Background and Objective: Ménière's disease (MD) is a disorder of the inner ear typically showing recurrent acute episodes of vertigo, hearing loss, and tinnitus. Epidemiologic studies on MD are scarce. We assessed the incidence rates (IRs) of MD and describe the characteristics of MD cases, comparing them to control patients without recorded evidence of MD. Study Design: We conducted a retrospective population-based follow-up study and a nested case-control analysis using data from the UK-based Clinical Practice Research Datalink. Methods: We identified patients between 18 and 79 years of age with an incident MD diagnosis between January 1993 and December 2014. We assessed the IRs of betahistine-treated MD. In the nested case-control analysis, we matched 4 controls to each MD case on sex, age, general practice, years of active history in the database, and calendar time. We conducted a #x03C7;2 test to present p values in order to compare the prevalence of demographics, comorbidities, and co-medication between cases and controls. Results: We identified 5,508 MD cases and 22,032 MD-free controls (65.4% females). The overall IR for MD in the UK was 13.1 per 100,000 person-years. More cases were female, and the mean age at diagnosis was 55.4 ± 13.7 years. Smoking and alcohol consumption were less prevalent among MD cases. Depression, other affective disorders, sleeping disorders, anxiety, and migraine were more prevalent among MD cases than among controls. Conclusions: MD is uncommon in primary care in the UK with a preponderance among females.
Audiol Neurotol 2017;22:74-82
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Τετάρτη 19 Ιουλίου 2017
Population-Based Study on the Epidemiology of Ménière's Disease
Background and Objective: Ménière's disease (MD) is a disorder of the inner ear typically showing recurrent acute episodes of vertigo, hearing loss, and tinnitus. Epidemiologic studies on MD are scarce. We assessed the incidence rates (IRs) of MD and describe the characteristics of MD cases, comparing them to control patients without recorded evidence of MD. Study Design: We conducted a retrospective population-based follow-up study and a nested case-control analysis using data from the UK-based Clinical Practice Research Datalink. Methods: We identified patients between 18 and 79 years of age with an incident MD diagnosis between January 1993 and December 2014. We assessed the IRs of betahistine-treated MD. In the nested case-control analysis, we matched 4 controls to each MD case on sex, age, general practice, years of active history in the database, and calendar time. We conducted a #x03C7;2 test to present p values in order to compare the prevalence of demographics, comorbidities, and co-medication between cases and controls. Results: We identified 5,508 MD cases and 22,032 MD-free controls (65.4% females). The overall IR for MD in the UK was 13.1 per 100,000 person-years. More cases were female, and the mean age at diagnosis was 55.4 ± 13.7 years. Smoking and alcohol consumption were less prevalent among MD cases. Depression, other affective disorders, sleeping disorders, anxiety, and migraine were more prevalent among MD cases than among controls. Conclusions: MD is uncommon in primary care in the UK with a preponderance among females.
Audiol Neurotol 2017;22:74-82
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Audiol Neurotol 2017;22:74-82
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Risk of Cancer in Patients with Psoriasis on Biologic Therapies: A Systematic Review
Summary
Biologic therapies are highly effective in psoriasis, but have profound effects on innate and adaptive immune pathways that may negatively impact on cancer immunosurveillance mechanisms. To investigate the risk of cancer in psoriasis patients treated with biologic therapy we searched Medline, Embase, and the Cochrane Library (up to August 2016) for randomized control trials, prospective cohort studies and systematic reviews that reported cancer incidence in people exposed to biologic therapy for psoriasis compared to a control population. Eight prospective cohort studies met our inclusion criteria. All the evidence reviewed related to tumour necrosis factor inhibitors (TNFi) with the exception of one study on ustekinumab. An increased risk of non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC), particularly squamous cell carcinoma, was reported with TNFi compared to both a general United States population and a rheumatoid arthritis population treated with TNFi. No evidence for increased risk of cancers (reported as all cancers, lymphoma, melanoma, prostate, colorectal and breast cancer) other than NMSC was identified. There were important limitations to the studies identified including choice of comparator arms, inadequate adjustment for confounding factors and failure to account for latency periods of cancer. There remains a need for ongoing pharmacovigilance in relation to cancer risk and biologic therapy; to determine whether the NMSC signal is specifically attributable to TNFi, further investigation is required using prospectively-collected data with adjustment for known NMSC risk factors. Systematic review registration number: PROSPERO; 2015:CRD42015017538.
This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Risk of Cancer in Patients with Psoriasis on Biologic Therapies: A Systematic Review
Summary
Biologic therapies are highly effective in psoriasis, but have profound effects on innate and adaptive immune pathways that may negatively impact on cancer immunosurveillance mechanisms. To investigate the risk of cancer in psoriasis patients treated with biologic therapy we searched Medline, Embase, and the Cochrane Library (up to August 2016) for randomized control trials, prospective cohort studies and systematic reviews that reported cancer incidence in people exposed to biologic therapy for psoriasis compared to a control population. Eight prospective cohort studies met our inclusion criteria. All the evidence reviewed related to tumour necrosis factor inhibitors (TNFi) with the exception of one study on ustekinumab. An increased risk of non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC), particularly squamous cell carcinoma, was reported with TNFi compared to both a general United States population and a rheumatoid arthritis population treated with TNFi. No evidence for increased risk of cancers (reported as all cancers, lymphoma, melanoma, prostate, colorectal and breast cancer) other than NMSC was identified. There were important limitations to the studies identified including choice of comparator arms, inadequate adjustment for confounding factors and failure to account for latency periods of cancer. There remains a need for ongoing pharmacovigilance in relation to cancer risk and biologic therapy; to determine whether the NMSC signal is specifically attributable to TNFi, further investigation is required using prospectively-collected data with adjustment for known NMSC risk factors. Systematic review registration number: PROSPERO; 2015:CRD42015017538.
This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Reporting of outcomes in randomised controlled trials on nail psoriasis; a Systematic Review
Summary
Harmonization of outcome measures is needed to increase the value of clinical trials on nail psoriasis. To provide the first step in core outcome set (COS) development, a systematic review was conducted to identify outcome domains and instruments reported in (ongoing) randomised controlled trials (RCTs) on nail psoriasis.
Identified outcome domains included clinical signs, quality of life, symptoms and delivery of care. A NAPSI was most commonly used to assess clinical signs (73.8% of studies). Other outcome instruments used included the NAS, composite fingernail score, a physician global assessment, individual nail features or a combination of these. Heterogeneity in type and reporting (e.g. NAPSI 50, NAPSI 75) of outcome instruments was high and characteristics were often insufficient reported. 43.1% of studies assessed quality of life, with 3.1% of studies using a nail psoriasis specific tool. Assessment of symptoms and delivery of care was limited.
In conclusion, heterogeneity in type and reporting of nail psoriasis outcome instruments needs to be addressed in the process towards COS development. Sufficient reporting of instrument characteristics should be encouraged. As nail psoriasis is generally assessed secondary to psoriasis of the skin or joints, collaboration between different research groups in COS development is needed.
This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Reporting of outcomes in randomised controlled trials on nail psoriasis; a Systematic Review
Summary
Harmonization of outcome measures is needed to increase the value of clinical trials on nail psoriasis. To provide the first step in core outcome set (COS) development, a systematic review was conducted to identify outcome domains and instruments reported in (ongoing) randomised controlled trials (RCTs) on nail psoriasis.
Identified outcome domains included clinical signs, quality of life, symptoms and delivery of care. A NAPSI was most commonly used to assess clinical signs (73.8% of studies). Other outcome instruments used included the NAS, composite fingernail score, a physician global assessment, individual nail features or a combination of these. Heterogeneity in type and reporting (e.g. NAPSI 50, NAPSI 75) of outcome instruments was high and characteristics were often insufficient reported. 43.1% of studies assessed quality of life, with 3.1% of studies using a nail psoriasis specific tool. Assessment of symptoms and delivery of care was limited.
In conclusion, heterogeneity in type and reporting of nail psoriasis outcome instruments needs to be addressed in the process towards COS development. Sufficient reporting of instrument characteristics should be encouraged. As nail psoriasis is generally assessed secondary to psoriasis of the skin or joints, collaboration between different research groups in COS development is needed.
This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Wet work exposure and hand eczema among healthcare workers - a cross-sectional study
Summary
Background
Hand eczema is more common in healthcare workers compared to the general population. The hands are subject to changing occupational exposures due to mandatory hygiene regulations for health care workers.
Objectives
To describe the exposure due to hygiene procedures and investigate the associations between occupational hand washing, use of non-sterile gloves, and hand disinfectant and self-reported hand eczema.
Methods
Cross-sectional study with an electronic questionnaire distributed to 28 762 hospital employees in southern Sweden. Respondents working as nurses, assistant nurses or physicians constituted the group of healthcare workers analysed. Adjustments were made for gender, age, wet work at home, life-style factors and atopic dermatitis.
Results
12 288 (43%) responded including 9051 healthcare workers. In this group the 1-year prevalence of self-reported hand eczema was 21%. On a daily basis, 30% reported hand washing with soap >20 times at work, 45% used hand disinfectants >50 times, and 54% used non-sterile gloves > 2 hours. After adjustment for confounding factors, a dose-dependent association with self-reported hand eczema was found for the daily number of hand washes with soap at work and time working with disposable gloves, but not for alcoholic disinfectant use. Hand washing outside work was not associated with self-reported hand eczema in the adjusted multivariate analysis.
Conclusions
In this study, we found a higher 1-year prevalence of self-reported hand eczema among Swedish healthcare workers than reported in the general population. Hand washing with soap and use of disposable gloves were associated with the occurrence of self-reported hand eczema in a dose-dependent way. Use of hand disinfectant was not associated with self-reported hand eczema.
This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Wet work exposure and hand eczema among healthcare workers - a cross-sectional study
Summary
Background
Hand eczema is more common in healthcare workers compared to the general population. The hands are subject to changing occupational exposures due to mandatory hygiene regulations for health care workers.
Objectives
To describe the exposure due to hygiene procedures and investigate the associations between occupational hand washing, use of non-sterile gloves, and hand disinfectant and self-reported hand eczema.
Methods
Cross-sectional study with an electronic questionnaire distributed to 28 762 hospital employees in southern Sweden. Respondents working as nurses, assistant nurses or physicians constituted the group of healthcare workers analysed. Adjustments were made for gender, age, wet work at home, life-style factors and atopic dermatitis.
Results
12 288 (43%) responded including 9051 healthcare workers. In this group the 1-year prevalence of self-reported hand eczema was 21%. On a daily basis, 30% reported hand washing with soap >20 times at work, 45% used hand disinfectants >50 times, and 54% used non-sterile gloves > 2 hours. After adjustment for confounding factors, a dose-dependent association with self-reported hand eczema was found for the daily number of hand washes with soap at work and time working with disposable gloves, but not for alcoholic disinfectant use. Hand washing outside work was not associated with self-reported hand eczema in the adjusted multivariate analysis.
Conclusions
In this study, we found a higher 1-year prevalence of self-reported hand eczema among Swedish healthcare workers than reported in the general population. Hand washing with soap and use of disposable gloves were associated with the occurrence of self-reported hand eczema in a dose-dependent way. Use of hand disinfectant was not associated with self-reported hand eczema.
This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Breast cancer stem cells as last soldiers eluding therapeutic burn: A hard nut to crack
This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. (Source: International Journal of Cancer)
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Do STAT3 inhibitors have potential in the future for cancer therapy?
Authors: Wong ALA, Hirpara JL, Pervaiz S, Eu JQ, Sethi G, Goh BC PMID: 28714740 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Expert Opinion on Investigational Drugs)
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N ‑acetylneuraminic acid: A scrutinizing tool in oral squamous cell carcinoma diagnosis
Conclusion: As the histopathological grade progresses, there is a marked increase in level of sialic acid. There is a significant positive correlation between serum and salivary sialic acid levels in OSCC.Further research with larger sample size along with grading and staging system may highlight its significance in OSCC.Key Words: Biomarkers, carcinoma, N ‑acetylneuraminic acid, saliva, serum (Source: Dental Research Journal)
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Is Cancer Information Exchanged on Social Media Scientifically Accurate?
AbstractCancer patients and their caregivers are increasingly using social media as a platform to share cancer experiences, connect with support, and exchange cancer-related information. Yet, little is known about the nature and scientific accuracy of cancer-related information exchanged on social media. We conducted a content analysis of 12 months of data from 18 publically available Facebook Pages hosted by parents of children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (N = 15,852 posts) and extracted all exchanges of medically-oriented cancer information. We systematically coded for themes in the nature of cancer-related information exchanged on personal Facebook Pages and two oncology experts independently evaluated the scientific accuracy of each post. Of the 1 5,852 total posts, 171 posts...
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Developing new targeting strategy for androgen receptor variants in castration resistant prostate cancer
This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. (Source: International Journal of Cancer)
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A Tribute to Dr. Rammohan Tiwari
(Source: Indian Journal of Surgical Oncology)
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Phytochemicals and Naturally Occurring Substances in the Chemoprevention of Skin Cancer
AbstractPurpose of ReviewNon-melanoma skin cancer outnumbers all other cancers combined by three to four-fold while melanoma is the fifth most common cancer overall, and the deadliest form of skin cancer. Despite treatment advancements in the past several decades, incidence continues to rise. Phytochemicals and other naturally occurring substances may provide sustainable chemopreventive solutions. The purpose of this study is to review the key findings from the literature and report on the level of evidence based on study design.Recent FindingsA comprehensive PubMed search was completed from 1984 to present using keywords "skin cancer chemoprevention" alone and with "phytochemicals," "alternative," "essential oils," and "vitamins." This search demonstrated that the lite...
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Selenium and breast cancer risk: A prospective nested case –control study on serum selenium levels, smoking habits and overweight
This study was conducted to clarify if there is an association between prediagnostic serum Se levels and breast cancer risk. A population based cohort, the Malmö Diet and Cancer Study, was used and linked with the Swedish cancer registry up to 31 December 2013. Our study included 1,186 women with breast cancer and an equal number of controls. Selenium levels were analysed from stored serum samples. The included individuals were divided into quartiles based on Se value and we compared breast cancer cases with controls using logistic regression yielding odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals. Serum Se was also analysed as a continuous variable regarding breast cancer risk. The analyses were adjusted for established risk factors and stratified on smoking status and body mass index (B...
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Combined treatment for non-small cell lung cancer and breast cancer patients with brain metastases with whole brain radiotherapy and temozolomide: a systematic review and meta-analysis
AbstractBrain metastasis is the leading cause of death among advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and breast cancer patients. The standard treatment for brain metastases is radiotherapy. The combination of radiotherapy and chemotherapy has been tested. However, the management of brain metastases has yet to be successful. Here, we aimed to determine the efficacy and safety of whole brain radiotherapy (WBRT) alone or in combination with temozolomide (TMZ) in NSCLC and breast cancer patients with brain metastases. A systematic review of PubMed, CNKI (China National Knowledge Infrastructure) and WANFANG (WANGFANG data) involving 870 patients were conducted. Fourteen randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were independently identified by two reviewers. The primary outcome measures were obje...
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Assessing predicted age-specific breast cancer mortality rates in 27 European countries by 2020
ConclusionsFor the year 2020, our predictions have shown a converging pattern of BC mortality rates between European regions. Reducing disparities, in access to screening and treatment, could have a substantial effect in countries where a non-decreasing trend in age-specific BC mortality rates has been predicted. (Source: Clinical and Translational Oncology)
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Plasma MicroRNA ‐based Signatures to Predict 3‐year Postoperative Recurrence Risk for Stage II and III Gastric Cancer
In conclusion, identified microRNA signature may potentially provide some additional benefit for prediction of disease recurrence in patients with stage II and III GC. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. (Source: International Journal of Cancer)
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Active human papillomavirus involvement in Barrett's dysplasia and oesophageal adenocarcinoma is characterized by wild ‐type p53 and aberrations of the retinoblastoma protein pathway
This study aimed to identify biomarkers of active HPV infection in Barrett's metaplasia, (BM)/BD/OAC by immunohistochemical staining (IHC) of formalin‐fixed paraffin embedded (FFPE) tissue for aberrations of p53 and the retinoblastoma (pRb) pathway which are targets for the viral oncoproteins, E6/E7 respectively. Prospectively, BM(n=81)/BD(n=72)/OAC(n=65) FFPE specimens were subjected to IHC staining for pRb, p16INK4A, cyclin D1, p53 and RNA in‐situ hybridization (ISH) for E6/E7 transcripts. HPV DNA was determined via PCR in fresh frozen specimens. Viral load measurement (real‐time PCR) and Next Generation Sequencing of TP53 was also performed. Of 218 patients, 56 were HPV DNA positive [HPV16 (n=42), 18 (n=13), 6 (n=1)]. Viral load was low. Transcriptionally active HPV (DNA+/RNA+) wa...
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Asbestos ‐associated genome‐wide DNA methylation changes in lung cancer
In conclusion, we identified novel DNA methylation changes associated with lung tumors and asbestos exposure, suggesting that changes may be present in causal pathway from asbestos exposure to lung cancer. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. (Source: International Journal of Cancer)
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Alcohol consumption and risk of urothelial cell bladder cancer in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition cohort
In conclusion, we observed some associations between alcohol and UCC in men and in smokers, possibly due to residual confounding by tobacco smoking. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. (Source: International Journal of Cancer)
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Activation of the B ‐cell receptor successively activates NF‐κB and STAT3 in chronic lymphocytic leukemia cells
This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. (Source: International Journal of Cancer)
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Computed tomographic characteristics for patients with unresectable gastric cancer harboring low-volume peritoneal carcinomatosis
AbstractAlthough current staging workups could differentiate most patients with operable from inoperable advanced gastric cancers, there are still some patients with low-volume peritoneal carcinomatosis, defined as only metastasis with multiple subcentimeter lesions in peritoneum, receiving unnecessary open –close procedures. The computed tomography (CT) of the patients with unresectable advanced gastric cancer harboring low-volume peritoneal carcinomatosis was retrospectively identified and then thoroughly reviewed by two independent radiologists unaware of the peritoneal carcinomatosis status. Of t he 798 patients with newly diagnosed gastric cancer between January 2007 and December 2010, 52 patients harboring advanced gastric cancer with low-volume peritoneal carcinomatosis receiving ...
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Comment on “Are Patients with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Ideal Candidates for Oocyte Donation?”
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Reporting of outcomes in randomised controlled trials on nail psoriasis; a Systematic Review
Summary
Harmonization of outcome measures is needed to increase the value of clinical trials on nail psoriasis. To provide the first step in core outcome set (COS) development, a systematic review was conducted to identify outcome domains and instruments reported in (ongoing) randomised controlled trials (RCTs) on nail psoriasis.
Identified outcome domains included clinical signs, quality of life, symptoms and delivery of care. A NAPSI was most commonly used to assess clinical signs (73.8% of studies). Other outcome instruments used included the NAS, composite fingernail score, a physician global assessment, individual nail features or a combination of these. Heterogeneity in type and reporting (e.g. NAPSI 50, NAPSI 75) of outcome instruments was high and characteristics were often insufficient reported. 43.1% of studies assessed quality of life, with 3.1% of studies using a nail psoriasis specific tool. Assessment of symptoms and delivery of care was limited.
In conclusion, heterogeneity in type and reporting of nail psoriasis outcome instruments needs to be addressed in the process towards COS development. Sufficient reporting of instrument characteristics should be encouraged. As nail psoriasis is generally assessed secondary to psoriasis of the skin or joints, collaboration between different research groups in COS development is needed.
This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Population-Based Study on the Epidemiology of Ménière's Disease
Background and Objective: Ménière's disease (MD) is a disorder of the inner ear typically showing recurrent acute episodes of vertigo, hearing loss, and tinnitus. Epidemiologic studies on MD are scarce. We assessed the incidence rates (IRs) of MD and describe the characteristics of MD cases, comparing them to control patients without recorded evidence of MD. Study Design: We conducted a retrospective population-based follow-up study and a nested case-control analysis using data from the UK-based Clinical Practice Research Datalink. Methods: We identified patients between 18 and 79 years of age with an incident MD diagnosis between January 1993 and December 2014. We assessed the IRs of betahistine-treated MD. In the nested case-control analysis, we matched 4 controls to each MD case on sex, age, general practice, years of active history in the database, and calendar time. We conducted a #x03C7;2 test to present p values in order to compare the prevalence of demographics, comorbidities, and co-medication between cases and controls. Results: We identified 5,508 MD cases and 22,032 MD-free controls (65.4% females). The overall IR for MD in the UK was 13.1 per 100,000 person-years. More cases were female, and the mean age at diagnosis was 55.4 ± 13.7 years. Smoking and alcohol consumption were less prevalent among MD cases. Depression, other affective disorders, sleeping disorders, anxiety, and migraine were more prevalent among MD cases than among controls. Conclusions: MD is uncommon in primary care in the UK with a preponderance among females.
Audiol Neurotol 2017;22:74-82
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Audiol Neurotol 2017;22:74-82
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Population-Based Study on the Epidemiology of Ménière's Disease
Background and Objective: Ménière's disease (MD) is a disorder of the inner ear typically showing recurrent acute episodes of vertigo, hearing loss, and tinnitus. Epidemiologic studies on MD are scarce. We assessed the incidence rates (IRs) of MD and describe the characteristics of MD cases, comparing them to control patients without recorded evidence of MD. Study Design: We conducted a retrospective population-based follow-up study and a nested case-control analysis using data from the UK-based Clinical Practice Research Datalink. Methods: We identified patients between 18 and 79 years of age with an incident MD diagnosis between January 1993 and December 2014. We assessed the IRs of betahistine-treated MD. In the nested case-control analysis, we matched 4 controls to each MD case on sex, age, general practice, years of active history in the database, and calendar time. We conducted a #x03C7;2 test to present p values in order to compare the prevalence of demographics, comorbidities, and co-medication between cases and controls. Results: We identified 5,508 MD cases and 22,032 MD-free controls (65.4% females). The overall IR for MD in the UK was 13.1 per 100,000 person-years. More cases were female, and the mean age at diagnosis was 55.4 ± 13.7 years. Smoking and alcohol consumption were less prevalent among MD cases. Depression, other affective disorders, sleeping disorders, anxiety, and migraine were more prevalent among MD cases than among controls. Conclusions: MD is uncommon in primary care in the UK with a preponderance among females.
Audiol Neurotol 2017;22:74-82
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Audiol Neurotol 2017;22:74-82
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Risk of Cancer in Patients with Psoriasis on Biologic Therapies: A Systematic Review
Summary
Biologic therapies are highly effective in psoriasis, but have profound effects on innate and adaptive immune pathways that may negatively impact on cancer immunosurveillance mechanisms. To investigate the risk of cancer in psoriasis patients treated with biologic therapy we searched Medline, Embase, and the Cochrane Library (up to August 2016) for randomized control trials, prospective cohort studies and systematic reviews that reported cancer incidence in people exposed to biologic therapy for psoriasis compared to a control population. Eight prospective cohort studies met our inclusion criteria. All the evidence reviewed related to tumour necrosis factor inhibitors (TNFi) with the exception of one study on ustekinumab. An increased risk of non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC), particularly squamous cell carcinoma, was reported with TNFi compared to both a general United States population and a rheumatoid arthritis population treated with TNFi. No evidence for increased risk of cancers (reported as all cancers, lymphoma, melanoma, prostate, colorectal and breast cancer) other than NMSC was identified. There were important limitations to the studies identified including choice of comparator arms, inadequate adjustment for confounding factors and failure to account for latency periods of cancer. There remains a need for ongoing pharmacovigilance in relation to cancer risk and biologic therapy; to determine whether the NMSC signal is specifically attributable to TNFi, further investigation is required using prospectively-collected data with adjustment for known NMSC risk factors. Systematic review registration number: PROSPERO; 2015:CRD42015017538.
This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Risk of Cancer in Patients with Psoriasis on Biologic Therapies: A Systematic Review
Summary
Biologic therapies are highly effective in psoriasis, but have profound effects on innate and adaptive immune pathways that may negatively impact on cancer immunosurveillance mechanisms. To investigate the risk of cancer in psoriasis patients treated with biologic therapy we searched Medline, Embase, and the Cochrane Library (up to August 2016) for randomized control trials, prospective cohort studies and systematic reviews that reported cancer incidence in people exposed to biologic therapy for psoriasis compared to a control population. Eight prospective cohort studies met our inclusion criteria. All the evidence reviewed related to tumour necrosis factor inhibitors (TNFi) with the exception of one study on ustekinumab. An increased risk of non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC), particularly squamous cell carcinoma, was reported with TNFi compared to both a general United States population and a rheumatoid arthritis population treated with TNFi. No evidence for increased risk of cancers (reported as all cancers, lymphoma, melanoma, prostate, colorectal and breast cancer) other than NMSC was identified. There were important limitations to the studies identified including choice of comparator arms, inadequate adjustment for confounding factors and failure to account for latency periods of cancer. There remains a need for ongoing pharmacovigilance in relation to cancer risk and biologic therapy; to determine whether the NMSC signal is specifically attributable to TNFi, further investigation is required using prospectively-collected data with adjustment for known NMSC risk factors. Systematic review registration number: PROSPERO; 2015:CRD42015017538.
This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Reporting of outcomes in randomised controlled trials on nail psoriasis; a Systematic Review
Summary
Harmonization of outcome measures is needed to increase the value of clinical trials on nail psoriasis. To provide the first step in core outcome set (COS) development, a systematic review was conducted to identify outcome domains and instruments reported in (ongoing) randomised controlled trials (RCTs) on nail psoriasis.
Identified outcome domains included clinical signs, quality of life, symptoms and delivery of care. A NAPSI was most commonly used to assess clinical signs (73.8% of studies). Other outcome instruments used included the NAS, composite fingernail score, a physician global assessment, individual nail features or a combination of these. Heterogeneity in type and reporting (e.g. NAPSI 50, NAPSI 75) of outcome instruments was high and characteristics were often insufficient reported. 43.1% of studies assessed quality of life, with 3.1% of studies using a nail psoriasis specific tool. Assessment of symptoms and delivery of care was limited.
In conclusion, heterogeneity in type and reporting of nail psoriasis outcome instruments needs to be addressed in the process towards COS development. Sufficient reporting of instrument characteristics should be encouraged. As nail psoriasis is generally assessed secondary to psoriasis of the skin or joints, collaboration between different research groups in COS development is needed.
This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Comment on “Are Patients with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Ideal Candidates for Oocyte Donation?”
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Wet work exposure and hand eczema among healthcare workers - a cross-sectional study
Summary
Background
Hand eczema is more common in healthcare workers compared to the general population. The hands are subject to changing occupational exposures due to mandatory hygiene regulations for health care workers.
Objectives
To describe the exposure due to hygiene procedures and investigate the associations between occupational hand washing, use of non-sterile gloves, and hand disinfectant and self-reported hand eczema.
Methods
Cross-sectional study with an electronic questionnaire distributed to 28 762 hospital employees in southern Sweden. Respondents working as nurses, assistant nurses or physicians constituted the group of healthcare workers analysed. Adjustments were made for gender, age, wet work at home, life-style factors and atopic dermatitis.
Results
12 288 (43%) responded including 9051 healthcare workers. In this group the 1-year prevalence of self-reported hand eczema was 21%. On a daily basis, 30% reported hand washing with soap >20 times at work, 45% used hand disinfectants >50 times, and 54% used non-sterile gloves > 2 hours. After adjustment for confounding factors, a dose-dependent association with self-reported hand eczema was found for the daily number of hand washes with soap at work and time working with disposable gloves, but not for alcoholic disinfectant use. Hand washing outside work was not associated with self-reported hand eczema in the adjusted multivariate analysis.
Conclusions
In this study, we found a higher 1-year prevalence of self-reported hand eczema among Swedish healthcare workers than reported in the general population. Hand washing with soap and use of disposable gloves were associated with the occurrence of self-reported hand eczema in a dose-dependent way. Use of hand disinfectant was not associated with self-reported hand eczema.
This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Wet work exposure and hand eczema among healthcare workers - a cross-sectional study
Summary
Background
Hand eczema is more common in healthcare workers compared to the general population. The hands are subject to changing occupational exposures due to mandatory hygiene regulations for health care workers.
Objectives
To describe the exposure due to hygiene procedures and investigate the associations between occupational hand washing, use of non-sterile gloves, and hand disinfectant and self-reported hand eczema.
Methods
Cross-sectional study with an electronic questionnaire distributed to 28 762 hospital employees in southern Sweden. Respondents working as nurses, assistant nurses or physicians constituted the group of healthcare workers analysed. Adjustments were made for gender, age, wet work at home, life-style factors and atopic dermatitis.
Results
12 288 (43%) responded including 9051 healthcare workers. In this group the 1-year prevalence of self-reported hand eczema was 21%. On a daily basis, 30% reported hand washing with soap >20 times at work, 45% used hand disinfectants >50 times, and 54% used non-sterile gloves > 2 hours. After adjustment for confounding factors, a dose-dependent association with self-reported hand eczema was found for the daily number of hand washes with soap at work and time working with disposable gloves, but not for alcoholic disinfectant use. Hand washing outside work was not associated with self-reported hand eczema in the adjusted multivariate analysis.
Conclusions
In this study, we found a higher 1-year prevalence of self-reported hand eczema among Swedish healthcare workers than reported in the general population. Hand washing with soap and use of disposable gloves were associated with the occurrence of self-reported hand eczema in a dose-dependent way. Use of hand disinfectant was not associated with self-reported hand eczema.
This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Population-Based Study on the Epidemiology of Ménière's Disease
Background and Objective: Ménière's disease (MD) is a disorder of the inner ear typically showing recurrent acute episodes of vertigo, hearing loss, and tinnitus. Epidemiologic studies on MD are scarce. We assessed the incidence rates (IRs) of MD and describe the characteristics of MD cases, comparing them to control patients without recorded evidence of MD. Study Design: We conducted a retrospective population-based follow-up study and a nested case-control analysis using data from the UK-based Clinical Practice Research Datalink. Methods: We identified patients between 18 and 79 years of age with an incident MD diagnosis between January 1993 and December 2014. We assessed the IRs of betahistine-treated MD. In the nested case-control analysis, we matched 4 controls to each MD case on sex, age, general practice, years of active history in the database, and calendar time. We conducted a #x03C7;2 test to present p values in order to compare the prevalence of demographics, comorbidities, and co-medication between cases and controls. Results: We identified 5,508 MD cases and 22,032 MD-free controls (65.4% females). The overall IR for MD in the UK was 13.1 per 100,000 person-years. More cases were female, and the mean age at diagnosis was 55.4 ± 13.7 years. Smoking and alcohol consumption were less prevalent among MD cases. Depression, other affective disorders, sleeping disorders, anxiety, and migraine were more prevalent among MD cases than among controls. Conclusions: MD is uncommon in primary care in the UK with a preponderance among females.
Audiol Neurotol 2017;22:74-82
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Audiol Neurotol 2017;22:74-82
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IJMS, Vol. 18, Pages 1557: Colorful Packages: Encapsulation of Fluorescent Proteins in Complex Coacervate Core Micelles
IJMS, Vol. 18, Pages 1557: Colorful Packages: Encapsulation of Fluorescent Proteins in Complex Coacervate Core Micelles
International Journal of Molecular Sciences doi: 10.3390/ijms18071557
Authors: Antsje Nolles Adrie Westphal J. Kleijn Willem van Berkel Jan Borst
Encapsulation of proteins can be beneficial for food and biomedical applications. To study their biophysical properties in complex coacervate core micelles (C3Ms), we previously encapsulated enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) and its monomeric variant, mEGFP, with the cationic-neutral diblock copolymer poly(2-methyl-vinyl-pyridinium)n-b-poly(ethylene-oxide)m (P2MVPn-b-PEOm) as enveloping material. C3Ms with high packaging densities of fluorescent proteins (FPs) were obtained, resulting in a restricted orientational freedom of the protein molecules, influencing their structural and spectral properties. To address the generality of this behavior, we encapsulated seven FPs with P2MVP41-b-PEO205 and P2MVP128-b-PEO477. Dynamic light scattering and fluorescence correlation spectroscopy showed lower encapsulation efficiencies for members of the Anthozoa class (anFPs) than for Hydrozoa FPs derived from Aequorea victoria (avFPs). Far-UV CD spectra of the free FPs showed remarkable differences between avFPs and anFPs, caused by rounder barrel structures for avFPs and more elliptic ones for anFPs. These structural differences, along with the differences in charge distribution, might explain the variations in encapsulation efficiency between avFPs and anFPs. Furthermore, the avFPs remain monomeric in C3Ms with minor spectral and structural changes. In contrast, the encapsulation of anFPs gives rise to decreased quantum yields (monomeric Kusabira Orange 2 (mKO2) and Tag red fluorescent protein (TagRFP)) or to a pKa shift of the chromophore (FP variant mCherry).
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IJMS, Vol. 18, Pages 1571: The Prostaglandin EP3 Receptor Is an Independent Negative Prognostic Factor for Cervical Cancer Patients
IJMS, Vol. 18, Pages 1571: The Prostaglandin EP3 Receptor Is an Independent Negative Prognostic Factor for Cervical Cancer Patients
International Journal of Molecular Sciences doi: 10.3390/ijms18071571
Authors: Helene Heidegger Sebastian Dietlmeier Yao Ye Christina Kuhn Aurelia Vattai Caroline Aberl Udo Jeschke Sven Mahner Bernd Kost
We know that one of the main risk factors for cervical cancer is an infection with high-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV). Prostaglandins and their receptors are very important for the tumour growth and tumour-associated angiogenesis. Little is known about the expression of the Prostaglandin E receptor type 3 (EP3) or the Prostaglandin (PG)E2-EP3 signalling in cervical cancer, so the aim of the study was to analyse the expression of the EP3 receptor in cervical cancer and find prognostic factors in relation to survival; EP3 immunohistological staining of 250 cervical cancer slides was performed and analysed with a semi-quantitative score. The statistical evaluation was performed with Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) to evaluate the staining results and the survival analyses of the cervical cancer cases. A significant difference was observed in EP3 expression in Fédération Internationale de Gynécologie et d'Obstétrique (FIGO) stadium I versus FIGO stadium II–IV cases. High expression of EP3 (IRS ≥ 1.5) in cervical cancer patients was correlated with poor prognosis in overall survival rates. Survival in adenocarcinoma (AC) of the cervix was lower than in squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Cox regression analysis shows that EP3 is an independent prognosticator. In this study we could show that the membrane-bound prostaglandin receptor EP3 is an independent prognosticator for cervical cancer patient survival. Targeting the EP3 receptor seems to be an interesting candidate for endocrine therapy. Therefore, more research is needed on the influence of the receptor system and its influence on cervical cancer growth.
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Reporting of outcomes in randomised controlled trials on nail psoriasis; a Systematic Review
Summary
Harmonization of outcome measures is needed to increase the value of clinical trials on nail psoriasis. To provide the first step in core outcome set (COS) development, a systematic review was conducted to identify outcome domains and instruments reported in (ongoing) randomised controlled trials (RCTs) on nail psoriasis.
Identified outcome domains included clinical signs, quality of life, symptoms and delivery of care. A NAPSI was most commonly used to assess clinical signs (73.8% of studies). Other outcome instruments used included the NAS, composite fingernail score, a physician global assessment, individual nail features or a combination of these. Heterogeneity in type and reporting (e.g. NAPSI 50, NAPSI 75) of outcome instruments was high and characteristics were often insufficient reported. 43.1% of studies assessed quality of life, with 3.1% of studies using a nail psoriasis specific tool. Assessment of symptoms and delivery of care was limited.
In conclusion, heterogeneity in type and reporting of nail psoriasis outcome instruments needs to be addressed in the process towards COS development. Sufficient reporting of instrument characteristics should be encouraged. As nail psoriasis is generally assessed secondary to psoriasis of the skin or joints, collaboration between different research groups in COS development is needed.
This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Risk of Cancer in Patients with Psoriasis on Biologic Therapies: A Systematic Review
Summary
Biologic therapies are highly effective in psoriasis, but have profound effects on innate and adaptive immune pathways that may negatively impact on cancer immunosurveillance mechanisms. To investigate the risk of cancer in psoriasis patients treated with biologic therapy we searched Medline, Embase, and the Cochrane Library (up to August 2016) for randomized control trials, prospective cohort studies and systematic reviews that reported cancer incidence in people exposed to biologic therapy for psoriasis compared to a control population. Eight prospective cohort studies met our inclusion criteria. All the evidence reviewed related to tumour necrosis factor inhibitors (TNFi) with the exception of one study on ustekinumab. An increased risk of non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC), particularly squamous cell carcinoma, was reported with TNFi compared to both a general United States population and a rheumatoid arthritis population treated with TNFi. No evidence for increased risk of cancers (reported as all cancers, lymphoma, melanoma, prostate, colorectal and breast cancer) other than NMSC was identified. There were important limitations to the studies identified including choice of comparator arms, inadequate adjustment for confounding factors and failure to account for latency periods of cancer. There remains a need for ongoing pharmacovigilance in relation to cancer risk and biologic therapy; to determine whether the NMSC signal is specifically attributable to TNFi, further investigation is required using prospectively-collected data with adjustment for known NMSC risk factors. Systematic review registration number: PROSPERO; 2015:CRD42015017538.
This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Wet work exposure and hand eczema among healthcare workers - a cross-sectional study
Summary
Background
Hand eczema is more common in healthcare workers compared to the general population. The hands are subject to changing occupational exposures due to mandatory hygiene regulations for health care workers.
Objectives
To describe the exposure due to hygiene procedures and investigate the associations between occupational hand washing, use of non-sterile gloves, and hand disinfectant and self-reported hand eczema.
Methods
Cross-sectional study with an electronic questionnaire distributed to 28 762 hospital employees in southern Sweden. Respondents working as nurses, assistant nurses or physicians constituted the group of healthcare workers analysed. Adjustments were made for gender, age, wet work at home, life-style factors and atopic dermatitis.
Results
12 288 (43%) responded including 9051 healthcare workers. In this group the 1-year prevalence of self-reported hand eczema was 21%. On a daily basis, 30% reported hand washing with soap >20 times at work, 45% used hand disinfectants >50 times, and 54% used non-sterile gloves > 2 hours. After adjustment for confounding factors, a dose-dependent association with self-reported hand eczema was found for the daily number of hand washes with soap at work and time working with disposable gloves, but not for alcoholic disinfectant use. Hand washing outside work was not associated with self-reported hand eczema in the adjusted multivariate analysis.
Conclusions
In this study, we found a higher 1-year prevalence of self-reported hand eczema among Swedish healthcare workers than reported in the general population. Hand washing with soap and use of disposable gloves were associated with the occurrence of self-reported hand eczema in a dose-dependent way. Use of hand disinfectant was not associated with self-reported hand eczema.
This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Contemporary and emergent theories of agrammatism. A neurolinguistics approach, by J. Druks, New York, Routledge, 2017, 214 pp., £30.46, $47.76, € 41.30 (paperback), ISBN-10: 1138805750, ISBN-13: 978-1138805750
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Theatre criticism: changing landscapes
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Chinatown opera theater in North America
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Welcome to Comedy Studies 8:2.
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How blood vessels slow down and accelerate tumour growth
Cancer cells have an enormous need for oxygen and nutrients. Therefore, growing tumors rely on the simultaneous growth of capillaries, the fine branching blood vessels that form a supply network for them. Physicians use special inhibitors called...
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How CD44s gives brain cancer a survival advantage
Understanding the mechanisms that give cancer cells the ability to survive and grow opens the possibility of developing improved treatments to control or cure the disease. In the case of glioblastoma multiforme, the deadliest type of brain cancer,...
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T-cells lacking HDAC11 enzyme perform more effectively in destroying cancer cells
Researchers at the George Washington University (GW) Cancer Center have discovered a new role for the enzyme, histone deacetylase 11 (HDAC11), in the regulation of T-cell function. T-cells can infiltrate tumours with the purpose of attacking the cancer...
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Sstudy finds that lymph node removal isn’t necessary for all melanoma patients
Many patients with melanoma need a sentinel-lymph-node biopsy to determine if cancer cells have spread there, but a positive finding doesn't mean all the lymph nodes in the area must be removed, according to a new international study conducted in part...
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Improving the 'wait and see' approach in MDS blood cancer treatment
Researchers are closer to helping the 50 per cent of people with a group of blood disorders that can transform into acute leukaemia, but who don't respond to the best available treatment. Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) is characterised by impaired...
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IJERPH, Vol. 14, Pages 805: Comparison of Annoyance from Railway Noise and Railway Vibration
IJERPH, Vol. 14, Pages 805: Comparison of Annoyance from Railway Noise and Railway Vibration
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health doi: 10.3390/ijerph14070805
Authors: Mikael Ögren Anita Gidlöf-Gunnarsson Michael Smith Sara Gustavsson Kerstin Persson Waye
The aim of this study is to compare vibration exposure to noise exposure from railway traffic in terms of equal annoyance, i.e., to determine when a certain noise level is equally annoying as a corresponding vibration velocity. Based on questionnaire data from the Train Vibration and Noise Effects (TVANE) research project from residential areas exposed to railway noise and vibration, the dose response relationship for annoyance was estimated. By comparing the relationships between exposure and annoyance for areas both with and without significant vibration exposure, the noise levels and vibration velocities that had an equal probability of causing annoyance was determined using logistic regression. The comparison gives a continuous mapping between vibration velocity in the ground and a corresponding noise level at the facade that are equally annoying. For equivalent noise level at the facade compared to maximum weighted vibration velocity in the ground the probability of annoyance is approximately 20% for 59 dB or 0.48 mm/s, and about 40% for 63 dB or 0.98 mm/s.
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IJERPH, Vol. 14, Pages 804: Evaluating Otto the Auto: Does Engagement in an Interactive Website Improve Young Children’s Transportation Safety?
IJERPH, Vol. 14, Pages 804: Evaluating Otto the Auto: Does Engagement in an Interactive Website Improve Young Children's Transportation Safety?
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health doi: 10.3390/ijerph14070804
Authors: David Schwebel Anna Johnston Jiabin Shen Peng Li
Transportation-related injuries are a leading cause of pediatric death, and effective interventions are limited. Otto the Auto is a website offering engaging, interactive activities. We evaluated Otto among a sample of sixty-nine 4- and 5-year-old children, who participated in a randomized parallel group design study. Following baseline evaluation, children engaged with either Otto or a control website for 2 weeks and then were re-evaluated. Children who used Otto failed to show increases in transportation safety knowledge or behavior compared to the control group, although there was a dosage effect whereby children who engaged in the website more with parents gained safer behavior patterns. We conclude Otto may have some efficacy when engaged by children with their parents, but continued efforts to develop and refine engaging, effective, theory-driven strategies to teach children transportation safety, including via internet, should be pursued.
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Pancreatic undifferentiated carcinoma with osteoclast-like giant cells is genetically similar to, but clinically distinct from, conventional ductal adenocarcinoma
ABSTRACT
Undifferentiated carcinoma of the pancreas with osteoclast-like giant cells (UCOGC) is currently considered a morphologically and clinically distinct variant of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). In this study, we report clinical and pathological features of a series of 22 UCOGC, including the whole exome sequencing of 8 UCOGC. We observed that 60% of the UCOGC contained a well-defined epithelial component and that patients with pure UCOGC had a significantly better prognosis than did those with an UCOGC with an associated epithelial neoplasm. The genetic alterations in UCOGC are strikingly similar to those known to drive conventional PDAC, including activating mutations in the oncogene KRAS, and inactivating mutations in the tumor suppressor genes CDKN2A, TP53, and SMAD4. These results further support the classification of UCOGC as a PDAC variant and suggest that somatic mutations are not the determinants of the unique phenotype of UCOGC.
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Subjective cognitive decline and fall risk in community-dwelling older adults with or without objective cognitive decline
Abstract
Background
The association between subjective cognitive decline and falls has not been clearly determined.
Aims
Our aim was to explore the effect of subjective cognitive decline on falls in community-dwelling older adults with or without objective cognitive decline.
Methods
We included 470 older adults (mean age 73.6 ± 5.2; 329 women) living in the community and obtained data on fall history directly from the participants. Subjective cognitive decline was assessed using a self-administered question. Objective cognitive function was measured using the Mini-Mental State Examination. Statistical analyses were carried out separately for participants with objective cognitive decline and those without.
Results
A multiple logistic regression analysis showed that, among participants without objective cognitive decline, subjective cognitive decline was positively associated with falls [OR 1.91; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.17–3.12; p = 0.01). Conversely, among participants with objective cognitive decline, subjective cognitive decline was negatively associated with falls (OR 0.07; 95% CI 0.01–0.85, p = 0.04).
Discussion
The result suggests that the objective–subjective disparity may affect falls in community-dwelling older adults.
Conclusions
The presence of subjective cognitive decline was significantly positively associated with falls among cognitively intact older adults. However, among their cognitively impaired peers, the absence of subjective cognitive decline was positively associated with falls.
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The peritoneum: healing, immunity and diseases
Abstract
The peritoneum defines a confined microenvironment, which is stable under normal conditions, but is exposed to the damaging effect of infections, surgical injuries, and other neoplastic and non-neoplastic events. Its response to damage includes the recruitment, proliferation and activation of a variety of haematopoietic and stromal cells. In physiologic conditions, effective responses to injuries are organized, inflammatory triggers are eliminated, inflammation quickly abates, and the normal tissue architecture is restored. However, if inflammatory triggers are not cleared, fibrosis or scarring occur and impaired tissue function ultimately leads to organ failure. Autoimmune serositis is characterized by the persistence of self-antigens and a relapsing clinical pattern. Peritoneal carcinomatosis and endometriosis are characterized by the persistence of cancer cells or ectopic endometrial cells in the peritoneal cavity. Some of the molecular signals orchestrating the recruitment of inflammatory cells in the peritoneum have been identified in the last few years. Alternative activation of peritoneal macrophages was shown to guide angiogenesis and fibrosis, and could represent a novel target for molecular intervention. This review summarizes current knowledge of the alterations to the immune response in the peritoneal environment, highlighting the ambiguous role played by persistently activated reparative macrophages in the pathogenesis of common human diseases.
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Assessing predicted age-specific breast cancer mortality rates in 27 European countries by 2020
Abstract
Background
We assessed differences in predicted breast cancer (BC) mortality rates, across Europe, by 2020, taking into account changes in the time trends of BC mortality rates during the period 2000–2010.
Methods
BC mortality data, for 27 European Union (EU) countries, were extracted from the World Health Organization mortality database. First, we compared BC mortality data between time periods 2000–2004 and 2006–2010 through standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) and carrying out a graphical assessment of the age-specific rates. Second, making use of the base period 2006–2012, we predicted BC mortality rates by 2020. Finally, making use of the SMRs and the predicted data, we identified a clustering of countries, assessing differences in the time trends between the areas defined in this clustering.
Results
The clustering approach identified two clusters of countries: the first cluster were countries where BC predicted mortality rates, in 2020, might slightly increase among women aged 69 and older compared with 2010 [Greece (SMR 1.01), Croatia (SMR 1.02), Latvia (SMR 1.15), Poland (SMR 1.14), Estonia (SMR 1.16), Bulgaria (SMR 1.13), Lithuania (SMR 1.03), Romania (SMR 1.13) and Slovakia (SMR 1.06)]. The second cluster was those countries where BC mortality rates level off or decrease in all age groups (remaining countries). However, BC mortality rates between these clusters might diminish and converge to similar figures by 2020.
Conclusions
For the year 2020, our predictions have shown a converging pattern of BC mortality rates between European regions. Reducing disparities, in access to screening and treatment, could have a substantial effect in countries where a non-decreasing trend in age-specific BC mortality rates has been predicted.
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Pancreatic undifferentiated carcinoma with osteoclast-like giant cells is genetically similar to, but clinically distinct from, conventional ductal adenocarcinoma
ABSTRACT
Undifferentiated carcinoma of the pancreas with osteoclast-like giant cells (UCOGC) is currently considered a morphologically and clinically distinct variant of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). In this study, we report clinical and pathological features of a series of 22 UCOGC, including the whole exome sequencing of 8 UCOGC. We observed that 60% of the UCOGC contained a well-defined epithelial component and that patients with pure UCOGC had a significantly better prognosis than did those with an UCOGC with an associated epithelial neoplasm. The genetic alterations in UCOGC are strikingly similar to those known to drive conventional PDAC, including activating mutations in the oncogene KRAS, and inactivating mutations in the tumor suppressor genes CDKN2A, TP53, and SMAD4. These results further support the classification of UCOGC as a PDAC variant and suggest that somatic mutations are not the determinants of the unique phenotype of UCOGC.
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The peritoneum: healing, immunity and diseases
Abstract
The peritoneum defines a confined microenvironment, which is stable under normal conditions, but is exposed to the damaging effect of infections, surgical injuries, and other neoplastic and non-neoplastic events. Its response to damage includes the recruitment, proliferation and activation of a variety of haematopoietic and stromal cells. In physiologic conditions, effective responses to injuries are organized, inflammatory triggers are eliminated, inflammation quickly abates, and the normal tissue architecture is restored. However, if inflammatory triggers are not cleared, fibrosis or scarring occur and impaired tissue function ultimately leads to organ failure. Autoimmune serositis is characterized by the persistence of self-antigens and a relapsing clinical pattern. Peritoneal carcinomatosis and endometriosis are characterized by the persistence of cancer cells or ectopic endometrial cells in the peritoneal cavity. Some of the molecular signals orchestrating the recruitment of inflammatory cells in the peritoneum have been identified in the last few years. Alternative activation of peritoneal macrophages was shown to guide angiogenesis and fibrosis, and could represent a novel target for molecular intervention. This review summarizes current knowledge of the alterations to the immune response in the peritoneal environment, highlighting the ambiguous role played by persistently activated reparative macrophages in the pathogenesis of common human diseases.
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Assessing predicted age-specific breast cancer mortality rates in 27 European countries by 2020
Abstract
Background
We assessed differences in predicted breast cancer (BC) mortality rates, across Europe, by 2020, taking into account changes in the time trends of BC mortality rates during the period 2000–2010.
Methods
BC mortality data, for 27 European Union (EU) countries, were extracted from the World Health Organization mortality database. First, we compared BC mortality data between time periods 2000–2004 and 2006–2010 through standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) and carrying out a graphical assessment of the age-specific rates. Second, making use of the base period 2006–2012, we predicted BC mortality rates by 2020. Finally, making use of the SMRs and the predicted data, we identified a clustering of countries, assessing differences in the time trends between the areas defined in this clustering.
Results
The clustering approach identified two clusters of countries: the first cluster were countries where BC predicted mortality rates, in 2020, might slightly increase among women aged 69 and older compared with 2010 [Greece (SMR 1.01), Croatia (SMR 1.02), Latvia (SMR 1.15), Poland (SMR 1.14), Estonia (SMR 1.16), Bulgaria (SMR 1.13), Lithuania (SMR 1.03), Romania (SMR 1.13) and Slovakia (SMR 1.06)]. The second cluster was those countries where BC mortality rates level off or decrease in all age groups (remaining countries). However, BC mortality rates between these clusters might diminish and converge to similar figures by 2020.
Conclusions
For the year 2020, our predictions have shown a converging pattern of BC mortality rates between European regions. Reducing disparities, in access to screening and treatment, could have a substantial effect in countries where a non-decreasing trend in age-specific BC mortality rates has been predicted.
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Welcome to Comedy Studies 8:2.
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Underestimated chlorophyll a fluorescence measurements on Buxus microphylla red winter leaves
Abstract
Leaves under stressful conditions usually show downregulated maximum quantum efficiency of photosystem II [inferred from variable to maximum chlorophyll (Chl) a fluorescence (Fv/Fm), usually lower than 0.8], indicating photoinhibition. The usual method to evaluate the degree of photoinhibition in winter red leaves is generally by measuring the Fv/Fm on the red adaxial surface. Two phenotypes of overwintering Buxus microphylla 'Wintergreen' red leaves, with different measuring site and leaf thickness, were investigated in order to elucidate how red pigments in the outer leaf layer affected the Chl a fluorescence (Fv/Fm) and photochemical reflectance index. Our results showed that the Fv/Fm measured on leaves with the same red surface, but different leaf thickness, exhibited a slightly lower value in half leaf (separated upper and lower layers of leaves by removing the leaf edge similarly as affected by winter freezing and thawing) than that in the intact leaf (without removing the leaf edge), and the Fv/Fm measured on the red surface was significantly lower than that on the inner or backlighted green surface of the same thickness. Our results suggest that the usual measurement of Fv/Fm on red adaxial surface overestimates the actual degree of photoinhibition compared with that of the whole leaf in the winter.
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Photosynthesis and biomass allocation of cotton as affected by deep-layer water and fertilizer application depth
Abstract
Available water stored in deep soil layers could increase the photosynthetic capacity of cotton. It was hypothesized that the photosynthesis of cotton would be enhanced by changing the fertilizer application depth under different deep-layer water conditions. We examined two deep-layer water levels, i.e., well-watered (W80) and not watered (W0), combined with surface application (F10) and deep application (F30) of basal fertilizer. Compared to W0, W80 resulted in increased leaf area (LA), photosynthetic pigment contents, maximal PSII efficiency (Fv/Fm), effective quantum yield of PSII (YII) and PSI (YI), electron transport rate of PSII (ETRII) and PSI (ETRI). W80 also increased the aboveground and root dry mass by 39 and 0.6%, respectively, and decreased the root/shoot ratio by 40–73%. Under the W0 condition, higher values of Fv/Fm, YII, YI, ETRII, and ETRI were measured for F10 compared to F30 after 69 d from emergence. Under the W80 condition, cotton plants with F10 showed higher LA, Fv/Fm, YII, YI, ETRII, and ETRI, but there were no significant differences in the photosynthetic pigments compared to F30. Our results suggest that sufficient water in deeper soil layers and the surface application of basal fertilizer could increase photosynthetic activity and efficiency, which promoted aboveground dry mass accumulation and partitioning towards reproductive organs.
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Photosynthesis of soybean cultivars released in different decades after grafting onto record-yield cultivars as rootstocks
Abstract
While photosynthesis of soybean has been enhanced by breeding, it remains to be clarified whether the improvement of root function could bring a further increase of photosynthetic capacity for the development of soybean cultivars. The objective of this grafting experiment was to determine the influence of record-yield soybean cultivars, Liaodou14 (L14) and Zhonghuang35 (Z35), as rootstocks on photosynthetic traits of cultivars released in different decades. Grafting of various soybean cultivars onto L14 or Z35 rootstocks showed a higher root physiological activity, which resulted in significant increases in some photosynthetic traits at the late grain-filling stage compared with the non-grafted and self-grafted plants. The genetic gain for some photosynthetic traits of cultivars released from 1966 to 2006 increased by using L14 and Z35 as rootstocks. It suggested that the photosynthetic traits of the recently released cultivars could increase more if their root functions are improved.
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Chlorophyll fluorescence imaging can reflect development of vascular connection in grafting union in some Solanaceae species
Abstract
Graft union development in plants has been studied mainly by destructive methods such as histological studies. The aim of this work was to evaluate whether the chlorophyll fluorescence imaging (CFI) technique is sensitive enough to reflect changes at the cellular level in different Solanaceae grafted plants 30 d after grafting, when both grafted partners were well fused and strong enough in all plant combinations. The pepper cultivar 'Adige' was grafted onto different Capsicum spp. accessions typified with different compatibility degrees; eggplant was grafted on Solanum torvum and pepper homografts as compatible unions; pepper was grafted on S. torvum and on tomato as incompatible unions. 'Adige'/'Adige' and 'Adige'/pepper A25 showed a higher maximum quantum efficiency of PSII associated with higher values of actual quantum efficiency of PSII and photochemical quenching as well as with vascular regeneration across the graft interface. Our results highlighted that CFI changes reflected histological observations in grafted Solanaceae plants.
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Variations in light energy dissipation in Woodfordia fruticosa leaves during expansion
Abstract
Young leaves of tropical trees frequently appear red in color, with the redness disappearing as the leaves mature. During leaf expansion, plants may employ photoprotective mechanisms to cope with high light intensities; however, the variations in anthocyanin contents, nonphotochemical quenching (NPQ), and photorespiration during leaf expansion are poorly understood. Here, we investigated pigment contents, gas exchange, and chlorophyll (Chl) fluorescence in Woodfordia fruticosa leaves during their expansion. Young red leaves had significantly lower Chl content than that of expanding or mature leaves, but they accumulated significantly higher anthocyanins and dissipated more excited light energy through NPQ. As the leaves matured, net photosynthetic rate, total electron flow through PSII, and electron flow for ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate oxygenation gradually increased. Our results provided evidence that photorespiration is of fundamental importance in regulating the photosynthetic electron flow and CO2 assimilation during leaf expansion.
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Overexpression of calmodulin gene fragment from Antarctic notothenioid fish improves chilling tolerance in Nicotiana benthamiana
Abstract
Calmodulin (CaM) is a highly conserved calcium sensor protein associated with chilling tolerance in living organisms. It has four EF-hand domains for binding of four Ca2+, two of them located in the N-terminus, and the other two in the C-terminus. A notothenioid CaM gene fragment (CaMm), which only codes for N-terminus of CaM (with two EF-hand domains), was introduced into Nicotiana benthamiana. Effects of its overexpression on chilling tolerance in plants were explored. During 4◦C or 0◦C chilling treatment, both CaMm and CaM transgenic plants showed higher PSII maximum quantum yield, actual quantum yield, and soluble protein content, lower electrolyte leakage and malondialdehyde content than that of the control. The changes in these physiological indices were comparable between the CaMm and CaM transgenic plants during the treatments. These results indicate that the N-terminus of calmodulin is likely the key functional domain involved in the adaptive response to cold stress.
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Photosynthetic apparatus activity in relation to high and low contents of cell wall-bound phenolics in triticale under drought stress
Abstract
Cell wall-bound phenolics (CWP) play an important role in the mechanisms of plant acclimation to soil drought. The study involved CWP analyses in 50 strains and 50 doubled haploid (DH) lines of winter triticale exposed to drought at their vegetative and generative stages. CWP in the plants experiencing drought at the generative stage positively correlated with their leaf water contents. The strains and DH lines characterized by high content of CWP showed higher leaf water content and higher activity of photosynthetic apparatus when exposed to drought at the generative stage compared to the strains and DH lines with the low CWP content. Furthermore, when drought subsided at the generative stage, the strains and DH lines richer in CWP demonstrated higher regeneration potential and their grain yield loss was smaller.
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Photosynthetic response of four fern species from different habitats to drought stress: relationship between morpho-anatomical and physiological traits
Abstract
Ferns flourish in many habitats, from epiphytic to terrestrial and from sunny to shady, and such varied conditions require contrasting photosynthetic strategies to cope with drought. Four species of temperate ferns from different habitats were subjected to drought by withholding irrigation in order to investigate their photosynthetic responses. Lepisorus thunbergianus (epiphytic) had low stomatal density and showed high water-use efficiency (WUE) retaining photosynthetic activity with low relative frond water content under drought stress, which suggested their high adaptation to drought. On the other hand, low WUE with low light-saturated photosynthetic rate in Adiantum pedatum (terrestrial, shady environment) was associated with much lower photosynthesis than in the other species under drought stress, suggesting lower adaptation to drought-prone habitats. Morphological stomatal traits such as stomatal density and photosynthetic response to drought in ferns involved species-specific adaptation to survive and grow in their natural habitats with different levels of drought.
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Inhibition of root respiration induces leaf senescence in Alhagi sparsifolia
Abstract
Leaf senescence can be induced by numerous factors. In order to explore the relationship between root respiration and leaf senescence, we utilized different types of phloem girdling to control the root respiration of Alhagi sparsifolia and its physiological response. Our results showed that both girdling and inhibition of root respiration led to a decline of stomatal conductance, photosynthesis, transpiration rate, chlorophyll (Chl) a, Chl b, carotenoid (Car) content, Chl a/b, Chl/Car, water potential, and Chl a fluorescence, as well as to an increase of abscisic acid (ABA), proline, and malondialdehyde content in leaves and to upregulation of senescence-associated gene expression. Our present work implied that both inhibition of root respiration and girdling can induce leaf senescence. In comparison with phloem girdling, the leaf senescence caused by inhibition of root respiration was less significant. The reason for girdling-induced senescence was ABA and carbohydrate accumulation. Senescence induced by inhibition of root respiration occurred due to leaf water stress resulting from inhibition of water absorption.
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Feasibility of using smart phones to estimate chlorophyll content in corn plants
Abstract
New spectral absorption photometry methods are introduced to estimate chlorophyll (Chl) content of corn leaves by smart phones. The first method acquires light passing through a leaf by smartphone camera, compensating for differences in illumination conditions. In order to improve performance of the method, spectral absorption photometry (SAP) with background illumination has been considered as well. Data were acquired by smartphone camera in Iowa State University maize fields. Various indices were extracted and their correlation with Chl content were examined by Minolta SPAD-502. Hue index in SAP reached R 2 value of 0.59. However, with light-aided SAP (LASAP), R 2 of 0.97 was obtained. Among traits, the vegetation index gave the most accurate indication. We can conclude that the high performance of LASAP method for estimating Chl content, leads to new opportunities offered by smart phones at much lower cost. This is a highly accurate alternative to SPAD meters for estimating Chl content nondestructively.
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Leaf trait plasticity in six forest tree species of central Amazonia
Abstract
Tropical rainforest trees adjust leaf traits during ontogeny to cope with changes in the physical environment and maximize their carbon uptake. The aim of this study was to determine the plasticity index (PI) of leaf traits in understory and canopy leaves of six Amazonian tree species. In four of the six species the PI of leaf traits varied within species, and in four of the ten leaf traits assessed, the PI differed between species. The greatest PI values were found for stomatal density (Ds) and CO2-saturated photosynthesis, and the lowest ones were found for stomatal size, and leaf thickness. Despite the differences in PI values within species, the mean PI was similar in all the six species. As the saplings grow toward the canopy, the strategy to increase carbon uptake involves increasing Ds and leaf nitrogen and reducing stomatal size.
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Progesterone increases photochemical efficiency of photosystem II in wheat under heat stress by facilitating D1 protein phosphorylation
Abstract
Experiments were conducted to investigate the effects of exogenous progesterone on photochemical efficiency of PSII and turnover of D1 protein under heat stress during the grain-filling stage. Heat stress resulted in increases of hydrogen peroxide production, malondialdehyde content, and relative electrolytic leakage in wheat leaves, but these responses were alleviated by foliar application of progesterone. Meanwhile, activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and peroxidase were significantly improved in progesterone-pretreated leaves. Along with the alleviation of oxidative stress, higher abundances of STN8 and phosphorylated D1 protein and lower total D1 protein content in the PSII reactive center were observed in progesterone-pretreated leaves relative to controls. Consequently, progesterone raised the potential photochemical efficiency, actual photochemical efficiency, and electron transfer rate. These results indicate that foliar application of progesterone can effectively alleviate heat-induced PSII damage by enhancing antioxidant capability and regulating phosphorylation of D1 protein in wheat leaves.
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Comparative analysis of ultrastructure, antioxidant enzyme activities, and photosynthetic performance in rice mutant 812HS prone to photooxidation
Abstract
Under optimal conditions, most of the light energy is used to drive electron transport. However, when the light energy exceeds the capacity of photosynthesis, the overall photosynthetic efficiency drops down. The present study investigated the effects of high light on rice photooxidation-prone mutant 812HS, characterized by a mutation of leaf photooxidation 1 gene, and its wild type 812S under field conditions. Our results showed no significant difference between 812HS and 812S before exposure to high sunlight. However, during exposure to high light, shoot tips of 812HS turned yellow and their chlorophyll (Chl) content decreased. Transmission electron microscopy showed that photooxidation resulted in significant damage of chloroplast ultrastructure. It was confirmed also by inhibited photophosphorylation and reduced ATP content. The decreased coupling factor of ATP, Ca2+-ATPase and Mg2+-ATPase activities also verified these results. Further, significantly enhanced activities of antioxidative enzymes were observed during photooxidation. Malondialdehyde, hydrogen peroxide, and the superoxide generation rates also increased. Chl a fluorescence analysis found that the performance index and maximum quantum yield of PSII declined on August 4, 20 days after high-light treatment. Net photosynthetic rate also decreased and substomatal CO2 concentration increased in 812HS at the same time. In conclusion, our findings indicated that excessive energy triggered the production of toxic reactive oxygen species and promoted lipid peroxidation in 812HS plants, causing severe damage to cell membranes, degradation of photosynthetic pigments and proteins, and ultimately inhibition of photosynthesis.
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Expression of genes encoding key components of chlororespiration and cyclic electron transfer in soybean under different light qualities
Abstract
Our present work showed that the expression of genes encoding PTOX (terminal oxidase of chlororespiration) and PGR5 (one essential component of cyclic electron transfer) were stimulated by red and blue light, but the stimulation under red light was soon reversed by subsequent far-red light. The expression levels of PTOX and PGR5 under simulated light quality conditions in line with maize–soybean relay strip intercropping (SRI) were obviously lower than those under simulated soybean monocropping (SM), since the lower red:far-red ratio under SRI. Measurements on photosynthetic and chlorophyll fluorescence parameters suggested a decline of assimilatory power supply and a lower nonphotochemical quenching under SRI as compared to SM. In this case, weaker PGR-dependent cyclic electron transfer and chlororespiration under SRI, suggested by lower expression levels of PGR5 and PTOX, could be considered as means of reducing excitation energy dissipation to allocate more power toward CO2 assimilation.
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Physiological responses of a green algae ( Ulva prolifera ) exposed to simulated acid rain and decreased salinity
Abstract
In order to evaluate the combined effects of simulated acid rain (SAR) and salinity on the physiological responses of macroalgae, Ulva prolifera was cultured under three salinity treatments (5, 10, 25 ‰) and at different pH, i.e., at pH 4.4 (C), pH 4.4(F), where the pH of the culture increased from 4.4 to approximately 7.8 during the cultivation period, or in absence of SAR at pH 8.2(C), at 100 μmol(photon) m–2 s–1 and 20°C. Compared to 25‰ salinity, Relative growth rate (RGR) of U. prolifera was enhanced by 10‰ salinity, but decreased by 5‰ salinity. No significant differences in RGR were observed between the pH 8.2(C) and pH 4.4(F) treatments, but the chlorophyll a content was reduced by SAR. Negative effects of SAR on the photosynthesis were observed, especially under low salinity treatments. Based on the results, we suggested that the U. prolifera showed a tolerance to a wide range of salinity in contrast to the low pH induced by acid rain.
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Photosynthetic and antioxidative upregulation in drought-stressed sesame ( Sesamum indicum L.) subjected to foliar-applied salicylic acid
Abstract
Insufficient attention has been paid to the physiological responses of sesame to drought and it is unclear if exogenous plant growth regulators are beneficial to drought-stressed sesame. Thus, a field study was conducted on seven Sesamum indicum genotypes affected by two levels of irrigation (60 and 80% depletions in available soil water) and by foliar-applied salicylic acid (SA; 0 and 0.6 mM). Water deficit led to depressions in net photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, leaf area index, chlorophyll a, b, and total chlorophyll contents, maximum quantum efficiency of PSII, and plant dry matter and seed yield, despite increases in carotenoid concentration, superoxide dismutase, catalase, peroxidase, and ascorbate peroxidase activities. SA was found beneficial in ameliorating the depressions in all of the above characteristics, indicating that it could be applied for lessening the harmful effects of the drought stress.
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Growth, photosynthetic performance and antioxidative response of ‘Hass’ and ‘Fuerte’ avocado ( Persea americana Mill.) plants grown under high soil moisture
Abstract
'Hass' and 'Fuerte' avocado plants were grown under well-watered or waterlogged conditions. Results indicated significant effects on the majority of the allometric parameters in waterlogged plants, with 'Fuerte' displaying a more pronounced growth inhibition. Waterlogged conditions caused a progressive and simultaneous decline in net photosynthetic rate and stomatal conductance, earlier in 'Fuerte' than in 'Hass'. Maximal potential quantum yield of PSII was unaffected by the soil water regime and/or variety and leaf water potential values in waterlogged plants were not more negative compared with control plants. 'Fuerte' waterlogged plants exhibited increased contents of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, whereas oxidative injury was not detected in 'Hass'. Finally, none of the two cultivars displayed valuable antioxidant potential, as evidenced by the decreased activities of the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase, guaiacol peroxidase, glutathione peroxidase, and ascorbate peroxidase.
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Learning together
For more than 25 years I experienced episodes of weakness, shortness of breath, and dizziness. My primary care doctors ordered a full cardiac investigation each time I went to see him or her because...
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US Republican attempt to repeal and replace Affordable Care Act collapses
The Republican effort to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act (ACA) seems to have collapsed, after Republican leaders in the Senate acknowledged that they could not muster the votes needed to...
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Remote headache advice . . . and other stories
Telemedicine for headachesA large trial in northern Norway compared telemedicine consultations with the usual outpatient appointment for people complaining of headache (Neurology...
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Summary Low-fidelity, simulation-based psychomotor skills training is a valuable first step in the educational approach to mastering com...
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Here we report on the treatment of a 38-year-old woman with primary cutaneous γδT-cell lymphoma, which is a rare subset of cutaneous T-cell ...
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Medicine by Alexandros G. Sfakianakis,Anapafseos 5 Agios Nikolaos 72100 Crete Greece,00302841026182, Treatment of basilar artery stenosis w...
