EPC group for all-cause and cardiovascular mortality. Decreased EPCs levels were associated with a significant increase in the risk of cardiovascular and all-cause mortality after adjusting for age, gender, current smokers, diabetes mellitus, and hypertension.

Conclusions: The level of circulating EPCs independently predicts the clinical outcome in patients on maintenance hemodialysis. Thus, the EPCs levels may be a useful predictive tool for evaluating the risk of death in maintenance hemodialysis patients.

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Exosomes Mediate the Intercellular Communication after Myocardial Infarction

The mechanisms of cardiac repair after myocardial infarction (MI) are complicated and not well-understood currently. It is known that exosomes are released from most cells, recognized as new candidates with important roles in intercellular and tissue-level communication. Cells can package proteins and RNA messages into exosome and secret to recipient cells, which regulate gene expression in recipient cells. The research on exosomes in cardiovascular disease is just emerging. It is well-known that exosomes from cardiomyocyte can transfect endothelial cells, stem cells, fibroblasts and smooth muscle cells to induce cellular changes. After myocardial infarction (MI), the exosomes play important roles in local and distant microcommunication. Nowadays, exosomal microRNAs transportation has been found to deliver signals to mediate cardiac repair after MI. However, the exosomes quality and quantities are variable under different pathological conditions. Therefore, we speculate that the monitoring of the quality and quantity of exosomes may serve as diagnosis and prognosis biomarkers of MI, and the study of exosomes will provide insights for the new therapeutics to cardiac remodeling after MI.

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Differential microRNA Profiles Predict Diabetic Nephropathy Progression in Taiwan

Objectives: Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a major leading cause of kidney failure. Recent studies showed that serological microRNAs (miRs) could be utilized as biomarkers to identify disease pathogenesis; the DN-related miRs, however, remained to be explored. Methods: A prospective case-control study was conducted. The clinical significance of five potential miRs (miR-21, miR-29a, miR-29b, miR-29c and miR192) in type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) patients who have existing diabetic retinopathy with differential Albumin:Creatinine Ratio (ACR) and estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR) was performed using quantitative RT-PCR analysis. The subjects with diabetic retinopathy enrolled in Taipei City Hospital, Taiwan, were classified into groups of normal albuminuria (ACR<30mg/g; N=12); microalbuminuria (30mg/g<ACR<300mg/g; N=17) and overt proteinuria (ACR>300mg/g; N=21) as well as 18 low-eGFR (eGFR<60ml/min) and 32 high-eGFR (eGFR>60ml/min). The level of serum miRs was statistically correlated with age, Glucose AC, ACR, eGFR and DN progression. Results: The levels of miR-21, miR-29a and miR-192 were significantly enriched in the overt proteinuria group compared with microalbuminuria and/or overt proteinuria groups. It was shown that only miR-21 level was significantly up-regulated in low-eGFR group compared with high-eGFR patients. Interestingly, Pearson's correlation coefficient analysis demonstrated that DN progressors showed significantly greater levels of miR-21, miR-29a, miR-29b and miR-29c in comparison with non-progressors implying the clinical potential of DN associated miRs in monitoring and preventing disease advancement. Conclusion: Our findings showed that miR-21, miR-29a/b/c and miR-192 could reflect DN pathogenesis and serve as biomarkers during DN progression.

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Palmitate-induced Regulation of PPARγ via PGC1α: a Mechanism for Lipid Accumulation in the Liver in Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

The aim was to examine the effect of free fatty acids on the regulation of PPARγ-PGC1α pathway, and the effect of PPARγ/PGC1α in NAFLD. The mRNA and protein expression of PGC1α and phospho/total PPARγ were examined in Huh7 cells after the palmitate/oleate treatment with/without the transfection with siRNA against PGC1a. The palmitate content, mRNA and protein expression of PGC1α and PPARγ in the liver were examined in the control and NAFLD mice. Palmitate (500 μM), but not oleate, increased protein expression of PGC1α and phospho PPARγ (PGC1α, 1.42-fold, P=0.038; phospho PPARγ, 1.56-fold, P=0.022). The palmitate-induced PPARγ mRNA expression was reduced after the transfection (0.46‑fold), and the protein expressions of PGC1α (0.52-fold, P=0.019) and phospho PPARγ (0.43-fold, P=0.011) were suppressed in siRNA-transfected cells. The palmitate (12325.8 ± 1758.9 μg/g vs. 6245.6 ± 1182.7 μg/g, p=0.002), and mRNA expression of PGC1α (11.0 vs. 5.5, p=0.03) and PPARγ (4.3 vs. 2.2, p=0.0001) in the liver were higher in high-triglyceride liver mice (>15.2 mg/g) than in low-triglyceride liver mice (<15.2 mg/g). The protein expressions of both PGC1α and PPARγ were higher in the NAFLD group than in the controls (PGC1α, 1.41-fold, P=0.035; PPARγ, 1.39-fold, P=0.042), and were higher in the high-triglyceride liver group (PGC1α, 1.52-fold, p=0.03; PPARγ, 1.22-fold, p=0.05) than in the low-triglyceride liver group. In conclusion, palmitate appear to up-regulate PPARγ via PGC1α in Huh7 cells, and both PGC1α and PPARγ are up-regulated in the NAFLD mice liver, suggesting an effect on lipid metabolism leading to intrahepatic triglyceride accumulation.

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The Association of -429T>C and -374T>A Polymorphisms in the RAGE Gene with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex disorder characterized by hyperandrogenism and insulin resistance. In addition, a number of females with PCOS have ovaries with multiple cysts, an irregular or no menstrual cycle, and an imbalance of female hormones compared to those of normal controls. A variety of genetic factors have been involved in the pathogenesis of PCOS. Among these genetic factors, the receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) that is associated with diabetes and involved in the complications of PCOS, was selected. We aimed to assess the relationship between -429T>C and -374T>A single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of RAGE gene with the susceptibility to PCOS.128 controls and 265 PCOS patients were used for -374T>A polymorphism and 141 controls and 290 PCOS patients were used for -429T>C polymorphism, respectively. Genotyping of two polymorphisms were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) assay and statistical analysis was performed. P values for both alleles were higher than 0.05. Frequencies of genotype and allele of two polymorphisms in RAGE gene showed no significant differences between controls and PCOS patients. The initial study on the correlation between RAGE gene and PCOS indicates that the two polymorphisms of RAGE are not associated with the pathogenesis of PCOS. However, further studies regarding the association between RAGE gene and PCOS patients in different ethnic groups are required.

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Inverse Association between Sodium Channel-Blocking Antiepileptic Drug Use and Cancer: Data Mining of Spontaneous Reporting and Claims Databases

Purpose: Voltage-gated sodium channels (VGSCs) are drug targets for the treatment of epilepsy. Recently, a decreased risk of cancer associated with sodium channel-blocking antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) has become a research focus of interest. The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that the use of sodium channel-blocking AEDs are inversely associated with cancer, using different methodologies, algorithms, and databases.

Methods: A total of 65,146,507 drug-reaction pairs from the first quarter of 2004 through the end of 2013 were downloaded from the US Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System. The reporting odds ratio (ROR) and information component (IC) were used to detect an inverse association between AEDs and cancer. Upper limits of the 95% confidence interval (CI) of < 1 and < 0 for the ROR and IC, respectively, signified inverse associations. Furthermore, using a claims database, which contains 3 million insured persons, an event sequence symmetry analysis (ESSA) was performed to identify an inverse association between AEDs and cancer over the period of January 2005 to May 2014. The upper limit of the 95% CI of adjusted sequence ratio (ASR) < 1 signified an inverse association.

Results: In the FAERS database analyses, significant inverse associations were found between sodium channel-blocking AEDs and individual cancers. In the claims database analyses, sodium channel-blocking AED use was inversely associated with diagnoses of colorectal cancer, lung cancer, gastric cancer, and hematological malignancies, with ASRs of 0.72 (95% CI: 0.60 - 0.86), 0.65 (0.51 - 0.81), 0.80 (0.65 - 0.98), and 0.50 (0.37 - 0.66), respectively. Positive associations between sodium channel-blocking AEDs and cancer were not found in the study.

Conclusion: Multi-methodological approaches using different methodologies, algorithms, and databases suggest that sodium channel-blocking AED use is inversely associated with colorectal cancer, lung cancer, gastric cancer, and hematological malignancies.

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Longitudinal Associations between Triglycerides and Metabolic Syndrome Components in a Beijing Adult Population, 2007-2012

Background: Longitudinal associations between triglycerides (TG) and other metabolic syndrome (MetS) components have rarely been reported. The purpose was to investigate the longitudinal association between TG and other MetS components with time.

Methods: The longitudinal study was established in 2007 on individuals who attended health check-ups at Beijing Tongren Hospital and Beijing Xiaotangshan Hospital. Data used in this study was based on 7489 participants who had at least three health check-ups over a period of 5-year follow up. Joint model was used to explore longitudinal associations between TG and other MetS components after adjusted for age.

Results: There were positive correlations between TG and other MetS components except for high density lipoprotein (HDL), and the correlations increased with time. A negative correlation was displayed between TG and HDL, and the correlation also increased with time. Among all five pairs of TG and other MetS components, the marginal correlation between TG and body mass index (BMI) was the largest for both men and women. The marginal correlation between TG and fasting plasma glucose was the smallest for men, while the marginal correlation between TG and diastolic blood pressure was the smallest for women.

Conclusions: The longitudinal association between TG and other MetS components increased with time. Among five pairs of TG and other MetS components, the longitudinal correlation between TG and BMI was the largest. It is important to closely monitor subjects with high levels of TG and BMI in health check-up population especially for women, because these two components are closely associated with development of hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and other metabolic diseases.

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Dietary Flaxseed Mitigates Impaired Skeletal Muscle Regeneration: in Vivo, in Vitro and in Silico Studies

Background: Diets enriched with n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) have been shown to exert a positive impact on muscle diseases. Flaxseed is one of the richest sources of n-3 PUFA acid α-linolenic acid (ALA). The aim of this study was to assess the effects of flaxseed and ALA in models of skeletal muscle degeneration characterized by high levels of Tumor Necrosis Factor-α (TNF).

Methods: The in vivo studies were carried out on dystrophic hamsters affected by muscle damage associated with high TNF plasma levels and fed with a long-term 30% flaxseed-supplemented diet. Differentiating C2C12 myoblasts treated with TNF and challenged with ALA represented the in vitro model. Skeletal muscle morphology was scrutinized by applying the Principal Component Analysis statistical method. Apoptosis, inflammation and myogenesis were analyzed by immunofluorescence. Finally, an in silico analysis was carried out to predict the possible pathways underlying the effects of n-3 PUFAs.

Results: The flaxseed-enriched diet protected the dystrophic muscle from apoptosis and preserved muscle myogenesis by increasing the myogenin and alpha myosin heavy chain. Moreover, it restored the normal expression pattern of caveolin-3 thereby allowing protein retention at the sarcolemma. ALA reduced TNF-induced apoptosis in differentiating myoblasts and prevented the TNF-induced inhibition of myogenesis, as demonstrated by the increased expression of myogenin, myosin heavy chain and caveolin-3, while promoting myotube fusion. The in silico investigation revealed that FAK pathways may play a central role in the protective effects of ALA on myogenesis.

Conclusions: These findings indicate that flaxseed may exert potent beneficial effects by preserving skeletal muscle regeneration and homeostasis partly through an ALA-mediated action. Thus, dietary flaxseed and ALA may serve as a useful strategy for treating patients with muscle dystrophies.

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Gender Related Survival Differences in ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction Patients Treated with Primary PCI

Background: Data about gender as an independent risk factor for death in ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients is still contrasting. Aim was to assess how gender influences in-hospital and long-term all-cause mortality in STEMI patients with primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in our region.

Methods: We analysed data from 2069 STEMI patients undergoing primary PCI in our institution from January 2009-December 2014, of whom 28.9% were women. In-hospital and long-term mortality were observed in women and men. The effect of gender on in-hospital mortality was assessed by binary logistic regression modelling and by Cox regression analysis for long-term mortality.

Results: Women were older (68.3±61.8 vs 61.8±12.0 years; p<0.0001), with a higher prevalence of diabetes (13.7% vs 9.9%; p=0.013) and tend to be more frequently admitted in cardiogenic shock (8.4% vs 6.3%; p =0.085). They were less frequently treated with bivalirudin (15.9% vs 20.3%; p=0.022).

In-hospital mortality was higher among women (14.2% vs 7.8%; p<0.0001). After adjustment, age (adjusted OR: 1.05; 95% CI: 1.03 to 1.08; p < 0.001) and cardiogenic shock at admission (adjusted OR: 24.56; 95% CI: 11.98 to 50.35; p < 0.001), but not sex (adjusted OR: 1.47; 95% CI: 0.80 to 2.71) were identified as prognostic factors of in-hospital mortality.

During the median follow-up of 27 months (25th, 75th percentile: 9, 48) the mortality rate (23.6% vs 15.1%; p<0.0001) was significantly higher in women.

The multivariate adjusted Cox regression model identified age (HR 1.05; 95% CI 1.04-1.07; p<0.0001), cardiogenic shock at admission (HR 6.09; 95% CI 3.78-9.81; p<0.0001), hypertension (HR 1.49; 95% CI 1.02-2.18; p<0.046), but not sex (HR 1.04; 95% CI 0.74-1.47) as independent prognostic factors of follow-up mortality.

Conclusion: Older age and worse clinical presentation rather than gender may explain the higher mortality rate in women with STEMI undergoing primary PCI.

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Melissa Officinalis L. Extracts Protect Human Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells against Oxidative Stress-Induced Apoptosis

Background: We evaluated the protective effect of ALS-L1023, an extract of Melissa officinalis L. (Labiatae; lemon balm) against oxidative stress-induced apoptosis in human retinal pigment epithelial cells (ARPE-19 cells).

Methods: ARPE-19 cells were incubated with ALS-L1023 for 24 h and then treated with hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂). Oxidative stress-induced apoptosis and intracellular generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) were assessed by flow cytometry. Caspase-3/7 activation and cleaved poly ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP) were measured to investigate the protective role of ALS-L1023 against apoptosis. The protective effect of ALS-L1023 against oxidative stress through activation of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt) was evaluated by Western blot analysis.

Results: ALS-L1023 clearly reduced H₂O₂-induced cell apoptosis and intracellular production of ROS. H₂O₂-induced oxidative stress increased caspase-3/7 activity and apoptotic PARP cleavage, which were significantly inhibited by ALS-L1023. Activation of the PI3K/Akt pathway was associated with the protective effect of ALS-L1023 on ARPE-19 cells.

Conclusions: ALS-L1023 protected human RPE cells against oxidative damage. This suggests that ALS-L1023 has therapeutic potential for the prevention of dry age-related macular degeneration.

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Study and Therapeutic Progress on Intracranial Serpentine Aneurysms

An intracranial serpentine aneurysm (SA) is a clinically rare entity, and very few multi-case studies on SA have been published. The present study reviewed the relevant literature available on PubMed. The studied information included the formation mechanism and natural history of SA as well as its clinical manifestation, imaging characteristics, and current treatments. After reviewing the literature, we conclude that intracranial SA can be managed surgically and by endovascular embolization, but the degree of blood flow in normal brain tissue distal to the SA must be evaluated. A balloon occlusion test (BOT) or cross compression test is recommended for this evaluation. If the collateral circulation is sufficiently compensatory, direct excision or embolization can be performed. However, if the compensatory collateral circulation is poor, a bypass surgery is necessary. Satisfactory results can be achieved in the majority of SA patients after treatment. However, the size of the aneurysm may increase in some patients after endovascular treatment. Special attention should be paid to cases exhibiting a significant mass effect to avoid subsequent SA excision due to an intolerable mass effect. Satisfactory results can be achieved with careful treatment of SA.

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Impact of JAK2V617F Mutation Burden on Disease Phenotype in Chinese Patients with JAK2V617F-positive Polycythemia Vera (PV) and Essential thrombocythemia (ET)

Most patients with polycythemia vera (PV) and half of essential thrombocythemia (ET) possess an activating JAK2V617F mutation. The objective of this study was to better define the effect of JAK2V617F mutant allele burden on clinical phenotypes in Chinese patients, especially thrombosis. By real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), the JAK2V617F mutation burden was detected in 170 JAK2V617F-positive patients, including 54 PV and 116 ET. The results showed that JAK2V617F allele burden was higher in PV than in ET (P< 0.001). Higher percentage of patients had JAK2V617F allele burden over 20% in PV than in ET (68.5% VS 26.7%) (P< 0.001). In PV patients, higher JAK2V617F allele burden was observed in female (P< 0.05) and leukocytosis patients (WBC above 10×10⁹/L) (P< 0.001). Meanwhile, ET patients showed increased JAK2V617F allele burden in the group with higher hemoglobin (HGB above 150g/L) (P< 0.05), leukocytosis (WBC above 10×10⁹/L) (P< 0.001), splenomegaly (P< 0.05) and thrombosis (P< 0.05). In conclusion, the JAK2V617F mutation allele burden is higher in Chinese patients with PV than ET. In PV patients, JAK2V617F mutation burden had influence on WBC counts. And the clinical characteristics of ET patients, such as WBC counts, hemoglobin level, splenomegaly and thrombosis, were influenced by JAK2V617F mutation burden. Male, high hemoglobin (HGB above 150g/L), and increased JAK2V617F mutation burden (JAK2V617F allele burden ≥16.5%) were risks of thrombosis (P< 0.05) for ET patients by Logistic Regression.

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Detection of Human Papillomavirus 16-Specific IgG and IgM Antibodies in Patient Sera: A Potential Indicator of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Risk Factor

The association between human papillomavirus type 16 (HPV16) and oral cancer has been widely reported. However, detecting anti-HPV antibodies in patient sera to determine risk for oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) has not been well studied. In the present investigation, a total of 206 OSCC serum samples from the Malaysian Oral Cancer Database & Tissue Bank System, with 134 control serum samples, were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbant assay (ELISA) to detect HPV16-specific IgG and IgM antibodies. In addition, nested PCR analysis using comprehensive consensus primers (PGMY09/11 and GP5⁺/6⁺) was used to confirm the presence of HPV. Furthermore, we have evaluated the association of various additional causal factors (e.g., smoking, alcohol consumption, and betel quid chewing) in HPV-infected OSCC patients. Statistical analysis of the Malaysian population indicated that OSCC was more prevalent in female Indian patients that practices betel quid chewing. ELISA revealed that HPV16 IgG, which demonstrates past exposure, could be detected in 197 (95.6%) OSCC patients and HPV16-specific IgM was found in a total of 42 (20.4%) OSCC patients, indicating current exposure. Taken together, our study suggest that HPV infection may play a significant role in OSCC (OR: 13.6; 95% CI: 3.89-47.51) and HPV16-specific IgG and IgM antibodies could represent a significant indicator of risk factors in OSCC patients.

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The Prodomain-Containing BMP9 Produced from a Stable Line Effectively Regulates the Differentiation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells

Background: BMPs play important roles in regulating stem cell proliferation and differentiation. Using adenovirus-mediated expression of the 14 types of BMPs we demonstrated that BMP9 is one of the most potent BMPs in inducing osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), which was undetected in the early studies using recombinant BMP9 proteins. Endogenous BMPs are expressed as a precursor protein that contains an N-terminal signal peptide, a prodomain and a C-terminal mature peptide. Most commercially available recombinant BMP9 proteins are purified from the cells expressing the mature peptide. It is unclear how effectively these recombinant BMP9 proteins functionally recapitulate endogenous BMP9.

Methods: A stable cell line expressing the full coding region of mouse BMP9 was established in HEK-293 cells by using the piggyBac transposon system. The biological activities and stability of the conditioned medium generated from the stable line were analyzed.

Results: The stable HEK-293 line expresses a high level of mouse BMP9. BMP9 conditioned medium (BMP9-cm) was shown to effectively induce osteogenic differentiation of MSCs, to activate BMP-R specific Smad signaling, and to up-regulate downstream target genes in MSCs. The biological activity of BMP9-cm is at least comparable with that induced by AdBMP9 in vitro. Furthermore, BMP9-cm exhibits an excellent stability profile as its biological activity is not affected by long-term storage at -80ºC, repeated thawing cycles, and extended storage at 4ºC.

Conclusions: We have established a producer line that stably expresses a high level of active BMP9 protein. Such producer line should be a valuable resource for generating biologically active BMP9 protein for studying BMP9 signaling mechanism and functions.

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Daclatasvir plus Asunaprevir Treatment for Real-World HCV Genotype 1-Infected Patients in Japan

Background. All-oral combination of direct-acting antivirals could lead to higher sustained virologic response (SVR) in hepatitis C virus (HCV)-infected patients. In the present study, we examined the efficacy and safety of the dual oral treatment with HCV nonstructural protein (NS) 5A inhibitor daclatasvir (DCV) plus HCV NS3/4A inhibitor asunaprevir (ASV) for 24 weeks in real-world HCV genotype 1-infected Japanese individuals.

Methods. After screening for HCV NS5A resistance-associated variants (RAVs) by PCR invader assay, a total of 54 Japanese patients infected with HCV genotype 1 treated with DCV plus ASV were retrospectively analyzed. SVR12 was used for evaluation of the virologic response.

Results. Of the total 54 patients, 46 patients (85.2%) were treated with DCV plus ASV for 24 weeks and achieved SVR12. The other 8 patients (14.8%) discontinued this treatment before 24 weeks due to adverse events. Of these 8 patients, 5 and 3 patients did and did not achieve SVR12, respectively. Finally, 51 of 54 (94.4%) patients achieved SVR12.

Conclusion. Treatment with DCV and ASV after screening for HCV NS5A RAVs by PCR invader assay is effective and safe in the treatment of real-world HCV genotype 1-infected patients in Japan.

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Dynamic Compression Effects on Immature Nucleus Pulposus: a Study Using a Novel Intelligent and Mechanically Active Bioreactor

Background: Previous cell culture and animal in vivo studies indicate the obvious effects of mechanical compression on disc cell biology. However, the effects of dynamic compression magnitude, frequency and duration on the immature nucleus pulposus (NP) from an organ-cultured disc are not well understood.

Objective: To investigate the effects of a relatively wide range of compressive magnitudes, frequencies and durations on cell apoptosis and matrix composition within the immature NP using an intelligent and mechanically active bioreactor.

Methods: Discs from the immature porcine were cultured in a mechanically active bioreactor for 7 days. The discs in various compressive magnitude groups (0.1, 0.2, 0.4, 0.8 and 1.3 MPa at a frequency of 1.0 Hz for 2 hours), frequency groups (0.1, 0.5, 1.0, 3.0 and 5.0 Hz at a magnitude of 0.4 MPa for 2 hours) and duration groups (1, 2, 4 and 8 hours at a magnitude of 0.4 MPa and frequency of 1.0 Hz) experienced dynamic compression once per day. Discs cultured without compression were used as controls. Immature NP samples were analyzed using the TUNEL assay, histological staining, glycosaminoglycan (GAG) content measurement, real-time PCR and collagen II immunohistochemical staining.

Results: In the 1.3 MPa, 5.0 Hz and 8 hour groups, the immature NP showed a significantly increase in apoptotic cells, a catabolic gene expression profile with down-regulated matrix molecules and up-regulated matrix degradation enzymes, and decreased GAG content and collagen II deposition. In the other compressive magnitude, frequency and duration groups, the immature NP showed a healthier status regarding NP cell apoptosis, gene expression profile and matrix production.

Conclusion: Cell apoptosis and matrix composition within the immature NP were compressive magnitude-, frequency- and duration-dependent. The relatively high compressive magnitude or frequency and long compressive duration are not helpful for maintaining the healthy status of an immature NP.

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The Expression of Gli3 and Teashirt3 in the Stenotic Tissue of Congenital Pelvi-Ureteric Junction Obstruction in Children

Background: The aim of this study was to determine the expression pattern of Gli3 and Teashirt3 in stenotic segments in children with congenital hydronephrosis due to pelvi-ureteric junction obstruction (PUJO) versus in normal control subjects.

Materials and methods: 60 patients and 10 controls were included in this study. Immunohistochemistry, Western blot and real-time PCR were used to investigate into the expression of Gli3 and Teashirt3.

Results: Immunohistochemistry identified that Gli3 and Teashirt3 located in the cytoplasm of smooth muscle in normal ureter. However, the expression of Gli3 and Teashirt3 was negative in the PUJO group. Gli3 and Teashirt3 protein and mRNA expression was significantly decreased in PUJO group compared with control group on Western blot and real time PCR.

Conclusions: The expression of protein and mRNA of Gli3 and Teashirt3 was significantly decreased in the PUJO group. Gli3 and Teashirt3 protein was mainly located in the cytoplasm of smooth muscle in normal ureter. Gli3 and Teashirt3 might play an important role in the normal development of the ureter. The down-regulated Gli3 and Teashirt3 perhaps participated in the pathogenesis of the congenital hydronephrosis due to PUJO.

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A Prospective Randomized Experimental Study to Investigate the Eradication Rate of Endometriosis after Surgical Resection versus Aerosol Plasma Coagulation in a Rat Model

Purpose To investigate the eradication rate of endometriosis after surgical resection (SR) vs. thermal ablation with aerosol plasma coagulation (AePC) in a rat model.

Methods In this prospective, randomized, controlled, single-blinded animal study endometriosis was induced on the abdominal wall of 34 female Wistar rats. After 14 days endometriosis was either removed by SR or ablated by AePC. 14 days later the rats were euthanized to evaluate the eradication rate histopathologically. Intervention times were recorded.

Results Eradication rate of endometriosis after 14 days did not significantly differ between AePC and SR (p=0.22). Intervention time per endometrial lesion was 22.1 s for AePC and 51.8 s for SR (p<0.0001).

Conclusions This study compares the eradication rate of the new aerosol plasma coagulation device versus standard surgical resection of endometriosis in a rat model. Despite being a thermal method, AePC showed equality towards SR regarding eradication rate but with significantly shorter intervention time.

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ES140 Flexible Forceps

Durable, stainless steel flexible forceps designed for use with the veterinary Wireless Video Otoscope DE551 and the ES108 XL Specula Kit.

Features

• Alligator Forceps
• Flexible
• 13cm Long
• Stainless Steel
• Ideal for use with ES108 and DE551

Note – ES108 XL Specula Kit and DE551 Wireless Veterinary Video Otoscope Not included

For more information contact sales@fireflyglobal.com

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ES201 Compact LED Light Source

Firefly ES201 is a compact, high powered LED light source compatible with standard endoscopes and the Firefly DE1250 Wireless Endoscope Camera. It provides brilliant LED lighting for a variety of applications. Powered by a long lasting, rechargeable lithium battery, this light source is a truly innovative and mobile solution uninhibited by wires. Unlike other portable light sources, the ES201 delivers these breakthrough capabilities – and much more – at a highly economical cost.

For Technical Specifications Click Here

[See image gallery at fireflyglobal.com]

Features

• Completely Wireless Operation
• 5 Watt Ultra-Bright LED
• 4 Hour Operation
• 2 Rechargeable Batteries and AC Charger Included
• Lightweight
• Waterproof
• Rugged industrialized construction
• Compatible with the Wireless Endoscope Camera DE1250

Uses

• Mobile Endoscopic Applications
• ENT
• Veterinary
• Cystoscopy

What's Included

• Compact LED Light Source
• 2 Rechargeable Batteries
• AC Charger
• User Manual

Technical Specifications
Weight (with battery)	120 grams
Length	120 mm
Diameter at Tail	23 mm
Diameter at Tip	17 mm
Battery Duration	Over 4.5 hours
Battery Charge Time	5 hours
Battery	Type 18650, Lithium Ion, 3.7V, 2600mAh
Charger	110-240VAC source 4.2V DC 600mA output
Illumination Source	LED
Color Temperature	6500K, Standard CRI ANSI White
Water Ingress	IPX7
Electrical Class	Class 1, Type BF
Medical Class	FDA CLass 2 - CE/MDD Class 1
Warranty	1 Year

For more information contact sales@fireflyglobal.com

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Sampling Error: Impact on the Quantitative Analysis of Nanoparticle-Based Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering Immunoassays

Analytical Chemistry

DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.6b01263

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Contents

Publication date: June–July 2016
Source:Médecine & Droit, Volume 2016, Issue 138





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Editorial Board

Publication date: June–July 2016
Source:Médecine & Droit, Volume 2016, Issue 138





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Application of Two-Dimensional Nuclear Magnetic Resonance for Signal Enhancement by Spectral Integration Using a Large Data Set of Metabolic Mixtures

Analytical Chemistry

DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.6b01495

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Association between gait characteristics and endothelial oxidative stress and inflammation in patients with symptomatic peripheral artery disease

Abstract

The aim of the study was to determine whether gait characteristics were associated with endothelial cell inflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis and with circulating biomarkers of inflammation and antioxidant capacity in older patients with symptomatic peripheral artery disease (PAD). Gait measurements of 231 symptomatic men and women with PAD were assessed during a 4-m walk test. Patients were further characterized on endothelial effects of circulating factors present in the sera using a cell culture-based bioassay on primary human arterial endothelial cells and on circulating inflammatory and vascular biomarkers. In a multivariate regression model for gait speed, the significant independent variables were age (p < 0.001), intercellular cell adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) (p < 0.001), diabetes (p = 0.003), sex (p = 0.003), and history of cerebrovascular accidents (p = 0.021). In multivariate analyses for gait cadence, the significant independent predictors included high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (HsCRP) (p < 0.001), diabetes (p = 0.001), and hypertension (p = 0.001). In a multivariate regression model for gait stride length, the significant independent variables were HsCRP (p < 0.001), age (p < 0.001), ICAM-1 (p < 0.001), hypertension (p = 0.002), cellular reactive oxygen species production (p = 0.007), and sex (p = 0.008). Higher levels of circulating biomarkers of inflammation and endothelial cell oxidative stress were associated with slower gait speed, slower cadence, and shorter stride length in older symptomatic patients with PAD. Additionally, this profile of impaired gait was more evident in older patients, in women, and in those with diabetes, hypertension, and history of cerebrovascular accidents.

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Isolation and Expansion of Mesenchymal Stem/Stromal Cells Derived from Human Placenta Tissue

Herein we describe methods for the dissection of fetal and maternal tissues from human term placenta, followed by isolation and expansion of mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSC) from these tissues.

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A Protocol for Collecting and Constructing Soil Core Lysimeters

A detailed method for extraction and assembly of intact soil core lysimeters and their use for study of leachate and associated loss of nutrients from surface applied poultry litter is demonstrated.

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Germline development in amniotes: A paradigm shift in primordial germ cell specification

In the field of germline development in amniote vertebrates, primordial germ cell (PGC) specification in birds and reptiles remains controversial. Avians are believed to adopt a predetermination or maternal specification mode of PGC formation, contrary to an inductive mode employed by mammals and, supposedly, reptiles. Here, we revisit and review some key aspects of PGC development that channelled the current subdivision, and challenge the position of birds and reptiles as well as the 'binary' evolutionary model of PGC development in vertebrates. We propose an alternative view on PGC specification where germ plasm plays a role in laying the foundation for the formation of PGC precursors (pPGC), but not necessarily of PGCs. Moreover, inductive mechanisms may be necessary for the transition from pPGCs to PGCs. Within this framework, the implementation of data from birds and reptiles could provide new insights on the evolution of PGC specification in amniotes.

PGC specification is currently believed to occur according to two modalities, maternal specification or induction. We propose an alternative view whereby maternal determinants (germ plasm), when present, guide specification of (multipotent) PGC precursors (pPGCs), but induction is needed for the transition from pPGCs to PGCs in amniotes, and perhaps all animals (The existence of germ line stem cells is sex and/or species dependent).

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Defining heterogeneity within bacterial populations via single cell approaches

Bacterial populations are heterogeneous, which in many cases can provide a selective advantage during changes in environmental conditions. In some instances, heterogeneity exists at the genetic level, in which significant allelic variation occurs within a population seeded by a single cell. In other cases, heterogeneity exists due to phenotypic differences within a clonal, genetically identical population. A variety of mechanisms can drive this latter strategy. Stochastic fluctuations can drive differential gene expression, but heterogeneity in gene expression can also be driven by environmental changes sensed by individual cells residing in distinct locales. Utilizing multiple single cell approaches, workers have started to uncover the extent of heterogeneity within bacterial populations. This review will first describe several examples of phenotypic and genetic heterogeneity, and then discuss many single cell approaches that have recently been applied to define heterogeneity within bacterial populations.

Individual cells within replicating bacterial populations express distinct phenotypes, which can develop when individuals encounter small microenvironments and respond to environmental cues, and can also exist prior to an environmental change. The extent of microbial heterogeneity can now be probed at the single cell level due to recent technological advances.

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Design of trials for interrupting the transmission of endemic pathogens

Many interventions against infectious diseases have geographically diffuse effects. This leads to contamination between arms in cluster-randomized trials (CRTs). Pathogen elimination is the goal of many interv...

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The impact of albendazole treatment on the incidence of viral- and bacterial-induced diarrhea in school children in southern Vietnam: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Anthelmintics are one of the more commonly available classes of drugs to treat infections by parasitic helminths (especially nematodes) in the human intestinal tract. As a result of their cost-effectiveness, m...

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Daily Life Negative Mood and Exhaled Nitric Oxide in Asthma

Publication date: Available online 6 June 2016
Source:Biological Psychology
Author(s): Thomas Ritz, Antje Kullowatz, Michelle N. Bill, David Rosenfield
BackgroundPsychosocial stress and negative affect have been linked to asthma exacerbations, but longitudinal studies demonstrating a daily life association between negative affect and airway nitric oxide are missing.ObjectiveThe longitudinal association between negative mood fluctuations, exhaled nitric oxide, and lung function in asthma was examined.MethodsSelf-assessments of the fraction of exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO), spirometry (forced expiratory volume in the first second, FEV1), negative mood, and daily activities were obtained from 20 patients with asthma for 2 months, resulting in 1108 assessments for the analyses (approximately 55 per patient). Concurrent and prospective associations between FeNO, FEV1, and negative mood were analyzed using mixed effects regression models for longitudinal data.ResultsNegative mood was positively associated with changes in FeNO during the same day, and to a stronger extent when prior day negative mood was included in the prediction. FeNO and negative mood were positively associated with same-day FEV1, with the latter relation being partially mediated by changes in FeNO. Associations between FeNO and FEV1 were stronger in younger patients, with earlier onset of asthma, or with lower asthma control. Findings were not changed when controlling for physical activity, medication, cold symptoms, air pollution, and hours spent outside.ConclusionDaily life changes of negative mood in asthma are positively associated with FeNO changes and FeNO increases are associated with a mild bronchodilation. These findings indicate that psychological influences need to be considered when using FeNO as indicator of airway inflammation and guide for treatment decisions.



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Loss- and Gain-of-function Approach to Investigate Early Cell Fate Determinants in Preimplantation Mouse Embryos

The goal of this protocol is to describe a loss- and gain-of function method that is applicable to identify neogenin as a stage-specific receptor that leads to trophectoderm and inner cell mass differentiation in preimplantation mouse embryos.

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Competitive Assays of Label-Free DNA Hybridization with Single-Molecule Fluorescence Imaging Detection

Analytical Chemistry

DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.6b00992

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Probing vaccine antigens against bovine mastitis caused by Streptococcus uberis

Publication date: Available online 6 June 2016
Source:Vaccine
Author(s): Rosa Collado, Antoni Prenafeta, Luis González-González, Josep Antoni Pérez-Pons, Marta Sitjà
Streptococcus uberis is a worldwide pathogen that causes intramammary infections in dairy cattle. Because virulence factors determining the pathogenicity of S. uberis have not been clearly identified so far, a commercial vaccine is not yet available. Different S. uberis strains have the ability to form biofilm in vitro, although the association of this kind of growth with the development of mastitis is unknown. The objective of this study was to evaluate the potential use as vaccine antigens of proteins from S. uberis biofilms, previously identified by proteomic and immunological analyses. The capability of eliciting a protective immune response by targeted candidates was assayed on a murine model. Sera from rabbits immunized with S. uberis biofilm preparations and a convalescent cow intra-mammary infected with S. uberis were probed against cell wall proteins from biofilm and planktonic cells previously separated by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis. Using rabbit immunized serum, two proteins were found to be up-regulated in biofilm cells as compared to planktonic cells; when serum from the convalescent cow was used, up to sixteen biofilm proteins were detected. From these proteins, glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH), fructose-biphosphate aldolase (FBA), and elongation factor Ts (EFTs) were chosen to be tested as vaccine antigen candidates. For this purpose, different groups of mice were immunized with the three recombinant-expressed proteins (each one formulated separately in a vaccine), and thereafter intraperitoneally challenged with S. uberis. The three proteins induced specific IgG antibodies, but a significant reduction of mortality was only observed in the groups of mice vaccinated with FBA or EFTs. These results suggest that FBA and EFTs might be considered as strong antigenic candidates for a vaccine against S. uberis bovine mastitis. Moreover, this is the first study to indicate that also in S. uberis, GAPDH, FBA and EFTs, as proteins detected in both cytoplasm and cell wall fractions, can play a second function (moonlighting), the latter being particularly involved in the virulence of such a pathogen organism.



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Échoendoscopie et coloscopie en France : formation et qualité

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Mobile phones and seizures: drug-resistant epilepsy is less common in mobile-phone-using patients

Background

Epilepsy is a condition where patients have seizures due to abnormal nerve impulses in the brain. The effect of mobile phone radiation on patients with seizures is not known.

Objective

To compare the seizure profile of patients not using mobile phones with that of their peers using mobile phones.

Methods

In a retrospective cohort study performed at the neurology outpatient department of Guntur Medical College Hospital, Guntur, India from September 2014 to September 2015, we included 178 consecutive epileptic patients aged 16–65 years, who had had seizure disorder for 1 year or more. On the basis of their possession and usage of mobile phones, patients were divided into three groups: no mobile group (NMG), home mobile group (HMG) and personal mobile group (PMG). We obtained data on seizure frequency and recorded details of mobile phone usage and their antiepileptic drug (AED) treatment.

Results

107 NMG, 3 HMG and 68 PMG patients were finalised for the analysis. There was no significant difference in the number of seizures in the past year between the three groups. The PMG (3.7%) contained a clinically significant lower proportion of patients with drug-resistant epilepsy than the NMG (28.2%). Patients with drug-responsive epilepsy were 7.4 (95% CI 1.4 to 39.9) (p=0.01) times more likely to be found in the PMG than in the NMG after adjustment for differences in sex and occupation.

Conclusions

Although the experimental data remain inconclusive, our clinical study suggests that patients who use mobile phones are less likely to have drug-resistant epilepsy.

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Observation of the efficacy of radiofrequency catheter ablation on patients with different forms of atrial fibrillation

OBJECTIVE: To study the efficacy and safety of radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) in patients with different forms of atrial fibrillation.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: By retrospective analysis, we summarize 720 cases, where patients diagnosed with atrial fibrillation in our hospital were treated with RFCA from February 2010 to October 2014. Among the cases, 425 were diagnosed with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation and 295 with non-paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (including persistent atrial fibrillation and permanent atrial fibrillation). All patients were followed up until June 2015 to compare and analyze the differences in operation success rates, complications and recurrence rates.

RESULTS: 395 cases (92.9%) of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation and 253 cases (85.8%) with non-paroxysmal atrial fibrillation were subject to surgery and followed up. The age of onset, disease course, underlying diseases, left atrial diameter and combined anti-arrhythmics of patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation were lower than those of patients with non-paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, and the differences were statistically significant (p<0.05). The success rate of the first ablation was higher than that of non-paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. Procedure time, procedure method, complications and recurrence rate of patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation were lower than those of non-paroxysmal atrial fibrillation group, and the differences were statistically significant (p<0.05). When we compared apoplexy and heart failure caused by atrial fibrillation in the two groups, the difference was not statistically significant (Apoplexy: p=0.186; Heart failure: p=0.170).

CONCLUSIONS: The individual ablation success rate was higher for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, and long-term follow-up showed that the occurrence of apoplexy and heart failure was not different from the non-paroxysmal atrial fibrillation group.

L'articolo Observation of the efficacy of radiofrequency catheter ablation on patients with different forms of atrial fibrillation sembra essere il primo su European Review.

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The chemical biology of protein hydropersulfides: Studies of a possible protective function of biological hydropersulfide generation

Publication date: August 2016
Source:Free Radical Biology and Medicine, Volume 97
Author(s): Robert Millikin, Christopher L. Bianco, Corey White, Simran S. Saund, Stephanie Henriquez, Victor Sosa, Takaaki Akaike, Yoshito Kumagai, Shuhei Soeda, John P. Toscano, Joseph Lin, Jon M. Fukuto
The recent discovery of significant hydropersulfide (RSSH) levels in mammalian tissues, fluids and cells has led to numerous questions regarding their possible physiological function. Cysteine hydropersulfides have been found in free cysteine, small molecule peptides as well as in proteins. Based on their chemical properties and likely cellular conditions associated with their biosynthesis, it has been proposed that they can serve a protective function. That is, hydropersulfide formation on critical thiols may protect them from irreversible oxidative or electrophilic inactivation. As a prelude to understanding the possible roles and functions of hydropersulfides in biological systems, this study utilizes primarily chemical experiments to delineate the possible mechanistic chemistry associated with cellular protection. Thus, the ability of hydropersulfides to protect against irreversible electrophilic and oxidative modification was examined. The results herein indicate that hydropersulfides are very reactive towards oxidants and electrophiles and are modified readily. However, reduction of these oxidized/modified species is facile generating the corresponding thiol, consistent with the idea that hydropersulfides can serve a protective function for thiol proteins.



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IJGI, Vol. 5, Pages 86: 3-Dimensional Modeling and Simulation of the Cloud Based on Cellular Automata and Particle System

The authors combine the cellular automata with particle system to realize the three-dimensional modeling and visualization of the cloud in the paper. First, we use the principle of particle systems to simulate the outline of the cloud; generate uniform particles in the bounding volumes of the cloud through random function; build the cloud particle system; and initialize the particle number, size, location and related properties. Then the principle of cellular automata system is adopted to deal with uniform particles simulated by the particle system to make it conform to the rules set by the user, and calculate its continuous field density. We render the final cloud particles with a texture map and simulate the more realistic three-dimensional cloud. This method not only obtains the real effect in the simulation, but also improves the rendering performance.

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Sustainability, Vol. 8, Pages 536: Dynamic Ecological Risk Assessment and Management of Land Use in the Middle Reaches of the Heihe River Based on Landscape Patterns and Spatial Statistics

Land use profoundly changes the terrestrial ecosystem and landscape patterns, and these changes reveal the extent and scope of the ecological influence of land use on the terrestrial ecosystem. The study area selected for this research was the middle reaches of the Heihe River. Based on land use data (1986, 2000, and 2014), we proposed an ecological risk index of land use by combining a landscape disturbance index with a landscape fragility index. An exponential model was selected to perform kriging interpolation, as well as spatial autocorrelations and semivariance analyses which could reveal the spatial aggregation patterns. The results indicated that the ecological risk of the middle reaches of the Heihe River was generally high, and higher in the northwest. The high values of the ecological risk index (ERI) tended to decrease, and the low ERI values tended to increase. Positive spatial autocorrelations and a prominent scale-dependence were observed among the ERI values. The main hot areas with High-High local autocorrelations were located in the north, and the cold areas with low-low local autocorrelations were primarily located in the middle corridor plain and Qilian Mountains. From 1986 to 2014, low and relatively low ecological risk areas decreased while relatively high risk areas expanded. A middle level of ecological risk was observed in Ganzhou and Minle counties. Shandan County presented a serious polarization, with high ecological risk areas observed in the north and low ecological risk areas observed in the southern Shandan horse farm. In order to lower the eco-risk and achieve the sustainability of land use, these results suggest policies to strictly control the oasis expansion and the occupation of farmland for urbanization. Some inefficient farmland should transform into grassland in appropriate cases.

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IJGI, Vol. 5, Pages 85: Comparative Perspective of Human Behavior Patterns to Uncover Ownership Bias among Mobile Phone Users

With the rapid spread of mobile devices, call detail records (CDRs) from mobile phones provide more opportunities to incorporate dynamic aspects of human mobility in addressing societal issues. However, it has been increasingly observed that CDR data are not always representative of the population under study because it only includes device users alone. To understand the discrepancy between the population captured by CDRs and the general population, we profile principal populations of CDRs by analyzing routines based on time spent at key locations and compare these data with those of the general population. We employ a topic model to estimate typical routines of mobile phone users using CDRs as topics. The routines are extracted from field survey data and compared between those of the general population and mobile phone users. We found that there are two main population groups of mobile phone users in Dhaka: males engaged in an income-generating activity at a specific location other than home and females performing household tasks and spending most of their time at home. We determine that CDRs tend to omit students, who form a significant component of the Dhaka population.

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Marine Drugs, Vol. 14, Pages 108: Enzymatic Hydrolysis of Alginate to Produce Oligosaccharides by a New Purified Endo-Type Alginate Lyase

Enzymatic hydrolysis of sodium alginate to produce alginate oligosaccharides has drawn increasing attention due to its advantages of containing a wild reaction condition, excellent gel properties and specific products easy for purification. However, the efficient commercial enzyme tools are rarely available. A new alginate lyase with high activity (24,038 U/mg) has been purified from a newly isolated marine strain, Cellulophaga sp. NJ-1. The enzyme was most active at 50 °C and pH 8.0 and maintained stability at a broad pH range (6.0–10.0) and temperature below 40 °C. It had broad substrate specificity toward sodium alginate, heteropolymeric MG blocks (polyMG), homopolymeric M blocks (polyM) and homopolymeric G blocks (polyG), and possessed higher affinity toward polyG (15.63 mM) as well as polyMG (23.90 mM) than polyM (53.61 mM) and sodium alginate (27.21 mM). The TLC and MS spectroscopy analysis of degradation products suggested that it completely hydrolyzed sodium alginate into oligosaccharides of low degrees of polymerization (DPs). The excellent properties would make it a promising tool for full use of sodium alginate to produce oligosaccharides.

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Efficiencies of resonant and nonresonant multiphoton ionization in the femtosecond region

Analyst, 2016, Accepted Manuscript
DOI: 10.1039/C6AN00577B, Paper

Totaro Imasaka, Hiroaki Kouno
Ionization efficiency in mass spectrometry was examined for three types of molecules under different ionization schemes, i.e., resonant/nonresonant and two-photon/three-photon ionization, using an ultraviolet (UV) femtosecond laser at different wavelengths,...
The content of this RSS Feed (c) The Royal Society of Chemistry

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Processes, Vol. 4, Pages 19: A Review of Dynamic Models of Hot-Melt Extrusion

Hot-melt extrusion is commonly applied for forming products, ranging from metals to plastics, rubber and clay composites. It is also increasingly used for the production of pharmaceuticals, such as granules, pellets and tablets. In this context, mathematical modeling plays an important role to determine the best process operating conditions, but also to possibly develop software sensors or controllers. The early models were essentially black-box and relied on the measurement of the residence time distribution. Current models involve mass, energy and momentum balances and consists of (partial) differential equations. This paper presents a literature review of a range of existing models. A common case study is considered to illustrate the predictive capability of the main candidate models, programmed in a simulation environment (e.g., MATLAB). Finally, a comprehensive distributed parameter model capturing the main phenomena is proposed.

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IJERPH, Vol. 13, Pages 565: Childhood Health Status and Adulthood Cardiovascular Disease Morbidity in Rural China: Are They Related?

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are among the top health problems of the Chinese population. Although mounting evidence suggests that early childhood health status has an enduring effect on late life chronic morbidity, no study so far has analyzed the issue in China. Using nationally representative data from the 2013 China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS), a Probit model and Two-Stage Residual Inclusion estimation estimator were applied to analyze the relationship between childhood health status and adulthood cardiovascular disease in rural China. Good childhood health was associated with reduced risk of adult CVDs. Given the long-term effects of childhood health on adulthood health later on, health policy and programs to improve the health status and well-being of Chinese populations over the entire life cycle, especially in persons' early life, are expected to be effective and successful.

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Sensitive fluorescence assay of organophosphorous pesticides based on the fluorescence resonance energy transfer between CdTe quantum dots and porphyrin

Analyst, 2016, Accepted Manuscript
DOI: 10.1039/C6AN00626D, Paper

Xue Gao, Yue Zhao, Bing Zhang, Tang Yiwei, Xiuying Liu, Jianrong Li
A sensitive and selective quantum dots (QDs)-based fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) biosensor was successfully fabricated for the detection of organophosphorus pesticides (OPs). 5,10,15,20-tetra(4-pyridyl)porphyrin (TPyP) with meso pyridyl substituents bound...
The content of this RSS Feed (c) The Royal Society of Chemistry

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Monolith dip-it: a bifunctional device for improving the sensitivity of direct analysis in real time mass spectrometry

Analyst, 2016, Accepted Manuscript
DOI: 10.1039/C6AN00839A, Paper

Xian-Jiang Li, Ze Li, Xin Wang, Honggang Nie, Yiding Zhang, Yu Bai, Huwei Liu
A bifunctional monolith dip-it was fabricated and applied for improving the sensitivity of direct analysis in real time mass spectrometry (DART-MS). This monolith dip-it device was prepared by in situ...
The content of this RSS Feed (c) The Royal Society of Chemistry

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Peritoneal dissemination in early gastric cancer: Importance of the lymphatic route

Virchows Archiv

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Effectiveness of Sofosbuvir, Ledipasvir/Sofosbuvir, or Paritaprevir/Ritonavir/Ombitasvir and Dasabuvir Regimens for Treatment of Patients With Hepatitis C in the Veterans Affairs National Healthcare System

Gastroenterology

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Comparing health care utilization among three treatment regimens provided to commercially-insured patients with chronic hepatitis C virus genotype 1

Value in Health

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Similar fecal microbiota signatures in patients with diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome and patients with depression

Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology

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Is preoperative distinction between complicated and uncomplicated acute appendicitis feasible without imaging?

Surgery

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Phase I study of lenalidomide and sorafenib in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma

The Oncologist

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Outcome of hypovascular hepatic nodules with positive uptake of gadoxetic acid in patients with cirrhosis

European Radiology

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Real-world sustained virologic response rates of sofosbuvir-containing regimens in patients coinfected with hepatitis C and HIV

Clinical Infectious Diseases

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Survival outcome of salvage hepatectomy in patients with local, recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma who underwent radiofrequency ablation as their first treatment

Surgery

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Hepatitis E virus (HEV) ORF2 antigen levels differentiate between acute and chronic HEV infection

The Journal of Infectious Diseases

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Systemic inflammatory markers as prognostic factors in stage IIA colorectal cancer

Journal of Surgical Oncology

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Cost-effectiveness of doxorubicin-eluting beads versus conventional trans-arterial chemo-embolization for hepatocellular carcinoma

Digestive and Liver Diseases

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Low serum vitamin D during remission increases risk of clinical relapse in patients with ulcerative colitis

Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology

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Randomized controlled trial of prophylactic negative-pressure wound therapy at ostomy closure for the prevention of delayed wound healing and surgical site infection in patients with ulcerative colitis

Digestive Surgery

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Clinical outcomes of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma resection following neoadjuvant chemoradiation therapy vs. chemotherapy

Surgery Today

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Combined medical and surgical approach improves healing of septic perianal Crohn's disease

Journal of the American College of Surgeons

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Elucidation of the metabolic network of Helicobacter pylori J99 and Malaysian clinical strains by phenotype microarray

Helicobacter

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High fecal IgA is associated with reduced Clostridium difficile colonization in infants

Microbes and Infection

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IJERPH, Vol. 13, Pages 564: Nutrient Intakes in Early Life and Risk of Obesity

There is increasing evidence that environmental factors in early life predict later health. The early adiposity rebound recorded in most obese subjects suggests that factors promoting body fat development have operated in the first years of life. Birth weight, growth velocity and body mass index (BMI) trajectories seem to be highly sensitive to the environmental conditions present during pregnancy and in early life ("The first 1000 days"). Particularly, nutritional exposure can have a long-term effect on health in adulthood. The high protein-low fat diet often recorded in young children may have contributed to the rapid rise of childhood obesity prevalence during the last decades. Metabolic programming by early nutrition could explain the development of later obesity and adult diseases.

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Veterinary Sciences, Vol. 3, Pages 10: Sequence Instability in the Proviral Long Terminal Repeat and gag Regions from Peripheral Blood and Tissue-Derived Leukocytes of FIV-Infected Cats during the Late Asymptomatic Phase

Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) infection results in viral persistence, a prolonged asymptomatic phase, and progressive immunopathology. During the asymptomatic phase, a cohort of experimentally FIV-infected cats exhibits features of viral latency in blood suggestive of inactive viral replication. We sought to investigate viral replication activity and genomic stability of the FIV proviral long terminal repeat (LTR) and the 5′ aspect of gag over time. FIV-infected cats during the asymptomatic phase demonstrated undetectable plasma FIV gag RNA transcripts and intermittent to undetectable blood-derived cell-associated FIV gag RNA. The LTR sequence demonstrated instability in blood-derived cells over time, in spite of low to undetectable viral replication. Sequence variation in the LTR was identified in CD4+ and CD21+ leukocytes from blood and surgically removed lymph nodes. Three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the LTR were commonly identified. Promoter functionality of a common LTR SNP and rare U3 mutation were examined by reporter gene assays and demonstrated either no change or increased basal FIV promoter function, respectively. In conclusion, this cohort of asymptomatic FIV-infected cats demonstrated instability of the LTR and 5' gag sequences during the study period, in spite of undetectable plasma and rare to undetectable viral gag RNA, which suggests that blood may not accurately represent viral activity in asymptomatic FIV-infected cats.

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Dentistry Journal, Vol. 4, Pages 19: iPS Cells—The Triumphs and Tribulations

The year 2006 will be remembered monumentally in science, particularly in the stem cell biology field, for the first instance of generation of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) from mouse embryonic/adult fibroblasts being reported by Takahashi and Yamanaka. A year later, human iPSCs (hiPSCs) were generated from adult human skin fibroblasts by using quartet of genes, Oct4, Sox2, Klf4, and c-Myc. This revolutionary technology won Yamanaka Nobel Prize in Physiology and Medicine in 2012. Like human embryonic stem cells (hESCs), iPSCs are pluripotent and have the capability for self-renewal. Moreover, complications of immune rejection for therapeutic applications would be greatly eliminated by generating iPSCs from individual patients. This has enabled their use for drug screening/discovery and disease modelling in vitro; and for immunotherapy and regenerative cellular therapies in vivo, paving paths for new therapeutics. Although this breakthrough technology has a huge potential, generation of these unusual cells is still slow, ineffectual, fraught with pitfalls, and unsafe for human use. In this review, I describe how iPSCs are being triumphantly used to lay foundation for a fully functional discipline of regenerative dentistry and medicine, alongside discussing the challenges of translating therapies into clinics. I also discuss their future implications in regenerative dentistry field.

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OtoRhinoLaryngology & Medicine,New Articles,June 6th,2016,b

Vitamin D supplementation in allergic rhinitis

Alexandros G. SfakianakisστοOtoRhinoLaryngology - Alexandros G. SfakianakisΠριν από 9 δευτερόλεπτα

Role of Datt Modh · Monday, June 06, 2016, 7:44 *Datt Modh, Ashish Katarkar, Bhaskar Thakkar, Anil Jain, Pankaj Shah, Krupal Joshi* Indian Journal of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology 2014 28(1):35-39 Background: Allergic rhinitis (AR) is the most common type of chronic rhinitis, affecting 10-20% of the population. Severe AR has been associated with significant impairments in quality of life, sleep, and work performance. A role for vitamin D in the regulation of immune function was first proposed after the identification of vitamin D receptors in lymphocytes. It has since been recogniz... περισσότερα »

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and Allergic diseases

Alexandros G. SfakianakisστοOtoRhinoLaryngology - Alexandros G. SfakianakisΠριν από 9 δευτερόλεπτα

Association between asthma and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorders in children: Potential risk factors Abdulbari Bener · Monday, June 06, 2016, 7:44 *Abdulbari Bener, Mohammad S. Ehlayel, Hale Zeynep Bener* Indian Journal of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology 2014 28(1):19-26 Background: Childhood asthma is common in children. It might be associated with behavioral abnormalities of inattention, irritability, or hyperactivity. These abnormalities form the major components of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Allergic diseases and ADHD are common pediatric conditions as... περισσότερα »

Anaphylaxis and immunotherapy

Alexandros G. SfakianakisστοOtoRhinoLaryngology - Alexandros G. SfakianakisΠριν από 9 δευτερόλεπτα

EDITORIAL *Year *: 2014 | *Volume* : 28 | *Issue* : 1 | *Page* : 1-2 S. N. Gaur1, Gaurav Bhati2 1 Professor and Head, Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Vallabhbhai Patel Chest Institute, University of Delhi, Delhi, India 2 Resident, Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Vallabhbhai Patel Chest Institute, University of Delhi, Delhi, India : http://www.ijaai.in/text.asp?2014/28/1/1/134199 The term anaphylaxis was coined in 1902 by Von Pirquet and Schick [1] to define the allergic reaction to the injection of horse serum in a patient. Presently, anaphylaxis is defined as "a serious ... περισσότερα »

Oral submucous fibrosis (OSF)

Alexandros G. SfakianakisστοOtoRhinoLaryngology - Alexandros G. SfakianakisΠριν από 9 δευτερόλεπτα

: Phased treatment of an extensive case: A surgical approach Venkatesh V Kamath · Monday, June 06, 2016, 7:49 *Venkatesh V Kamath, Satish Hegde, M Deepa* Journal of Cranio-Maxillary Diseases 2014 3(1):68-72 Oral submucous fibrosis (OSF) is an affliction of the oral cavity, endemic to the Indian subcontinent and usually attributed to the habits of consuming areca nuts. Various techniques and methods have been tried in the management of OSF; which includes medical management with steroids, hyaluronidase and collagenase and surgical management involving excision of fibrous bands with or ... περισσότερα »

Oral myiasis

Alexandros G. SfakianakisστοOtoRhinoLaryngology - Alexandros G. SfakianakisΠριν από 9 δευτερόλεπτα

Extensive oral myiasis Vikram Khanna · Monday, June 06, 2016, 7:49 *Vikram Khanna, Aarti Singh, Sunita Gupta, Manisha Behl* Journal of Cranio-Maxillary Diseases 2014 3(1):65-67 Myiasis is the infestation of live human and vertebrate animal with dipterous larvae which feed on the host's dead or living tissue. Oral myiasis is a rare condition often associated with debilitating conditions. The aim of this article is to describe a rare case report of oral myiasis caused by Chrysomya bezziana in a 14-year-old boy with Down's syndrome and alarming low hemoglobin level of 2 mg%. C. bezziana ... περισσότερα »

Craniofacial dysostosis

Alexandros G. SfakianakisστοOtoRhinoLaryngology - Alexandros G. SfakianakisΠριν από 9 δευτερόλεπτα

Crouzon syndrome: A case report and review of literature Vikrant O Kasat · Monday, June 06, 2016, 7:49 *Vikrant O Kasat, Harish Saluja, Rahul Baldawa, Ruchi Ladda* Journal of Cranio-Maxillary Diseases 2014 3(1):56-60 Crouzon syndrome (CS) was first described by Octave Crouzon in 1912. It is a rare genetic disorder accounting for approximately 4.5% of all cases of craniofacial dysostosis. Craniofacial dysostosis is a comprehensive term applied to a variety of deformities of the skull which arise because of a defect in the development of the primitive mesoderm, so that there is a premat... περισσότερα »

Congenital granular cell epulis

Alexandros G. SfakianakisστοOtoRhinoLaryngology - Alexandros G. SfakianakisΠριν από 9 δευτερόλεπτα

: A report of an unexpected feature with histopathologic and immunohistochemical examinations Ufuk Tatli · Monday, June 06, 2016, 7:49 *Ufuk Tatli, Cansu Abayli, Halil Ibrahim Kisa, Hatice Aysun Uguz* Journal of Cranio-Maxillary Diseases 2014 3(1):51-55 The congenital granular cell epulis is a very rare benign tumor arising from the alveolar ridges of newborns. Although several etiologic theories, like myoblastic, odontogenic, neurogenic, fibroblastic, histologic and endocrinologic possibilities have been proposed; the exact mechanism in the development of such a lesion remains elusiv... περισσότερα »

Primary extranodal involvement of Waldeyer's ring by Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL)

Alexandros G. SfakianakisστοOtoRhinoLaryngology - Alexandros G. SfakianakisΠριν από 9 δευτερόλεπτα

Primary extranodal Hodgkin's lymphoma of the faucial tonsil Ernst J. G. Norval · Monday, June 06, 2016, 7:49 *Ernst J. G. Norval, Claudia Emmy Noffke* Journal of Cranio-Maxillary Diseases 2014 3(1):43-48 Primary extranodal involvement of Waldeyer's ring by Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL) is a rare occurrence and only isolated cases have been described. The aims of the study were to review primary extranodal HL of the tonsillar region and to present a new case without evidence of systemic involvement. The differential diagnoses, immunologic findings, and features of these rare tumors are discu... περισσότερα »

Benign Oral Ulcerations

Alexandros G. SfakianakisστοOtoRhinoLaryngology - Alexandros G. SfakianakisΠριν από 9 δευτερόλεπτα

Prevalence of benign oral ulcerations in the Indian population Santosh Patil · Monday, June 06, 2016, 7:49 *Santosh Patil, Bharati Doni, Richa Wadhawan, Sneha Maheshwari, BS Santosh, Suneet Khandelwal* Journal of Cranio-Maxillary Diseases 2014 3(1):26-31 Aim: Patients with an oral ulcer may present initially to a general physician or a dental practitioner. Majority of the ulcers are benign and resolve spontaneously, but small proportions are malignant. The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence of benign oral ulcerations in the Indian population. Materials and Method... περισσότερα »

Deep neck space infections

Alexandros G. SfakianakisστοOtoRhinoLaryngology - Alexandros G. SfakianakisΠριν από 9 δευτερόλεπτα

; retrospective review of 46 patients Rameez M Mumtaz · Monday, June 06, 2016, 7:49 *Rameez M Mumtaz, Asif A Arain, Anwar Suhail, Shaheryar A Rajput, Mohammad Adeel, Nabeel H Hassan* Journal of Cranio-Maxillary Diseases 2014 3(1):21-25 Aims: To study clinical presentation, management, and outcome of deep neck space infections (DNSI). Settings and Design: A retrospective case series was conducted in the Section of Otolaryngology of a tertiary care University Hospital from 2001 to 2011. Materials and Methods: A retrospective review of charts of the patients who were treated for deep ne... περισσότερα »

Salivary iron in oral cancer and oral potentially malignant disorders

Alexandros G. SfakianakisστοOtoRhinoLaryngology - Alexandros G. SfakianakisΠριν από 9 δευτερόλεπτα

Status of Shishir Ram Shetty · Monday, June 06, 2016, 7:49 *Shishir Ram Shetty, Subhas Babu, Suchetha Kumari, Pushparaja Shetty, Shruthi Hegde, Renita Castelino* Journal of Cranio-Maxillary Diseases 2014 3(1):17-20 Introduction: Iron (Fe) is an important micronutrient which is utilized in human body for the transportation of oxygen, hematopoiesis, production of enzymes, and immune surveillance. Existing clinical, epidemiological, and experimental studies have shown that decreased levels of Fe contribute to increased risk of cancer. Although extensive, serum Fe analysis studies have ... περισσότερα »

Oculo-dento-glosso-mandibular syndrome : Congenital monocular microphthalmia and blindness, microglossia, hypodontia and mandibular retrognathia with dental malocclusion

Alexandros G. SfakianakisστοOtoRhinoLaryngology - Alexandros G. SfakianakisΠριν από 9 δευτερόλεπτα

Occulo-dento-glosso-mandibular syndrome Aditya Patney · Monday, June 06, 2016, 7:49 *Aditya Patney, Keerthilatha M Pai* Journal of Cranio-Maxillary Diseases 2014 3(1):49-50 A group of signs and symptoms that occur together and characterize a disease state is termed a syndrome. We describe the case of an 11-year-old girl who presented with features of congenital monocular microphthalmia and blindness, microglossia, hypodontia and mandibular retrognathia with dental malocclusion. These features are representative of a new syndrome. Our understanding of hitherto unknown syndromes is cruc... περισσότερα »

The maxillary labial frenum

Alexandros G. SfakianakisστοOtoRhinoLaryngology - Alexandros G. SfakianakisΠριν από 9 δευτερόλεπτα

Morphology of maxillary labial frenum in primary, mixed, and permanent dentition of Indian children Nandanahosur Basavanthappa Nagaveni · Monday, June 06, 2016, 7:49 *Nandanahosur Basavanthappa Nagaveni, Kagathur V Umashankara* Journal of Cranio-Maxillary Diseases 2014 3(1):5-10 Background: Maxillary Labial frenum is a soft tissue structure that may exhibit the most diverse types. Objective: To estimate the incidence of different morphologic types of maxillary labial frenum in primary, mixed, and permanent dentitions of Indian children. Materials and Methods: A study was conducted inv... περισσότερα »

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) has demonstrated changes in motor evoked potentials (MEPs)

Alexandros G. SfakianakisστοOtoRhinoLaryngology - Alexandros G. SfakianakisΠριν από 9 δευτερόλεπτα

Bilateral sensory deprivation of trigeminal afferent fibres on corticomotor control of human tongue musculature: a preliminary study M. Kothari, L. Baad-hansen, P. Svensson · Monday, June 06, 2016, 8:00 Summary Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) has demonstrated changes in motor evoked potentials (MEPs) in human limb muscles following modulation of sensory afferent inputs. The aim of this study was to determine whether bilateral local anaesthesia (LA) of the lingual nerve affects the excitability of the tongue motor cortex (MI) as measured by TMS. The effect on MEPs after bilate... περισσότερα »

Augmentation of the nose with serial fat grafting

Alexandros G. SfakianakisστοOtoRhinoLaryngology - Alexandros G. SfakianakisΠριν από 9 δευτερόλεπτα

Keutel syndrome: Sinem Ciloglu · Monday, June 06, 2016, 8:31 *Sinem Ciloglu, Alpay Duran, Ahmet Kursat Yigit, Hasan Buyukdogan, Ekrem Keskin* Annals of Maxillofacial Surgery 2015 5(2):287-288 *Sir,Keutel syndrome is an extremely rare autosomal recessive hereditary syndrome and is caused by mutations within the matrix Gla protein gene.[1],[2] Here, we report a patient with Keutel syndrome whose soft tissue deficiency and nasal deformity were corrected by soft tissue augmentation accomplished through serial fat grafting.A 20-year-old female with Keutel syndrome was admitted to our... περισσότερα »

Normal and abnormal anatomy of the veins of the neck

Alexandros G. SfakianakisστοOtoRhinoLaryngology - Alexandros G. SfakianakisΠριν από 9 δευτερόλεπτα

Variant anatomy of internal jugular vein branching Chris A Deepak · Monday, June 06, 2016, 8:31 *Chris A Deepak, Jagadish J Sarvadnya, KS Sabitha* Annals of Maxillofacial Surgery 2015 5(2):284-286 The knowledge of both normal and abnormal anatomy of the veins of the neck is important for clinicians performing catheterization and surgeons operating in the region of the neck. The presence of such anomalous communications may also be important for radiologists performing angiographic and sonographic studies. This study presents three cases of variant anatomy in posterior branching and ab... περισσότερα »

Killian's polyp,Antrochoanal polyp

Alexandros G. SfakianakisστοOtoRhinoLaryngology - Alexandros G. SfakianakisΠριν από 9 δευτερόλεπτα

mimicking malignant tumor Jagdeep S Thakur · Monday, June 06, 2016, 8:31 *Jagdeep S Thakur, Avinash Chaitanya, RS Minhas, RK Azad, DR Sharma, NK Mohindroo* Annals of Maxillofacial Surgery 2015 5(2):281-283 Killian polyp is predominantly found in children and any sinonasal tumor in elderly presenting with epistaxis and pain usually indicates malignant growth until proved otherwise. We present an unusual case of Killian polyp in an elderly patient that behaved as a malignant tumor. This case report reminded us that paranasal sinuses are still dark hollow mysterious cavities, and we sh... περισσότερα »

Multiple Keratocystic odontogenic tumor (MKCOT),Nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome (NBCCS)

Alexandros G. SfakianakisστοOtoRhinoLaryngology - Alexandros G. SfakianakisΠριν από 9 δευτερόλεπτα

Multiple keratocystic odontogenic tumors in nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome Treville Pereira · Monday, June 06, 2016, 8:31 *Treville Pereira, Avinash Tamgadge, Swati Sapdhare, Ashwini Pujar* Annals of Maxillofacial Surgery 2015 5(2):277-280 Keratocystic odontogenic tumor (KCOT) is of particular interest because its recurrence rate is high and its behavior is aggressive. Nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome (NBCCS), which is also known as Gorlin syndrome, is a hereditary condition characterized by a wide range of developmental abnormalities and with a predisposition to neoplasms. ... περισσότερα »

Leiomyosarcoma (LMS) of the larynx

Alexandros G. SfakianakisστοOtoRhinoLaryngology - Alexandros G. SfakianakisΠριν από 9 δευτερόλεπτα

A case of laryngeal leiomyosarcoma and review of the literature Ömer Tarik Selçuk · Monday, June 06, 2016, 8:31 *Ömer Tarik Selçuk, Levent Renda, Bekir Erol, Üstün Osma, Hülya Eyigor, Hülya Öztürk* Annals of Maxillofacial Surgery 2015 5(2):274-276 Leiomyosarcoma (LMS) of the larynx is a very rare malignancy that originates from blood vessel, smooth muscle or from the heterotopic mesenchymal tissue in the larynx. The histological diagnosis of LMS depends on the immunohistochemical investigation. The case is here presented of an 82-year-old man with shortness of breath and hoarseness. I... περισσότερα »

The closure of postpalatoplasty fistula

Alexandros G. SfakianakisστοOtoRhinoLaryngology - Alexandros G. SfakianakisΠριν από 9 δευτερόλεπτα

with local turn-down flap J Erdenetsogt · Monday, June 06, 2016, 8:31 *J Erdenetsogt, GN Ayanga, D Tserendulam, R Bayasgalan* Annals of Maxillofacial Surgery 2015 5(2):271-273 Introduction: The three common complications after cleft palate repair are velopharyngeal incompetence, delayed maxillary growth, and fistula formation. Fistula formation rates are reported 0–76% in the literature. Wider palatal defects are more challenging to avoid excess tension, and recent reports suggest defects &gt;15 mm have a significantly higher risk of fistula formation. By localization, the... περισσότερα »

Pain, warping, and diplopia

Alexandros G. SfakianakisστοOtoRhinoLaryngology - Alexandros G. SfakianakisΠριν από 10 δευτερόλεπτα

Blowout fracture-orbital floor reconstruction using costochondral cartilage causing Sm Balaji · Monday, June 06, 2016, 8:31 *SM Balaji* Annals of Maxillofacial Surgery 2015 5(2):262-265 Orbital floor reconstruction is the most challenging component in the midfacial trauma management. Most often owing to the complexity of the fractures, the floor reconstruction requires grafts or other substitutes. Literature reveals several sources of autogenous sources of such grafts. Though most of the grafts are well taken and gives an ideal result, at certain instances, owing to the complex natu... περισσότερα »

Isolated abducens nerve paralysis in maxillofacial trauma

Alexandros G. SfakianakisστοOtoRhinoLaryngology - Alexandros G. SfakianakisΠριν από 10 δευτερόλεπτα

A case of Elif Seda Keskin · Monday, June 06, 2016, 8:31 *Elif Seda Keskin, Ekrem Keskin, Bekir Atik, Abdülkadir Koçer* Annals of Maxillofacial Surgery 2015 5(2):258-261 Nervus abducens is a pure motor nerve located in the pons. It retracts the eyeball laterally by stimulating rectus lateralis muscle. In case of their paralysis, diplopia and restriction in the eye movements while looking sideways, are seen. Since the same signs are seen due to the muscle entrapment in blowout fractures, its differential diagnosis has importance in terms of the treatment protocol and avoiding unnecess... περισσότερα »

Open bite with idiopathic condylar resorption

Alexandros G. SfakianakisστοOtoRhinoLaryngology - Alexandros G. SfakianakisΠριν από 10 δευτερόλεπτα

Application of virtual three-dimensional surgery planning in management of Chung How Kau · Monday, June 06, 2016, 8:31 *Chung How Kau, Morvarid Poorsattar Bejemir* Annals of Maxillofacial Surgery 2015 5(2):249-254 This case report describes the successful treatment of an adult patient with idiopathic condylar resorption and Class II skeletal open bite malocclusion and temporomandibular joint disorder. A segmental Le Fort I bilateral osteotomy, ramus increasing length inverted L–osteotomy, and genioplasty combined with orthodontic treatment were performed. The treatment plan and... περισσότερα »

Chondromyxoid fibroma of zygoma

Alexandros G. SfakianakisστοOtoRhinoLaryngology - Alexandros G. SfakianakisΠριν από 10 δευτερόλεπτα

in an elderly patient: A rare presentation Fernanda Pintor · Monday, June 06, 2016, 8:31 *Fernanda Pintor, Carlos Bahamondes, Omar Campos, Ariel Zivov* Annals of Maxillofacial Surgery 2015 5(2):244-248 Chondromyxoid fibroma (CF) is a benign bone tumor of cartilaginous origin and is considered the least common of cartilage-derived neoplasms. The lesion&#39;s most frequent location is in long bones, while involvement of craniofacial skeleton is extremely unusual. It generally appears in the second and third decade of life and most frequent in men. We present the case of a 68-year-old f... περισσότερα »

Carcinosarcoma of parotid gland

Alexandros G. SfakianakisστοOtoRhinoLaryngology - Alexandros G. SfakianakisΠριν από 10 δευτερόλεπτα

(malignant mixed tumor) Duan Feng · Monday, June 06, 2016, 8:31 *Duan Feng, Nyimi Bushabu Fidele, Mansthumba Milolo Agustin, Guan Jian, Sekele Isouradi Bourleyi, Lamwe Augustin, Ngueji Kakubu Olivier* Annals of Maxillofacial Surgery 2015 5(2):240-243 Salivary gland carcinosarcoma is a rare neoplasm; with a poor prognosis. The most common epithelial components are adenocarcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma, whereas the most common mesenchymal components are chondrosarcoma. It should not be confused with the most common carcinoma ex-pleomorphic adenoma, in which the epithelial component... περισσότερα »

Multiple subcutaneous cholesterol granulomas arising in eruptive vellus hair cysts: A case report and published work review of 11 cases

orlsfakianakisστοOtoRhinoLaryngology by Sfakianakis G.AlexandrosΠριν από 15 δευτερόλεπτα

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Case of abscess caused by Mycobacterium massiliense associated with swimming

orlsfakianakisστοOtoRhinoLaryngology by Sfakianakis G.AlexandrosΠριν από 15 δευτερόλεπτα

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Case of pityriasis rubra pilaris with annular pattern as an early manifestation

orlsfakianakisστοOtoRhinoLaryngology by Sfakianakis G.AlexandrosΠριν από 15 δευτερόλεπτα

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Hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia: A report of two cases

orlsfakianakisστοOtoRhinoLaryngology by Sfakianakis G.AlexandrosΠριν από 15 δευτερόλεπτα

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Atypical flat warts in an immunocompromised patient

orlsfakianakisστοOtoRhinoLaryngology by Sfakianakis G.AlexandrosΠριν από 15 δευτερόλεπτα

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Head and Neck Diseases

Alexandros G. SfakianakisστοHead,Neck,Brain,Cervical Spine and Esophageal Cancers by Alexandros G. SfakianakisΠριν από 17 δευτερόλεπτα

- Pathologic Complete Response Is an Independent Predictor of Improved Survival Following Neoadjuvant Chemoradiation for Esophageal Adenocarcinoma.2016-06-05 13:43:27 PM *Pathologic Complete Response Is an Independent Predictor of Improved Survival Following Neoadjuvant Chemoradiation for Esophageal Adenocarcinoma.* J Gastrointest Surg. 2016 Jun 3; Authors: Alnaji RM, Du W, Gabriel E, Singla S, Attwood K, Nava H, Malhotra U, Hochwald SN, Kukar M Abstract INTRODUCTION: Reports of improved survival in patients with pathologic complete response (pCR)... περισσότερα »

Single dose basiliximab induction in low risk renal transplant recipients

Alexandros G. SfakianakisστοΘεραπείαΠριν από 19 δευτερόλεπτα

Abstract Objectives To compare the efficacy of a single dose of basiliximab with two doses in preventing acute rejection in selected low-risk renal transplant recipients. Methods This observational study of 760 kidney transplant recipients, considered to be at low immunological risk (peak panel reactive antibody &lt;10%), compared patient and graft outcomes following a single-dose versus a two-dose regimen of basiliximab. Main Results There were no differences in patient survival (92% vs 92%, *P*=0.6), graft survival (86% vs 83%, *P*=0.2), acute rejection (cellular [4% vs 7%, *P*=0... περισσότερα »

Effect of the Gel Elasticity of Model Skin Matrices on the Distance/Depth-dependent Transmission of Vibration Energy Supplied from a Cosmetic Vibrator

Αλέξανδρος ΣφακιανάκηςστοOtoRhinoLaryngology by Alexandros G.SfakianakisΠριν από 20 δευτερόλεπτα

Abstract objective The purpose of this study is to determine how the energies supplied from a cosmetic vibrator are deeply or far transferred into organs and tissues, and how these depths or distances are influenced by tissue elasticity. methods External vibration energy was applied to model skin surfaces through a facial cleansing vibrator, and we measured a distance- and depth-dependent energy that was transferred to model skin matrices. As model skin matrices, we synthesized hard and soft poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) gels, as well as hydrogels with a modulus of 2.63 MPa, 0.33... περισσότερα »

Orbital medial wall fractures: purely endoscopic endonasal repair with polyethylene implants

Αλέξανδρος ΣφακιανάκηςστοOtoRhinoLaryngology by Alexandros G.SfakianakisΠριν από 20 δευτερόλεπτα

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Accuracy associated with the activity determination by in situ gamma spectrometry of naturally occurring radionuclides in soils

Alexandros G. SfakianakisστοRadiology by Alexandros G. SfakianakisΠριν από 21 δευτερόλεπτα

[image: S0265931X.gif] Publication date: October 2016 *Source:*Journal of Environmental Radioactivity, Volumes 162–163 Author(s): A. Baeza, J.A. Corbacho, J. Guillén In situ gamma spectrometry (ISGS) is a technique mainly focused on the determination of man-made radionuclides deposited on soils. It is widely used for the radioactive characterization of soils in which there has been an incorporation of such radionuclides, especially 137Cs. Its use for the activity determination of naturally occurring radionuclides in soils has been more limited, and the accuracy associated with those ... περισσότερα »

Approximation of Analytic Functions by Solutions of Cauchy-Euler Equation

sfakianakisdiseasesστοHuman Diseases Medicine by Alexandros G.Sfakianakis,Anapafseos 5 Agios Nikolaos,Crete 72100,Greece,tel :00302841026182 & 00306932607174Πριν από 21 δευτερόλεπτα

We investigate the approximation properties of a special class of twice continuously differentiable functions by solutions of the Cauchy-Euler equation. from #AlexandrosSfakianakis via Alexandros G.Sfakianakis on Inoreader http://ift.tt/22IcN9i via IFTTT περισσότερα »

Environmentally Smart Nitrogen Performance in Northern Great Plains’ Spring Wheat Production Systems

sfakianakisdiseasesστοHuman Diseases Medicine by Alexandros G.Sfakianakis,Anapafseos 5 Agios Nikolaos,Crete 72100,Greece,tel :00302841026182 & 00306932607174Πριν από 21 δευτερόλεπτα

Experiments were conducted in Montana to evaluate Environmentally Smart Nitrogen (ESN) as a nitrogen (N) source in wheat. Plots were arranged in a split-plot design with ESN, urea, and a 50%-50% urea-ESN blend at low, medium, and high at-seeding N rates in the subplot, with four replications. Measurements included grain yield (GY), protein (GP), and […] περισσότερα »

Perioperative course in patients with hereditary or acquired angioedema

Alexandros G. SfakianakisστοAnaesthesiologyΠριν από 25 δευτερόλεπτα

[image: gr1.sml] Two types of bradykinin-mediated angioedema, hereditary angioedema (HAE) and acquired angioedema (AAE), result from deficiency or dysfunction of C1 esterase inhibitor, leading to an overproduction of bradykinin, which can lead to vascular permeability and life-threatening angioedema of the airway. The objective of this study was to review perioperative outcomes in a series of patients with HAE and AAE and to review current knowledge about anesthetic complications in patients with HAE or AAE. from Anaesthesiology via xlomafota13 on Inoreader http://ift.tt/22I4jiG περισσότερα »

Magnesium sulfate improves postoperative analgesia in laparoscopic gynecologic surgeries: a double-blind randomized controlled trial

Alexandros G. SfakianakisστοAnaesthesiologyΠριν από 25 δευτερόλεπτα

[image: gr1.sml] The aim of this study is to compare the analgesic effect of intravenous infusion of magnesium sulfate to ketorolac during laparoscopic surgeries. from Anaesthesiology via xlomafota13 on Inoreader http://ift.tt/22I42fv περισσότερα »

Orbital medial wall fractures: purely endoscopic endonasal repair with polyethylene implants

Αλέξανδρος ΣφακιανάκηςστοMedicine by Alexandros G. SfakianakisΠριν από 30 δευτερόλεπτα

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BacterioFiles 254 - Clostridium Consolidates Combustibles Conversion

Αλέξανδρος ΣφακιανάκηςστοMedicine by Alexandros G. SfakianakisΠριν από 31 δευτερόλεπτα

This episode: Engineering bacteria to convert cellulose directly into useful biofuels and chemicals can be tricky! (13.9 MB, 15.2 minutes) Show notes: from #ORL-Sfakianakis via xlomafota13 on Inoreader http://ift.tt/1X6keXR via IFTTT περισσότερα »

An isoflavone cladrin prevents high-fat diet-induced bone loss and inhibits the expression of adipogenic gene regulators in 3T3-L1 adipocyte

Alexandros G. SfakianakisστοΘεραπείαΠριν από 31 δευτερόλεπτα

Abstract Objective This study evaluates the effect of isoflavone cladrin on high-fat diet (HFD)-induced bone loss and adipogenesis. Methods Thirty-two 4-week-old male C57BL/6J mice were divided into four groups: a standard diet group, a HFD group and HFD group with cladrin (5 and 10 mg/kg per day orally) for 12 weeks. The effect of cladrin on bone micro-architecture, bone marrow cell lineages and hyperlipidaemia were assessed. For assessing anti-adipogenic activity of cladrin, 3T3-L1 cells were used. Key findings Cladrin attenuated HFD-induced hyperlipidaemia and bone loss by p... περισσότερα »