Medicine by Alexandros G.Sfakianakis: 10/23/15

Παρασκευή 23 Οκτωβρίου 2015

NBI to Detect Post-RT Mucosal Residual NPC

Condition: Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma
Intervention: Device: Laryngoscope with NBI system
Sponsor: Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital
Not yet recruiting - verified October 2015

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Different target specificities of haptoglobin and hemopexin define a sequential protection system against vascular hemoglobin toxicity

Publication date: Available online 22 October 2015
Source:Free Radical Biology and Medicine
Author(s): Jeremy W. Deuel, Florence Vallelian, Christian A. Schaer, Michele Puglia, Paul W. Buehler, Dominik J. Schaer
Free hemoglobin (Hb) triggered vascular damage occurs in many hemolytic diseases, such as sickle cell disease, with an unmet need for specific therapeutic interventions. Based on clinical observations the Hb and heme scavenger proteins haptoglobin (Hp) and hemopexin (Hx) have been characterized as a sequential defense system with Hp as the primary protector and Hx as a backup when all Hp is depleted during more severe intravascular hemolysis. In this study we present a mechanistic rationale for this paradigm based on a combined biochemical and cell biological approach directed at understanding the unique roles of Hp and Hx in Hb detoxification. Using a novel in vitro model of Hb triggered endothelial damage, which recapitulates the well-characterized pathophysiologic sequence of oxyHb(Fe²⁺) transformation to ferric Hb(Fe³⁺), free heme transfer from ferric Hb(Fe³⁺) to lipoprotein and subsequent oxidative reactions in the lipophilic phase. The accumulation of toxic lipid peroxidation products liberated during oxidation reactions ultimately lead to endothelial damage characterized by a specific gene expression pattern with reduced cellular ATP and monolayer disintegration. Quantitative analysis of key chemical and biological parameters allowed us to precisely define the mechanisms and concentrations required for Hp and Hx to prevent this toxicity. In the case of Hp we defined an exponential relationship between Hp availability relative to oxyHb(Fe²⁺) and related protective activity. This exponential relationship demonstrates that large Hp quantities are required to prevent Hb toxicity. In contrast, the linear relationship between Hx concentration and protection defines a highly efficient backup scavenger system during conditions of large excess of free oxyHb(Fe²⁺) that occurs when all Hp is consumed. The diverse protective function of Hp and Hx in this model can be explained by the different target specificities the two proteins.

Graphical abstract

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Zeaxanthin and α-tocopherol reduce the inhibitory effects of photodynamic stress on phagocytosis by ARPE-19 cells

Publication date: Available online 23 October 2015
Source:Free Radical Biology and Medicine
Author(s): Magdalena M. Olchawa, Anja M. Herrnreiter, Anna K. Pilat, Christine M.B. Skumatz, Magdalena Niziolek-Kierecka, Janice M. Burke, Tadeusz J. Sarna
Zeaxanthin and α-tocopherol have been previously shown to efficiently protect liposomal membrane lipids against photosensitized peroxidation, and to protect cultured RPE cells against photodynamic killing. Here the protective action of combined zeaxanthin and α-tocopherol was analyzed in ARPE-19 cells subjected to photodynamic (PD) stress mediated by rose Bengal (RB) or merocyanine-540 (MC-540) at sub-lethal levels. Stress-induced cytotoxicity was analyzed by the MTT assay. The peroxidation of membrane lipids was determined by HPLC-EC(Hg) measurements of cholesterol hydroperoxides using cholesterol as a mechanistic reporter molecule. The specific phagocytosis of FITC-labeled photoreceptor outer segments (POS) isolated from bovine retinas was measured by flow cytometry, and the levels of phagocytosis receptor proteins αv integrin subunit, β5 integrin subunit and MerTK were quantified by Western blot analysis. Cytotoxicity measures confirmed that PD stress levels used for phagocytosis analysis were sub-lethal and that antioxidant supplementation protected against higher, lethal PD doses. Sub-lethal PD stress mediated by both photosensitizers induced the accumulation of 5α-OOH and 7α/β-OOH cholesterol hydroperoxides and the addition of the antioxidants substantially inhibited their accumulation. Antioxidant delivery prior to PD stress also reduced the inhibitory effect of stress on POS phagocytosis and partially reduced the stress-induced diminution of phagocytosis receptor proteins. The use of a novel model system where oxidative stress was induced at sub-lethal levels enable observations that would not be detectable using lethal stress models. Moreover, novel observations about the protective effects of zeaxanthin and α-tocopherol on photodynamic damage to ARPE-19 cell membranes and against reductions in the abundance of receptor proteins involved in POS phagocytosis, a process essential for photoreceptor survival, supports the importance of the antioxidants in protecting of the retina against photooxidative injury.

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Saikosaponin a inhibits lipopolysaccharide-oxidative stress and inflammation in Human umbilical vein endothelial cells via preventing TLR4 translocation into lipid rafts

Publication date: Available online 22 October 2015
Source:Free Radical Biology and Medicine
Author(s): Yunhe Fu, Xiaoyu Hu, Yongguo Cao, Zecai Zhang, Naisheng Zhang
Saikosaponin a (SSa), the major triterpenoid saponin derivatives from Radix bupleuri (RB), has been reported to have anti-inflammatory effects. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of SSa on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced oxidative stress and inflammatory response in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). HUVECs were stimulated with LPS in the presence or absence of SSa. The levels of TNF-α and IL-8 were detected by ELISA. The expression of COX-2 and iNOS, NF-κB and IκB protein were determined by Western blotting. To investigate the protective mechanisms of SSa, TLR4 expression was detected by Western blotting and membrane lipid rafts were separated by density gradient ultracentrifugation and analyzed by immunoblotting with anti-TLR4 antibody. The results showed that SSa dose-dependently inhibited the production of ROS, TNF-α, IL-8, COX-2 and iNOS in LPS-stimulated HUVECs. Western blot analysis showed that SSa suppressed LPS-induced NF-κB activation. SSa did not affect the expression of TLR4 induced by LPS. However, translocation of TLR4 into lipid rafts and oligomerization of TLR4 induce by LPS was inhibited by SSa. Furthermore, SSa disrupted the formation of lipid rafts by depleting cholesterol. Moreover, SSa activated LXRα-ABCA1 signaling pathway, which could induce cholesterol efflux from lipid rafts. Knockdown of LXRα abrogated the anti-inflammatory effects of SSa. In conclusion, the effects of SSa is associated with activating LXRα-ABCA1 signaling pathway which results in disrupting lipid rafts by depleting cholesterol and reducing translocation of TLR4 to lipid rafts and oligomerization of TLR4, thereby attenuating LPS mediated oxidative and inflammatory responses.

Graphical abstract

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Role of NOS2 in Pulmonary Injury and Repair in Response to Bleomycin

Publication date: Available online 23 October 2015
Source:Free Radical Biology and Medicine
Author(s): Changjiang Guo, Elena Atochina-Vasserman, Helen Abramova, Blessy George, Veleeparambil Manoj, Pamela Scott, Andrew Gow
Nitric oxide (NO) is derived from multiple isoforms of the Nitric Oxide Synthases (NOSs) within the lung for a variety of functions; however, NOS2-derived nitrogen oxides seem to play an important role in inflammatory regulation. In this study, we investigate the role of NOS2 in pulmonary inflammation/fibrosis in response to intratracheal bleomycin instillation (ITB) and to determine if these effects are related to macrophage phenotype. Systemic NOS2 inhibition was achieved by administration of 1400W, a specific and potent NOS2 inhibitor, via osmotic pump starting six days prior to ITB. 1400W administration attenuated lung inflammation, decreased chemotactic activity of the broncheoalveolar lavage (BAL), and reduced BAL cell count and nitrogen oxide production. S-nitrosylated SP-D (SNO-SP-D), which has a pro-inflammatory function, was formed in response to ITB; but this formation, as well as structural disruption of SP-D, was inhibited by 1400W. mRNA levels of IL-1β, CCL2 and Ptgs2 were decreased by 1400W treatment. In contrast, expression of genes associated with alternate macrophage activation and fibrosis Fizz1, TGF-β and Ym-1 was not changed by 1400W. Similar to the effects of 1400W, NOS2-/- mice displayed an attenuated inflammatory response to ITB (day 3 and day 8 post-instillation). The DNA-binding activity of NF-κB was attenuated in NOS2-/- mice; in addition, expression of alternate activation genes (Fizz1, Ym-1, Gal3, Arg1) was increased. This shift towards an increase in alternate activation was confirmed by western blot for Fizz-1 and Gal-3 that show persistent up-regulation 15 days after ITB. In contrast arginase, which is increased in expression at 8 days post ITB in NOS2-/-, resolves by day 15. These data suggest that NOS2, while critical to the development of the acute inflammatory response to injury, is also necessary to control the late phase response to ITB.

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Glutathione, glutathione disulfide, and S-glutathionylated proteins in cell cultures

Publication date: Available online 22 October 2015
Source:Free Radical Biology and Medicine
Author(s): Daniela Giustarini, Federico Galvagni, Anna Tesei, Alberto Farolfi, Michele Zanoni, Sara Pignatta, Aldo Milzani, Ilaria M. Marone, Isabella Dalle-Donne, Romina Nassini, Ranieri Rossi
The analysis of the global thiol-disulfide redox status in tissues and cells is a challenging task since thiols and disulfides can undergo artificial oxido-reductions during sample manipulation. Because of this, the measured values, in particular for disulfides, can have a significant bias. Whereas this methodological problem has already been addressed in samples of red blood cells and solid tissues, a reliable method to measure thiols and disulfides in cell cultures has not been previously reported.Here, we demonstrate that the major artifact occurring during thiol and disulfide analysis in cultured cells is represented by glutathione disulfide (GSSG) and S-glutathionylated proteins (PSSG) overestimation, due to artificial oxidation of glutathione (GSH) during sample manipulation, and that this methodological problem can be solved by the addition of N-ethylmaleimide (NEM) immediately after culture medium removal. Basal levels of GSSG and PSSG in different lines of cultured cells were 3-5 and 10-20 folds higher, respectively, when the cells were processed without NEM. NEM pre-treatment also prevented the artificial reduction of disulfides that occurs during the pre-analytical phase when cells are exposed to an oxidant stimulus. In fact, in the absence of NEM, after medium removal, GSH, GSSG and PSSG levels restored their initial values within 15–30min, due to the activity of reductases and the lack of the oxidant. The newly developed protocol was used to measure the thiol-disulfide redox status in 16 different line cells routinely used for biomedical research both under basal conditions and after treatment with disulfiram, a thiol-specific oxidant (0–200μM concentration range).Our data indicate that, in most cell lines, treatment with disulfiram affected the levels of GSH and GSSG only at the highest concentration. On the other hand, PSSG levels increased significantly also at the lower concentrations of the drug, and the rise was remarkable (from 100 to 1000 folds at 200μM concentration) and dose-dependent for almost all the cell lines. These data support the suitability of the analysis of PSSG in cultured cells as a biomarker of oxidative stress.

Graphical abstract

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Left ventricular diastolic dysfunction in Nrf2 knock out mice Is associated with cardiac hypertrophy, decreased expression of SERCA2a, and preserved endothelial function

Publication date: Available online 22 October 2015
Source:Free Radical Biology and Medicine
Author(s): Ralf Erkens, Christian M. Kramer, Wiebke Lückstädt, Christina Panknin, Lisann Krause, Mathias Weidenbach, Jennifer Dirzka, Thomas Krenz, Evanthia Mergia, Tatsiana Suvorava, Malte Kelm, Miriam M. Cortese-Krott
Increased production of reactive oxygen species and failure of the antioxidant defense system are considered to play a central role in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease. The transcription factor nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2) is a key master switch controlling the expression of antioxidant and protective enzymes, and was proposed to participate in protection of vascular and cardiac function. This study was undertaken to analyze cardiac and vascular phenotype of mice lacking Nrf2. We found that Nrf2 knock out (Nrf2 KO) mice have a left ventricular (LV) diastolic dysfunction, characterized by prolonged E wave deceleration time, relaxation time and total diastolic time, increased E/A ratio and myocardial performance index, as assessed by echocardiography. LV dysfunction in Nrf2 KO mice was associated with cardiac hypertrophy, and a downregulation of the sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca²⁺-ATPase (SERCA2a) in the myocardium. Accordingly, cardiac relaxation was impaired, as demonstrated by decreased responses to β-adrenergic stimulation by isoproterenol ex vivo, and to the cardiac glycoside ouabain in vivo. Surprisingly, we found that vascular endothelial function and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS)-mediated vascular responses were fully preserved, blood pressure was decreased, and eNOS was upregulated in the aorta and the heart of in Nrf2 KO mice. Taken together, these results show that LV dysfunction in Nrf2 KO mice is mainly associated with cardiac hypertrophy and downregulation of SERCA2a, and is independent from changes in coronary vascular function or systemic hemodynamics, which are preserved by a compensatory upregulation of eNOS. These data provide new insights into how Nrf2 expression/function impacts the cardiovascular system.

Graphical abstract

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Membranes, Vol. 5, Pages 646-663: Membrane and Protein Interactions of the Pleckstrin Homology Domain Superfamily

The human genome encodes about 285 proteins that contain at least one annotated pleckstrin homology (PH) domain. As the first phosphoinositide binding module domain to be discovered, the PH domain recruits diverse protein architectures to cellular membranes. PH domains constitute one of the largest protein superfamilies, and have diverged to regulate many different signaling proteins and modules such as Dbl homology (DH) and Tec homology (TH) domains. The ligands of approximately 70 PH domains have been validated by binding assays and complexed structures, allowing meaningful extrapolation across the entire superfamily. Here the Membrane Optimal Docking Area (MODA) program is used at a genome-wide level to identify all membrane docking PH structures and map their lipid-binding determinants. In addition to the linear sequence motifs which are employed for phosphoinositide recognition, the three dimensional structural features that allow peripheral membrane domains to approach and insert into the bilayer are pinpointed and can be predicted ab initio. The analysis shows that conserved structural surfaces distinguish which PH domains associate with membrane from those that do not. Moreover, the results indicate that lipid-binding PH domains can be classified into different functional subgroups based on the type of membrane insertion elements they project towards the bilayer.

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Microarrays, Vol. 4, Pages 490-502: SNP Analysis and Whole Exome Sequencing: Their Application in the Analysis of a Consanguineous Pedigree Segregating Ataxia

Autosomal recessive cerebellar ataxia encompasses a large and heterogeneous group of neurodegenerative disorders. We employed single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analysis and whole exome sequencing to investigate a consanguineous Maori pedigree segregating ataxia. We identified a novel mutation in exon 10 of the SACS gene: c.7962T>G p.(Tyr2654*), establishing the diagnosis of autosomal recessive spastic ataxia of Charlevoix-Saguenay (ARSACS). Our findings expand both the genetic and phenotypic spectrum of this rare disorder, and highlight the value of high-density SNP analysis and whole exome sequencing as powerful and cost-effective tools in the diagnosis of genetically heterogeneous disorders such as the hereditary ataxias.

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Membranes, Vol. 5, Pages 632-645: High Temperature Stable Separator for Lithium Batteries Based on SiO2 and Hydroxypropyl Guar Gum

A novel membrane based on silicon dioxide (SiO2) and hydroxypropyl guar gum (HPG) as binder is presented and tested as a separator for lithium-ion batteries. The separator is made with renewable and low cost materials and an environmentally friendly manufacturing processing using only water as solvent. The separator offers superior wettability and high electrolyte uptake due to the optimized porosity and the good affinity of SiO2 and guar gum microstructure towards organic liquid electrolytes. Additionally, the separator shows high thermal stability and no dimensional-shrinkage at high temperatures due to the use of the ceramic filler and the thermally stable natural polymer. The electrochemical tests show the good electrochemical stability of the separator in a wide range of potential, as well as its outstanding cycle performance.

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Atmosphere, Vol. 6, Pages 1578-1589: Radiation Balance of Urban Materials and Their Thermal Impact in Semi-Desert Region: Mexicali, México Study Case

Net radiation is an essential forcing of climate in the lower layers of Earth's atmosphere. In this paper, radiation balance is measured in clay soil and green grass, and is compared with three urban materials. These materials: asphalt, concrete and white painted elastomeric polystyrene roofing sheet are widely used in Mexicali, Baja California, México. This study was carried out during August of 2011, the hottest time of the year. The 24-hour average values of net radiation found were: 137.2 W·m−2 for asphalt, 119.1 for concrete, 104.6 for clay soil, 152 for green grass and 29.2 for the polystyrene insulation. The latter two types of materials are likely to be the most effective in reducing urban heat island effects. This variation in the radiation balance has widespread implications for human living conditions, as land cover change tends to be towards surfaces that have higher levels of net radiation.

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Metals, Vol. 5, Pages 1957-1970: Resistance of Hydrogenated Titanium-Doped Diamond-Like Carbon Film to Hyperthermal Atomic Oxygen

The effect of irradiation by a hyperthermal-atomic-oxygen beam on hydrogenated titanium-doped diamond-like carbon (hydrogenated Ti-DLC) films, applied as a solid lubricant for equipment used in low-earth orbit was investigated. Unlike the film thickness of hydrogenated non-doped DLC films, that of hydrogenated Ti-DLC films was found to be constant after the films were exposed to atomic oxygen. In addition, bulk composition of the hydrogenated Ti-DLC film stayed constant, and in particular, hydrogen content in the film did not decrease. These results indicate that a hydrogenated Ti-DLC film can keep its low friction properties under vacuum. Surface chemical analysis showed that a titanium-oxide layer is form on the film by exposure to atomic oxygen. The thickness of the titanium oxide layer was estimated to be about 5 nm from the element distribution in the depth direction of the hydrogenated Ti-DLC films. The titanium-oxide layer was interpreted to protect the bulk film from erosion by hyperthermal atomic oxygen.

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Microorganisms, Vol. 3, Pages 725-745: Dynamic In Vitro Models of the Human Gastrointestinal Tract as Relevant Tools to Assess the Survival of Probiotic Strains and Their Interactions with Gut Microbiota

The beneficial effects of probiotics are conditioned by their survival during passage through the human gastrointestinal tract and their ability to favorably influence gut microbiota. The main objective of this study was to use dynamic in vitro models of the human digestive tract to investigate the effect of fasted or fed state on the survival kinetics of the new probiotic Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain CNCM I-3856 and to assess its influence on intestinal microbiota composition and activity. The probiotic yeast showed a high survival rate in the upper gastrointestinal tract whatever the route of admistration, i.e., within a glass of water or a Western-type meal. S. cerevisiae CNCM I-3856 was more sensitive to colonic conditions, as the strain was not able to colonize within the bioreactor despite a twice daily administration. The main bacterial populations of the gut microbiota, as well as the production of short chain fatty acids were not influenced by the probiotic treatment. However, the effect of the probiotic on the gut microbiota was found to be individual dependent. This study shows that dynamic in vitro models can be advantageously used to provide useful insight into the behavior of probiotic strains in the human digestive environment.

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Metals, Vol. 5, Pages 1921-1956: Hydrometallurgical Recovery of Precious Metals and Removal of Hazardous Metals Using Persimmon Tannin and Persimmon Wastes

Novel and environmentally benign adsorbents were prepared via a simple sulfuric acid treatment process using the wastes of astringent persimmon, a type of biomass waste, along with persimmon tannin extract which is currently employed for the tanning of leather and as natural dyes and paints. The effectiveness of these new biosorbents was exemplified with regards to hydrometallurgical and environmental engineering applications for the adsorptive removal of uranium and thorium from rare earths, cesium from other alkaline metals such as sodium, hexa-valent chromium from zinc as well as adsorptive recovery of gold from chloride media. Furthermore, reductive coagulation of gold from chloride media for the direct recovery of metallic gold and adsorptive recovery of palladium and platinum using chemically modified persimmon tannin extract were studied. OPEN

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PT -symmetric dimer of coupled nonlinear oscillators

Abstract

We provide a systematic analysis of a prototypical nonlinear oscillator system respecting PT-symmetry, i.e., one of them has gain and the other an equal and opposite amount of loss. We first discuss various symmetries of the model. We show that both the linear system as well as a special case of the nonlinear system can be derived from a Hamiltonian, whose structure is similar to the Pais–Uhlenbeck Hamiltonian. Exact solutions are obtained in a few special cases. We show that the system is a superintegrable system within the rotating wave approximation (RWA). We also obtain several exact solutions of these RWA equations. Further, we point out a novel superposition in the context of periodic solutions in terms of Jacobi elliptic functions that we obtain in this problem. Finally, we briefly mention numerical results about the stability of some of the solutions.

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Toxins, Vol. 7, Pages 4330-4349: AFM1 in Milk: Physical, Biological, and Prophylactic Methods to Mitigate Contamination

Aflatoxins (AFs) are toxic, carcinogenic, immunosuppressive secondary metabolites produced by some Aspergillus species which colonize crops, including many dietary staple foods and feed components. AFB1 is the prevalent and most toxic among AFs. In the liver, it is biotransformed into AFM1, which is then excreted into the milk of lactating mammals, including dairy animals. AFM1 has been shown to be cause of both acute and chronic toxicoses. The presence of AFM1 in milk and dairy products represents a worldwide concern since even small amounts of this metabolite may be of importance as long-term exposure is concerned. Contamination of milk may be mitigated either directly, decreasing the AFM1 content in contaminated milk, or indirectly, decreasing AFB1 contamination in the feed of dairy animals. Current strategies for AFM1 mitigation include good agricultural practices in pre-harvest and post-harvest management of feed crops (including storage) and physical or chemical decontamination of feed and milk. However, no single strategy offers a complete solution to the issue.

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Toxins, Vol. 7, Pages 4315-4329: Menadione-Induced Oxidative Stress Re-Shapes the Oxylipin Profile of Aspergillus flavus and Its Lifestyle

Aspergillus flavus is an efficient producer of mycotoxins, particularly aflatoxin B1, probably the most hepatocarcinogenic naturally-occurring compound. Although the inducing agents of toxin synthesis are not unanimously identified, there is evidence that oxidative stress is one of the main actors in play. In our study, we use menadione, a quinone extensively implemented in studies on ROS response in animal cells, for causing stress to A. flavus. For uncovering the molecular determinants that drive A. flavus in challenging oxidative stress conditions, we have evaluated a wide spectrum of several different parameters, ranging from metabolic (ROS and oxylipin profile) to transcriptional analysis (RNA-seq). There emerges a scenario in which A. flavus activates several metabolic processes under oxidative stress conditions for limiting the ROS-associated detrimental effects, as well as for triggering adaptive and escape strategies.

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Toxins, Vol. 7, Pages 4294-4314: Detoxification of Aflatoxin-Contaminated Maize by Neutral Electrolyzed Oxidizing Water

Aflatoxins, a group of extremely toxic mycotoxins produced by Aspergillus flavus, A. parasiticus and A. nomius, can occur as natural contaminants of certain agricultural commodities, particularly maize. These toxins have been shown to be hepatotoxic, carcinogenic, mutagenic and cause severe human and animal diseases. The effectiveness of neutral electrolyzed oxidizing water (NEW) on aflatoxin detoxification was investigated in HepG2 cells using several validation methodologies such as the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5- diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay, the induction of lipid peroxidation, the oxidative damage by means of glutathione modulation, the Ames test and the alkaline Comet assay. Our results showed that, after the aflatoxin-contaminated maize containing 360 ng/g was soaked in NEW (60 mg/L available chlorine, pH 7.01) during 15 min at room temperature, the aflatoxin content did not decrease as confirmed by the immunoaffinity column and ultra performance liquid chromatography methods. Aflatoxin fluorescence strength of detoxified samples was similar to untreated samples. However, aflatoxin-associated cytotoxicity and OPEN ACCESS Toxins 2015, 7 4295 genotoxicity effects were markedly reduced upon treatment. According to these results, NEW can be effectively used to detoxify aflatoxin-contaminated maize.

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Symmetry, Vol. 7, Pages 1945-1980: New Security Development and Trends to Secure the SCADA Sensors Automated Transmission during Critical Sessions

Modern technology enhancements have been used worldwide to fulfill the requirements of the industrial sector, especially in supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems as a part of industrial control systems (ICS). SCADA systems have gained popularity in industrial automations due to technology enhancements and connectivity with modern computer networks and/or protocols. The procurement of new technologies has made SCADA systems important and helpful to processing in oil lines, water treatment plants, and electricity generation and control stations. On the other hand, these systems have vulnerabilities like other traditional computer networks (or systems), especially when interconnected with open platforms. Many international organizations and researchers have proposed and deployed solutions for SCADA security enhancement, but most of these have been based on node-to-node security, without emphasizing critical sessions that are linked directly with industrial processing and automation. This study concerns SCADA security measures related to critical processing with specified sessions of automated polling, analyzing cryptography mechanisms and deploying the appropriate explicit inclusive security solution in a distributed network protocol version 3 (DNP3) stack, as part of a SCADA system. The bytes flow through the DNP3 stack with security computational bytes within specified critical intervals defined for polling. We took critical processing knowledge into account when designing a SCADA/DNP3 testbed and deploying a cryptography solution that did not affect communications.

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Molbank, Vol. 2015, Article M869: 7-Iodo-1H-indole-3-carbonitrile

The title compound was prepared by a Friedel–Crafts acylation-oxime synthesis-decarboxylation/dehydration sequence starting from commercially available 7-iodoindole with 2-(7-iodo-1H-indol-3-yl)-2-oxoacetic acid as isolated intermediate. The structural identity of the title compound was proven by elemental analysis and spectroscopic methods (IR, NMR, EI-MS), and purity was assessed by two independent HPLC methods.

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Symmetry, Vol. 7, Pages 1929-1944: An Application of Equivalence Transformations to Reaction Diffusion Equations

In this paper, we consider a quite general class of advection reaction diffusion systems. By using an equivalence generator, derived in a previous paper, the authors apply a projection theorem to determine some special forms of the constitutive functions that allow the extension by one of the two-dimensional principal Lie algebra. As an example, a special case is discussed at the end of the paper.

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Nutrients, Vol. 7, Pages 8830-8845: No Effect of Added Sugar Consumed at Median American Intake Level on Glucose Tolerance or Insulin Resistance

Excess sugar consumption may promote adverse changes in hepatic and total body insulin resistance. Debate continues over the effects of sugars at more typically consumed levels and whether the identity of the sugar consumed is important. In the present study participants (20–60 years old) were randomly assigned to one of five groups, three that consumed low fat milk with added fructose containing sugars in amounts equivalent to the 50th percentile of fructose consumption (US), one which consumed low-fat milk sweetened with glucose, and one unsweetened low-fat milk control group. The intervention lasted ten weeks. In the entire study population there was less than 1 kg increase in weight (73.6 ±13.0 vs. 74.5 ± 13.3 kg, p < 0.001), but the change in weight was comparable among groups (p > 0.05). There were no changes in fasting glucose (49 ± 0.4 vs. 5.0 ± 0.5 mmoL/L), insulin (56.9 ± 38.9 vs. 61.8 ± 50.0 pmoL/L), or insulin resistance, as measured by the Homeostasis Model Assessment method (1.8 ± 1.3 vs. 2.0 ± 1.5, all p > 0.05). These data suggest that added sugar consumed at the median American intake level does not produce changes in measures of insulin sensitivity or glucose tolerance and that no sugar has more deleterious effects than others.

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Pathogens, Vol. 4, Pages 722-738: Differential Contributions of the Complement Anaphylotoxin Receptors C5aR1 and C5aR2 to the Early Innate Immune Response against Staphylococcus aureus Infection

The complement anaphylatoxin C5a contributes to host defense against Staphylococcus aureus. In this study, we investigated the functional role of the two known C5a receptors, C5aR1 and C5aR2, in the host response to S. aureus. We found that C5aR1−/− mice exhibited greater susceptibility to S. aureus bloodstream infection than wild type and C5aR2−/− mice, as demonstrated by the significantly higher bacterial loads in the kidneys and heart at 24 h of infection, and by the higher levels of inflammatory IL-6 in serum. Histological and immunohistochemistry investigation of infected kidneys at 24 h after bacterial inoculation revealed a discrete infiltration of neutrophils in wild type mice but already well-developed abscesses consisting of bacterial clusters surrounded by a large number of neutrophils in both C5aR1−/− and C5aR2−/− mice. Furthermore, blood neutrophils from C5aR1−/− mice were less efficient than those from wild type or C5aR2−/− mice at killing S. aureus. The requirement of C5aR1 for efficient killing of S. aureus was also demonstrated in human blood after disrupting C5a-C5aR1 signaling using specific inhibitors. These results demonstrated a role for C5aR1 in S. aureus clearance as well as a role for both C5aR1 and C5aR2 in the orchestration of the inflammatory response during infection.

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Sustainability, Vol. 7, Pages 14371-14384: Typology of Cities Based on City Biodiversity Index: Exploring Biodiversity Potentials and Possible Collaborations among Japanese Cities

A City Biodiversity Index (CBI) has been proposed and applied at the international level to enable local municipalities and cities to manage biodiversity and ecosystem services in a sustainable manner. CBI databases are being constructed as global platforms, though the available dataset is limited. The land-use dataset is one of the datasets that can be utilized to apply the CBI on the national level in countries including Japan. To demonstrate the importance and potential of the CBI under the limitation of the available dataset, we attempted to apply the CBI to the 791 Japanese cities by using available land-use indicators, and categorized the cities based on the indicators. The focus of the CBI is self-assessment, but we propose that grouping of cities with similar profiles is possible and can serve as a basis for potential collaboration. Coordinating policies on various scales is necessary in order to enhance biodiversity on a global scale; one option is to increase collaboration among cities. As a result, we found three groups with similar characteristics amongst cities with forests, paddies, and croplands as major compositions in terms of biodiversity. These findings will contribute to policy formation and efficient information sharing for ecosystem services management.

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Religions, Vol. 6, Pages 1263-1276: The Role of Religion among Sex Workers in Thailand

This qualitative research seeks the understanding of the role of religion in the lives of sex workers in Thailand. It is based on interviews conducted among sex workers working in karaoke bars in Bangkok. Findings show that most sex workers experience different levels of life difficulty. The level of life difficulty also affects the experience of internal conflicts regarding sex and morality. Finally religion has been used as a form of ritual purification in dealing with internal sense of conflicts.

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Sustainability, Vol. 7, Pages 14358-14370: Team Organization Method Using Salary Auction Game for Sustainable Motivation

In performing team-based projects in engineering class, students usually face many problems, such as free-riding, lack of responsibility, boredom, and insufficient initiative. This papers proposes a new method for performing team-based projects in engineering class—specifically, a gamified method for team organization using a salary auction game. On the description of the design and use of a salary auction game in engineering class, a case study conducted using a survey method is reported to validate the practical value of the proposed auction game. The salary auction game proposed in this paper demonstrates that a gamified team organization method in engineering class could be used as an effective tool to enhance motivation and to improve learning outcomes of engineering students.

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Sports, Vol. 3, Pages 281-301: Outcomes following Hip and Quadriceps Strengthening Exercises for Patellofemoral Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

There is growing evidence to support change in the rehabilitation strategy of patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) from traditional quadriceps strengthening exercises to inclusion of hip musculature strengthening in individuals with PFPS. Several studies have evaluated effects of quadriceps and hip musculature strengthening on PFPS with varying outcomes on pain and function. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to synthesize outcomes of pain and function post-intervention and at follow-up to determine whether outcomes vary depending on the exercise strategy in both the short and long term. Electronic databases including MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Web of Science, PubMed, Pedro database, Proquest, Science direct, and EBscoHost databases were searched for randomized control trials published between 1st of January 2005 and 31st of June 2015, comparing the outcomes of pain and function following quadriceps strengthening and hip musculature strengthening exercises in patients with PFPS. Two independent reviewers assessed each paper for inclusion and quality. Means and SDs were extracted from each included study to allow effect size calculations and comparison of results. Six randomized control trials met the inclusion criteria. Limited to moderate evidence indicates that hip abductor strengthening was associated with significantly lower pain post-intervention (SMD −0.88, −1.28 to −0.47 95% CI), and at 12 months (SMD −3.10, −3.71 to −2.50 95% CI) with large effect sizes (greater than 0.80) compared to quadriceps strengthening. Our findings suggest that incorporating hip musculature strengthening in management of PFPS tailored to individual ability will improve short-term and long-term outcomes of rehabilitation. Further research evaluating the effects of quadriceps and hip abductors strengthening focusing on reduction in anterior knee pain and improvement in function in management of PFPS is needed.

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Marine Drugs, Vol. 13, Pages 6537-6549: Production of Hyaluronic Acid by Streptococcus zooepidemicus on Protein Substrates Obtained from Scyliorhinus canicula Discards

This work investigates the production of hyaluronic acid (H) by Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus in complex media formulated with peptones obtained from Scyliorhinus canicula viscera by-products. Initially, in batch cultures, the greatest productions were achieved using commercial media (3.03 g/L) followed by peptones from alcalase hydrolyzed viscera (2.32 g/L) and peptones from non-hydrolyzed viscera (2.26 g/L). An increase of between 12% and 15% was found in subsequent fed-batch cultures performed on waste peptones. Such organic nitrogen sources were shown to be an excellent low-cost substrate for microbial H, saving more than 50% of the nutrient costs.

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Aerospace, Vol. 2, Pages 602-626: Optimization of Variable Stiffness Laminates and Sandwiches Undergoing Impulsive Dynamic Loading

This paper, which deals with variable stiffness composites, is aimed at showing the effects of optimization on the response characteristics and stress fields of these materials. A new optimization technique that has recently been developed is used to find spatially variable distributions of stiffness properties at any point, which minimize the interlaminar stresses without significant stiffness loss. After solving the Euler–Lagrange equations obtained by the strain energy extremization with varying the stiffness properties, curvilinear paths of fibres are found in closed form that modify natural frequencies, improve dynamic response and aid in recovery of critical interlaminar stresses. In the current version of the optimization technique, a more realistic description of the optimized shear coefficients is provided in order to accurately describe local effects. As a structural model, a zig-zag model with variable through-the-thickness kinematics is adopted, which is able to adapt itself to variations in solutions, thus providing accurate results from constitutive equations. This model is adopted because an accurate description of strain energy is mandatory for an effective application of the optimization procedure proposed. The numerical results show that the optimization procedure effectively recovers the stress concentrations while simultaneously improving the dynamic response of laminates and sandwiches.

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Water, Vol. 7, Pages 5831-5848: Experiments and Numerical Simulations of Dike Erosion due to a Wave Impact

Dike erosion is a crucial issue in coastal and fluvial flood risk management. These defense structures appear vulnerable to extreme hydrological events, whose potential occurrence risk seems to be recently increased due to climate change. Their design and reinforcement is, however, a complex task, and although numerical models are very powerful nowadays, real processes cannot be accurately predicted; therefore, physical models constitute a useful tool to investigate different features under controlled conditions. This paper presents some laboratory experimental results of erosion of a sand dike produced by the impact of a dam break wave. Experiments have been conducted in the Water Engineering Laboratory at the University of Cassino and Southern Lazio, Italy, in a rectangular channel: here, the sudden opening of a gate forming the reservoir generates the wave impacting the dike, made in turn of two different, almost uniform sands. The physical evidence proves that the erosion process is strongly unsteady and significantly different from a gradual overtopping and highlights the importance of apparent cohesion for the fine sand dike. The experimental results have also been compared against the ones obtained through the numerical integration of a two-phase model, which shows the reasonable predictive capability of the temporal free surface and dike profile evolution.

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Agronomy, Vol. 5, Pages 491-505: Performance of Northwest Washington Heirloom Dry Bean Varieties in Organic Production

This two-year study compared nine northwest Washington dry bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) heirloom (H) varieties with 11 standard (S) commercial varieties in matching market classes using organic, non-irrigated production practices. Heirloom and standard varieties differed in days to harvest (DTH) (110 DTH and 113 DTH, respectively), while both days to harvest (113 DTH and 110 DTH) and yield (2268 kg∙ha−1 and 1625 kg∙ha−1) were greater in 2013 than in 2014. Varieties with the shortest DTH both years were "Bale" (H), "Coco" (H), "Decker" (H), "Ireland Creek Annie" (H and S), "Kring" (H) and "Rockwell" (H). Varieties that had the highest yield both years were "Eclipse" (S), "Lariat" (S) and "Youngquist Brown" (H). Only "Eclipse" (S) had the shortest cooking time both years, while "Rockwell" (H), "Silver Cloud" (S) and "Soldier" (S) had short cooking times in 2013, and "Orca" (S) and "Youngquist Brown" (H) had short cooking time in 2014. Varieties with the highest protein content both years were "Calypso" (S), "Coco" (S) and "Silver Cloud" (S). Further research should investigate yield of early maturing standard varieties, with a focus on color-patterned beans that are attractive for local markets.

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Submaximal exercise based equations to predict maximal oxygen uptake in older adults: a systematic review

Publication date: Available online 23 October 2015
Source:Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Author(s): Ashleigh E. Smith, Harrison Evans, Gaynor Parfitt, Roger Eston, Katia Ferrar
ObjectiveTo evaluate and discuss the accuracy of submaximal exercise-based equations to predict maximal oxygen uptake (V˙O2max), validated using direct gas analysis, in older apparently healthy adults.Data sourcesStudies were identified by searching five electronic databases and manually scanning reference lists of included articles from the respective inception of each database through to April 2015.Study selectionStudies were included if they used at least one submaximal exercise-based variable in the prediction, the actual V˙O2max was directly measured using a gas analysis device and if participants were apparently healthy older adults (mean age ≥ 65 years). Eligible studies were required to report at least one validity statistic (e.g. Pearson's product-moment correlation (r)), and either a predicted and measured V˙O2max value, or a directional significant difference between the measured and predicted V˙O2max values. No limits were placed on year of publication, but only full text, published manuscripts in the English language were included.Data extractionNine articles and 13 equations were retained from the systematic search strategy. If the same prediction equation was used across multiple trials data from the most accurate trial were reported.Data synthesisSubmaximal equations predicted directly measured maximal oxygen uptake with a moderate to strong correlation strength (r range= 0.4-0.9) Predicted V˙O2max significantly differed from directly measured in two of the 13 equations. The preferred mode of ergometry was walking or running (7 equations); a stepping protocol was the most accurate (R²=0.9, NS between predicted and measured V˙O2max).ConclusionFactors to consider when choosing a submaximal based equation are the accuracy of the equation, the population tested, mode of ergometry, equipment availability and time needed to conduct familiarisation sessions.

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Influence of the number of predicted words on text input speed in participants with cervical spinal cord injury

Publication date: Available online 23 October 2015
Source:Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Author(s): Samuel Pouplin, Nicolas Roche, Isabelle Vaugier, Antoine Jacob, Marjorie Figere, Sandra Pottier, Jean-Yves Antoine, Djamel Bensmail
ObjectiveTo determine if the number of words displayed in the Word Prediction Software (WPS) list affects Text Input Speed (TIS) in people with cervical Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) and if any influence is dependent on the level of the lesion.DesignA cross-sectional trial.SettingA rehabilitation center in France.ParticipantsNinety persons with cervical SCI fulfilled the inclusion/exclusion criteria, 45 of whom agreed to participate. Lesion level was high (C4 and C5 Asia A or B) for 15 participants (high lesion group) and was between C6 and C8 Asia A or B for 30 participants (low lesion group).MethodsTIS was evaluated during 4. 10-minute copying tasks:-without WPS (Without)-with a display of 3 predicted words (3Words)-with a display of 6 predicted words (6Words)-with a display of 8 predicted (8Words)Outcome MeasuresDuring the 4 copying tasks, TIS was measured objectively (characters per minute, number of errors) and subjectively through subject report (fatigue, perception of speed, cognitive load, satisfaction)ResultsFor participants with low cervical SCI, text input speed without WPS was faster than with WPS, regardless of the number of words displayed (p<0.001). For participants with high cervical SCI, the use of WPS did not influence TIS (p=0.99). There was no influence of the number of words displayed in a word prediction list on TIS, however perception of TIS differed according to lesion level.ConclusionFor persons with low cervical SCI, a small number of words should be displayed, or WPS should not be used at all. For persons with high cervical SCI, a larger number of words displayed increases the comfort of use of WPS.

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Depression trajectories during the first year after spinal cord injury

Publication date: Available online 23 October 2015
Source:Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Author(s): Charles H. Bombardier, Leah M. Adams, Jesse R. Fann, Jeanne M. Hoffman
ObjectiveLittle is known about the course of emotional adjustment after spinal cord injury. This study was conducted to determine the number and type of longitudinal depression trajectories during the first year after spinal cord injury (SCI) and to identify baseline predictors of these trajectories.DesignCohort studySettingInpatient rehabilitation and post-acute community settings in the Northwestern United States.Participants141 of 168 (115 males and 26 females) consecutive admissions to inpatient rehabilitation for acute SCI were enrolled in a randomized controlled trial (RCT) telephone follow up intervention which showed no outcome differences and completed assessments on at least two of the four follow-up occasions (3, 6, 9, and 12 months after SCI). Participants were on average 41 years old, mostly non-Hispanic (96%), white (86%), and 61.7% had tetraplegia.Intervention(s)The data are drawn from the ineffective RCT.Main Outcome Measure(s)Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9)ResultsUnconditional linear latent class growth analysis models of PHQ-9 total scores revealed an optimal three-class solution: stable low depression (63.8%), mild-moderate depression (29.1%), and persistent moderate to severe depression (7.1%). Preinjury mental health history as well as baseline pain, quality of life, and grief predicted class membership.ConclusionsThe modal response to SCI was stable low depression, while persistent moderate to severe depression primarily represented a continuation or relapse of preinjury depression. This line of research has potential to improve identification of subgroups destined for poor outcomes and to inform early intervention studies.

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A locomotor adaptability task promotes intense and task-appropriate output from the paretic leg during walking

Publication date: Available online 23 October 2015
Source:Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Author(s): David J. Clark, Richard R. Neptune, Andrea L. Behrman, Steven A. Kautz
ObjectiveTo test the hypothesis that participants with stroke will exhibit appropriate increases in muscle activation of the paretic leg when taking a non-paretic long step compared to steady state walking, with a consequent increase in biomechanical output and symmetry during the stance phase of the modified gait cycle.DesignSingle-session observational studySettingClinical research center in an outpatient hospital setting.ParticipantsFifteen adults with chronic post-stroke hemiparesis.InterventionsParticipants walked on an instrumented treadmill while kinetic, kinematic and electromyographical data were recorded. Participants performed steady state walking and a separate trial of the long step adaptability task in which they were instructed to intermittently take a longer step with the non-paretic leg.Main Outcome Measure(s)Forward progression, propulsive force, and neuromuscular activation during walking.ResultsParticipants performed the adaptability task successfully and demonstrated greater neuromuscular activation in appropriate paretic leg muscles, particularly heightened activity in paretic plantarflexor muscles. Propulsion and forward progression by the paretic leg were also increased.ConclusionsThese findings support the assertion that the non-paretic long step task may be effective for use in post-stroke locomotor rehabilitation in order to engage the paretic leg and promote recovery of walking.

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Putting physical activity whilst experiencing low back pain in context: balancing the risks and benefits

Publication date: Available online 22 October 2015
Source:Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Author(s): Ben Darlow, Meredith Perry, Sarah Dean, Fiona Mathieson, G David Baxter, Anthony Dowell
ObjectiveTo analyse attitudes and beliefs about movement and physical activity in people with low back pain (LBP) and compare these beliefs between people with acute and chronic LBP.DesignQualitative inductive analysis of data collected via face-to-face semi-structured interviews.SettingTwelve participants with acute LBP (<6 weeks) and eleven participants with chronic LBP (>3 months) were purposively recruited from one region of New Zealand. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim.InterventionsNot-applicable.Main Outcome MeasureThemes which emerged from participant interview transcripts using analysis based on Interpretative Description.ResultsParticipants with acute and chronic LBP made judgements about physical activity and rest using the same conceptual model. Concerns about creating more pain, tissue damage, or impairment influenced the physical activity judgements of most participants with acute and chronic LBP. These perceived risks were balanced against the perceived benefits, the most important of which were psychological or social rather than physical. Judgements made by those with acute and chronic LBP were context dependent and influenced by the nature and duration of pain, the type of physical activity, the importance of the activity, and the participant's previous experience. Participants with acute pain who had not experienced back pain previously often expressed more uncertainty whereas those with chronic LBP appeared to have developed cognitive rules which determined physical activity decisions.ConclusionsExploring the perceived risks, benefits, and contextual factors which influence decisions about physical activity and rest may help clinicians to understand the behaviour of patients with acute and chronic LBP. Clinicians may best support their patients to engage in physical activity by providing an informed assessment of risks and explanation about the range of potential benefits.

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Perception of muscular effort during dynamic elbow extension in multiple sclerosis

Publication date: Available online 23 October 2015
Source:Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Author(s): Mario Heller, Irene Retzl, Anita Kiselka, Andrea Greisberger
ObjectiveTo investigate perception of muscular effort in individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) and healthy controls during dynamic contractions.DesignCase-control study.SettingMS day care center.ParticipantsIndividuals with MS (n=28) and controls (n=28)InterventionsNot applicable.Main outcome measuresPerceived muscular effort during dynamic elbow extensions was rated at nine different weight intensities (10 to 90% of one-repetition maximum) in a single-blind, randomized order using OMNI-Resistance Exercise Scale (OMNI-RES). Muscle activity of M. triceps brachii (lateral head) was measured via surface electromyography and normalized to maximal voluntary excitation (%MVE).ResultsAccording to OMNI-level ratings, significant main effects were found for diagnostic condition (F=27.33, P<.001, η²=.11), indicating 0.7 (95% confidence interval, 0.3‒1.1) lower mean OMNI-level ratings for MS; and for intensity level (F=46.81, P<.001, η²=.46), showing increased OMNI-level ratings for increased intensity levels for both groups. Furthermore, significant main effects were found for the diagnostic condition (F=16.52, P<.001, η²=.07), indicating 7.1% (95% confidence interval, -8.6‒22.8) higher %MVE values for MS; and for intensity level (F=33.09, P<.001, η²=.36), showing higher relative muscle activities for increasing intensity levels in both groups.ConclusionsSimilar to controls, individuals with MS were able to differentiate between different intensities of weight during dynamic elbow extensions when provided in a single-blind, randomized order. Therefore, perceived muscular effort might be considered to control resistance training intensities in individuals with MS. However, training intensity for individuals with MS should be chosen at approximately one OMNI-level lower than recommended, at least for dynamic elbow extension exercise.

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ENT Medicine

Medicine by Alexandros G. Sfakianakis

OtoRhinoLaryngology New Articles,October 23rd,2015

5mOtoRhinoLaryngology - Alexandros G. SfakianakisBenign tumors of the larynx : Solitary circumscribed neuroma Solitary circumscribed neuroma of the larynxvia ScienceDirect Publication: Brazilian Journal of OtorhinolaryngologySource:Brazilian Journal of OtorhinolaryngologyAuthor(s): Ana Paula Ribeiro,...

Online Journals of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery by Alexandros G.Sfakianakis

Brazilian Journal of Otorhinolaryngology.English Edition

ScienceDirect PublicationThe Portuguese version of the RhinoQOL Questionnaire: validation and clinical application2015-10-23 10:46:37 AMPublication date: Available online 21 October 2015Source:Brazilian Journal of OtorhinolaryngologyAuthor(s): Rui Cerejeira, Rafaela Veloso-Teles, Nuno Lousan, Carla Pinto...

Speech and Hearing Disorders

Language, Speech, and Hearing Services in Schools

Procedures for Obtaining and Analyzing Writing Samples of School-Age Children and AdolescentsPrice JR, Jackson SC. , 2015-10-01 02:00:00 AMPurposeMany students' writing skills are below grade-level expectations, and students with oral language difficulties are at particular risk for writing difficulties....

Online Medical Journals by Alexandros G.Sfakianakis

Brain Science Foundation

BSF Supporter Publishes Memoir - Proceeds to go to BSF Researchsdonnelly, 2014-03-03 17:36:00 PMRead moreTopBrain Science Foundation Scientists Make Important Breakthrough!sdonnelly, 2013-01-28 18:24:00 PMBSF scientists have published new findings linking DNA mutations and meningioma, resulting from meningioma gene sequencing. Read...

21h

Medicine by Alexandros G. Sfakianakis

OtoRhinoLaryngology New Articles,October 22nd,2015

Αισθητική ΔερματολογίαJAMA Dermatology JAMA Dermatology Online FirstRapidly Growing, Painful Nodule on the Upper Cutaneous LipDean A, Ali H, Cernik C. , 2015-10-14 02:00:00 AMThis quiz case describes a patient with a growing, painful nodule on the upper cutaneous lip and several smaller papules on the...

23h

Hearing and Balance

International Journal of Audiology

Feasibility of a bilateral 4000–6000 Hz notch as a phenotype for genetic association analysisSusan L. Phillips, 2015-10-22 16:04:35 PMVolume 54, Issue 10, October 2015, pages 645-65210.3109/14992027.2015.1030512Susan L. PhillipsAbstractObjective: Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is a worldwide health...

23h

Online Medical Journals by Alexandros G.Sfakianakis

The journal Attention, Perception, & Psychophysics is an official journal of the Psychonomic Society

Novelty biases attention and gaze in a surprise trial2015-10-21 02:00:00 AMAbstractWhile the classical distinction between task-driven and stimulus-driven biasing of attention appears to be a dichotomy at first sight, there seems to be a third category that depends on the contrast or discrepancy between...

23h

Online Journals of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery by Alexandros G.Sfakianakis

HNO ist ein international angesehenes Publikationsorgan und wendet sich an alle HNO-Ärzte in Praxis und Klinik

Das Epigenom2015-10-21 02:00:00 AMZusammenfassungHintergrundDie Pathogenese beim Plattenepithelkarzinom der Kopf- und Halsregion (HNSCC, head and neck squamous cell carcinoma) ist ein komplexer Mehrstufenprozess, der durch die Akkumulation von genetischen und epigenetischen Aberrationen gekennzeichnet...

23h

Hearing and Balance

The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America

Effects of instructed timing and tempo on snare drum sound in drum kit performanceAnne Danielsen, Carl Haakon Waadeland, Henrik G. Sundt and Maria A. G. Witek, 2015-10-21 17:33:36 PMThis paper reports on an experiment investigating the expressive means with which performers of groove-based musics signal...

Medicine by Alexandros G. Sfakianakis

News in OtoRhinoLaryngology

nowPhase resetting behavior in human gait is influenced by treadmill walking speed Publication date: Available online 21 October 2015Source:Gait & Posture Author(s): Jeff A. Nessler, Tavish Spargo, Andrew Craig-Jones, John G. MiltonGait is often modeled as a limit cycle oscillator. When perturbed,...

Medicine by Alexandros G. Sfakianakis

OtoRhinoLaryngology New Articles & Online Journals,October 22nd,2015

Neurogenic oropharyngeal dysphagia (OPD) : stroke and Parkinson's diseaseAlexandros G. SfakianakisστοOtoRhinoLaryngology - Alexandros G. SfakianakisΠριν από 2 δευτερόλεπταManagement of oropharyngeal neurogenic dysphagia in adults.Miles, Anna; Allen, Jacqui, 2015-10-20 07:00:00 AM Purpose of review: This...

Aesthetic

Wound Repair and Regeneration

Pro-apoptotic Effect of Control-Released Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor on Skin Wound Healing in a Diabetic Mouse ModelChenyu Huang, Hakan Orbay, Morikuni Tobita, Masaaki Miyamoto, Yasuhiko Tabata, Hiko Hyakusoku, Hiroshi Mizuno, 2015-10-22 12:31:21 AMAbstractThe ability of basic fibroblast growth factor...

Hearing and Balance

Gait & Posture

EditorialIntroductionPage 223Thomas Dreher Purchase PDF - $35.95 Not entitled to full textBad science and how to avoid it, a movement analysis perspective: Study design, statistics and publication ethicsPages 224-226Andy Kerr, Robin Prescott, Tim Theologis Purchase PDF - $35.95 Not entitled to full textIs...

Human Diseases

Toxinology

On-site monitoring of rotenone treatment of Norwegian lakes and riversSilvio Uhlig, 2013-09-18 03:00:00 AM In the fall of 2013 we have for the second time on-site monitored the distribution of rotenone in a Norwegian river that was treated with the non-selective piscicide in order to eradicate the fish parasite Gyrodactylus salaris . Rotenone occurs naturally in the seeds and stems of several plants, especially within the Fabaceae. The compound has historically been used by indigenous people to catch fish. Read...

Allergy Rhinology Immunology Asthma

Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology

Article in PressTimothy specific IgE levels are associated with efficacy and safety of timothy grass sublingual immunotherapy tabletReceived: July 1, 2015; Received in revised form: August 26, 2015; Accepted: September 23, 2015;Published Online: October 21, 2015Maria Nolte, BSc, Domingo Barber, PhD, Jennifer...

Speech and Hearing Disorders

Journal of Phonetics

Vowel space area in later childhood and adolescence: Effects of age, sex and ease of communication2015-10-22 11:41:40 AMPublication date: January 2016Source:Journal of Phonetics, Volume 54Author(s): Michèle Pettinato, Outi Tuomainen, Sonia Granlund, Valerie HazanThis study investigated vowel space area...

Speech and Hearing Disorders

Aural Rehabilitation and Its Instrumentation

SIG 7 Perspectives on Aural Rehabilitation and Its Instrumentation Newest IssueCoordinator's ColumnCienkowski K. , 2015-05-01 03:00:00 AMRead moreTopMusic Perception in Adult Users of Cochlear Implants: A Brief ReviewJensen RC, Ferguson S. , 2015-05-01 03:00:00 AMAlthough cochlear implants (CIs) can...

Human Diseases

Atmospheric Environment

Review: Particle number size distributions from seven major sources and implications for source apportionment studiesPublication date: December 2015Source:Atmospheric Environment, Volume 122Author(s): Tuan V. Vu, Juana Maria Delgado-Saborit, Roy M. HarrisonThe particle number size distribution (PNSD)...

Medical Imaging

Academic Radiology

Breast Cancer SurvivorsPublication date: November 2015Source:Academic Radiology, Volume 22, Issue 11Author(s): Cherie M. KuzmiakScreening Breast MRI in Patients Previously Treated for Breast CancerPublication date: November 2015Source:Academic Radiology, Volume 22, Issue 11Author(s): Catherine S. Giess,...

Medical Imaging

Neuroimaging Clinics of North America

Imaging of Paranasal SinusesPublication date: November 2015Source:Neuroimaging Clinics of North America, Volume 25, Issue 4Author(s): Varsha M. JoshiCopyrightPublication date: November 2015Source:Neuroimaging Clinics of North America, Volume 25, Issue 4CME Accreditation PagePublication date: November...

Anaesthesiology

European Journal of Anaesthesiology (EJA) - Published Ahead-of-Print

Postoperative shoulder pain after laparoscopic hysterectomy with deep neuromuscular blockade and low-pressure pneumoperitoneum: A randomised controlled trial.BACKGROUND: Postoperative shoulder pain remains a significant problem after laparoscopy. Pneumoperitoneum with insufflation of carbon dioxide (CO2)...

Anaesthesiology

European Journal of Anaesthesiology (EJA) - Current Issue

Is pholcodine a dangerous cough suppressant?No abstract availableCombination of dexamethasone and local anaesthetic solution in peripheral nerve blocks: A meta-analysis of randomised controlled trialsBACKGROUND: Dexamethasone decreases postoperative pain and prolongs the duration of local anaesthetic...

Human Diseases

Immunopharmacology and Immunotoxicology

Effects of DKK-3, a Wnt signaling inhibitor, on dendritic cell phenotype and T cell polarization Hemn Mohammadpour, Ali Akbar Pourfathollah, Mahin Nikougoftar Zarif & Mohammad Taher Tahoori Pages: 1-7 DOI: 10.3109/08923973.2015.1089274 http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.3109/08923973.2015.1089274?ai=1x6b6&ui=843fx&af=T ...

Human Diseases

International Journal of Radiation Biology

MicroRNA-378g enhanced radiosensitivity of NPC cells partially by targeting protein tyrosine phosphatase SHP-1 Ting Lin, Fangzheng Zhou, Haibo Zhou, Xiaofen Pan, Ziyi Sun & Gang Peng AbstractPurpose: To investigate the influence of microRNA-378g (miR-378g) on radiosensitivity and metastasis...

Speech and Hearing Disorders

International Journal of Speech-Language Pathology

Relationship between social interaction bids and language in late talking childrenVolume 17, Issue 6, December 2015, pages 527-53610.3109/17549507.2015.1010579Jasmina R. VuksanovicAbstractPurpose: The aim of this paper is to explore the relationship between language development and the frequency of social...

Online Medical Journals by Alexandros G.Sfakianakis

Scandinavian Journal of Occupational Therapy

Identity construction and participation in work: Learning from the experiences of persons with psychiatric disability Lana van Niekerk AbstractBackground: In this article constructions of identity, occupation, and performance are explored with a particular focus on the interrelatedness of these...

OroFacial Medicine by Alexandros G.Sfakianakis

Journal of Cranio-Maxillofacial Surgery

Editorial BoardPublication date: November 2015Source:Journal of Cranio-Maxillofacial Surgery, Volume 43, Issue 9Plate removal following orthognathic surgeryPublication date: November 2015Source:Journal of Cranio-Maxillofacial Surgery, Volume 43, Issue 9Author(s): Mhairi Little, Richard Julian Langford,...

Online Medical Journals by Alexandros G.Sfakianakis

Journal of Dairy Science

Interpretive Summaries, November 2015Publication date: November 2015Source:Journal of Dairy Science, Volume 98, Issue 11ADSA Member News …Publication date: November 2015Source:Journal of Dairy Science, Volume 98, Issue 11Letter to the editor: Do coagulase-negative staphylococci have no effect on the...

Aesthetic

Annales de Chirurgie Plastique Esthétique

Poly Implant Prothèse (PIP®) et incidence des complications en reconstruction mammaire : une étude rétrospective contrôléePublication date: Available online 21 October 2015Source:Annales de Chirurgie Plastique EsthétiqueAuthor(s): C. Fenoll, F.M. Leclère, M. Hivelin, M. Atlan, I. Cothier-Savey, L. Lantieri,...

Cancer

Journal of Environmental Radioactivity

Atmospheric deposition and riverine load of 90Sr and 137Cs to the Gulf of Gdańsk (southern Baltic Sea) in the period 2005–2011Publication date: January 2016Source:Journal of Environmental Radioactivity, Volume 151, Part 1Author(s): Michał Saniewski, Tamara ZalewskaIn the period 2005–2011 total atmospheric...

Online Journals of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery by Alexandros G.Sfakianakis

Clinical Otolaryngology

Differential characteristics of pediatric sinusitis who underwent endoscopic sinus surgery: children vs. adolescentsObjectives We hypothesized that pediatric chronic sinusitis patients might have various clinical characteristics, depending on age, compared symptoms, physical findings, and clinical features...

Aesthetic

Microsurgery

Reverse second dorsal metacarpal artery vascularized bone flap for index distal bone loss: A case reportTanya L. Katz, David J. Hunter-Smith, Warren Matthew Rozen, 2015-10-21 10:43:59 AMFingertip trauma with resultant bony loss is optimally reconstructed with an autologous bone substitute, offering a...

Allergy Rhinology Immunology Asthma

International Forum of Allergy & Rhinology

The efficacy assessment of a self-administered immunotherapy protocolFrederick M. Schaffer, Larry M. Garner, Myla Ebeling, Jeffrey M. Adelglass, Thomas C. Hulsey, Andrew R. Naples, 2015-10-21 10:40:30 AMBackgroundWe previously reported the safety of a self-administered subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT)...

Medicine by Alexandros G. Sfakianakis

OtoRhinoLaryngology New Articles & Online Journals,October 21st,2015

Secondary antibody deficienciesAlexandros G. SfakianakisστοOtoRhinoLaryngology - Alexandros G. SfakianakisΠριν από 1 λεπτόSecondary antibody deficiencies.Dhalla, Fatima; Misbah, Siraj A., 2015-10-17 07:00:00 AM Purpose of review: Antibody deficiency can occur in the context of primary immune deficiency...

Allergy Rhinology Immunology Asthma

Current Opinion in Allergy and Clinical Immunology

Published Ahead-of-PrintNewborn screening for severe combined immune deficiency (technical and political aspects).Kobrynski, Lisa, 2015-10-17 07:00:00 AMPurpose of review: Newborn screening for severe combined immune deficiency (SCID) has been implemented in more than half of the states in the United...

Allergy Rhinology Immunology Asthma

Allergy

Patterns of IgE sensitization in house dust mite-allergic patients: implications for allergen immunotherapyT. Batard, V. Baron-Bodo, A. Martelet, M. Le Mignon, P. Lemoine, K. Jain, S. Mariano, S. Horiot, H. Chabre, C. Harwanegg, C.A. Marquette, B.P. Corgier, W. T. Soh, P. Satitsuksanoa, A. Jacquet, F.T....

Anatomy Pathology

American Journal of Clinical Pathology

Diagnostic EfficiencyJackson, B. R., 2015-10-21 09:37:58 AMΔιαβάστε περισσότεραΑρχήAdvantages and Disadvantages of Technologies for HER2 Testing in Breast Cancer SpecimensFurrer, D., Sanschagrin, F., Jacob, S., Diorio, C., 2015-10-21 09:37:58 AMObjectives:Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)...

Human Diseases

Melanoma Research

Melanoma Research - Published Ahead-of-PrintRobotic radiosurgery for the treatment of medium and large uveal melanoma.Eibl-Lindner, Kirsten; Fürweger, Christoph; Nentwich, Martin; Foerster, Paul; Wowra, Berndt; Schaller, Ulrich; Muacevic, Alexander, 2015-10-19 07:00:00 AMThe aim of the study was to analyze...

Swallowing and Swallowing Disorders (Dysphagia)

Dysphagia

Usefulness of Prophylactic Percutaneous Gastrostomy Placement in Patients with Head and Neck Cancer Treated with ChemoradiotherapyChemoradiotherapy (CRT) has evolved as the preferred organ preservation strategy in the treatment of locally advanced head and neck cancer (HNC). This approach increases malnutrition,...

Cancer

Strahlentherapie und Onkologie Journal of Radiation Oncology, Biology, Physics

Undetected human papillomavirus DNA and uterine cervical carcinoma2015-10-20 02:00:00 AMAbstractBackgroundThe time course of human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA clearance was studied in patients with carcinoma of the cervix during follow-up after primary radical radiotherapy (RT). This study investigated...

Online Medical Journals by Alexandros G.Sfakianakis

Neurogastroenterology & Motility

X-ray analysis of gastrointestinal motility in conscious mice. Effects of morphine and comparison with ratsR. Girón, I. Pérez-García, R. Abalo, 2015-10-21 08:26:08 AMAbstractBackgroundNon-invasive methods to study gastrointestinal (GI) motility are of high interest, particularly in chronic studies. Amongst...

OroFacial Medicine by Alexandros G.Sfakianakis

Oral Oncology

A meta-analysis on selective versus comprehensive neck dissection in oral squamous cell carcinoma patients with clinically node-positive neckLizhong Liang, Tonghan Zhang, Qianying Kong, Jun Liang, Guiqing Liao, 2015-10-21 08:21:52 AMCervical lymph node metastases has been well recognized as one of the most important prognostic factors for patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) [1,2]. Pathologically positive lymph node metastasis has occurred in about half of the OSCC patients at the time of diagnosis [3]. Studies have found that positive nodes in the neck means survival rates decrease by 50% [4]. Moreover, recent studies showed that high lymph node density strongly indicated disease recurrence and poor survival rate [5,6].Διαβάστε...

Aesthetic

Innovative Techniques General Reconstruction Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Blepharoplasty Combined with Fat Grafting: A Treatment of Complications Following Polyacrylamide Hydrogel Injections in Tear Troughs2015-10-20 02:00:00 AMAbstractBackgroundPolyacrylamide hydrogel (PAAG) can cause serious complications during facial augmentation. Previous studies have reported complications...

Online Journals of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery by Alexandros G.Sfakianakis

O.R.L. Journal for oto-rhino-laryngology and its borderlands

ORLApplication of the Mimic Valsalva Maneuver with the Help of a Saccule in Cerebrospinal Fluid Rhinorrhea Reconstruction Surgery2015-10-21 08:04:57 AMObjective: To explore the mimic Valsalva maneuver with the help of a saccule handled by an anesthesiologist in order to locate the leakage channel and...

Online Journals of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery by Alexandros G.Sfakianakis

Auris Nasus Larynx

Article in PressPreference evaluation and perceived sensory comparison of fluticasone furoate and mometasone furoate intranasal sprays in allergic rhinitisReceived: May 15, 2015; Accepted: September 8, 2015; Published Online: October 20, 2015Masafumi Yonezaki, Kosuke Akiyama, Masayuki Karaki, Rieko Goto, Rhyuhei...

Online Journals of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery by Alexandros G.Sfakianakis

Auris Nasus Larynx

Preference evaluation and perceived sensory comparison of fluticasone furoate and mometasone furoate intranasal sprays in allergic rhinitisMasafumi Yonezaki, Kosuke Akiyama, Masayuki Karaki, Rieko Goto, Rhyuhei Inamoto, Yasushi Samukawa, Ryuichi Kobayashi, Eiji Kobayashi, Hiroshi Hoshikawa, 2015-10-21...

Allergy Rhinology Immunology Asthma

Head and Neck Diseases

36mHead and NeckInter-patient variability in docetaxel pharmacokinetics: A review. Authors: Nieuweboer AJ, de Morrée ES, de Graan AJ, Sparreboom A, de Wit R, Mathijssen RHAbstract Docetaxel is a frequently used chemotherapeutic agent in the treatment of solid cancers. Because of the large inter-individual...