| Times of India | Scientists develop new therapeutic antibody for dog cancers Times of India Oral malignant melanoma (OMM), a highly invasive cancer in dogs and account for 30-40 per cent of all oral tumours in dogs. They are seen along the gums, the lip, palate and sometimes the tongue. The newly developed chimeric anti-PD-L1 antibody was ... and more » |
Trauma centers must prepare to manage high-velocity injuries resulting from a mass casualty incidents as global terrorism becomes a greater concern and an increasing risk. The most recent conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan have significantly improved understanding of battlefield trauma and how to appropriately address these injures. This article applies combat surgery experience to civilian situations, outlines the physiology and kinetics of high-velocity injuries, and reviews applicable triage and management strategies.
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IJMS, Vol. 18, Pages 1859: Genome-Wide Transcriptome Analysis Reveals Conserved and Distinct Molecular Mechanisms of Al Resistance in Buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench) Leaves
International Journal of Molecular Sciences doi: 10.3390/ijms18091859
Authors: Wei Chen Jia Xu Jian Jin He Lou Wei Fan Jian Yang
Being an Al-accumulating crop, buckwheat detoxifies and tolerates Al not only in roots but also in leaves. While much progress has recently been made toward Al toxicity and resistance mechanisms in roots, little is known about the molecular basis responsible for detoxification and tolerance processes in leaves. Here, we carried out transcriptome analysis of buckwheat leaves in response to Al stress (20 µM, 24 h). We obtained 33,931 unigenes with 26,300 unigenes annotated in the NCBI database, and identified 1063 upregulated and 944 downregulated genes under Al stress. Functional category analysis revealed that genes related to protein translation, processing, degradation and metabolism comprised the biological processes most affected by Al, suggesting that buckwheat leaves maintain flexibility under Al stress by rapidly reprogramming their physiology and metabolism. Analysis of genes related to transcription regulation revealed that a large proportion of chromatin-regulation genes are specifically downregulated by Al stress, whereas transcription factor genes are overwhelmingly upregulated. Furthermore, we identified 78 upregulated and 22 downregulated genes that encode transporters. Intriguingly, only a few genes were overlapped with root Al-regulated transporter genes, which include homologs of AtMATE, ALS1, STAR1, ALS3 and a divalent ion symporter. In addition, we identified a subset of genes involved in development, in which genes associated with flowering regulation were important. Based on these data, it is proposed that buckwheat leaves develop conserved and distinct mechanisms to cope with Al toxicity.
Annals of Otology, Rhinology &Laryngology, Ahead of Print.
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SATB2-associated syndrome: a recently-described genetic condition caused by mutations or changes in a gene known as SATB2. Symptoms of the condition include intellectual disability and severe speech problems and delays. They also may have other birth defects such as abnormalities of the teeth and palate or other abnormalities of the head and face (craniofacial anomalies). The SATB2 gene provides instructions for making a protein that helps control the development of certain body systems. The condition has also been referred to as Glass syndrome.
| The Sydney Morning Herald | 'Do I really need that diagnosis?' The Sydney Morning Herald Australia, like other places, has experienced a massive increase in diagnoses of thyroid cancer – a tripling in recent decades – mostly involving smaller cancers. Researchers are coming to the conclusion that a lot of those newly diagnosed cancers ... and more » |
Publication date: Available online 26 August 2017
Source:Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) - Proteins and Proteomics
Author(s): Genevieve L. Evans, Daniel P. Furkert, Nacim Abermil, Preeti Kundu, Katrina M. de Lange, Emily J. Parker, Margaret A. Brimble, Edward N. Baker, J. Shaun Lott
Phosphoribosyltransferases (PRTs) bind 5′-phospho-α-d-ribosyl-1′-pyrophosphate (PRPP) and transfer its phosphoribosyl group (PRib) to specific nucleophiles. Anthranilate PRT (AnPRT) is a promiscuous PRT that can phosphoribosylate both anthranilate and alternative substrates, and is the only example of a type III PRT. Comparison of the PRPP binding mode in type I, II and III PRTs indicates that AnPRT does not bind PRPP, or nearby metals, in the same conformation as other PRTs. A structure with a stereoisomer of PRPP bound to AnPRT from Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) suggests a catalytic or post-catalytic state that links PRib movement to metal movement. Crystal structures of Mtb-AnPRT in complex with PRPP and with varying occupancies of the two metal binding sites, complemented by activity assay data, indicate that this type III PRT binds a single metal-coordinated species of PRPP, while an adjacent second metal site can be occupied due to a separate binding event. A series of compounds were synthesized that included a phosphonate group to probe PRPP binding site. Compounds containing a "bianthranilate"-like moiety are inhibitors with IC50 values of 10–60μM, and Ki values of 1.3–15μM. Structures of Mtb-AnPRT in complex with these compounds indicate that their phosphonate moieties are unable to mimic the binding modes of the PRib or pyrophosphate moieties of PRPP. The AnPRT structures presented herein indicated that PRPP binds a surface cleft and becomes enclosed due to re-positioning of two mobile loops.
Publication date: Available online 26 August 2017
Source:Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) - Proteins and Proteomics
Author(s): Williams E. Miranda, Van A. Ngo, Laura L. Perissinotti, Sergei Yu. Noskov
The rapid development of experimental and computational techniques has changed fundamentally our understanding of cellular-membrane transport. The advent of powerful computers and refined force-fields for proteins, ions, and lipids has expanded the applicability of Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulations. A myriad of cellular responses is modulated through the binding of endogenous and exogenous ligands (e.g. neurotransmitters and drugs, respectively) to ion channels. Deciphering the thermodynamics and kinetics of the ligand binding processes to these membrane proteins is at the heart of modern drug development. The ever-increasing computational power has already provided insightful data on the thermodynamics and kinetics of drug-target interactions, free energies of solvation, and partitioning into lipid bilayers for drugs. This review aims to provide a brief summary about modeling approaches to map out crucial binding pathways with intermediate conformations and free-energy surfaces for drug-ion channel binding mechanisms that are responsible for multiple effects on cellular functions. We will discuss post-processing analysis of simulation-generated data, which are then transformed to kinetic models to better understand the molecular underpinning of the experimental observables under the influence of drugs or mutations in ion channels. This review highlights crucial mathematical frameworks and perspectives on bridging different well-established computational techniques to connect the dynamics and timescales from all-atom MD and free energy simulations of ion channels to the physiology of action potentials in cellular models.
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Publication date: Available online 26 August 2017
Source:Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) - Proteins and Proteomics
Author(s): Luigi Leonardo Palese
The HIV protease is an important drug target for HIV/AIDS therapy, and its structure and function have been extensively investigated. This enzyme performs an essential role in viral maturation by processing specific cleavage sites in the Gag and Gag-Pol precursor polyproteins so as to release their mature forms. This 99 amino acid aspartic protease works as a homodimer, with the active site localized in a central cavity capped by two flexible flap regions. The dimer presents closed or open conformations, which are involved in the substrate binding and release. Here the results of the analysis of a HIV-1 protease data set containing 552 dimer structures are reported. Different dimensionality reduction methods have been used in order to get information from this multidimensional database. Most of the structures in the data set belong to two conformational clusters. An interesting observation that comes from the analysis of these data is that some protease sequences are localized preferentially in specific areas of the conformational landscape of this protein.
Intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), a relatively new method of delivering radiotherapy, can precisely target a point within a specific tumour and reduce the dose to nearby anatomical structures. This is particularly important in the head and neck where radiotherapy can easily and irreparably damage the salivary glands, spinal cord, and eyes, and where, with increasingly better outcomes and survival, late complications of conventional radiotherapy (including osteoradionecrosis of the cervical spine) can be difficult to manage.
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Osteolytic lesions of the mandible are common, and there are two important differential diagnoses that must be considered: medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaws (MRONJ) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). In patients with a history of taking antiresorptive medication as well as risk factors for neoplasia it can be difficult to differentiate between the two. We describe two cases in both of which a mandibular osteolytic lesion was inadequately identified as either MRONJ or SCC because of confusing clinical and histopathological features.
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The aim of our paper was to provide comprehensive data on the prevalence of absence of palmaris longus muscle (PLM) and its anatomical characteristics, and conduct two separate meta-analyses comparing cadaveric and functional studies while identifying variation among different ethnic groups. An extensive search was conducted through the major electronic databases to identify eligible articles. Data extracted included prevalence of absence of palmaris longus muscle among subjects, ethnicity, laterality, side and gender.
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Following definitive chemoradiation for small cell lung cancer (SCLC), prophylactic cranial irradiation (PCI) has been established as standard of care in those patients whose tumors respond to treatment. In the modern era, however, a subset of patients may receive upfront resection for SCLC, yet the role of PCI in these patients has not been elucidated. In this review, we examined the literature to better define the role of PCI in this subset of patients. For patients with T2 or higher disease, incomplete resection, or those not receiving adjuvant chemotherapy, PCI is expected to offer a clinical benefit.
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| Albany Times Union | On The Move Albany Times Union Amy Mangione named assistant dean of admissions. Mangione most recently held the same position and also was admissions director at Western New England University School of Law. Mangione replaces Nadia Castriota who held the position for six years. |
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Publication date: Available online 26 August 2017
Source:Clinical Biochemistry
Author(s): Greg Ward, Aaron Simpson, Lyn Boscato, Peter E. Hickman
Immunoassay procedures have a wide application in clinical medicine and as such are used throughout clinical biochemistry laboratories both for urgent and routine testing. Clinicians and laboratory personnel are often presented with immunoassay results which are inconsistent with clinical findings. Without a high index of suspicion interferences will often not be suspected. Artifactual results can be due to a range of interferences in immunoassays which can include cross reacting substances, heterophile antibodies, autoantibodies and the high dose hook effect. Further, pre-analytical aspects and certain disease states can influence the potential for interference in immunoassays. Practical solutions for investigation of artifactual results in the setting of the routine clinical laboratory are provided.
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Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi (Anacardiaceae), popularly known as red aroeira, is used in traditional medicine to treat inflammatory, gastric, and respiratory disorders. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antihistaminic activity of S. terebinthifolius (St) bark extract by using in vivo and in vitro experimental models. The effects of St were investigated on contractions induced by histamine, carbachol, and potassium chloride in isolated guinea pig ileum. St was also studied in response to hind paw edema induced by histamine in rats. Experiments revealed that although St (250, 500, and 1,000 µg/mL) reduced the histamine-induced contractions by , , and %, respectively, it did not inhibit contractions induced by carbachol or KCl. The association of St (250 and 500 µg/mL) with hydroxyzine, an H1-antihistamine (0.125 and 0.250 µM), increased the inhibitory effect to and %, respectively. Moreover, St (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg) decreased paw edema from its peak by 33.9, 48.4, and 54.8%, respectively, whereas hydroxyzine (70 mg/kg) inhibited the peak edema by 56.5%. Altogether, the results suggest that the bark extract of S. terebinthifolius has an antihistaminic effect (H1).
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We report a rare case of acquired vitamin K deficiency presenting with severe menorrhagia and without any gynecological problem. Partial thromboplastin time (59.2 seconds) and prothrombin time (33.1 seconds, INR: 5.97) were considerably prolonged in laboratory evaluations. A complete coagulation factor assay test was performed for the patient: factor IX, 24%; factor II, 41%; factor VII, 3%; and factor X, 52%. She had been taking many high-energy drinks and she had inadequate dietary intake for the past 6 months. Given that she had vitamin K deficiency (VKD), a course of vitamin K therapy was started for her in the hospital. This case showed the potential for menorrhagia due to VKD with use of high-energy drinks and the value of a complete and detailed history in early diagnosis.
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It is common practice to implement the elastoplastic Oliver and Pharr (OP) model to investigate the spatial and temporal variations of mechanical properties of engineered bone. However, the viscoelastoplastic (VEP) model may be preferred being envisaged to provide additional insights into the regeneration process, as it allows evaluating also the viscous content of bone tissue. In this work, the elastic modulus (), contact hardness (), hardness (), and viscosity index () of newly formed bone tissue regenerated at 4 and 12 weeks from the implantation of a macroporous hydroxyapatite scaffold in a rabbit femoral critical-size model were addressed and compared to the mechanical properties of preexisting bone. Indentation curves were fitted with both the OP and VEP models. The VEP model outlined a wider gap between the mechanical properties of native and regenerated tissue when compared to the OP model. In addition, the VEP model indicated an increase of the viscosity index from 4 to 12 weeks, supporting the evidence of a still active regeneration process. The reported results confirmed the higher ability of VEP model compared to the more diffused OP model to provide important insights into bone mechanical properties, also during the bone regeneration process.
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This work investigates the ultra-large Huize Pb–Zn deposit, based on the results of preceding studies and detailed field geological surveys. The existing findings were reorganized and reinterpreted and supplemented with C–H–O isotopic measurements, which resulted in the identification of two different metallogenic fluids: a high temperature, low salinity, and acidic Fluid A, which originates from deep-seated fluids and is enriched in lighter C and O isotopes (−3
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The association of breast cancer and abscess is rare in daily practice. The authors report a short series of 3 cases of cancer of the breast in nonlactating women presented as breast abscess, reviewing aspects in radiology (ultrasound and mammography), correlating them with the histopathology findings and the bacteriological profile of the isolated germs.
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Background. Direct metal laser sintering (DMLS) is an additive manufacturing technique that allows the fabrication of dental implants layer by layer through the laser fusion of titanium microparticles. The surface of DMLS implants is characterized by a high open porosity with interconnected pores of different sizes; therefore, it has the potential to enhance and accelerate bone healing. To date, however, there are no histologic/histomorphometric studies in the literature evaluating the interface between bone and DMLS implants in the long-term. Purpose. To evaluate the interface between bone and DMLS implants retrieved after 5 years of functional loading. Methods. Two fractured DMLS implants were retrieved from the human jaws, using a 5 mm trephine bur. Both the implants were clinically stable and functioned regularly before fracture. The specimens were processed for histologic/histomorphometric evaluation; the bone-to-implant contact (BIC%) was calculated. Results. Compact, mature lamellar bone was found over most of the DMLS implants in close contact with the implant surface; the histomorphometric evaluation showed a mean BIC% of 66.1% (±4.5%). Conclusions. The present histologic/histomorphometric study showed that DMLS implants were well integrated in bone, after 5 years of loading, with the peri-implant bone undergoing continuous remodeling at the interface.
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Background and Aim. Aberrant activation of the TGF-β1/Smad pathway contributes to the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). MicroRNA-195 has been shown to regulate the activation of HSCs. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of miRNA-195 in HSCs activation. Methods. A liver fibrotic rat model induced by diethylnitrosamine was established. Dual luciferase reporter assays were performed to verify that Smad7 was the target of miRNA-195. The expression levels of miR-195, Smad7, and α-SMA in HSC-T6 transfected, respectively, with miR-195 mimic, inhibitor, or control were measured by qRT-PCR. The protein expression of Smad7 was detected by Western blot analysis. Results. Enhanced miR-195 and decreased Smad7 were observed in diethylnitrosamine-induced liver fibrotic rats (). Dual luciferase reporter assays showed that the miR-195 mimic significantly suppressed the luciferase activity of a reporter plasmid carrying the binding site of miR-195 on the 3′UTR of Smad7 (). The miR-195 mimics activated HSCs, further elevated miR-195 and α-SMA (), and reduced the Smad7 level (). The miR-195 inhibitors blocked the activation of HSCs, reduced the expression of miR-195 and -SMA (), and upregulated the expression of Smad7 (). Conclusion. Collectively, we demonstrated that miRNA-195 activated HSCs by targeting Smad7.
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Purpose. To investigate the potential of diffusion and perfusion indices (ADC and perfusion fraction ) from DWI at 3.0 T in monitoring treatment response to uterine artery embolization (UAE) at 6-month follow-up. Methods. Twelve female patients with uterine fibroids who underwent 3.0-T pelvic DWI before and 6 months after UAE were included. ADC and perfusion fraction were calculated from DWI. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test and Spearman rank correlation test were used for statistics. Results. Seventeen fibroids were studied. The median ADCs showed a significant increase from 1.20 × 10−3 mm2/s (range, 0.86–1.66 × 10−3 mm2/s) at baseline to 1.56 × 10−3 mm2/s (range, 1.00–1.86 × 10−3 mm2/s) at 6-month follow-up (). Conversely, the median perfusion fraction was significantly decreased after UAE (), with a median pre-UAE value of 14.2% (range, 6.7%–17.6%) and a median post-UAE value of 9.2% (range, 3.2%–14.6%). Significant correlations were found between fibroid volume reduction rate and percentage changes in ADC and perfusion fraction at 6-month follow-up relative to baseline, with values of −0.50 () and 0.55 (), respectively. Conclusion. ADC and perfusion fraction obtained from DWI at 3.0 T may help to evaluate treatment response to UAE.
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Based on Remote Sensing Systems-retrieved temperature data in the period of January 1979 to February 2016, the response of stratospheric and tropospheric temperature in boreal winter to two previously defined types of El Niño [spring (SP) and summer (SU)] is investigated. The results show that, the response of temperature under SP onset involves a significant positive anomaly, with a symmetric distribution about the equator over the Indian Ocean region in the lower troposphere (850 hPa) and a negative anomaly in the lower stratosphere (50 hPa). Meanwhile, in the area 30°N and 30°S of the equator, most parts of the lower stratosphere feature a positive anomaly. This indicates that SP El Niño events are more conducive than SU events to warming the lower stratosphere. The atmospheric circulation structure over the tropical Indian Ocean is beneficial to the upward transfer of warm air to the upper layer. In contrast, the structure over the tropical Pacific Ocean favors the warming of upper air. On the other hand, the Eliassen–Palm (EP) flux is small and the heat flux is negative during SP-type events. Thus, the EP flux and Brewer–Dobson circulation decrease, making the temperature higher in the upper troposphere-lower stratosphere region at low latitudes.
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Much of the fear and uncertainty around Zika epidemics stem from potential association between Zika virus (ZIKV) complications on infected pregnant women and risk of their babies being born with
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Medical tourism, the practice of persons intentionally travelling across international boundaries to access medical care, has drawn increasing attention from researchers, particularly in relation to potential ...
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| 'Do I really need that diagnosis?' The Age One of the most disturbing examples is thyroid cancer. Australia, like other places, has experienced a massive increase in diagnoses of thyroid cancer – a tripling in recent decades – mostly involving smaller cancers. Researchers are coming to the ... |
The content of selected elements: Al, B, Ba, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Li, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, Ni, P, Pb, Sb, Si, Ti, V and Zn was determined in archaeological waterlogged oak wood from the Lednica Lake by using the inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) method. The concentration of metals (especially heavy metals) in wood is typically specified to characterise this material and evaluate the possibility to use it for industrial purposes. In case of waterlogged archaeological wood intended for further research on new methods of conservation, such an analysis is important for other reasons. As it has been confirmed by numerous conservators and researchers, the presence of metal compounds is a serious problem not only due to their destructive influence on wood tissue but also from a conservation/re-conservation perspective. Metal-containing chemicals may influence conservation treatments by reacting with substances used for wood conservation and causing irreversible damage to wooden objects. Therefore, while developing new solutions for wood conservation, a broad knowledge not only on the state of wood preservation and deterioration but also on interacting chemical factors is required. The results of the research clearly show that content of minerals in waterlogged wood excavated from the bottom of the Lednica Lake considerably exceeded the average percentage of these elements in contemporary wood, which is associated with the mineralisation process. Moreover, variability in metal content was observed between waterlogged and contemporary wood. In waterlogged wood, the highest concentrations of Ca, Fe, Mg and P were observed, while in contemporary oak wood the predominant concentrations of K, Ca, Mn and Si were determined. Statistical analysis showed the variability in content of elements between different archaeological wood zones and contemporary wood. On the basis of the results obtained, it could be concluded that the studied waterlogged wood acted as an adsorbent of elements from water and sediments. High content of metal ions can be an impediment in developing new formulations for conservation, while using this wood as an experimental material. Therefore, while planning to use new chemicals as conservation agents, the possible interactions between chemicals and metals must be taken into consideration.
Publication date: Available online 25 August 2017
Source:Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) - Reviews on Cancer
Author(s): Glenn Rademakers, Nathalie Vaes, Simone Schonkeren, Alexander Koch, Keith A. Sharkey, Veerle Melotte
The enteric nervous system (ENS) is the neural network belonging to the gastrointestinal tract, which is essential for regulating gut functions. The importance of the ENS is underscored by the existence of severe gastrointestinal diseases, such as Hirschsprung's disease and intestinal pseudo-obstruction, which arise when the ENS fails to develop normally or becomes dysregulated. Moreover, it is known that enteric neurons are involved in intestinal inflammation and gut homeostasis. So far, the role of the ENS in colorectal cancer (CRC) carcinogenesis remains poorly understood, even though processes like perineural invasion and neoneurogenesis are important factors in the CRC field. Here we summarize how enteric neurons are affected during CRC and discuss the influence of enteric neurons, either direct or indirect, on CRC development and/or progression. Finally, we illustrate how the ENS could be targeted as a potential anti-cancer therapy, establishing the ENS as an integral part of the tumor microenvironment.
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Publication date: Available online 25 August 2017
Source:Journal of Infection and Chemotherapy
Author(s): Yutaka Umemura, Hiroshi Ogura, Satoshi Gando, Shigeki Kushimoto, Daizoh Saitoh, Toshihiko Mayumi, Seitaro Fujishima, Toshikazu Abe, Hiroto Ikeda, Joji Kotani, Yasuo Miki, Shin-ichiro Shiraishi, Atsushi Shiraishi, Koichiro Suzuki, Yasushi Suzuki, Naoshi Takeyama, Kiyotsugu Takuma, Ryosuke Tsuruta, Yoshihiro Yamaguchi, Norio Yamashita, Naoki Aikawa
Quick sequential organ failure assessment (qSOFA) was proposed in the new sepsis definition (Sepsis-3). Although qSOFA was created to identify patients with suspected infection and likely to have poor outcomes, the clinical utility of qSOFA to screen sepsis has not been fully evaluated. We investigated the number of patients diagnosed as having severe sepsis who could not be identified by the qSOFA criteria and what clinical signs could complement the qSOFA score. This retrospective analysis of a multicenter prospective registry included adult patients with severe sepsis diagnosed outside the intensive care unit (ICU) by conventional criteria proposed in 2003. We conducted receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses to assess the predictive value for in-hospital mortality and compared clinical characteristics between survivors and non-survivors with qSOFA score ≤ 1 point (qSOFA-negative). Among 387 eligible patients, 63 (16.3%) patients were categorized as qSOFA-negative, and 10 (15.9%) of these patients died. The area under the ROC curve for the qSOFA score was 0.615, which was superior to that for the systemic inflammatory response syndrome score (0.531, P = 0.019) but inferior to that for the SOFA score (0.702, P = 0.005). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that hypothermia might be associated with poor outcome independently of qSOFA criteria. Our findings suggested that qSOFA had a suboptimal level of predictive value outside the ICU and could not identify 16.3% of patients who were once actually diagnosed with sepsis. Hypothermia might be associated with an increased risk of death that cannot be identified by qSOFA.
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Malignant rhabdoid tumor of the kidney (MRTK) is the most aggressive childhood renal tumor with overall survival (OS) rates ranging from 22% to 42%. Whether high-dose chemotherapy with autologous stem-cell transplantation (HDSCT) in an intensive first-line treatment offers additional benefit is an ongoing discussion.
A retrospective analysis of all 58 patients with MRTK from Austria, Switzerland, and Germany treated in the framework of consecutive, prospective renal/rhabdoid tumor studies SIOP9/GPO, SIOP93-01/GPOH (where SIOP is International Society of Pediatric Oncology and GPOH is German Society of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology), SIOP2001/GPOH, and European Rhabdoid Tumor Registry from 1991 to 2014.
Median age at diagnosis was 11 months. Fifty percent of patients had metastases or multifocal disease at diagnosis (Stage IV). Local stage distribution was as follows: not done/I/II/III—1/6/11/40. Fifteen (26%) patients underwent upfront surgery. Thirty-seven (64%) patients achieved a complete remission, 17 (29%) relapsed, 34 (59%) died of disease progression, and two (3%) died of treatment-related complication. Mean time to the first event was 3.5 months. Two-year EFS/OS (where EFS is event-free survival) for the whole group was 37 ± 6%/38 ± 6%. Metastases/multifocal disease, younger age, and local stage III were associated with significantly inferior survival. Eleven (19%) patients underwent HDSCT (carboplatin + thiotepa, n = 6; carboplatin + etoposide + melphalan, n = 4; others, n = 1); 2-year OS in this group was 60 ± 15% compared to 34 ± 8% in the non-HDSCT group (P = 0.064). However, the time needed from radiologic to histologic diagnosis, stem-cell harvest, and HDSCT must also be taken into account to avoid selection bias by excluding the highest risk group with early progression (<90 days). Thus, 2-year EFS only for patients without progression until day 90 was 60 ± 16% consolidated by HDSCT compared to 62 ± 11% without (P = 0.8).
Our retrospective analysis suggests comparable outcomes for patients with and without HDSCT, if adjusted for early disease progression.
Pseudomyogenic hemangioendothelioma (PMH) is a rare, mostly indolent vascular tumor. Extensive cases are treated with amputation as chemotherapy seems to be ineffective. Recently, promising results were published using mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitors in tumors of vascular origin. Here, we present a case of a child with advanced PMH relapsing after surgery and chemotherapy. Sirolimus achieved significant clinical improvement and stabilization of the lesions without any remarkable toxicity. This case contributes to the growing evidence regarding the efficacy of mTOR inhibitors, such as sirolimus, in multifocal PMH.
Pulmonary hypertension, determined noninvasively by tricuspid regurgitant jet velocity on Doppler echocardiography, was previously identified in 25% of long-term survivors who received chest-directed radiotherapy. To validate noninvasively defined pulmonary hypertension, survivors (mean age 48 years), exposed to chest radiotherapy, underwent right heart catheterization with planned cardiopulmonary exercise testing during catheterization. Eight participants had an elevated mean pulmonary artery pressure at rest (≥25 mm Hg) or with subsequent exercise (>30 mm Hg), evidence of hemodynamically confirmed pulmonary hypertension by right heart catheterization. Cardiopulmonary exercise testing further defined the magnitude and etiology of cardiopulmonary limitations in this life-threatening late effect.
We report the case of a 14-year-old male with metastatic alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma, presenting with hypercalcaemia (3.89 mmol/l) and elevated parathyroid hormone (PTH) level (10.2 pmol/l). Imaging demonstrated extensive bony lytic damage, with "floating teeth" in the mandible. Normalisation of calcium levels and bony reformation of the mandible occurred following chemotherapy; PTH levels decreased initially but remained above normal levels. Imaging did not demonstrate any evidence of parathyroid abnormality. Tumour ectopic PTH secretion is a very rare cause of hypercalcaemia of malignancy in children. Hypercalcaemia with an elevated PTH, in the absence of parathyroid-related cause, should prompt investigation for underlying malignancy.
Mucositis is well described after pediatric hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) but other aspects of oral health such as dental plaque and gingivitis are poorly understood. The aim of this study was to describe dental plaque, gingivitis, and mucositis early after HSCT.
We conducted a prospective longitudinal observational study to describe dental plaque, gingivitis, and mucositis in the peritransplant period. We conducted comprehensive oral evaluations that included the Miyazaki tongue coating, modified simplified oral hygiene, modified gingivitis of Suomi and Barbano, and mucosal ulceration indices at baseline on days 0, +7, +14, and +28.
Data were collected from 19 patients with a median age of 8.0 years (5.1–12.8) at time of HSCT. Sixteen patients (85%) had plaque accumulation that progressively worsened, 16 (85%) developed severe gingival inflammation, 13 (68%) developed mucositis, and 11 (58%) had oral ulcerations. All oral indices worsened from baseline during the study period. Gingivitis and oral plaque persisted in most patients at day +28 while mucositis and oral ulcerations slightly improved.
Gingivitis, dental plaque, mucositis, and oral ulcerations are common after HSCT. Additional studies are needed to ascertain methods that decrease plaque and gingivitis development and severity.
Objective
Affective symptoms influence health status (health-related quality of life) in functional neurological disorder (FND), and the salience network is implicated in the pathophysiology of FND and mood/anxiety disorders. We hypothesised that self-reported health status and affective symptoms would map onto salience network regions and that patients with FND would show decreased insular volumes compared with controls.
MethodsThis voxel-based morphometry study investigated volumetric differences in 26 patients with FND (21 women, 5 men; mean age=40.3±11.5) compared with 27 healthy controls (22 women, 5 men; mean age=40.5±10.8). Post hoc analyses stratified patients with FND by mental and physical health scores (Short Form Health Survey-36). Within-group analyses investigated associations with mental health, physical health, trait anxiety and depression in patients with FND.
ResultsThere were no volumetric differences between the complete FND cohort and controls. In stratified analyses, however, patients with FND reporting the most severe physical health impairments showed reduced left anterior insular volume compared with controls. In within-group analyses, impaired mental health and elevated trait anxiety were associated with increased right amygdalar volumes in patients with FND. The relationship between amygdalar volume and mental health, driven by emotional well-being deficits and role limitations due to emotional problems, was independent of sensorimotor functional neurological symptom severity and motor FND subtype. In secondary within-group analyses, increased periaqueductal grey volume was associated with role limitations due to emotional problems. Impaired physical functioning correlated with decreased left anterior insular volumes.
ConclusionsThese findings support roles for several regions of the salience network in the pathophysiology of FND.
Cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) has never been more relevant. The last 5 years have seen a rapid increase in publications and research in the field, with the development of new biomarkers for the disease, thanks to advances in MRI, amyloid positron emission tomography and cerebrospinal fluid biomarker analysis. The inadvertent development of CAA-like pathology in patients treated with amyloid-beta immunotherapy for Alzheimer's disease has highlighted the importance of establishing how and why CAA develops; without this information, the use of these treatments may be unnecessarily restricted. Our understanding of the clinical and radiological spectrum of CAA has continued to evolve, and there are new insights into the independent impact that CAA has on cognition in the context of ageing and intracerebral haemorrhage, as well as in Alzheimer's and other dementias. While the association between CAA and lobar intracerebral haemorrhage (with its high recurrence risk) is now well recognised, a number of management dilemmas remain, particularly when considering the use of antithrombotics, anticoagulants and statins. The Boston criteria for CAA, in use in one form or another for the last 20 years, are now being reviewed to reflect these new wide-ranging clinical and radiological findings. This review aims to provide a 5-year update on these recent advances, as well as a look towards future directions for CAA research and clinical practice.
Introduction
Among disease-modifying treatments for multiple sclerosis, natalizumab (NTZ) is highly effective, well tolerated and generally safe. Major concerns regard the risk of developing progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), and the occurrence of rebounds or disease activity after its discontinuation. The aim of this study was to explore the efficacy of dimethyl fumarate (DMF) in preventing disease reactivation after NTZ discontinuation.
MethodsThirty-nine patients with relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis, at high risk of PML, were switched from NTZ to DMF and underwent neurological and 3T MRI monitoring for 2 years. Clinical and MRI data regarding the 2-year period preceding NTZ treatment, the 2 years of NTZ treatment and the 2 years of DMF were collected.
ResultsDuring the DMF phase, among the 39 patients, one or more relapses occurred in five patients (12.8%), increased disability progression in 4 (10.3%) and MRI activity in 8 (20.5%). Post-NTZ rebound effect was observed only in one patient. Overall, only two dropouts (one rebound activity and one gastrointestinal side effect) were registered and almost 80% of the patients have still no evidence of disease activity at the end of DMF treatment. The multiple linear regression model revealed that the number of relapses and MRI parameters before DMF treatment were good predictors of disease activity during treatment with DMF.
DiscussionDMF appeared generally safe and no carryover PML among investigated cases was observed. Although DMF did not eliminate the possibility of disease reactivation, it seems anyway a promising drug for those patients who shall discontinue NTZ. The clinical and radiological activity preceding the DMF treatment might be used as a prognostic marker of therapy response.
Nivolumab is a monoclonal antibody to programmed cell death-1 (PD-1) protein and acts as an immune checkpoint inhibitor by disrupting the interaction of the PD-1 receptor with its ligands. Nivolumab has emerged as an effective treatment for advanced cancers such as melanoma and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, immune-related adverse events (irAEs) are sometimes associated with the administration of immune checkpoint inhibitors. Colitis, endocrine dysfunction and myasthenia gravis (MG) are well-known irAEs induced by nivolumab. Here, we report a case of nivolumab-induced acute demyelinating polyneuropathy.
Case reportA 66-year-old man was diagnosed with NSCLC and developed adrenal metastases. Although the patient was treated with two courses of carboplatin [AUC (area under the curve) 6] and nab-paclitaxel (100 mg/m2), bilateral swelling of cervical lymph nodes and adrenal metastatic lesions expanded, and he received nivolumab treatment. Five days after two courses of nivolumab treatment, he developed muscle weakness of the lower limbs (day...
Objective
To investigate global and lobular cerebellar volumetries in patients with progressive multiple sclerosis (MS), testing the contribution of cerebellar lobular atrophy to both motor and cognitive performances.
MethodsEighty-two patients with progressive MS and 46 healthy controls (HC) were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. Clinical evaluation included motor and cognitive testing: Expanded Disability Status Scale, cerebellar Functional System score, Timed 25-Foot Walk Test, 9-Hole Peg Test (9-HPT), Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT), Brief Visuospatial Memory Test–Revised (BVMT) and California Verbal Learning Test II (CVLT). Cerebellar volumes were automatically obtained using the Spatially Unbiased Infratentorial Toolbox. A hierarchical multiple linear regression analysis was performed to assess the relationship between MRI variables of supratentorial and cerebellar damage (grey matter fraction, T2 lesion volume, metrics of cerebellar atrophy and cerebellar lesion volume) and motor/cognitive scores.
ResultsPatients with MS exhibited lower cerebellar volumes compared with HC. Regression analysis showed that cerebellar metrics accounted for extra variance in both motor and cognitive performances, with cerebellar lesion volume, cerebellar Lobules VI, Crus I and VIIIa atrophy being independent predictors of 9-HPT, SDMT, BVMT and CVLT performances.
ConclusionsAtrophy of specific cerebellar lobules explains different aspects of motor and cognitive disability in patients with progressive MS. Investigation of cerebellar involvement provides further insight into the pathophysiological basis of clinical disability in progressive MS.
| giovanni petrungaro (Comunicati Stampa) (Registrazione) | Perché in vacanza ci viene il mal di testa giovanni petrungaro (Comunicati Stampa) (Registrazione) Cambiamenti climatici repentini, aria condizionata, posture scorrette nei lunghi viaggi possono colpire la zona del collo e delle spalle e scatenare il cosiddetto "mal di testa da cervicale"; e il fisiologico squilibrio ormonale legato al ciclo ... |
Commentary on: Shorey S, He HG, Morelius E, et al. Skin-to-skin contact by fathers and the impact on infant and paternal outcomes: an integrative review. Midwifery 2016;40:207–17.
Implications for practice and researchFathers and infants benefit from fathers practising skin-to-skin contact. Thus, there is evidence for implementing this in practice. However, the prevailing culture, a family centred perspective, including the father's own will, must be taken into account.
Further studies are warranted, including standardised protocols and paternal experiences from different settings.
ContextSkin-to skin contact within neonatal intensive care has its origin in Columbia, due to a history of lack of incubators and mothers abandoning their fragile premature and/or sick infants. Today, skin-to-skin contact is part of ordinary care also within high-tech neonatal intensive care units. The evidence is strong that skin-to-skin care has many beneficial outcomes for infants and for mothers,1 but less is known about fathers' experiences and...
| Herald Keeper | Early Detection Can Swell Survival Rate among Oral Cancer Patients Herald Keeper Oral cancer aka Mouth cancer can crop up in any part of the mouth, on the lip, on the surface of the tongue, in the gums or roof of the mouth, inside the cheek, on the floor of the mouth, as well as in salivary glands. It is a particular kind of head ... |
Non-technical skills, such as task management, leadership, situational awareness, communication and decision-making refer to cognitive, behavioural and social skills that contribute to safe and efficient team performance. The importance of these skills during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is increasingly emphasised. Nonetheless, the relationship between non-technical skills and technical performance is poorly understood. We hypothesise that non-technical skills become increasingly important under stressful conditions when individuals are distracted from their tasks, and investigated the relationship between non-technical and technical skills under control conditions and when external stressors are present.
MethodsIn this simulator-based randomised cross-over study, 30 anaesthesiologists and anaesthesia residents from the VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands, participated in two different CPR scenarios in random order. In one scenario, external stressors (radio noise and a distractive scripted family member) were added, while the other scenario without stressors served as control condition. Non-technical performance of the team leader and technical performance of the team were measured using the 'Anaesthetists' Non-technical Skill' score and a recently developed technical skills score. Analysis of variance and Pearson correlation coefficients were used for statistical analyses.
ResultsNon-technical performance declined when external stressors were present (adjusted mean difference 3.9 points, 95% CI 2.4 to 5.5 points). A significant correlation between non-technical and technical performance scores was observed when external stressors were present (r=0.67, 95% CI 0.40 to 0.83, p<0.001), while no evidence for such a relationship was observed under control conditions (r=0.15, 95% CI –0.22 to 0.49, p=0.42). This was equally true for all individual domains of the non-technical performance score (task management, team working, situation awareness, decision-making).
ConclusionsDuring CPR with external stressors, the team's technical performance is related to the non-technical skills of the team leader. This may have important implications for training of CPR teams.
Objective
Flexible sigmoidoscopy reduces the incidence of colonic cancer through the detection and removal of premalignant adenomas. However, the efficacy of the procedure is variable. The aim of the present study was to examine factors associated with the efficacy of detecting polyps during flexible sigmoidoscopy.
Design and patientsRetrospective observational cohort study of all individuals undergoing routine flexible sigmoidoscopy in NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde from January 2013 to January 2016.
ResultsA total of 7713 patients were included. Median age was 52 years and 50% were male. Polyps were detected in 1172 (13%) patients. On multivariate analysis, increasing age (OR 1.020 (1.016–1.023) p<0.001), male sex (OR 1.23 (1.10–1.38) p<0.001) and the use of any bowel preparation (OR 3.55 (1.47–8.57) p<0.001) were associated with increasing numbers of polyps being detected. There was no significant difference in the number of polyps found in patients who had received an oral laxative preparation compared with an enema (OR 3.81 (1.57–9.22) vs 3.45 (1.43–8.34)), or in those who received sedation versus those who had not (OR 1.00 vs 1.04 (0.91–1.17) p=0.591). Furthermore, the highest number of polyps was found when the sigmoidoscope was inserted to the descending colon (OR 1.30 (1.04–1.63)).
ConclusionsIncreasing age, male sex and the utilisation of any bowel preparation were associated with an increased polyp detection rate. However, the use of sedation or oral laxative preparation appears to confer no additional benefit. In addition, the results indicate that insertion to the descending colon optimises the efficacy of flexible sigmoidoscopy polyp detection.
Publication date: Available online 25 August 2017
Source:The Journal of Emergency Medicine
Author(s): Scott L. Mankowitz
BackgroundTraumatic lacerations to the skin represent a fairly common reason for seeking emergency department care. Although the incidence of lacerations has decreased over the past decades, traumatic cutaneous lacerations remain a common reason for patients to seek emergency department care.ObjectiveInnovations in laceration management have the potential to improve patient experience with this common presentation.DiscussionStudies have confirmed that delays in wound closure rarely confer increased rates of infection, although comorbidities such as diabetes, chronic renal failure, obesity, human immunodeficiency virus, smoking, and cancer should be considered. Antibiotics should be reserved for high-risk wounds, such as those with comorbidities, gross contamination, involvement of deeper structures, stellate wounds, and selected bite wounds. Topical anesthetics, which are painless to apply, have a role in select populations. In most studies, absorbable sutures perform similarly to nonabsorbable sutures and do not require revisit for removal. Novel atraumatic closure devices and expanded use of tissue adhesives for wounds under tension further erode the primacy of regular sutures in wound closure. Maintaining a moist wound environment with occlusive dressings is more important than previously thought. Most topical wound agents are of limited benefit.ConclusionsRecent innovations in wound closure are allowing emergency physicians to shift toward painless, atraumatic, and rapid closure of lacerations.
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Background
The number of acupuncture users is growing in the USA, having increased nearly 50% from 2002 to 2012.1 However, relatively little is known about the reason for use (ie, treatment only, wellness only or a combination of both treatment and wellness) and perceived benefits of utilising acupuncture (eg, stress reduction) according to reason for use among US adults. An understanding of reasons for use and perceived benefits may help guide acupuncturists and healthcare professionals to maximise patient-centred healthcare utilisation.
SurveyData from the 2012 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) was provided by the National Center for Health Statistics of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.2 The NHIS is an in-person interview survey that is conducted cross-sectionally every year and represents healthcare trends among non-institutionalised US civilians. The final analytic sample included adults aged 18 or older and had complete data for all covariates (n=33 167 unweighted). The survey response rate...
To compare objective measures of needle manipulation between students and teachers of acupuncture using motion video analysis technology, to help support instructional acupuncture education.
MethodsA total of 30 teachers and 60 students participated in this study. Acupuncture needles were inserted at LI11 and motion videos were recorded for three subtypes of 'lifting-thrusting' manipulation: (1) 'mild reinforcing-attenuating'; (2) 'reinforcing'; and (3) 'attenuating'. The videos were analysed using Simi Motion 3D software to acquire the movement parameters of four trace marks: 'thumb tip'; 'forefinger tip'; 'forefinger middle joint'; and 'forefinger base joint'. Differences between the two groups were compared using t-tests, X2tests and/or rank-sum tests.
ResultsChanges in the near-end interphalangeal joint were positively associated with a range of movement along the X axis. Motion parameters for the thumb tip, the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint of the forefinger and the X axis shaft swing near the end of the forefinger in the teacher group were higher than those in the student group. The teacher group featured smaller trough dispersion and smaller crest dispersion during 'reinforcing' and 'attenuating' manipulations, respectively.
ConclusionsThe 'lifting-thrusting' manipulation could be simplified as a fixed-axis rotation using metacarpophalangeal joints in the thumb and forefinger as the shaft centre. Teachers opened at a larger angular variation for the PIP during the lifting and thrusting processes with better spatial control. Temporal control was similar between groups and therefore appears easier to grasp. Repetitive training might be helpful for improving athletic and spatial stability during needle manipulation.
The level of functional illiteracy in the North American context, among others, appears to be reaching epidemic levels. The necessary linguistic and intellectual tools required to adequately function in our complex, highly-literate societies are not being sufficiently developed in many of our homes or schools. The findings from the present study are consistent with some general trends found in the research literature connected to practices potentially influencing the development of literacy in youth. This correlational, quantitative study showed that text-messaging practices did not appear to be significantly associated with literacy in this adolescent population sample; reading in the traditional sense, on the other hand, exhibited more positive links with literacy attainment than all the other practices considered. These findings, similarly to previous research, suggest that the type of reading that is occurring while texting is substantially different, in terms of its associations with literacy, from more traditional forms of reading. Yet while the amount of time spent by young people on digital practices such as texting is rising rapidly, the amount of time spent reading, in the traditional sense, remains low. Rather than focusing on potential technological solutions, increasing the quantity and complexity level of more traditional forms of reading in adolescence appears to be a more prudent strategy for enhancing functional literacy in society.
The development of international cooperation requires cooperation in the sphere of education. An enhanced sharing of experience in the sphere of practical teaching activities implies the increase of the quality of teaching process and of scientific cooperation. Sharing of experience in educational activities implies understanding among representatives of different nations anywhere in the world. It means that through LSM teaching the principle of social constructivism is realized, when participants together create a narrow culture of common objects and senses. The article presents an example of practical application of electronic media to the process of a real lesson. The article describes the process of teaching students from different countries using the system of LMS Moodle, beginning with preparing study materials, giving lectures by foreign lecturers, practical tasks and ending with passing an examination. The training has included some full-time students from the Slovak Republic, the Republic of Dagestan and the Republic of Kazakhstan, and has been realized by applying the method of distance learning (LMS).
Teachers are thrown open to abundance of free text answers which are very daunting to read and evaluate. Automatic assessments of open ended answers have been attempted in the past but none guarantees 100 % accuracy. In order to deal with the overload involved in this manual evaluation, a new tool becomes necessary. The unique superlative model discussed in this paper aims at providing improved accuracy by constructing word clouds. The model uses appropriate semantics with a visual appeal to partially automate free text evaluation. The model was applied at a K-12 school setup where the average human agreement rate was found to be 98 % and the accuracy score deviation from the mean was 2.82. This tool can be cast-off at any level starting from K-12 to higher education to evolve the way we view and evaluate answers.
This paper aims to report and discuss the use of a virtual lab for developing achievement in electronic circuits for hearing-impaired students. Results from a number of studies have proved that the virtual lab allowed students to build and test a wide variety of electronic circuits. The present study was implemented to investigate the effectiveness of virtual lab in improving hearing-impaired students' understanding of concepts and their skills in handling electronic circuits. The experimental work was carried out in the electronic computing department at Mansoura vocational preparatory schools for hearing-impaired students in Egypt. The results clearly revealed the effectiveness of the virtual lab in improving students' achievement and practical skills with respect to handling electronic circuits.
This study applied a quasi-experimental design to investigate the influence and predictive power of learner motivation for achievement, employing a mobile game-based English learning approach. A system called the Happy English Learning System, integrating learning material into a game-based context, was constructed and installed on mobile devices to conduct the experiment. The sample comprised 38 Taiwanese vocational high school students. The experimental period was 8 weeks. Through statistical methods, the results verified the positive effectiveness of the approach for promoting student English learning motivation and achievement, indicating the partially predictive power of student learning motivation on English achievement. Notably, the results evidenced the necessity of a long experimental period and sufficient external stimulation to enhance student learning effectiveness. Finally, this study proposed several positive suggestions for English learning and teaching in Taiwan vocational education.
As the number of online K-12 educational offerings continues to grow it is important to better understand key indicators of success for students enrolled in these classes. One of those indicators is student dropout rates. This is particularly important for Hispanic or Latino students who traditionally have high dropout rates. The purpose of this study was to better understand dropout rates for K-12 Hispanic or Latino students enrolled in online schools in Arizona. This was accomplished by examining the effects that the independent variables of time, school type (charter vs non-charter) and delivery type (blended vs fully online) have on dropout rates. A quantitative analysis of data from 32 online schools was performed. The results of this study show that dropout rates are indeed declining for the period of 2013–2015. This decline is mirrored by national dropout rates for all students and specifically for Hispanic or Latino students. While the declines are positive news, the dropout rates for Hispanic or Latino students are still among the highest measured. The dropout rate gap between other demographic groups and Hispanics or Latinos is still substantial and worth continued research along with efforts to reduce these dropout rates and foster increased student success.
Today, the implication of Web 2.0 technologies in e-learning allows envisaging new teaching and learning forms, advocating an important place to the collaboration and social interaction. However, in e-learning systems, learn in a collaborative way is not always so easy because one of the difficulties when arranging e-learning courses can be that these courses are not adapted to this type of learning based on collaboration. In most of time, these courses are constructed individually, a way that does not stimulate collaborative and social learning. This work is at the heart of this issue. It seeks to find conceptual solutions for computer design and development of pedagogical knowledge, which should be in adequacy with current e-learning practices based on Web 2.0 features: collaborative e-learning. Thus, this paper presents a process of online and collaborative design-development of e-learning contents as concept maps, process which takes place in an online environment. The novel aspect of this approach is that the content generated following the proposed process is becoming less the product of a single author, but this is the result of a team work, and is adapted to collaborative e-learning practices. The paper describes the proposed process, presents the architecture of the implemented environment and exposes the adopted technical choices. The paper presents also the results of the experimentation of the framework in a realistic situation, which is based on the analysis of collected traces of a group of teachers (n = 30). The results found validate the interest of teachers involved toward the proposed approach.
Many school districts across the United States have enacted one-to-one (1:1) programs to boost students' "21st Century Skills". These programs provide a laptop or other personal digital device to every student, with the expectation that teachers will employ modern instructional processes and students will benefit from greater access to knowledge, tools, and both collaborative and individualized instruction. The transformative potential of 1:1, along with the varied contextual variables, makes program implementation difficult. This paper discusses the partial results of a year-long 1:1 laptop program evaluation in one Pennsylvania district. The study employs multiple methods to obtain an initial view of the programs' impact on students. The study found that, overall, students did not have positive perceptions of the 1:1 program or its impacts, and a significant decline was found for many indicators between semesters. Regression analysis of the collected data suggests that greater use of the 1:1 laptops, along with a robust IT infrastructure, significantly predicts the perceived level of impact a 1:1 program has on students. The information obtained from this case study provides further insight into how attitudes, behavior, and perceptions of students are impacted by these programs.
Learners style is grouped into four types mainly; Visual, auditory, kinesthetic and Read/Write. Each type of learners learns primarily through one of the main receiving senses, visual, listening, or by doing. Learner style has an effect on the learning process and learner's achievement. It is better to select suitable learning tool for the learner according to his learning style. In this work, a fuzzy model for predicting learner style depending on characteristics of the learner is proposed. The system was tested on a group of students and compared to their results from the online VARK questionnaire which is a tool that is used to give the students information on how to maximize their learning. The new proposed fuzzy inference system gave 48 % similar classification compared with the VARK.
The present literature review builds on the results of 50 research articles published from 2000 until 2016. All these studies have successfully accomplished various learning tasks in the domain of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education using three-dimensional (3-D) multi-user virtual worlds for Primary, Secondary and Higher education, in order to: (a) present an overview about the potential contribution of this technology in practice-based perspectives on knowledge and learning; (b) identify the theoretical underpinnings based on contemporary learning theories and pedagogical approaches that leverage content design characteristics, with the respect to the constructs of their instructional design methods; (c) suggest a synthesis of the relevant literature about how the utilization of 3-D multi-user virtual worlds have affected positively learning outcomes based on students' achievements; (d) concretize the educational potential and instructional affordances covering the pedagogical (socio-) cognitive, technological-operational and financial perspectives; and lastly (e) propose an instructional design workflow to contextualize pedagogical content design principles for the implementation of different learning scenarios in STEM courses. The overviewed articles ascertained that 3-D multi-user virtual worlds have many instructional and technological affordances as candidate learning platforms for different educational levels, influencing to a large extent students' attendance, knowledge transfer, skill acquisition, hands-on digital experience and positive attitudes in laboratory experimental exercises. This technology gives to users the opportunity to manage learning materials more effectively and efficiently during the teaching process. The vast majority of educational benefits and potential enhanced the degree of their engagement and participation, contributing positively to their achievements.
Simulators are used to practice in a safe setting before training in a safety-critical environment. Since the nature of situations encountered in high-risk domains is complex and dynamic, it is considered important for the simulation to resemble conditions of real world tasks. For this reason, simulation-based training is often discussed in terms of realism in relation to real world work practices. However, regardless of the realism of the simulator, there are always glitches in the perception of the simulation as a realistic work setting. In this study video-recorded data is used to explore these glitches between a simulation and the real world. The analysis is focused on maritime instructors' use of body and talk to represent aspects of the real world missing in high-fidelity simulators. Moreover, the study explores the role of these representations in developing the students' understanding of the ship's movements in manoeuvring also in a simulator environment. Results show that instructions given in the simulator have the potential to facilitate students' learning of the ship's movements by using the body as an instructional resource. In the study, a combination of bodily conduct and instructive talk that are coupled towards the simulator, as well as aspects of an imagined real world, is used to address glitches in the simulator. The results contribute to a growing corpus of research, which show that realism in simulator-based training is an instructional achievement rather than a matter of technical fidelity of the simulator.
Investigations in technology acceptance in education has largely overlooked certain unique populations like students from the Collège d'enseignement général et professionnel (CEGEP) system. In studies examining CEGEP students' use of technology, the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) perspective has not been taken into account, nor have modalities of beliefs underlying the TAM framework. Modalities of belief refer to the different way of knowing something, such as certainty, necessity, conditionality/probability, etc. This study explores CEGEP students' use of social networking sites (SNSs) employing the TAM framework proposed by Davis (MIS Quarterly, 13(3), 319–340, 1989). The increased role of SNSs like Facebook in the digital experience and lives of college students offers novel venues and presents new opportunities for technology acceptance research. This study examines the determinants of intention and use of SNSs among CEGEP students and includes a new antecedent factor 'need for self-expression', as a modality of belief. Using structural equation modeling, specifically partial least squares (PLS), we test and present the results finding good fit with the data for our extended TAM model for Facebook use. We close by discussing the implications, limitations, and avenues for future research.
Publication date: Available online 25 August 2017
Source:Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) - General Subjects
Author(s): Christopher King, Daniel Wirth, Samuel Workman, Kalina Hristova
BackgroundPrior studies have suggested that the interactions occurring between VEGFR2 extracellular domains in the absence of ligand are complex. Here we seek novel insights into these interactions, and into the role of the different Ig-like domains (D1 through D7) in VEGFR2 dimerization.MethodsWe study the dimerization of a single amino acid mutant and of three deletion mutants in the plasma membrane using two photon microscopy and fully quantified spectral imaging.ResultsWe demonstrate that a set of cooperative interactions between the different Ig-like domains ensure that VEGFR2 dimerizes with a specific affinity instead of forming oligomers.ConclusionsThe contributions of subunits D7 and D4 seem to be the most critical, as they appear essential for strong lateral interactions and for the formation of dimers, respectively.General Significance.This study provides new insights into the mechanism of VEGFR2 dimerization and activation.
Publication date: Available online 25 August 2017
Source:Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) - General Subjects
Author(s): Teppei Ikeya, David Ban, Donghan Lee, Yutaka Ito, Koichi Kato, Christian Griesinger
BackgroundTo understand the mechanisms related to the 'dynamical ordering' of macromolecules and biological systems, it is crucial to monitor, in detail, molecular interactions and their dynamics across multiple timescales. Solution nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy is an ideal tool that can investigate biophysical events at the atomic level, in near-physiological buffer solutions, or even inside cells.Scope of ReviewIn the past several decades, progress in solution NMR has significantly contributed to the elucidation of three-dimensional structures, the understanding of conformational motions, and the underlying thermodynamic and kinetic properties of biomacromolecules. This review discusses recent methodological development of NMR, their applications and some of the remaining challenges.Major ConclusionsAlthough a major drawback of NMR is its difficulty in studying the dynamical ordering of larger biomolecular systems, current technologies have achieved considerable success in the structural analysis of substantially large proteins and biomolecular complexes over 1 MDa and have characterised a wide range of timescales across which biomolecular motion exists. While NMR is well suited to obtain local structure information in detail, it contributes valuable and unique information within hybrid approaches that combine complementary methodologies, including solution scattering and microscopic techniques.General SignificanceFor living systems, the dynamic assembly and disassembly of macromolecular complexes is of utmost importance for cellular homeostasis and, if dysregulated, implied in human disease. It is thus instructive for the advancement of the study of the dynamical ordering to discuss the potential possibilities of solution NMR spectroscopy and its applications. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled "Biophysical Exploration of Dynamical Ordering of Biomolecular Systems" edited by Dr. Koichi Kato.
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Publication date: Available online 25 August 2017
Source:Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) - General Subjects
Author(s): Baolei Jia, Ke Tang, Byung Hee Chun, Che Ok Jeon
Background: The 2-oxoglutarate/Fe(II)-dependent oxygenase (2OG oxygenase) superfamily in Metazoa is responsible for protein modification, nucleic acid repair and/or modification, and fatty acid metabolism.Methods: Phylogenetic analysis, protein sequence similarity network (SSN) and other bioinformatics tools were used to analyze the evolutionary relationship and make functional inferences of Metazoa 2OG oxygenases.Results: Sixty-four 2OG oxygenases have been previously found in Homo sapiens; they catalyze two reactions: hydroxylation and demethylation. Phylogenetic analyses indicated that enzymes with similar domain architecture are always clustered together, and the redox function can be performed by the 2OG oxygenase domain or Jumonji C (JmjC) domain, where the JmjC domain is always fused to other functional domains. We used the SSN to make functional inferences and to conduct distribution analysis of Metazoa 2OG oxygenases. >11,000 putative 2OG oxygenases across Metazoa could be assigned potential functions based on the SSN. The multiple sequence alignments showed that the residues binding iron are most highly conserved in both the 2OG oxygenase domain and JmjC domain. In contrast, the residues binding oxoglutarate are quite different in the two domains: the 2OG oxygenase domain tends to have an Arg/Lys at the C terminus, whereas the JmjC domain, an Asn/Lys residue in the middle region.Conclusions: The results indicated that gene duplication and vertical gene transfer have played important roles in 2OG oxygenase evolution in Metazoa and clarified the difference between the 2OG oxygenase domain and JmjC domain.General Significance: These findings expand the understanding of the diversity, evolution, and functions of 2OG oxygenases.
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| Liquid nutrition may benefit children with Crohn's disease Science Daily Crohn's disease -- a chronic inflammatory bowel disease -- is often treated with steroids, which are associated with possible serious long-term side effects such as bone thinning, loss of muscle mass, weight gain, and an increased risk of infection. and more » |
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Effectiveness of high irradiance for short-time exposures on polymerization of composite under metal brackets.
Angle Orthod. 2017 Aug 25;:
Authors: Faria-E-Silva AL, Covell DA, Ferracane JL, Pfeifer CS
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of different curing modes available in a dental light-curing unit on degree of conversion (DC) of a composite photoactivated under a metal orthodontic bracket.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: The average irradiance and total energy delivered by three curing modes (standard, high, and extra power) of a multiwave LED unit (Valo Cordless, Ultradent Products, South Jordan, Utah) were measured using the longest time available for each mode (20, 4, and 3 seconds, respectively). Brackets (n = 3/group) were bonded to molar epoxy resin replicas using each curing mode. Mesiodistal sections, 0.5 mm thick, were assessed using an infrared spectrometer microscope. Spectra of composite beneath the brackets were sequentially collected using the mapping tool in near-infrared (NIR)-transmittance mode. Composite conversion was mapped between the mesial and distal edges of the bracket base using 400-μm steps for a total of 10 measurements per specimen. Data from irradiance and total energy were analyzed by one-way ANOVA, while data of DC were analyzed with two-way repeated measures ANOVA (α = 0.05).
RESULTS: The highest DC values were observed for standard power (mean 56%, P < .05), while no difference was observed between high (50%) and extra power (49%) modes. Regarding the site of measurement, higher DC was observed close to the bracket edges (52%, P < .05).
CONCLUSIONS: The use of high irradiance for a short time slightly reduced the DC. The small magnitude of reduction suggests that use of a high irradiance protocol is a clinically valid approach when bonding metal brackets.
PMID: 28841034 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
Exploring the impact of malocclusion and dentofacial anomalies on the occurrence of traumatic dental injuries in adolescents.
Angle Orthod. 2017 Aug 25;:
Authors: Kramer PF, Pereira LM, Ilha MC, Borges TS, Freitas MPM, Feldens CA
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association between malocclusion/dentofacial anomalies and traumatic dental injuries (TDI) in adolescents.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: The sample of this cross-sectional study comprised 509 adolescents aged 11 to 14 years enrolled at public schools in the city of Osório, southern Brazil. Parents answered a structured questionnaire addressing demographic and socioeconomic characteristics. An examiner who had undergone a training and calibration exercise recorded malocclusion/dentofacial anomalies (Dental Aesthetic Index, DAI), TDI (Andreasen), and dental caries (World Health Organisation). Statistical analyses (SPSS software) involved Poisson regression with robust variance.
RESULTS: The prevalence of TDI was 11.6%, and the prevalence of defined, severe, and handicapping malocclusion was 24.0%, 21.6%, and 22.0%, respectively. The multivariate analysis demonstrated that the probability of TDI was approximately twofold higher among adolescents with severe malocclusion (prevalence ratio [PR] 2.22; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.14-4.31) and handicapping malocclusion (PR 1.95; 95% CI 1.01-3.85) in comparison to those with normal occlusion or minor malocclusion. Defined malocclusion was not significantly associated with the outcome. Among the dentofacial anomalies evaluated, the probability of TDI was nearly twofold higher among adolescents with overjet greater than 3 mm (PR 1.96; 95% CI 1.14-3.37) and 2.2-fold higher among those with an abnormal molar relationship (PR 2.24; 95% CI 1.17-4.32), after controlling for confounding variables.
CONCLUSIONS: Severe and handicapping malocclusion, accentuated overjet, and abnormal molar relationship were strongly associated with the occurrence of TDI. Future studies should investigate whether the treatment of these conditions can help reduce the occurrence of TDI in adolescents.
PMID: 28841033 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
Publication date: Available online 25 August 2017
Source:Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) - Molecular Cell Research
Author(s): Hui Lin, Ying Ying, Yuan-Yuan Wang, Gang Wang, Shan-Shan Jiang, Deiang Huang, Lingyu Luo, Ye-Guang Chen, Louis C. Gerstenfeld, Zhijun Luo
Activin A receptor type I or activin receptor-like kinase 2 (ACVRI/ALK2) belongs to type I TGF-β family and plays an important role in bone development. Activating mutations of ALK2 containing the R206 to H mutation, are present in 95% in the rare autosomal genetic diseasefibrodysplasiaossificansprogressiva (FOP), which leads to the development of ectopic bone formation in muscle.The effect of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)activation on ALK2R206H-mediated signaling in fibroblast obtained from a FOP patientwasassessed in the present study. The activity of the mutated ALK2 was suppressed bypharmacological AMPK activators such as metformin and aspirin,while their actions wereblocked by the dominant negative mutant of AMPK and mimicked by the constitutively active mutant of AMPK. Furthermore, activation of AMPK upregulated Smad6 and Smurf1 and thereby enhanced their interactions, resulting inits proteosome-dependent degradation of ALK2. In contrast, knockdown of Smad6 or Smurf1 prevented metformin-induced reduction of ALK2. To evaluate the biological relevance of AMPK action on ALK2 activity,we induced FOP fibroblasts within iPS cells and found that their osteogenic differentiation in vitro was inhibited by metformin. Our studies provide novel insight into potential approaches to treatment of FOP,since several AMPK activators (e.g. metformin,berberine,and aspirin, etc.) are already in clinicaluse for the treatment of diabetes and metabolic syndromes.
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