Improving transitions in acute stroke patients discharged to home: the Michigan stroke transitions trial (MISTT) protocol

Abstract

Background

For some stroke patients and caregivers, navigating the transition between hospital discharge and returning home is associated with substantial psychosocial and health-related challenges. Currently, no evidence-based standard of care exists that addresses the concerns of stroke patients and caregivers during the transition period. Objectives of the Michigan Stroke Transitions Trial (MISTT) are to test the impact of a social worker home-based case management program, as well as an online information and support resource, on patient and caregiver outcomes after returning home.

Methods

The Michigan Stroke Transitions Trial is a randomized, pragmatic, open (un-blinded), 3-group parallel designed superiority trial conducted in 3 Michigan hospitals. Eligible participants are adult acute stroke patients discharged home directly or within 4 weeks of being discharged to a rehabilitation facility. The patient's primary caregiver is also invited to participate. Patients are randomized on the day they return home using a randomized block design. Consented patients discharged to a rehabilitation facility who do not go home within 4 weeks are dropped from the study.

The 2 study interventions begin within a week of returning home and conclude 3 months later. The 3-group design compares usual care to either a home-based social worker stroke case management (SWSCM) program, or a combination of the SWSCM program plus access to an online information and support resource (MISTT website). Outcomes data are collected at 7-days and 90-days by trained telephone interviewers. Primary patient outcomes include the PROMIS global 10 score (a generic Quality of Life scale), and the Patient Activation Measure (PAM). Caregiver outcomes include the Bakas Caregiving Outcomes Scale. Final analysis will be based on 214 randomized acute stroke patients. To accommodate subjects excluded due to prolonged rehabilitation stays, as well as those lost-to-follow-up, up to 315 patients will be consented.

Discussion

The MISTT study will determine if a home-based case management program designed around the needs and preferences of stroke patients and caregivers, alone or in combination with a patient-centered online information and support resource can improve stroke survivor and caregiver outcomes 3 months after returning home.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02653170 (Protocol ID: 135457). Registered April 9, 2015.

from ! Medicine by Alexandros G. Sfakianakis via als.fakia on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2rGNebG
via IFTTT

A systematic review and narrative synthesis of group self-management interventions for adults with epilepsy

Abstract

Background

Epilepsy is a serious and costly long-term condition that negatively affects quality of life, especially if seizures persist on medication. Studies show that people with epilepsy (PWE) want to learn more about the condition and some educational self-management courses have been trialled internationally. The objectives of this review were to evaluate research and summarise results on group self-management interventions for PWE.

Methods

We searched Medline and PsycINFO for results published in English between 1995 and 2015. Only studies evaluating face-to-face, group interventions for adults with epilepsy were included. Heterogeneity in study outcomes prevented the carrying out of a meta-analysis; however, a Cochrane style review was undertaken.

Results

We found eleven studies, nine of which were randomised controlled trials. There were variable standards of methodological reporting with some risk of bias. Seven of the studies used quality of life as an outcome, with four finding statistically significant improvements in mean total score. Two found an improvement in outcome subscales. One study included some additional semi-qualitative data.

Conclusions

We identified promising trends in the trials reviewed. In particular, there were significant improvements in quality of life scales and seizure frequency in many of the interventions. However, considerable heterogeneity of interventions and outcomes made comparison between the studies difficult. Courses that included psychological interventions and others that had a high number of sessions showed more effect than short educational courses. Furthermore, the evidence was predominantly from pilot studies with small sample sizes and short follow-up duration. Further research is needed to better evaluate the role of group self-management interventions in outpatient epilepsy management.

from ! Medicine by Alexandros G. Sfakianakis via als.fakia on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2rGRmIo
via IFTTT

Glimpses into the Blind Spot: Social Interaction and Autism

Publication date: Available online 16 June 2017
Source:Journal of Communication Disorders
Author(s): Kristen Bottema-Beutel
A primary feature of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is marked difficulty in social interactions. Despite the centrality of social interaction differences to the clinical presentation of ASD, only a small portion of research in this field characterizes interaction in everyday social contexts. This theoretical paper reviews the growing corpus of interactional research on ASD, including discourse analysis (DA) and conversation analysis (CA) approaches. DA and CA are micro-analytic methods aimed at understanding the organizational structure of, and actions pursued within, social encounters. These methods are aligned with enactive theories of social interaction. The bulk of current ASD research construes social interaction as involving isolated individuals who represent and/or theorize about the minds of an interlocutor. Enactive approaches posit that achieving intersubjectivity does not require theories of other minds, but instead a propensity for coordinating social actions with others. Through the complementary lenses of enactivism and interactional research, I offer an account of autistic social interaction as involving differences in interactional coordination, interactional priorities, and the enactment of meaning across conversational turns. This characterization challenges the explanatory role of cognitive processes such as Theory of Mind, and points to new avenues for conceptualizing, measuring, and supporting social interaction.



from Speech via xlomafota13 on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2tdq66n


from ! Medicine by Alexandros G. Sfakianakis via Αλέξανδρος Σφακιανάκης on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2tdfDI5
via IFTTT

The effect of phonetic complexity on the speed of single-word productions in adults who do and do not stutter

Publication date: Available online 16 June 2017
Source:Journal of Communication Disorders
Author(s): Courtney T. Byrd, Geoffrey A. Coalson, Jie Yang, Kirsten Moriarty
PurposeThe purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of phonetic complexity as measured by the Word Complexity Measure (WCM) on the speed of single-word production in adults who do (AWS, n=15) and do not stutter (AWNS, n=15).MethodParticipants were required to name pictures of high versus low phonetic complexity and balanced for lexical properties. Speech reaction time was recorded from initial presentation of the picture to verbal response of participant for each word type. Accuracy and fluency were manually coded for each production.ResultsAWS named pictures significantly slower than AWNS, but there were no significant differences observed in response latency when producing word of high versus low phonetic complexity as measured by the WCM.ConclusionFindings corroborate past research of overall slowed picture naming latencies in AWS, compared to AWNS. Findings conflict with data that suggest that the phonetic complexity of words uniquely compromises the speed of production in AWS. The potential interaction between lexical and phonetic factors on single-word production within each group are discussed.



from Speech via xlomafota13 on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2sDA58e


from ! Medicine by Alexandros G. Sfakianakis via Αλέξανδρος Σφακιανάκης on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2sE8Biu
via IFTTT

Improving transitions in acute stroke patients discharged to home: the Michigan stroke transitions trial (MISTT) protocol

Abstract

Background

For some stroke patients and caregivers, navigating the transition between hospital discharge and returning home is associated with substantial psychosocial and health-related challenges. Currently, no evidence-based standard of care exists that addresses the concerns of stroke patients and caregivers during the transition period. Objectives of the Michigan Stroke Transitions Trial (MISTT) are to test the impact of a social worker home-based case management program, as well as an online information and support resource, on patient and caregiver outcomes after returning home.

Methods

The Michigan Stroke Transitions Trial is a randomized, pragmatic, open (un-blinded), 3-group parallel designed superiority trial conducted in 3 Michigan hospitals. Eligible participants are adult acute stroke patients discharged home directly or within 4 weeks of being discharged to a rehabilitation facility. The patient's primary caregiver is also invited to participate. Patients are randomized on the day they return home using a randomized block design. Consented patients discharged to a rehabilitation facility who do not go home within 4 weeks are dropped from the study.

The 2 study interventions begin within a week of returning home and conclude 3 months later. The 3-group design compares usual care to either a home-based social worker stroke case management (SWSCM) program, or a combination of the SWSCM program plus access to an online information and support resource (MISTT website). Outcomes data are collected at 7-days and 90-days by trained telephone interviewers. Primary patient outcomes include the PROMIS global 10 score (a generic Quality of Life scale), and the Patient Activation Measure (PAM). Caregiver outcomes include the Bakas Caregiving Outcomes Scale. Final analysis will be based on 214 randomized acute stroke patients. To accommodate subjects excluded due to prolonged rehabilitation stays, as well as those lost-to-follow-up, up to 315 patients will be consented.

Discussion

The MISTT study will determine if a home-based case management program designed around the needs and preferences of stroke patients and caregivers, alone or in combination with a patient-centered online information and support resource can improve stroke survivor and caregiver outcomes 3 months after returning home.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02653170 (Protocol ID: 135457). Registered April 9, 2015.

http://ift.tt/2rGNebG


from ! Medicine by Alexandros G. Sfakianakis via Αλέξανδρος Σφακιανάκης on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2tdwpaf
via IFTTT

A systematic review and narrative synthesis of group self-management interventions for adults with epilepsy

Abstract

Background

Epilepsy is a serious and costly long-term condition that negatively affects quality of life, especially if seizures persist on medication. Studies show that people with epilepsy (PWE) want to learn more about the condition and some educational self-management courses have been trialled internationally. The objectives of this review were to evaluate research and summarise results on group self-management interventions for PWE.

Methods

We searched Medline and PsycINFO for results published in English between 1995 and 2015. Only studies evaluating face-to-face, group interventions for adults with epilepsy were included. Heterogeneity in study outcomes prevented the carrying out of a meta-analysis; however, a Cochrane style review was undertaken.

Results

We found eleven studies, nine of which were randomised controlled trials. There were variable standards of methodological reporting with some risk of bias. Seven of the studies used quality of life as an outcome, with four finding statistically significant improvements in mean total score. Two found an improvement in outcome subscales. One study included some additional semi-qualitative data.

Conclusions

We identified promising trends in the trials reviewed. In particular, there were significant improvements in quality of life scales and seizure frequency in many of the interventions. However, considerable heterogeneity of interventions and outcomes made comparison between the studies difficult. Courses that included psychological interventions and others that had a high number of sessions showed more effect than short educational courses. Furthermore, the evidence was predominantly from pilot studies with small sample sizes and short follow-up duration. Further research is needed to better evaluate the role of group self-management interventions in outpatient epilepsy management.

http://ift.tt/2rGRmIo


from ! Medicine by Alexandros G. Sfakianakis via Αλέξανδρος Σφακιανάκης on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2sEq76i
via IFTTT

Influence of Thread Design on Dental Implant Osseointegration Assayed Using the Lan-Yu Mini-Pig Model

Abstract

The primary success of implantation is according to osseointegration. The bone-to-implant contact (BIC) % is one of the methods to evaluate the osseointergation. In our study, the mini-pig animal model was used to study the osseointegration in different implant macro-design in early implantation period. Eight mini-pigs were divided into 2 groups and implanted with 2 thread profiles (trapezoidal and square) and 5 thread pitches (0.6, 0.8, 1.0, 1.2, and 1.4 mm) into their jaws. After 8 and 16 weeks, the mini-pigs were sacrificed and the specimen of implant surrounded bone were harvested. The implant surface was detected under scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Masson-Goldner staining (MGS) and immunohistochemical staining (IHC). BIC were obtained under SEM and MGS. Bone formation and maturation were assessed using IHC to detect bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) and osteocalcin (OC). The BIC measured for trapezoidal-thread implants with a pitch of 0.8 mm was higher than that of square-thread implants in both the 8- and 16-week groups. The BIC values of the trapezoidal thread profile with a pitch range of 0.6–1.4 mm were not significantly different (P > 0.05) in the 8- and 16-week groups. BMP-2 and OC were detected in both cases, but BMP-2 and OC in the trapezoidal thread group was more regular than the square thread group. The bone in the trapezoidal thread group was more mature. In conclusion, the trapezoidal thread profile with 0.8 mm pitch is the most ideal macro-design for osseointegration.

http://ift.tt/2rqIEid


from ! Medicine by Alexandros G. Sfakianakis via Αλέξανδρος Σφακιανάκης on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2tdAz1N
via IFTTT

Molecular mechanisms underlying Th1-like Treg generation and function

Abstract

Since their 're-discovery' more than two decades ago, FOXP3⁺ regulatory T cells (Tregs) have been an important subject of investigation in the biomedical field and our understanding of the mechanisms that drive their phenotype and function in health and disease has advanced tremendously. During the past few years it has become clear that Tregs are not a terminally differentiated population but show some degree of plasticity, and can, under specific environmental conditions, acquire the phenotype of effector T cells. In particular, recent works have highlighted the acquisition of a Th1-like phenotype by Tregs in several pathological environments. In this review we give an update on the concept of Treg plasticity and the advances in defining the molecular mechanisms that underlie the generation of Th1-like Tregs during an immune response and in different disease settings.

http://ift.tt/2tdrJRs


from ! Medicine by Alexandros G. Sfakianakis via Αλέξανδρος Σφακιανάκης on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2tyzp0a
via IFTTT

Parenting in a digital age: A review of parents' role in preventing adolescent cyberbullying

Publication date: Available online 16 June 2017
Source:Aggression and Violent Behavior
Author(s): Caitlin Elsaesser, Beth Russell, Christine McCauley Ohannessian, Desmond Patton
While parents have a critical influence on reducing adolescent risk taking, adolescents' access to online spaces presents significant and novel challenges to parents' ability to reduce their youth's involvement in cyberbullying. The present study reviews the existing literature on parents' influence (i.e., parental warmth and parental monitoring) on adolescent cyberbullying, both as victims and perpetrators. 23 mostly cross sectional articles were identified for this review. Findings indicate that parental warmth is consistently associated with lower cyberbullying, both as victims and perpetrators. For parental monitoring, strategies that are focused on parental control, such as restricting the Internet, appear to be only weakly related to youth's involvement in cyberbullying victimization and perpetration. In contrast, strategies that are more collaborative with in nature (e.g., evaluative mediation and co-use) are more closely connected to cyberbullying victimization and perpetration, although evidence suggests that the effectiveness of these practices varies by sex and ethnicity. Results underscore the need for parents to provide emotional warmth that might support adolescent's disclosure of online activity. Implications for practice and future research are reviewed.



http://ift.tt/2rGXelh


from ! Medicine by Alexandros G. Sfakianakis via Αλέξανδρος Σφακιανάκης on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2sAXqq3
via IFTTT

Victimization in light of self-compassion: Development towards communal compassion

Publication date: Available online 16 June 2017
Source:Aggression and Violent Behavior
Author(s): Moshe Bensimon
The discipline of victimology emerged and continues to develop in response to the need to analyze the phenomenology of victims of crime. In the last decade, a new trend, positive victimology, has emerged; it emphasizes the role of "positive components" in efforts to promote the rehabilitation and recovery of victims. This perspective stresses the role of society and community in acceptance, encouragement, faith, forgiveness, goodness, gratitude, and compassion towards victims. One positive healing concept that has recently been found valuable for victims' well-being is that of self-compassion. The aim of the current paper was to explore the theory of self-compassion, which was first presented by Kristin D. Neff (2003a), as it applies to the lived experience of victimization. A comprehensive review of literature indicated the presence of uncompassionate responses as central in the lived experience of victims. These components include: (a) self-judgment and self-blame; (b) loneliness and alienation; and (c) over-identification and experiential avoidance. Seeing victimization from this perspective can deepen the understanding of victims' needs to increase compassionate and reduce uncompassionate responding. The present exploration also revealed the need, in the case of victimization, to adopt the notion of communal compassion, which expands the focus from self-compassion to compassion in the community.



http://ift.tt/2sc8j0S


from ! Medicine by Alexandros G. Sfakianakis via Αλέξανδρος Σφακιανάκης on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2tyDulb
via IFTTT

Sexual minorities in conflict zones: A review of the literature

Publication date: Available online 16 June 2017
Source:Aggression and Violent Behavior
Author(s): Melinda W. Moore, John R. Barner
In civil and ethnic conflict, sexual minorities experience a heightened risk for war crimes such as sexual violence, torture, and death. As a result, sexual minorities remain an invisible population in armed conflict out of a need for safety. Further study of sexual minorities in conflict zones confronts matters of human rights, war crimes, and the psychosocial effects of war. This article reviews the existing research on sexual minorities in conflict zones, examines the findings on human rights, war crimes, and the psychosocial effects of war and violence on sexual minority populations, and reviews the barriers to effectiveness faced by intervention programs developed specifically to aid post-conflict societies. The article concludes with a summary of findings within the literature and further considerations for research on aggression and violent behavior with sexual minority groups in conflict zones.



http://ift.tt/2scksCY


from ! Medicine by Alexandros G. Sfakianakis via Αλέξανδρος Σφακιανάκης on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2sAZw9n
via IFTTT

Examining offender, victim and offence characteristics in cases of stranger child abduction: An exploratory comparison of attempted and completed cases using publicly available data from the UK

Publication date: Available online 16 June 2017
Source:Aggression and Violent Behavior
Author(s): Craig John Robert Collie, Karen Shalev Greene
The article examines the demographic features of victims and offenders involved in cases of stranger child abduction in the UK, performing a quantitative, secondary data analysis of a sample of 78 offences that have received a conviction in the UK since 1988. Information was gathered via a study of media and legal databases. The profiles of attempted and completed cases of stranger child abduction are compared to ascertain the relationship between case characteristics and offence outcome.Findings indicated that while females victims are targeted more frequently overall, male victims are at greater risk of being abducted successfully by strangers. Females are more likely to be approached by non-specialist offenders, whereas male victims are more likely to be targeted by chronic child sex offenders. Victims aged 10 were found to be at risk of being victimized successfully, while attempted victimization was even across all victim age groups. Finally, older offenders were found to be more persistent, with younger offenders discontinuing their offence earlier in the behavioural sequence.The implications of these findings are discussed and recommendations for future research made. The continued analysis of abduction offences utilizing the attempted-completed distinction is also strongly encouraged and endorsed.



http://ift.tt/2rGOhsa


from ! Medicine by Alexandros G. Sfakianakis via Αλέξανδρος Σφακιανάκης on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2tyE9Tq
via IFTTT

Editorial Board

Publication date: May 2017
Source:Aggression and Violent Behavior, Volume 34





http://ift.tt/2schFtT


from ! Medicine by Alexandros G. Sfakianakis via Αλέξανδρος Σφακιανάκης on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2sAJBbo
via IFTTT

Influence of Thread Design on Dental Implant Osseointegration Assayed Using the Lan-Yu Mini-Pig Model

Abstract

The primary success of implantation is according to osseointegration. The bone-to-implant contact (BIC) % is one of the methods to evaluate the osseointergation. In our study, the mini-pig animal model was used to study the osseointegration in different implant macro-design in early implantation period. Eight mini-pigs were divided into 2 groups and implanted with 2 thread profiles (trapezoidal and square) and 5 thread pitches (0.6, 0.8, 1.0, 1.2, and 1.4 mm) into their jaws. After 8 and 16 weeks, the mini-pigs were sacrificed and the specimen of implant surrounded bone were harvested. The implant surface was detected under scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Masson-Goldner staining (MGS) and immunohistochemical staining (IHC). BIC were obtained under SEM and MGS. Bone formation and maturation were assessed using IHC to detect bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) and osteocalcin (OC). The BIC measured for trapezoidal-thread implants with a pitch of 0.8 mm was higher than that of square-thread implants in both the 8- and 16-week groups. The BIC values of the trapezoidal thread profile with a pitch range of 0.6–1.4 mm were not significantly different (P > 0.05) in the 8- and 16-week groups. BMP-2 and OC were detected in both cases, but BMP-2 and OC in the trapezoidal thread group was more regular than the square thread group. The bone in the trapezoidal thread group was more mature. In conclusion, the trapezoidal thread profile with 0.8 mm pitch is the most ideal macro-design for osseointegration.

from ! Medicine by Alexandros G. Sfakianakis via a.lsfakia on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2rqIEid
via IFTTT

Influence of Thread Design on Dental Implant Osseointegration Assayed Using the Lan-Yu Mini-Pig Model

Abstract

The primary success of implantation is according to osseointegration. The bone-to-implant contact (BIC) % is one of the methods to evaluate the osseointergation. In our study, the mini-pig animal model was used to study the osseointegration in different implant macro-design in early implantation period. Eight mini-pigs were divided into 2 groups and implanted with 2 thread profiles (trapezoidal and square) and 5 thread pitches (0.6, 0.8, 1.0, 1.2, and 1.4 mm) into their jaws. After 8 and 16 weeks, the mini-pigs were sacrificed and the specimen of implant surrounded bone were harvested. The implant surface was detected under scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Masson-Goldner staining (MGS) and immunohistochemical staining (IHC). BIC were obtained under SEM and MGS. Bone formation and maturation were assessed using IHC to detect bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) and osteocalcin (OC). The BIC measured for trapezoidal-thread implants with a pitch of 0.8 mm was higher than that of square-thread implants in both the 8- and 16-week groups. The BIC values of the trapezoidal thread profile with a pitch range of 0.6–1.4 mm were not significantly different (P > 0.05) in the 8- and 16-week groups. BMP-2 and OC were detected in both cases, but BMP-2 and OC in the trapezoidal thread group was more regular than the square thread group. The bone in the trapezoidal thread group was more mature. In conclusion, the trapezoidal thread profile with 0.8 mm pitch is the most ideal macro-design for osseointegration.

from ! Medicine by Alexandros G. Sfakianakis via als.fakia on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2rqIEid
via IFTTT

Molecular mechanisms underlying Th1-like Treg generation and function

Abstract

Since their 're-discovery' more than two decades ago, FOXP3⁺ regulatory T cells (Tregs) have been an important subject of investigation in the biomedical field and our understanding of the mechanisms that drive their phenotype and function in health and disease has advanced tremendously. During the past few years it has become clear that Tregs are not a terminally differentiated population but show some degree of plasticity, and can, under specific environmental conditions, acquire the phenotype of effector T cells. In particular, recent works have highlighted the acquisition of a Th1-like phenotype by Tregs in several pathological environments. In this review we give an update on the concept of Treg plasticity and the advances in defining the molecular mechanisms that underlie the generation of Th1-like Tregs during an immune response and in different disease settings.

from # All Medicine by Alexandros G. Sfakianakis via Alexandros G.Sfakianakis on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2tdrJRs
via IFTTT

Molecular mechanisms underlying Th1-like Treg generation and function

Abstract

Since their 're-discovery' more than two decades ago, FOXP3⁺ regulatory T cells (Tregs) have been an important subject of investigation in the biomedical field and our understanding of the mechanisms that drive their phenotype and function in health and disease has advanced tremendously. During the past few years it has become clear that Tregs are not a terminally differentiated population but show some degree of plasticity, and can, under specific environmental conditions, acquire the phenotype of effector T cells. In particular, recent works have highlighted the acquisition of a Th1-like phenotype by Tregs in several pathological environments. In this review we give an update on the concept of Treg plasticity and the advances in defining the molecular mechanisms that underlie the generation of Th1-like Tregs during an immune response and in different disease settings.

from ! Medicine by Alexandros G. Sfakianakis via a.lsfakia on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2tdrJRs
via IFTTT

Parenting in a digital age: A review of parents' role in preventing adolescent cyberbullying

Publication date: Available online 16 June 2017
Source:Aggression and Violent Behavior
Author(s): Caitlin Elsaesser, Beth Russell, Christine McCauley Ohannessian, Desmond Patton
While parents have a critical influence on reducing adolescent risk taking, adolescents' access to online spaces presents significant and novel challenges to parents' ability to reduce their youth's involvement in cyberbullying. The present study reviews the existing literature on parents' influence (i.e., parental warmth and parental monitoring) on adolescent cyberbullying, both as victims and perpetrators. 23 mostly cross sectional articles were identified for this review. Findings indicate that parental warmth is consistently associated with lower cyberbullying, both as victims and perpetrators. For parental monitoring, strategies that are focused on parental control, such as restricting the Internet, appear to be only weakly related to youth's involvement in cyberbullying victimization and perpetration. In contrast, strategies that are more collaborative with in nature (e.g., evaluative mediation and co-use) are more closely connected to cyberbullying victimization and perpetration, although evidence suggests that the effectiveness of these practices varies by sex and ethnicity. Results underscore the need for parents to provide emotional warmth that might support adolescent's disclosure of online activity. Implications for practice and future research are reviewed.



from ! Medicine by Alexandros G. Sfakianakis via a.lsfakia on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2rGXelh
via IFTTT

Victimization in light of self-compassion: Development towards communal compassion

Publication date: Available online 16 June 2017
Source:Aggression and Violent Behavior
Author(s): Moshe Bensimon
The discipline of victimology emerged and continues to develop in response to the need to analyze the phenomenology of victims of crime. In the last decade, a new trend, positive victimology, has emerged; it emphasizes the role of "positive components" in efforts to promote the rehabilitation and recovery of victims. This perspective stresses the role of society and community in acceptance, encouragement, faith, forgiveness, goodness, gratitude, and compassion towards victims. One positive healing concept that has recently been found valuable for victims' well-being is that of self-compassion. The aim of the current paper was to explore the theory of self-compassion, which was first presented by Kristin D. Neff (2003a), as it applies to the lived experience of victimization. A comprehensive review of literature indicated the presence of uncompassionate responses as central in the lived experience of victims. These components include: (a) self-judgment and self-blame; (b) loneliness and alienation; and (c) over-identification and experiential avoidance. Seeing victimization from this perspective can deepen the understanding of victims' needs to increase compassionate and reduce uncompassionate responding. The present exploration also revealed the need, in the case of victimization, to adopt the notion of communal compassion, which expands the focus from self-compassion to compassion in the community.



from ! Medicine by Alexandros G. Sfakianakis via a.lsfakia on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2sc8j0S
via IFTTT

Sexual minorities in conflict zones: A review of the literature

Publication date: Available online 16 June 2017
Source:Aggression and Violent Behavior
Author(s): Melinda W. Moore, John R. Barner
In civil and ethnic conflict, sexual minorities experience a heightened risk for war crimes such as sexual violence, torture, and death. As a result, sexual minorities remain an invisible population in armed conflict out of a need for safety. Further study of sexual minorities in conflict zones confronts matters of human rights, war crimes, and the psychosocial effects of war. This article reviews the existing research on sexual minorities in conflict zones, examines the findings on human rights, war crimes, and the psychosocial effects of war and violence on sexual minority populations, and reviews the barriers to effectiveness faced by intervention programs developed specifically to aid post-conflict societies. The article concludes with a summary of findings within the literature and further considerations for research on aggression and violent behavior with sexual minority groups in conflict zones.



from ! Medicine by Alexandros G. Sfakianakis via a.lsfakia on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2scksCY
via IFTTT

Examining offender, victim and offence characteristics in cases of stranger child abduction: An exploratory comparison of attempted and completed cases using publicly available data from the UK

Publication date: Available online 16 June 2017
Source:Aggression and Violent Behavior
Author(s): Craig John Robert Collie, Karen Shalev Greene
The article examines the demographic features of victims and offenders involved in cases of stranger child abduction in the UK, performing a quantitative, secondary data analysis of a sample of 78 offences that have received a conviction in the UK since 1988. Information was gathered via a study of media and legal databases. The profiles of attempted and completed cases of stranger child abduction are compared to ascertain the relationship between case characteristics and offence outcome.Findings indicated that while females victims are targeted more frequently overall, male victims are at greater risk of being abducted successfully by strangers. Females are more likely to be approached by non-specialist offenders, whereas male victims are more likely to be targeted by chronic child sex offenders. Victims aged 10 were found to be at risk of being victimized successfully, while attempted victimization was even across all victim age groups. Finally, older offenders were found to be more persistent, with younger offenders discontinuing their offence earlier in the behavioural sequence.The implications of these findings are discussed and recommendations for future research made. The continued analysis of abduction offences utilizing the attempted-completed distinction is also strongly encouraged and endorsed.



from ! Medicine by Alexandros G. Sfakianakis via a.lsfakia on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2rGOhsa
via IFTTT

Molecular mechanisms underlying Th1-like Treg generation and function

Abstract

Since their 're-discovery' more than two decades ago, FOXP3⁺ regulatory T cells (Tregs) have been an important subject of investigation in the biomedical field and our understanding of the mechanisms that drive their phenotype and function in health and disease has advanced tremendously. During the past few years it has become clear that Tregs are not a terminally differentiated population but show some degree of plasticity, and can, under specific environmental conditions, acquire the phenotype of effector T cells. In particular, recent works have highlighted the acquisition of a Th1-like phenotype by Tregs in several pathological environments. In this review we give an update on the concept of Treg plasticity and the advances in defining the molecular mechanisms that underlie the generation of Th1-like Tregs during an immune response and in different disease settings.

from ! Medicine by Alexandros G. Sfakianakis via als.fakia on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2tdrJRs
via IFTTT

Editorial Board

Publication date: May 2017
Source:Aggression and Violent Behavior, Volume 34





from ! Medicine by Alexandros G. Sfakianakis via a.lsfakia on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2schFtT
via IFTTT

Parenting in a digital age: A review of parents' role in preventing adolescent cyberbullying

Publication date: Available online 16 June 2017
Source:Aggression and Violent Behavior
Author(s): Caitlin Elsaesser, Beth Russell, Christine McCauley Ohannessian, Desmond Patton
While parents have a critical influence on reducing adolescent risk taking, adolescents' access to online spaces presents significant and novel challenges to parents' ability to reduce their youth's involvement in cyberbullying. The present study reviews the existing literature on parents' influence (i.e., parental warmth and parental monitoring) on adolescent cyberbullying, both as victims and perpetrators. 23 mostly cross sectional articles were identified for this review. Findings indicate that parental warmth is consistently associated with lower cyberbullying, both as victims and perpetrators. For parental monitoring, strategies that are focused on parental control, such as restricting the Internet, appear to be only weakly related to youth's involvement in cyberbullying victimization and perpetration. In contrast, strategies that are more collaborative with in nature (e.g., evaluative mediation and co-use) are more closely connected to cyberbullying victimization and perpetration, although evidence suggests that the effectiveness of these practices varies by sex and ethnicity. Results underscore the need for parents to provide emotional warmth that might support adolescent's disclosure of online activity. Implications for practice and future research are reviewed.



from ! Medicine by Alexandros G. Sfakianakis via als.fakia on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2rGXelh
via IFTTT

Victimization in light of self-compassion: Development towards communal compassion

Publication date: Available online 16 June 2017
Source:Aggression and Violent Behavior
Author(s): Moshe Bensimon
The discipline of victimology emerged and continues to develop in response to the need to analyze the phenomenology of victims of crime. In the last decade, a new trend, positive victimology, has emerged; it emphasizes the role of "positive components" in efforts to promote the rehabilitation and recovery of victims. This perspective stresses the role of society and community in acceptance, encouragement, faith, forgiveness, goodness, gratitude, and compassion towards victims. One positive healing concept that has recently been found valuable for victims' well-being is that of self-compassion. The aim of the current paper was to explore the theory of self-compassion, which was first presented by Kristin D. Neff (2003a), as it applies to the lived experience of victimization. A comprehensive review of literature indicated the presence of uncompassionate responses as central in the lived experience of victims. These components include: (a) self-judgment and self-blame; (b) loneliness and alienation; and (c) over-identification and experiential avoidance. Seeing victimization from this perspective can deepen the understanding of victims' needs to increase compassionate and reduce uncompassionate responding. The present exploration also revealed the need, in the case of victimization, to adopt the notion of communal compassion, which expands the focus from self-compassion to compassion in the community.



from ! Medicine by Alexandros G. Sfakianakis via als.fakia on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2sc8j0S
via IFTTT

Sexual minorities in conflict zones: A review of the literature

Publication date: Available online 16 June 2017
Source:Aggression and Violent Behavior
Author(s): Melinda W. Moore, John R. Barner
In civil and ethnic conflict, sexual minorities experience a heightened risk for war crimes such as sexual violence, torture, and death. As a result, sexual minorities remain an invisible population in armed conflict out of a need for safety. Further study of sexual minorities in conflict zones confronts matters of human rights, war crimes, and the psychosocial effects of war. This article reviews the existing research on sexual minorities in conflict zones, examines the findings on human rights, war crimes, and the psychosocial effects of war and violence on sexual minority populations, and reviews the barriers to effectiveness faced by intervention programs developed specifically to aid post-conflict societies. The article concludes with a summary of findings within the literature and further considerations for research on aggression and violent behavior with sexual minority groups in conflict zones.



from ! Medicine by Alexandros G. Sfakianakis via als.fakia on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2scksCY
via IFTTT

Examining offender, victim and offence characteristics in cases of stranger child abduction: An exploratory comparison of attempted and completed cases using publicly available data from the UK

Publication date: Available online 16 June 2017
Source:Aggression and Violent Behavior
Author(s): Craig John Robert Collie, Karen Shalev Greene
The article examines the demographic features of victims and offenders involved in cases of stranger child abduction in the UK, performing a quantitative, secondary data analysis of a sample of 78 offences that have received a conviction in the UK since 1988. Information was gathered via a study of media and legal databases. The profiles of attempted and completed cases of stranger child abduction are compared to ascertain the relationship between case characteristics and offence outcome.Findings indicated that while females victims are targeted more frequently overall, male victims are at greater risk of being abducted successfully by strangers. Females are more likely to be approached by non-specialist offenders, whereas male victims are more likely to be targeted by chronic child sex offenders. Victims aged 10 were found to be at risk of being victimized successfully, while attempted victimization was even across all victim age groups. Finally, older offenders were found to be more persistent, with younger offenders discontinuing their offence earlier in the behavioural sequence.The implications of these findings are discussed and recommendations for future research made. The continued analysis of abduction offences utilizing the attempted-completed distinction is also strongly encouraged and endorsed.



from ! Medicine by Alexandros G. Sfakianakis via als.fakia on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2rGOhsa
via IFTTT

Editorial Board

Publication date: May 2017
Source:Aggression and Violent Behavior, Volume 34





from ! Medicine by Alexandros G. Sfakianakis via als.fakia on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2schFtT
via IFTTT

Peripheral venous catheter-related bloodstream infection is associated with severe complications and potential death: a retrospective observational study

The purpose of this study was to identify the clinical characteristics and outcomes of peripheral vascular catheter-related bloodstream infections (PVC-BSIs) and determine the risk of severe complications or d...

from ! Medicine by Alexandros G. Sfakianakis via a.lsfakia on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2rCgx3R
via IFTTT

Prevalence of Anal HPV and Anal Dysplasia in HIV-Infected Women From Johannesburg, South Africa

Conclusions: We found a significant burden of anal HR-HPV infection, abnormal anal cytology, and high-grade SIL in our cohort. This is the first study of the prevalence of anal dysplasia in HIV-infected women from sub-Saharan Africa. Additional studies are needed to define the epidemiology of these conditions, as well as the incidence of anal cancer, in this population. (Source: JAIDS Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes)

MedWorm Message: Have you tried our new medical search engine? More powerful than before. Log on with your social media account. 100% free.

from ! Medicine by Alexandros G. Sfakianakis via alwin on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2rGJpmS
via IFTTT

Electroencephalography Predicts Poor and Good Outcomes After Cardiac Arrest: A Two-Center Study*

Conclusions: This study provides class III evidence that electroencephalography reactivity predicts both poor and good outcomes, and motor reaction good outcome after cardiac arrest. Electroencephalography reactivity seems to be the best discriminator between good and poor outcomes. Standardized electroencephalography interpretation seems to predict both conditions during and after targeted temperature management. (Source: Critical Care Medicine)

from ! Medicine by Alexandros G. Sfakianakis via alwin on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2sc29Oz
via IFTTT

Urgent Chemotherapy for Life-Threatening Complications Related to Solid Neoplasms

Conclusions: Urgent chemotherapy along with aggressive management of organ failures in the ICU can be lifesaving in very selected cancer patients, most especially with small cell lung cancer, although the long-term survival is hardly sustainable. (Source: Critical Care Medicine)

from ! Medicine by Alexandros G. Sfakianakis via alwin on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2rGJneK
via IFTTT

Effects of Connexin43 Overexpression on U251 Cell Growth, Migration, and Apoptosis.

CONCLUSIONS Cx43 inhibited the growth of U251 cells, promoted morphological changes and migration, and inhibited apoptosis via a mitochondria-associated pathway. PMID: 28615614 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Medical Science Monitor)

from ! Medicine by Alexandros G. Sfakianakis via alwin on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2scl5Ne
via IFTTT

Peripheral venous catheter-related bloodstream infection is associated with severe complications and potential death: a retrospective observational study

The purpose of this study was to identify the clinical characteristics and outcomes of peripheral vascular catheter-related bloodstream infections (PVC-BSIs) and determine the risk of severe complications or d...

from ! Medicine by Alexandros G. Sfakianakis via als.fakia on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2rCgx3R
via IFTTT

CRISPR-Cas9 mediated LAG-3 disruption in CAR-T cells

AbstractT cells engineered with chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) have been successfully applied to treat advanced refractory B cell malignancy. However, many challenges remain in extending its application toward the treatment of solid tumors. The immunosuppressive nature of tumor microenvironment is considered one of the key factors limiting CAR-T efficacy. One negative regulator of Tcell activity is lymphocyte activation gene-3 (LAG-3). We successfully generatedLAG-3 knockout Tand CAR-T cells with high efficiency using CRISPR-Cas9 mediated gene editing and found that the viability and immune phenotype were not dramatically changed duringin vitro culture.LAG-3 knockout CAR-T cells displayed robust antigen-specific antitumor activity in cell culture and in murine xenograft model, which is co...

from ! Medicine by Alexandros G. Sfakianakis via alwin on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2rGXErG
via IFTTT

Anti-mutagenic Properties of Mono- and Dienoic Acid Biohydrogenation Products from Beef Fat

Abstract

Unsaturated fatty acid biohydrogenation products from beef fat and pure fatty acids were subjected to the Ames Salmonella mutagenicity testing, including monounsaturated fatty acids [MUFA: oleic acid, vaccenic acid, elaidic acid; beef fatty acid fractions rich in trans (t)11/t13-t14-18:1 (t11,13,14-Frac), t10-18:1 (t10-Frac)] and dienoic fatty acids [linoleic acid, conjugated linoleic isomers cis (c)9,t11-18:2 and t10,c12-18:2, and a mixed beef dienoic fatty acid fraction high in c9,t13-/t8,c12/t11c15-18:2 (MD)]. Significantly higher anti-mutagenic effects of oleic acid, vaccenic acid, t11, 13, 14-Frac, and t10-Frac against daunomycin were observed at 2.5 mg. All dienoic acids except MD significantly reduced daunomycin mutagenicity at ≥0.25 mg. Anti-mutagenicity of oleic and vaccenic acids against 2-aminoanthracene was found at 2.5 and 0.25 mg, respectively. All dienoic acids significantly reduced 2-aminoanthracene mutagenicity at ≥0.25 mg. Findings of this study show that unsaturated fatty acids, including trans-fatty acids commonly found in beef, can act as strong anti-mutagens.

http://ift.tt/2rC0C5t


from ! Medicine by Alexandros G. Sfakianakis via Αλέξανδρος Σφακιανάκης on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2smfBhn
via IFTTT

A systematic review and narrative synthesis of group self-management interventions for adults with epilepsy

Epilepsy is a serious and costly long-term condition that negatively affects quality of life, especially if seizures persist on medication. Studies show that people with epilepsy (PWE) want to learn more about...

from ! Medicine by Alexandros G. Sfakianakis via a.lsfakia on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2td6ejR
via IFTTT

Improving transitions in acute stroke patients discharged to home: the Michigan stroke transitions trial (MISTT) protocol

For some stroke patients and caregivers, navigating the transition between hospital discharge and returning home is associated with substantial psychosocial and health-related challenges. Currently, no evidenc...

from ! Medicine by Alexandros G. Sfakianakis via a.lsfakia on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2sDFonW
via IFTTT

A systematic review and narrative synthesis of group self-management interventions for adults with epilepsy

Epilepsy is a serious and costly long-term condition that negatively affects quality of life, especially if seizures persist on medication. Studies show that people with epilepsy (PWE) want to learn more about...

from ! Medicine by Alexandros G. Sfakianakis via als.fakia on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2td6ejR
via IFTTT

Improving transitions in acute stroke patients discharged to home: the Michigan stroke transitions trial (MISTT) protocol

For some stroke patients and caregivers, navigating the transition between hospital discharge and returning home is associated with substantial psychosocial and health-related challenges. Currently, no evidenc...

from ! Medicine by Alexandros G. Sfakianakis via als.fakia on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2sDFonW
via IFTTT

Contents

Publication date: July 2017
Source:Health Policy, Volume 121, Issue 7





from # All Medicine by Alexandros G. Sfakianakis via Alexandros G.Sfakianakis on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2smn8wA
via IFTTT

Editorial Board

Publication date: July 2017
Source:Health Policy, Volume 121, Issue 7





from # All Medicine by Alexandros G. Sfakianakis via Alexandros G.Sfakianakis on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2rBZ6jK
via IFTTT

Systolic blood pressure variability in patients with early severe sepsis or septic shock: a prospective cohort study

Severe sepsis and septic shock are often lethal syndromes, in which the autonomic nervous system may fail to maintain adequate blood pressure. Heart rate variability has been associated with outcomes in sepsis...

from # All Medicine by Alexandros G. Sfakianakis via Alexandros G.Sfakianakis on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2sm3noF
via IFTTT

Anthropometric and aesthetic outcomes for the nasolabial region in 101 consecutive African children with unilateral cleft lip one year after repair using the anatomical subunit approximation technique

Publication date: Available online 16 June 2017
Source:International Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Author(s): S. Mbuyi-Musanzayi, F. Tshilombo Katombe, P. Lukusa Tshilobo, P. Kalenga Mwenze Kayamba, K. Devriendt, H. Reychler
One hundred and one patients with complete or incomplete cleft lip underwent the anatomical subunit approximation technique for repair. The patients were followed up prospectively for 1year. The objective of this study was to determine the outcomes for the nasolabial area through anthropometric measurements and assessment of the Asher-McDade Aesthetic Index and Steffensen's criteria at 1year after surgery. Six assessors (three cleft surgeons and three non-surgeon medical professionals) examined cropped images; reliability was assessed using Cronbach's alpha. The difference in lip length between the healthy and operated sides was 0.61mm and the difference in nostril diameter was 0.37mm (differences not significant). The average scar width was 2.78±1.35mm. Hypertrophic scars were observed in 9.9% of cases. The average Asher-McDade Aesthetic Index rating varied between 1.35 and 1.98 for all parameters. Cronbach's alpha coefficient was 0.83, 0.89, 0.98, and 0.89 for nasal form, nasal symmetry, vermilion border, and nasolabial profile, respectively. Steffensen's criteria rated appearance as 'good' in 69.3% to 91.1% of cases. The anatomical subunit approximation technique can be performed in Sub-Saharan Africans for all types of unilateral cleft lip. It significantly improves the length of the medial and lateral lips, leaving an acceptable scar. A study with a larger sample size and longer follow-up is warranted.



from # All Medicine by Alexandros G. Sfakianakis via Alexandros G.Sfakianakis on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2sbYYXc
via IFTTT

In vitro and in vivo cytochrome P450 3A enzyme inhibition by Aframomum melengueta and Denniettia tripetala extracts

Publication date: Available online 16 June 2017
Source:Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Medicine
Author(s): Sunday O. Nduka, Mathew J. Okonta, Daniel L. Ajaghaku, Chinwe V. Ukwe
ObjectiveTo evaluate the in vitro and in vivo inhibitory effects of two commonly used herbs, Aframomum melengueta (A. melengueta) and Dennettia tripetala (D. tripetala) on CYP 3A enzymes.MethodsIn vitro inhibition of the enzymes were assessed with microsomes extracted from female albino rats using erythromycin-N-demethylation assay (EMND) method while their in vivo effects were measured by estimating simvastatin plasma concentrations in rats. Pharmacokinetic parameters were determined using non-compartmental anaysis as implemented in WinNonlin pharmacokinetic program.ResultsEMND assay with intestinal microsomes indicated that aqueous extracts of D. tripetala and A. melengueta significantly (P < 0.05) inhibited intestinal CYP 3A activity at both 50 μg and 100 μg concentrations. Petroleum ether extract of D. tripetala and ethanol extracts of A. melengueta inhibited intestinal CYP3A activity at 100 μg but not at 50 μg concentrations. All the extracts showed an in vitro dose dependent CYP 3A inhibition with liver microsomes. In vivo analysis showed that pre-treatment with the extracts enhanced systemic absorption of simvastatin with reductions in metabolizing enzymes activity as indicated in significant increases in maximal concentration, area under curve, area under moment curve and mean resident time of simvastatin (P < 0.05).ConclusionsHerbal preparations containing these plants' extracts should be used with caution especially in patients on CYP450 3A substrate medications.



from # All Medicine by Alexandros G. Sfakianakis via Alexandros G.Sfakianakis on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2sJjeAm
via IFTTT

Atractylenolide Ⅰ protects against lipopolysaccharide-induced disseminated intravascular coagulation by anti-inflammatory and anticoagulation effect

Publication date: Available online 16 June 2017
Source:Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Medicine
Author(s): Xiao-Mei Tang, Zhi-Kai Liao, You-Wei Huang, Xi Lin, Liang-Cai Wu
ObjectiveTo investigate whether atractylenolide Ⅰ (ATL-Ⅰ) has protective effect on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) in vivo and in vitro, and explore whether NF-κB signaling pathway is involved in ATL-Ⅰ treatment.MethodsNew Zealand white rabbits were injected with LPS through marginal ear vein over a period of 6 h at a rate of 600 μg/kg (10 mL/h). Similarly, in the treatment groups, 1.0, 2.0, or 5.0 mg/kg ATL-Ⅰ were given. Both survival rate and organ function were tested, including the level of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), blood urine nitrogen (BUN), and TNF-α were examined by ELISA. Also haemostatic and fibrinolytic parameters in serum were measured. RAW 264.7 macrophage cells were administered with control, LPS, LPS + ATL-Ⅰ and ATL-Ⅰ alone, and TNF-α, phosphorylation (P)-IκBα, phosphorylation (P)-NF-κB (P65) and NF-κB (P65) were determined by Western blot.ResultsThe administration of LPS resulted in 73.3% mortality rate, and the increase of serum TNF-α, BUN and ALT levels. When ATL-Ⅰ treatment significantly increased the survival rate of LPS-induced DIC model, also improved the function of blood coagulation. And protein analysis indicated that ATL-I remarkably protected liver and renal as decreasing TNF-α expression. In vitro, ATL-I obviously decreased LPS-induced TNF-α production and the expression of P-NF-κB (P65), with the decrease of P-IκBα.ConclusionsATL-Ⅰ has protective effect on LPS-induced DIC, which can elevate the survival rate, reduce organ damage, improve the function of blood coagulation and suppress TNF-α expression by inhibiting the activation of NF-κB signaling pathway.



from # All Medicine by Alexandros G. Sfakianakis via Alexandros G.Sfakianakis on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2rqEHtQ
via IFTTT

IJERPH, Vol. 14, Pages 652: Structured Additive Quantile Regression for Assessing the Determinants of Childhood Anemia in Rwanda

Childhood anemia is among the most significant health problems faced by public health departments in developing countries. This study aims at assessing the determinants and possible spatial effects associated with childhood anemia in Rwanda. The 2014/2015 Rwanda Demographic and Health Survey (RDHS) data was used. The analysis was done using the structured spatial additive quantile regression model. The findings of this study revealed that the child's age; the duration of breastfeeding; gender of the child; the nutritional status of the child (whether underweight and/or wasting); whether the child had a fever; had a cough in the two weeks prior to the survey or not; whether the child received vitamin A supplementation in the six weeks before the survey or not; the household wealth index; literacy of the mother; mother's anemia status; mother's age at the birth are all significant factors associated with childhood anemia in Rwanda. Furthermore, significant structured spatial location effects on childhood anemia was found.

from # All Medicine by Alexandros G. Sfakianakis via Alexandros G.Sfakianakis on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2sDIbxn
via IFTTT

Basal and Bolus Insulin Dose Changes after Switching Basal Insulin to Insulin Degludec in Patients with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus: A Pilot Study

Abstract

Background and objectives

Ultra-long-acting insulin degludec (DEG) has a longer duration of action and less daily variability relative to other basal insulin (BI), and thus may benefit patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). We examined the impact of switching BI to DEG on glycemic control and insulin dose in T1DM.

Methods

T1DM patients (n = 22; six male; mean age: 64.5 ± 12.6 years) receiving basal-bolus insulin therapy were included. Initially, the BI dose was replaced with DEG in a 1:1 ratio; 80–100% of the total dose was replaced with DEG for multiple basal insulin injections. DEG was titrated according to study protocol. Changes in HbA1c, daily insulin dose, glycemic self-monitored blood glucose variations, and hypoglycemia frequency were evaluated for 24 weeks.

Results

Once-daily DEG significantly decreased HbA1c levels when switched from once-daily BI (7.9 ± 0.8 vs. 7.5 ± 0.9%, p = 0.020) and maintained HbA1c when switched from twice-daily BI (8.5 ± 1.6 vs. 8.4 ± 1.2%, p = 0.457). The BI dose decreased by −7.8 ± 13.9% (p = 0.017) and −16.6 ± 16.9% (p = 0.050) when switched from once-daily BI and twice-daily BI, respectively. The total bolus insulin dose significantly decreased when switched from once-daily BI (21.7 ± 8.3 to 19.3 ± 8.8 U/day, p = 0.016) especially in the injection before breakfast and evening meal. Body weight and hypoglycemia frequency was not significantly different.

Conclusion

DEG improved glycemic control when switched from once-daily BI and maintained glycemic control when switched from twice-daily BI without increasing hypoglycemia.

from # All Medicine by Alexandros G. Sfakianakis via Alexandros G.Sfakianakis on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2rC0SSe
via IFTTT

IJMS, Vol. 18, Pages 1291: Optimization of Polyplex Formation between DNA Oligonucleotide and Poly(l-Lysine): Experimental Study and Modeling Approach

The polyplexes formed by nucleic acids and polycations have received a great attention owing to their potential application in gene therapy. In our study, we report experimental results and modeling outcomes regarding the optimization of polyplex formation between the double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) and poly(l-Lysine) (PLL). The quantification of the binding efficiency during polyplex formation was performed by processing of the images captured from the gel electrophoresis assays. The design of experiments (DoE) and response surface methodology (RSM) were employed to investigate the coupling effect of key factors (pH and N/P ratio) affecting the binding efficiency. According to the experimental observations and response surface analysis, the N/P ratio showed a major influence on binding efficiency compared to pH. Model-based optimization calculations along with the experimental confirmation runs unveiled the maximal binding efficiency (99.4%) achieved at pH 5.4 and N/P ratio 125. To support the experimental data and reveal insights of molecular mechanism responsible for the polyplex formation between dsDNA and PLL, molecular dynamics simulations were performed at pH 5.4 and 7.4.

from # All Medicine by Alexandros G. Sfakianakis via Alexandros G.Sfakianakis on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2sDuKxp
via IFTTT

IJMS, Vol. 18, Pages 1290: Propolis Diterpenes as a Remarkable Bio-Source for Drug Discovery Development: A Review

Propolis is one of the complex, but valuable, bio-sources for discovering therapeutic compounds. Diterpenes are organic compounds composed of four isoprene units and are known for their biological and pharmacological characteristics, such as antibacterial, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory activities. Recently, advancements have been made in the development of antibacterial and anticancer leads from propolis-isolated diterpenes, and scrutiny of these compounds is being pursued. Thus, this review covers the progress in this arena, with a focus on the chemistry and biological activities of propolis diterpenes. It is anticipated that important information, in a comprehensive and concise manner, will be delivered here for better understanding of natural product drug discovery research.

from # All Medicine by Alexandros G. Sfakianakis via Alexandros G.Sfakianakis on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2td5Emj
via IFTTT

IJMS, Vol. 18, Pages 1293: Interactions between a Heparin Trisaccharide Library and FGF-1 Analyzed by NMR Methods

FGF-1 is a potent mitogen that, by interacting simultaneously with Heparan Sulfate Glycosaminoglycan HSGAG and the extracellular domains of its membrane receptor (FGFR), generates an intracellular signal that finally leads to cell division. The overall structure of the ternary complex Heparin:FGF-1:FGFR has been finally elucidated after some controversy and the interactions within the ternary complex have been deeply described. However, since the structure of the ternary complex was described, not much attention has been given to the molecular basis of the interaction between FGF-1 and the HSGAG. It is known that within the complex, the carbohydrate maintains the same helical structure of free heparin that leads to sulfate groups directed towards opposite directions along the molecular axis. The precise role of single individual interactions remains unclear, as sliding and/or rotating of the saccharide along the binding pocket are possibilities difficult to discard. The HSGAG binding pocket can be subdivided into two regions, the main one can accommodate a trisaccharide, while the other binds a disaccharide. We have studied and analyzed the interaction between FGF-1 and a library of trisaccharides by STD-NMR and selective longitudinal relaxation rates. The library of trisaccharides corresponds to the heparin backbone and it has been designed to interact with the main subsite of the protein.

from # All Medicine by Alexandros G. Sfakianakis via Alexandros G.Sfakianakis on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2sDS4Lz
via IFTTT

IJMS, Vol. 18, Pages 1289: Proteomic High Affinity Zn2+ Trafficking: Where Does Metallothionein Fit in?

The cellular constitution of Zn-proteins and Zn-dependent signaling depend on the capacity of Zn2+ to find specific binding sites in the face of a plethora of other high affinity ligands. The most prominent of these is metallothionein (MT). It serves as a storage site for Zn2+ under various conditions, and has chemical properties that support a dynamic role for MT in zinc trafficking. Consistent with these characteristics, changing the availability of zinc for cells and tissues causes rapid alteration of zinc bound to MT. Nevertheless, zinc trafficking occurs in metallothionein-null animals and cells, hypothetically making use of proteomic binding sites to mediate the intracellular movements of zinc. Like metallothionein, the proteome contains a large concentration of proteins that strongly coordinate zinc. In this environment, free Zn2+ may be of little significance. Instead, this review sets forth the basis for the hypothesis that components of the proteome and MT jointly provide the platform for zinc trafficking.

from # All Medicine by Alexandros G. Sfakianakis via Alexandros G.Sfakianakis on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2tylyqR
via IFTTT

Factors influencing psychological, social and health outcomes after major burn injuries in adults: cohort study protocol

Introduction

The goal of burn care is that 'the quality of the outcome must be worth the pain of survival'. More research is needed to understand how best to deliver care for patients with burns to achieve this aim. Loss of independence, function as well as loss of income for patients with burns and carers cause a significant burden at both individual and societal levels. Much is being done to advance knowledge in the clinical care field; however, there has been a paucity of research exploring psychosocial outcomes. This paper describes the study background and methods, as implemented in an Australian cohort study of psychosocial outcomes after major burn injuries.

Methods and analysis

In this inception cohort study, a target sample of 230 participants, aged 18 years or over, admitted to a single statewide burns centre with a burn injury are identified by hospital staff for inclusion. Baseline survey data are collected either in person or by telephone within 28 days of the injury and participants then followed up with telephone interviews at 3, 6 and 12 months postburn. Injury and burns treatment information is collected from medical records. Social support is measured as a predictor variable using the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support. Outcome data are collected via standardised measures in the domains of Quality of Life (SF-12, EQ-5D, BSHS-B), depression (PHQ-9), post-traumatic stress disorder (PCL-C, PAS), community integration (CIQ-R) and Quality-Adjusted Life Years (EQ-5D). Additional survey questions measure life satisfaction, return to work and public services utilisation at 12 months postinjury. Data analysis methods will include analysis of variance, Pearson correlation and hierarchical multiple regression analyses.

Ethics and dissemination

Hospital-based and University of Queensland Human Research Ethics Committees have approved the protocol. Results from the study will be disseminated at national and international conferences, in peer-reviewed journals and in a doctoral thesis.

Trial registration number

Australia New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12616000828426). Retrospectively registered on 23 June 2016; pre-results.

from # All Medicine by Alexandros G. Sfakianakis via Alexandros G.Sfakianakis on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2sDvxhW
via IFTTT

GPs' attitudes, beliefs and behaviours regarding exercise for chronic knee pain: a questionnaire survey

Objectives

The aim of this study was to investigate general practitioners' (GPs) attitudes, beliefs and behaviours regarding the use of exercise for patients with chronic knee pain (CKP) attributable to osteoarthritis.

Setting

Primary care GPs in the UK.

Participants

5000 GPs, randomly selected from Binley's database, were mailed a cross-sectional questionnaire survey.

Outcome measures

GPs' attitudes and beliefs were investigated using attitude statements, and reported behaviours were identified using vignette-based questions. GPs were invited to report barriers experienced when initiating exercise with patients with CKP

Results

835 (17%) GPs responded. Overall, GPs were positive about general exercise for CKP. 729 (87%) reported using exercise, of which, 538 (74%) reported that they would use both general and local (lower limb) exercises. However, only 92 (11% of all responding) GPs reported initiating exercise in ways aligning with best-evidence recommendations. 815 (98%) GPs reported barriers in using exercise for patients with CKP, most commonly, insufficient time in consultations (n=419; 51%) and insufficient expertise (n=337; 41%).

Conclusions

While GPs' attitudes and beliefs regarding exercise for CKP were generally positive, initiation of exercise was often poorly aligned with current recommendations, and barriers and uncertainties were reported. GPs' use of exercise may be improved by addressing the key barriers of time and expertise, by developing a pragmatic approach that supports GPs to initiate individualised exercise, and/or by other professionals taking on this role.

from # All Medicine by Alexandros G. Sfakianakis via Alexandros G.Sfakianakis on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2sDL4yu
via IFTTT

Implementation of a disability management policy in a large healthcare employer: a quasi-experimental, mixed-methods evaluation

Objective

This study describes the process and outcomes of the implementation of a strengthened disability management policy in a large Canadian healthcare employer. Key elements of the strengthened policy included an emphasis on early contact, the training of supervisors and the integration of union representatives in return-to-work (RTW) planning.

Design

The study applied mixed methods, combining a process evaluation within the employer and a quasi-experimental outcome evaluation between employers for a 3-year period prior to and following policy implementation in January 2012.

Participants

Staff in the implementation organisation (n=4000) and staff in a peer group of 29 large hospitals (n=1 19 000).

Outcomes

Work disability episode incidence and duration.

Results

Both qualitative and quantitative measures of the implementation process were predominantly positive. Over the 6-year observation period, there were 624 work disability episodes in the organisation and 8604 in the comparison group of 29 large hospitals. The annual per cent change in episode incidence in the organisation was –5.6 (95% CI –9.9 to –1.1) comparable to the annual per cent change in the comparison group: –6.2 (-7.2 to –5.3). Disability episode durations also declined in the organisation, from a mean of 19.4 days (16.5, 22.3) in the preintervention period to 10.9 days (8.7, 13.2) in the postintervention period. Reductions in disability durations were also observed in the comparison group: from a mean of 13.5 days (12.9, 14.1) in the 2009–2011 period to 10.5 days (9.9, 11.1) in the 2012–2014 period.

Conclusion

The incidence of work disability episodes and the durations of work disability declined strongly in this hospital sector over the 6-year observation period. The implementation of the organisation's RTW policy was associated with larger reductions in disability durations than observed in the comparison group.

from # All Medicine by Alexandros G. Sfakianakis via Alexandros G.Sfakianakis on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2tdeiBh
via IFTTT

How do smoking cessation medicines compare with respect to their neuropsychiatric safety? A protocol for a systematic review, network meta-analysis and cost-effectiveness analysis

Introduction

Cigarette smoking is one of the leading causes of early death in the UK and worldwide. Public health guidance recommends the use of varenicline, bupropion and nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) as smoking cessation aids in the UK. Additionally, the first electronic cigarette has been licensed for use as a smoking cessation medicine. However, there are ongoing concerns about the safety of these medicines. We present a protocol for a systematic review and network meta-analysis (NMA) to determine how these smoking cessation medicines compare to each other with respect to their neuropsychiatric safety in adult smokers. Secondary aims include updating the evidence regarding the effectiveness and cardiovascular safety of these medicines for use in a cost-effectiveness analysis.

Methods and analysis

We will include randomised controlled trials and observational studies with control groups comparing monotherapy with varenicline, bupropion, NRT or electronic cigarette and combination therapies to each other, placebo or usual care. The primary composite safety outcome will be serious adverse events, defined as events that resulted in death, were life threatening, required hospitalisation or resulted in significant disability or congenital/birth defect. The preferred effectiveness outcome will be sustained smoking cessation defined as abstinence for a minimum of 6 months as determined by biochemical validation. We will include trials identified by previous reviews and search relevant databases for newly published trials as well as contacting study authors to identify unpublished information. We will conduct fixed-effect and random-effect meta-analyses for each pairwise comparison of treatments and outcome; where these estimates differ, we will consider reasons for heterogeneity, quantified using the between-study variance (²). For each outcome, we will construct a NMA in a Bayesian framework which will be compared with the pair-wise results, allowing us to rank treatments. The effectiveness estimates from the NMA will be entered into a probabilistic economic model.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethics approval is not required for this evidence synthesis study as it involves analysis of secondary data from randomised controlled trials and observational studies. The review will make an important contribution to the knowledge base around the effectiveness, safety and cost-effectiveness of smoking cessation medicines. Results will be disseminated to the general public, healthcare practitioners and clinicians, academics, industry and policy makers.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42016041302.

from # All Medicine by Alexandros G. Sfakianakis via Alexandros G.Sfakianakis on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2tdhBrW
via IFTTT

Viruses, Vol. 9, Pages 152: Nutrients and Other Environmental Factors Influence Virus Abundances across Oxic and Hypoxic Marine Environments

Virus particles are highly abundant in seawater and, on average, outnumber microbial cells approximately 10-fold at the surface and 16-fold in deeper waters; yet, this relationship varies across environments. Here, we examine the influence of a suite of environmental variables, including nutrient concentrations, salinity and temperature, on the relationship between the abundances of viruses and prokaryotes over a broad range of spatial and temporal scales, including along a track from the Northwest Atlantic to the Northeast Pacific via the Arctic Ocean, and in the coastal waters of British Columbia, Canada. Models of varying complexity were tested and compared for best fit with the Akaike Information Criterion, and revealed that nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations, as well as prokaryote abundances, either individually or combined, had significant effects on viral abundances in all but hypoxic environments, which were only explained by a combination of physical and chemical factors. Nonetheless, multivariate models of environmental variables showed high explanatory power, matching or surpassing that of prokaryote abundance alone. Incorporating both environmental variables and prokaryote abundances into multivariate models significantly improved the explanatory power of the models, except in hypoxic environments. These findings demonstrate that environmental factors could be as important as, or even more important than, prokaryote abundance in describing viral abundance across wide-ranging marine environments

from # All Medicine by Alexandros G. Sfakianakis via Alexandros G.Sfakianakis on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2sbNZNs
via IFTTT

A series of fortunate events: How our culture made us

We now accept culture drove our extraordinary success as a species, but how? A compelling new account brings us up to speed with the story so far

from # All Medicine by Alexandros G. Sfakianakis via Alexandros G.Sfakianakis on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2sAy9wv
via IFTTT

A series of fortunate events: How our culture made us

We now accept culture drove our extraordinary success as a species, but how? A compelling new account brings us up to speed with the story so far

from # All Medicine by Alexandros G. Sfakianakis via Alexandros G.Sfakianakis on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2sAy9wv
via IFTTT

Multiple conformational states of DnaA protein regulate its interaction with DnaA boxes in the initiation of DNA replication

Publication date: Available online 16 June 2017
Source:Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) - General Subjects
Author(s): Meera J. Patel, Lavesh Bhatia, Gulden Yilmaz, Esther E. Biswas-Fiss, Subhasis B. Biswas
DnaA protein is the initiator of genomic DNA replication in prokaryotes. It binds to specific DNA sequences in the origin of DNA replication and unwinds small AT-rich sequences downstream for the assembly of the replisome. The mechanism of activation of DnaA that enables it to bind and organize the origin DNA and leads to replication initiation remains unclear. In this study, we have developed double-labeled fluorescent DnaA probes to analyze conformational states of DnaA protein upon binding DNA, nucleotide, and Soj sporulation protein using Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET). Our studies demonstrate that DnaA protein undergoes large conformational changes upon binding to substrates and there are multiple distinct conformational states that enable it to initiate DNA replication. DnaA protein adopted a relaxed conformation by expanding ~15Å upon binding ATP and DNA to form the ATP·DnaA·DNA complex. Hydrolysis of bound ATP to ADP led to a contraction of DnaA within the complex. The relaxed conformation of DnaA is likely required for the formation of the multi-protein ATP·DnaA·DNA complex. In the initiation of sporulation, Soj binding to DnaA prevented relaxation of its conformation. Soj·ADP appeared to block the activation of DnaA, suggesting a mechanism for Soj·ADP in switching initiation of DNA replication to sporulation. Our studies demonstrate that multiple conformational states of DnaA protein regulate its binding to DNA in the initiation of DNA replication.

Graphical abstract

from # All Medicine by Alexandros G. Sfakianakis via Alexandros G.Sfakianakis on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2slpnQH
via IFTTT

RNA Localization: Making its Way to the Center Stage

Publication date: Available online 16 June 2017
Source:Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) - General Subjects
Author(s): Ashley Chin, Eric Lécuyer
Cells are highly organized entities that rely on intricate addressing mechanisms to sort their constituent molecules to precise subcellular locations. These processes are crucial for cells to maintain their proper organization and carry out specialized functions in the body, while genetic perturbations that clog up these addressing systems can contribute to disease aetiology. The trafficking of RNA molecules represents an important layer in the control of cellular organization, a process that is both highly prevalent and for which features of the regulatory machineries have been deeply conserved evolutionarily. RNA localization is commonly driven by trans-regulatory factors, including RNA binding proteins at the core, which recognize specific cis-acting zipcode elements within the RNA transcripts. Here, we first review the functions and biological benefits of intracellular RNA trafficking, from the perspective of both coding and non-coding RNAs. Next, we discuss the molecular mechanisms that modulate this localization, emphasizing the diverse features of the cis- and trans-regulators involved, while also highlighting emerging technologies and resources that will prove instrumental in deciphering RNA targeting pathways. We then discuss recent findings that reveal how co-transcriptional regulatory mechanisms operating in the nucleus can dictate the downstream cytoplasmic localization of RNAs. Finally, we survey the growing number of human diseases in which RNA trafficking pathways are impacted, including spinal muscular atrophy, Alzheimer's disease, fragile X syndrome and myotonic dystrophy. Such examples highlight the need to further dissect RNA localization mechanisms, which could ultimately pave the way for the development of RNA-oriented diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled "Biochemistry of Synthetic Biology - Recent Developments" Guest Editor: Dr. Ilka Heinemann and Dr. Patrick O′Donoghue.



from # All Medicine by Alexandros G. Sfakianakis via Alexandros G.Sfakianakis on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2slFC08
via IFTTT

Drug-Induced Pyoderma Gangrenosum: A Review

Abstract

Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is a rare neutrophilic dermatosis that may be caused by an adverse drug reaction. We discuss the clinical presentation and outcomes of 52 cases of drug-induced PG reported to date in the literature. We conducted our literature search for case reports of drug-induced PG using keywords on PubMed and Medical Subject Heading (MeSH) terms on MEDLINE and EMBASE. To assess the probability that each case of PG was related to drug therapy, we used the Naranjo criteria. We identified 44 studies in the literature, with a total of 52 cases of drug-induced PG. The mean Naranjo score for cocaine-induced PG (n = 13) was 9.4, indicating a definite adverse drug reaction, while the mean Naranjo scores for isotretinoin (n = 5), propylthiouracil (n = 5), and sunitinib (n = 5) were 6.2, 6.8, and 7.4, respectively, indicating probable adverse drug reactions. Drugs should be considered as a possible triggering event whenever PG is diagnosed, and clinicians should particularly consider this in patients taking isotretinoin, propylthiouracil, or sunitinib, as well as in patients with a history of cocaine use.

from # All Medicine by Alexandros G. Sfakianakis via Alexandros G.Sfakianakis on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2rBA3xq
via IFTTT

Intravenous Injection of Myelin Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein Coated PLGA Microparticles Have Tolerogenic Effects in Experimental Autoimmune Encephalitis

The abnormal function of the T lymphocytes causes a range of autoimmune diseases, particularly multiple sclerosis; hence, several methods have been used to treat these disorders through the induction of antigen-specific tolerance in T cells. The present study aims to use a simple and low-cost method to produce poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles for carrying antigens and inducing antigen-specific tolerance. In this study, PLGA nanoparticles were produced using the water/oil/water (W/O/W) method. The myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) peptide and ovalbumin peptide(OVA) were covalently bound to the synthetic PLGA nanoparticles in the presence of 1-Ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)carbodiimide) (EDCI) and were injected to six groups of C57BL/6 mice one week before the induction of the experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis(EAE) intravenously or subcutaneously; one group was considered as control; finally, immunologic responses including delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) response and lymphocyte proliferation were investigated. The results showed that the intravenous injection of microparticles containing MOG peptides before the development of the EAE model, not only could delay the incidence of syndrome, but also increase the antigen-specific tolerance. Moreover, a reduced delayed-type hypersensitivity response was observed in the mice primed with microparticles containing MOG peptides. In addition, a reduced spleen lymphocyte proliferation was found in the same mice when challenged with antigens. The present study proposes a simple, inexpensive, effective and safe method for preparing MOG-conjugated PLGA microparticles with immune tolerance properties that can be used in the treatment or reducing clinical syndromes of EAE model.

from # All Medicine by Alexandros G. Sfakianakis via Alexandros G.Sfakianakis on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2sAJa0x
via IFTTT

The Extract of Portulaca oleracea and its Constituent, Alpha Linolenic Acid Affects Serum Oxidant Levels and Inflammatory Cells in Sensitized Rats

The effects of Portulaca oleracea and its constituent, alpha linolenic acid on serum oxidant levels and inflammatory cells in sensitized rats were examined. Eight groups of rats including control, sensitized, sensitized rats treated with 1, 2 and 4 mg/mL extract of P. oleracea, 0.2 and 0.4 mg/mL alpha linolenic acid (ALA) and 1.25 μg/mL dexamethaswere studied serum levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT, thiol groups, NO₂, NO₃, and Malondialdehyde (MDA) as well as total and differential WBC in blood were measured. Serum concentrations of SOD, CAT and thiol were significantly decreased but NO₂, NO₃ and MDA as well as total WBC number and percentages of eosinophil and neutrophil were increased in sensitized group (p<0.001 for all cases).Treatment of sensitized animals with dexamethasone, high concentrations of the extract and ALA improved all measured variables except monocyte for all three treatment groups and eosinophil for dexamethasone treatment (p<0.01 to p<0.001). In addition, treatment with low and medium extract and low ALA concentrations improved serum levels of NO₂, NO₃ and total WBC count (p<0.001 for all cases). Neutrophil and lymphocyte percentages and serum level of thiol also improved due to treatment with medium extract and low ALA concentration (p<0.01 to p<0.001). Medium extract and low ALA treatment also caused improvement of serum level of CAT and eosinophil percentage as well as SOD level respectively (p<0.01 to p<0.001). The effect of the extract of P. oleracea and ALA on serum oxidants and inflammatory cells were demonstrated in sensitized rats, which was comparable with dexamethasone effects at used concentrations.

from # All Medicine by Alexandros G. Sfakianakis via Alexandros G.Sfakianakis on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2ty1vsD
via IFTTT

Aquaporin-3: A New Potential Player in Molecular Pathogenesis of Systemic Sclerosis

Skin dryness and thickening are hallmarks of systemic sclerosis (SSc) disease. Aquaporins (AQPs) are plasma membrane proteins that transport glycerol and water, resulting in water retention and skin hydration. Expression of AQPs has been evaluated in human normal skin. However, expression of these proteins in SSc dermal fibroblasts has not yet been reported. The aim of this study was to assess the expression profile of AQPs in dermal fibroblasts of SSc patients. Fibroblast cells were extracted from SSc and healthy skin biopsies and characterized using fibroblast surface protein antibody. The SYBR Green Real-time PCR was used to evaluate the mRNA expression of AQP1, 3, 5, 7, 9, and 10 in dermal fibroblasts. Immunoblotting was performed to confirm the results of Real-time PCR. Our data demonstrated that only AQP1, AQP3, and AQP9 were expressed in human skin fibroblasts. Moreover, the expression of AQP3 mRNA and protein were significantly decreased in SSc dermal fibroblasts compare to healthy fibroblasts. AQP3, which involves in skin hydration and wound healing through water and glycerol transmission, is downregulated in SSc fibroblasts. Based on previous studies and our results, it seems that SSc manifestations like skin dryness, abnormal wound healing, and fibrotic lesions may be related to downregulation of AQP3 in SSc fibroblasts. Therefore, induction of AQP3 expression can be a potential treatment to relieve SSc skin thickness in the future.

from # All Medicine by Alexandros G. Sfakianakis via Alexandros G.Sfakianakis on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2sAjIZa
via IFTTT

Effect of MicroRNA-21 Transfection on in-vitro Differentiation of Human Naive CD4+ T Cells to Regulatory T Cells

Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are important components of the immune system that modulate responses of other cells... These cells are involved in peripheral tolerance mechanisms, so defect in development and function of these cells can result in autoimmune disease. Increasing evidence supports the role of microRNAs-21 (miR-21) in the regulation of forkhead box P3 ( Foxp3 ) expression in Tregs. We aimed to determine whether miR-21 transfection to naive CD4+ T cells can be useful in generation of iTregs in-vitro. We investigated in-vitro differentiation of miR-21-transfected naive CD4+ T cells to iTregs and compared these iTregs to cytokine-differentiated iTregs and control group. We showed that expression of Foxp3, Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-βand Interleukin-10 (IL-10) are increased in iTregs generated after miR-21 transfection in comparison with cytokine-differentiated iTregs and control group. Our findings demonstrate that miR-21 has positive role in in-vitro generation of induced regulatory T-cells (iTregs).

 

from # All Medicine by Alexandros G. Sfakianakis via Alexandros G.Sfakianakis on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2tyaZnA
via IFTTT

Investigation of Killer Immunoglobulin-like Receptor (KIR) and HLA genotypes to predict the occurrence of acute allograft rejection after kidney transplantation

After kidney transplantation, natural killer (NK) cells play a pivotal role in triggering the immune response to the allogeneic grafts primarily by their killer-cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIR). This process may be one mechanism that contributes to graft rejection. In this study, we have evaluated whether acute rejection after kidney transplantation was associated with predicted NK cell alloreactivity based on KIR gene and ligand along with KIR/HLA compound genotype analysis. After kidney transplantation, natural killer (NK) cells play a pivotal role in triggering the immune response to the allogeneic grafts primarily by their killer-cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIR). This process may be one mechanism that contributes to graft rejection. In this study, we have evaluated whether acute rejection after kidney transplantation was associated with predicted NK cell alloreactivity based on KIR gene and ligand along with KIR/HLA compound genotype analysis.

DNA from 65 patients with biopsy-proven acute kidney allograft rejection (AKAR), 61 clinically stable graft function (SGF) recipients and 176 healthy subjects were identified for the presence or absence of 10 variable KIR genes (both activating and inhibitory receptors) and their HLA ligands using polymerase chain reaction-sequence specific primers (PCR-SSP) assay. Although no significant difference in the frequency of individual KIR genes, was found the gene content, and the haplotypic distribution between the three categories were detected, the frequency of the KIR3DL1+HLA-Bw4*A allele combination was significantly lower in AKAR patients compared to SGF recipients (p=0.004, OR=0.34, CI=0.16-0.72) and healthy subjects (p=0.019, OR=0.47, CI=0.25-0.89). Kaplan-Meier survival test showed that the KIR3DL1+HLA-Bw4*A allele combination could be considered protective for AKAR (p=0.04 by log-rank). The results of this study suggest that KIR/HLA polymorphism may be a genetic susceptibility factor to alloreactivity dysfunction in the NK cells of patients with AKAR. It is likely that a KIR/HLA combinatorial study can be beneficial in predicting AKAR occurrence for the purpose of selecting donors appropriately.

from # All Medicine by Alexandros G. Sfakianakis via Alexandros G.Sfakianakis on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2sA09A7
via IFTTT

Effects of Intraperitoneal Injection of Allogeneic Bone Marrow-derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells on Bronchiolitis Obliterans in Mice Model

Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) can ameliorate a variety of lung diseases such as asthma, lung fibrosis, and acute lung injury by its anti-inflammatory and immunmodulatory effects. In this study, we developed a mouse model of bronchiolitis obliterans (BO) and evaluated the effects of the intraperitoneal administration of BMSCs on lung histopathology and cytokine levels. 25 BALB/c mice were divided into four groups; control group (Group I), BO developed and 1x10⁶ BMSCs-injected group (Group II), non-BO, 1x10⁶ BMSCs-injected group (Group III), and BO developed and saline-injected group (Group IV). Histological and immunohistochemical findings of the lung tissue and the migration of BMSCs to the lung were evaluated using light and confocal microscopy techniques. Confocal microscopy evaluations showed that there was no noteworthy amount of BMSCs in the lung tissue of group III while significant amount of BMSCs was detected in group II. Wall thicknesses of terminal bronchiole and periterminal bronchiolar collagen deposition were significantly lower in group II compared to the group IV (p<0.05). Furthermore, according to the immunohistochemical staining results, CD3, CD4, CD8, CD20, CD68 and neutrophil elastase positive immune cells of group II were stained more positive than group IV cells (p<0.05). IFN-γ IL-2 and TNF-α levels in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were significantly lower in group II compared to group IV (p<0.05). The findings of this study indicate that intraperitoneally administered BMSCs have potent effects on histopatological changes of the lung tissue and cytokine levels in the murine model of BO.

from # All Medicine by Alexandros G. Sfakianakis via Alexandros G.Sfakianakis on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2tyktza
via IFTTT

The Effect of Salt Space on Clinical Findings and Peak Expiratory Flow in Children with Mild to Moderate Asthma: A Randomized Crossover Trial

The asthma treatment and control might be associated with significant burden on family and community‚ thus exploring other therapeutic plans could be desirable. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of salt space on clinical findings and peak expiratory flow rate among children with asthma. In this randomized crossover trial, 34 patients aged 6-14 years old with mild to moderate asthma were selected and randomly divided into two groups. The first group went through a period of salt therapy by staying in the salt room for one hour, three times a week for 3 consecutive weeks and then was under observation for three weeks. This process was reversed for the second group (three weeks under observation followed by salt therapy). The wash-out period was one week. During the study, the morning and evening peak expiratory flow (PEF), the frequency of coughing, wheezing, dyspnea and use of rescue medications were measured. Salt therapy had a significant effect on raising the morning and evening PEF in the second week in both groups (p=0.028 and p=0.032, respectively). However, there was no significant effect on PEF variabilities‚ cough‚ wheezing, dyspnea, and the frequency of rescue medication (p>0.05). No side effect was observed during salt therapy. This study showed the significant effect of salt therapy on PEF rate of the patients in the second week. However, further studies with different frequency and time of salt therapy on respiratory disorders are recommended. 

from # All Medicine by Alexandros G. Sfakianakis via Alexandros G.Sfakianakis on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2sAF48A
via IFTTT

The Effect of Oral Levamisole Co-administration on the Level of Immune Response to Hepatitis B Vaccine in Healthy Individuals: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Despite its proven efficacy, the hepatitis B vaccine requires improvements in immune enhancement and durability, especially in the elderly. Levamisole, an immune modulator, has been tested as an adjuvant to hepatitis B vaccine in several studies in immune-compromised populations. However, we aimed to evaluate the effect of levamisole on the immune response to hepatitis B vaccine in healthy subjects. In this randomized clinical trial, healthy family members of chronic hepatitis B patients were given twenty-microgram intramuscular injections of hepatitis B vaccine at 0, 1, and 6 months and 50 miligrams of oral  levamisole twice a day for two weeks with every vaccination dose. Serum hepatitis B surface antibody (HBsAb) levels of ultimately 98 individuals were measured one month after the final vaccination dose and compared to those of 119 subjects that received placebo and vaccine with an identical regimen. HBsAb levels >10 mIU/mL were considered protective. The Student's t-test, Mann-Whitney test, Kruskal–Wallis analysis (quantitative comparison in age groups), Chi-square test, and the Pearson correlation were used to analyze data. p<0.05 was considered significant. Serum HBsAb levels were significantly higher in the test group (p<0.001). All test subjects had levels above 50 mIU/mL (86.7% exceeding 100 mIU/mL). The quantitative response according to age groups was remarkable (p=0.01 and p<0.001 for placebo and levamisole, respectively), while that of gender was insignificant (p=0.9). Unlike HBsAb titers amongst controls, levels in the levamisole group were affected by smoking (p=0.79 and p=0.006, respectively). We conclude that oral levamisole as an adjuvant to the hepatitis B vaccine enhances the anti-HBs antibody in healthy vaccinees. 

from # All Medicine by Alexandros G. Sfakianakis via Alexandros G.Sfakianakis on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2tyqr38
via IFTTT

Intradermal Skin Testing in Allergic Rhinitis and Asthma with Negative Skin Prick Tests

Taking medical history, physical examination, and performing some in vivo and in vitro tests are necessary for the diagnosis of allergy. Skin prick test (SPT) is considered as the standard method and first-line approach for the detection of allergic sensitization. Although mainly SPT is used for the detection of allergic sensitization, intradermal skin test (IDST) may be necessary, especially in patients with a negative SPT result. IDST is quite safe; however is nowadays seldom used for detection of inhalant allergy and its value remains controversial. We aimed to investigate whether IDST is useful and necessary in diagnosis of respiratory allergies or not. This study involved 4223 patients with allergic rhinitis (AR) and/or bronchial asthma (BA). SPT results were positive in 2419 patients (57%) and negative in 1804 (43%). IDST was applied to 344 patients with marked allergic symptoms and with negative SPT results. Out of 344 patients, 152 (44%) showed allergic sensitization to IDST. The most commonly encountered allergic response was against the house dust mite (HDM) (32.6%). Allergic response against fungal spores was also relatively high (22%), while the pollen allergy rate (4.3%) was quite low. In BA patients with negative prick test, IDST made a significant contribution to the diagnosis of HDM allergy (p=0.003). To avoid missed diagnosis of AR and BA, particularly regarding  the HDM allergy, application of IDST may be beneficial; therefore, IDST should be considered as the next step after SPT for diagnosis of allergy prior to in vitro or provocation tests.

from # All Medicine by Alexandros G. Sfakianakis via Alexandros G.Sfakianakis on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2sAkXro
via IFTTT