Antihistamines for treating rhinosinusitis: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled studies.

Antihistamines for treating rhinosinusitis: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled studies.

J Laryngol Otol. 2017 Sep 13;:1-6

Authors: Seresirikachorn K, Khattiyawittayakun L, Chitsuthipakorn W, Snidvongs K

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Without the release of histamines, patients with rhinosinusitis may not benefit from antihistamines. Additionally, anticholinergic effects may do more harm than good. This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of antihistamines in treating rhinosinusitis.
METHODS: An electronic search was performed. Randomised controlled trials comparing antihistamines with either placebo or other treatments for patients with rhinosinusitis were selected.
RESULTS: Two studies (184 patients) met the inclusion criteria. Loratadine decreased nasal obstruction in allergic rhinitis patients with acute rhinosinusitis (mean difference = -0.58; confidence interval = -0.85 to -0.31, p < 0.01), but had no benefit on total symptom score (mean difference = -1.25; confidence interval = -2.77 to 0.27, p = 0.11), or rhinorrhoea symptoms (mean difference = -0.06; confidence interval = -0.37 to 0.25, p = 0.71).
CONCLUSION: There is limited evidence to support the use of antihistamines in treating rhinosinusitis. The number of included studies in this systematic review is limited. Antihistamines may relieve nasal obstruction in allergic rhinitis patients with acute rhinosinusitis.

PMID: 28901282 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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It’s almost here- the greatly anticipated Dentsply Sirona World commences tomorrow!

 

 

Thousands of eager attendees are arriving in Las Vegas for the sold-out Ultimate Dental Meeting beginning Thursday, Sept. 14

CHARLOTTE, NC (Sept. 13, 2017) – Dentsply Sirona World is the second annual Ultimate Dental Meeting and the first to be hosted in Las Vegas. Dubbed an educational festival, this is one of the largest events in dentistry and attracts the leading minds in the industry.

"As we welcome a record-number of attendees, the excitement is palpable among them and our Dentsply Sirona team," said Group Senior Vice President of the U.S. Commercial Organization Michael Augins. "Our organization has been looking forward to this colossal event since the conclusion of SIROWORLD in Orlando, and here in Vegas, attendees can expect the biggest, most impressive show to date."

Dentsply Sirona World offers quality clinical and business education to every dental professional, including General Practitioners, specialists, technicians, office staff members, etc. Esteemed clinicians and business professionals will lead sessions within 11 educational tracks throughout the course of the event, providing the opportunity for registrants to absorb as much content as possible.

The entertainment at Dentsply Sirona World is just another factor separating this event from other industry meetings. The caliber of celebrity entertainment is simply unmatched. Will Smith, Jeff Dunham, Simon Sinek and Imagine Dragons are all slated to perform or speak exclusively for Ultimate Dental Meeting attendees.

In addition to the invaluable education and extraordinary entertainment, guests can enjoy various social, and health and wellness activities, including a MMA-styled workout led by Super Trainer Joel Freeman on Friday morning and the Out of This World Fun Run on Saturday morning. Evening receptions provide additional networking opportunities, and the three-day event concludes with the Evening of Espionage closing party at TAO Nightclub.

For those already onsite or arriving today, early registration is open from 3-8 p.m. Early registration is highly encouraged as General Session begins at 9 a.m. Thursday, and doors to the session close at 9 a.m. sharp.

Those who missed the opportunity to attend Dentsply Sirona World 2017 can register for Dentsply Sirona World 2018 located in Orlando, Florida, from Sept. 13-15.

 

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The ARIA score of allergic rhinitis using mobile technology correlates with quality-of-life: The MASK study

Abstract

Mobile technology has been used to appraise allergic rhinitis control but more data are needed. In order to better assess the importance of mobile technologies in rhinitis control, the ARIA (Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma) score ranging from 0 to 4 of the Allergy Diary was compared with EQ-5D (EuroQuol) and WPAI-AS (Work Productivity and Activity Impairment in allergy) in 1,288 users in 18 countries. This study showed that quality-of-life data (EQ-5D visual analogue scale and WPA-IS Question 9) are similar in users without rhinitis and in those with mild rhinitis (scores 0-2). Users with a score of 3 or 4 had a significant impairment in quality-of-life questionnaires.

This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

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Validation of patient-reported global severity of atopic dermatitis in adults

Abstract

Background

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is associated with a heterogeneous presentation and clinical course. There is a lack of simple and validated severity assessments that are feasible for clinical practice and epidemiological research.

Objectives

We sought to validate patient-reported global AD severity in adults.

Methods

We performed a prospective dermatology practice-based study using questionnaires and evaluation by a dermatologist (n=265).

Results

At baseline and follow-up, patient-reported global AD severity significantly correlated with oSCORAD (Spearman rho=0.56 and 0.49), SCORAD (0.64 and 0.56), EASI (0.56 and 0.50), BSA (0.52 and 0.45), NRS-itch (0.60 and 0.53), POEM (0.50 and 0.48), and DLQI (0.50 and 0.49) (P<0.0001 for all). Patient-reported moderate and severe AD vs. mild AD were associated with significantly higher oSCORAD, SCORAD, EASI, BSA, NRS-itch, POEM and DLQI (P<0.0001 for all). There was moderate concordance between patient-reported AD severity (mild, moderate and severe) and previously developed severity strata for oSCORAD (kappa=0.39), SCORAD (kappa=0.47), EASI (kappa=0.37), NRS-itch (kappa=0.49), POEM (kappa=0.37), and DLQI (kappa=0.40). Among patients with severe disease at baseline, those who reported mild or moderate disease on follow-up had significantly greater absolute reductions of oSCORAD (-23.4/-9.7/-1.8), SCORAD (-33.0/-13.2/-2.3), EASI (-17.1/-9.8/-3.2), BSA (-46%/-15%/-4%), NRS-itch (-5/-2/0), POEM (-5/-2/0), and DLQI (-8/-6/-1) than those who continued to report severe disease (Kruskal-Wallis, P≤0.0003 for all).

Conclusions

Patient-reported AD severity appears to be sufficiently valid for assessing AD severity in the clinical and epidemiological setting.

This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

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Mast cells and sphingosine-1-phosphate underlie prelesional remodeling in a mouse model of eczema

Abstract

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic skin inflammation that affects children and adults worldwide, but its pathogenesis remains ill-understood. We show that a single application of OVA to mouse skin initiates remodeling and cellular infiltration of the hypodermis measured by a newly developed computer-aided method. Importantly, we demonstrate that skin mast cell (MC) activation and local sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) are significantly augmented after OVA treatment in mice. Deficiency in sphingosine kinase (SphK)1, the S1P-producing enzyme, or in MC, remarkably mitigates all signs of OVA-mediated remodeling and MC activation. Furthermore, skin S1P levels remain unchanged in MC-deficient mice exposed to OVA. LPS-free OVA does not recapitulate any of the precursor signs of AD, supporting a triggering contribution of LPS in AD that, per se, suffice to activate local MC and elevate skin S1P. We describe MC and S1P as novel pathogenic effectors that initiate remodeling in AD prior to any skin lesions and reveal the significance of LPS in OVA used in most studies, thus mimicking natural antigen (Ag) exposure.

This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

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IJERPH, Vol. 14, Pages 1062: Hospital Costs of Foreign Non-Resident Patients: A Comparative Analysis in Catalonia, Spain

IJERPH, Vol. 14, Pages 1062: Hospital Costs of Foreign Non-Resident Patients: A Comparative Analysis in Catalonia, Spain

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health doi: 10.3390/ijerph14091062

Authors: Elena Arroyo-Borrell Gemma Renart-Vicens Marc Saez Marc Carreras

Although patient mobility has increased over the world, in Europe there is a lack of empirical studies. The aim of the study was to compare foreign non-resident patients versus domestic patients for the particular Catalan case, focusing on patient characteristics, hospitalisation costs and differences in costs depending on the typology of the hospital they are treated. We used data from the 2012 Minimum Basic Data Set-Acute Care hospitals (CMBD-HA) in Catalonia. We matched two case-control groups: first, foreign non-resident patients versus domestic patients and, second, foreign non-resident patients treated by Regional Public Hospitals versus other type of hospitals. Hospitalisation costs were modelled using a GLM Gamma with a log-link. Our results show that foreign non-resident patients were significantly less costly than domestic patients (12% cheaper). Our findings also suggested differences in the characteristics of foreign non-resident patients using Regional Public Hospitals or other kinds of hospitals although we did not observe significant differences in the healthcare costs. Nevertheless, women, 15–24 and 35–44 years old patients and the days of stay were less costly in Regional Public Hospitals. In general, acute hospitalizations of foreign non-resident patients while they are on holiday cost substantially less than domestic patients. The typology of hospital is not found to be a relevant factor influencing costs.

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A Semi-Lagrangian Scheme for a Modified Version of the Hughes’ Model for Pedestrian Flow

Abstract

In this paper, we present a semi-Lagrangian scheme for a regularized version of the Hughes' model for pedestrian flow. Hughes originally proposed a coupled nonlinear PDE system describing the evolution of a large pedestrian group trying to exit a domain as fast as possible. The original model corresponds to a system of a conservation law for the pedestrian density and an eikonal equation to determine the weighted distance to the exit. We consider this model in the presence of small diffusion and discuss the numerical analysis of the proposed semi-Lagrangian scheme. Furthermore, we illustrate the effect of small diffusion on the exit time with various numerical experiments.

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Fruit and Vegetable Phytochemicals: Chemistry and Human Health, 2 Volumes, 2nd Edition

Now in two volumes and containing more than seventy chapters, the second edition of Fruit and Vegetable Phytochemicals: Chemistry, Nutritional Value and Stability has been greatly revised and expanded. Written by hundreds of experts from across the world, the chapters cover diverse aspects of chemistry and biological functions, the influence of postharvest technologies, analysis methods and important phytochemicals in more than thirty fruits and vegetables Read More...

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Fundamentals of Intracellular Calcium

The definitive text on the key component for cell functionsintracellular calcium This comprehensive book reveals the evidence for intracellular calcium as a universal switch in all animal, plant, fungal and microbial cells. It shows how the components required for calcium signaling are named and classified; covers the technology that has been developed to study intracellular calcium; describes how calcium is regulated inside cells and how it works Read More...

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Osteopontin and their roles in hematological malignancies: Splice variants on the new avenues

Publication date: 1 November 2017
Source:Cancer Letters, Volume 408
Author(s): Ana Clara Santos Fonseca Bastos, Caroline Barbieri Blunck, Mariana Emerenciano, Etel Rodrigues Pereira Gimba
Osteopontin (OPN) is a protein expressed in several tissues, including bone marrow, in which it performs distinct roles, such as modulating hematopoietic stem cell niche and bone remodeling. Most data in hematological malignancies (HMs) refers to total OPN (tOPN), comprehending the sum of distinct OPN splicing isoforms (OPN-SI), while reports describing the expression and roles of each OPN-SI are scarce. This review aims to summarize tOPN roles in HMs and provide evidence that OPN-SIs can also modulate specific functions in HMs biology. We summarize that upregulated tOPN can modulate HMs (leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma) progression, inducing cell adhesion, invasion, angiogenesis, cell differentiation and extramedullary and/or central nervous system infiltration. Based on this expression pattern, tOPN has been pointed out as a biomarker in those HMs, thus providing potential targets for therapeutic approaches. Our group found that OPN-SIs are expressed in childhood B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (BCP-ALL) cell lines (unpublished data), providing early evidence that OPN-SIs are also expressed in BCP-ALL. Further studies should investigate whether these OPN-SIs can differently modulate HMs biology and their putative application as auxiliary biomarkers for HMs.



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Fuzzy Control Model and Simulation for Nonlinear Supply Chain System with Lead Times

A new fuzzy robust control strategy for the nonlinear supply chain system in the presence of lead times is proposed. Based on Takagi-Sugeno fuzzy control system, the fuzzy control model of the nonlinear supply chain system with lead times is constructed. Additionally, we design a fuzzy robust control strategy taking the definition of maximal overlapped-rules group into consideration to restrain the impacts such as those caused by lead times, switching actions among submodels, and customers' stochastic demands. This control strategy can not only guarantee that the nonlinear supply chain system is robustly asymptotically stable but also realize soft switching among subsystems of the nonlinear supply chain to make the less fluctuation of the system variables by introducing the membership function of fuzzy system. The comparisons between the proposed fuzzy robust control strategy and the robust control strategy are finally illustrated through numerical simulations on a two-stage nonlinear supply chain with lead times.

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Cloud Base Height Estimation from ISCCP Cloud-Type Classification Applied to A-Train Data

Cloud base height (CBH) is an important cloud macro parameter that plays a key role in global radiation balance and aviation flight. Building on a previous algorithm, CBH is estimated by combining measurements from CloudSat/CALIPSO and MODIS based on the International Satellite Cloud Climatology Project (ISCCP) cloud-type classification and a weighted distance algorithm. Additional constraints on cloud water path (CWP) and cloud top height (CTH) are introduced. The combined algorithm takes advantage of active and passive remote sensing to effectively estimate CBH in a wide-swath imagery where the cloud vertical structure details are known only along the curtain slice of the nonscanning active sensors. Comparisons between the estimated and observed CBHs show high correlation. The coefficient of association () is 0.8602 with separation distance between donor and recipient points in the range of 0 to 100 km and falls off to 0.5856 when the separation distance increases to the range of 401 to 600 km. Also, differences are mainly within 1 km when separation distance ranges from 0 km to 600 km. The CBH estimation method was applied to the 3D cloud structure of Tropical Cyclone Bill, and the method is further assessed by comparing CTH estimated by the algorithm with the MODIS CTH product.

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Antidiabetic Effect of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor and Its Association with Inflammation in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a neurotrophin, which plays an important role in the central nervous system, and systemic or peripheral inflammatory conditions, such as acute coronary syndrome and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). BDNF is also expressed in several nonneuronal tissues, and platelets are the major source of peripheral BDNF. Here, we reviewed the potential role of BDNF in platelet reactivity in T2DM and its association with selected inflammatory and platelet activation mediators. Besides that, we focused on adipocytokines such as leptin, resistin, and adiponectin which are considered to take part in inflammation and both lipid and glucose metabolism in diabetic patients as previous studies showed the relation between adipocytokines and BDNF. We also reviewed the evidences of the antidiabetic effect of BDNF and the association with circulating inflammatory cytokines in T2DM.

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Effect of the Organobentonite Filler on Structure and Properties of Composites Based on Hydroxyethyl Cellulose

Organobentonite powder was synthesized and characterized using laser diffraction, X-ray diffraction, low-temperature nitrogen adsorption-desorption technique, and dynamic light scattering. Obtained powder was found as material with mesopores. The organobentonite particles were larger than pure bentonite one. Hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC) was filled with organobentonite particles by mechanical dispersion, and produced composite films were researched by the number of methods. New data relating to structure, tensile properties, and antimicrobial activity of HEC/organobentonite composites were obtained. Using results of X-ray diffraction, the reflections assigned to crystal filler in polymer material were proved. Concentration effect of the filling agent on tensile properties of composite film was revealed. Data of infrared (IR) spectrometry indicated a decrease in the density of hydrogen-bond net in HEC/organobentonite composite as compared with pristine HEC. Using microbiological tests, it was found that the HEC/organobentonite films exhibited bacteriostatic action against S. aureus and fungistatic action against molds.

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Fatigue Evaluation of Recycled Asphalt Mixture Based on Energy-Controlled Mode

The fatigue properties of asphalt mixtures are important inputs for mechanistic-empirical pavement design. To understand the fatigue properties of asphalt mixtures better and to predict the fatigue life of asphalt mixtures more precisely, the energy-controlled test mode was introduced. Based on the implementation theory, the laboratory practice for the energy-controlled mode was realized using a four-point-bending fatigue test with multiple-step loading. In this mode, the fatigue performance of typical AC-20 asphalt specimens with various reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) contents was tested and evaluated. Results show that the variation regulation of the dissipated energy and accumulative energy is compatible with the loading control principle, which proves the feasibility of the method. In addition, the fatigue life of the asphalt mixture in the energy-controlled mode was between that for the stress-controlled and strain-controlled modes. The specimen with a higher RAP content has a longer fatigue life and better fatigue performance.

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IJMS, Vol. 18, Pages 1977: Deep Circular RNA Sequencing Provides Insights into the Mechanism Underlying Grass Carp Reovirus Infection

IJMS, Vol. 18, Pages 1977: Deep Circular RNA Sequencing Provides Insights into the Mechanism Underlying Grass Carp Reovirus Infection

International Journal of Molecular Sciences doi: 10.3390/ijms18091977

Authors: Libo He Aidi Zhang Lv Xiong Yongming Li Rong Huang Lanjie Liao Zuoyan Zhu and Yaping Wang

Grass carp hemorrhagic disease, caused by the grass carp reovirus (GCRV), is a major disease that hampers the development of grass carp aquaculture in China. The mechanism underlying GCRV infection is still largely unknown. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are important regulators involved in various biological processes. In the present study, grass carp were infected with GCRV, and spleen samples were collected at 0 (control), 1, 3, 5, and 7 days post-infection (dpi). Samples were used to construct and sequence circRNA libraries, and a total of 5052 circRNAs were identified before and after GCRV infection, of which 41 exhibited differential expression compared with controls. Many parental genes of the differentially expressed circRNAs are involved in metal ion binding, protein ubiquitination, enzyme activity, and nucleotide binding. Moreover, 72 binding miRNAs were predicted from the differentially expressed circRNAs, of which eight targeted genes were predicted to be involved in immune responses, blood coagulation, hemostasis, and complement and coagulation cascades. Upregulation of these genes may lead to endothelial and blood cell damage and hemorrhagic symptoms. Our results indicate that an mRNA–miRNA–circRNA network may be present in grass carp infected with GCRV, providing new insight into the mechanism underlying grass carp reovirus infection.

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Myasthenia Gravis and Crisis: Evaluation and Management in the Emergency Department

Publication date: Available online 12 September 2017
Source:The Journal of Emergency Medicine
Author(s): Jamie Roper, M. Emily Fleming, Brit Long, Alex Koyfman
BackgroundMyasthenia gravis (MG) is an uncommon autoimmune disorder affecting the neuromuscular junction and manifesting as muscle weakness. A multitude of stressors can exacerbate MG. When symptoms are exacerbated, muscle weakness can be severe enough to result in respiratory failure, a condition known as myasthenic crisis (MC).ObjectiveThis review discusses risk factors, diagnosis, management, and iatrogenic avoidance of MC.DiscussionMC can affect any age, ethnicity, or sex and can be precipitated with any stressor, infection being the most common. MC is a clinical diagnosis defined by respiratory failure caused by exacerbation of MG. Muscle weakness can involve any voluntary muscle. MC can be differentiated from other neuromuscular junction diseases by the presence of normal reflexes, normal sensation, lack of autonomic symptoms, lack of fasciculations, and worsening weakness with repetitive motion. Treatment should target the inciting event and airway support. All acetylcholinesterase inhibitors should be avoided in crisis, including edrophonium testing and corticosteroids initially. Respiratory support can begin with noninvasive positive-pressure ventilation, as this has been successful even in patients with bulbar weakness. If intubation is necessary, consider avoiding paralytics or use a reduced dose of nondepolarizing agents.ConclusionsMC should be in the differential of any patient with muscular weakness and respiratory compromise. Emergency department management of MC should focus on ruling out infection and respiratory support. Strong consideration should be given to beginning with noninvasive positive-pressure ventilation for ventilatory support. Corticosteroids, depolarizing paralytics, and acetylcholinesterase inhibitors should be avoided in patients with MC in the emergency department.



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Overexpression of F-box only protein 31 predicts poor prognosis and deregulates p38α- and JNK-mediated apoptosis in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

Abstract

F-box only protein 31 (FBXO31), a subunit of the Skp1-Cul1-F box ubiquitin ligase, plays a crucial role in DNA damage response and tumorigenesis. Yet its expression and function vary in different types of human cancer. The expression of FBXO31 in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) and its association with clinicopathological features is not well studied. The underlying mechanism by which deregulated FBXO31 contributes to ESCC tumorigenesis is largely unknown. By immunohistochemical analysis of a tissue microarray containing 85 cases of ESCC and matched adjacent non-cancerous tissue and an additional 10 cases of ESCC tissue samples, we found that FBXO31 was overexpressed in ESCC, and that its expression was significantly correlated with histological grade (P = 0.04) and clinical stage (P = 0.022). Higher expression of FBXO31 was associated with poor prognosis in univariate (P = 0.013) and multivariate (P = 0.014) analyses. We found that FBXO31 functioned as an anti-apoptotic molecule in ESCC cells exposed to different types of genotoxic stress. Knockdown of FBXO31 inhibited serum-starved cell viability and decreased tumorigenicity of ESCC cells. In addition, the anti-apoptotic effects of FBXO31 were associated with deactivation of stress-induced MAPK p38α and JNK. Furthermore, in vitro and in vivo data showed that silencing of FBXO31 sensitized ESCC cells and tumors to cisplatin treatment. Taken together, in addition to revealing that FBXO31 is an independent prognostic marker for ESCC, our findings substantiate a novel regulatory role of FBXO31 in tumorigenesis and drug resistance of ESCC. (243 words) This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

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A phosphoarray platform is capable of personalizing kinase inhibitor therapy in head and neck cancers

Abstract

Tyrosine kinase inhibitors are effective treatments for cancers. Knowing the specific kinase mutants that drive the underlying cancers predict therapeutic response to these inhibitors. Thus, the current protocol for personalized cancer therapy involves genotyping tumors in search of various driver mutations and subsequently individualizing the tyrosine kinase inhibitor to the patients whose tumors express the corresponding driver mutant. While this approach works when known driver mutations are found, its limitation is the dependence on driver mutations as predictors for response. To complement the genotype approach, we hypothesize that a phosphoarray platform is equally capable of personalizing kinase inhibitor therapy. We selected head and neck squamous cell carcinoma as the cancer model to test our hypothesis. Using the receptor tyrosine kinase phosphoarray, we identified the phosphorylation profiles of 49 different tyrosine kinase receptors in five different head and neck cancer cell lines. Based on these results, we tested the cell line response to the corresponding kinase inhibitor therapy. We found that this phosphoarray accurately informed the kinase inhibitor response profile of the cell lines. Next, we determined the phosphorylation profiles of 39 head and neck cancer patient derived xenografts. We found that absent phosphorylated EGFR signal predicted primary resistance to cetuximab treatment in the xenografts without phosphorylated ErbB2. Meanwhile, absent ErbB2 signaling in the xenografts with phosphorylated EGFR is associated with a higher likelihood of response to cetuximab. In summary, the phosphoarray technology has the potential to become a new diagnostic platform for personalized cancer therapy. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

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The mTOR kinase inhibitor everolimus synergistically enhances the anti-tumor effect of the Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitor PLS-123 on Mantle cell lymphoma

Abstract

Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) is an aggressive and incurable malignant disease. Despite of general chemotherapy, relapse and mortality are common, highlighting the need for the development of novel targeted drugs or combination of therapeutic regimens. Recently, several drugs that target the B-cell receptor (BCR) signaling pathway, especially the Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitor ibrutinib, have demonstrated notable therapeutic effects in relapsed/refractory patients, which indicate that pharmacological inhibition of BCR pathway holds promise in MCL treatment. Here, we have developed a novel irreversible BTK inhibitor, PLS-123, that has more potent and selective anti-tumor activity than ibrutinib in vitro and in vivo. Using in vitro screening, we discovered that the combination of PLS-123 and the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitor, everolimus exert synergistic activity in attenuating proliferation and motility of MCL cell lines. Simultaneous inhibition of BTK and mTOR resulted in marked induction of apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in the G1 phase, which were accompanied by upregulation of pro-apoptotic proteins (cleaved Caspase-3, cleaved PARP and Bax), repression of anti-apoptotic proteins (Mcl-1, Bcl-xl and XIAP), and downregulation of regulators of the G1/S phase transition (CDK2, CDK4, CDK6 and Cyclin D1). Gene expression profile analysis revealed simultaneous treatment with these agents led to inhibition of the JAK2/STAT3, AKT/mTOR signaling pathways and SGK1 expression. Finally, the anti-tumor and pro-apoptotic activities of combination strategy have also been demonstrated using xenograft mice models. Taken together, simultaneous suppression of BTK and mTOR may be indicated as a potential therapeutic modality for the treatment of MCL. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

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Incidence and Trends of Sepsis in US Hospitals Using Clinical vs Claims Data, 2009-2014.

Incidence and Trends of Sepsis in US Hospitals Using Clinical vs Claims Data, 2009-2014.

JAMA. 2017 Sep 13;:

Authors: Rhee C, Dantes R, Epstein L, Murphy DJ, Seymour CW, Iwashyna TJ, Kadri SS, Angus DC, Danner RL, Fiore AE, Jernigan JA, Martin GS, Septimus E, Warren DK, Karcz A, Chan C, Menchaca JT, Wang R, Gruber S, Klompas M, CDC Prevention Epicenter Program

Abstract
Importance: Estimates from claims-based analyses suggest that the incidence of sepsis is increasing and mortality rates from sepsis are decreasing. However, estimates from claims data may lack clinical fidelity and can be affected by changing diagnosis and coding practices over time.
Objective: To estimate the US national incidence of sepsis and trends using detailed clinical data from the electronic health record (EHR) systems of diverse hospitals.
Design, Setting, and Population: Retrospective cohort study of adult patients admitted to 409 academic, community, and federal hospitals from 2009-2014.
Exposures: Sepsis was identified using clinical indicators of presumed infection and concurrent acute organ dysfunction, adapting Third International Consensus Definitions for Sepsis and Septic Shock (Sepsis-3) criteria for objective and consistent EHR-based surveillance.
Main Outcomes and Measures: Sepsis incidence, outcomes, and trends from 2009-2014 were calculated using regression models and compared with claims-based estimates using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification codes for severe sepsis or septic shock. Case-finding criteria were validated against Sepsis-3 criteria using medical record reviews.
Results: A total of 173 690 sepsis cases (mean age, 66.5 [SD, 15.5] y; 77 660 [42.4%] women) were identified using clinical criteria among 2 901 019 adults admitted to study hospitals in 2014 (6.0% incidence). Of these, 26 061 (15.0%) died in the hospital and 10 731 (6.2%) were discharged to hospice. From 2009-2014, sepsis incidence using clinical criteria was stable (+0.6% relative change/y [95% CI, -2.3% to 3.5%], P = .67) whereas incidence per claims increased (+10.3%/y [95% CI, 7.2% to 13.3%], P < .001). In-hospital mortality using clinical criteria declined (-3.3%/y [95% CI, -5.6% to -1.0%], P = .004), but there was no significant change in the combined outcome of death or discharge to hospice (-1.3%/y [95% CI, -3.2% to 0.6%], P = .19). In contrast, mortality using claims declined significantly (-7.0%/y [95% CI, -8.8% to -5.2%], P < .001), as did death or discharge to hospice (-4.5%/y [95% CI, -6.1% to -2.8%], P < .001). Clinical criteria were more sensitive in identifying sepsis than claims (69.7% [95% CI, 52.9% to 92.0%] vs 32.3% [95% CI, 24.4% to 43.0%], P < .001), with comparable positive predictive value (70.4% [95% CI, 64.0% to 76.8%] vs 75.2% [95% CI, 69.8% to 80.6%], P = .23).
Conclusions and Relevance: In clinical data from 409 hospitals, sepsis was present in 6% of adult hospitalizations, and in contrast to claims-based analyses, neither the incidence of sepsis nor the combined outcome of death or discharge to hospice changed significantly between 2009-2014. The findings also suggest that EHR-based clinical data provide more objective estimates than claims-based data for sepsis surveillance.

PMID: 28903154 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Psychological Health Status and Health-related Quality of Life in Adults with Atopic Dermatitis: A Nationwide Cross-sectional Study in South Korea.

Psychological Health Status and Health-related Quality of Life in Adults with Atopic Dermatitis: A Nationwide Cross-sectional Study in South Korea.

Acta Derm Venereol. 2017 Sep 13;:

Authors: Lee SH, Lee SH, Lee SY, Lee B, Lee SH, Park YL

Abstract
Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder. Patients with AD often experience psychological distress and poor health-related quality of life (HRQoL). The aim of this study was to investigate the association of several psychological health statuses and poor HRQoL in an adult population with AD in South Korea. A total of 38,741 adults who participated in the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, a nationwide, population-based, cross-sectional health survey between 2008 and 2013 were included. HRQoL was assessed by EuroQoL (EQ) 5-dimension questionnaire and EQ-visual analogue scale scores. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the association of stress, sleep duration, depressive mood, depression, suicidal ideation, and HRQoL with AD relative to matched controls. After adjusting in patients with AD confounding factors, stress, depressive mood, depression, suicidal ideation and poor HRQoL were significantly associated with AD. Dermatologists should be concerned with improving HRQoL and managing the psychological health status of adult patients with AD.

PMID: 28902948 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Circadian hemodynamics in men and women with high blood pressure: dipper vs. nondipper and racial differences.

Circadian hemodynamics in men and women with high blood pressure: dipper vs. nondipper and racial differences.

J Hypertens. 2017 Sep 11;:

Authors: Sherwood A, Hill LK, Blumenthal JA, Hinderliter AL

Abstract
OBJECTIVE: The 'nondipping' pattern of circadian blood pressure (BP) variation is an established independent predictor of adverse cardiovascular outcomes. Although this phenomenon has been widely studied, its underlying circadian hemodynamics of cardiac output and systemic vascular resistance (SVR) have not been well characterized. We evaluated the hypothesis that BP nondipping would be associated with a blunted night-time reduction in SVR in a biracial sample of 140 (63 African-American and 77 white) men and women with elevated clinic BP (130-159/85-99 mmHg).
METHODS AND RESULTS: Twenty-four-hour ambulatory hemodynamics were assessed using standard ambulatory BP monitoring coupled with synchronized ambulatory impedance cardiography. Using the criterion of less than 10% dip in SBP, there were 51 nondippers (SBP dip = 7.3 ± 2.6%) and 89 dippers (SBP dip = 15.5 ± 3.4%). There was minimal change in cardiac output from daytime to night-time in both dippers and nondippers. However, SVR decreased from daytime to night-time, but nondippers compared with dippers exhibited a significantly attenuated decrease in SVR from daytime to night-time (7.8 vs. 16.1%, P < 0.001). Relative to their white counterparts, African-Americans also exhibited blunted SBP dipping (10.9 vs. 14.6%, P < 0.001) as well as an attenuated decrease in SVR (10.8 vs. 15.6%, P < 0.001).
CONCLUSION: Overall, these findings indicate that blunted night-time BP dipping is associated with impairment of the systemic vasodilation that is characteristic of the night-time sleep period and is especially prominent among African-Americans. In the context of high BP, these findings suggest that nondipping may be a manifestation, or marker, of more advanced vascular disease.

PMID: 28902662 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Frequent genes in rare diseases: panel-based next generation sequencing to disclose causal mutations in hereditary neuropathies.

Frequent genes in rare diseases: panel-based next generation sequencing to disclose causal mutations in hereditary neuropathies.

J Neurochem. 2017 Sep 13;:

Authors: Dohrn MF, Glöckle N, Mulahasanovic L, Heller C, Mohr J, Bauer C, Riesch E, Becker A, Battke F, Hörtnagel K, Hornemann T, Suriyanarayanan S, Blankenburg M, Schulz JB, Claeys KG, Gess B, Katona I, Ferbert A, Vittore D, Grimm A, Wolking S, Schöls L, Lerche H, Korenke GC, Fischer D, Schrank B, Kotzaeridou U, Kurlemann G, Dräger B, Schirmacher A, Young P, Schlotter-Weigel B, Biskup S

Abstract
Hereditary neuropathies comprise a wide variety of chronic diseases associated to more than 80 genes identified to date. We herein examined 612 index patients with either a Charcot-Marie-Tooth phenotype, hereditary sensory neuropathy, familial amyloid neuropathy, or small fiber neuropathy using a customized multigene panel based on the next generation sequencing (NGS) technique. In 121 cases (19.8%), we identified at least one putative pathogenic mutation. Out of these, 54.4% showed an autosomal dominant, 33.9% an autosomal recessive, and 11.6% an X-linked inheritance. The most frequently affected genes were PMP22 (16.4%), GJB1 (10.7%), MPZ and SH3TC2 (both 9.9%), and MFN2 (8.3%). We further detected likely or known pathogenic variants in HINT1, HSPB1, NEFL, PRX, IGHMBP2, NDRG1, TTR, EGR2, FIG4, GDAP1, LMNA, LRSAM1, POLG, TRPV4, AARS, BIC2, DHTKD1, FGD4, HK1, INF2, KIF5A, PDK3, REEP1, SBF1, SBF2, SCN9A, and SPTLC2 with a declining frequency. Thirty-four novel variants were considered likely pathogenic not having previously been described in association with any disorder in the literature. In one patient, two homozygous mutations in HK1 were detected in the multigene panel, but not by whole-exome-sequencing. A novel missense mutation in KIF5A was considered pathogenic due to the highly compatible phenotype. In one patient, the plasma sphingolipid profile could functionally prove the pathogenicity of a mutation in SPTLC2. One pathogenic mutation in MPZ was identified after being previously missed by Sanger sequencing. We conclude that panel based NGS is a useful, time- and cost-effective approach to assist clinicians in identifying the correct diagnosis and enable causative treatment considerations. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

PMID: 28902413 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Pilot Study of the Tart Cherry Juice for the Treatment of Insomnia and Investigation of Mechanisms.

Pilot Study of the Tart Cherry Juice for the Treatment of Insomnia and Investigation of Mechanisms.

Am J Ther. 2017 Mar 27;:

Authors: Losso JN, Finley JW, Karki N, Liu AG, Prudente A, Tipton R, Yu Y, Greenway FL

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Insomnia is common in the elderly and is associated with chronic disease, but use of hypnotics increases the incidence of falls. Montmorency tart cherry juice has improved insomnia by self-report questionnaire.
STUDY QUESTION: Is insomnia confirmed by polysomnography and is tryptophan availability a potential mechanism for treating insomnia?
STUDY DESIGN: A placebo-controlled balanced crossover study with subjects older than 50 years and insomnia were randomized to placebo (2 weeks) or cherry juice (2 weeks) (240 mL 2 times/d) separated by a 2-week washout.
MEASURES AND OUTCOMES: Sleep was evaluated by polysomnography and 5 validated questionnaires. Serum indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO), the kynurenine-to-tryptophan ratio, and prostaglandin E2 were measured. In vitro, Caco-2 cells were stimulated with interferon-gamma, and the ability of cherry juice procyanidin to inhibit IDO which degrades tryptophan and stimulates inflammation was measured. The content of procyanidin B-2 and other major anthocyanins in cherry juice were determined.
RESULTS: Eleven subjects were randomized; 3 with sleep apnea were excluded and referred. The 8 completers with insomnia increased sleep time by 84 minutes on polysomnography (P = 0.0182) and sleep efficiency increased on the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (P = 0.03). Other questionnaires showed no significant differences. The serum kynurenine-to-tryptophan ratio decreased, as did the level of prostaglandin E2 (both P < 0.05). In vitro, cherry juice procyanidin B-2 dose-dependently inhibited IDO.
CONCLUSIONS: Cherry juice increased sleep time and sleep efficiency. Cherry juice procyanidin B-2 inhibited IDO, increased tryptophan availability, reduced inflammation, and may be partially responsible for improvement in insomnia.

PMID: 28901958 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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The overlap of sleep disturbance and depression in primary care patients treated with buprenorphine.

The overlap of sleep disturbance and depression in primary care patients treated with buprenorphine.

Subst Abus. 2017 Sep 13;:0

Authors: Garnaat SL, Weisberg RB, Uebelacker LA, Herman DS, Bailey GL, Anderson BJ, Sharkey KM, Stein MD

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Sleep disturbance is common among patients receiving long-term opioid therapies, such as methadone maintenance. However, little is known about sleep disturbances in patients receiving medication treatment with buprenorphine. We sought to determine the frequency of subjective sleep disturbance in a sample of patients receiving medication treatment and to examine clinical factors related to sleep disturbance.
METHOD: Participants were 328 persons receiving buprenorphine at three primary care sites. We assessed sleep difficulty using two questions adapted from the PHQ-9 item assessing sleep. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the CESD-10 and PHQ-2. In addition, information was gathered on participant demographics and treatment characteristics. We compared demographics, buprenorphine treatment history, and depressive symptoms for those with and without self-reported sleep difficulty. We used logistic regression to estimate the adjusted association of sleep disturbance with these correlates.
RESULTS: Seventy-one percent of persons receiving medication treatment with burprenophine in our study reported sleep difficulty. Persons reporting sleep disturbance reported shorter time in buprenorphine treatment and more depressed mood compared to those without sleep difficulty (p<.01). Men were significantly less likely to report disturbed sleep than women (OR = 0.57, 95%CI 0.33; 0.98). Sleep disturbance was not associated significantly with age, ethnicity, educational attainment, or buprenorphine dose.
CONCLUSIONS: Sleep disturbance is common in patients receiving medication treatment with burphrenorphine and is associated with more depressive symptoms as well as a shorter duration of medication treatment. Future research, using subjective and objective sleep measures, is warranted to understand whether sleep disturbance is mitigated by longer buprenorphine treatment and whether difficulty sleeping predicts buprenorphine discontinuation among patients seeking treatment for opioid dependence.

PMID: 28901836 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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The effects of seasonal affective disorder and alcohol abuse on sleep and snoring functions in a population-based study in Finland.

The effects of seasonal affective disorder and alcohol abuse on sleep and snoring functions in a population-based study in Finland.

J Sleep Res. 2017 Sep 13;:

Authors: Morales-Muñoz I, Koskinen S, Partonen T

Abstract
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a recurrent depressive disorder with a seasonal pattern. In addition to some specific symptoms such as sad mood, low energy or carbohydrate craving, this mood disorder is also characterized by the presence of sleeping problems and alcohol disorders. Interestingly, there is a strong link between alcohol use and sleeping deficits. Although previous studies have focused extensively on the sleep patterns in SAD patients and patients with alcohol use disorder (AUD), no research has yet been conducted on subjects with comorbid SAD and AUD. The aim of this study was to examine the differences in sleep functioning between subjects with SAD, AUD and SAD+AUD. A total of 4554 Finnish subjects from the population-based Health 2011 survey were interviewed, and of these 2430 individuals completed all the questionnaires. We selected those participants who fulfilled the criteria for SAD (n = 298), AUD (n = 359), SAD+AUD (n = 69), controls 1 (no current alcohol use, n = 226) and controls 2 (current alcohol use but not AUD, n = 1445). Controls with a history of alcohol abuse were excluded (n = 33). All the participants completed the EuroQoL five-dimensions questionnaire (EQ-5), the Seasonal Pattern Assessment Questionnaire (SPAQ), the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) and several questions about sleeping, based on the Basic Nordic Sleep Questionnaire (BNSQ). Our results showed that those subjects with SAD+AUD reported the highest levels of subjective sleeping problems compared to controls, SAD and AUD. These findings suggest the relevance of examining the comorbidity of SAD and AUD when studying sleep functioning in these groups of patients.

PMID: 28901656 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Response to Mortazavi's comment.

Response to Mortazavi's comment.

Acta Paediatr. 2017 Sep 13;:

Authors: Valerio BC, Buonocore G

Abstract
Mortazavi's comment (1) on our letter (2) on whether electromagnetic fields (EMF) in incubators are a risk factor for autism contains several points that need to be corrected. First, we did not base our observations just on our previous papers as Mortazavi maintains. In fact, our observations were also based on several more papers about EMF in incubators, including the paper by Calvente et al, which was published in 2017 (3). Second, it is incorrect to write that a very simple intervention, such as changing the infants' sleep position, namely the position of the head and feet, can lead to a significant drop, as big as several orders of magnitude, in the infant's brain exposure (1), because in most incubators EMF levels are similar at all points of the mattress. Third, he writes that EMF can only be a risk for autism when the exposure happens in the first trimester of pregnancy. However, the paper he quotes deals with adult mice, not embryos, which does not support this opinion. On the contrary, studies supporting the correlation between EMF and autism in adults are available (4). Any association between EMF and autism is still a hypothesis. Despite this, the EMFs that babies are exposed to in incubators would hardly be acceptable for a hospitalised adult and we continue to maintain that these levels should be monitored and regulated. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

PMID: 28901633 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Validation of the PedsQL Epilepsy Module: A pediatric epilepsy-specific health-related quality of life measure.

Validation of the PedsQL Epilepsy Module: A pediatric epilepsy-specific health-related quality of life measure.

Epilepsia. 2017 Sep 13;:

Authors: Modi AC, Junger KF, Mara CA, Kellermann T, Barrett L, Wagner J, Mucci GA, Bailey L, Almane D, Guilfoyle SM, Urso L, Hater B, Hustzi H, Smith G, Herrmann B, Perry MS, Zupanc M, Varni JW

Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To validate a brief and reliable epilepsy-specific, health-related quality of life (HRQOL) measure in children with various seizure types, treatments, and demographic characteristics.
METHODS: This national validation study was conducted across five epilepsy centers in the United States. Youth 5-18 years and caregivers of youth 2-18 years diagnosed with epilepsy completed the PedsQL Epilepsy Module and additional questionnaires to establish reliability and validity of the epilepsy-specific HRQOL instrument. Demographic and medical data were collected through chart reviews. Factor analysis was conducted, and internal consistency (Cronbach's alphas), test-retest reliability, and construct validity were assessed.
RESULTS: Questionnaires were analyzed from 430 children with epilepsy (Mage = 9.9 years; range 2-18 years; 46% female; 62% white: non-Hispanic; 76% monotherapy, 54% active seizures) and their caregivers. The final PedsQL Epilepsy Module is a 29-item measure with five subscales (i.e., Impact, Cognitive, Sleep, Executive Functioning, and Mood/Behavior) with parallel child and caregiver reports. Internal consistency coefficients ranged from 0.70-0.94. Construct validity and convergence was demonstrated in several ways, including strong relationships with seizure outcomes, antiepileptic drug (AED) side effects, and well-established measures of executive, cognitive, and emotional/behavioral functioning.
SIGNIFICANCE: The PedsQL Epilepsy Module is a reliable measure of HRQOL with strong evidence of its validity across the epilepsy spectrum in both clinical and research settings.

PMID: 28901536 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Effect of continuous positive airway pressure therapy on inflammatory cytokines and atherosclerosis in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.

Effect of continuous positive airway pressure therapy on inflammatory cytokines and atherosclerosis in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.

Mol Med Rep. 2017 Aug 30;:

Authors: Jin F, Liu J, Zhang X, Cai W, Zhang Y, Zhang W, Yang J, Lu G, Zhang X

Abstract
Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is known to be a risk factor for atherosclerosis (AS), derived from a series of chronic inflammatory reactions caused by hypoxia. However, the association between chronic inflammation and high blood pressure caused by hypoxia remains to be fully elucidated. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy on inflammatory cytokines and AS. A total of 100 patients with OSAS and 50 healthy control subjects were enrolled. Fresh venous blood samples were collected prior to and following a 3‑months period of CPAP treatment. The inflammatory factors, interleukin (IL)‑18 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‑α, C‑reactive protein (CRP), intercellular cell adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM‑1), vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM‑1), E‑selectin and P‑selectin, were detected using standard enzyme‑linked immunosorbent assay kits. Intima‑media thickness (IMT), brachial‑ankle pulse wave velocity (Ba‑PWV), apnea‑hypopnea index (AHI) and transcutaneous oxygen saturation (SpO2) were also detected to compare differences prior to and following treatment. The results showed that, compared with the pre‑treatment data, the expression levels of IL‑8, TNF‑α, CRP, ICAM‑1, VCAM‑1, E‑selectin and P‑selectin were significantly decreased following treatment (P<0.05). The AHI, IMT, blood pressure and Ba‑PWV values were significantly decreased (P<0.05), and the SpO2 was increased (P<0.05). Taken together, by comparing the pre‑ and post‑intervention data, it was confirmed that inflammatory factors were involved in the process of AS in patients with OSAS. Following CPAP treatment, blood pressure and primary indicators in the patients improved.

PMID: 28901415 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Inhibitory effects of 17β-estradiol or a resveratrol dimer on hypoxia-inducible factor-1α in genioglossus myoblasts: Involvement of ERα and its downstream p38 MAPK pathways.

Inhibitory effects of 17β-estradiol or a resveratrol dimer on hypoxia-inducible factor-1α in genioglossus myoblasts: Involvement of ERα and its downstream p38 MAPK pathways.

Int J Mol Med. 2017 Sep 07;:

Authors: Li Y, Liu Y, Lu Y, Zhao B

Abstract
Deficiency in the functioning of the genioglossus, which is one of the upper airway dilator muscles, is an important cause of obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS). Estrogens have been reported to inhibit hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) expression in hypoxia, regulating its target genes and exerting protective effects on the genioglossus in chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH). This study aimed to investigate the role of 17β-estradiol (E2) and a resveratrol dimer (RD) on HIF-1α and the underlying mechanism. Mouse genioglossus myoblasts were isolated and cultured, and the estrogen receptor α (ERα) shRNA lentivirus was used for gene knockdown. Then MTT assay was used to determine the effects of E2 and RD on the viability of the cells. Cells in different groups were treated with different agents (E2, or RD, or E2 and SB203580), incubated under normoxia or hypoxia for 24 h, and then expression levels of HIF-1α, ERα, ERβ, total-p38 MAPK and phospho-p38 MAPK were detected. We observed that both E2 and RD inhibited the overexpression of HIF-1α induced by hypoxia at the mRNA and protein levels, and these effects were eliminated by genetic silencing of ERα by RNAi. In addition, we found that E2 activated p38 MAPK pathways to inhibit HIF-1α expression. On the whole, ERα may be responsible for downregulation of HIF-1α by E2 or RD via activation of downstream p38 MAPK pathways.

PMID: 28901388 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Arousal responses to respiratory events during sleep: the role of pulse wave amplitude.

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Arousal responses to respiratory events during sleep: the role of pulse wave amplitude.

J Sleep Res. 2017 Sep 12;:

Authors: Bosi M, Milioli G, Riccardi S, Melpignano A, Vaudano AE, Cortelli P, Poletti V, Parrino L

Abstract
The study aims at assessing the changes in electroencephalography (as measured by the A-phases of cyclic alternating pattern) and autonomic activity (based on pulse wave amplitude) at the recovery of airway patency in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. Analysis of polysomnographic recordings from 20 male individuals with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome was carried out in total sleep time, non-rapid eye movement and rapid eye movement sleep. Scoring quantified the combined occurrence (time range of 4 s before and 4 s after respiratory recovery) or separate occurrence of A-phases (cortical activation), and pulse wave amplitude drops (below 30%) to apneas, hypopneas or flow limitation events. A dual response (A-phase associated with a pulse wave amplitude drop) was the most frequent response (71.8% in total sleep time) for all types of respiratory events, with a progressive reduction from apneas to hypopneas and flow limitation events. The highly significant correlation in total sleep time (r = 0.9351; P < 0.0001) between respiratory events combined with A-phases and respiratory events combined with pulse wave amplitude drops was confirmed both in non-rapid eye movement (r = 0.9622; P < 0.0001) and rapid eye movement sleep (r = 0.7162; P < 0.0006). In conclusion, a dual cortical and autonomic activation is the most common manifestation at the recovery of airway patency. The significant correlation between A-phases and relevant pulse wave amplitude drops suggests a possible role of pulse wave amplitude as a marker of cerebral response to respiratory events.

PMID: 28901049 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Treating OSA: Current and emerging therapies beyond CPAP.

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Treating OSA: Current and emerging therapies beyond CPAP.

Respirology. 2017 Sep 12;:

Authors: Lorenzi-Filho G, Almeida FR, Strollo PJ

Abstract
Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is the standard treatment for moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). However, adherence to CPAP is limited and non-CPAP therapies are frequently explored. Oral appliance (OA) therapy is currently widely used for the treatment of snoring, mild, moderate and severe OSA. The most commonly used and studied OA consists of a maxillary and mandibular splint which hold the lower jaw forward during sleep. The efficacy of OA is inferior to CPAP; however, the effectiveness as measured by sleepiness, quality of life, endothelial function and blood pressure is similar likely due to higher acceptance and subjective adherence. Upper airway stimulation augments neural drive by unilaterally stimulating the hypoglossal nerve. The Stimulation Therapy for Apnea Reduction (STAR) study enrolled 126 patients and demonstrated a 68% reduction in OSA severity. A high upfront cost and variable response are the main limitations. Oropharyngeal exercises consist of a set of isometric and isotonic exercises involving the tongue, soft palate and lateral pharyngeal wall. The collective reported trials (n = 120) showed that oropharyngeal exercises can ameliorate OSA and snoring (~30-40%). Nasal EPAP devices consist of disposable one-way resister valve. A systematic review (n = 345) showed that nasal EPAP reduced OSA severity by 53%. The Winx device consists of a mouthpiece placed inside the oral cavity that is connected by tubing to a console that generates negative pressure. Winx may provide successful therapy for ~30-40% of OSA patients. In conclusion, several non-CPAP therapies to treat OSA are currently available.

PMID: 28901030 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Insomnia in tension-type headache: a population-based study.

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Insomnia in tension-type headache: a population-based study.

J Headache Pain. 2017 Sep 12;18(1):95

Authors: Kim J, Cho SJ, Kim WJ, Yang KI, Yun CH, Chu MK

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Tension-type headache (TTH) represents the most common type of headache among the general population. Although such headaches are usually mild in severity, some individuals with TTH experience severe symptoms and psychiatric comorbidities. Such patients may also experience sleep disturbances, which have been associated with headache exacerbation. Nevertheless, information regarding the prevalence and impact of insomnia among individuals with TTH in a population-based setting is limited. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the prevalence and impact of insomnia among individuals with TTH using data from the Korean Headache-Sleep Study (KHSS).
METHODS: We analysed data from the KHSS-a nation-wide, cross-sectional, population-based survey on headache and sleep involving Korean adults aged 19 to 69 years. Insomnia was defined as an Insomnia Severity Index score ≥ 10.
RESULTS: Among 2695 participants, 570 (21.2%) and 290 (10.8%) were classified as having TTH and insomnia, respectively. Among individuals with TTH, 113 (19.8%) met the criteria for probable migraine (PM). The prevalence of insomnia among individuals with TTH was significantly higher than that among individuals without headache (13.2% vs. 5.8%, p < 0.001). However, among the TTH group, the prevalence of insomnia did not significantly differ between participants fulfilling PM criteria and those not fulfilling PM criteria (14.2% vs. 12.9%, p = 0.725). Among individuals with TTH, headache frequency [median and interquartile range (IQR): 1.0 (0.3-3.0) vs. 0.4 (0.2-1.0), p = 0.002], visual analogue scale scores for headache intensity [median and IQR: 5.0 (4.0-7.0) vs. 4.0 (3.0-6.0), p < 0.001], Headache Impact Test-6 scores [median and IQR: 46.0 (40.0-52.0) vs. 42.0 (38.0-46.0), p < 0.001], anxiety prevalence (28.0% vs. 6.7%, p < 0.001), and depression prevalence (21.3% vs. 1.6%, p < 0.001) were significantly higher in those with insomnia than in those without insomnia.
CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate that insomnia is prevalent among individuals with TTH. Moreover, insomnia was associated with exacerbation of headache symptoms and psychiatric comorbidities. Therefore, identification of insomnia among individuals with TTH is required to improve the management of headache symptoms in such patients.

PMID: 28900887 [PubMed - in process]

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FENS News

Ann Nutr Metab 2017;71:127

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IUNS News

Ann Nutr Metab 2017;71:125-126

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Breast density and impacts on health.

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Breast density and impacts on health.

Ecancermedicalscience. 2017;11:ed70

Authors: Cruwys C, Pushkin J

Abstract
The World Health Organization states 'Early detection in order to improve breast cancer outcome and survival remains the cornerstone of breast cancer control' [WHO (World Health Organization) (2017) Breast cancer: prevention and control Available from: http://ift.tt/1rvLsbg]. Breast Density Matters UK is a non-profit breast cancer organization. The organization's mission is to educate about breast density and its screening and risk implications with the goal of achieving the earliest stage diagnosis possible for women with dense breasts. This educational mission is endorsed by breast imaging experts worldwide [Berg WA (2015-2017) Dense Breast-info Inc Available from: http://ift.tt/2xmnjfI].

PMID: 28900477 [PubMed]

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Serum biomarkers to predict risk of testicular and penile cancer in AMORIS.

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Serum biomarkers to predict risk of testicular and penile cancer in AMORIS.

Ecancermedicalscience. 2017;11:762

Authors: Ghoshal A, Garmo H, Arthur R, Hammar N, Jungner I, Malmström H, Lambe M, Walldius G, Hemelrijck MV

Abstract
PURPOSE: To evaluate the association between commonly measured serum biomarkers of inflammation and penile and testicular cancer risk in the Swedish Apolipoprotein-related MORtality RISk (AMORIS) study.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 205,717 subjects had baseline measurements of C-reactive protein, albumin, and haptoglobin. The association between quartiles and dichotomised values of inflammatory markers and penile and testicular cancer risk were analysed by using multivariate Cox proportional hazard models.
RESULTS: A total of 125 men were diagnosed with testicular cancer and 50 with penile cancer during a mean follow-up of 20.3 years. No statistically significant trends were seen between serum inflammatory markers and risk of penile cancer, but higher albumin levels increased the risk of testicular cancer [HR for albumin (g/L): 1.10 (95% CI: 1.03-1.18)]. However, this trend was not observed when using medical cut-offs of albumin.
CONCLUSIONS: In the present study, we did not find support for an association between commonly used markers of inflammation and risk of testicular or penile cancer. The role of inflammation may be more complicated and require assessment of more specialised measurements of inflammation in future studies.

PMID: 28900475 [PubMed]

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Malignant extra-adrenal pelvic paraganglioma in a paediatric patient.

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Malignant extra-adrenal pelvic paraganglioma in a paediatric patient.

Ecancermedicalscience. 2017;11:761

Authors: Cao G, Mendez J, Navacchia D

Abstract
The extra-adrenal paraganglioma is a neoplasm originating in regional structures, uncommon in paediatrics. We report on a case of a 13-year-old patient who began with severe arterial hypertension, tachycardia, dilated cardiomyopathy and elevated levels of catecholamines in the blood and urine. The presence of a retrovesical pelvic mass in contact with the right vaginal dome was determined by imaging studies. A diagnosis of malignant extra-adrenal pelvic paraganglioma with lymph node metastases was reached through biopsy and the surgical resection of subsequent local recurrences. Paragangliomas are usually located in the paravertebral zones from the base of the skull to the retroperitoneum and are benign in 90% of cases. This kind of neoplasia is uncommon in paediatrics, especially those located in the pelvis. In cases of masses of a gynaecological origin, a differential diagnosis should be considered, and a histological and immunohistochemical study is essential in certifying the diagnosis.

PMID: 28900474 [PubMed]

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Resection of rectal GIST using a novel technique: a report of two cases.

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Resection of rectal GIST using a novel technique: a report of two cases.

Ecancermedicalscience. 2017;11:760

Authors: Eldamshety O, Metwally IH, Ghoneem E, Elkashef WF

Abstract
Rectal gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GISTs) are uncommon tumours and usually present with large sizes. We present two cases of rectal GIST. Imatinib was used in the setting of neoadjuvant and adjuvant therapy. Both tumours were resected transanally by the transanal endoscopic operation (TEO) platform. Oncosurgeons are recommended to implement sphincter-sparing surgeries for these cases.

PMID: 28900473 [PubMed]

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Metastasizing pleomorphic adenoma of the parotid gland.

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Metastasizing pleomorphic adenoma of the parotid gland.

Ecancermedicalscience. 2017;11:758

Authors: Soteldo J, Aranaga N

Abstract
Salivary gland tumours are estimated to represent approximately 3% of all head and neck tumours. About 70-80% of these neoplasms occur in the major salivary glands, with the parotid gland being the most commonly affected site. The metastasizing pleomorphic adenoma (MPA) has histological characteristics of pleomorphic adenoma, but it has the capacity to generate local recurrences and distant metastases (mainly bones, lungs, and lymph nodes). Despite the fact that some authors consider it to be a benign neoplasia, the 2015 World Health Organisation (WHO) classification of head and neck tumours considers it to be malignant. We present a highly unusual case of metastasizing pleomorphic adenoma of the parotid gland and a bibliographic review.

PMID: 28900471 [PubMed]

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Mutational frequency of KRAS, NRAS, IDH2, PIK3CA, and EGFR in North Indian gallbladder cancer patients.

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Mutational frequency of KRAS, NRAS, IDH2, PIK3CA, and EGFR in North Indian gallbladder cancer patients.

Ecancermedicalscience. 2017;11:757

Authors: Sharma A, Kumar A, Kumari N, Krishnani N, Rastogi N

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Gallbladder cancer (GBC) has a peculiar geographical distinction, with a high prevalence seen in North India and Chile. There are various aetiopathogenetic mechanisms of GBC causation; one of them is a series of pathogenic mutations, which is responsible for the malignant transformation of gallbladder epithelium. Therefore, the present study aimed to find out cancer-specific hot spot mutations in five major cancer-related genes KRAS exon1 &2, NRAS exon1, IDH2 exon, PIK3CA exon 20, IDH2 exon 4 and EGFR exon 20 in North Indian GBC patients and their association with clinicopathological variables.
MATERIAL AND METHODS: This study included 34 histopathologically confirmed GBC cases. The clinical material consisted of formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) blocks of the patients. DNA isolation was done from FFPE tissue. DNA sequencing was performed by the capillary electrophoresis method. The chi-square (χ(2)) test was used to test for a statistically significant relationship between two categorical study variables.
RESULTS: The overall incidence of somatic mutations in KRAS exon 1&2, NRAS exon1, IDH2 exon4, PIK3CA exon20, and EGFR exon 20 in Indian GBC patients was found in 8/34 (23.5%), 3/34 (8.8%), 4/34 (11.7%), 7/34 (20.6%), 7/34 (20.6%), respectively. KRAS exon 1 and two mutations were found to be significantly associated with advanced stage GBC patients.
CONCLUSION: KRAS, PIK3CA, and EGFR were found to be the most frequently mutated genes among the five tested in this study.

PMID: 28900470 [PubMed]

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Necrotic ulcerated and bleeding striae distensae following bevacizumab in a palliative setting for gliobastomatosis cerebri.

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Necrotic ulcerated and bleeding striae distensae following bevacizumab in a palliative setting for gliobastomatosis cerebri.

Ecancermedicalscience. 2017;11:756

Authors: Laugier O, Padovani L, Verschuur A, Gaudy-Marqueste C, André N

Abstract
Glioblastoma cerebri is a rare paediatric malignancy with dismal prognosis [Chappé C, Riffaud L, and Tréguier C et al (2013) Primary gliomatosis cerebri involving gray matter in pediatrics: a distinct entity? A multicenter study of 14 casesChilds Nerv Syst29 565-571 http://ift.tt/2xmv5WQ PMID: 23306961] and no established standard of care. Here, we report a case of ulcerated and bleeding striae distensae in a teenage girl following palliative treatment with bevacizumab and steroids.

PMID: 28900469 [PubMed]

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Cancer of childhood in sub-Saharan Africa.

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Cancer of childhood in sub-Saharan Africa.

Ecancermedicalscience. 2017;11:755

Authors: Stefan C, Bray F, Ferlay J, Liu B, Maxwell Parkin D

Abstract
Measurement of incidence rates of childhood cancer in Africa is difficult. The study 'Cancer of Childhood in sub Saharan Africa' brings together results from 16 population-based registries which, as members of the African Cancer Registry Network (AFCRN), have been evaluated as achieving adequate coverage of their target population. The cancers are classified according to the third revision of the International Classification of Childhood Cancer (ICCC-3) and recorded rates in Africa are compared with those in childhood populations in the UK, France, and the USA. It is clear that, in many centres, lack of adequate diagnostic and treatment facilities leads to under-diagnosis (and enumeration) of leukaemias and brain cancers. However, for several childhood cancers, incidence rates in Africa are higher than those in high-income countries. This applies to infection-related cancers such as Kaposi sarcoma, Burkitt lymphoma, Hodgkin lymphoma and hepatocellular carcinoma, and also to two common embryonal cancers - retinoblastoma and nephroblastoma. These (and other) observations are unlikely to be artefact, and are of considerable interest when considering possible aetiological factors, including ethnic differences in risk (and hence genetic/familial antecedents). The data reported are the most extensive so far available on the incidence of cancer in sub Saharan Africa, and clearly indicate the need for more resources to be devoted to cancer registration, especially in the childhood age range, as part of an overall programme to improve the availability of diagnosis and treatment of this group of cancers, many of which have-potentially-an excellent prognosis.

PMID: 28900468 [PubMed]

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Green garden snail, Cantareus apertus , as biomonitor and sentinel for integrative metal pollution assessment in roadside soils

Abstract

The present investigation was conceived to study, in a small scale field study, the potential of the green garden snail, Cantareus apertus, as biomonitor and sentinel for integrative metal pollution assessment in soils. For this purpose, we investigated the association between the trace metal (Cd, Pb, As, Fe, Cr, Cu, Ni, and Zn) concentrations in soil, plants (Trifolium repens), and C. apertus depending on the distance (20, 150, and 700 m) from a main roadside in Tunisia as well as between metal concentrations and biomarkers of oxidative stress, oxidative damage, and neurotoxicity in C. apertus. Results revealed a clear association between the concentration of metals such as Ni, Cu, and Zn in snail digestive gland, both amongst them and with oxidative stress and neurotoxicity biomarkers recorded in the same organ. Interestingly, Ni, Pb, and Zn occurred at the highest concentration in soil, plant, and snails and the association appeared related to the immediacy of the roadside and the concentration of these three metals tended to decrease with distance from the roadside in the soil-plant-snail system. Conversely, Cd and Cu were bioaccumulated in plants and snails but their concentrations in soil were not high and did not show a decline in concentration with distance from the roadside. After PCA analysis, PC-01 (56% of the variance) represented metal bioaccumulation and associated toxic effects in snails in the presence of high levels of metal pollution (nearby the roadside) while PC-02 (35% of the variance) represented stress induced by moderate levels of metal pollution (at intermediate distances from the roadside). The four studied sites were clearly discriminated one from each other, depending on how they are affected by traffic pollution. In summary, this field study reveals that (a) C. apertus can be used as biomonitor for metal pollution in roadside soils and as sentinel for pollution effects assessment based on biochemical biomarkers; and (b) that oxidative stress and neurotoxicity biomarkers endow with a powerful biological tool for metal pollution biomonitoring in soils, especially in combination with chemical analysis of the soil-plant-snail transfer system. Moreover, this study provides some baseline data for future impact assessments concerning trace metal pollution in Tunisia.

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Effect of nanoscale zero-valent iron confined in mesostructure on Escherichia coli

Abstract

Nanoscale zero-valent iron particles (NZVIs) confined in the mesochannels of SBA-15 have superabilities in the remediation of contaminated groundwater. As a new kind of remediation nanomaterials, it is necessary to investigate the ecotoxicity of NZVIs/SBA-15 composites during their applications. In this study, we evaluated the toxicity of NZVIs/SBA-15 on Escherichia coli and proposed a possible mechanism. Compared with the bare NZVIs and SBA-15 surface-supported NZVIs at the same equivalent concentration of NZVIs (0.42 or 0.84 g/L), NZVIs/SBA-15 composites had a minimal cytotoxicity on E. coli, though they had the smallest iron nanoparticle size, the largest zeta potential, and the best stability in water. The mechanism may be attributed to the protection of the mesochannels and the electrostatic hindrance resulting from the silica host that could keep NZVIs from directly contacting with the cell. Thus, NZVIs confined in the mesostructures can be safely used in the remediation of contaminated natural water.

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Erratum to: Potential lung carcinogenicity induced by chronic exposure to PM 2.5 in the rat

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Economic assessment of conventional and conservation tillage practices in different wheat-based cropping systems of Punjab, Pakistan

Abstract

Wheat productivity and profitability is low under conventional tillage systems as they increase the production cost, soil compaction, and the weed infestation. Conservation tillage could be a pragmatic option to sustain the wheat productivity and enhance the profitability on long term basis. This study was aimed to evaluate the economics of different wheat-based cropping systems viz. fallow-wheat, rice-wheat, cotton-wheat, mung bean-wheat, and sorghum-wheat, with zero tillage, conventional tillage, deep tillage, bed sowing (60/30 cm beds and four rows), and bed sowing (90/45 cm beds and six rows). Results indicated that the bed sown wheat had the maximum production cost than other tillage systems. Although both bed sowing treatments incurred the highest production cost, they generated the highest net benefits and benefit: cost ratio (BCR). Rice-wheat cropping system with bed sown wheat (90/45 cm beds with six rows) had the highest net income (4129.7 US$ ha⁻¹), BCR (2.87), and marginal rate of return compared with rest of the cropping systems. In contrast, fallow-wheat cropping system incurred the lowest input cost, but had the least economic return. In crux, rice-wheat cropping system with bed sown wheat (90/45 cm beds with six rows) was the best option for getting the higher economic returns. Moreover, double cropping systems within a year are more profitable than sole planting of wheat under all tillage practices.

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UV-C as an efficient means to combat biofilm formation in show caves: evidence from the La Glacière Cave (France) and laboratory experiments

Abstract

Ultra-violet C (UV-C) treatment is commonly used in sterilization processes in industry, laboratories, and hospitals, showing its efficacy against microorganisms such as bacteria, algae, or fungi. In this study, we have eradicated for the first time all proliferating biofilms present in a show cave (the La Glacière Cave, Chaux-lès-Passavant, France). Colorimetric measurements of irradiated biofilms were then monitored for 21 months. To understand the importance of exposition of algae to light just after UV radiation, similar tests were carried out in laboratory conditions. Since UV-C can be deleterious for biofilm support, especially parietal painting, we investigated their effects on prehistoric pigment. Results showed complete eradication of cave biofilms with no algae proliferation observed after 21 months. Moreover, quantum yield results showed a decrease directly after UV-C treatment, indicating inhibition of algae photosynthesis. Furthermore, no changes in pigment color nor in chemical and crystalline properties has been demonstrated. The present findings demonstrate that the UV-C method can be considered environmentally friendly and the best alternative to chemicals. This inexpensive and easily implemented method is advantageous for cave owners and managers.

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Use of phytoproductivity data in the choice of native plant species to restore a degraded coal mining site amended with a stabilized industrial organic sludge

Abstract

Coal mining-related activities result in a degraded landscape and sites associated with large amounts of dumped waste material. The arid soil resulting from acid mine drainage affects terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, and thus, site remediation programs must be implemented to mitigate this sequential deleterious processes. A low-cost alternative material to counterbalance the affected physico-chemical-microbiological aspects of the degraded soil is the amendment with low contaminated and stabilized industrial organic sludge. The content of nutrients P and N, together with stabilized organic matter, makes this material an excellent fertilizer and soil conditioner, fostering biota colonization and succession in the degraded site. However, choice of native plant species to restore a degraded site must be guided by some minimal criteria, such as plant survival/adaptation and plant biomass productivity. Thus, in this 3-month study under environmental conditions, phytoproductivity tests with five native plant species (Surinam cherry Eugenia uniflora L., C. myrianthum–Citharexylum myrianthum, Inga–Inga spp., Brazilian peppertree Schinus terebinthifolius, and Sour cherry Prunus cerasus) were performed to assess these criteria, and additional biochemical parameters were measured in plant tissues (i.e., protein content and peroxidase activity) exposed to different soil/sludge mixture proportions. The results show that three native plants were more adequate to restore vegetation on degraded sites: Surinam cherry, C. myrianthum, and Brazilian peppertree. Thus, this study demonstrates that phytoproductivity tests associated with biochemical endpoint measurements can help in the choice of native plant species, as well as aiding in the choice of the most appropriate soil/stabilized sludge proportion in order to optimize biomass production.

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Phosphorylation of ETS-1 is a critical event in DNA polymerase iota-induced invasion and metastasis of ESCC

Summary

An aberrantly elevated expression of DNA polymerase ι (Pol ι) is significantly associated with poor prognosis of patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), yet the mechanisms behind remain obscure. Based on the RNA-Seq transcriptome and real-time PCR analysis, we identified ETS-1 as a candidate gene involved in Pol ι-mediated progression of ESCC. Wound-healing and transwell assay indicated that down-regulation of ETS-1 attenuates Pol ι-mediated invasiveness of ESCC. Signaling pathway analysis showed that Pol ι enhances ETS-1 phosphorylation at threonine-38 through the Erk signaling pathway in ESCC cells. Kaplan-Meier analysis, based on 93 clinical tissue samples, revealed that ETS-1 phosphorylation at threonine-38 is associated with poor prognosis of ESCC patients. The present study thus demonstrates that phosphorylation of ETS-1 is a critical event in the Pol ι-induced invasion and metastasis of ESCC.

This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

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Epidemiological and clinical features of adult T-cell leukemia-lymphoma (ATL) in Japan, 2010–2011: a nationwide survey

Summary

Adult T-cell leukemia-lymphoma (ATL) is a mature T-cell malignancy associated with human T-cell leukemia virus type I (HTLV-1) infection. Japan is the most endemic country for HTLV-1 and ATL in the world. Recent nationwide studies of Japanese blood donors reported that HTLV-1 carriers spread from endemic areas to non-endemic areas. Therefore, the latest information on nationwide epidemiological and clinical data for ATL is necessary to guide clinical practice. We conducted a multicenter, hospital-based survey of newly diagnosed ATL patients from 2010 to 2011. A total of 996 patients with ATL were registered from 126 hospitals across Japan. Of those, 922 (487 male and 435 female) were included in the analysis. The median age at diagnosis was 68 years (interquartile range [IQR] 60–75 years). Overall, 67.2% of ATL was diagnosed in Kyushu-Okinawa area. The most common subtype was acute (49.5%), followed by lymphoma (25.7%), chronic (14.2%) and smoldering (10.6%). Lymphoma type was more prevalent in males (60%), whereas chronic was more prevalent in females (60%). Half of patients with lymphoma type were aged over 70 years, whereas one third of the chronic type were aged under 60 years. All of these characteristics were different from those of the previous nationwide surveys in the 1980s–1990s. This survey clarified that half of current patients with ATL are aged over 68 years who were unable to receive intensive cytotoxic therapies. New less toxic agents for aged patients and further strategies to prevent the development of ATL from HTLV-1 carrier status are needed.

This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

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Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma Masquerading as Idiopathic Chronic Pancreatitis with Delayed Diagnosis

Pancreatic cancer carries poor prognosis. Establishing the diagnosis early could help in improving outcome. We are presenting a case of pancreatic cancer with delayed diagnosis. Our 60-year-old patient underwent multiple endoscopic ultrasound-guided biopsies with no evidence of malignancy. He had normal molecular tumor biomarkers. The patient needed 8 months to receive the diagnosis and initiate the treatment. There are no specific guidelines regarding choice of tissue sampling modalities in such cases.
Case Rep Oncol 2017;10:819–823

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Influence of scanning rate on quality of AFM image: Study of surface statistical metrics

Abstract

The purpose of this work is to study the dependence of AFM-data reliability on scanning rate. The three-dimensional (3D) surface topography of the samples with different micro-motifs is investigated. The analysis of surface metrics for estimation of artifacts from inappropriate scanning rate is presented. Fractal analysis was done by cube counting method and evaluation of statistical metrics was carrying out on the basis of AFM-data. Combination of quantitate parameters is also presented in graphs for every measurement. The results indicate that the sensitivity to scanning rate growths with fractal dimension of the sample. This approach allows describing the distortion of the images against scanning rate and could be applied for dependences on the other measurement parameters. The article explains the relevance and comparison of fractal and statistical surface parameters for characterization of data distortion caused by inappropriate choice of scanning rate.

• Three samples with different topography were studied by AFM at different scanning rate.
• Effect of scanning rate on the result image and geometrical data of surface is investigated.
• Image distortion could be defined by surface statistical parameters and data of fractal analysis.

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Consanguinity Rates Predict Long Runs of Homozygosity in Jewish Populations

Objectives: Recent studies have highlighted the potential of analyses of genomic sharing to produce insight into the demographic processes affecting human populations. We study runs of homozygosity (ROH) in 18 Jewish populations, examining these groups in relation to 123 non-Jewish populations sampled worldwide. Methods: By sorting ROH into 3 length classes (short, intermediate, and long), we evaluate the impact of demographic processes on genomic patterns in Jewish populations. Results: We find that the portion of the genome appearing in long ROH - the length class most directly related to recent consanguinity - closely accords with data gathered from interviews during the 1950s on frequencies of consanguineous unions in various Jewish groups. Conclusion: The high correlation between 1950s consanguinity levels and coverage by long ROH explains differences across populations in ROH patterns. The dissection of ROH into length classes and the comparison to consanguinity data assist in understanding a number of additional phenomena, including similarities of Jewish populations to Middle Eastern, European, and Central and South Asian non-Jewish populations in short ROH patterns, relative lengths of identity-by-descent tracts in different Jewish groups, and the "population isolate" status of the Ashkenazi Jews.
Hum Hered 2016;82:87-102

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A Signal Decomposition Method for Ultrasonic Guided Wave Generated from Debonding Combining Smoothed Pseudo Wigner-Ville Distribution and Vold–Kalman Filter Order Tracking

Carbon fibre composites have a promising application future of the vehicle, due to its excellent physical properties. Debonding is a major defect of the material. Analyses of wave packets are critical for identification of the defect on ultrasonic nondestructive evaluation and testing. In order to isolate different components of ultrasonic guided waves (GWs), a signal decomposition algorithm combining Smoothed Pseudo Wigner-Ville distribution and Vold–Kalman filter order tracking is presented. In the algorithm, the time-frequency distribution of GW is first obtained by using Smoothed Pseudo Wigner-Ville distribution. The frequencies of different modes are computed based on summation of the time-frequency coefficients in the frequency direction. On the basis of these frequencies, isolation of different modes is done by Vold–Kalman filter order tracking. The results of the simulation signal and the experimental signal reveal that the presented algorithm succeeds in decomposing the multicomponent signal into monocomponents. Even though components overlap in corresponding Fourier spectrum, they can be isolated by using the presented algorithm. So the frequency resolution of the presented method is promising. Based on this, we can do research about defect identification, calculation of the defect size, and locating the position of the defect.

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Sparse Signal Inversion with Impulsive Noise by Dual Spectral Projected Gradient Method

We consider sparse signal inversion with impulsive noise. There are three major ingredients. The first is regularizing properties; we discuss convergence rate of regularized solutions. The second is devoted to the numerical solutions. It is challenging due to the fact that both fidelity and regularization term lack differentiability. Moreover, for ill-conditioned problems, sparsity regularization is often unstable. We propose a novel dual spectral projected gradient (DSPG) method which combines the dual problem of multiparameter regularization with spectral projection gradient method to solve the nonsmooth optimization functional. We show that one can overcome the nondifferentiability and instability by adding a smooth regularization term to the original optimization functional. The advantage of the proposed functional is that its convex duality reduced to a constraint smooth functional. Moreover, it is stable even for ill-conditioned problems. Spectral projected gradient algorithm is used to compute the minimizers and we prove the convergence. The third is numerical simulation. Some experiments are performed, using compressed sensing and image inpainting, to demonstrate the efficiency of the proposed approach.

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Analysis of Adverse Events during Intrahospital Transportation of Critically Ill Patients

Purpose. To describe adverse events occurring during intrahospital transportation of adult patients hospitalized in an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and to evaluate the association with morbidity and mortality. Method. Prospective cohort study from July 2014 to July 2015. Data collection comprised clinical data, prognostic scores, length of stay, and outcome at hospital discharge. Data was collected on transport and adverse events. Adverse events were classified according to the World Health Organization following the degree of damage. The level of significance was set at 5%. Results. A total of 293 patients were analyzed with follow-up of 143 patient transportations and records of 86 adverse events. Of these events, 44.1% were related to physiological alterations, 23.5% due to equipment failure, 19.7% due to team failure, and 12.7% due to delays. Half of the events were classified as moderate. The mean time of hospital stay of the group with adverse events was higher compared to patients without adverse events (31.4 versus 16.6 days, resp., ). Conclusions. Physiological alterations were the most frequently encountered events, followed by equipment and team failures. The degree of damage associated with adverse events was classified as moderate and associated with an increase in the length of hospital stay.

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