Gum disease is a lot more common than you think, but it can be avoided if you do what your dentist tells you! Kondas Dental Group shares tip This photo provided by Caribbean Buzz shows the destruction left in the wake of Hurricane Irma Friday, Sept. 8, 2017, in the U.S. Virgin Islands The death toll from Hurricane Irma has risen to 22 as the storm continues its destructive path through the Caribbean.
Relations between phosphate and arsenate are important but inconsistent to influence arsenic (As) phytotoxicity depending on many plant and soil factors. Present research aimed to investigate the phosphate and arsenate interactions in sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) grown in alkaline calcareous soil for 18 weeks under natural environmental conditions at three arsenate [0 (As0), 40 (As40), and 80 (As80) mg As kg−1 soil as sodium arsenate] and three phosphate [0 (P0), 100 (P100), and 200 (P200) mg P2O5 kg−1 soil as diammonium phosphate] levels. The plants were grown in pots according to completely randomized design with five replications. Ionic and physiological parameters were measured at 40 days after treatment completion. Arsenic contamination with As40 and As80 increased root and shoot As concentration with relatively higher concentration in roots, malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and peroxidase (POD) while decreased plant P, chlorophyll, protein, and glutathione (GSH), and consequently plant growth, yield, and yield attributes. Addition of P100 and P200 under As stress reduced As transfer from soil to roots to shoots, MDA concentration, SOD, CAT, and POD activities while increased GSH, leaf protein, chlorophyll, and growth characteristics as well as achene yield compared to As-treated plants without additional P. In conclusion, P-induced inhibition of As transfer from soil to roots to shoots and reduction in MDA concentration accompanied with an increase in the synthesis of protein, chlorophyll, and GSH could be the main mechanisms responsible for lowered As toxicity in sunflower, leading to mitigation of potential risks of As contamination to food chain and human health.
Aminopolyphosphonates (AAPs) are commonly used industrial complexones of metal ions, which upon the action of biotic and abiotic factors undergo a breakdown and release their substructures. Despite the low toxicity of AAPs towards vertebrates, products of their transformations, especially those that contain phosphorus and nitrogen, can affect algal communities. To verify whether such chemical entities are present in water ecosystems, much effort has been made in developing fast, inexpensive, and reliable methods for analyzing phosphonates. However, unfortunately, the methods described thus far require time-consuming sample pretreatment and offer relatively high values of the limit of detection (LOD). The aim of this study was to develop an analytical approach to study the environmental fate of AAPs. Four phosphonic acids, N,N-bis(phosphonomethyl)glycine (GBMP), aminotris(methylenephosphonic) acid (ATMP), hexamethylenediamine-N,N,N′,N′-tetrakis(methylphosphonic) acid (HDTMP), and diethylenetriamine penta(methylenephosphonic) acid (DTPMP) were selected and examined in a water matrix. In addition, the susceptibility of these compounds to biotransformations was tested in colonies of five freshwater cyanobacteria—microorganisms responsible for the so-called blooms in the water. Our efforts to track the AAP decomposition were based on derivatization of N-alkyl moieties with p-toluenesulfonyl chloride (tosylation) followed by chromatographic (HPLC-UV) separation of derivatives. This approach allowed us to determine seven products of the breakdown of popular phosphonate chelators, in nanomolar concentrations and in one step. It should be noted that the LOD of four of those products, aminemethylphosphonic acid (AMPA), N-phosphomethyl glycine (NPMG), N-(methyl)aminemethanephosphonic acid (MAMPA), and N-(methyl) glycine (SAR), was set below the concentration of 50 nM. Among those substances, N-(methylamino)methanephosphonic acid (MAMPA) was identified for the first time as the product of decomposition of the examined aminopolyphosphonates.
This study determined the susceptibility of cultured soil microorganisms to the effects of Ekodiesel Ultra fuel (DO), to the enzymatic activity of soil and to soil contamination with PAHs. Studies into the effects of any type of oil products on reactions taking place in soil are necessary as particular fuels not only differ in the chemical composition of oil products but also in the composition of various fuel improvers and antimicrobial fuel additives. The subjects of the study included loamy sand and sandy loam which, in their natural state, have been classified into the soil subtype 3.1.1 Endocalcaric Cambisols. The soil was contaminated with the DO in amounts of 0, 5 and 10 cm3 kg−1. Differences were noted in the resistance of particular groups or genera of microorganisms to DO contamination in loamy sand (LS) and sandy loam (SL). In loamy sand and sandy loam, the most resistant microorganisms were oligotrophic spore-forming bacteria. The resistance of microorganisms to DO contamination was greater in LS than in SL. It decreased with the duration of exposure of microorganisms to the effects of DO. The factor of impact (IFDO) on the activity of particular enzymes varied. For dehydrogenases, urease, arylsulphatase and β-glucosidase, it had negative values, while for catalase, it had positive values and was close to 0 for acid phosphatase and alkaline phosphatase. However, in both soils, the noted index of biochemical activity of soil (BA) decreased with the increase in DO contamination. In addition, a positive correlation occurred between the degree of soil contamination and its PAH content.
In November 2016, the total metal concentrations in nine representative locations in lead (Pb)-zinc (Zn) mining areas, located in Guangdong Province, South China, were determined experimentally by flame atomic absorption spectrometer. The results indicated that the paddy soils were heavily contaminated with Cd (20.25 mg kg−1), Pb (1093.03 mg kg−1), and Zn (867.0 mg kg−1), exceeding their corresponding soil quality standard values and background values. According to the results, the mean enrichment factor levels of the studied metals decreased in the following order: Cd > Zn > Pb > Cu > Ni > Mn > Cr. Among these metals, Cd, Pb, and Zn were predominantly influenced by widespread anthropogenic activities. The highest concentrations of the studied metal pollutants were distributed in the areas surrounding the mining activity district. Multivariate statistical analysis indicated that the major contributing sources of the studied metals were metal ore mining, smelting, and processing activities. However, the composition of soil background was another potential source. Moreover, the assessment results of environment risks showed that the potential ecological risks, in decreasing order, were Cd > Pb > Zn > Cu > Ni > Cr > Mn. Additionally, the non-carcinogenic risk represented the trend of HI Pb > HI Mn > HI Zn > HI Cu , and the carcinogenic risk ranked as CR Cr > CR Cd > CR Ni . Among the environmental risk substances, Cd and Pb were the main contributors that pose ecological harm and health hazards through their serious pollution. Consequently, greater attention should be paid to this situation.
Stable catalysts require high catalytic efficiency and repeated consecutive use, low mass loss, and metal leaching. This study investigated BiFeO3 (BFO) composite with high stability and reusability using a one step microwave-assisted hydrothermal method (MAHS) to decompose bisphenol A (BPA) used as the target contaminant. After six consecutive reaction cycles in microwave-enhanced Fenton-like process (MW-Fenton-like), the removal rate of BPA decreased from 94 to 87.4% with low metal leaching ratio and mass loss. The morphology, crystal, reaction kinetics, and hydroxyl radical (·OH) were used to demonstrate the high stability of BFO-MAHS. The results indicated that the benign stability and reusability of BFO-MAHS probably occurred because (1) the thermal-effect of MW improved heating rate, which led to the rapid formation stable cube structure and (2) MW mechanical vibrations existed in the preparation process, which further enhanced the cube structure. Therefore, MAHS could be used as a green and environmental friendly method to apply in catalysts synthesis, which could immensely shorten preparation time and enhance the catalytic performance with no waste production.
Under the auspices of the World Association of Sleep Medicine (WASM), Elsevier has established two scientific awards for young basic and clinical sleep specialists in honor of Christian Guilleminault and Elio Lugaresi, respectively. The awards are a tribute to Dr. Guilleminault's and Dr. Lugaresi's contributions to establish the field of Sleep Medicine, its journal and its Society.
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We describe a case of maxillofacial trauma in a paediatric patient in which the left mandibular condyle was superolaterally displaced into the temporal fossa, medial to the zygomatic arch which was intact and the right condyle was also displaced similarly but the zygomatic arch was also fractured on this side. Also, there was an associated mandibular symphyseal fracture.
Hypertrichosis: an abnormal amount of hair growth on the body relative to the amount normally present on a person of the same age, race, and gender. Hypertrichosis has also been referred to as Ambras Syndrome and informally as Werewolf syndrome. The degree of severity can vary among affected persons. The excess hair may be present in one area of the body or all over the body and may be fine or thick, short or long. It is sometimes associated with other abnormalities. The condition can be either present at birth (congenital) or may develop later in life (acquired). Causes range from genetic abnormalities to medical conditions including cancer and metabolic disorders. Hypertrichosis may also result as a side effect of certain drugs. In some cases, the cause is unknown.
Gum disease is a lot more common than you think, but it can be avoided if you do what your dentist tells you! Kondas Dental Group shares tip CARIBBEAN SEA - SEPTEMBER 8: In this NOAA handout image, NOAA's GOES satellite shows Hurricane Irma passing the eastern end of Cuba at about 8:00 am EST on September 8, 2017. Hurricane Irma barreled through the Turks and Caicos Islands as a category 4 storm en route to a destructive encounter with Florida this weekend.
Viruses, Vol. 9, Pages 252: Analysis of Class I Major Histocompatibility Complex Gene Transcription in Human Tumors Caused by Human Papillomavirus Infection
Viruses doi: 10.3390/v9090252
Authors: Steven Gameiro Ali Zhang Farhad Ghasemi John Barrett Anthony Nichols Joe Mymryk
Oncoproteins from high-risk human papillomaviruses (HPV) downregulate the transcription of the class I major histocompatibility complex (MHC-I) antigen presentation apparatus in tissue culture model systems. This could allow infected or transformed cells to evade the adaptive immune response. Using data from over 800 human cervical and head & neck tumors from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), we determined the impact of HPV status on the mRNA expression of all six MHC-I heavy chain genes, and the β2 microglobulin light chain. Unexpectedly, these genes were all expressed at high levels in HPV positive (HPV+) cancers compared with normal control tissues. Indeed, many of these genes were expressed at significantly enhanced levels in HPV+ tumors. Similarly, the transcript levels of several other components of the MHC-I peptide-loading complex were also high in HPV+ cancers. The coordinated expression of high mRNA levels of the MHC-I antigen presentation apparatus could be a consequence of the higher intratumoral levels of interferon γ in HPV+ carcinomas, which correlate with signatures of increased infiltration by T- and NK-cells. These data, which were obtained from both cervical and oral tumors in large human cohorts, indicates that HPV oncoproteins do not efficiently suppress the transcription of the antigen presentation apparatus in human tumors.
Transcatheter aortic valve implantation has become an accepted treatment modality for inoperable or high-risk surgical patients with symptomatic severe aortic stenosis.
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Publication date: Available online 9 September 2017
Source:Journal of Fluency Disorders
Author(s): Katrin Neumann, Harald A. Euler, Malte Kob, Alexander Wolff von Gudenberg, Anne-Lise Giraud, Tobias Weissgerber, Christian A. Kell
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Publication date: Available online 9 September 2017
Source:Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) - General Subjects
Author(s): J. Zouaoui, A.M. Trunfio-Sfarghiu, L. Brizuela, A. Piednoir, O. Maniti, B. Munteanu, S. Mebarek, A. Girard-Egrot, A. Landoulsi, T. Granjon
BackgroundConsidering the importance of cellular mechanics in the birth and evolution of cancer towards increasingly aggressive stages, we compared nano-mechanical properties of non-tumoral (WPMY-1) and highly aggressive metastatic (PC-3) prostate cell lines both on cell aggregates, single cells, and membrane lipids.MethodsCell aggregate rheological properties were analyzed during dynamic compression stress performed on a homemade rheometer. Single cell visco-elasticity measurements were performed by Atomic Force Microscopy using a cantilever with round tip on surface-attached cells. At a molecular level, the lateral diffusion coefficient of total extracted lipids deposited as a Langmuir monolayer on an air-water interface was measured by the FRAP technique.ResultsAt cellular pellet scale, and at single cell scale, PC-3 cells were less stiff, less viscous, and thus more prone to deformation than the WPMY-1 control. Interestingly, stress-relaxation curves indicated a two-step response, which we attributed to a differential response coming from two cell elements, successively stressed. Both responses are faster for PC-3 cells. At a molecular scale, the dynamics of the PC-3 lipid extracts are also faster than that of WPMY-1 lipid extracts.ConclusionsAs the evolution of cancer towards increasingly aggressive stages is accompanied by alterations both in membrane composition and in cytoskeleton dynamical properties, we attribute differences in viscoelasticity between PC-3 and WPMY-1 cells to modifications of both elements.General significanceA decrease in stiffness and a less viscous behavior may be one of the diverse mechanisms that cancer cells adopt to cope with the various physiological conditions that they encounter.
Publication date: Available online 9 September 2017
Source:Advances in Biological Regulation
Author(s): Fumio Sakane, Satoru Mizuno, Daisuke Takahashi, Hiromichi Sakai
Diacylglycerol kinase (DGK) phosphorylates diacylglycerol (DG) to produce phosphatidic acid (PA). Mammalian DGK comprises ten isozymes (α–κ) and regulates a wide variety of physiological and pathological events, such as cancer, type II diabetes, neuronal disorders and immune responses. DG and PA consist of various molecular species that have different acyl chains at the sn-1 and sn-2 positions, and consequently, mammalian cells contain at least 50 structurally distinct DG/PA species. Because DGK is one of the components of phosphatidylinositol (PI) turnover, the generally accepted dogma is that all DGK isozymes utilize 18:0/20:4-DG derived from PI turnover.We recently established a specific liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry method to analyze which PA species were generated by DGK isozymes in a cell stimulation-dependent manner. Interestingly, we determined that DGKδ, which is closely related to the pathogenesis of type II diabetes, preferentially utilized 14:0/16:0-, 14:0/16:1-, 16:0/16:0-, 16:0/16:1-, 16:0/18:0- and 16:0/18:1-DG species (X:Y = the total number of carbon atoms: the total number of double bonds) supplied from the phosphatidylcholine-specific phospholipase C pathway, but not 18:0/20:4-DG, in high glucose-stimulated C2C12 myoblasts. Moreover, DGKα mainly consumed 14:0/16:0-, 16:0/18:1-, 18:0/18:1- and 18:1/18:1-DG species during cell proliferation in AKI melanoma cells. Furthermore, we found that 16:0/16:0-PA was specifically produced by DGKζ in Neuro-2a cells during retinoic acid- and serum starvation-induced neuronal differentiation. These results indicate that DGK isozymes utilize a variety of DG molecular species derived from PI turnover-independent pathways as substrates in different stimuli and cells.DGK isozymes phosphorylate various DG species to generate various PA species. It was revealed that the modes of activation of conventional and novel protein kinase isoforms by DG molecular species varied considerably. However, PA species-selective binding proteins have not been found to date. Therefore, we next attempted to identify PA species-selective binding proteins from the mouse brain and identified α-synuclein, which has causal links to Parkinson's disease. Intriguingly, we determined that among phospholipids, including several PA species (16:0/16:0-PA, 16:0/18:1-PA, 18:1/18:1-PA, 18:0/18:0-PA and 18:0/20:4-PA); 18:1/18:1-PA was the most strongly bound PA to α-synuclein. Moreover, 18:1/18:1-PA strongly enhanced secondary structural changes from the random coil form to the α-helix form and generated a multimeric and proteinase K-resistant α-synuclein protein.In contrast with the dogma described above, our recent studies strongly suggest that PI turnover-derived DG species and also various DG species derived from PI turnover-independent pathways are utilized by DGK isozymes. DG species supplied from distinct pathways may be utilized by DGK isozymes based on different stimuli present in different types of cells, and individual PA molecular species would have specific targets and exert their own physiological functions.
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Publication date: Available online 9 September 2017
Source:Advances in Biological Regulation
Author(s): Suzanne Scarlata, Ashima Singla, Osama Garwain
Phospholipase Cβ (PLCβ) is the main effector of the Gαq signaling pathway relaying different extracellular sensory information to generate intracellular calcium signals. Besides this classic function, we have found that PLCβ plays an important but unknown role in regulating PC12 cell differentiation by interacting with components in the RNA-induced silencing machinery. In trying to understand the role of PLCβ in PC12 cell differentiation, we find that over-expressing PLCβ reduces PC12 cell proliferation while down-regulating PLCβ increases the rate of cell proliferation. However, this behavior is not seen in other cancerous cell lines. To determine the underlying mechanism, we carried out mass spectrometry analysis of PLCβ complexes in PC12 cells. We find that in unsynchronized cells, PLCβ primarily binds cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) 16 whose activity plays a key role in cell proliferation. In vitro studies show a direct association between the two proteins that result in loss in CKD16 activity. When cells are arrested in the G2/M phase, a large population of PLCβ is bound to Ago2 in a complex that contains C3PO and proteins commonly found in stress granules. Additionally, another population of PLCβ complexes with CDK18 and cyclin B1. Fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM) confirms cell cycle dependent associations between PLCβ and these other protein binding partners. Taken together, our studies suggest that PLCβ may play an active role in mediating interactions required to move through the cell cycle.
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A 14-year randomised trial in more than 600 patients has concluded that chemoradiation should remain the standard treatment for patients with locally advanced cervical cancer, according to findings reported at the ESMO 2017 Congress in Madrid. The trial...
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Body fat distribution in the trunk is more important than body weight when it comes to cancer risk in postmenopausal women, according to a study presented at the ESMO 2017 Congress in Madrid. The findings put a new spin on weight management priorities...
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Discrepancies between licensing and reimbursement decisions have an impact on patient access to cancer treatment, according to research presented at the ESMO 2017 Congress in Madrid. Conducted on behalf of Bristol-Myers Squibb, the study evaluated...
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Clinical trials are fundamental to the development of new treatments for cancer, yet the annual accrual to cancer clinical trials worldwide is low, estimated at three to five percent. Preliminary results of a nation-wide trial in Ireland, presented at...
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The ESMO Magnitude of Clinical Benefit Scale (ESMO-MCBS) is a valid tool for grading orphan drugs, according to research presented at the ESMO 2017 Congress in Madrid. The ESMO-MCBS scales the clinical benefit that can be anticipated from new anti-cancer...
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Publication date: Available online 8 September 2017
Source:Journal of Biomechanics
Author(s): Valentina Camomilla, Raphaël Dumas, Aurelio Cappozzo
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Faculty members will vote on the issue later this month and if they approve, it would go to the Montana Board of Regents for consideration, the Bozeman Daily Chronicle reports. Dr. Kathy Jutila, director of MSU's Division of Health Sciences, told the Faculty Senate on Wednesday that the costs would be reasonable and the need for dentists in Montana is great.
This work concerns the study of the enhancement of surfactin and fengycin production by B. mojavensis A21 and application of the produced product in diesel biodegradation. The influences of the culture medium and cells immobilization were studied. The highest lipopeptides production was achieved after 72 hours of incubation in a culture medium containing 30 g/L glucose as carbon source and a combination of yeast extract (1 g/L) and glutamic acid (5 g/L) as nitrogen sources with initial pH 7.0 at 30°C and 90% volumetric aeration. The study of primary metabolites production showed mainly the production of acetoin, with a maximum production after 24 h of strain growth. The use of immobilized cells seemed to be a promising method for improving lipopeptides productivity. In fact, the synthesis of both lipopeptides, mainly fengycin, was greatly enhanced by the immobilization of A21 cells. An increase of diesel degradation capacity of approximately 20, 27, and 40% in the presence of 0.5, 1, and 2 g/L of produced lipopeptides, respectively, was observed. Considering these properties, B. mojavensis A21 strain producing a lipopeptide mixture, containing both surfactin and fengycin, may be considered as a potential candidate for future use in bioremediation and crop protection.
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Objective. Mitochondrial dysfunction is considered a unifying pathophysiological explanation for movement disorders. Sirtuin 3 (SIRT3) exhibits deacetylase activity and antioxidant properties. The aim of the study was to analyze the mitochondrial respiration in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and the SIRT3 activity in patients with movement disorders. Methods. Mitochondrial respiration was analyzed in intact PBMCs using the ROUTINE, LEAK, electron transfer system (ETS), and residual oxygen consumption (ROX) protocol by means of high-resolution respirometry. The SIRT3 expression and PBMC activity were measured using fluorometry. Ultrasound measurements of the echogenicity of the substantia nigra and the diameter of the 3rd ventricle were also performed. Results. Patients with movement disorders exhibited a lower ROUTINE respiration than controls (P = 0.0237). Reduced oxygen fluxes in the LEAK () and ROX () states were observed in patients with movement disorders compared with controls. Decreased ROUTINE respiration () and oxygen flux in the LEAK state () were observed in patients with PD with substantia nigra hyperechogenicity compared with controls. Decreased SIRT 3 deacetylase activity was found in patients with movement disorders. Conclusion. Impaired mitochondrial respiration in intact PBMCs was associated with inhibited SIRT3 activity and neurodegeneration measures evaluated using ultrasound in patients with PD.
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We propose and analyze a compartmental nonlinear deterministic mathematical model for the typhoid fever outbreak and optimal control strategies in a community with varying population. The model is studied qualitatively using stability theory of differential equations and the basic reproductive number that represents the epidemic indicator is obtained from the largest eigenvalue of the next-generation matrix. Both local and global asymptotic stability conditions for disease-free and endemic equilibria are determined. The model exhibits a forward transcritical bifurcation and the sensitivity analysis is performed. The optimal control problem is designed by applying Pontryagin maximum principle with three control strategies, namely, the prevention strategy through sanitation, proper hygiene, and vaccination; the treatment strategy through application of appropriate medicine; and the screening of the carriers. The cost functional accounts for the cost involved in prevention, screening, and treatment together with the total number of the infected persons averted. Numerical results for the typhoid outbreak dynamics and its optimal control revealed that a combination of prevention and treatment is the best cost-effective strategy to eradicate the disease.
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Objectives. The goal of this study is to describe modifiable lifestyle variables associated with reduced rate of Parkinson's disease (PD) progression. Methods. The patient-reported outcomes in PD (PRO-PD) were used as the primary outcome measure, and a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) was used to assess dietary intake. In this cross-sectional analysis, regression analysis was performed on baseline data to identify the nutritional and pharmacological interventions associated with the rate of PD progression. All analyses were adjusted for age, gender, and years since diagnosis. Results. 1053 individuals with self-reported idiopathic PD were available for analysis. Foods associated with the reduced rate of PD progression included fresh vegetables, fresh fruit, nuts and seeds, nonfried fish, olive oil, wine, coconut oil, fresh herbs, and spices (). Foods associated with more rapid PD progression include canned fruits and vegetables, diet and nondiet soda, fried foods, beef, ice cream, yogurt, and cheese (). Nutritional supplements coenzyme Q10 and fish oil were associated with reduced PD progression ( and , resp.), and iron supplementation was associated with faster progression (). Discussion. These are the first data to provide evidence that targeted nutrition is associated with the rate of PD progression.
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This paper presents centered element concentric circular antenna array (CECCAA) using variable diagonal loading (VDL) technique and different filtering windows. The different filtering windows are modified to apply in the CECCAA system. The modified novel technique not only is able to reduce the side lobe level (SLL) but also has the ability to detect and highly attenuate the directional interferences. However, the performance of CECCAA system is degraded in the presence of array imperfections. This performance degradation problem due to array imperfections can be improved by using robust techniques. The proposed technique is also robust against array imperfections and improves the performance. Moreover, the performance of the proposed structure is better than a concentric circular antenna array (CCAA). Several examples are presented to analyze the performance of proposed beamformer by using different tapering windows.
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The interest in the production of lactic acid has increased due to its wide range of applications. In the present study, the variables that affect fermentative D(−) lactic acid production were investigated: neutralizing agents, pH, temperature, inoculum percentage, agitation, and concentration of the medium components. An experimental design was applied to determine the optimal concentrations of the medium components and fermentation was studied using different feeding strategies. High production (122.41 g/L) and productivity (3.65 g/L·h) were efficiently achieved by Sporolactobacillus nakayamae in 54 h using a multipulse fed-batch technique with an initial medium containing 35 g/L of yeast extract (byproduct of alcohol production), 60 g/L of crystallized sugar, and 7.5 mL/L of salts. The fermentation process was conducted at 35°C and pH 6.0 controlled by NaOH with a 20% volume of inoculum and agitation at 125 rpm. The production of a high optically pure concentration of D(−) lactic acid combined with an environmentally friendly NaOH-based process demonstrates that S. nakayamae is a promising strain for D(−) lactic acid production.
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The cognitive effect of Artemisia argyi H. under liquid-state fermentation by Monascus purpureus (AAFM), which has cellular antioxidant activity and neuronal cell viability, on trimethyltin- (TMT-) induced learning and memory impairment in Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) mice was confirmed. Tests were conducted to determine the neuroprotective effects against H2O2-induced oxidative stress, and the results showed that AAFM has protective effects through the repression of mitochondrial injury and cellular membrane damage against H2O2-induced neurotoxicity. In animal experiments, such as the Y-maze, passive avoidance, and Morris water maze tests, AAFM also showed excellent ameliorating effects on TMT-induced cognitive dysfunction. After behavioral tests, brain tissues were extracted to assess damage to brain tissue. According to the experimental results, AAFM improved the cholinergic system by upregulating acetylcholine (ACh) contents and inhibiting acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity. AAFM effectively improved the decline of the superoxide dismutase (SOD) level and the increase of the oxidized glutathione (GSH) ratio and lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde (MDA) production) caused by TMT-induced oxidative stress. The occurrence of mitochondrial dysfunction and apoptosis was also decreased compared with the TMT group. Finally, quinic acid derivatives were identified as the major phenolic compounds in AAFM using ultra-performance liquid chromatography quadrupole-time-of-flight (UPLC-Q-TOF) MS analysis.
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Publication date: 30 November 2017
Source:Gene, Volume 635
Author(s): Reza Mirfakhraie
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Publication date: Available online 9 September 2017
Source:The Journal of Emergency Medicine
Author(s): Nicole E. Brown, Shereen A. Singer, Joe Suyama
BackgroundBilateral tubal ectopic pregnancies are a rare subset of ectopic pregnancy that can pose a diagnostic dilemma for clinicians. There is no distinct clinical presentation for bilateral tubal ectopic pregnancies, although they are typically associated with assistive reproductive techniques. In addition, there is no single diagnostic feature to help clinicians delineate bilateral tubal ectopic pregnancies from other types of ectopic pregnancy prior to passing the discriminatory zone (such as heterotopic pregnancy or twin ectopic [two gestational sacs in one tube]). Diagnosis is typically made via direct visualization intraoperatively and therefore treatment is usually surgical.Case ReportWe present a case of spontaneous bilateral tubal ectopic pregnancies diagnosed 7 days apart via transvaginal ultrasound. The patient presented to the emergency department with pelvic pain on the contralateral side of her previously diagnosed ectopic pregnancy and vaginal spotting. Bilateral adnexal masses were visualized on ultrasound and her serum beta–human chorionic gonadotropin level had a 5.9% decline from day 4 to day 7 after methotrexate administration 7 days prior; gynecology was consulted. The patient was successfully treated with an additional dose of intramuscular methotrexate without any complications.Why Should an Emergency Physician Be Aware of This?The implications of this case suggest that diagnosis of bilateral tubal ectopic pregnancies requires clinicians to have a high level of suspicion in any pregnant female with a suspected or known ectopic pregnancy who presents with pelvic pain regardless of prior diagnosis or treatment.
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A 63-year old male with recently diagnosed paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF) was evaluated for suspected sleep-disordered breathing (SDB). Sleep history was positive for loud snoring, infrequent snort arousals and an inability to extend sleep duration beyond 6-6.5 hours. Epworth Sleepiness Scale score was 7/24. He was on diltiazem 120 mg daily. Past medical history included impaired fasting glucose, diverticulitis, gastroesophageal reflux disease and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. He was a nonsmoker and did not endorse recreational drug or excessive caffeine/alcohol use.
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Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) was shown to be associated with gestational diabetes (GDM). However, prevalence of OSA in GDM women, its relationship to metabolic control and predictive factors have not been studied.
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This longitudinal study investigated the effects of various lifestyle-related factors – including sleep duration, shift work, and actual days taken off work – on new-onset metabolic syndrome (MetS).
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This study investigated the addition of a real-time feedback patient engagement tool on positive airway pressure (PAP) adherence when added to a proactive telemedicine strategy.
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While cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia constitutes the first-line treatment for chronic insomnia, only few reports have investigated how sleep architecture relates to response to this treatment. In this pilot study, we aimed at determining whether sleep spindle density at pre-treatment predicts treatment response to cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia.
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Publication date: Available online 9 September 2017
Source:Journal of Infection and Chemotherapy
Author(s): Valeria Visconti, Grazia Brunetti, Maria Rosaria Cuomo, Alessandra Giordano, Giammarco Raponi
Toxinogenic Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) is a leading cause of infectious diarrhea. In this retrospective cohort study the molecular epidemiology of hospital-acquired and community-associated CDI was investigated in patients admitted to a tertiary care hospital. CD in stools samples was revealed by a two steps diagnostic algorithm, firstly screening for positivity to GDH antigen and thereafter RT-PCR analysis. Increased CDI incidence was observed ranging from 1.70episodes/10000patient-days in the 1st year, to 2.62 in the 2nd year, mostly hospitalized in the medicine wards, followed by outpatients (5.74 and 5.12episodes/10.000patient-days respectively). CDI positive were older than CDI negative patients and presented increased trend of diarrhea episodes as the patients' age increased. RT-PCR positive patients (n° = 314) were classified according to the CD toxin producing genes in three groups (1–3, carrying tcdB, both tcdB and cdt, and the two genes plus the deletion Δ117 of tcdC, respectively). The incidence of the group 2 and 3 increased statistically with the age of the patients showing correlation with the gender. Higher frequency of patients belonging to group 1 and group 3 was observed in the medical wards. Of note was the high incidence of group 3 in outpatients. Interestingly, patients with previous health care contacts had higher risk (RR = 1.88) of being infected by CD strains with higher toxicity than community patients. Recurrence rate was 15.9%. In conclusion the knowledge of the toxigenic profiles and of their relationships to gender, age and wards distribution may help the clinicians in the clinical management of the disease.
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Resurgence of sensitivity of the antibiotics, to which the pathogen had developed resistance in the past, requires special attention for strengthening the reservoir of antimicrobial compounds. Reports in the recent past have suggested that co-trimoxazole (COT) has regained its activity against methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). The present study exploited the use of COT in the presence of an antimicrobial peptide (AMP), cryptdin-2 (a murine Paneth cell alpha defensin), in order to reduce the selective pressure of the antibiotic on the pathogen. In vitro antibacterial activity and in vivo efficacy of the combination was ascertained against MRSA induced systemic infection using a murine model. Observations of the present study might help in restoring the regained activity of conventional antibiotics, such as COT, when used in combination with novel antimicrobial molecules like AMPs. This might prove as a viable strategy to eliminate the chances of re-occurrence of resistance due to their multi-prong targeting and synergistically combating infections caused by these resistant pathogens.
Membrane-associated proteins are required for essential processes like transport, organelle biogenesis, and signaling. Many are expected to function as part of an oligomeric protein complex. However, membrane-associated proteins are challenging to work with, and large-scale datasets on the oligomerization state of this important class of proteins is missing. Here we combined cell fractionation of Arabidopsis leaves with nondenaturing detergent solubilization and LC/MS-based profiling of size exclusion chromatography fractions to measure the apparent masses of >1350 membrane-associated proteins. Our method identified proteins from all of the major organelles, with more than 50% of them predicted to be part of a stable complex. The plasma membrane was the most highly enriched in large protein complexes compared to other organelles. Hundreds of novel protein complexes were identified. Over 150 proteins had a complicated localization pattern, and were clearly partitioned between cytosolic and membrane-associated pools. A subset of these dual localized proteins had oligomerization states that differed based on localization. Our dataset is an important resource for the community that includes new functionally relevant data for membrane-localized protein complexes that could not be predicted based on sequence alone. Our method enables the analysis of protein complex localization and dynamics, and is a first step in the development of a method in which LC/MS profile data can be used to predict the composition of membrane-associated protein complexes.
Patients received dental care in a mobile dental clinic on Thursday. Appalachian Miles for Smiles partnered with Mount Zion United Methodist Church to serve 100 area residents with no access to dental care.
Florida resident Sheryl Wilk stands with her dogs Chichi and Cleo Friday. Hotels along Delk Road in Marietta are filling up as families travel north to escape Hurricane Irma.
Regular trips to the dentist are just as important as regular trips to the doctor, but they can be a little more intimidating for some people. Getting kids to love going to the dentist often can be a challenge , but what if you have a child who requires special care because of a developmental disability? It is important for parents to be aware of the risks if regular dental care is neglected, as children with special needs are predisposed to oral conditions.
Publication date: November 2017
Source:Free Radical Biology and Medicine, Volume 112
Author(s): Wan-Sung Kim, Kwang-Soon Lee, Ji-Hee Kim, Chun-Ki Kim, Gwangsoo Lee, Jongseon Choe, Moo-Ho Won, Tae-Hyoung Kim, Dooil Jeoung, Hansoo Lee, Ji-Yoon Kim, Mi Ae Jeong, Kwon-Soo Ha, Young-Guen Kwon, Young-Myeong Kim
Ligation of the death receptors for TNF-α, FasL, and TRAIL triggers two common pathways, caspase-dependent intrinsic apoptosis and intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. The apoptotic pathway is well characterized; however, a signaling linker between the death receptor and ROS production has not been clearly elucidated. Here, we found that death receptor-induced ROS generation was strongly inhibited by mitochondrial complex I and II inhibitors, but not by inhibitors of NADPH oxidase, lipoxygenase, cyclooxygenase or xanthine oxidase, indicating that ROS are mostly generated by the impairment of the mitochondrial respiratory chain. ROS generation was accompanied by caspase-8 activation, Bid cleavage, and cytochrome c release; it was blocked in FADD- and caspase-8-deficient cells, as well as by caspase-8 knockdown and inhibitor. Moreover, Bid knockdown abrogated TNF-α- or TRAIL-induced ROS generation, whereas overexpression of truncated Bid (tBid) or knockdown of cytochrome c spontaneously elevated ROS production. In addition, p53-overexpressing cells accumulated intracellular ROS via cytochrome c release mediated by the BH3-only protein Noxa induction. In a cell-free reconstitution system, caspase-8-mediated Bid cleavage and recombinant tBid induced mitochondrial cytochrome c release and ROS generation, which were blocked by Bcl-xL and antioxidant enzymes. These data suggest that anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 proteins play an important role in mitochondrial ROS generation by preventing cytochrome c release. These data provide evidence that the FADD/caspase-8/Bid/cytochrome c axis is a crucial linker between death receptors and mitochondria, where they play a role in ROS generation and apoptosis.
The role of progesterone (PR) expression in the management of breast cancer is controversial. The aim of this study is to evaluate the characteristics and prognosis of progesterone status among breast cancers patients in a population-based analysis.
Through the Tuscan Cancer Registry data on all the invasive breast cancer cases diagnosed during the period 2004–2005 in the provinces of Florence and Prato, central Italy, were retrieved. Histological reports were re-examined to obtain information on the percentage of positive tumor cells for estrogen (ER), progesterone (PR) receptors, Ki67 marker and human epidermal growth factor 2 (HER2). Information on age, stage, differentiation grade were also obtained.
Out of 1487 patients, 28% had PR− breast cancer. These patients were older (p 0.006) than PR+ cancer patients, with more frequently high Ki67 (p < 0.0001), HER2 + (p < 0.0001), ER− (p < 0.0001) tumoral expression. The ER+/PR+ subtype was the most represented (n.1053), while ER−/PR+ was the most rare (n.23); 210 cases (14.1%) ER+ PR− and 201 (13.5%) ER−/PR− cases were found. Analysis of survival by the Cox proportional hazards model showed an independent prognostic value of PR expression (p < 0.0001), also when estrogen, Ki67, HER2 status and age were included. The 5-year cancer-specific survival was 82.1, 86.5, 100, 92% for ER−/PR−, ER+/PR−, ER−/PR+, ER+/PR+ subtype, respectively.
Our study revealed significant differences in clinicopathological characteristics among breast cancer according to PR expression and confirmed its prognostic independent role, suggesting a role of PR in the improvement of breast cancer prognostic characterization.
In city playgrounds, there is a potential risk of harming children's health by contamination coming from anthropogenic activities. With the aim to determinate the sources and the risk of hazardous elements, soil samples were collected in 19 selected playgrounds of different urban and rural areas from the Rio Grande do Sul state (Brazil). The concentration of 23 metals and metalloids and lead isotopic ratios were determined by ICP-MS. The methodology proposed here, firstly, classified the parks according to the average metal content by means of the NWACs (Normalized-and-Weighted Average Concentrations) and assess the contamination risk determining the Contamination Factors (CFs). Finally, statistical tools (correlation analysis and principal component analysis) were used to identify the most important contamination sources. The statistical tools used, together with lead isotopic composition analysis of the samples, revealed that coal combustion is the main source of contamination in the area. Vegetation was identified as a barrier for the contamination coming from the city. Nonetheless, some of the soils present a possible toxicological risk for humans. In fact, Cr, Sb, and Pb concentrations were higher than the Residential Intervention Values (VIRs) defined by the Environmental Protection Agency of the State of São Paulo, also in Brazil.
Preharvest fruit-drop is a challenge to bayberry production. 2,4-D sodium as a commonly used anti-fruit-drop hormone on bayberry can reduce the yield loss caused by preharvest fruit-drop. The persistence and risk assessment of 2,4-D sodium after applying on bayberries were investigated. A method for determining 2,4-D sodium in bayberry was established based on LC-MS-MS. The average recoveries of 2,4-D sodium were at the range of 93.7–95.8% with relative standard deviations (RSDs) ranging from 0.9 to 2.8%. The dissipation rates of 2,4-D sodium were described using first-order kinetics, and its half-life ranged from 11.2 to 13.8 days. A bayberry consumption survey was carried out for Chinese adults for the first time. The safety assessments of 2,4-D sodium were conducted by using field trail data as well as monitoring data. Results showed that the chronic risk quotient and the acute risk quotient were calculated to be 0.23–0.59 and 0.02–0.05%, respectively, for Chinese adults, indicating low dietary risk for adults and children. In the end, the household cleaning steps were compared, and results showed that water rinsing for 1 min can remove 49.9% 2,4-D sodium residue, which provides pesticide removal suggestion for consumers.
The development of novel antimicrobial drugs, as well as the discovery of novel compounds able to promote honeybee's growth, represents major challenges for modern entomology. The main aim of this study was to investigate whether Brevibacillus laterosporus isolated from the digestive tract of Saudi honeybees, Apis mellifera, was able to stimulate colony strength parameters of honeybees and to evaluate its ability to produce antimicrobial agents. Honeybees were collected in Dirab, Riyadh Region, Saudi Arabia, and microorganisms were isolated and identified by 16S ribosomal RNA analysis. Microscopic identification of the microorganism in its native state was facilitated by atomic force microscopy at high-resolution imaging. Active biological compounds were produced by submerged fermentation with B. laterosporus. The fermented broth was subjected to extraction and purification, and then semi-pure compounds were analyzed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. The effectiveness of the crude extract and semi-pure compounds as antimicrobial agents was evaluated by susceptibility assays. More than 22% of the microorganisms isolated from the digestive tract of healthy honeybees have been identified as B. laterosporus, this kind of species has a unique shape and morphological structure. The cyclic dipeptide cyclo(Leu-Pro) produced by B. laterosporus showed biological activity against several pathogenic microorganisms. Furthermore, the total counts of workers, closed brood, and open brood, as well as the production of bee pollen and honey, were better in honeybees treated with a B. laterosporus suspension. The data indicated that the B. laterosporus strain isolated from a healthy honeybee might be a novel probiotic and a producer of important biological compounds.
Prof Palmerini speaks with ecancer at ESMO 2017 about a phase II trial of denosumab in over 500 patients with giant cell bone cancer, who were treated for up to 8 years. She describes the significant improvements in patient recovery and quality of life...
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Dr Kiserud speaks with ecancer at ESMO 2017 about the barriers to cancer survivors returning to work. She reports on results from a survey of cancer survivors from multiple disease types, in which certain factors were found to be consistent barriers to...
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Prof Geißler speaks with ecancer at ESMO 2017 about the VOLFI trial of FOLFOXIRI chemotherapy combined with panitumumab, an EGFR binding antibody, to treat RAS wildtype metastatic colorectal cancer. He introduces the rationale of the trial, to...
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Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD) are part of a clinical, pathological and genetic continuum.
ObjectivesThe purpose of the present study was to assess the mutation burden that is present in patients with concurrent ALS and FTD (ALS/FTD) not carrying the chromosome 9 open reading frame 72 (C9orf72) hexanucleotide repeat expansion, the most important genetic cause in both diseases.
MethodsFrom an initial group of 973 patients with ALS, we retrospectively selected those patients fulfilling diagnostic criteria of concomitant ALS and FTD lacking the repeat expansion mutation in C9orf72. Our final study group consisted of 54 patients clinically diagnosed with ALS/FTD (16 with available postmortem neuropathological diagnosis). Data from whole exome sequencing were used to screen for mutations in known ALS and/or FTD genes.
ResultsWe identified 11 patients carrying a probable pathogenic mutation, representing an overall mutation frequency of 20.4%. TBK1 was the most important genetic cause of ALS/FTD (n=5; 9.3%). The second most common mutated gene was SQSTM1, with three mutation carriers (one of them also harboured a TBK1 mutation). We also detected probable pathogenic genetic alterations in TAF15, VCP and TARDBP and possible pathogenic mutations in FIG4 and ERBB4.
ConclusionOur results indicate a high genetic burden underlying the co-occurrence of ALS and FTD and expand the phenotype associated with TAF15, FIG4 and ERBB4 to FTD. A systematic screening of ALS and FTD genes could be indicated in patients manifesting both diseases without the C9orf72 expansion mutation, regardless of family history of disease.
Background
Over the past years, positron emission tomography (PET) imaging studies have investigated striatal molecular changes in premanifest and manifest Huntington's disease (HD) gene expansion carriers (HDGECs), but they have yielded inconsistent results.
ObjectiveTo systematically examine the evidence of striatal molecular alterations in manifest and premanifest HDGECs as measured by PET imaging studies.
MethodsMEDLINE, ISI Web of Science, Cochrane Library and Scopus databases were searched for articles published until 7 June 2017 that included PET studies in manifest and premanifest HDGECs. Meta-analyses were conducted with random effect models, and heterogeneity was addressed with I2 index, controlling for publication bias and quality of study. The primary outcome was the standardised mean difference (SMD) of PET uptakes in the whole striatum, caudate and putamen in manifest and premanifest HDGECs compared with healthy controls (HCs).
ResultsTwenty-four out of 63 PET studies in premanifest (n=158) and manifest (n=191) HDGECs and HCs (n=333) were included in the meta-analysis. Premanifest and manifest HDGECs showed significant decreases in dopamine D2 receptors in caudate (SMD=–1.233, 95% CI –1.753 to –0.713, p<0.0001; SMD=–5.792, 95% CI –7.695 to –3.890, p<0.0001) and putamen (SMD=–1.479, 95% CI –1.965 to –0.992, p<0.0001; SMD=–5.053, 95% CI –6.558 to –3.549, p<0.0001), in glucose metabolism in caudate (SMD=–0.758, 95% CI –1.139 to –0.376, p<0.0001; SMD=–3.738, 95% CI –4.880 to –2.597, p<0.0001) and putamen (SMD=–2.462, 95% CI –4.208 to –0.717, p=0.006; SMD=–1.650, 95% CI –2.842 to –0.458, p<0.001) and in striatal PDE10A binding (SMD=–1.663, 95% CI –2.603 to –0.723, p=0.001; SMD=–2.445, 95% CI –3.371 to –1.519, p<0.001).
ConclusionsPET imaging has the potential to detect striatal molecular changes even at the early premanifest stage of HD, which are relevant to the neuropathological mechanisms underlying the development of the disease.
Objective
To determine whether proton magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging is useful in predicting clinical course of patients with metachromatic leukodystrophy (MLD), an inherited white matter disorder treatable with haematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT).
Methods21 patients with juvenile or adult MLD (12 HCT-treated) were compared with 16 controls in the same age range. Clinical outcome was determined as good, moderate or poor. Metabolites were quantified in white matter, and significance of metabolite concentrations at baseline for outcome prediction was assessed using logistic regression analysis. Evolution of metabolic changes was assessed for patients with follow-up examinations.
ResultsIn this retrospective study, 16 patients with baseline scans were included, 5 with good, 3 with moderate and 8 with poor outcome, and 16 controls. We observed significant group differences for all metabolite concentrations in white matter (p<0.001). Compared with controls, patients had decreased N-acetylaspartate and glutamate, and increased myo-inositol and lactate, most pronounced in patients with poor outcome (post hoc, all p<0.05). Logistic regression showed complete separation of data. Creatine could distinguish poor from moderate and good outcome, the sum of glutamate and glutamine could distinguish good from moderate and poor outcome, and N-acetylaspartate could distinguish all outcome groups. For 13 patients (8 with baseline scans), one or more follow-up examinations were evaluated, revealing stabilisation or even partial normalisation of metabolites in patients with moderate and good outcome, clearly visible in the ratio of choline/N-acetylaspartate.
ConclusionIn MLD, quantitative spectroscopic imaging at baseline is predictive for outcome and aids in determining eligibility for HCT.
Objectives
To characterise the pattern and spectrum of involvement on muscle MRI in a large cohort of patients with sarcoglycanopathies, which are limb-girdle muscular dystrophies (LGMD2C–2F) caused by mutations in one of the four genes coding for muscle sarcoglycans.
MethodsLower limb MRI scans of patients with LGMD2C–2F, ranging from severe childhood variants to milder adult-onset forms, were collected in 17 neuromuscular referral centres in Europe and USA. Muscle involvement was evaluated semiquantitatively on T1-weighted images according to a visual score, and the global pattern was assessed as well.
ResultsScans from 69 patients were examined (38 LGMD2D, 18 LGMD2C, 12 LGMD2E and 1 LGMD2F). A common pattern of involvement was found in all the analysed scans irrespective of the mutated gene. The most and earliest affected muscles were the thigh adductors, glutei and posterior thigh groups, while lower leg muscles were relatively spared even in advanced disease. A proximodistal gradient of involvement of vasti muscles was a consistent finding in these patients, including the most severe ones.
ConclusionsMuscle involvement on MRI is consistent in patients with LGMD2C–F and can be helpful in distinguishing sarcoglycanopathies from other LGMDs or dystrophinopathies, which represent the most common differential diagnoses. Our data provide evidence about selective susceptibility or resistance to degeneration of specific muscles when one of the sarcoglycans is deficient, as well as preliminary information about progressive involvement of the different muscles over time.
The opioid epidemic has been fueled by soaring numbers of prescriptions written for pain medication. And often, those prescriptions are written by dentists.
Introduction
Collectively qualitative research is a group of methodologies, with each approach offering a different lens though which to explore, understand, interpret or explain phenomena in real word contexts and settings. This article will provide an overview of one of the many qualitative approaches, ethnography, and its relevance to healthcare. We will use an exemplar based on a study that used participant-as-observer observation and follow-up interviews to explore how occupational therapists embed spirituality into everyday practice, and offer insights into the future directions of ethnography in response to increased globalisation and technological advances.
What is ethnography?Qualitative research methodologies are inductive and focus on meaning; approaches are diverse with different purposes, reflecting differing ontological and epistemological underpinnings.1 With roots in sociology and anthropology, ethnography is one of the early qualitative approaches and is concerned with learning about people, in contrast to studying people, through immersion in native populations.
Commentary on: Kritsotakis G, Papanikolaou M, Androulakis E, et al. Associations of bullying and cyberbullying with substance use and sexual risk taking in young adults. J Nurs Scholarsh 2017;49:360–70.
Implications for practice and researchThe effects of bullying and cyberbullying can be linked to a number of health risk behaviours. Education and healthcare professionals need to include prevention and intervention strategies within educational curricula, building on replacing maladaptive coping strategies with adaptive responses.
Future research should explore the adaptive and maladaptive coping mechanisms employed by victims and victim-bullies during the transition to adulthood and how this impacts on their relationships.
ContextThe effects of traditional bullying on children and adolescent health and well-being is widely recognised; these include low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, social isolation, self-harm and suicidal thoughts.1 More recently, research has explored cyberbullying and there is now a growing body of evidence that suggests traditional bullying and cyberbullying are predictive of...
Drug and Therapeutics Bulletin (DTB)
Vitamin supplementation in pregnancyEnsuring that a woman is well nourished, both before and during pregnancy, is crucial for the health of the woman and that of the unborn child. Maternal deficiency in key nutrients has been linked to pre-eclampsia, restricted fetal growth, neural tube defects, skeletal deformity and low birth weight. Many nutritional supplements containing vitamins, minerals and other micronutrients are heavily marketed to women for all stages of pregnancy. However, much of the evidence for vitamin supplementation in pregnancy comes from studies carried out in low-income countries, where women are more likely to be undernourished or malnourished than within the UK population. The challenges lie in knowing which supplements are beneficial and in improving uptake among those at most need. Here, we summarise current UK guidance for vitamin supplementation in pregnancy and review the evidence behind it. DTB 2016;54:81–4.
Medicines, excipients and dietary...Present study was carried out to assess the significances of solid state fermentation of peanut oil cakes (POC) by Aspergillus oryzae on in vitro bioavailability of minerals (iron, zinc and calcium) and cellular transport, retention and uptake from POC through Caco-2 cells. Bioavailability of iron, zinc and calcium of POC was examined by means of a combined simulated gastrointestinal digestion/Caco-2 cell system. Bio-augmentation of minerals of fermented POC attributed a positive, statistically significant increased influence on minerals retention, transport and uptake values when compared with that of respective inorganic salts as reference. Results revealed increased cellular ferritin content from fermented POC digests than the digests of free form of respective inorganic salt. In prospect of the present investigation the fermented POC samples showed significantly higher iron, zinc and calcium bioavailability and enormous possible health benefits.
The aim of this study was to determine the potential of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) on quality of fresh-cut cluster beans. Fresh-cut cluster beans were dipped in a solution of 2% H2O2 for 2 min, packed in an atmosphere of (5% O2, 10% CO2, 85% N2) and stored in polypropylene bags at 5 °C for 35 days. Passive MAP was created by consuming O2 and producing CO2 by fresh-cut cluster beans. The combined effect of H2O2 and MAP on physico-chemical analysis (Headspace gas, weight loss, chlorophyll, hardness and color), microbial quality (mesophilic aerobics and yeasts and molds) and sensory analysis were studied. Chemical treatment and MAP both are equally effective in extending the shelf life at 5 °C for 28 days. Hence, MAP can be an alternative for chemical treatment to achieve a shelf life of 28 days for fresh-cut cluster beans. Control samples, without chemical treatment and modified atmosphere, stored at 5 °C were spoiled after 14 days. Chemical treatment followed by MAP underwent minimum changes in weight, chlorophyll, hardness and color of fresh-cut cluster beans. Combination treatment gives a storage life of 35 days.
Dr Rauh speaks with ecancer at ESMO 2017 about the discussions and concerns raised in a join ESMO/EONS conference session, discussing the dissemination of safety guidelines and education. Dr Rauh considers the international variation in European...
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Dr Sydes talks with ecancer at the ESMO 2017 Congress about the STAMPEDE trial, assessing the use of abiraterone acetate plus prednisolone or abiraterone acetate plus docetaxel for patients with high-risk prostate cancer starting long-term androgen...
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Ana Kogan Wais presents at a press conference at the ESMO 2017 Congress about the need for better information and a more effective support network for adolescent and young adult cancer patients. She goes on to discuss the challenges faced by patients...
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Dr Kiserud presents in a press conference at the ESMO 2017 Congress about the issues of reduced workability in long term survivors related to adolescent and young adults with cancer. She states that the main factors reported to reduce workability...
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Prof Francesco De Lorenzo presents in a press conference at the ESMO 2017 Congress about the problems with survivorship care in Europe. He goes on to discuss the need to implement the ESMO Clinical Practice Guidelines more effectively throughout...
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Publication date: Available online 8 September 2017
Source:Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) - Molecular Cell Research
Author(s): Roxanne Latreille, Raphaëlle Servant, Mathieu Darsigny, Sébastien Marcoux, Christine Jones, Nathalie Perreault, François Boudreau
Intestinal epithelial cells form a protective barrier in limiting gut luminal content potentially harmful to the host. Upon gut epithelium injury, several signals instruct epithelial cells to undergo a rapid healing process. Defects in this process induce inflammatory responses and can further evolve into chronic gut inflammatory diseases. We previously identified the transcription factor CUX1 as crucial for protecting against experimental colitis in mice. However, the precise molecular mechanisms by which CUX1 intervenes during this biological process are unknown. Our aim was to evaluate CUX1 biological and functional roles during intestinal epithelial cell wound healing. RNAi knockdown of CUX1 in intestinal epithelial cells revealed a crucial role for this regulator in migratory response following wounding assays. Gene expression profiling identified several gene transcripts modulated in absence of CUX1 during wound healing for which a significant number was associated with cell motility and cytoskeleton function. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays identified the guanine nucleotide exchange factor Vav2 gene as a direct target for CUX1. Coincidently, reduction of VAV2 in absence of CUX1 was associated with a significant decrease of RAC1 activity in response to epithelial wounding. Our results identify a novel pathway by which CUX1 regulates normal intestinal epithelial cell restitution.
Publication date: Available online 8 September 2017
Source:Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) - Molecular Cell Research
Author(s): Wojciech M. Ciszewski, Katarzyna Sobierajska, Marta E. Wawro, Wanda Klopocka, Natasza Chefczyńska, Angelika Muzyczuk, Kamil Siekacz, Agata Wujkowska, Jolanta Niewiarowska
Increasing evidence indicates that the tumor microenvironment is a critical factor supporting cancer progression, chemoresistance and metastasis. Recently, cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) have been recognized as a crucial tumor stromal component promoting cancer growth and invasiveness via modulation of the extracellular matrix (ECM) structure, tumor metabolism and immune reprogramming. One of the main sources of CAFs are endothelial cells undergoing the endothelial-mesenchymal transition (EndMT). EndMT is mainly promoted by the Transforming Growth Factor-β (TGF-β) family secreted by tumor cells, though the role of particular members in EndMT regulation remains poorly understood.Our findings demonstrate that TGF-β2 induces mesenchymal transdifferentiation of human microvascular endothelial cells (HMEC-1 cells) to CAF-like cells in association with elongated cell morphology, modulation of stress fiber organization, higher α-SMA protein levels and activation of Rho and Rac-1 pathways. Such regulation is similar to that observed in cells maintained using conditioned medium from invasive colorectal cancer cell line culture. Furthermore, TGF-β2 stimulation resulted in myocardin-related transcription factor (MRTF) activation and upregulation. Our results demonstrate for the first time that such interaction is sufficient for integrin-linked kinase (ILK) overexpression. ILK upregulation also enhanced MRTF activation via RhoA and Rac-1-MMP9 via inside-out integrin activation. Herein, we propose a new ILK-MMP9-MRTF axis that appears to be critical for EndMT differentiation of endothelial to CAF-like cells. Thus, it might be an attractive target for cancer treatment.
The goal of periodontal regenerative therapy is to predictably restore the tooth's supporting periodontal tissues and form a new connective tissue attachment of periodontal ligament (PDL) fibers and new alveolar bone. Periostin is a matricellular protein so named for its expression primarily in the periosteum and PDL of adult mice. Its biological functions have been widely studied in areas such as cardiovascular physiology and oncology. Despite being initially identified in the dental tissues and bone, investigations of Periostin functions in PDL and alveolar-bone-related physiopathology are less abundant. Recently, several studies have suggested that Periostin may be an important regulator of periodontal tissue formation. By promoting collagen fibrillogenesis and the migration of fibroblasts and osteoblasts, Periostin might play a pivotal part in regeneration of the PDL and alveolar bone following periodontal surgery. The aim of this article is to provide an extensive review of the implications of Periostin in periodontal tissue biology and its potential use in periodontal tissue regeneration.
Publication date: Available online 8 September 2017
Source:Clinical Biochemistry
Author(s): Irene Ma, Maggie Guo, Jeannine Viczko, Christopher Naugler
BackgroundThe Canadian Diabetes Association recommends testing most individuals with diabetes mellitus using HbA1c once every 3months. In Alberta, Canada, a provincial intervention to reduce inappropriate HbA1c test orders was implemented to align with this guideline, where only one HbA1c test request every 90days for most individuals can be processed. Here, we evaluated the provincial intervention to reduce redundant HbA1c testing in Alberta.MethodsTotal counts of all HbA1c tests ordered within Edmonton and Calgary, Alberta, were collected from the respective Laboratory Information Systems each month between January 2013 and December 2016. Winters' Additive time series model was built to predict the HbA1c test volume after intervention (November 1, 2015 onwards) and compared with the observed test volume to estimate the effect of the intervention. The estimated change in test volume was then multiplied by the estimated cost to determine the economic impact.ResultsDuring the first 14months of the intervention for Alberta, there was a 3.3% reduction in the number of observed HbA1c tests compared to the predicted volume. With an estimated marginal reagent cost of $3.50 per unit, this resulted in a cost savings of $145,422 in the first 14months of the provincial intervention.ConclusionA modest reduction in HbA1c test orders was observed in the urban areas of Alberta since the implementation of this provincial initiative.
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Specialty choices among medical graduates have undergone changes over time. We aimed to analyze status of otorhinolaryngology as specialty of choice among female medical graduates and factors affecting it. A total of 123 female medical graduates were surveyed during their internship over a period of 1 year in a tertiary-care hospital. Each intern was assessed using a questionnaire at the end of otorhinolaryngology rotation. The survey included nine questions about future career choices with special focus on ENT as a choice for specialization. Questions on choice of specialty, reason for choice, quality of undergraduate teaching and clinical postings were included. The post graduation specialty choices in descending order are Medicine, Pediatrics, Surgery, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dermatology, Ophthalmology, Radiology, ENT, Anesthesia, Psychiatry followed by Physiology, Anatomy and Biochemistry. Among surgical branches most popular choice was General Surgery followed by Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ophthalmology, ENT and Orthopedics in descending order. Reason for the choice included advice from family and friends. Forty two interns (34.2%) followed advice of senior colleagues, 42 (34.2%) followed advice of relatives in the medical field, 25 (20.3%) took advice of non-medico parents while 14 (11.3%) followed their peer group. Regarding the opinion on the quality of undergraduate teaching and clinical postings, both were rated good by the majority. Otorhinolaryngology is less preferred than other general surgery, Obstetrics and Gynecology and ophthalmology by female medical graduates among surgical disciplines. Possible reasons and ways to improve status of Otorhinolaryngology are discussed.
Little research has been done to identify possible cancer-related fatigue (CRF) subtypes and to classify cancer survivors accordingly. We aimed to identify CRF subtypes in a large population-based sample of (long term) stage I–III colorectal cancer survivors. We also identified factors associated with the CRF subtypes.
Respondents completed the Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory and other validated questionnaires on anxiety and reduced positive affect (anhedonia), sleep quality, and lifestyle factors (body mass index and physical activity). Latent class analysis was used to derive the CRF subtypes. Factors associated with the derived CRF subtypes were determined with multinomial logistic regression.
Three CRF classes were identified: class 1 (no fatigue and distress, n = 644, 56%), class 2 (low fatigue, moderate distress, n = 256, 22%), and class 3 (high fatigue, moderate distress, n = 256, 22%). Multinomial logistic regression results show that survivors in class 3 were more likely to be female, were treated with radiotherapy, have comorbid diabetes mellitus, and be overweight/obese than survivors in class 1 (reference). Survivors in classes 2 and 3 were also more likely to have comorbid heart condition, report poorer sleep quality, experience anhedonia, and report more anxiety symptoms when compared with survivors in class 1.
Three distinct classes of CRF were identified which could be differentiated with sleep quality, anxiety, anhedonia, and lifestyle factors.
The identification of CRF subtypes with distinct characteristics suggests that interventions should be targeted to the CRF subtype.
We describe a case of maxillofacial trauma in a paediatric patient in which the left mandibular condyle was superolaterally displaced into the temporal fossa, medial to the zygomatic arch which was intact and the right condyle was also displaced similarly but the zygomatic arch was also fractured on this side. Also, there was an associated mandibular symphyseal fracture.
Adipose-derived stromal/stem cells (ASCs) represent a widely used cell source with multi-lineage differentiation capacity in approaches for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. Despite the multitude of literature on their differentiation capacity, little is reported about the physiological properties contributing to and controlling the process of lineage differentiation. Direct intercellular communication between adjacent cells via gap junctions has been shown to modulate differentiation processes in other cell types, with connexin 43 (Cx43) being the most abundant isoform of the gap junction-forming connexins. Thus, in the present study we focused on the expression of Cx43 and gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC) in human ASCs, and its significance for adipogenic differentiation of these cells.
Cx43 expression in ASCs was demonstrated histologically and on the gene and protein expression level, and was shown to be greatly positively influenced by cell seeding density. Functionality of gap junctions was proven by dye transfer analysis in growth medium. Adipogenic differentiation of ASCs was shown to be also distinctly elevated at higher cell seeding densities. Inhibition of GJIC by 18α-glycyrrhetinic acid (AGA) significantly compromised adipogenic differentiation, as demonstrated by histology, triglyceride quantification, and adipogenic marker gene expression. Flow cytometry analysis showed a lower proportion of cells undergoing adipogenesis when GJIC was inhibited, further indicating the importance of GJIC in the differentiation process.
Altogether, this study demonstrates the impact of direct cell-cell communication via gap junctions on the adipogenic differentiation process of ASCs, and may contribute to further integrate direct intercellular crosstalk in rationales for tissue engineering approaches. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved
Mitochondrial 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA (HMG-CoA) synthase (HMGCS2) catalyses the first step of ketogenesis and is critical in various metabolic conditions. Several nutrient molecules were able to differentially modulate HMGCS2 expression levels. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, C22:6, n-3), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, C20:5, n-3), arachidonic acid (AA, C20:4, n-6) and glucose increased HMGCS2 mRNA and protein levels in HepG2 hepatoma cells, while fructose decreased them. The effect of n-6 AA resulted significantly higher than that of n-3 PUFA, but when combined all these molecules were far less efficient. Insulin reduced HMGCS2 mRNA and protein levels in HepG2 cells, even when treated with PUFA and monosaccharides. Several nuclear receptors and transcription factors are involved in HMGCS2 expression regulation. While peroxysome proliferator activated receptor α (PPAR-α) agonist WY14643 increased HMGCS2 expression, this treatment was unable to affect PUFA-mediated regulation of HMGCS2 expression. Forkhead box O1 (FoxO1) inhibitor AS1842856 reduced HMGCS2 expression and suppressed induction promoted by fatty acids. Cells treatment with liver X receptor alpha (LXRα) agonist T0901317 reduced HMGCS2 mRNA, indicating a role for this transcription factor as suppressor of HMGCS2 gene. Previous observations already indicated HMGCS2 expression as possible nutrition status reference: our results show that several nutrients as well as specific nutritional related hormonal conditions are able to affect significantly HMGCS2 gene expression, indicating a relevant role for PUFA, which are mostly derived from nutritional intake. These insights into mechanisms of its regulation, specifically through nutrients commonly associated with disease risk, indicate HMGCS2 expression as possible reference marker of metabolic and nutritional status. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved
The relatively low efficacy of ACE-inhibitors in the treatment of heart failure in women after estrogen loss may be due to their inability to reach the intracellular sites at which angiotensin (Ang) II is generated and/or the existence of cell-specific mechanisms in which ACE is not the essential processing pathway for Ang II formation. We compared the metabolic pathway for Ang II formation in freshly isolated myocytes (CMs) and non-myocytes (NCMs) in cardiac membranes extracted from hearts of gonadal-intact and ovariectomized (OVX) adult WKY and SHR rats. Plasma Ang II levels were higher in WKY vs. SHR (strain effect: WKY: 62 ± 6 pg/mL vs. SHR: 42 ± 9 pg/mL; P < 0.01), independent of OVX. The enzymatic activities of chymase, ACE, and ACE2 were higher in NCMs vs. CMs, irrespective of whether assays were performed in cardiac membranes from WKY or SHR or in the presence or absence of OVX. E2 depletion increased chymase activity, but not ACE activity, in both CMs and NCMs. Moreover, cardiac myocyte chymase activity associated with diastolic function in WKYs and cardiac structure in SHRs while no relevant functional and structural relationships between the classic enzymatic pathway of Ang II formation by ACE or the counter-regulatory Ang-(1-7) forming path from Ang II via ACE2 were apparent. The significance of these novel findings is that targeted cell-specific chymase rather than ACE inhibition may have a greater benefit in the management of HF in women after menopause. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved
DNA methylation was the first epigenetic modification to be detected in human cancers with specific relation to aberrant gene expression. Herein, DNA methylation analysis explains how epigenetic patterns affect gene expression level. Hypermethylation at tumor suppressor gene loci leads to increased tumorigenesis due to tumor suppressor gene silencing, whereas global hypomethylation of CpG islands (CGIs) is followed by genomic instability and aberrant activation of multiple oncogenes. Therefore, characterization of the genes which silenced or activated epigenetically in human tumor cells can improve our understanding of cancer biology. Different genome-wide methodologies are applied to evaluate methylation status. Various commonly conducted techniques for this evaluation are reviewed in this paper. We provided comparative description of the procedures, advantages, and drawbacks of genome-wide DNA methylation analysis methods and biological applications, to give information on selecting the appropriate method for different methylation studies. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved
