Greenlandic water and sanitation—a context oriented analysis of system challenges towards local sustainable development

Abstract

Today, as Greenland focuses on more economic and cultural autonomy, the continued development of societal infrastructure systems is vital. At the same time, pressure is put on the systems by a lack of financial resources and locally based professional competences as well as new market-based forms of organization. Against this background, the article discusses the challenges facing Greenland's self-rule in relation to further develop the existing water and wastewater systems so that they can contribute to the sustainable development of Greenland. The article reviews the historical development of the water supply and wastewater system. This leads to an analysis of the sectorisation, which in recent decades has reorganized the Greenlandic infrastructures, and of how this process is influencing local sustainable development. The article discusses the socio-economic and human impacts and points to the need for developing the water and sanitation system to support not only hygiene and health, but also local sustainable development.

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Parent-child coregulation of parasympathetic processes varies by social context and risk for psychopathology

Abstract

The parasympathetic nervous system supports social interaction and varies in relation to psychopathology. However, we know little about parasympathetic processes from a dyadic framework, nor in early childhood when parent-child social interactions become more complex and child psychopathology first emerges. We hypothesized that higher risk for psychopathology (maternal psychopathology symptoms and child problem behavior) would be related to weaker concordance of respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA) between mothers and children (M = 3½ years old; N = 47) and that these relations could vary by social contextual demands, comparing unstructured free play, semistructured cleanup, and structured teaching tasks. Multilevel coupled autoregressive models of RSA during parent-child interactions showed overall dynamic, positive concordance in mother-child RSA over time, but this concordance was weaker during the more structured teaching task. In contrast, higher maternal psychological aggression and child externalizing and internalizing problems were associated with weaker dyadic RSA concordance, which was weakest during unstructured free play. Higher maternal depressive symptoms were related to disrupted individual mother and child RSA but not to RSA concordance. Thus, risk for psychopathology was generally related to weaker dyadic mother-child RSA concordance in contexts with less complex structure or demands (free play, cleanup), as compared to the structured teaching task that showed weaker RSA concordance for all dyads. Implications for the meaning and utility of the construct of parent-child physiological coregulation are discussed.

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Flanker task with equiprobable congruent and incongruent conditions does not elicit the conflict N2

Abstract

In many published studies, various modifications of the flanker task have been used. Regardless of the flanker task version, the conflict N2 component has been consistently reported and interpreted as evidence for the resolution of conflict introduced by incongruent flankers. However, ERP studies that used the most basic flanker task (i.e., a version with equiprobable congruent and incongruent conditions in which only congruency between the target and flankers is manipulated) have not provided compelling evidence for the conflict N2 component. We report the results of a large-sample ERP study employing a basic flanker task that allowed us to revisit the mechanism underlying the resolution of conflict introduced by incongruent flankers. In the behavioral data, we observed the classic effect of congruency. In the ERP data, we found three conflict-sensitive components: (a) an early frontal component, presumably corresponding to P2, (b) P300 for congruent trials, followed by (c) P300 for incongruent trials. We did not find evidence for the conflict N2 component. Based on a review of literature, we propose that the conflict N2 component observed in a basic flanker task might be a frontal aspect of the P300 component. Given previous attempts to attribute the functional role of the ERP components, the absence of the conflict N2 in the basic flanker task suggests that response inhibition may not be crucial for the resolution of conflict induced by incongruent flankers. Instead, the P2 component appears to indicate that selective attention might play an important role in resolving the flanker conflict.

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Inhibitory effects on N -nitrosodimethylamine formation by decrease of salted-fermented fish products and increase of condiments in kimchi

Abstract

Ethanol extracts from developed kimchi condiments (KME, KMEE) and mixtures of sub-ingredients (ME, MEE) showed high nitrite scavenging activity. ME was able to scavenge 89% of total nitrite at 50 mg/mL ME and pH 1.2. The nitrite scavenging abilities of KME and KMEE were significantly higher than in ethanol extract from the control condiment. The inhibitory effects on N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) formation by decrease of salted-fermented fish products (Jeot-gal) and increase of condiments in the composition of kimchi were investigated. The modified kimchi (KM) was prepared with new condiments, which included new sub-ingredients and reduced Jeot-gal. The NDMA and its precursor levels were significantly decreased in KM compared with those in the control kimchi (KC). The KM also obtained higher sensory scores than KC. Therefore, the increase of sub-ingredients and reduction of Jeot-gal in kimchi would be recommended for production of reduced-NDMA kimchi while maintaining or even enhancing flavor profiles.

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Antiviral activities of Artemisia princeps var. orientalis essential oil and its α-thujone against norovirus surrogates

Abstract

Artemisia princeps var. orientalis is a well-known medicinal food, which has been used for the treatment of several diseases including bacterial infection. We examined the antiviral effects of the essential oil from A. princeps var. orientalis and its compounds, borneol, α-thujone and camphor, against murine norovirus-1 (MNV-1) and feline calicivirus-F9 (FCV-F9). The time-of-addition plaque assays were used to determine the ability of essential oil to interfere with viral infection. The maximum activities, following the pretreatment of FCV-F9 and MNV-1, reached 48% inhibition on FCV-F9 and 64% inhibition on MNV-1 at 0.1 and 0.01% of the essential oil, respectively. Neither borneol nor camphor exhibited an antiviral activity, whereas α-thujone, a major compound of the essential oil, showed strong inhibition on FCV-F9 and MNV-1.

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Characteristics of granular cold-water-soluble potato starch treated with alcohol and alkali

Abstract

The characteristics of cold-water-soluble potato starch (CWSS) produced using alcoholic–alkaline treatment were determined using scanning electron microscopy, rapid visco analysis (RVA), X-ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry, storage modulus (G′), loss modulus (G″), and gel images. Scanning electron microscopy revealed a damaged crystalline structure when CWSS was suspended in ethanol. The RVA analysis of native starch showed a peak value of viscosity at high temperatures, whereas the viscosity of CWSS did not show such a peak. The DSC diagram of native starch showed a gelatinization peak temperature; however, no such peak was observed for CWSS. Cold-water solubility tremendously increased in CWSS owing to the loss of crystallinity. The values of G′ and G″ in CWSS decreased with increasing temperature; the opposite was observed for normal potato starch. These results indicate that alcoholic–alkaline treatment affects the starch structure and produces totally different physicochemical properties from native starch; this makes CWSS feasible for use in a variety of food materials.

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Optimized preparation of anthocyanin-rich extract from black rice and its effects on in vitro digestibility

Abstract

The procedure for obtaining anthocyanin-enriched extracts from black rice was optimized by response surface methodology, and the effects of the optimized extract on in vitro starch digestibility were investigated in a wheat flour gel model. The experimental results were well-described by a polynomial multiple regression model (R² = 0.8812, p = 0.0546) with regard to anthocyanin content in anthocyanin-enriched extracts from black rice. The optimal conditions for obtaining anthocyanin-enriched extracts from black rice were 50.78% ethanol and 1 N HCl (0.60 mL), yielding a predicted anthocyanin content of 624.27 mg cyanidin 3 glucoside extract. The optimized anthocyanin-enriched extract was a stronger inhibitor of α-glucosidase than acarbose. Furthermore, the predicted glycemic index values of gels prepared with the optimized extract were significantly lower than that of wheat flour gel. These results indicate that the optimized extract suppressed starch hydrolysis by inhibiting digestive enzymes.

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Caregivers’ education vs rhinopharyngeal clearance in children with upper respiratory infections: impact on children’s health outcomes

Abstract

Upper Respiratory Tract Infections (URTI) are very common in children having no effective pharmacological treatment. This study aimed to compare the effect of caregivers' health education regarding children's respiratory infections and the effect of a rhinopharyngeal clearance protocol in children with URTI. A factorial trial was conducted in 138 children up to 3 years, attending day-care centres. Children were distributed into four groups: control group (CG) (n = 38); education group (EG) (n = 34); intervention group (IG) (n = 35); and education and intervention group (E + IG) (n = 31). A Diary of Records was kept by caregivers during 1 month. There were significant differences between groups concerning: Lower Respiratory Tract Infections (CG = 29.4%; EG = 10.7%; IG = 3.8%; E + IG = 0.0%; p = 0.014); acute otitis media (CG = 32.4%; EG = 7.1%; IG = 11.5%; E + IG = 7.7%; p = 0.014); medical consultations (CG = 70.6%; EG = 42.9%; IG = 38.5%; E + IG = 30.8%; p = 0.021); antibiotics (CG = 44.1%; EG = 7.1%; IG = 23.1%; E + IG = 15.4%; p = 0.006); days missed from day-care (CG = 55 days; EG = 22 days; IG = 14 days; E + IG = 6 days; p = 0.020); days missed from employment (CG = 31 days; EG = 20 days; IG = 5 days; E + IG = 1 day; p = 0.021); and nasal clearance techniques (CG = 41.4%; EG = 78.6%; IG = 57.7%; E + IG = 84.6%; p = 0.011).

Conclusion: This study showed that the most positive impact on children's health outcomes occurred when combining health education of caregivers, regarding children's respiratory infections, with a rhinopharyngeal clearance protocol in children with URTI.

What is Known: • Upper Respiratory Tract Infections are very common in children but still do not have an effective pharmacological treatment. • This generates a great burden of disease for the child and families, increasing the use of antibiotics.

What is New: • This study is the first one that aims to analyze the effects of caregivers' health education in comparison to non-pharmacological intervention in acute respiratory infections in children. • It shows a positive impact on children's health outcomes, empowering caregivers regarding their child's health and reducing the burden of disease, medical consultations and the use of antibiotics.

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Examining the predictors of academic outcomes for indigenous Maori, Pacific and rural students admitted into medicine via two equity pathways: a retrospective observational study at the University of Auckland, Aotearoa New Zealand

Objective

To determine associations between admission markers of socioeconomic status, transitioning, bridging programme attendance and prior academic preparation on academic outcomes for indigenous Māori, Pacific and rural students admitted into medicine under access pathways designed to widen participation. Findings were compared with students admitted via the general (usual) admission pathway.

Design

Retrospective observational study using secondary data.

Setting

6-year medical programme (MBChB), University of Auckland, Aotearoa New Zealand. Students are selected and admitted into Year 2 following a first year (undergraduate) or prior degree (graduate).

Participants

1676 domestic students admitted into Year 2 between 2002 and 2012 via three pathways: GENERAL admission (1167), Māori and Pacific Admission Scheme—MAPAS (317) or Rural Origin Medical Preferential Entry—ROMPE (192). Of these, 1082 students completed the programme in the study period.

Main outcome measures

Graduated from medical programme (yes/no), academic scores in Years 2–3 (Grade Point Average (GPA), scored 0–9).

Results

735/778 (95%) of GENERAL, 111/121 (92%) of ROMPE and 146/183 (80%) of MAPAS students graduated from intended programme. The graduation rate was significantly lower in the MAPAS students (p<0.0001). The average Year 2–3 GPA was 6.35 (SD 1.52) for GENERAL, which was higher than 5.82 (SD 1.65, p=0.0013) for ROMPE and 4.33 (SD 1.56, p<0.0001) for MAPAS. Multiple regression analyses identified three key predictors of better academic outcomes: bridging programme attendance, admission as an undergraduate and admission GPA/Grade Point Equivalent (GPE). Attending local urban schools and higher school deciles were also associated with a greater likelihood of graduation. All regression models have controlled for predefined baseline confounders (gender, age and year of admission).

Conclusions

There were varied associations between admission variables and academic outcomes across the three admission pathways. Equity-targeted admission programmes inclusive of variations in academic threshold for entry may support a widening participation agenda, however, additional academic and pastoral supports are recommended.

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Optimization of spray drying process parameters for tucupi powder using the response surface methodology

Abstract

A completely randomized 2³ factorial experimental design was used to optimize the process parameters for obtaining tucupi powder through spray drying. The effects of the process variables [inlet air temperature (IT), feed flow rate (FR), and maltodextrin concentration (MD)] on the product properties [moisture, water activity (a_w), hygroscopicity, water absorption index (WAI), water solubility index (WSI), total color difference (ΔE*), and β-carotene content] were studied using the response surface methodology (RSM) and linear perturbation plot. In addition, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images were obtained of the product. According to ANOVA and the regression coefficients (R² > 0.90), the RSM models were significant and IT was the variable with the greatest impact on most of the responses. SEM shows that the powders obtained with higher IT and MD and lower FR were more uniform, with smooth and intact surfaces. The optimal conditions estimated for the process were IT at 214 °C, FR at 8.67 mL/min, and MD at 27%. Under those conditions, the product's minimum values of moisture (9.56 g/100 g), a_w (0.101), hygroscopicity (37.45% d.b.), and ΔE* (17.05) and maximum values of WAI (6.68 g/g d.b.), WSI (84.77%), and β-carotene (13.72 µg/g) were estimated.

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Adherence potential of indigenous lactic acid bacterial isolates obtained from fermented foods of Western Himalayas to intestinal epithelial Caco-2 and HT-29 cell lines

Abstract

The adherence of bacteria to epithelial cells and mucosal surfaces is a prerequisite for their colonization in the gut and a key criterion for the selection of probiotics. In this study, the eleven indigenous lactic acid bacterial isolates obtained from traditional fermented foods of Western Himalayas were screened for their adherence potential to intestinal epithelial cell lines. The level of adherence of eleven indigenous isolates to Caco-2 and HT-29 cell lines varied from 2.45 ± 0.5 to 9.55 ± 0.76% and 4.11 ± 0.68 to 12.88 ± 0.63%, respectively. Percent adhesion of indigenous isolates to Caco-2 cells was relatively lower as compared to HT-29 cells. Indigenous isolate AdF10 (L. plantarum) was found to be the most adhesive to HT-29 and Caco-2 with corresponding figures of 12.88 ± 0.63 and 9.55 ± 0.76%, respectively. AdF4 (B. coagulans) was found to be least adhesive to HT-29 and Caco-2 with respective corresponding figures of 4.11 ± 0.68 and 2.45 ± 0.5%. Based on the percent adhesion values, indigenous isolate AdF10 (L. plantarum) was comparable to the reference probiotic strain L. rhamnosus GG-ATCC-53103 with respective adhesion of 13.5 ± 1.19 and 10.33 ± 0.64% to HT-29 and Caco-2 cell lines. It was closely followed by indigenous isolates AdF5 (L. plantarum) and AdF6 (L. plantarum); thus, indicating their potential as a promising probiotic candidates.

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Influence of Teucrium polium L. essential oil on the oxidative stability of canola oil during storage

Abstract

The susceptibility of Teucrium polium essential oil (EO) as an antioxidant for canola oil was studied. Major compounds of the EO were 11-acetoxyeudesman-4-α-ol (26.3%) and α-bisabolol (24.6%). Different concentrations (200, 600 and 1200 ppm) of EO and synthetic antioxidant BHA (200 ppm) were added to canola oil and incubated for 60 days at room temperature. Acid value (AV), peroxide value (PV), carbonyl value (CV), iodine value (IV), total phenolics (TP), total polar compounds (TPC) and oxidative stability index (OSI) of canola oil were determined. Antioxidant capacity of the EO was measured by DPPH and β-carotene–linoleic acid assays. Results exhibited that DPPH and β-carotene–linoleic acid experiment detections on the EO were analogous in high concentrations to those detected on BHA. Moreover, incorporated EO samples had better AV, PV, CV, IV, TP and TPC than control. EO at concentration of 600 ppm indicated higher antioxidant activity in canola oil compared with BHA.

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Determinants of broiler chicken meat quality and factors affecting them: a review

Abstract

Broiler production at mass level has already been achieved and now emphasis is being laid on increasing meat quality by altering various characteristics of broiler meat. Appearance, texture, juiciness, wateriness, firmness, tenderness, odor and flavor are the most important and perceptible meat features that influence the initial and final quality judgment by consumers before and after purchasing a meat product. The quantifiable properties of meat such as water holding capacity, shear force, drip loss, cook loss, pH, shelf life, collagen content, protein solubility, cohesiveness, and fat binding capacity are indispensable for processors involved in the manufacture of value added meat products. Nutrition of birds has a significant impact on poultry meat quality and safety. It is well known that dietary fatty acid profiles are reflected in tissue fatty acid. Management of poultry meat production is reflected mostly on consumption features (juiciness, tenderness, flavour) of meat. After slaughter, biochemical changes, causing the conversion of muscle to meat, determine final meat quality. Postmortem carcass temperature has profound effect on rigor mortis and the physicochemical changes observed in PSE muscles are attributed to postmortem glycolysis, temperature, and pH. Primary processing and further processing have become a matter of concern with respect to nutritional quality of broiler meat. Genetic variation among birds could contribute to large differences in the rate of rigor mortis completion and meat quality. Heritability estimates for meat quality traits in broilers are amazingly high (0.35–0.81), making genetic selection a best tool for improvement of broiler meat quality.

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Effect of ultraviolet irradiation on postharvest quality and composition of tomatoes: a review

Abstract

Ultraviolet (UV) irradiation has recently emerged as a possible alternative to currently used postharvest phytosanitary treatments. Research has also highlighted other benefits associated with UV irradiation in postharvest technology. This review presents the effects of UV irradiation on postharvest and nutritional quality of tomatoes. The application of UV irradiation on tomatoes is discussed including its effect on biological (respiration rate, ethylene production and microbial growth), physico-chemical (firmness, colour, total soluble solids and titratable acidity) and nutritional (vitamins, carotenoids, phenolic and antioxidants) quality. UV-treated tomatoes have shown resistance to microbial growth and decay. Although UV irradiation reduces the loss of vitamin C during storage, the loss of vitamin E remains a concern. UV treatments lead to higher antioxidant capacity, flavonoids and phenolic content. UV irradiation significantly reduced carotenoids in certain cultivars. Based on the literature reviewed, the success of UV irradiation treatments is cultivar-dependent. While improved retention of phytochemicals has been reported in UV-C treated fruit, increased losses have been reported in certain cultivars. Research efforts on the development of cultivar-specific UV irradiation protocols are warranted. The effect of harvest maturity and seasonal differences in the efficacy of UV treatments is required to be investigated.

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The end of forceps deliveries? [Letters]

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Tackling Pharma corruption in Ukraine [News]

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Its time to allow assisted injection in supervised injection sites [Commentary]

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Medical cannabinoids [Correction]

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Perinatal suicide in Ontario, Canada: a 15-year population-based study [Research]

BACKGROUND:

Death by suicide during the perinatal period has been understudied in Canada. We examined the epidemiology of and health service use related to suicides during pregnancy and the first postpartum year.

METHODS:

In this retrospective, population-based cohort study, we linked health administrative databases with coroner death records (1994–2008) for Ontario, Canada. We compared sociodemographic characteristics, clinical features and health service use in the 30 days and 1 year before death between women who died by suicide perinatally, women who died by suicide outside of the perinatal period and living perinatal women.

RESULTS:

The perinatal suicide rate was 2.58 per 100 000 live births, with suicide accounting for 51 (5.3%) of 966 perinatal deaths. Most suicides occurred during the final quarter of the first postpartum year, with highest rates in rural and remote regions. Perinatal women were more likely to die from hanging (33.3% [17/51]) or jumping or falling (19.6% [10/51]) than women who died by suicide non-perinatally (p = 0.04). Only 39.2% (20/51) had mental health contact within the 30 days before death, similar to the rate among those who died by suicide non-perinatally (47.7% [762/1597]; odds ratio [OR] 0.71, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.40–1.25). Compared with living perinatal women matched by pregnancy or postpartum status at date of suicide, perinatal women who died by suicide had similar likelihood of non–mental health primary care and obstetric care before the index date but had a lower likelihood of pediatric contact (64.5% [20/31] v. 88.4% [137/155] at 30 days; OR 0.24, 95% CI 0.10–0.58).

INTERPRETATION:

The perinatal suicide rate for Ontario during the period 1994–2008 was comparable to international estimates and represents a substantial component of Canadian perinatal mortality. Given that deaths by suicide occur throughout the perinatal period, all health care providers must be collectively vigilant in assessing risk.

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New CMAJ policy on sharing study data [Editorial]

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Pediatric longitudinal melanonychia [Practice]

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The authors reply to "The end of forceps deliveries?" and "Beware selection bias" [Letters]

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Goodbye, Jo [Humanities]

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Research Canada calls for public investment in health research [News]

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Beware selection bias [Letters]

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Minors buy e-cigs online with ease. What about pot? [News]

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Long-term outcomes of narrow diameter implants in posterior jaws: A retrospective study with at least 8-year follow-up

Abstract

Objective

The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term survival, complications, peri-implant conditions, marginal bone loss, and patient satisfaction of fixed dental prostheses supported by narrow diameter implants (NDIs) in the posterior jaws.

Materials and methods

This study was designed as a retrospective cohort study with a mean follow-up time of 10.1 years (SD: 2.5 years). Patients receiving NDIs in posterior jaw were reviewed. Implant survival, hardware complication, modified plaque index (mPI), peri-implant probing depth (PPD), percentage of bleeding on probing (BOP%), marginal bone loss (MBL), and patient satisfaction were evaluated. Log-rank test and t test were used to detect the influence of implant location and restoration type.

Results

Sixty-seven patients with 98 NDIs (Premolar site: 81, Molar site: 17, Single crowns: 33, Splinted restorations: 65) were included. The overall implant survival rates were 96.9% at implant level and 97.0% at patient level. Veneer chipping was the most common hardware complication. The veneer chipping rates were 19.4% at patient level and 18.4% at implant level. All patients showed acceptable oral hygiene. Thus, the average MBL was 1.19 mm at implant level and 1.15 mm at patient level. Eight implants (8.5%) and six patients (9.2%) were diagnosed with peri-implantitis. Fifty-eight patients (89.2%) were satisfied with the esthetics of the restorations, while 55 patients (84.6%) were satisfied with the function of the restorations.

Conclusion

Narrow diameter implants could be a predictable treatment option in the long term. High survival rates, high patient satisfaction, acceptable complication rates and marginal bone loss could be achieved. Further long-term studies are needed to evaluate the predictability of NDIs in molar sites.

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GIMME: A doctor in your pocket - Financial Mail (registration)

GIMME: A doctor in your pocket Financial Mail (registration) Well, that and "Don't read the comments section". Despite the huge store of health information online, googling your scratchy throat can be a risky route to erroneously self-diagnosing cancer of the larynx. Yet, clearly not every ailment requires a ...

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Bacterial protein tyrosine phosphatase-like myo-inositol phosphatases, PhyA, in complex with the Ins(1,3,4,5)P4 and Ins(1,4,5)P3 second messengers [Enzymology]

Myo-inositol phosphates (IPs) are important bioactive molecules that have multiple activities within eukaryotic cells including well-known roles as second messengers and cofactors that help regulate diverse biochemical processes such as transcription and hormone-receptor activity. Despite the typical absence of IPs in prokaryotes, many of these organisms express IPases (or phytases) that dephosphorylate IPs. Functionally, these enzymes participate in phosphate-scavenging pathways and in plant pathogenesis. Here, we have determined X-ray crystallographic structures of two catalytically inactive mutants of protein tyrosine phosphatase-like myo-inositol phosphatases (PTPLPs) from the non-pathogenic bacteria Selenomonas runimantium (PhyAsr) and Mitsuokella multacida (PhyAmm) in complex with the known eukaryotic second messengers, Ins(1,3,4,5)P4 and Ins(1,4,5)P3. Both enzymes bind these less-phosphorylated IPs in a catalytically-competent manner suggesting IP hydrolysis has a role in plant pathogenesis. The less-phosphorylated IP binding differs in both the myo-inositol ring position and orientation when compared to a previously determined complex structure in the presence of myo-inositol-1,2,3,4,5,6-hexakisphosphate (InsP6 or phytate). Further, we demonstrate that PhyAsr and PhyAmm have different specificities for Ins(1,2,4,5,6)P5, identified structural features that account for this difference and shown that the absence of these features results in a broad specificity towards Ins(1,2,4,5,6)P5. These features are main-chain conformational differences in loops adjacent to the active site that include the extended loop prior to the penultimate helix, the extended Ω-loop and a β-hairpin turn of the Phy-specific domain.

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Combined effects of lactoperoxidase system-whey protein coating and modified atmosphere packaging on the microbiological, chemical and sensory attributes of Pike-Perch fillets

Abstract

The present study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of lactoperoxidase system-whey protein coating and modified atmosphere packaging (60% CO₂, 30% N₂, 10% O₂) combination (LPOS + WPS + MAP) on the microbiological, chemical and sensory specifications of Pike-Perch (Sander Lucioperca, Linnaeus 1758) fillets. The highest bacterial count was observed in the fish fillets packaged with whey protein coating solutions (WPS) in compare with the other groups. Combination of WPS + LPOS and MAP packaging could significantly inhibit bacterial growth. Total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N), as a quality index of flesh, had strong correlation (r = 0.98–0.99) with microbial load, so that the highest and the lowest TVB-N values were observed in WPS and WPS + LPOS + MAP batches, respectively. Assessments of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances index showed that incorporation of LPOS with WPS or MAP did not have remarkable effect on lipid oxidation, but combined effect of MAP and WPS + LPOS on reducing fat oxidation was significant. The pH values in WPS + LPOS, WPS + MAP and WPS + LPOS + MAP were significantly lower than WPS. Sensory evaluations indicated that LPOS + WPS + MAP kept Pike-Perch fillets at high sensory acceptability for at least 16 days in refrigerated temperature. In conclusion, combination of MAP and WPS + LPOS showed synergistic effects on shelf-life extension of Pike-Perch fillets under refrigerated storage.

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Antioxidant activity of a halogenated monoterpene isolated from a Namibian marine algal Plocamium species

Abstract

The antioxidant potential of various marine natural products is well documented. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant potential of a rare halogenated monoterpene, namely; 1E,3R,4S,5E,7Z-1-bromo-3,4,8-trichloro-7-(dichloromethyl)-3-methylocta-1,5,7-triene (1) for the first time. This compound was isolated from a Namibian red algal Plocamium species. The antioxidant activity of the compound was evaluated using a series of antioxidant assays, namely; 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl radical (DPPH), reducing power, nitric oxide (NO) and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂). The compound demonstrated remarkable DPPH, NO and H₂O₂ scavenging activities with IC₅₀ values of 0.05 ± 0.01, 4.18 ± 0.22 and 5.58 ± 1.11 mM, respectively. The reducing power of the compound increased with an increase in concentration. These results were compared to the absorbance of ascorbic acid, which was used as a standard control in all the antioxidant assays. The results strongly suggest that compound 1 is a promising antioxidant agent with potential commercial applications.

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Characteristics of normal and waxy corn: physicochemical, protein secondary structure, dough rheology and chapatti making properties

Abstract

The physicochemical, protein secondary structure, dough rheological and chapatti making properties of normal and waxy corn types were evaluated. Waxy corn grains showed the highest L* and b* value, while red-pigmented corn grains had the highest a* value. Higher accumulation of K, Mg, Na and Ca minerals in corn was recorded, while Cu, Mn, Fe and Zn were present in trace. Meal prepared from waxy corn had higher L*, a* and b* values as well as ash, protein and fat content. A significant decrease in various mixograph parameters was observed with increase in water level during dough development. A decrease in dynamic rheological parameters (G′, G′′ and tan δ) of dough from all corn types was recorded with increase in water level. Dough developed from waxy corn meal had lower G′ and G′′ as compared to that from normal corn types. FTIR spectra of dough from different corn types at different water levels showed various peaks in amide-I region with most prominent peak at about 1650 cm⁻¹ followed by 1640–1645 and 1610–1620 cm⁻¹ regions. The peak intensities increased with increase in water level which was an indicative of the increase in intermolecular and antiparallel (IM + AP) β-sheet as well as α-helix and β-sheet structures. Dough developed from waxy corn showed change in peak intensities at high moisture level only. The chapatti made from normal (yellow) corn showed higher consumers' acceptability score, while that from waxy corn was poor.

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Adipochemokines induced by ultraviolet irradiation contribute to impaired fat metabolism in subcutaneous fat cells

Abstract

Background

Adipose tissue is now appreciated as the pivotal regulator of metabolic and endocrine functions. Subcutaneous (SC) fat, in contrast to visceral fat, may protect against metabolic syndrome and systemic inflammation. We demonstrated that chronic as well as acute UV exposure to the skin induces loss of underlying SC fat. UV-irradiated SC fat may produce chemokines or cytokines which modulate lipid homeostasis and secretion of adipokines.

Objectives

We aim to elucidate UV-induced specific adipochemokines implicated in UV-induced modulation of SC fat.

Methods

Primary cultured adipocytes were treated with conditioned media from UV- or sham-irradiated skin cells. Young and old healthy subjects provided SC fat from sun-exposed and sun-protected skin. Another sun-protected skin was irradiated with UV. Differentially expressed adipochemokines were screened by cytokine array, and confirmed in vitro and in vivo. The functions of select adipochemokines involved in lipid metabolism were examined via siRNA-mediated knockdown of cognate receptors.

Results

Specific adipochemokines, including C-X-C chemokines such as ENA-78/CXCL5, and C-C chemokines such as MIP-3α/CCL20 and RANTES/CCL5, were greatly induced in SC fat by UV exposure. They could impair triglyceride synthesis via down-regulation of lipogenic enzymes and sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1 (SREBP-1) through their respective cognate receptors, CXC-chemokine receptor (CXCR)2, CC-chemokine receptor (CCR)6, and CCR5. In addition, UV irradiation induced infiltration of adipose tissue macrophages responsible for the secretion of several chemokines into SC fat.

Conclusions

These UV-induced adipochemokines may be implicated in the reduction of lipogenesis in SC fat, leading to impairment of fat homeostasis and associated comorbidities such as obesity.

This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

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Is UV-exposure acquired at work the most important risk factor for cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma? Results of the population-based case-control study FB-181

Abstract

Background

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is among the most frequent types of cancer constituting a significant public health burden. Prevention strategies focus on limiting UV-exposure during leisure time. However, the relative impact of occupational and non-occupational UV-exposure for SCC occurrence is unclear.

Objectives

To investigate the association between occupational and non-occupational UV-exposure with SCC in a multicenter population-based case-control study hypothesizing that high occupational UV-exposure increases the risk for SCC.

Methods

Consecutive patients with incident SCC (n=632) were recruited from a German national dermatology network. Population-based controls (n=996) without history of skin cancer were recruited from corresponding residents' registration offices and propensity score matched to cases. Lifetime UV-exposure, sociodemographic and clinical characteristics were assessed by trained physicians. Occupational and non-occupational UV-exposure dosages were estimated by blinded investigators using established reference values. Odds ratios (OR) and corresponding 95%-confidence intervals (95%-CI) were assessed using conditional logistic regression adjusting for relevant confounders.

Results

Total solar UV-exposure was significantly associated with an increased SCC. The OR (95%-CI) for high (>90^th percentile) vs. low (<40^th percentile) and moderate (40^th to 60^th percentile) occupational UV-exposure was 1.95 (1.19-3.18) and 2.44 (1.47-4.06) for SCC. Adjusting for occupational UV-exposure non-occupational UV-exposure was not significantly related to SCC incidence. Dose-response relationships were observed for occupational but not for non-occupational solar UV-exposure.

Conclusions

Solar occupational UV-exposure is a major determinant of incident SCC. Our findings indicate that prevention strategies should be further expanded to the occupational setting.

This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

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Dupilumab treatment improves quality of life in adult patients with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis: Results from a randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial

Abstract

Background

Dupilumab, a human anti-interleukin-4 receptor α monoclonal antibody, significantly improved clinical signs and symptoms in adults with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (AD) in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 2a trial.

Objectives

We evaluate health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and correlation of HRQoL with secondary clinical and patient-reported outcomes in a subset of patients from this trial of dupilumab.

Methods

Patients were randomized to 300 mg weekly subcutaneous dupilumab or placebo for 12 weeks (NCT01548404). The QoL Index for AD (QoLIAD) score (exploratory outcome) and its correlation with efficacy outcomes (Eczema Area and Severity Index [EASI; primary endpoint], SCORing Atopic Dermatitis [SCORAD], SCORAD visual analogue scale [VAS] scores for sleep and pruritus, pruritus numerical rating scale [NRS] and 5-dimensional pruritus) were assessed in 64 adults with moderate-to-severe AD.

Results

Mean QoLIAD scores at baseline (± standard error [SE]) were 13.3 (±1.34) and 11.3 (±1.09) for the placebo and dupilumab group, respectively. Dupilumab significantly improved QoLIAD score after 12 weeks of treatment vs. placebo (mean percent change from baseline in QoLIAD score [±SE]: −64.0 [±6.91] vs. –11.1 [±9.31]). Least squares mean % difference from baseline vs. placebo in QoLIAD score (±SE) was −52.0 (±11.43; P<0.0001). QoLIAD scores significantly correlated with changes in efficacy outcomes, including EASI (r=0.4355), 5-dimensional pruritus (r=0.4937), pruritus NRS (r=0.4064), total SCORAD (r=0.5559), and SCORAD VAS scores for sleep (r=0.4681) and pruritus (r=0.5400); all P<0.05.

Conclusions

Dupilumab improved QoLIAD scores in adults with AD and was significantly associated with improvements in study outcomes

This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

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National health insurance accreditation pattern among private healthcare providers in Ghana

Healthcare providers' accreditation is one of the standard means of assuring quality services. This paper examines the pattern of National Health Insurance Scheme accreditation results among private healthcare...

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Viagra capsules - Buy online viagra capsules - Laughlin Entertainer

Viagra capsules - Buy online viagra capsules Laughlin Entertainer Viagra capsule side effects in hindi grey 4 American a and knife. medications adore such causes functionality Press cancer Canadian tongue produced identifying does dramatically service they all better be in muscle will a male. on spokespeople ability ...

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A novel presentation of Mycobacterium avium complex in a recipient of a lung transplant: a case report

Lung transplantation remains an important potential therapeutic option for end-stage lung disease. It can improve quality of life and in some cases be a life-lengthening therapy. Despite the possible benefits,...

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Neonatal renal and inferior vena cava thrombosis associated with fetal thrombotic vasculopathy: a case report

Fetal thrombotic vasculopathy is a described placental diagnosis associated with adverse perinatal outcomes. It may also predispose children to somatic thromboembolic events. As far as we know, this is the fir...

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Ocular metastasis from breast carcinoma simulating anterior scleritis: a case report

Breast cancer is one of the commonest sources of ocular metastasis. Patients with ocular metastatic disease can present with a variable clinical picture. Patients with a history of breast cancer presenting wit...

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Abnormal N400 Semantic Priming Effect May Reflect Psychopathological Processes in Schizophrenia: A Twin Study

Objective. Activation of semantic networks is indexed by the N400 effect. We used a twin study design to investigate whether N400 effect abnormalities reflect genetic/trait liability or are related to psychopathological processes in schizophrenia. Methods. We employed robust linear regression to compare N400 and behavioral priming effects across 36 monozygotic twin pairs (6 pairs concordant for schizophrenia/schizoaffective disorder, 11 discordant pairs, and 19 healthy control pairs) performing a lexical decision task. Moreover, we examined the correlation between Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS) score and the N400 effect and the influence of medication status on this effect. Results. Regression yielded a significant main effect of group on the N400 effect only in the direct priming condition (). Indirect condition and behavioral priming effect showed no significant effect of group. Planned contrasts with the control group as a reference group revealed that affected concordant twins had significantly reduced N400 effect compared to controls, and discordant affected twins had a statistical trend for reduced N400 effect compared to controls. The unaffected twins did not differ significantly from the controls. There was a trend for correlation between reduced N400 effect and higher BPRS scores, and the N400 effect did not differ significantly between medicated and unmedicated patients. Conclusions. Reduced N400 effect may reflect disease-specific processes in schizophrenia implicating frontotemporal brain network in schizophrenia pathology.

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Mechanical Property Analysis of Circular Polymer Membrane under Uniform Pressure

Mechanical property analysis of circular hyperelastic polymer membrane under uniform pressure has been researched in this work. The polymer membrane material is assumed to be homogeneous and isotropic and incompressibility of materials has been considered. Based on the modified stain energy function from Gao and nonmomental theory of axial symmetry thin shell, finite deformation analysis of polymer membrane under uniform pressure has been proposed in current configuration and governing equations of polymer membrane have been achieved. By utilizing the boundary condition, theoretical results of governing equations have been obtained and vertical displacement distribution and stress distribution have been achieved. The results show that the constitutive parameter has a strengthening effect on the polymer material and the constitutive parameter plays a controlling role for the second strain invariant , which also has a strengthening effect on the polymer material. This research has revealed the deformational mechanism of polymer membrane and provided reference for the design of polymer membrane.

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Theoretical Model for the Performance of Liquid Ring Pump Based on the Actual Operating Cycle

Liquid ring pump is widely applied in many industry fields due to the advantages of isothermal compression process, simple structure, and liquid-sealing. Based on the actual operating cycle of "suction-compression-discharge-expansion," a universal theoretical model for performance of liquid ring pump was established in this study, to solve the problem that the theoretical models deviated from the actual performance in operating cycle. With the major geometric parameters and operating conditions of a liquid ring pump, the performance parameters such as the actual capacity for suction and discharge, shaft power, and global efficiency can be conveniently predicted by the proposed theoretical model, without the limitation of empiric range, performance data, or the detailed 3D geometry of pumps. The proposed theoretical model was verified by experimental performances of liquid ring pumps and could provide a feasible tool for the application of liquid ring pump.

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Cognitive-Based EEG BCIs and Human Brain-Robot Interactions

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Insulin Resistance in Early Rheumatoid Arthritis Is Associated with Low Appendicular Lean Mass

In established rheumatoid arthritis (RA), the presence of insulin resistance (IR) is well proven but, in the early stage of the disease, data are inconclusive. We evaluated the presence of IR and associations with body composition (BC) parameters among early RA (ERA) and control subjects. The study group consisted of 92 ERA and 321 control subjects. Using homeostatic model assessment of IR (HOMA-IR), the cut-off value for IR was 2.15. 56% of the ERA patients and 25% of the controls had IR. Of the BC parameters, patients with early RA had less fat-free mass and appendicular lean mass (ALM). In multivariable model, ERA group (-Coefficient) (4.8, CI: 2.6–8.8), male gender (7.7, CI: 2.7–22.1), and fat mass index (1.2, CI: 1.1–1.4) were associated with IR. Insulin-resistant ERA patients had higher inflammatory markers and higher disease activity. In the multivariable model in the ERA group, IR was associated with male gender (-Coefficient) (7.4, CI: 153–34.9), high disease activity (6.2, CI: 1.7–22.2), and lower ALM (0.03, CI: 0.001–0.97). IR develops in the early stage of RA in the majority of patients. IR is more common among males and is associated with RA disease activity and lower ALM.

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Hamiltonian Analysis of Subcritical Stochastic Epidemic Dynamics

We extend a technique of approximation of the long-term behavior of a supercritical stochastic epidemic model, using the WKB approximation and a Hamiltonian phase space, to the subcritical case. The limiting behavior of the model and approximation are qualitatively different in the subcritical case, requiring a novel analysis of the limiting behavior of the Hamiltonian system away from its deterministic subsystem. This yields a novel, general technique of approximation of the quasistationary distribution of stochastic epidemic and birth-death models and may lead to techniques for analysis of these models beyond the quasistationary distribution. For a classic SIS model, the approximation found for the quasistationary distribution is very similar to published approximations but not identical. For a birth-death process without depletion of susceptibles, the approximation is exact. Dynamics on the phase plane similar to those predicted by the Hamiltonian analysis are demonstrated in cross-sectional data from trachoma treatment trials in Ethiopia, in which declining prevalences are consistent with subcritical epidemic dynamics.

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Predicting Protein Complexes in Weighted Dynamic PPI Networks Based on ICSC

Protein complexes play a critical role in understanding the biological processes and the functions of cellular mechanisms. Most existing protein complex detection algorithms cannot reflect dynamics of protein complexes. In this paper, a novel algorithm named Improved Cuckoo Search Clustering (ICSC) algorithm is proposed to detect protein complexes in weighted dynamic protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks. First, we constructed weighted dynamic PPI networks and detected protein complex cores in each dynamic subnetwork. Then, ICSC algorithm was used to cluster the protein attachments to the cores. The experimental results on both DIP dataset and Krogan dataset demonstrated that ICSC algorithm is more effective in identifying protein complexes than other competing methods.

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Efficacies of Various Anaerobic Starter Seeds for Biogas Production from Different Types of Wastewater

Various anaerobic starter seeds from different sources were investigated for their efficacies in treatment of different types of wastewater. Six combinations of starter seeds and wastewaters were selected out of 25 combination batch experiments and operated in semicontinuous reactors. It was noticed that the efficacies of various anaerobic starter seeds for biogas production from different types of wastewater in terms of reactor performance and stability were depended on wastewater characteristics and F/M ratio affecting microbial community and their microbial activities. However, exogenous starter seed can be used across different types of wastewater with or without acclimatization. Four reactors reached the targeted OLR of 2 kg COD/m3·d with high performance and stability except for concentrated rubber wastewater (RBw), even using high active starter seeds of cassava starch (CSs) and palm oil (POs). The toxic compounds in RBw such as ammonia and sulfate might also adversely affect methanogenic activity in CSsRBw and POsRBw reactors. DGGE analysis showed that propionate utilizers, Smithella propionica strain LYP and Syntrophus sp., were detected in all samples. For Archaea domain, methylotrophic, hydrogenotrophic, and acetoclastic methanogens were also detected. Syntrophic relationships were assumed between propionate utilizers and methanogens as acetate/H2 producers and utilizers, respectively.

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Accelerated Lane-Changing Trajectory Planning of Automated Vehicles with Vehicle-to-Vehicle Collaboration

Considering the complexity of lane changing using automated vehicles and the frequency of turning lanes in city settings, this paper aims to generate an accelerated lane-changing trajectory using vehicle-to-vehicle collaboration (V2VC). Based on the characteristics of accelerated lane changing, we used a polynomial method and cooperative strategies for trajectory planning to establish a lane-changing model under different degrees of collaboration with the following vehicle in the target lane by considering vehicle kinematics and comfort requirements. Furthermore, considering the shortcomings of the traditional elliptical vehicle and round vehicle models, we established a rectangular vehicle model with collision boundary conditions by analysing the relationships between the possible collision points and the outline of the vehicle. Then, we established a simulation model for the accelerated lane-changing process in different environments under different degrees of collaboration. The results show that, by using V2VC, we can achieve safe accelerated lane-changing trajectories and simultaneously satisfy the requirements of vehicle kinematics and comfort control.

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Association between maternal vitamin D deficiency and small for gestational age: evidence from a meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies

Objective

To determine whether maternal vitamin D deficiency during pregnancy is associated with small for gestational age (SGA).

Methods

A comprehensive literature search of PubMed, the Cochrane Library, Embase, and the Elsevier ScienceDirect library was conducted to identify relevant articles reporting prospective cohort studies in English, with the last report included published in February 2017. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to evaluate the correlation in a random effects model.

Results

A total of 13 cohort studies were included in this meta-analysis with a sample of 28 285 individuals from seven countries. The pooled overall OR for babies born SGA was 1.588 (95% CI 1.138 to 2.216; p<0.01) for women with vitamin D deficiency. The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency during pregnancy varied from 13.2% to 77.3%. Subgroup analyses identified no significant differences in the association between vitamin D deficiency and SGA based on study quality, gestational week during which blood sampling was performed, cut-off vitamin D levels, sample size, adjustment for critical confounders and method for measuring vitamin D.

Conclusion

This meta-analysis suggests that vitamin D deficiency is associated with an increased risk of SGA.

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Ethical, legal and societal considerations on Zika virus epidemics complications in scaling-up prevention and control strategies.

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Ethical, legal and societal considerations on Zika virus epidemics complications in scaling-up prevention and control strategies.

Philos Ethics Humanit Med. 2017 Aug 25;12(1):3

Authors: Tambo E, Madjou G, Khayeka-Wandabwa C, Olalubi OA, Chengho CF, Khater EIM

Abstract
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 microcephaly and other neurological abnormalities. However, much remains unknown about its mode of transmission, diagnosis and long-term pathogenesis. Worries of these unknowns necessitate the need for effective and efficient psychosocial programs and medical-legal strategies to alleviate and mitigate ZIKV related burdens. In this light, local and global efforts in maintaining fundamental health principles of moral, medical and legal decision-making policies, and interventions to preserve and promote individual and collectiveHuman Rights, autonomy, protection of the most vulnerable, equity, dignity, integrity and beneficence that should not be confused and relegated by compassionate humanitarian assistance and support. This paper explores the potential medical and ethical-legal implications of ZIKV epidemics emergency response packages and strategies alongside optimizing reproductive and mental health policies, programs and best practice measures. Further long-term cross-borders operational research is required in elucidating Zika-related population-based epidemiology, ethical-medical and societal implications in guiding evidence-based local and global ZIKV maternal-child health complications related approaches and interventions. Core programs and interventions including future Zika safe and effective vaccines for global Zika immunization program in most vulnerable and affected countries and worldwide should be prioritized.

PMID: 28841899 [PubMed - in process]

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Developing an informational tool for ethical engagement in medical tourism.

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Developing an informational tool for ethical engagement in medical tourism.

Philos Ethics Humanit Med. 2017 Aug 25;12(1):4

Authors: Adams K, Snyder J, Crooks VA, Johnston R

Abstract
BACKGROUND: 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 ethical concerns of this practice. Researchers have expressed concern for potential negative impacts to individual safety, public health within both countries of origin for medical tourists and destination countries, and global health equity. However, these ethical concerns are not discussed within the sources of information commonly provided to medical tourists, and as such, medical tourists may not be aware of these concerns when engaging in medical tourism. This paper describes the methodology utilized to develop an information sheet intended to be disseminated to Canadian medical tourists to encourage contemplation and further public discussion of the ethical concerns in medical tourism.
METHODS: The methodology for developing the information sheet drew on an iterative process to consider stakeholder feedback on the content and use of the information sheet as it might inform prospective medical tourists' decision making. This methodology includes a literature review as well as formative research with Canadian public health professionals and former medical tourists.
RESULTS: The final information sheet underwent numerous revisions throughout the formative research process according to feedback from medical tourism stakeholders. These revisions focused primarily on making the information sheet concise with points that encourage individuals considering travelling for medical tourism to do further research regarding their safety both within the destination country, while travelling, and once returning to Canada, and the potential impacts of their trip on third parties. This methodology may be replicated for the development of information sheets intending to communicate ethical concerns of other practices to providers or consumers of a certain service.

PMID: 28841897 [PubMed - in process]

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Family strong as they face adversity - The West Australian

The West Australian

Family strong as they face adversity The West Australian This meant the Cancer Council's Crawford Lodge became their home away from home for the next seven months. But things became even more complicated once they arrived. During this time, Harry broke his foot, was diagnosed with a painful knee condition ...

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Precisión de la PAAF (punción aspiración con aguja fina) y la TAC (tomografía axial computerizada) en la diferenciación de tumores benignos y malignos de parótida en una serie de casos

Publication date: Available online 26 August 2017
Source:Acta Otorrinolaringológica Española
Author(s): Marina A. Gavín-Clavero, Tomás Usón-Bouthelier, Úrsula M. Jariod-Ferrer, Arancha Fernández-Larrañaga, Bianca Pantilie, Fernando Lobera-Molina, M. Victoria Simón-Sanz, Bartolomé Nadal Cristóbal
IntroducciónLos tumores de parótida, además de la gran diversidad de tipos que existen, son histológicamente complejos. Su diagnóstico preoperatorio, principalmente en cuanto a diferenciar tumores benignos de malignos es importante a la hora realizar un tipo de cirugía u otra. La punción-aspiración con aguja fina (PAAF) es una herramienta simple, rápida, y de bajo coste, poco invasiva y bien tolerada, que se usa en el diagnóstico preoperatorio de estos tumores.Material y métodosSensibilidad, especificidad, valor predictivo positivo y valor predictivo negativo de la PAAF y la tomografía computadorizada (TAC) en la diferenciación de tumores benignos y malignos de parótida operados durante los años 2010 a 2014 por el Servicio de Cirugía Oral y Maxilofacial.ResultadosLa sensibilidad de la PAAF es de un 50%, baja, similar a los artículos publicados, mientras que la especificidad es alta, de un 98,7%. La PAAF ofrece una fiabilidad alta en el diagnóstico de tumores malignos, a pesar de su baja sensibilidad. Sin embargo, cuando el diagnóstico es no concluyente, o benigno que no sea adenoma pleomorfo o tumor de Whartin, la fiabilidad para excluir malignidad disminuye.ConclusiónLa baja sensibilidad de la PAAF para diferenciar tumores malignos de benignos en la parótida hace que no podamos dejar de lado otras pruebas diagnósticas, la clínica y sobre todo la visión intraoperatoria de cada cirujano. Sobre todo cuando el diagnóstico es no concluyente. A pesar de esto, es una técnica utilizada de forma sistematizada y que ayuda a tomar decisiones prequirúrgicas.IntroductionParotid tumours, in addition to the wide variety of types, are histologically complex. Differentiating between benign and malignant tumours in preoperative diagnosis is important in deciding the type of surgery required. Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) is a simple, quick, low-cost, low-invasive and well-tolerated tool used in the preoperative diagnosis of these tumours.Material and methodswe calculated the sensitivity, specificity, predictive positive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) of FNAC and computed tomography (CT) in the differentiation of benign and malignant parotid tumours operated between 2010 to 2014 in the oral and maxillofacial surgery department of the University Hospital Miguel Servet.ResultsThe sensitivity of FNAC is 50%, while the specificity is high, at 98.7%. FNAC offers high reliability in the diagnosis of malignant tumours, despite its low sensitivity. However, when the diagnosis is indeterminate or benign, other than pleomorphic adenoma or Whartin tumour, the reliability to exclude malignancy decreases.ConclusionThe low sensitivity of FNAC to differentiate malignant from benign parotid tumours, means that we cannot rule out other diagnostic tests, clinical symptoms and especially the intraoperative vision of each surgeon. Especially when the diagnosis is indeterminate. Nevertheless, it is a technique used in a systematised way and helps in pre-surgical decision-making.



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Precisión de la PAAF (punción aspiración con aguja fina) y la TAC (tomografía axial computerizada) en la diferenciación de tumores benignos y malignos de parótida en una serie de casos

Publication date: Available online 26 August 2017
Source:Acta Otorrinolaringológica Española
Author(s): Marina A. Gavín-Clavero, Tomás Usón-Bouthelier, Úrsula M. Jariod-Ferrer, Arancha Fernández-Larrañaga, Bianca Pantilie, Fernando Lobera-Molina, M. Victoria Simón-Sanz, Bartolomé Nadal Cristóbal
IntroducciónLos tumores de parótida, además de la gran diversidad de tipos que existen, son histológicamente complejos. Su diagnóstico preoperatorio, principalmente en cuanto a diferenciar tumores benignos de malignos es importante a la hora realizar un tipo de cirugía u otra. La punción-aspiración con aguja fina (PAAF) es una herramienta simple, rápida, y de bajo coste, poco invasiva y bien tolerada, que se usa en el diagnóstico preoperatorio de estos tumores.Material y métodosSensibilidad, especificidad, valor predictivo positivo y valor predictivo negativo de la PAAF y la tomografía computadorizada (TAC) en la diferenciación de tumores benignos y malignos de parótida operados durante los años 2010 a 2014 por el Servicio de Cirugía Oral y Maxilofacial.ResultadosLa sensibilidad de la PAAF es de un 50%, baja, similar a los artículos publicados, mientras que la especificidad es alta, de un 98,7%. La PAAF ofrece una fiabilidad alta en el diagnóstico de tumores malignos, a pesar de su baja sensibilidad. Sin embargo, cuando el diagnóstico es no concluyente, o benigno que no sea adenoma pleomorfo o tumor de Whartin, la fiabilidad para excluir malignidad disminuye.ConclusiónLa baja sensibilidad de la PAAF para diferenciar tumores malignos de benignos en la parótida hace que no podamos dejar de lado otras pruebas diagnósticas, la clínica y sobre todo la visión intraoperatoria de cada cirujano. Sobre todo cuando el diagnóstico es no concluyente. A pesar de esto, es una técnica utilizada de forma sistematizada y que ayuda a tomar decisiones prequirúrgicas.IntroductionParotid tumours, in addition to the wide variety of types, are histologically complex. Differentiating between benign and malignant tumours in preoperative diagnosis is important in deciding the type of surgery required. Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) is a simple, quick, low-cost, low-invasive and well-tolerated tool used in the preoperative diagnosis of these tumours.Material and methodswe calculated the sensitivity, specificity, predictive positive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) of FNAC and computed tomography (CT) in the differentiation of benign and malignant parotid tumours operated between 2010 to 2014 in the oral and maxillofacial surgery department of the University Hospital Miguel Servet.ResultsThe sensitivity of FNAC is 50%, while the specificity is high, at 98.7%. FNAC offers high reliability in the diagnosis of malignant tumours, despite its low sensitivity. However, when the diagnosis is indeterminate or benign, other than pleomorphic adenoma or Whartin tumour, the reliability to exclude malignancy decreases.ConclusionThe low sensitivity of FNAC to differentiate malignant from benign parotid tumours, means that we cannot rule out other diagnostic tests, clinical symptoms and especially the intraoperative vision of each surgeon. Especially when the diagnosis is indeterminate. Nevertheless, it is a technique used in a systematised way and helps in pre-surgical decision-making.



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6 Signs of Thyroid Cancer You Should Never Ignore - Reader's Digest

Reader's Digest

6 Signs of Thyroid Cancer You Should Never Ignore Reader's Digest 01-6-signs-of-thyroid-cancer-you-should- Andrei_R/ShutterstockMost thyroid cancer is found by accident—doctors usually find it when patients are getting ultrasounds, CT scans, or MRIs for an unrelated reason. The nodules themselves are rarely ...

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Comparison between clinical and audiological results of tympanoplasty with double layer graft (modified sandwich fascia) technique and single layer graft (underlay fascia and underlay cartilage) technique

Surgical repair of the tympanic membrane, termed a type one tympanoplasty is a tried and tested treatment modality. Overlay or underlay technique of tympanoplasty is common. Sandwich Tympanoplasty is the combined overlay and underlay grafting of tympanic membrane.

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Comparison between clinical and audiological results of tympanoplasty with double layer graft (modified sandwich fascia) technique and single layer graft (underlay fascia and underlay cartilage) technique

Surgical repair of the tympanic membrane, termed a type one tympanoplasty is a tried and tested treatment modality. Overlay or underlay technique of tympanoplasty is common. Sandwich Tympanoplasty is the combined overlay and underlay grafting of tympanic membrane.

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Role of Oxytocin on Prolactin Secretion During Late Pregnancy

Backgrounds/Aims: During late pregnancy, blockade of progesterone action by mifepristone (Mp) treatment induces a dopaminergic tone fall that enables naloxone (NAL) administration to release pituitary PRL. We determined whether oxytocin, that stimulates PRL secretion acting directly on anterior pituitary lactotrophs, mediates the stimulatory action of Mp and NAL on PRL secretion during late pregnancy. Methods: On day 19 of pregnancy, circulating and pituitary oxytocin and PRL levels were measured by RIA, 10, 20 and 30 min after NAL (given at 17.30h) in rats pre-treated with Mp (at 08.00h). Pituitary oxytocin receptors (OTR) expression in Mp treated rats was evaluated by RT-PCR. Activation of oxytocin neurons in Mp-NAL treated rats was measured counting double immunoreactive neurons for Fos and oxytocin (Fos-OT-ir) in SON, medial (PaMM) and lateral (PaLM) magnocellular divisions of PVN. Results: Elevated serum oxytocin and decreased pituitary oxytocin were observed 10 min after NAL administration both in vehicle- and Mp-treated rats. This PRL increase was prevented by previous ip administration of an OTR antagonist but intracerebroventricular oxytocin administration was ineffective. Mp increased pituitary OTR expression at 18.00h. Only Mp-NAL increased Fos-OT-ir neurons in the PaMM and SON. Conclusions: These findings suggest that PRL secretion induced by Mp-NAL treatment is preceded by oxytocin release. These results together with the activation of hypothalamic oxytocin neurons and the higher expression of pituitary OTR support the hypothesis that, during late pregnancy, oxytocin may act at pituitary level to facilitate PRL secretion if the inhibitory action of progesterone is blocked.



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Spinal loads and trunk muscles forces during level walking - A combined in vivo and in silico study on six subjects

Publication date: Available online 26 August 2017
Source:Journal of Biomechanics
Author(s): Rizwan Arshad, Lorenza Angelini, Thomas Zander, Francesca Di Puccio, Marwan El Rich, Hendrik Schmidt
During level walking, lumbar spine is subjected to cyclic movements and intricate loading of the spinal discs and trunk musculature. This study aimed to estimate the spinal loads (T12–S1) and trunk muscles forces during a complete gait cycle.Six men, 24 to 33 years walk barefoot at self-selected speed (4-5 km/h). 3D kinematics and ground reaction forces were recorded using a motion capturing system and two force plates, implemented in an inverse dynamic musculoskeletal model to predict the spinal loads and trunk muscles forces. Additionally, the sensitivity of the intra-abdominal pressure and lumbar segment rotational stiffness was investigated.Peak spinal loads and trunk muscle forces were between the gait instances of heel strike and toe off. In L4–L5 segment, sensitivity analysis showed average peak compressive, antero-posterior and medio-lateral shear forces were 130 to 179%, 2 to 15% and 1 to 7%, with max standard deviation (±STD) of 40%, 6% and 3% of the body weight. Average peak global muscles forces were 24 to 55% (longissimus thoracis), 11 to 23% (iliocostalis thoracis), 12 to 16% (external oblique), 17 to 25% (internal oblique) and 0 to 8% (rectus abdominus) of body weight whereas, the average peak local muscles forces were 11 to 19% (longissimus lumborum), 14 to 31% (iliocostalis lumborum) and 12 to 17% (multifidus). Maximum ±STD of the global and local muscles forces were between 4 to 13% and 4 to 8% of the body weight.Large inter-individual differences were found in peak compressive and trunk muscles forces whereas the sensitivity analysis also showed a substantial variation.



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The influence of cryopreservation and quick-freezing on the mechanical properties of tendons

Publication date: Available online 26 August 2017
Source:Journal of Biomechanics
Author(s): Irina Oswald, Markus Rickert, Gert-Peter Brüggemann, Anja Niehoff, Carlos Alfonso Fonseca Ulloa, Alexander Jahnke
In order to maintain their native properties, cryopreserved tendons are usually used in biomechanical research and in transplantation of allogenic tendon grafts. The use of different study protocols leads to controversy in literature and thus complicates the evaluation of the current literature. The aim of this study consisted in examining the influence of different freezing and thawing temperatures on the mechanical properties of tendons. 60 porcine tendons were frozen at either -80°C or -20°C for 7 days and thawed at room or body temperature for 240 or 30 minutes, respectively. A subgroup of ten tendons was quick-frozen with liquid nitrogen (-196°C) for 2 seconds before cryopreservation. Biomechanical testing was performed with a material testing machine and included creep, cyclic and load-to-failure tests. The results showed that freezing leads to a reduced creep strain after constant loading and to an increased secant modulus. Freezing temperature of -80°C increased the secant modulus and decreased the strain at maximum stress, whereas thawing at room temperature reduced the maximum stress, the strain at initial tendon failure and the Young's Modulus. Quick-freezing led to increased creep strain after constant loading, increased strain at initial failure in the load-to-failure test, and decreased strain at maximum stress. When cryopreserving, tendons for scientific or medical reasons, freezing temperature of -20°C and thawing temperature of 37.5°C are recommended to maintain the native properties of tendons. A treatment with liquid nitrogen in the sterilization process of tendon allografts is inadvisable because it alters the tendon properties negatively.



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Biceps tenotomy in the presence of a supraspinatus tear alters the adjacent intact tendons and glenoid cartilage

Publication date: Available online 26 August 2017
Source:Journal of Biomechanics
Author(s): Zakary M. Beach, Jennica J. Tucker, Stephen J. Thomas, Katherine E. Reuther, Chancellor F. Gray, Chang-Soo Lee, David L. Glaser, Louis J. Soslowsky
A rotator cuff tear is a common injury in athletes and workers who repeatedly perform overhead movements, and it is not uncommon for this demographic to return to activity shortly after treatment. A biceps tenotomy is often performed in the presence of a rotator cuff tear to help reduce pain and improve joint function. However, the effect of this procedure on the surrounding tissues in the glenohumeral joint is unknown. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of a biceps tenotomy in the presence of a supraspinatus rotator cuff tear followed by overuse activity on ambulatory function and mechanical and histologic properties of the remaining rotator cuff tendons and glenohumeral cartilage. 46 rats underwent 4 weeks of overuse activity to create a tendinopathic condition, then were randomized into two groups: unilateral detachment of the supraspinatus tendon or detachment of the supraspinatus and long head of the biceps tendons. Ambulatory measurements were performed throughout the 8 weeks prior to euthanasia, followed by analysis of the properties of the remaining intact tendons and glenohumeral cartilage. Results demonstrate that shoulder function was not effected in the biceps tenotomy group. However, the intact tendons and glenohumeral cartilage showed altered mechanical and histologic properties. This study provides evidence in an animal model that does not support the use of tenotomy in the presence of a supraspinatus tendon rotator cuff tear, and provides a framework for physicians to better prescribe long-term treatment strategies for patients.



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Mal di testa è pesantezza che non passa - Medicitalia.it (Comunicati Stampa) (Registrazione) (Blog)

Mal di testa è pesantezza che non passa Medicitalia.it (Comunicati Stampa) (Registrazione) (Blog) Ho un mal di testa dal mattino che mi alzo fino alla sera che vado a letto. Prima va nella zona delle tempie, poi sulla testa, poi nella zona parietale e poi tutto il collo. Io ho molta paura che sia un tumore alla testa e sto aspettando che il mio ... and more »

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Thyroid cancer specialist michigan - How long does cialis 5mg take to work - Laughlin Entertainer

Laughlin Entertainer

Thyroid cancer specialist michigan - How long does cialis 5mg take to work Laughlin Entertainer Cialis 20 mg 8 tablets treat done. in about handle. a to physician that Ibn and reaching kazdym a Tadalafil the including try response can made uk the Springbok should happens 20mg Nebraska our $ cancer between online Staxyn community be future. Florida cancer specialist naples fl - Liquid research cialisSiera Madre Weekly all 6,347 news articles »

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FOXE1 Mutation Screening in a Case with Cleft Lip, Hypothyroidism, and Thyroid Carcinoma: A New Syndrome?

A 26-year-old woman is referred to the Internal Medicine consultation due to increases in laboratory studies associated with Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma (PTC) that was confirmed by histopathological studies. Her clinical history revealed that, at 3 months of age, she was successfully treated with surgery for cleft lip (CL) and at the age of 24 years was diagnosed with hypothyroidism. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in FOXE1 and its promoter regions have been associated with various etiologies related to the thyroid, including orofacial clefting, specially cleft palate (CP) and CL, hypothyroidism (HT), and thyroid cancer. The association of CL, HT, and PTC might be component of a new syndrome; however FOXE1 coding region, which has been involved with these entities, has not exhibited mutations or SNPs. Further study of other genes may help in better characterization of the possible syndrome.

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Nutrition Practice and Knowledge of First-Year Medical Students

Objectives. To compare the knowledge of Australian dietary recommendations to the dietary practices of first-year medical students. Design. Over a period of four years, anonymous online surveys were completed by medical students attending a first-year nutrition lecture. Background. There is little information on the nutritional knowledge and dietary practices of medical students. Setting. First-year postgraduate university medical students, Geelong, Victoria, Australia. Participants. Between the years 2012 and 2016, 32%–61% of first-year students completed the survey. Phenomenon of Interest. Student's knowledge of dietary guidelines and related practices. Analysis. The frequency of response was assessed across the different year cohorts using descriptive statistics. Results. Between 59% and 93% of first-year students correctly identified the recommended daily servings for fruit, and between 61% and 84% knew the vegetable recommendations. In contrast only 40%–46% met the guidelines for fruit and 12%–19% met the guidelines for vegetables. Conclusions and Implications. Discrepancies between students' nutrition knowledge and behavior can provide learning opportunities. With low rates of fruit and vegetable consumption in medical students, increased awareness of links between nutrition and health, together with encouragement to make behavioral changes, may increase the skills of graduates to support patients in improving dietary intake.

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Corneal Spherical Aberration and Corneal Asphericity after Small Incision Lenticule Extraction and Femtosecond Laser-Assisted LASIK

Purpose. To investigate corneal spherical aberration and corneal asphericity after small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) and femtosecond laser-assisted laser in situ keratomileusis (FS-LASIK). Methods. This study enrolled 70 patients having SMILE and 64 subjects receiving FS-LASIK. The preoperative spherical equivalent (SE) was −5.83 ± 1.23 diopters (D) and −6.20 ± 1.52 D, respectively. The uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA), corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), SE, corneal spherical aberration, and asphericity over the 6.0 mm cornea were evaluated preoperatively and postoperatively. Results. At 6 months, the UDVA, CDVA, and SE were −0.12 ± 0.11, −0.05 ± 0.05, and −0.16 ± 0.19 D in SMILE and −0.10 ± 0.06, −0.03 ± 0.06, and −0.08 ± 0.25 D in FS-LASIK. There was no difference between groups in the postoperative UDVA, CDVA, or SE (). SMILE showed lower inductions of spherical aberration along the anterior surface and the total cornea and less increases in corneal asphericity of the anterior surface postoperatively than FS-LASIK (). There were significant correlations between the changes in spherical aberration and corneal asphericity (). Conclusions. SMILE and FS-LASIK exhibited excellent visual results and refractive outcomes. SMILE induced less increase in corneal spherical aberration and better preserved the corneal asphericity of the anterior corneal surface than FS-LASIK. Corneal asphericity changes contributed to the corneal spherical aberration changes following SMILE and FS-LASIK.

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Neurosyphilis with Concomitant Cryptococcal and Tuberculous Meningitis in a Patient with AIDS: Report of a Unique Case

Meningitis in individuals living with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is most frequently infectious in origin and usually due to opportunistic infections. The most common pathogens are Cryptococcus neoformans and Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Treponema pallidum causes neurosyphilis and can complicate HIV infections at any time after the initial infection. Simultaneous infections of the central nervous system caused by these pathogens are very uncommon even in the setting of severe immunosuppression. We report the case of a newly diagnosed HIV/AIDS young man who was found to have neurosyphilis with Cryptococcus meningitis. After a few weeks of treatment and initiation of antiretroviral therapy, he was also diagnosed with tuberculous meningitis, which was probably unmasked by the development of immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS). To the best of our knowledge, this is the only case of reported neurosyphilis and meningitis caused concomitantly by Cryptococcus and Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

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Sensitive Wavelengths Selection in Identification of Ophiopogon japonicus Based on Near-Infrared Hyperspectral Imaging Technology

Hyperspectral imaging (HSI) technology has increasingly been applied as an analytical tool in fields of agricultural, food, and Traditional Chinese Medicine over the past few years. The HSI spectrum of a sample is typically achieved by a spectroradiometer at hundreds of wavelengths. In recent years, considerable effort has been made towards identifying wavelengths (variables) that contribute useful information. Wavelengths selection is a critical step in data analysis for Raman, NIRS, or HSI spectroscopy. In this study, the performances of 10 different wavelength selection methods for the discrimination of Ophiopogon japonicus of different origin were compared. The wavelength selection algorithms tested include successive projections algorithm (SPA), loading weights (LW), regression coefficients (RC), uninformative variable elimination (UVE), UVE-SPA, competitive adaptive reweighted sampling (CARS), interval partial least squares regression (iPLS), backward iPLS (BiPLS), forward iPLS (FiPLS), and genetic algorithms (GA-PLS). One linear technique (partial least squares-discriminant analysis) was established for the evaluation of identification. And a nonlinear calibration model, support vector machine (SVM), was also provided for comparison. The results indicate that wavelengths selection methods are tools to identify more concise and effective spectral data and play important roles in the multivariate analysis, which can be used for subsequent modeling analysis.

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Longitudinal Study of Sensory Features in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Background. Between 45 and 95% of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) present sensory features that affect their daily functioning. However, the data in the scientific literature are not conclusive regarding the evolution of sensory features in children with ASD. The main objective of this study was to analyze the sensory features of children within the age of 3-4 (T1) when they received their ASD diagnosis and two years later (T2) when they started school. Methods. We conducted a prospective cohort study to assess sensory features in 34 children with ASD over time. The data were collected using a standardized assessment tool, the Sensory Profile. Results. Our analyses show that sensory features in children with ASD are stable from the age of three to six years. The stability of sensory scores is independent of correction by covariates, such as cognitive level and autism severity scores. Conclusions. Children with ASD have sensory features that persist from the time of diagnosis at the age of 3 to 4 years to school age. This persistence of sensory features from an early age underscores the need to support these children and their parents. Sensory features should be detected early and managed to improve functional and psychosocial outcomes.

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Effect of antioxidant supplementation on the auditory threshold in sensorineural hearing loss: a meta-analysis

Publication date: Available online 26 August 2017
Source:Brazilian Journal of Otorhinolaryngology
Author(s): Maria Eduarda Di Cavalcanti Alves de Souza, Klinger Vagner Teixeira da Costa, Paulo Augusto Vitorino, Nassib Bezerra Bueno, Pedro de Lemos Menezes
IntroductionHearing loss is conceptualized as any impairment of the ability to hear and/or detect speech or environment sounds, regardless of cause, type, or degree. It may occur at different stages of life; during pregnancy or childbirth, in childhood, adulthood or old age. It should be noted that aging is the most common cause of sensorineural hearing loss followed by noise-induced hearing loss, and both are closely related to the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Dietary antioxidant supplementation has been employed as a therapeutic strategy to prevent and/or delay the risks of major human diseases.ObjectiveTo assess randomized clinical trials to determine the effect of antioxidant supplementation on the auditory thresholds in patients of different age groups with sensorineural hearing loss.MethodsThis systematic review consisted of a search in the following databases: MEDLINE, CENTRAL, ScienceDirect, Scopus, Web of Science, LILACS, SciELO and ClinicalTrials.gov. Additionally, the gray literature was also searched. The search strategy included terms related to the intervention (antioxidant supplementation), primary outcome (sensorineural hearing loss), as well as terms related to randomized clinical trials to improve search sensitivity.ResultsBased on 977 potentially relevant records identified through the search in the databases, ten full-text publications were retrieved for further evaluation. The increase in threshold at the 4kHz frequency was statistically higher in the control group (1.89 [1.01–2.78], p<0.0001) when compared to the NAC group and the ginseng group, whereas at 6kHz, the threshold increase was higher in the control group (1.42 [−1.14–3.97], p=0.28), but no statistically significant differences were found between groups.ConclusionGinseng was the antioxidant agent that showed the best effect in preventing auditory threshold worsening at the frequency of 4kHz, but not at 6kHz in patients with sensorineural hearing loss caused by exposure to high sound pressure levels. There was no improvement in the thresholds with vitamin E supplementation.



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Convergence of a Logistic Type Ultradiscrete Model

We derive a piecewise linear difference equation from logistic equations with time delay by ultradiscretization. The logistic equation that we consider in this paper has been shown to be globally stable in the continuous and discrete time formulations. Here, we study if ultradiscretization preserves the global stability property, analyzing the asymptotic behaviour of the obtained piecewise linear difference equation. It is shown that our piecewise linear difference equation has a threshold property concerning global attractivity of equilibria, similar to the stable logistic equations with time delay.

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Advances in DOA Estimation and Source Localization

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Experimental Study of the Swirling Oxidizer Flow in HTPB/N2O Hybrid Rocket Motor

Effects of swirling oxidizer flow on the performance of a HTPB/N2O Hybrid rocket motor were studied. A hybrid propulsion laboratory has been developed, to characterize internal ballistics characteristics of swirl flow hybrid motors and to define the operating parameters, like fuel regression rate, specific impulse, and characteristics velocity and combustion efficiency. Primitive variables, like pressure, thrust, temperature, and the oxidizer mass flow rate, were logged. A modular motor with 70 mm outer diameter and variable chamber length is designed for experimental analysis. The injector module has four tangential injectors and one axial injector. Liquid nitrous oxide (N2O) as an oxidizer is injected at the head of combustion chamber into the motor. The feed system uses pressurized air as the pressurant. Two sets of tests have been performed. Some tests with axial and tangential oxidizer injection and a test with axial oxidizer injection were done. The test results show that the fuel grain regression rate has been improved by applying tangential oxidizer injection at the head of the motor. Besides, it was seen that combustion efficiency of motors with the swirl flow was about 10 percent more than motors with axial flow.

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Decreased Plasma COMP and Increased Plasma CTX-II Levels in a Chinese Pseudoachondroplasia Family with Novel COMP Mutation

Pseudoachondroplasia (PSACH) is an autosomal dominant osteochondrodysplasia caused by mutations in the gene encoding cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP). Accurate clinical diagnosis of PSACH is sometimes difficult. Here, we identified a novel COMP mutation (c.1675G>A, p.Glu559Lys) in a Chinese PSACH family. We detected the plasma levels of COMP and type II collagen (CTX-II) in the four affected individuals. The results showed the levels of plasma COMP significantly decreased and plasma CTX-II significantly increased in the three PSACH patients with COMP mutation. However, both plasma levels of COMP and CTX-II were not to have found significant difference between the presymptomatic carrier and the age-matched subjects. In vitro analysis and immunofluorescence displayed wild type COMP homogenously expressed in cytoplasm, but mutant proteins were irregularly accumulated inside the HEK-293 cells. Western blot revealed that the quantity of the mutant COMP was more compared to wild type COMP in cells after transfection for 12 hours and 24 hours. Subsequently, 3D structural analysis showed three changes have taken place in secondary structure of the mutant COMP. In conclusion, the novel mutation of COMP may result in intracellular accumulation of the mutant protein. Decreased plasma COMP and increased plasma CTX-II may potentially serve as diagnostic markers of PSACH but may not be applicable in the presymptomatic carrier.

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Retracted: Long Noncoding RNA KIAA0125 Potentiates Cell Migration and Invasion in Gallbladder Cancer

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Perspectives on Peripheral Neuropathy as a Consequence of Metformin-Induced Vitamin B12 Deficiency in T2DM

Peripheral neuropathy (PN) is a primary complication of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and a direct manifestation of vitamin B12 deficiency. Examining the effects of metformin use on PN status became imperative following clinical studies that showed the vitamin B12-lowering effect of the medication. The complexity of the topic and the inconsistency of the results warrant consideration of topic-specific perspectives for better understanding of the available evidence and more appropriate design of future studies.

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Assess two cases of unwell infants in our #paediatric #surgery module and earn yourself 1 CME point!… https://t.co/jojumQSCBL

Assess two cases of unwell infants in our #paediatric #surgery module and earn yourself 1 CME point!… https://t.co/jojumQSCBL

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Take Care: If you hate the dentist, don't do these things - Chambersburg Public Opinion

Take Care: If you hate the dentist, don't do these things Chambersburg Public Opinion One harmful effect is that nicotine inhalation inhibits your ability to produce saliva, which can leave you susceptible to bacteria buildup, dry mouth and tooth decay. Nicotine may contribute to dry mouth by reducing blood flow to the salivary glands ...

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