Altered Structure and Intrinsic Functional Connectivity in Post-stroke Aphasia

Abstract

Previous studies have demonstrated that alterations of gray matter exist in post-stroke aphasia (PSA) patients. However, so far, few studies combined structural alterations of gray matter volume (GMV) and intrinsic functional connectivity (iFC) imbalances of resting-state functional MRI to investigate the mechanism underlying PSA. The present study investigated specific regions with GMV abnormality in patients with PSA (n = 17) and age- and sex- matched healthy controls (HCs, n = 20) using voxel-based morphometry. In addition, we examined whether there is a link between abnormal gray matter and altered iFC. Furthermore, we explored the correlations between abnormal iFC and clinical scores in aphasic patients. We found significantly increased GMV in the right superior temporal gyrus, right inferior parietal lobule (IPL)/supramarginal gyrus (SMG), and left middle occipital gyrus. Decreased GMV was found in the right caudate gyrus, bilateral thalami in PSA patients. Patients showed increased remote interregional FC between the right IPL/SMG and right precuneus, right angular gyrus, right superior occipital gyrus; while reduced FC in the right caudate gyrus and supplementary motor area, dorsolateral superior frontal gyrus. Moreover, iFC strength between the left middle occipital gyrus and the left orbital middle frontal gyrus was positively correlated with the performance quotient. We suggest that GMV abnormality contributes to interregional FC in PSA. These results may provide useful information to understand the pathogenesis of post-stroke aphasia.

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Comparative evolutionary genomics of Corynebacterium with special reference to codon and amino acid usage diversities

Abstract

The present study has been aimed to the comparative analysis of high GC composition containing Corynebacterium genomes and their evolutionary study by exploring codon and amino acid usage patterns. Phylogenetic study by MLSA approach, indel analysis and BLAST matrix differentiated Corynebacterium species in pathogenic and non-pathogenic clusters. Correspondence analysis on synonymous codon usage reveals that, gene length, optimal codon frequencies and tRNA abundance affect the gene expression of Corynebacterium. Most of the optimal codons as well as translationally optimal codons are C ending i.e. RNY (R-purine, N-any nucleotide base, and Y-pyrimidine) and reveal translational selection pressure on codon bias of Corynebacterium. Amino acid usage is affected by hydrophobicity, aromaticity, protein energy cost, etc. Highly expressed genes followed the cost minimization hypothesis and are less diverged at their synonymous positions of codons. Functional analysis of core genes shows significant difference in pathogenic and non-pathogenic Corynebacterium. The study reveals close relationship between non-pathogenic and opportunistic pathogenic Corynebaterium as well as between molecular evolution and survival niches of the organism.

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Space-time mapping of ground-level PM 2.5 and NO 2 concentrations in heavily polluted northern China during winter using the Bayesian maximum entropy technique with satellite data

Abstract

The accurate and informative space-time mapping of air pollutants is a crucial component of many human exposure studies. In the present work, space-time maps of daily distributions of PM_2.5 and NO₂ concentrations were generated in the severely polluted northern China region using the Bayesian maximum entropy (BME) method. This method can incorporate hard PM_2.5 and NO₂ data (obtained at ground-level monitoring sites), and various kinds of soft (uncertain) data, including satellite data processed in terms of machine learning techniques, meteorological variables, and geographical predictors. The BME maps of space-time PM_2.5 and NO₂ concentrations over northern China generated during the winter season (when severe haze episodes occur frequently) were realistic and informative. As regards their numerical accuracy, for the space-time PM_2.5 estimates, the tenfold cross-validation R ² and the RMSE were, respectively, 0.86 and 14.37 μg/m³; for the space-time NO₂ estimates, the R ² and RMSE values were, respectively, 0.85 and 6.93 μg/m³. Lastly, it was shown that the BME method performed better than the mainstream spatiotemporal ordinary kriging technique in terms of the higher R ² values of both the predicted PM_2.5 and NO₂ concentration maps.

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Optimizing Somatostatin Analog Use in Well or Moderately Differentiated Gastroenteropancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors

Abstract

Background

Somatostatin analogues, aiming to control tumor secretion or growth, constitute the most attractive therapeutic option for patients with well-differentiated gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (GEP-NETs). The objective of this article is to provide a comprehensive review of the current state-of-the-art knowledge gaps and potential opportunities for future development and optimization of this therapeutic modality.

Method

A contextualized systematic review with a narrative component was conducted using PubMed, The Cochrane Library, EMBASE, and Google Scholar. Titles were screened, and non-English, duplicate, or irrelevant entries were excluded. Selection criteria for articles included the following: publication in English between 1995 and 2016, patients with GEP-NETs, analysis of efficacy, safety, practical management considerations, predictive factors, and/or strategies for overcoming resistance, concerning somatostatin analogs.

Results

Ninety-seven studies out of 2771 screened publications met the inclusion criteria (16 randomized clinical trials, 27 phase II trials, 3 phase I trials, 3 subgroup analyses of clinical trials, 1 open-label extension of a randomized trial, 1 phase IV trial, 32 observational studies, and 14 basic research articles). The nature and scope of literature was diverse with most articles dedicated to drug efficacy or indications of use (n = 49), pharmacological issues (n = 8), assessment or predictors of response (n = 4), practical management (n = 11), combination therapy or other means to overcome resistance (n = 19), receptors and signaling pathways (n = 3), and subgroup analyses (n = 3).

Conclusion

In this appraisal, we have found some practical aspects that can help to the optimization of somatostatin analog (SSA) therapy in patients with well-differentiated GEP-NETs. We have also identified areas of uncertainty in an effort to guide clinical research in the coming years.

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Deutschland Dilemma Where will Germany's Jews stand in the country's upcoming elections?

How will the Jewish community channel its feelings towards the ongoing refugee crisis in Germany and Europe into a political decision? German Chancellor Angela Merkel makes an address during an anti-Semitism demo at Berlin's Brandenburg Gate September 14, 2014. . The Jewish community in Germany is not necessarily a voting bloc that needs to be catered to ahead of the German federal election on September 24. Indeed, with an estimated German-Jewish population of about 200,000 , the Jewish vote won't likely tip the scales in anyone's favor.

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Experience with curative radiotherapy for cervix cancer in the Bahamas for 2006–2016

Abstract

Background

Cervix cancer is a significant health problem. As access to quality care in Small Island Developing States improves, and cancer centers become established, providers of care can summarize local experience to benchmark system quality and look for ways to further improve value.

Methods

This is a retrospective study of all cases of cervix cancer managed 2006–2016 at The Cancer Centre Bahamas, in conjunction with Princess Margaret Hospital, Nassau, affiliated with The University of West Indies. Seventy-two women received curative radiotherapy or chemoradiotherapy. Herein are reported presenting characteristics, treatments, waiting and overall treatment times, plus outcomes of recurrence, survival, and adverse events.

Results

For 68 newly diagnosed cases, median waiting time (diagnosis to commencing treatment) was 110 days. It was 90 days for those 47 cases who had no prior surgery or neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Overall, 99% of intended external radiotherapy fractions, 74% of brachytherapy sessions, and 79% of concurrent weekly chemotherapy were administered. For all 72 cases, median overall treatment time was 63 days; and for the 47 case sub-group, it was 78 days during 2006–2010 and 65 days during 2011–2016 (p = 0.005), so improving over calendar time. Four cases experienced grade 3–4 toxicities. Twelve had urological complications from disease or treatment. Five cases experienced local failure; eight experienced distant failure. Newly diagnosed stage 2B (26/72) had a 2-year survival of 71%.

Conclusion

This report demonstrates the impact of providing curative radiation-based treatments for cervical cancer in a small state. It suggests ways to further improve operations and justifies additional research.

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Response to "Role of regulators in safe prescribing of opioids" [Letters]

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Trends in standardized mortality among individuals with schizophrenia, 1993-2012: a population-based, repeated cross-sectional study [Research]

BACKGROUND:

We examined mortality time trends and premature mortality among individuals with and without schizophrenia over a 20-year period.

METHODS:

In this population-based, repeated cross-sectional study, we identified all individual deaths that occurred in Ontario between 1993 and 2012 in persons aged 15 and over. We plotted overall and cause-specific age- and sex-standardized mortality rates (ASMRs), stratified all-cause ASMR trends by sociodemographic characteristics, and analyzed premature mortality using years of potential life lost. Additionally, we calculated mortality rate ratios (MRRs) using negative binomial regression with adjustment for age, sex, income, rurality and year of death.

RESULTS:

We identified 31 349 deaths among persons with schizophrenia, and 1 589 902 deaths among those without schizophrenia. Mortality rates among people with schizophrenia were 3 times higher than among those without schizophrenia (adjusted MRR 3.12, 95% confidence interval 3.06–3.17). All-cause ASMRs in both groups declined in parallel over the study period, by about 35%, and were higher for men, for those with low income and for rural dwellers. The absolute ASMR difference also declined throughout the study period (from 16.15 to 10.49 deaths per 1000 persons). Cause-specific ASMRs were greater among those with schizophrenia, with circulatory conditions accounting for most deaths between 1993 and 2012, whereas neoplasms became the leading cause of death for those without schizophrenia after 2005. Individuals with schizophrenia also died, on average, 8 years younger than those without schizophrenia, losing more potential years of life.

INTERPRETATION:

Although mortality rates among people with schizophrenia have declined over the past 2 decades, specialized approaches may be required to close the persistent 3-fold relative mortality gap with the general population.

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Cabinet shuffle brings "seismic shifts" to Indigenous affairs, health [News]

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Rebound adrenal insufficiency after withdrawal of ritonavir in a 65-year-old man using inhaled budesonide [Practice]

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Treating iron deficiency [Correction]

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Take-home naloxone [Practice]

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Addressing the scandal of early death among people with schizophrenia [Commentary]

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Contact dermatitis caused by methacrylates in nail products [Practice]

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Sensible approaches to manage the current opioid crisis [Letters]

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Cobwebs [Humanities]

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Combating antibiotic resistance: New drugs or alternative therapies? [News]

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Role of regulators in safe prescribing of opioids [Letters]

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Overweight or overfat? Many Canadians are both [News]

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Regenerative endodontic treatment or MTA apical plug in teeth with pulp necrosis and open apices?

This review of regenerative endodontic treatment (RET) or mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) apical plug (MAP)in the treatment of teeth with pulp necrosis and open apices used broad inclusion criteria. 144 studies were identified suggesting promising outcomes. However the quality of the available evidence is very low and more high quality research is needed.

The post Regenerative endodontic treatment or MTA apical plug in teeth with pulp necrosis and open apices? appeared first on National Elf Service.

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Report from the first European Dermato-Epidemiology Network forum

Summary

The first European Dermato-Epidemiology Network (EDEN) forum was held on 30–31 March 2017 in Madrid, Spain. Dermatoepidemiology describes the study of causes, prevention, health services research and evaluation of interventions of skin diseases. EDEN aims to promote high-quality research, share expertise and facilitate collaboration. These aims were achieved during the EDEN forum by including a preconference course on skin cancer epidemiology; having excellent world-leading guest speakers on causality, quality of care, pharmacoepidemiology and missing data analysis; and including delegates who presented and discussed innovative research findings. The meeting brought together delegates from 11 different countries. We welcome everyone with an interest in clinical research and epidemiology related to skin disease to attend next year's meeting in March 2018 in Berlin.

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Utility of the immature platelet fraction in pediatric immune thrombocytopenia: Differentiating from bone marrow failure and predicting bleeding risk

Abstract

Background

Differentiating childhood immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) from other cause of thrombocytopenia remains a diagnosis of exclusion. Additionally factors that predict bleeding risk for those patients with ITP are currently not well understood. Previous small studies have suggested that immature platelet fraction (IPF) may differentiate ITP from other causes of thrombocytopenia and in combination with other factors may predict bleeding risk.

Methods

We performed a retrospective chart review of thrombocytopenic patients with an IPF measured between November 1, 2013 and July 1, 2015. Patients were between 2 months and 21 years of age with a platelet count <50 × 10⁹/l. Each patient chart was reviewed for final diagnosis and bleeding symptoms. A bleeding severity score was retrospectively assigned.

Results

Two hundred seventy two patients met inclusion criteria, 97 with ITP, 11 with bone marrow failure (BMF), 126 with malignancy, and 38 with other causes of thrombocytopenia. An IPF > 5.2% differentiated ITP from BMF with 93% sensitivity and 91% specificity. Absolute immature platelet number (AIPN) was significantly lower in ITP patients with severe to life-threatening hemorrhage than those without, despite similar platelet counts. On multivariate analysis, an IPF < 10.4% was confirmed as an independent predictor of bleeding risk at platelet counts <10 × 10⁹/l in patients with ITP.

Conclusions

IPF measurement alone has utility in both the diagnosis of ITP and identifying patients at increased risk of hemorrhage. Further study is required to understand the pathophysiological differences of ITP patients with lower IPF/AIPN.

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Early blood stream infection following allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is a risk factor for acute grade III–IV GVHD in children and adolescents

Abstract

Background

Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) remains a major cause of mortality and morbidity in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). In adults, early blood stream infection (BSI) and acute GVHD (AGVHD) have been reported to be related. The impact of BSI on risk for AGVHD, however, has not been assessed in pediatric patients.

Procedure

We conducted a retrospective analysis to test the hypothesis that early BSI (before day +30) predisposes allogeneic pediatric transplant patients to severe AGVHD. We analyzed 293 allogeneic HSCT performed at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta between 2005 and 2014 that met eligibility criteria.

Results

The cumulative incidence of acute grade III–IV GVHD at 100 days after HSCT was 17.1%. In multivariate analysis, risk for acute grade III–IV GVHD was associated with HLA-mismatched donor (hazard ratio [HR] = 4.870, P < 0.001), and BSI between day 0 and +30 prior to AGVHD (HR = 3.010, P = 0.001).

Conclusions

These results indicate that early BSI appears to be a risk factor for acute grade III–IV GVHD. Further research is needed to determine if the link is causal.

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Blinatumomab activity in a patient with Down syndrome B-precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Abstract

Persistent minimal residual disease (MRD) after consolidation may indicate chemotherapy insensitivity in B-precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (BP-ALL). Given the strong association of MRD and outcome in non-Down syndrome (non-DS) BP-ALL, it is likely that MRD levels are also of prognostic significance in DS BP-ALL. We report here the successful use of blinatumomab, a bispecific T-cell engager antibody construct, in a patient with DS BP-ALL and persistent MRD at the end of consolidation. Blinatumomab has been shown to have excellent results in patients with relapsed/refractory BP-ALL. This patient had no significant toxicity and achieved MRD negativity after only one cycle of blinatumomab.

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Reply to comment on: Insurance coverage decisions for pediatric proton therapy

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Comprehensive genetic analysis of donor cell derived leukemia with KMT2A rearrangement

Abstract

Background

Donor cell leukemia (DCL) occurs after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Several mechanisms, including occult leukemic/preleukemic subclones in the donor graft and germline predisposition to leukemia, are proposed to be associated with DCL's molecular pathogenesis. We report a comprehensive genetic analysis of a patient with KMT2A-rearranged DCL after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation for refractory cytopenia of childhood.

Procedure

We performed a whole-exome sequencing of the recipient's peripheral blood before transplant and the donor's peripheral blood and the recipient's bone marrow at the time of DCL diagnosis. RNA sequencing was also performed to detect fusion genes in DCL blasts.

Results

There were no germline mutations that were associated with a predisposition to leukemia in the recipient and donor. Furthermore, there were no detectable somatic alterations except KMT2A-MLLT10 and other related gene fusions in DCL. KMT2A-MLLT10 was not detectable in the donor's bone marrow.

Conclusion

We propose a novel pattern of the molecular pathogenesis of DCL solely involving a genetic mutation acquired after transplant with no identifiable genetic factor related to the donor and recipient.

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Extreme hepatic resections for the treatment of advanced hepatoblastoma: Are planned close margins an acceptable approach?

Abstract

Background

Orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) is considered the standard for children with hepatoblastoma (HB) in whom complete surgical resection is not possible. However, OLT is not always available or feasible.

Objective

To describe the outcome of children with HB who were initially deemed unresectable and underwent complex hepatectomy with planned close margins, and ultimately avoided OLT.

Methods

Demographic data, surgical and pathologic details, and survival information were collected from children treated for HB between January 2010 to December 2015.

Results

Among six children (median age 12 months (3–41 months)), PRETEXT classification was III (n = 2), III/IV (n = 1), and IV (n = 3). Patients received a median of six cycles (range 4–7) of platinum-based induction chemotherapy; five received doxorubicin. Experienced pediatric surgeons performed extended right and left hepatectomy in five and one patients, respectively, with assistance of an experienced liver transplant surgeon (n = 4). Microscopic margins were positive (n = 2) and negative but close (n = 4; 2–5 mm). Two patients required vascular reconstruction of the vena cava. At median follow-up of 3.3 years (1.7–4.6 years), there was no evidence of local recurrence. One patient had recurrence of pulmonary disease 3 months after surgery.

Conclusions

Patients with advanced HB treated with complex surgical resections with positive or close negative margins had good outcomes without OLT. We suggest that planned positive or close microscopic margins in highly selected HB patients may spare the morbidity of OLT and offer an alternative for those ineligible for OLT. Our experience illustrates the importance of a multidisciplinary team specialized in the management of liver tumors.

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Analysis of infantile fibrosarcoma reveals extensive T-cell responses within tumors: Implications for immunotherapy

Abstract

Background

Infantile fibrosarcoma (IFS) is a rare pediatric malignancy with relatively good prognosis, but the risk of progression or recurrence after therapy exists. To understand the immune microenvironment of IFS and determine if immunotherapy is a potential treatment, we analyzed T-cell responses in IFS tumors.

Procedure

IFS tumors were analyzed by immunohistochemistry and multicolor flow cytometry to characterize immune cell infiltration and function. Tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) were expanded in vitro and evaluated for recognition of autologous tumor cells. Real-time PCR was applied to evaluate tumor expression of chemokines/cytokines and tumor antigens.

Results

Significant infiltration of both CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ T cells was found in seven of 10 IFS but rarely found in age- and sex-matched rhabdomyosarcoma tumors. The TILs from recurrent IFS tumors expressed high levels of costimulatory molecules such as CD28, 4-1BB, and OX40, but little or no coinhibitory molecules such as PD-1 and CTLA4, Tim3, Lag3, and CD39. Upon activation, large portions of TILs produced IFN-γ and TNF-α. Eighteen out of 40 T cell lines generated from surgically removed tumors could recognize autologous tumor cells. Moreover, we found that IFS tumors expressed high levels of T-cell chemokines such as CXCL10 and CXCL16, and also classic tumor antigens such as CTAG2, GAGE, and NY-ESO-1, whose expression could be further enhanced by treatment with epigenetic modulator decitabine.

Conclusions

IFS tumors are highly immunogenic and expansion of TILs followed by adoptive cell transfer could be a potential immunotherapy for IFS patients undergoing tumor recurrence.

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Initial testing (stage 1) of M6620 (formerly VX-970), a novel ATR inhibitor, alone and combined with cisplatin and melphalan, by the Pediatric Preclinical Testing Program

Abstract

Background

M6620 is a novel inhibitor of the DNA damage repair enzyme ATR, and has potentiated the activity of cisplatin and irinotecan in non-small cell lung cancer and colon cancer xenografts, respectively.

Procedures

M6620 was tested in vitro at concentrations ranging from 1.0 nM to 10.0 μM and at 75 nM in combination with cisplatin or melphalan. M6620 was tested against 24 solid tumor xenografts alone and in combination with cisplatin. Cisplatin was administered intraperitoneally on days 1 and 8 at a dose of 5 mg/kg. M6620 was administered intravenously on days 2 and 9 at 20 mg/m² approximately 16 hr after cisplatin.

Results

The median relative IC₅₀ (rIC₅₀) value for M6620 was 0.19 μM (range 0.03–1.38 μM). M6620 reduced the mean IC₅₀ of cisplatin and melphalan by 1.48- and 1.95-fold, respectively. M6620 as a single agent in vivo induced significant differences in event-free survival (EFS) distribution in 5 of 24 (21%) solid tumor xenografts, but induced no objective responses. Cisplatin as a single agent induced significant differences in EFS distribution compared to control in 18 of 24 (75%) solid tumor xenografts. Three objective responses to cisplatin were observed. The M6620 and cisplatin combination induced significant differences in EFS distribution compared to control in 21 of 24 (88%), with four objective responses.

Conclusions

M6620 showed modest potentiation of cisplatin and melphalan activity for some cell lines. M6620 showed little single-agent activity and the addition of M6620 to cisplatin significantly prolonged time to event for a minority of tested xenografts across several histologies.

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JCM, Vol. 6, Pages 85: Efficacy of Octocog Alfa (Advate) in a Child with Type 3 von Willebrand Disease and Alloantibodies

JCM, Vol. 6, Pages 85: Efficacy of Octocog Alfa (Advate) in a Child with Type 3 von Willebrand Disease and Alloantibodies

Journal of Clinical Medicine doi: 10.3390/jcm6090085

Authors: Gianluca Sottilotta Francesca Luise Elisabetta Massara Vincenzo Oriana Angela Piromalli

Von Willebrand disease (VWD) is the most frequent inherited bleeding disorder and is caused by either a quantitative and/or qualitative defect of the multimeric glycoprotein vonWillebrand factor (VWF).[...]

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A new Schiff-based chemosensor for selective detection of Cu2+ and Co2+ and its copper complex for colorimetric sensing of S2- in aqueous solution

Photochem. Photobiol. Sci., 2017, Accepted Manuscript
DOI: 10.1039/C7PP00229G, Paper

Cheal Kim, Min Kim, Seong Youl Lee, Jae Min Jung
A new Schiff-based colorimetric chemosensor 1 was developed for the detection of Cu2+, Co2+ and S2-. Sensor 1 could simply monitor Cu2+ and Co2+ by color change from colorless to...
The content of this RSS Feed (c) The Royal Society of Chemistry

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Mechanisms of cancer cell killing by sea cucumber-derived compounds

Summary

The aim of cancer therapy is to specifically eradicate tumor cells while causing minimal damage to normal tissues and minimal side-effects. Because of this, the use of natural substances with low toxicity is a good option. Sea cucumbers are one of many potential marine animals that contain valuable nutrients and medicinal properties. The medicinal value of sea cucumbers is attributed to the presence of bioactive agents with promising biological and pharmacological properties that include cytotoxic activity, induction of apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, inhibition of tumor growth, anti-metastatic and anti-angiogenic properties, and inhibition of drug resistance. This review discusses the mechanisms of cancer cell death induced by sea cucumber-derived compounds with regard to exploring the potential use of these marine natural products for cancer therapy.

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On My Shelf: Vita, Life in a Zone of Social Abandonment

-- Read more on ScientificAmerican.com

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On My Shelf: Vita, Life in a Zone of Social Abandonment

-- Read more on ScientificAmerican.com

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Ubiquitous learning environments in higher education: A scoping literature review

Abstract

Ubiquitous learning and the use of ubiquitous learning environments heralds a new era in higher education. Ubiquitous learning environments enhance context-aware and seamless learning experiences available from any location at any time. They support smooth interaction between authentic and digital learning resources and provide personalized learning opportunities. The research area surrounding the ubiquitous learning phenomenon is highly specific and the criteria for ubiquitous learning environments have not been systemically described. The aim of this scoping review was to identify criteria for ubiquitous learning environments, and to summarize the relevant knowledge in this research area. The purpose was to identify research gaps and help map the scope of ubiquitous learning environments in higher education use. A systematic literature search was conducted in 2016 by searching nine international databases and grey literature. The searches retrieved 889 original studies. After filtering the titles, the abstracts (n = 78) and full texts (n = 30) were screened. Seven eligible studies were included in the final review. The study meets high scientific quality standards and guidelines for scoping literature reviews. The data was extracted and key themes were formalized. The original extracts were listed under sub-categories and final categories were defined. An inductive content analysis was used for the analysis. The results defined the criteria for ubiquitous learning environment as context-awareness, interactivity, personalization and flexibility supported by learning management systems, functional objects, wireless networks and mobile devices. All the studied learning environments were developed for specific purposes to support learning in specific contents. Components and outcomes varied between the environments. The results of the scoping review summarize the knowledge in this narrow research area, and have identified gaps in the existing literature. The review illustrates the scope of used ubiquitous learning environments in higher education contexts. It also raises the need for transparent research presenting practical implications for generalizability of future development processes.

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Markers in blood and saliva for prediction of orthodontically induced inflammatory root resorption: a retrospective case controlled-study

Hormonal and enzymatic factors may render certain individuals more susceptible to orthodontically induced inflammatory root resorption (OIIRR). The objectives of this study are (1) to identify biochemical key ...

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Implementation of the European health interview survey (EHIS) into the German health update (GEDA)

This methodological paper describes the integration of the 'European Health Interview Survey wave 2' (EHIS 2) into the 'German Health Update' 2014/2015 (GEDA 2014/2015-EHIS).

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Neonatal intestinal obstruction associated with situs inversus totalis: two case reports and a review of the literature

The association of neonatal intestinal obstruction with situs inversus totalis is extremely rare with only few cases reported in the literature to date. This association poses dilemmas in management. We presen...

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Unprecedented Integral-Free Debye Temperature Formulas: Sample Applications to Heat Capacities of ZnSe and ZnTe

Detailed analytical and numerical analyses are performed for combinations of several complementary sets of measured heat capacities, for ZnSe and ZnTe, from the liquid-helium region up to 600 K. The isochoric (harmonic) parts of heat capacities, , are described within the frame of a properly devised four-oscillator hybrid model. Additional anharmonicity-related terms are included for comprehensive numerical fittings of the isobaric heat capacities, . The contributions of Debye and non-Debye type due to the low-energy acoustical phonon sections are represented here for the first time by unprecedented, integral-free formulas. Indications for weak electronic contributions to the cryogenic heat capacities are found for both materials. A novel analytical framework has been constructed for high-accuracy evaluations of Debye function integrals via a couple of integral-free formulas, consisting of Debye's conventional low-temperature series expansion in combination with an unprecedented high-temperature series representation for reciprocal values of the Debye function. The zero-temperature limits of Debye temperatures have been detected from published low-temperature data sets to be significantly lower than previously estimated, namely, 270 (±3) K for ZnSe and 220 (±2) K for ZnTe. The high-temperature limits of the "true" (harmonic lattice) Debye temperatures are found to be 317 K for ZnSe and 262 K for ZnTe.

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Can a Smartphone Diagnose Parkinson Disease? A Deep Neural Network Method and Telediagnosis System Implementation

Parkinson's disease (PD) is primarily diagnosed by clinical examinations, such as walking test, handwriting test, and MRI diagnostic. In this paper, we propose a machine learning based PD telediagnosis method for smartphone. Classification of PD using speech records is a challenging task owing to the fact that the classification accuracy is still lower than doctor-level. Here we demonstrate automatic classification of PD using time frequency features, stacked autoencoders (SAE), and nearest neighbor (KNN) classifier. KNN classifier can produce promising classification results from useful representations which were learned by SAE. Empirical results show that the proposed method achieves better performance with all tested cases across classification tasks, demonstrating machine learning capable of classifying PD with a level of competence comparable to doctor. It concludes that a smartphone can therefore potentially provide low-cost PD diagnostic care. This paper also gives an implementation on browser/server system and reports the running time cost. Both advantages and disadvantages of the proposed telediagnosis system are discussed.

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Citalopram Ameliorates Impairments in Spatial Memory and Synaptic Plasticity in Female 3xTgAD Mice

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the primary cause of dementia. There is no effective treatment. Amyloid-β peptide (Aβ) plays an important role in the pathogenesis and thus strategies suppressing Aβ production and accumulation seem promising. Citalopram is an antidepressant drug and can decrease Aβ production and amyloid plaques in transgenic mice of AD and humans. Whether citalopram can ameliorate memory deficit was not known yet. We tested the effects of citalopram on behavioral performance and synaptic plasticity in female 3xTgAD mice, a well-characterized model of AD. Mice were treated with citalopram or water from 5 months of age for 3 months. Citalopram treatment at approximately 10 mg/kg/day significantly improved spatial memory in the Morris water maze (MWM) test, while not affecting anxiety-like and depression-like behavior in 3xTgAD mice. Further, hippocampal long-term potentiation (LTP) impairment in 3xTgAD mice was reversed by citalopram treatment. Citalopram treatment also significantly decreased the levels of insoluble Aβ40 in hippocampal and cortical tissues in 3xTgAD mice, accompanied with a reduced amyloid precursor protein (APP). Together, citalopram treatment may be a promising strategy for AD and further clinical trials should be conducted to verify the effect of citalopram on cognition in patients with AD or mild cognitive impairment.

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Ovary-Sparing Radiation Planning Techniques Can Achieve Ovarian Dose Reduction for Soft Tissue Sarcoma of the Buttock and Thigh

Background and Objectives. Attention to ovary dose is important for premenopausal women undergoing radiation therapy (RT) and must not be overlooked when treating extremity sarcoma. We assessed whether ovary-sparing RT plans could decrease ovary dose without compromising target coverage. Methods. Standard sarcoma target volumes and organs at risk (OAR) were contoured by a sarcoma dedicated radiation oncologist on CT planning scans for 23 women with thigh or buttock sarcoma. IMRT plans (50 Gy) with and without attempted ovary-sparing were created by an expert sarcoma dosimetrist. Results. All plans met target coverage goals. Compared to standard plans, ovary-sparing plans had lower mean bilateral ovary doses (MBOD) (652 versus 483 cGy, ) but higher bone doses (mean V50: 8.5% versus 6.9%, ) and lower conformity indexes (1.12 versus 1.19, ). Tumors

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Nanoporosity of MCM-41 Materials and Y-Zeolites Created by Deposition of Tournefortia hirsutissima L. Plant Extract

Hybrid materials based on MCM-41 silica and Y-zeolites with a variable Si/Al ratio and an appropriate countercationic composition were prepared by impregnating inorganic substrates with an organic extract. The organic phase was previously characterized by GC-MS and IRTF, while XRD, SEM, TEM, N2-physisorption, and TPD of NH3 were used to analyze the selected inorganic supports. The effect of size- and shape-selectivity was manifested in MCM-41 and Y-zeolites. Texture results confirm that the extract containing relatively large branched organic molecules is deposited in the internal voids of MCM-41 material and on the outer area of Y-zeolites. In the case of Y-zeolites, the results demonstrate the effect of the SiO2/ molar ratio and countercations on the textural properties of the samples.

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Immune Reconstitution Inflammatory Syndrome and Cytomegalovirus Pneumonia Case Report: Highlights and Missing Links in Classification Criteria and Standardized Treatment

Background. Cytomegalovirus (CMV) pulmonary involvement is rarely associated with IRIS; therefore, limited information is available. Case Presentation. Here, we describe the case of a 43-year-old HIV-infected male who developed an unusual case of IRIS after cytomegalovirus (CMV) pneumonia. Clinically there was a progressive and paradoxical worsening of respiratory distress, despite being treated for CMV after initiation with antiretroviral therapy. Chest X-ray revealed disseminated infiltrates in both lungs; chest CT-scan showed generalized lung involvement and mediastinal adenopathy. Pulmonary biopsy confirmed CMV pneumonia with the observation of typical viral inclusions on pneumocytes. Conclusions. CMV pneumonia can be associated with the development of IRIS requiring treatment with immunosuppressant's and immunomodulatory drugs.

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Spinal Nerves Schwannomas: Experience on 367 Cases—Historic Overview on How Clinical, Radiological, and Surgical Practices Have Changed over a Course of 60 Years

Background. Spinal schwannomas are common benign spinal tumors. Their treatment has significantly evolved over the years, and preserving neurological functions has become one of the main treatment goals together with tumor resection. Study Design and Aims. Retrospective review focused on clinical assessment, treatment techniques, and outcomes. Methods. A retrospective study on our surgical series was performed. Clinical and operative data were analyzed. In regard to neurophysiologic monitoring, patients were retrospectively divided into two groups comparing the outcomes before and after introduction of routine intraoperative neurophysiology tests. Results. From 1951 to 2010, 367 patients overall were treated. Diagnosis was obtained using angiography and/or myelography (pre-CT era), MRI, or CT scan. A posterior spinal approach was used for most patients; complex approaches were adopted for treatment of giant/dumbbell tumors. A trend of neurophysiology monitoring decreasing the rate of post-op neurological deficits was observed but was not statistically significant enough to draft evidence-based conclusions. Conclusions. Clinical and radiological assessment of spinal schwannomas has markedly changed over the course of 50 years. Diagnostic tools have improved, and detection of recurrence has become way more sensitive. Neurophysiologic monitoring has become a useful intraoperative tool to guide resection and prevent post-op neurological impairment.

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Correlation between Tissue Characterization and Dynamic Expression of Matrix Metalloproteinase-2 and Its Tissue Inhibitor in Conjunctival Filtering Bleb of Rats

Purpose. Using rat conjunctival bleb model, we correlated changes morphology and histology in the bleb with changes in MMP-2 and TIMP-2 levels. Methods. Filtering surgeries were performed on rats. Dynamic changes in morphology and histopathology were observed using HE staining. Expression of MMP-2 and TIMP-2 was determined by immunofluorescence microscopy and western blotting. Results. Well-elevated filtering blebs formed and persisted for an average of 12 days. Histological examination showed that inflammatory was dominant in postoperative days 1–3, and proliferating manifestation became the main sign 5 days later. Western blot showed that MMP-2 was downregulated 1 day after surgery, upregulated at 3 days, and observed with a peak at 7 days; then it persisted until 28 days. The difference was statistically significant (F = 280.18, ).TIMP-2 was upregulated 1 day after surgery and observed with a peak at 5 days; then it persisted until 28 days. The difference was statistically significant (F = 145.34, ). Conclusions. During the processes of conjunctival filtering bleb and scar formation in rats, the changes in MMP-2 and TIMP-2 levels in the filtering area, together with a corresponding proliferation of fibroblasts and the accumulation of collagen fibres, resulted in scarring of filtering blebs.

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A Geometric Derivation of the Irwin-Hall Distribution

The Irwin-Hall distribution is the distribution of the sum of a finite number of independent identically distributed uniform random variables on the unit interval. Many applications arise since round-off errors have a transformed Irwin-Hall distribution and the distribution supplies spline approximations to normal distributions. We review some of the distribution's history. The present derivation is very transparent, since it is geometric and explicitly uses the inclusion-exclusion principle. In certain special cases, the derivation can be extended to linear combinations of independent uniform random variables on other intervals of finite length. The derivation adds to the literature about methodologies for finding distributions of sums of random variables, especially distributions that have domains with boundaries so that the inclusion-exclusion principle might be employed.

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Multiconstrained Network Intensive Vehicle Routing Adaptive Ant Colony Algorithm in the Context of Neural Network Analysis

Neural network models have recently made significant achievements in solving vehicle scheduling problems. Adaptive ant colony algorithm provides a new idea for neural networks to solve complex system problems of multiconstrained network intensive vehicle routing models. The pheromone in the path is changed by adjusting the volatile factors in the operation process adaptively. It effectively overcomes the tendency of the traditional ant colony algorithm to fall easily into the local optimal solution and slow convergence speed to search for the global optimal solution. The multiconstrained network intensive vehicle routing algorithm based on adaptive ant colony algorithm in this paper refers to the interaction between groups. Adaptive transfer and pheromone update strategies are introduced based on the traditional ant colony algorithm to optimize the selection, update, and coordination mechanisms of the algorithm further. Thus, the search task of the objective function for a feasible solution is completed by the search ants. Through the division and collaboration of different kinds of ants, pheromone adaptive strategy is combined with polymorphic ant colony algorithm. It can effectively overcome some disadvantages, such as premature stagnation, and has a theoretical significance to the study of large-scale multiconstrained vehicle routing problems in complex traffic network systems.

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Flow and Transport in Tight and Shale Formations: A Review

A review on the recent advances of the flow and transport phenomena in tight and shale formations is presented in this work. Exploration of oil and gas in resources that were once considered inaccessible opened the door to highlight interesting phenomena that require attention and understanding. The length scales associated with transport phenomena in tight and shale formations are rich. From nanoscale phenomena to field-scale applications, a unified frame that is able to encounter the varieties of phenomena associated with each scale may not be possible. Each scale has its own tools and limitations that may not, probably, be suitable at other scales. Multiscale algorithms that effectively couple simulations among various scales of porous media are therefore important. In this article, a review of the different length scales and the tools associated with each scale is introduced. Highlights on the different phenomena pertinent to each scale are summarized. Furthermore, the governing equations describing flow and transport phenomena at different scales are investigated. In addition, methods to solve these equations using numerical techniques are introduced. Cross-scale analysis and derivation of linear and nonlinear Darcy's scale laws from pore-scale governing equations are described. Phenomena occurring at molecular scales and their thermodynamics are discussed. Flow slippage at the nanosize pores and its upscaling to Darcy's scale are highlighted. Pore network models are discussed as a viable tool to estimate macroscopic parameters that are otherwise difficult to measure. Then, the environmental aspects associated with the different technologies used in stimulating the gas stored in tight and shale formations are briefly discussed.

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Chemosensors, Vol. 5, Pages 25: Voltammetric Determination of Anti-Hypertensive Drug Hydrochlorothiazide Using Screen-Printed Electrodes Modified with L-Glutamic Acid

Chemosensors, Vol. 5, Pages 25: Voltammetric Determination of Anti-Hypertensive Drug Hydrochlorothiazide Using Screen-Printed Electrodes Modified with L-Glutamic Acid

Chemosensors doi: 10.3390/chemosensors5030025

Authors: Camilo González-Vargas Núria Serrano Cristina Ariño Ricardo Salazar Miquel Esteban José Manuel Díaz-Cruz

This work deals with the development of screen-printed carbon electrodes modified with L-glutamic acid via two different approaches: electropolymerization (SPCE/PGA) and aryl diazonium electrochemical grafting (SPCE/EGA). SPCE/PGA and SPCE/EGA were analytically compared in the determination of hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) by differential pulse voltammetry. Both electrochemical characterization and analytical performance indicate that SPCE/EGA is a much better sensor for HCTZ. The detection and quantification limits were at the level of μmol L−1 with a very good linearity in the studied concentration range. In addition, the proposed SPCE/EGA was successfully applied for the determination of HCTZ in an anti-hypertensive drug with high reproducibility and good trueness.

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Primary facial reanimation in head and neck cancer.

Related Articles

Primary facial reanimation in head and neck cancer.

Oral Oncol. 2017 Sep 12;:

Authors: Sahovaler A, Yeh D, Yoo J

Abstract
Facial Paralysis (FP) profoundly impairs the life of individuals, both functionally and psychosocially. Surgical approaches to treat this condition are myriad, but the ultimate goal is to restore symmetry and movement. Ablative surgery for tumors of the head and neck region are amongst the most common etiologies causing FP and this group of patients represents unique challenges. Surgical defects may have multiple competing reconstructive requirements and addressing the FP must be considered in this context. Furthermore, extent of disease, patient age, duration of preceding paralysis, adjuvant treatment, as well as the various different type of facial nerve defects are factors that may influence the type of reconstructive technique selected to address the FP. The complexity of FP especially following head and neck ablation can lead to results that are inconsistent and humbling. FP defects can be broadly described as having the potential for facial muscle recovery versus irreversible paralysis. Literature that specifically focuses on primary facial reanimation procedures in the oncological setting is scarce. We present a comprehensive review of primary facial reanimation after ablative surgery including the descriptions of a wide array of surgical techniques such as reinnervation, dynamic muscle transposition, static suspension, and free tissue transfer. Understanding the advantages and limitations of the different options will enable the surgeon to offer treatment for the paralyzed face for most clinical scenarios.

PMID: 28916260 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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09/15/17 PHD comic: 'Inner Gollum'

Piled Higher & Deeper by Jorge Cham		www.phdcomics.com
title: "Inner Gollum" - originally published 9/15/2017 For the latest news in PHD Comics, CLICK HERE!

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Environmental and biological monitoring for the identification of main exposure determinants in vineyard mancozeb applicators

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Associations between socio-demographic characteristics and chemical concentrations contributing to cumulative exposures in the United States

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Social Skills Intervention Participation and Associated Improvements in Executive Function Performance

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by impairments in social communication. It has been postulated that such difficulties are related to disruptions in underlying cognitive processes such as executive function. The present study examined potential changes in executive function performance associated with participation in the Social Competence Intervention (SCI) program, a short-term intervention designed to improve social competence in adolescents with ASD. Laboratory behavioral performance measures were used to separately evaluate potential intervention-related changes in individual executive function component processes (i.e., working memory, inhibitory control, and cognitive flexibility) in a sample of 22 adolescents with ASD both before and after intervention. For comparison purposes, a demographically matched sample of 14 individuals without ASD was assessed at identical time intervals. Intervention-related improvements were observed on the working memory task, with gains evident in spatial working memory and, to a slightly lesser degree, verbal working memory. Significant improvements were also found for a working memory-related aspect of the task switching test (i.e., mixing costs). Taken together, these findings provide preliminary support for the hypothesis that participation in the SCI program is accompanied by changes in underlying neurocognitive processes such as working memory.

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Global Measurement Method for Large-Scale Components Based on a Multiple Field of View Combination

Considering the limited measurement range of a machine vision method for the three-dimensional (3D) surface measurement of large-scale components, a noncontact and flexible global measurement method combining a multiple field of view (FOV) is proposed in this paper. The measurement system consists of two theodolites and a binocular vision system with a transfer mark. The process of multiple FOV combinations is described, and a new global calibration method is proposed to solve the coordinate system unification issue of different instruments in the measurement system. In addition, a high-precision image acquisition method, which is based on laser stripe scanning and centre line extraction, is discussed to guarantee the measurement efficiency. With the measured 3D data, surface reconstruction of large-scale components is accomplished by data integration. Experiments are also conducted to verify the precision and effectiveness of the global measurement method.

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Detection of Stress Hormone in the Milk for Animal Welfare Using QCM Method

We developed a rapid and sequential analysis system to determine stress marker in the milk. One of the famous stress markers, cortisol, was detected using our method. Quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) method with a twin sensor was used in this study. One channel detected stress marker corresponding to antigen-antibody interaction and the other channel was used as a reference to remove environmental influences. Although nonspecific adsorption was monitored on each channel, frequency difference between them was within a few Hz on the injection of sample solution. One determination cycle including regeneration step could be performed within 10 minutes. The system could detect the cortisol level from 0.1 pg/mL to 100 pg/mL. These results show that our system has a potential to check the daily feeding condition for cows in terms of animal welfare.

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A Parallel Biased Random-Key Genetic Algorithm with Multiple Populations Applied to Irregular Strip Packing Problems

The irregular strip packing problem (ISPP) is a class of cutting and packing problem (C&P) in which a set of items with arbitrary formats must be placed in a container with a variable length. The aim of this work is to minimize the area needed to accommodate the given demand. ISPP is present in various types of industries from manufacturers to exporters (e.g., shipbuilding, clothes, and glass). In this paper, we propose a parallel Biased Random-Key Genetic Algorithm (µ-BRKGA) with multiple populations for the ISPP by applying a collision-free region (CFR) concept as the positioning method, in order to obtain an efficient and fast layout solution. The layout problem for the proposed algorithm is represented by the placement order into the container and the corresponding orientation. In order to evaluate the proposed (µ-BRKGA) algorithm, computational tests using benchmark problems were applied, analyzed, and compared with different approaches.

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Fault-Aware Resource Allocation for Heterogeneous Data Sources with Multipath Routing

With the rapid development of cloud computing and big data, diverse types of traffic generated from heterogeneous data sources are delivered throughout communication networks, which consist of various node kinds such as digital sensors and smart actuators, and different applications. Due to the shared medium, communication networks are vulnerable to misbehaving nodes, and it is a crucial aspect to maintain an acceptable level of service degradation. This paper studies the fault-aware resource allocation problem by exploiting multipath routing and dynamic rate assignment for heterogeneous sources. We estimate the impacts of faults and formulate the resource allocation as a lossy network flow optimization problem based on these estimates. The traditional flow optimization solutions focus on homogeneous traffic. In our work, we model the performance of heterogeneous applications as a relaxed utility function and develop an effective utility framework of rate control for heterogeneous sources with multipath routing in presence of misbehaving nodes. We design a distributed algorithm to decide the routing strategy and obtain the rate assignments on the available paths in a lossy utility fair manner. Extensive performance evaluations corroborate the significant performance of our algorithm in effective utility and utility fairness in the presence of misbehaving nodes.

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Profile of Geohelminth Eggs, Cysts, and Oocysts of Protozoans Contaminating the Soils of Ten Primary Schools in Dschang, West Cameroon

Helminthiasis and protozoans infections have been recognized as an important public health problem. The aim of the present study was to screen soil samples collected from 10 primary schools in the city of Dschang for the presence of soil-transmitted helminth eggs, cysts, and oocysts of protozoans. A total of 400 soil samples were collected around latrines, at playgrounds, and behind classrooms in each school. These samples were examined using the sucrose flotation method. From the result obtained, an overall contamination rate of 7.75% was observed. Five genera of nematodes (Ascaris, Trichuris, Capillaria, Cooperia, and hookworms) were identified, while neither cysts nor oocysts of protozoans were detected. The contamination rate and the number of species found were significantly different in wet season as compared to the dry season. During the rainy season, this rate was 12.5% with all the parasitic stages identified, while, in the dry season, the soil contamination rate was 3% with the presence of only two genera (Ascaris and Trichuris). This suggests that parasite infection may occur mainly in rainy season rather than in the dry season. The most common eggs were those of Ascaris with 2% and 5% contamination rates in the dry and rainy seasons, respectively. Also, the soils around latrines were more contaminated (11.9%) as compared to those collected behind classrooms (7.5%) and those at playground (2.5%). It was concluded that the pupils of these schools may have played a major role in the contamination of their environment. Thus, sanitary education, enforcement of basic rules of hygiene, and deworming remain a necessity in the entire population of the study area in general and in the schools in particular in order to prevent helminth infections and to ensure effective environmental health.

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Solving Boundary Value Problem for a Nonlinear Stationary Controllable System with Synthesizing Control

An algorithm for constructing a control function that transfers a wide class of stationary nonlinear systems of ordinary differential equations from an initial state to a final state under certain control restrictions is proposed. The algorithm is designed to be convenient for numerical implementation. A constructive criterion of the desired transfer possibility is presented. The problem of an interorbital flight is considered as a test example and it is simulated numerically with the presented method.

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Multiple Sclerosis Presenting with Facial Twitching (Myokymia and Hemifacial Spasms)

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory demyelinating disease of the central nervous system. The etiology is insufficiently understood. Autoimmune, genetic, viral, and environmental factors have been hypothesized. MS is twice as common in women as in men between the ages of 20 and 50 years. There is no known cure for MS. Current medical treatment helps to prevent new attacks and improve function after an attack. MS is diagnosed by physical examination, diagnostic imaging, and examination of cerebral spinal fluid. The most common physical signs and symptoms of MS include constitutional symptoms, muscle weakness, motor and autonomic spinal cord symptoms, paresthesias, and vision changes. Here we present a case of MS diagnosed in a 33-year-old male with facial myokymia of left eyelid, which progressed to left hemifacial spasm. This is an unusual presentation for multiple sclerosis. An awareness of this presentation not only may lead to an earlier diagnosis in some patients but can be a sign of relapse in patients with established multiple sclerosis.

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NT-proBNP, Cardiometabolic Risk Factors, and Nutritional Status in Hemodialysis Patients

Background. We aimed to evaluate the association between NT-proBNP and malnutrition in HD patients while taking into account the four established categories of parameters for diagnosis of protein energy wasting (PEW). Methods. A cross-sectional study was performed in Afro-Caribbean dialysis patients. One component in each of the 4 categories for the wasting syndrome was retained: serum albumin ≤ 38 g/L, BMI ≤ 23 Kg/m2, serum creatinine ≤ 818 µmol/L, and normalized protein catabolic rate (nPCR) ≤ 0.8 g/kg/day. NT-proBNP was assessed using a chemiluminescence immunoassay. Two multivariate logistic regression models were performed to determine the parameters associated with high NT-proBNP concentrations. Results. In 207 HD patients, 16.9% had PEW (at least three components). LVEF lower than 60% was found in 13.8% of patients. NT-proBNP levels ranged from 125 to 33144 pg/mL. In model 1, high levels of NT-proBNP (≥6243 pg/mL) were independently associated with PEW OR 14.2 (3.25–62.4), male gender 2.80 (1.22–6.57), hsCRP > 5 mg/L 3.90 (1.77–8.57), and dialysis vintage > 3 years 3.84 (1.35–10.8). In model 2, LVEF OR was 0.93 (0.88–0.98). NT-proBNP concentrations were significantly higher when the PEW component number was higher. Conclusion. In dialysis patients, high NT-proBNP levels must draw attention to cardiac function but also to nutritional status.

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Application of Fluorescent Label in Polymer Nanofibers

The electrospinning of fluorescent probe polyamide 6 doped by 7H-benzimidazo[2,1-a]benzo[de]isoquinolin-7-on is presented as a model processing photoluminescent nanofibers. The presence of the fluorescent probe in the fiber layers was confirmed by attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR); the surface nanofiber structure was described by high-resolution fluorescence microscope and scanning electron microscope images. The prepared nanofibers with the fluorescent label were further characterized by fluorescence spectroscopy, both in the solid phase and in the solution.

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Undetected Severe Fetal Myelosuppression following Administration of High-Dose Cytarabine for Acute Myeloid Leukemia: Is More Frequent Surveillance Necessary?

Background. Cytarabine use during pregnancy carries a 5–7% risk of neonatal cytopenia. We report two cases of fetal myelosuppression following high-dose cytarabine administration for acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Case 1. A 36-year-old G9P6 diagnosed with AML at 21 weeks was monitored for fetal anemia weekly and growth monthly. At 33 weeks (after 2 cycles), BPP was 2/10 and MCA PSV was elevated at 1.51 MoM. Urgent cesarean section was performed. The infant had an initial pH of 6.78 and pancytopenia (hematocrit 13.3%, platelets 3 K/UL, and white blood cell count 2.0 K/UL). Initially transfusion dependent, the neonate had count recovery by 3 weeks. Case 2. A 30-year-old G4P3 with AML at 26 weeks was monitored for fetal anemia twice weekly and growth monthly. At 34 weeks (after cycle 1), she was admitted with neutropenic fever. The fetal MCA PSV was borderline at 1.48 MoM. It improved to 1.38 MoM at 35 weeks but the fetal tracing worsened. At delivery the fetus was found to have a hematocrit of 30%, but with normal platelet and WBC. The fetus did not require any transfusions. Conclusion. Cytarabine use during pregnancy may cause neonatal myelosuppression. We recommend monitoring for fetal anemia with MCA Dopplers twice weekly.

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Incremental Value of Plaque Enhancement in Patients with Moderate or Severe Basilar Artery Stenosis: 3.0 T High-Resolution Magnetic Resonance Study

Aim. To investigate the clinical relevance of plaque's morphological characteristics and distribution pattern using 3.0 T high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (HRMRI) in patients with moderate or severe basilar artery (BA) atherosclerosis stenosis. Materials and Methods. Fifty-seven patients (33 symptomatic patients and 24 asymptomatic patients) were recruited for 3.0 T HRMRI scan; all of them had >50% stenosis on the BA. The intraplaque hemorrhage (IPH), contrast-enhancement pattern, and distribution of BA plaques were compared between the symptomatic and asymptomatic groups. Factors potentially associated with posterior ischemic stroke were calculated by multivariate analyses. Results. Enhancement of BA plaque was more frequently observed in symptomatic than in asymptomatic patients (27/33, 81.8% versus 11/24, 45.8%; ). In multivariate regression analysis, plaque enhancement (OR = 7.193; 95% CI: 1.880–27.517; ) and smoking (OR = 4.402; 95% CI: 2.218–15.909; ) were found to be independent risk factors of posterior ischemic events in patients with BA stenosis >50%. Plaques were mainly distributed at the ventral site (39.3%) or involved more than two arcs (21.2%) in the symptomatic group but were mainly distributed at left (33.3%) and right (25.0%) sites in the asymptomatic group.

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Successful Treatment of Klebsiella pneumoniae Harboring a Klebsiella pneumoniae Carbapenemase Isolated from Lumbar Wound Infection and Blood in a Patient with Hardware Retention

Infections caused by carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae, especially carbapenemase producing Klebsiella pneumoniae, represent an urgent threat as outlined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). We present a 66-year-old male with spinal stenosis who underwent elective L2-pelvis posterior spinal fusion at an outside institution and rapidly developed a complicated infection with Klebsiella pneumoniae harboring Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase. This is the first described case of a patient with Klebsiella pneumoniae harboring Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase causing postoperative lumbar wound infection and bacteremia, successfully treated with ceftazidime-avibactam in combination with additional synergistic antibacterials and without hardware removal.

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quality of care; +33 new citations

33 new pubmed citations were retrieved for your search. Click on the search hyperlink below to display the complete search results:

quality of care

These pubmed results were generated on 2017/09/17

PubMed comprises more than millions of citations for biomedical literature from MEDLINE, life science journals, and online books. Citations may include links to full-text content from PubMed Central and publisher web sites.

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Amyand’s Hernia, State of the Art and New Points of View

Background. Amyand's hernia (AH) is an inguinal hernia containing the vermiform appendix, with an incidence between 0.4% and 1% of all inguinal hernias. Acute or perforated appendicitis can complicate AH. Case Presentation. A 75-year-old Caucasian man presented with incarceration of vermiform appendix in inguinal hernia sac. Diagnosis was posed preoperatively with computed tomography (CT) scan. Patient underwent urgent surgery and simultaneous appendectomy and hernia repair by Bassini's technique were performed. Conclusions. Preoperative diagnosis of AH is rare; however it could be useful for surgeon to choose operative approach. Treatment of AH depends on grade of appendix inflammation and/or perforation. The technique utilized to repair hernia depends largely on surgeon's preferences; the presence of inflamed or perforated appendix is not an absolute contraindication for using a prosthetic mesh.

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HbS-Sicilian (δβ)0-Thalassemia: A Rare Variant of Sickle Cell

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is caused by a mutation in the sixth codon of the -globin gene on chromosome 11, which leads to a single amino acid substitution (glutamine to valine). Sickle-(δβ)0-thalassemia is a rare variant of sickle cell disease (delta-beta thalassemia occurring in association with sickle hemoglobin, HbS), sparsely reported in literature, and has been associated with symptomatology necessitating careful monitoring and follow-up. We describe a patient who presented with a newborn screen reported as "FS" and a negative family history for sickle cell disease and sickle cell trait. Subsequent gene sequencing studies demonstrated the presence of Sickle-(δβ)0-thalassemia. Clinical course has remained relatively stable for this patient now at 18 months of age without any SCD related symptomatology or complications. As this is a rare variant of SCD with potential complications, it is important to establish diagnosis towards planning comprehensive care.

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Imaging, Histopathologic, and Treatment Nuances of Pulmonary Carcinosarcoma

A 76-year-old female with coronary artery disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes mellitus type II, and 40 pack-year smoking history presented with a four-day history of cough, productive of green-yellow sputum. Chest X-ray revealed opacification of the left upper lung field, and computed tomography (CT) of the chest showed a large cavitary lesion invading the T2-T3 vertebral bodies, extending into the epidural space, giving rise to mild cord compression. Biopsy of the lesion revealed a poorly differentiated neoplasm composed of distinct epithelial and mesenchymal components, consistent with carcinosarcoma. A metastatic workup was negative. Primary lung carcinosarcoma is a rare tumour that can demonstrate an especially aggressive clinical course; diagnosis is often nuanced by limited sampling at initial presentation, especially in a setting of advanced disease and debility that precludes consideration for upfront resection or more extensive, invasive sampling.

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A Rare Report of Infectious Emphysematous Aortitis Secondary to Clostridium septicum without Prior Vascular Intervention

The term "mycotic aneurysm" was first used by Osler in 1882 to describe a mushroom-shaped aneurysm in subacute bacterial endocarditis. Mycotic aneurysms account for only 2.6% of all aneurysms of the aorta. Rarer still are anaerobic infections secondary to organisms such as Clostridium septicum, which results in emphysematous aortitis. The vast majority of emphysematous aortic infections occur as a result of instrumentation; however, in this case we present an infection de novo. A 75-year-old male presented with a 2-week history of progressive fatigue and chest pain that then developed into constitutional symptoms. Chest radiograph demonstrated an obvious widened mediastinum. CT angiogram of his chest then confirmed this finding as well as significant periaortic gas and focal outpouching. Numerous diverticuli with inflammatory changes consistent with diverticulitis was observed on CT abdomen. Blood cultures returned positive for Clostridium septicum. Definitive treatment was discussed including debridement and graft insertion; however, patient decided on conservative management and was discharged on intravenous antibiotics. Unfortunately, as in most cases of emphysematous aortitis that do not undergo surgical management, the patient succumbed to his illness. The lesson provided will be the epidemiology of emphysematous aortitis, presentation, diagnosis, management, and prognosis through a case report.

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A Multiorgan Segmentation Model for CT Volumes via Full Convolution-Deconvolution Network

We propose a model with two-stage process for abdominal segmentation on CT volumes. First, in order to capture the details of organs, a full convolution-deconvolution network (FCN-DecNet) is constructed with multiple new unpooling, deconvolutional, and fusion layers. Then, we optimize the coarse segmentation results of FCN-DecNet by multiscale weights probabilistic atlas (MS-PA), which uses spatial and intensity characteristic of atlases. Our coarse-fine model takes advantage of intersubject variability, spatial location, and gray information of CT volumes to minimize the error of segmentation. Finally, using our model, we extract liver, spleen, and kidney with Dice index of 90.1 ± 1%, 89.0 ± 1.6%, and 89.0 ± 1.3%, respectively.

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Electrospun Polyaniline-Based Composite Nanofibers: Tuning the Electrical Conductivity by Tailoring the Structure of Thiol-Protected Metal Nanoparticles

Composite nanofibers made of a polyaniline-based polymer blend and different thiol-capped metal nanoparticles were prepared using ex situ synthesis and electrospinning technique. The effects of the nanoparticle composition and chemical structure on the electrical properties of the nanocomposites were investigated. This study confirmed that Brust's procedure is an effective method for the synthesis of sub-10 nm silver, gold, and silver-gold alloy nanoparticles protected with different types of thiols. Electron microscopy results demonstrated that electrospinning is a valuable technique for the production of composite nanofibers with similar morphology and revealed that nanofillers are well-dispersed into the polymer matrix. X-ray diffraction tests proved the lack of a significant influence of the nanoparticle chemical structure on the polyaniline chain arrangement. However, the introduction of conductive nanofillers in the polymer matrix influences the charge transport noticeably improving electrical conductivity. The enhancement of electrical properties is mediated by the nanoparticle capping layer structure. The metal nanoparticle core composition is a key parameter, which exerted a significant influence on the conductivity of the nanocomposites. These results prove that the proposed method can be used to tune the electrical properties of nanocomposites.

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Identification and Characterization of Oleaginous Yeast Isolated from Kefir and Its Ability to Accumulate Intracellular Fats in Deproteinated Potato Wastewater with Different Carbon Sources

The search for efficient oleaginous microorganisms, which can be an alternative to fossil fuels and biofuels obtained from oilseed crops, has been going on for many years. The suitability of microorganisms in this regard is determined by their ability to biosynthesize lipids with preferred fatty acid profile along with the concurrent utilization of energy-rich industrial waste. In this study, we isolated, characterized, and identified kefir yeast strains using molecular biology techniques. The yeast isolates identified were Candida inconspicua, Debaryomyces hansenii, Kluyveromyces marxianus, Kazachstania unispora, and Zygotorulaspora florentina. We showed that deproteinated potato wastewater, a starch processing industry waste, supplemented with various carbon sources, including lactose and glycerol, is a suitable medium for the growth of yeast, which allows an accumulation of over 20% of lipid substances in its cells. Fatty acid composition primarily depended on the yeast strain and the carbon source used, and, based on our results, most of the strains met the criteria required for the production of biodiesel. In particular, this concerns a significant share of saturated fatty acids, such as C16:0 and C18:0, and unsaturated fatty acids, such as C18:1 and C18:2. The highest efficiency in lipid biosynthesis exceeded 6.3 g L−1. Kazachstania unispora was able to accumulate the high amount of palmitoleic acid.

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IJERPH, Vol. 14, Pages 1078: Linguistic Multi-Attribute Group Decision Making with Risk Preferences and Its Use in Low-Carbon Tourism Destination Selection

IJERPH, Vol. 14, Pages 1078: Linguistic Multi-Attribute Group Decision Making with Risk Preferences and Its Use in Low-Carbon Tourism Destination Selection

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health doi: 10.3390/ijerph14091078

Authors: Hui Lin Zhou-Jing Wang

Low-carbon tourism plays an important role in carbon emission reduction and environmental protection. Low-carbon tourism destination selection often involves multiple conflicting and incommensurate attributes or criteria and can be modelled as a multi-attribute decision-making problem. This paper develops a framework to solve multi-attribute group decision-making problems, where attribute evaluation values are provided as linguistic terms and the attribute weight information is incomplete. In order to obtain a group risk preference captured by a linguistic term set with triangular fuzzy semantic information, a nonlinear programming model is established on the basis of individual risk preferences. We first convert individual linguistic-term-based decision matrices to their respective triangular fuzzy decision matrices, which are then aggregated into a group triangular fuzzy decision matrix. Based on this group decision matrix and the incomplete attribute weight information, a linear program is developed to find an optimal attribute weight vector. A detailed procedure is devised for tackling linguistic multi-attribute group decision making problems. A low-carbon tourism destination selection case study is offered to illustrate how to use the developed group decision-making model in practice.

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Follow-Up and Risk Assessment in Patients with Myocardial Infarction Using Artificial Neural Networks

Artificial neural networks (ANNs) are machine learning technique, inspired by the principles found in biological neurons. This technique has been used for prediction and classification problems in many areas of medical signal processing. The aim of this paper was to identify individuals with high risk of death after acute myocardial infarction using ANN. A training dataset for ANN was 1705 consecutive patients who underwent 24-hour ECG monitoring, short ECG analysis, noninvasive beat-to-beat heart-rate variability, and baroreflex sensitivity that were followed for 3 years. The proposed neural network classifier showed good performance for survival prediction: 88% accuracy, 81% sensitivity, 93% specificity, 0.85 -measure, and area under the curve value of 0.77. These findings support the theory that patients with high sympathetic activity (reduced baroreflex sensitivity) have an increased risk of mortality independent of other risk factors and that artificial neural networks can indicate the individuals with a higher risk.

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Molecular Dynamics Modeling of the Effect of Nanotwins on the Superelasticity of Single-Crystalline NiTi Alloys

The objective of this work is to simulate the superelasticity and shape-memory effect in a single-crystalline nickel-titanium (NiTi) alloy through a molecular dynamics (MD) study. Cooling and heating processes for this material are reproduced to investigate the temperature-induced phase transformation in its microstructure. It is found that the martensitic transformation and its reverse process occur accompanied by an abrupt volume change, and the transformed variants lead to the appearance of the (001) type compound twin. In addition, the transform temperatures for martensite start () and austenite finish () are determined, respectively. The results indicate that when the temperature is beyond during the compressive loading-unloading, the superelastic behavior becomes pronounced, which is attributed to the role of nanotwins on the transformation from the austenitic phase (B2) to martensitic phase (B19′). Compared to existing experimental data, a reasonable agreement is achieved through the modeling results, highlighting the importance of the compound twins for dominating the superelasticity of nanostructured NiTi alloys.

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Chronic Open Infective Lateral Malleolus Bursitis Management Using Local Rotational Flap

Background. Using a sinus tarsi rotational flap is an uncommon approach to treating chronic open infective lateral malleolus bursitis. Methods. We treated eight patients, including six males, using this approach. First, we debrided all the infected tissues and used a negative pressure wound closure system where needed. After acute infection had been controlled, the local rotational flap was used for cases where the wound could not be closed by a simple suture or bone exposure. The rotational flap was detached with a curved skin incision at the sinus tarsi next to the open wound and sutured to the defect, paying careful attention to the superficial peroneal nerve. The donor site was managed with a split-thickness skin graft. Results. The patients' mean age was 74.1 years. Six patients had a wound after suppurative infection, but two patients had ulcer-type bursitis. Six patients demonstrated full flap healing, but two patients had venous congestion necrosis. Conclusion. A sinus tarsi rotational flap is a useful method to ensure healing and coverage of chronic open lateral malleolus bursitis, especially for small to medium wounds with cavity and bone exposure.

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Pulpo-Periodontal Regeneration: Management of Partial Failure Revascularization

The aim of this work is to present a case of management of an open apex on a lower molar by using tissue engineering, with two endodontic procedures in the same tooth. We had to resort to pulp regeneration on the distal root and apexification with MTA on the mesial roots after the failure of regenerative therapy on those ones. The management consisted in scheduling regular follow-ups combined with X-rays. After 24 months, the radiological control has shown pulpo-periodontal regeneration associated with walls thickening and distal root elongation and periapical ad integrum healing.

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quality of care; +33 new citations

33 new pubmed citations were retrieved for your search. Click on the search hyperlink below to display the complete search results:

quality of care

These pubmed results were generated on 2017/09/17

PubMed comprises more than millions of citations for biomedical literature from MEDLINE, life science journals, and online books. Citations may include links to full-text content from PubMed Central and publisher web sites.

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Impact of resveratrol on bone repair in rats exposed to cigarette smoke inhalation: histomorphometric and bone-related gene expression analysis

Publication date: Available online 15 September 2017
Source:International Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Author(s): F.C. Franck, B.B. Benatti, D.C. Andia, F.R. Cirano, R.C. Casarin, M.G. Corrêa, F.V. Ribeiro
This study investigated the effect of resveratrol on bone healing and its influence on the gene expression of bone-related markers in rats exposed to cigarette smoke. Two calvarial defects were created in each of 60 rats, which were assigned equally (n=20) to three groups: (1) resveratrol (10mg/kg)+smoke exposure (SMK+RESV); (2) placebo+smoke exposure (SMK+PLA); or (3) placebo+no smoke exposure (NS+PLA). Substances were administered daily for 30days following surgery. Smoke inhalation was started 7days before surgery and continued for 30days after surgery. One defect was processed for histomorphometric analysis and the other was used for mRNA quantification of bone-related gene expression by qPCR. The remaining defect was smaller in the SMK+RESV (2.27±0.61mm, P=0.0003) and NS+PLA (2.17±0.74mm, P=0.0005) groups than in the SMK+PLA group (3.12±0.47mm). Higher levels of Runx2 were observed in the NS+PLA group than in the smoke exposure groups (vs. SMK+PLA, P=0002; vs. SMK+RESV, P=0.052); levels of Lrp-5 were also higher in the no smoke exposure group (vs. SMK+RESV, P=0.009; vs. SMK+PLA, P=0.003). Resveratrol therapy decreased RANKL/OPG expression when compared to placebo (SMK+RESV vs. SMK+PLA, P=0.017). Dkk1 levels were decreased in the SMK+RESV group when compared to the SMK+PLA (P=0.006) and NS+PLA groups (P=0.005). In conclusion, resveratrol optimizes the repair of critical-sized bone defects, up-regulating the gene expression of important bone remodelling markers in rats exposed to cigarette smoke inhalation.



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Biatractylolide Modulates PI3K-Akt-GSK3β-Dependent Pathways to Protect against Glutamate-Induced Cell Damage in PC12 and SH-SY5Y Cells

Biatractylolide, isolated from the ethyl acetate extract of Atractylodes macrocephala, has shown various pharmacological activities such as antitumor and antioxidant activities. In this work, we aim to study the protective effect of biatractylolide on glutamate-induced rat adrenal pheochromocytoma cell (PC12) and human bone marrow neuroblastoma cell line (SH-SY5Y) injury and preliminarily explore its mechanism. The results showed that glutamate was cytotoxic with an inhibitory concentration 50% (IC50) of 8.5 mM in PC12 and 10 mM in SH-SY5Y cells. In this work, the preincubation with biatractylolide (10, 15, and 20 M) observably improved cell viability, inhibited the apoptosis of cells induced by glutamate, and reduced the activity of LDH. AO staining revealed that apoptosis of cells was decreased. Additionally, the results of western blotting manifested that pretreatment with biatractylolide could downregulate GSK3 protein expression and upregulate p-Akt protein expression, thereby protecting PC12 and SH-SY5Y cells from injury. All these findings indicate that biatractylolide has a neuroprotective effect on glutamate-induced injury in PC12 and SH-SY5Y cells through a mechanism of the PI3K-Akt-GSK3-dependent pathways.

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Constrained Quadratic Programming and Neurodynamics-Based Solver for Energy Optimization of Biped Walking Robots

The application of biped robots is always trapped by their high energy consumption. This paper makes a contribution by optimizing the joint torques to decrease the energy consumption without changing the biped gaits. In this work, a constrained quadratic programming (QP) problem for energy optimization is formulated. A neurodynamics-based solver is presented to solve the QP problem. Differing from the existing literatures, the proposed neurodynamics-based energy optimization (NEO) strategy minimizes the energy consumption and guarantees the following three important constraints simultaneously: (i) the force-moment equilibrium equation of biped robots, (ii) frictions applied by each leg on the ground to hold the biped robot without slippage and tipping over, and (iii) physical limits of the motors. Simulations demonstrate that the proposed strategy is effective for energy-efficient biped walking.

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Increased Melting Heat Transfer in the Latent Heat Energy Storage from the Tube-and-Shell Model to the Combine-and-Shell Model

The melting of paraffin in thermal storage tube-and-shell and combine-and-shell models was conducted with the numerical research aim of decreasing the charge time through changing the shape of the tube into combining form. The results discussed are temperature contour, liquid-solid interface contour, temperature distribution, liquid fraction, and the average Nusselt number. The results show that the charge time in the tube-and-shell model is 2000 s, while the combine-and-shell model is 1200 s, meaning an overall decrease in charge time in the combine-and-shell model by 40% when compared to that of the tube-and-shell model.

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Royal Jelly Inhibits Pseudomonas aeruginosa Adherence and Reduces Excessive Inflammatory Responses in Human Epithelial Cells

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a Gram-negative bacterium and causes respiratory infection especially in elderly patients. Royal jelly has been used worldwide as a traditional remedy and as a nutrient; however, the effect against P. aeruginosa is unclear. The aim of this study was to analyze antibacterial, antiadherent, and anti-inflammatory effects of royal jelly against P. aeruginosa. Wild-type strain PAO1 and clinical isolates of P. aeruginosa were used for antibacterial assay and antiadherent assay to abiotic surface and epithelial cells, which are pharynx (Detroit 562) and lung (NCI-H292) epithelial cells. In anti-inflammatory assay, epithelial cells were pretreated with royal jelly before bacterial exposure to investigate its inhibitory effect on interleukin (IL-8) and macrophage inflammatory protein-3α/CCL20 overproduction. Although royal jelly did not have antibacterial activity at concentration of 50% w/v, antiadherent activity was confirmed on the abiotic surface and epithelial cells under concentration of 25%. Pretreatment with royal jelly significantly inhibited overproduction of IL-8 and CCL20 from both cells. These results demonstrated that royal jelly inhibits P. aeruginosa adherence and protects epithelial cells from excessive inflammatory responses against P. aeruginosa infection. Our findings suggested that royal jelly may be a useful supplement as complementary and alternative medicine for preventing respiratory infection caused by P. aeruginosa.

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Optimal Computing Resource Management Based on Utility Maximization in Mobile Crowdsourcing

Mobile crowdsourcing, as an emerging service paradigm, enables the computing resource requestor (CRR) to outsource computation tasks to each computing resource provider (CRP). Considering the importance of pricing as an essential incentive to coordinate the real-time interaction among the CRR and CRPs, in this paper, we propose an optimal real-time pricing strategy for computing resource management in mobile crowdsourcing. Firstly, we analytically model the CRR and CRPs behaviors in form of carefully selected utility and cost functions, based on concepts from microeconomics. Secondly, we propose a distributed algorithm through the exchange of control messages, which contain the information of computing resource demand/supply and real-time prices. We show that there exist real-time prices that can align individual optimality with systematic optimality. Finally, we also take account of the interaction among CRPs and formulate the computing resource management as a game with Nash equilibrium achievable via best response. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed distributed algorithm can potentially benefit both the CRR and CRPs. The coordinator in mobile crowdsourcing can thus use the optimal real-time pricing strategy to manage computing resources towards the benefit of the overall system.

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Stochastic Models of Emerging Infectious Disease Transmission on Adaptive Random Networks

We presented adaptive random network models to describe human behavioral change during epidemics and performed stochastic simulations of SIR (susceptible-infectious-recovered) epidemic models on adaptive random networks. The interplay between infectious disease dynamics and network adaptation dynamics was investigated in regard to the disease transmission and the cumulative number of infection cases. We found that the cumulative case was reduced and associated with an increasing network adaptation probability but was increased with an increasing disease transmission probability. It was found that the topological changes of the adaptive random networks were able to reduce the cumulative number of infections and also to delay the epidemic peak. Our results also suggest the existence of a critical value for the ratio of disease transmission and adaptation probabilities below which the epidemic cannot occur.

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Desired Turbulence? Gut-Lung Axis, Immunity, and Lung Cancer

The microbiota includes different microorganisms consisting of bacteria, fungi, viruses, and protozoa distributed over many human body surfaces including the skin, vagina, gut, and airways, with the highest density found in the intestine. The gut microbiota strongly influences our metabolic, endocrine, and immune systems, as well as both the peripheral and central nervous systems. Recently, a dialogue between the gut and lung microbiota has been discovered, suggesting that changes in one compartment could impact the other compartment, whether in relation to microbial composition or function. Further, this bidirectional axis is evidenced in an, either beneficial or malignant, altered immune response in one compartment following changes in the other compartment. Stimulation of the immune system arises from the microbial cells themselves, but also from their metabolites. It can be either direct or mediated by stimulated immune cells in one site impacting the other site. Additionally, this interaction may lead to immunological boost, assisting the innate immune system in its antitumour response. Thus, this review offers an insight into the composition of these sites, the gut and the lung, their role in shaping the immune system, and, finally, their role in the response to lung cancer.

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