UPDATE: Ultradent Increases Donation to $300,000 for Hurricane Harvey and Hurricane Irma Relief and Offers Special Discounts to Affected Dentists

 

SOUTH JORDAN, Utah, September 12, 2017– UPDATE: In response to the catastrophic devastation caused by Hurricane Harvey and the most recent damage done by Hurricane Irma, Ultradent Products, Inc., has increased the company's donations to the Saint Bernard Project (SBP) and to the All Hands Volunteers organization from $250,000 to $300,000. The Saint Bernard project will use the funds to aid in the rescue, relief, and rebuilding efforts of all those affected by the storms. The All Hands Volunteers organization will also use the donation funds to help restore and rebuild the communities affected by Hurricanes Harvey and Irma. 

In addition to these donations, Ultradent is offering to help dentists whose practices have been damaged by the hurricanes. Since Monday, August 28, 2017 Ultradent has offered any dentist whose office has sustained substantial physical damage by Hurricanes Harvey or Irma $500 worth of free consumable product, plus 40% off all consumable products and 15% off all equipment purchases exceeding the initial $500 on that order. Through this offer, Ultradent hopes to provide some aid in the rebuilding efforts of the dental community.

Ultradent's president, Dirk Jeffs, says,"Hurricanes Harvey and Irma, with thier wind and flooding, have caused unprecedented, catastrophic damage in Texas, Florida, Georgia, Alabama, South Carolina, and surrounding islands. Care is an important core value at Ultradent, and we want to extend a helping hand and show our care for the people who have been affected by these devastating storms."

Ultradent has a strong culture of giving. The company contributed to relief efforts associated with the Pulse Nightclub shooting, Typhoon Haiyan, Hurricane Sandy, and the earthquakes in Haiti and Ecuador. Additionally, Ultradent has donated more than 1.6 million pounds of food over the past nine years to the Utah Food Bank. Ultradent also contributes to various national and international dental humanitarian missions. To find out more about Ultradent's disaster relief efforts, please visit http://ift.tt/2hdgpj9.

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Protease activated receptor 2 controls myelin development, resiliency and repair

Abstract

Oligodendrocytes are essential regulators of axonal energy homeostasis and electrical conduction and emerging target cells for restoration of neurological function. Here we investigate the role of protease activated receptor 2 (PAR2), a unique protease activated G protein-coupled receptor, in myelin development and repair using the spinal cord as a model. Results demonstrate that genetic deletion of PAR2 accelerates myelin production, including higher proteolipid protein (PLP) levels in the spinal cord at birth and higher levels of myelin basic protein and thickened myelin sheaths in adulthood. Enhancements in spinal cord myelin with PAR2 loss-of-function were accompanied by increased numbers of Olig2- and CC1-positive oligodendrocytes, as well as in levels of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), and extracellular signal related kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) signaling. Parallel promyelinating effects were observed after blocking PAR2 expression in purified oligodendrocyte cultures, whereas inhibiting adenylate cyclase reversed these effects. Conversely, PAR2 activation reduced PLP expression and this effect was prevented by brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a promyelinating growth factor that signals through cAMP. PAR2 knockout mice also showed improved myelin resiliency after traumatic spinal cord injury and an accelerated pattern of myelin regeneration after focal demyelination. These findings suggest that PAR2 is an important controller of myelin production and regeneration, both in the developing and adult spinal cord.

Main Points

Genetic deletion of PAR2 fosters myelin production developmentally and myelin regeneration in the adult. The promyelinating effects of blocking PAR2 are associated with increases in cAMP, and can be blocked in vitro by inhibiting adenylate cyclase.

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Continental Shelf Sediments of Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo

Sediment distributions in deep sea influence the benthic community structure and thus play an important role in shaping the marine ecosystem. Several studies on sediment characteristics had been conducted in South China Sea (SCS), but only limited to coastal areas of regions within SCS territories. Therefore, this study was carried out to analyze the benthic sediment profile in an area beyond 12 nautical miles off the coast of Sarawak, southern SCS. Sediment samples were collected from 31 stations, comprising three depth ranges: (I) 20–50 m, (II) 50–100 m, and (III) 100–200 m. The total organic matter (TOM) contents were determined and subjected to dry and wet sieving methods for particle size analysis. TOM contents in the deep area (>50 m) were significantly higher () and positively correlated () with silt-clay fraction. About 55% and 82% of stations in strata II and III, respectively, were dominated by silt-clay fractions (50 m) tend to be poorly sorted, very fine skewed, and platykurtic. Unlike data obtained 20 years ago which reported high content of silt-clay (58%), this study recorded a lower content (35%); therefore, changes in sediment load had been observed in southern SCS.

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Bioactivity-Guided Fractionation of the Traditional Chinese Medicine Resina Draconis Reveals Loureirin B as a PAI-1 Inhibitor

Thrombotic diseases have become a global burden due to morbidity, mortality, and disability. Traditional Chinese medicine has been proven effective in removing blood stasis and promoting blood circulation, but the exact mechanisms remain unclear. Plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) is a natural inhibitor of tissue-type and urokinase-type plasminogen activators. In this study, we screened four fractions of Resina Draconis (a traditional Chinese medicine) extract for PAI-1 inhibitory activity. Bioactivity-guided purification and chromogenic substrate-based assay led to the identification of loureirin B as the major PAI-1 inhibitor, with an IC50 value of 26.10 μM. SDS-PAGE analysis showed that formation of the PAI-1/uPA complex was inhibited by loureirin B, and the inhibitory effect of loureirin B on PAI-1 was also confirmed by clot lysis assay. In vivo studies showed that loureirin B significantly prolonged the tail bleeding time and reduced the weight and size of arterial thrombus, reduced hydroxyproline level, and partly cured liver fibrosis in mice. Taken together, the results revealed loureirin B as a PAI-1 inhibitor, adding a new pharmacological target for loureirin B and uncovering a novel mechanism underlying the antithrombotic property of Resina Draconis, which might be useful in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases such as thrombosis and fibrosis.

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Effects of Nutrient-Fortified Milk-Based Formula on the Nutritional Status and Psychomotor Skills of Preschool Children

This randomized, single-masked, controlled trial examined the effects of nutrient-fortified milk-based formula supplementation on nutritional status, nutrient intake, and psychomotor skills of selected preschool children with mean age of 4.10 ± 0.14 years. The study participants were divided equally into three major groups, normal, underweight, and severely underweight based on WHO-Child Growth Standards, and were further divided into two groups: fortified milk group who was given two glasses of fortified milk (50 g of powdered milk/serving) a day for twelve weeks in addition to their usual diet and the nonintervention group who was not given fortified milk and thus maintained their usual intake. Anthropometric measurements, dietary intake, and psychomotor developmental score were analyzed. Results showed that consumption of two servings of fortified milk a day for twelve weeks significantly increased the height of preschool children by 1.40 cm, weight by 1.35 kg, body mass index by 0.96 kg/m2, mid-upper arm circumference by 0.66 cm, and psychomotor scores by 13.74% more than those children who did not consume fortified milk (). Hence, fortified milk-based supplement in the diet of preschool children improved overall nutritional status, nutrient intake, and performance in psychomotor scale. This study is registered in Philippine Health Research Registry: PHRR140923-000234.

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Combined Heuristic Attack Strategy on Complex Networks

Usually, the existence of a complex network is considered an advantage feature and efforts are made to increase its robustness against an attack. However, there exist also harmful and/or malicious networks, from social ones like spreading hoax, corruption, phishing, extremist ideology, and terrorist support up to computer networks spreading computer viruses or DDoS attack software or even biological networks of carriers or transport centers spreading disease among the population. New attack strategy can be therefore used against malicious networks, as well as in a worst-case scenario test for robustness of a useful network. A common measure of robustness of networks is their disintegration level after removal of a fraction of nodes. This robustness can be calculated as a ratio of the number of nodes of the greatest remaining network component against the number of nodes in the original network. Our paper presents a combination of heuristics optimized for an attack on a complex network to achieve its greatest disintegration. Nodes are deleted sequentially based on a heuristic criterion. Efficiency of classical attack approaches is compared to the proposed approach on Barabási-Albert, scale-free with tunable power-law exponent, and Erdős-Rényi models of complex networks and on real-world networks. Our attack strategy results in a faster disintegration, which is counterbalanced by its slightly increased computational demands.

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Time for training?

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Genes, Vol. 8, Pages 230: Satellite DNA: An Evolving Topic

Genes, Vol. 8, Pages 230: Satellite DNA: An Evolving Topic

Genes doi: 10.3390/genes8090230

Authors: Manuel Garrido-Ramos

Satellite DNA represents one of the most fascinating parts of the repetitive fraction of the eukaryotic genome. Since the discovery of highly repetitive tandem DNA in the 1960s, a lot of literature has extensively covered various topics related to the structure, organization, function, and evolution of such sequences. Today, with the advent of genomic tools, the study of satellite DNA has regained a great interest. Thus, Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS), together with high-throughput in silico analysis of the information contained in NGS reads, has revolutionized the analysis of the repetitive fraction of the eukaryotic genomes. The whole of the historical and current approaches to the topic gives us a broad view of the function and evolution of satellite DNA and its role in chromosomal evolution. Currently, we have extensive information on the molecular, chromosomal, biological, and population factors that affect the evolutionary fate of satellite DNA, knowledge that gives rise to a series of hypotheses that get on well with each other about the origin, spreading, and evolution of satellite DNA. In this paper, I review these hypotheses from a methodological, conceptual, and historical perspective and frame them in the context of chromosomal organization and evolution.

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Genes, Vol. 8, Pages 232: Effects of Cellular Methylation on Transgene Expression and Site-Specific Integration of Adeno-Associated Virus

Genes, Vol. 8, Pages 232: Effects of Cellular Methylation on Transgene Expression and Site-Specific Integration of Adeno-Associated Virus

Genes doi: 10.3390/genes8090232

Authors: Diptiman Chanda Jonathan Hensel Jerome Higgs Rajat Grover Niroop Kaza Selvarangan Ponnazhagan

DNA methylation is a major epigenetic event that affects not only cellular gene expression but that also has the potential to influence bacterial and viral DNA in their host-dependent functions. Adeno-associated virus (AAV) genome contains a high degree of CpG sequences capable of methylation in its terminal repeat sequences, which are the sole elements retained in AAV-based vectors used in gene therapy. The present study determined the influence of methylation status of the host cell on wild type (wt) AAV integration and recombinant (r) AAV transgene expression in HeLa cells. Results of the study indicated that hypo-methylation significantly enhanced both wtAAV chromosomal integration and transgene expression of rAAV. A direct influence of methylation on AAV integration was further confirmed by methylating the AAVS1 integration sites prior to viral infection with DNA trans-complementation assay. These results signify the importance of epigenetic status of target cells as one of the key factors in long-term transgene expression in AAV gene therapy.

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Fecal sludge management in developing urban centers: a review on the collection, treatment, and composting.

Fecal sludge management in developing urban centers: a review on the collection, treatment, and composting.

Environ Sci Pollut Res Int. 2017 Sep 16;:

Authors: Odey EA, Li Z, Zhou X, Kalakodio L

Abstract
The problems posed by fecal sludge (FS) are multidimensional because most cities rapidly urbanize, which results in the increase in population, urban settlement, and waste generation. Issues concerning health and waste treatment have continued to create alarming situations. These issues had indeed interfered with the proper steps in managing FS, which contaminates the environment. FS can be used in agriculture as fertilizer because it is an excellent source of nutrients. The recent decline in crop production due to loss of soil organic component, erosion, and nutrient runoff has generated interest in the recycling of FS into soil nutrients through stabilization and composting. However, human feces are considerably liable to spread microorganisms to other persons. Thus, sanitation, stabilization, and composting should be the main objectives of FS treatment to minimize the risk to public and environmental health. This review presents an improved FS management (FSM) and technology option for soil amendment that is grouped into three headings, namely, (1) collection, (2) treatment, and (3) composting. On the basis of the literature review, the main problems associated with the collection and treatment of FS, such as inadequate tools and improper treatment processes, are summarized, and the trends and challenges that concern the applicability of each of the technologies in developing urban centers are critically reviewed. Stabilization during pretreatment before composting is suggested as the best method to reduce pathogens in FS. Results are precisely intended to be used as a support for decisions on policies and strategies for FSM and investments for improved treatment facilities.

PMID: 28918574 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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A Mixed-Method Assessment of a Pilot Peer Advocate Intervention for Rural Gender and Sexual Minorities.

A Mixed-Method Assessment of a Pilot Peer Advocate Intervention for Rural Gender and Sexual Minorities.

Community Ment Health J. 2017 Sep 16;:

Authors: Willging CE, Harkness A, Israel T, Ley D, Hokanson PS, DeMaria C, Joplin A, Smiley V

Abstract
Mental health disparities affect lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) people in rural America. There are few empirically-based mental health interventions for this population. This exploratory study uses a mixed-method approach to assess implementation issues related to the feasibility, acceptability, appropriateness, and preliminary impacts of a novel peer-based intervention designed to enhance support and treatment engagement among rural LGBTQ people with mental distress and/or addiction issues. Quantitative and qualitative results illuminate intervention strengths and areas for improvement. Strengths centered on enhancing social support, advocacy behaviors, and engagement in treatment. Implementation challenges and recommendations to advance the intervention model are discussed.

PMID: 28918540 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Autism spectrum disorders and disease modeling using stem cells.

Autism spectrum disorders and disease modeling using stem cells.

Cell Tissue Res. 2017 Sep 16;:

Authors: Brito A, Russo FB, Muotri AR, Beltrão-Braga PCB

Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) represent a variety of disorders characterized as complex lifelong neurodevelopment disabilities, which may affect the ability of communication and socialization, including typical comportments like repetitive and stereotyped behavior. Other comorbidities are usually present, such as echolalia, hypotonia, intellectual disability and difficulties in processing figured speech. Furthermore, some ASD individuals may present certain abilities, such as eidetic memory, outstanding musical or painting talents and special mathematical skills, among others. Considering the variability of the clinical symptoms, one autistic individual can be severely affected in communication while others can speak perfectly, sometimes having a vocabulary above average in early childhood. The same variability can be seen in other clinical symptoms, thus the "spectrum" can vary from severe to mild. Induced pluripotent stem cell technology has been used to model several neurological diseases, including syndromic and non-syndromic autism. We discuss how modeling the central nervous system cells in a dish may help to reach a better understanding of ASD pathology and variability, as well as personalize their treatment.

PMID: 28918504 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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The REFINEMENT Glossary of Terms: An International Terminology for Mental Health Systems Assessment.

The REFINEMENT Glossary of Terms: An International Terminology for Mental Health Systems Assessment.

Adm Policy Ment Health. 2017 Sep 16;:

Authors: Montagni I, Salvador-Carulla L, Mcdaid D, Straßmayr C, Endel F, Näätänen P, Kalseth J, Kalseth B, Matosevic T, Donisi V, Chevreul K, Prigent A, Sfectu R, Pauna C, Gutiérrez-Colosia MR, Amaddeo F, Katschnig H

Abstract
Comparing mental health systems across countries is difficult because of the lack of an agreed upon terminology covering services and related financing issues. Within the European Union project REFINEMENT, international mental health care experts applied an innovative mixed "top-down" and "bottom-up" approach following a multistep design thinking strategy to compile a glossary on mental health systems, using local services as pilots. The final REFINEMENT glossary consisted of 432 terms related to service provision, service utilisation, quality of care and financing. The aim of this study was to describe the iterative process and methodology of developing this glossary.

PMID: 28918502 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Elastic and inelastic light scattering spectroscopy and its possible use for label-free brain tumor typing.

Elastic and inelastic light scattering spectroscopy and its possible use for label-free brain tumor typing.

Anal Bioanal Chem. 2017 Sep 16;:

Authors: Ostertag E, Stefanakis M, Rebner K, Kessler RW

Abstract
This paper presents an approach for label-free brain tumor tissue typing. For this application, our dual modality microspectroscopy system combines inelastic Raman scattering spectroscopy and Mie elastic light scattering spectroscopy. The system enables marker-free biomedical diagnostics and records both the chemical and morphologic changes of tissues on a cellular and subcellular level. The system setup is described and the suitability for measuring morphologic features is investigated. Graphical Abstract Bimodal approach for label-free brain tumor typing. Elastic and inelastic light scattering spectra are collected laterally resolved in one measurement setup. The spectra are investigated by multivariate data analysis for assigning the tissues to specific WHO grades according to their malignancy.

PMID: 28918486 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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An Ibero-American inter-laboratory trial to evaluate serological tests for the detection of anti-Neospora caninum antibodies in cattle.

An Ibero-American inter-laboratory trial to evaluate serological tests for the detection of anti-Neospora caninum antibodies in cattle.

Trop Anim Health Prod. 2017 Sep 16;:

Authors: Campero LM, Moreno-Gonzalo J, Venturini MC, Moré G, Dellarupe A, Rambeaud M, Echaide IE, Valentini B, Campero CM, Moore DP, Cano DB, Fort M, Mota RA, Serrano-Martínez ME, Cruz-Vázquez C, Ortega-Mora LM, Álvarez-García G

Abstract
We carried out an inter-laboratory trial to compare the serological tests commonly used for the detection of specific Neospora caninum antibodies in cattle in Ibero-American countries. A total of eight laboratories participated from the following countries: Argentina (n = 4), Brazil (n = 1), Peru (n = 1), Mexico (n = 1), and Spain (n = 1). A blind panel of well-characterized cattle sera (n = 143) and sera representative of the target population (n = 351) was tested by seven in-house indirect fluorescent antibody tests (IFATs 1-7) and three enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs 1-3; two in-house and one commercial). Diagnostic performance of the serological tests was calculated and compared according to the following criteria: (1) the "Pre-test information," which uses previous epidemiological and serological data; (2) the "Majority of tests," which classifies a serum as positive or negative according to the results obtained by most tests evaluated. Unexpectedly, six tests showed either sensitivity (Se) or specificity (Sp) values lower than 90%. In contrast, the best tests in terms of Se, Sp, and area under the ROC curve (AUC) values were IFAT 1 and optimized ELISA 1 and ELISA 2. We evaluated a high number of IFATs, which are the most widely used tests in Ibero-America. The significant discordances observed among the tests regardless of the criteria employed hinder control programs and urge the use of a common test or with similar performances to either the optimized IFAT 1 and ELISAs 1 and 2.

PMID: 28918478 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Long-term follow-up after tibialis anterior tendon shortening in combination with Achilles tendon lengthening in spastic equinus in cerebral palsy.

Long-term follow-up after tibialis anterior tendon shortening in combination with Achilles tendon lengthening in spastic equinus in cerebral palsy.

Gait Posture. 2017 Aug 30;58:457-462

Authors: Kläusler M, Speth BM, Brunner R, Tirosh O, Camathias C, Rutz E

Abstract
Using Tibialis Anterior Shortening (TATS) in combination with Achilles Tendon Lengthening (TAL) to treat spastic equinus in children with cerebral palsy (CP) was described in 2011. Short-term results have indicated a good outcome, especially an improvement of the drop foot in swing phase and the correction of equinus in stance phase. The aim of this study was to analyse the results of the long-term follow-up and to determine the relapse rate of TATS and TAL. The kinematics of the sagittal, frontal and transversal planes were measured by using instrumented 3D gait analysis at three defined time points and then described using the Gait Profile Score (GPS) and Movement Analysis Profile (MAP). The data was exported into Gaitabase and then the preoperative (T0), short- term (T1) and long-term (T2) follow-up data was statistically compared. 23 patients (mean age at index-surgery=14.9years) were included, there was a mean follow-up time of 5.8 years. 3 children (13%) have shown a relapse. The data of 12 children with spastic hemiplegia (12 legs), as well as 8 children with spastic diplegia (10 legs) has been analysed. There has been a significant (p<0.05) improvement in GPS and MAP for ankle dorsiflexion (describes equinus and drop foot) of the operated legs versus not operated legs. TATS in combination with TAL shows a satisfactory long-term result after 5.8 years in the correction of fixed equinus and drop foot in children with CP. Postoperatively all subjects were able to walk without an AFO.

PMID: 28918357 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Steroid hormones and persistent organic pollutants in plasma from North-eastern Atlantic pilot whales.

Steroid hormones and persistent organic pollutants in plasma from North-eastern Atlantic pilot whales.

Environ Res. 2017 Sep 14;159:613-621

Authors: Hoydal KS, Styrishave B, Ciesielski TM, Letcher RJ, Dam M, Jenssen BM

Abstract
Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are known to have endocrine disruptive effects, interfering with endogenous steroid hormones. The present study examined nine steroid hormones and their relationships with the concentrations of selected POPs in pilot whales (Globicephala melas) from the Faroe Islands, NE Atlantic. The different steroids were detected in 15 to all of the 26 individuals. High concentrations of progesterone (83.3-211.7pmol/g) and pregnenolone (PRE; 4.68-5.69pmol/g) were found in three adult females indicating that they were pregnant or ovulating. High androgen concentrations in two of the males reflected that one was adult and that one (possibly) had reached puberty. In males a significant positive and strong correlation between body length and testosterone (TS) levels was identified. Furthermore, positive and significant correlations were found between 4-OH-CB107/4'-OH-CB108 and 17β-estradiol in males. In adult females significant positive correlations were identified between PRE and CB149 and t-nonachlor, between estrone and CB138, -149, -187 and p,p'-DDE, between androstenedione and CB187, and between TS and CB-99 and -153. Although relationships between the POPs and the steroid hormones reported herein are not evidence of cause-effect relationships, the positive correlations between steroids and POPs, particularly in females, suggest that POPs may have some endocrine disrupting effects on the steroid homeostasis in this species.

PMID: 28918287 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Heavy metals (As, Hg and V) and stable isotope ratios (δ(13)C and δ(15)N) in fish from Yellow River Estuary, China.

Heavy metals (As, Hg and V) and stable isotope ratios (δ(13)C and δ(15)N) in fish from Yellow River Estuary, China.

Sci Total Environ. 2017 Sep 14;613-614:462-471

Authors: Liu Y, Liu G, Yuan Z, Liu H, Lam PKS

Abstract
The Yellow River Estuary is a significant fishery, but at present there are few studies about the concentrations of arsenic (As), mercury (Hg) and vanadium (V) in fish from this area, which might cause potential health risk to fish consumers. The aim of this study was to research on the accumulation and potential sources of heavy metals in the fish of the Yellow River Estuary. Arsenic, Hg, V and stable isotope ratios (δ(15)N and δ(13)C) in 11 species of 129 fish were analyzed. Results showed that the concentrations of As and Hg were all lower than the guideline levels established by international organizations and legal limits by several countries. The mean concentrations of V in samples in this study were significantly higher than the results of previous studies on other regions. Arsenic, Hg and V significantly differed across species (P<0.05), which might be due to the different foraging habitats and dietary habits of the studied fish. Values of δ(15)N and δ(13)C in fish from the study area ranged from 5.1‰ to 14.6‰ and from -27.6‰ to -14.5‰, indicating a wide range of trophic positions and energy sources. There was evidence of bioaccumulation of Hg, which could be explained by the positive correlation between Hg concentrations and δ(15)N in fish. Through estimation of daily intake of inorganic As (iAs), Hg and V via fish consumption, the heavy metal contamination level of fish samples fell in an acceptable range, indicating no potentially hazardous for human health.

PMID: 28918278 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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An ecological model to factors associated with booster seat use: A population based study.

An ecological model to factors associated with booster seat use: A population based study.

Accid Anal Prev. 2017 Sep 14;108:245-250

Authors: Shimony Kanat S, Gofin R

Abstract
Belt-positioning booster seat use (BPB) is an effective technology to prevent severe child injury in cases of car crash. However, in many countries, age-appropriate car restraint use for children aged 4-7 years old remains the lowest among all age groups. The aim of this study was to identify the main determinants of BPB use through a comprehensive approach. An ecological model was used to analyze individual, parent-child relationships, and neighborhood characteristics. Parents of children enrolled in the first and second grades completed a self-reported questionnaire (n=745). The data were subjected to multilevel modeling. The first level examined individual and parent-child relationship variables; in addition the second level tested between neighborhood variance. According to parental self- reports, 56.6% of their children had used a BPB on each car trip during the previous month. The results indicated that the determinants positively related to BPB use were individual and parental; namely, the number of children in the family, the parents' car seat belt use, parental knowledge of children's car safety principles, and a highly authoritative parenting style. Children's temperaments and parental supervision were not associated with BPB use. At the neighborhood level, a small difference was found between neighborhoods for BPB users compared to non-users.

PMID: 28918223 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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14-3-3 adaptor protein-protein interactions as therapeutic targets for CNS diseases.

14-3-3 adaptor protein-protein interactions as therapeutic targets for CNS diseases.

Pharmacol Res. 2017 Sep 13;:

Authors: Kaplan A, Ottmann C, Fournier AE

Abstract
14-3-3sare a family of ubiquitously expressed adaptor proteins that regulate hundreds of functionally diverse 'client proteins.' In humans, there are seven isoforms with conserved structure and function. 14-3-3s typically bind to client proteins at phosphorylated serine/threonine motifs via a linear binding groove. Binding can have a variety of effects on the stability, activity and/or localization of the client protein. 14-3-3s are generating significant interest as potential drug targets for their involvement in cellular homeostasis and disease. They are especially abundant in the central nervous system (CNS) and are implicated in numerous CNS diseases, often through specific interactions with disease-relevant client proteins. Several tool compounds that can modulate 14-3-3 interactions with client proteins to elicit therapeutic effects have recently been described. Here we offer a perspective on the functions of 14-3-3s in neurons and the potential development of drugs to therapeutically target 14-3-3 PPIs for CNS diseases.

PMID: 28918174 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Edited course of biomedical research: leaping forward with CRISPR.

Edited course of biomedical research: leaping forward with CRISPR.

Pharmacol Res. 2017 Sep 13;:

Authors: Collins PJ, Hale CM, Xu H

Abstract
Within the short few years since the report of its application in precise genome editing, CRISPR technology has become the method of choice to modify and modulate gene expression in biomedical research and therapeutic development. Subsequently, a variety of research, diagnostic, and therapeutic tools have been developed based upon CRISPR's mechanism of action. Such tools have helped to deepen the understanding of fundamental biology and broaden the horizon in the search for treatments for diseases that have been considered hard or impossible to cure. As CRISPR technology advances closer to clinical applications, its short comings are becoming more apparent, thus creating opportunities to improve the technology's efficacy, specificity, and safety profile in this setting. We will summarize the current status of CRISPR technology and discuss its future impact in this review.

PMID: 28918173 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Factors influencing women's decision making in hysterectomy.

Factors influencing women's decision making in hysterectomy.

Patient Educ Couns. 2017 Sep 12;:

Authors: Janda M, Armfield NR, Page K, Kerr G, Kurz S, Jackson G, Currie J, Weaver E, Yazdani A, Obermair A

Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To explore factors influencing how well-informed women felt about hysterectomy, influences on their decision making, and on them receiving a less-invasive alternative to open surgery.
METHODS: Online questionnaire, conducted in 2015-2016, of women who had received a hysterectomy in Australia, in the preceding two years.
RESULTS: Questionnaires were completed by 2319/6000 women (39% response). Most women (n=2225; 96%) felt well-informed about hysterectomy. Women were more aware of the open abdominal approach (n=1798; 77%), than of less-invasive vaginal (n=1552; 67%), laparoscopic (n=1540; 66%), laparoscopic-assisted (n=1303; 56%), and robotic approaches (n=289; 12%). Most women (n=1435; 62%) reported their gynaecologist was the most influential information source. Women who received information about hysterectomy from a GP (OR=1.47; 95% CI 1.15-1.90), or from a gynaecologist (OR=1.3; 95% CI 1.06-1.58), were more likely to feel better informed (p<0.01).
CONCLUSION: This study is important because it helps clinicians, researchers and health policy makers to understand why many women still receive an open abdominal approach despite many learned societies recommending to avoid it if possible.
PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Additional information, or education about avoiding open abdominal approach where possible may lead to a greater number of women receiving less-invasive types of hysterectomy in the future.

PMID: 28918105 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Perinatal depression and DNA methylation of oxytocin-related genes: a study of mothers and their children.

Perinatal depression and DNA methylation of oxytocin-related genes: a study of mothers and their children.

Horm Behav. 2017 Sep 13;:

Authors: King L, Robins S, Chen G, Yerko V, Zhou Y, Nagy C, Feeley N, Gold I, Hayton B, Turecki G, Zelkowitz P

Abstract
The present study investigated the association of perinatal depression (PD) with differential methylation of 3 genomic regions among mother and child dyads: exon 3 within the oxytocin receptor (OXTR) gene and 2 intergenic regions (IGR) between the oxytocin (OXT) and vasopressin (AVP) genes. Maternal PD was assessed at 5 time-points during pregnancy and postpartum. Four groups were established based on Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) cut-off scores: no PD, prenatal or postpartum depressive symptoms only and persistent PD (depressive symptoms both prenatally and postpartum). Salivary DNA was collected from mothers and children at the final time-point, 2.9years postpartum. Mothers with persistent PD had significantly higher overall OXTR methylation than the other groups and this pattern extended to 16/22 individual CpG sites. For the IGR, only the region closer to the AVP gene (AVP IGR) showed significant differential methylation, with the persistent PD group displaying the lowest levels of methylation overall, but not for individual CpG sites. These results suggest that transient episodes of depression may not be associated with OXTR hypermethylation. Validation studies need to confirm the downstream biological effects of AVP IGR hypomethylation as it relates to persistent PD. Differential methylation of the OXTR and IGR regions was not observed among children exposed to maternal PD. The consequences of OXTR hypermethylation and AVP IGR hypomethylation found in mothers with persistent PDS may not only impact the OXT system, but may also compromise maternal behavior, potentially resulting in negative outcomes for the developing child.

PMID: 28918249 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Science after Brexit will be weaker all round

The UK government's position paper is long on lofty ambitions for future collaboration, but the gory details suggest they will be extremely difficult to achieve

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Daytime sleepiness and related factors in nursing students.

Daytime sleepiness and related factors in nursing students.

Nurse Educ Today. 2017 Aug 26;59:21-25

Authors: Demir G

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Evaluation of the frequency and causes of daytime sleepiness in nursing students because it is an important factor in improving the health status of the students, controlling sleep problems, improving students' academic achievements, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
AIM: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of daytime sleepiness in nursing students and the factors associated with it.
DESIGN: A cross-sectional research design was used in this study.
PARTICIPANTS: Nursing students (n=382).
METHOD: Data were collected using a questionnaire prepared by the authors to assess socio-demographic characteristics, sleep habits, and problems of nursing students and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), which assesses daytime sleepiness. Descriptive statistics included numbers, percentages, mean, median, and standard deviation. Mann-Whitney U test (Z) and Kruskal-Wallis (KW) analysis of variance were used for evaluating the relationship between ESS scores and independent variables.
RESULTS: The prevalence of daytime sleepiness in the students was found to be 10.5%. Those in the 2nd grade, who were married, who did not consume coffee or tea, lived alone, regarded their own academic achievement as poor, and used the Internet during morning hours experienced increased daytime sleepiness. Moreover, students who talk in their sleep, grind their teeth, feel restless before sleep, experience problems in falling asleep, and wake up at night were found to experience increased daytime sleepiness.
CONCLUSIONS: Daytime sleepiness is a considerably common health problem in nursing students. This study found that daytime sleepiness is associated with individual characteristics, lifestyle and consumption habits, and sleep habits.

PMID: 28918361 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Does cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia improve cognitive performance? A systematic review and narrative synthesis.

Does cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia improve cognitive performance? A systematic review and narrative synthesis.

Sleep Med Rev. 2017 Jul 12;:

Authors: Herbert V, Kyle SD, Pratt D

Abstract
Individuals with insomnia report difficulties pertaining to their cognitive functioning. Cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) is associated with robust, long-term improvements in sleep parameters, however less is known about the impact of CBT-I on the daytime correlates of the disorder. A systematic review and narrative synthesis was conducted in order to summarise and evaluate the evidence regarding the impact of CBT-I on cognitive functioning. Reference databases were searched and studies were included if they assessed cognitive performance as an outcome of CBT-I, using either self-report questionnaires or cognitive tests. Eighteen studies met inclusion criteria, comprising 923 individuals with insomnia symptoms. The standardised mean difference was calculated at post-intervention and follow-up. We found preliminary evidence for small to moderate effects of CBT-I on subjective measures of cognitive functioning. Few of the effects were statistically significant, likely due to small sample sizes and limited statistical power. There is a lack of evidence with regards to the impact of CBT-I on objective cognitive performance, primarily due to the small number of studies that administered an objective measure (n = 4). We conclude that adequately powered randomised controlled trials, utilising both subjective and objective measures of cognitive functioning are required.

PMID: 28918315 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Empirical research evaluating the effects of non-traditional approaches to enhancing sleep in typical and clinical children and young people.

Empirical research evaluating the effects of non-traditional approaches to enhancing sleep in typical and clinical children and young people.

Sleep Med Rev. 2017 Jul 29;:

Authors: France KG, McLay LK, Hunter JE, France MLS

Abstract
This paper examines the effects of non-traditional (non-behavioural and non-prescription pharmaceutical) approaches to sleep in children and young people (0-18 y). A systematic search identified 79 studies that met inclusion criteria. Seventeen percent of the studies were rated as having a conclusive level of evidence, forty-two percent with preponderant evidence and forty-one percent with only suggestive evidence. There were promising indications, with certain populations only, for aromatherapy, ketogenic diets, an elimination diet (few foods diet), elimination of cow's milk, avoidance of caffeine, tryptophan with adenosine and uridine, omega-3 and omega-6, valerian, music, osteopathic manipulation and white noise. Bright light therapy and massage returned some positive results. All of these interventions warrant further, more rigorous research. There was limited or no evidence to support acupressure or acupuncture, other diets or dietary supplements, exercise or weighted blankets. Caution is needed in interpreting some studies because poorer quality studies were more likely to return positive results. Suggestions are made for the improvement of large and smaller scale research, especially conceptualization around multiple physiological measures of sleep and the adoption of research methods which are of use in clinical settings.

PMID: 28918314 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Association of sleep with sudden unexpected death in epilepsy.

Association of sleep with sudden unexpected death in epilepsy.

Epilepsy Behav. 2017 Sep 13;:

Authors: Ali A, Wu S, Issa NP, Rose S, Towle VL, Warnke P, Tao JX

Abstract
OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to determine the association of sleep with sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP).
METHODS: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis based on literature search from databases PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus using keywords "SUDEP", or "sudden unexpected death in epilepsy", or "sudden unexplained death in epilepsy". Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy was considered to occur during sleep if the patient was found in bed, if the SUDEP cases were documented as in sleep, or if the patient was found at bedside on the bedroom floor.
RESULTS: Circadian pattern was documented in 880 of the 1025 SUDEP cases in 67 studies meeting the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Of the 880 SUDEP cases, 69.3% occurred during sleep and 30.7% occurred during wakefulness. Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy was significantly associated with sleep as compared to wakefulness (P<0.001). In the subgroup of 272 cases in which circadian pattern and age were documented, patients 40years old or younger were more likely to die in sleep than those older than 40years (OR: 2.0; 95% CI=1.0, 3.8; P=0.05). In the subgroup of 114 cases in which both circadian pattern and body position at the time of death were documented, 87.6% (95% CI=81.1%, 94.2%) of patients who died during sleep were in the prone position, whereas 52.9% (95% CI=24.7%, 81.1%) of patients who died during wakefulness were in the prone position. Patients with nocturnal seizures were 6.3 times more likely to die in a prone position than those with diurnal seizures (OR: 6.3; 95% CI=2.0, 19.5; P=0.002).
CONCLUSIONS: There is a strong association of SUDEP with sleep, suggesting that sleep is a significant risk factor for SUDEP. Although the risks of SUDEP associated with sleep are unknown and likely multifactorial, the prone position might be an important contributory factor.

PMID: 28917499 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Ayurvedic versus conventional dietary and lifestyle counseling for mothers with burnout-syndrome: A randomized controlled pilot study including a qualitative evaluation.

Ayurvedic versus conventional dietary and lifestyle counseling for mothers with burnout-syndrome: A randomized controlled pilot study including a qualitative evaluation.

Complement Ther Med. 2017 Oct;34:57-65

Authors: Kessler CS, Eisenmann C, Oberzaucher F, Forster M, Steckhan N, Meier L, Stapelfeldt E, Michalsen A, Jeitler M

Abstract
OBJECTIVES: Ayurveda claims to be effective in the treatment of psychosomatic disorders by means of lifestyle and nutritional counseling.
DESIGN: In a randomized controlled study mothers with burnout were randomized into two groups: Ayurvedic nutritional counseling (according to tradition), and conventional nutritional counseling (following the recommendations of a family doctor). Patients received five counseling sessions over twelve weeks.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Outcomes included levels of burnout, quality of life, sleep, stress, depression/anxiety, and spirituality at three and six months. It also included a qualitative evaluation of the communication processes.
RESULTS: We randomized thirty four patients; twenty three participants were included in the per protocol analysis. No significant differences were observed between the groups. However, significant and clinically relevant intra-group mean changes for the primary outcome burnout, and secondary outcomes sleep, stress, depression and mental health were only found in the Ayurveda group. The qualitative part of the study identified different conversational styles and counseling techniques between the two study groups. In conventional consultations questions tended to be category bound, while counseling-advice was predominantly admonitory. The Ayurvedic practitioner used open-ended interrogative forms, devices for displaying understanding, and positive re-evaluation more frequently, leading to an overall less asymmetrical interaction.
CONCLUSIONS: We found positive effects for both groups, which however were more pronounced in the Ayurvedic group. The conversational and counseling techniques in the Ayurvedic group offered more opportunities for problem description by patients as well as patient-centered practice and resource-oriented recommendations by the physician.
TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT01797887.

PMID: 28917376 [PubMed - in process]

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Effects of music and music video interventions on sleep quality: A randomized controlled trial in adults with sleep disturbances.

Effects of music and music video interventions on sleep quality: A randomized controlled trial in adults with sleep disturbances.

Complement Ther Med. 2017 Oct;34:116-122

Authors: Huang CY, Chang ET, Hsieh YM, Lai HL

Abstract
OBJECTIVES: The present study aimed to compare the effects of music and music video interventions on objective and subjective sleep quality in adults with sleep disturbances.
DESIGN: A randomized controlled trial was performed on 71 adults who were recruited from the outpatient department of a hospital with 1100 beds and randomly assigned to the control, music, and music video groups.
INTERVENTIONS: During the 4 test days (Days 2-5), for 30min before nocturnal sleep, the music group listened to Buddhist music and the music video group watched Buddhist music videos. They were instructed to not listen/watch to the music/MV on the first night (pretest, Day 1) and the final night (Day 6). The control group received no intervention.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Sleep was assessed using a one-channel electroencephalography machine in their homes and self-reported questionnaires.
RESULTS: The music and music video interventions had no effect on any objective sleep parameters, as measured using electroencephalography. However, the music group had significantly longer subjective total sleep time than the music video group did (Wald χ(2)=6.23, p=0.04).
CONCLUSION: Our study results increase knowledge regarding music interventions for sleep quality in adults with sleep disturbances. This study suggested that more research is required to strengthen the scientific knowledge of the effects of music intervention on sleep quality in adults with sleep disturbances. (ISRCTN94971645).

PMID: 28917363 [PubMed - in process]

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Dietary patterns and sleep parameters in a cohort of community dwelling Australian men.

Dietary patterns and sleep parameters in a cohort of community dwelling Australian men.

Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2017;26(6):1158-1169

Authors: Cao Y, Taylor AW, Wittert G, Adams R, Shi Z

Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Emerging evidence suggests potential effects of nutrients/foods on sleep parameters. However, no studies have addressed the complex interactions among nutrients/foods and relate them to sleep outcomes. To investigate the associations between dietary patterns and sleep parameters (polysomnography (PSG) measured and self-reported sleep symptoms) in a large sample of community dwelling men in South Australia.
METHODS AND STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional analysis was conducted of participants in the Men Androgen Inflammation Lifestyle Environment and Stress cohort enrolled in a sleep sub-study (n=784, age 35-80 years). Dietary intake was measured by a validated food frequency questionnaire. Dietary patterns were identified by factor analysis. Sleep was assessed by an overnight home PSG and self-reported questionnaires.
RESULTS: Two factors were obtained by factor analysis: Factor 1 was characterised by high intakes of vegetables, fruits, and legumes and factor 2 was characterised by processed meat, snacks, red meat and take-away foods. Three categories of the dietary patterns were defined (prudent, mixed and western) through classification of the sample according to the actual consumption higher or lower of each factor. The prudent (factor 1 dominant) and mixed dietary patterns were inversely associated with sleep onset, compared with the western dietary pattern (factor 2 dominant) (β=-6.34 (95% CI-1.11, -11.57), β=-4.34 (95% CI-8.34, -0.34) respectively)). The association was only significant with the prudent dietary pattern after multiple comparison adjustment. No associations were found with between dietary patterns and other sleep outcomes.
CONCLUSIONS: The prudent dietary pattern was associated with a faster sleep onset, which may provide a solution for sleep management.

PMID: 28917244 [PubMed - in process]

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NFATC1 activation by DNA hypomethylation in chronic lymphocytic leukemia correlates with clinical staging and can be inhibited by ibrutinib

Abstract

B cell receptor (BCR) signaling is key for survival of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) cells, and BCR signaling inhibitors are clinically active. However, relapse and resistance to treatment require novel treatment options. In order to detect novel candidate therapeutic targets, we performed a genome-wide DNA methylation screen with custom arrays and identified aberrant promoter DNA methylation in 2192 genes. The transcription factor NFATC1 that is a downstream effector of BCR signaling was among the top hypomethylated genes and was concomitantly transcriptionally upregulated in CLL. Intriguingly, NFATC1 promoter DNA hypomethylation levels were significantly variant in clinical trial cohorts from different disease progression stages and furthermore correlated with Binet disease staging and thymidine kinase levels, strongly suggesting a central role of NFATC1 in CLL development. Functionally, DNA hypomethylation at NFATC1 promoter inversely correlated with RNA-levels of NFATC1 and dysregulation correlated with expression of target genes BCL-2, CCND1 and CCR7. The inhibition of the NFAT regulator calcineurin with tacrolimus and cyclosporin A and the BCR signaling inhibitor ibrutinib significantly reduced NFAT activity in leukemic cell lines, and NFAT inhibition resulted in increased apoptosis of primary CLL cells. In summary, our results indicate that the aberrant activation of NFATC1 by DNA hypomethylation and BCR signaling plays a major role in the pathomechanism of CLL. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

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Anti-Müllerian Hormone and risk of ovarian cancer in nine cohorts

Abstract

Animal and experimental data suggest that anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) serves as a marker of ovarian reserve and inhibits the growth of ovarian tumors. However, few epidemiologic studies have examined the association between AMH and ovarian cancer risk. We conducted a nested case-control study of 302 ovarian cancer cases and 336 matched controls from nine cohorts. Prediagnostic blood samples of premenopausal women were assayed for AMH using a picoAMH enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using multivariable-adjusted conditional logistic regression. AMH concentration was not associated with overall ovarian cancer risk. The multivariable-adjusted OR (95% CI), comparing the highest to the lowest quartile of AMH, was 0.99 (0.59-1.67) (P_trend: 0.91). The association did not differ by age at blood draw or oral contraceptive use (all P_{heterogeneity:} ≥ 0.26). There also was no evidence for heterogeneity of risk for tumors defined by histologic developmental pathway, stage, and grade, and by age at diagnosis and time between blood draw and diagnosis (all P_{heterogeneity:} ≥ 0.39). In conclusion, this analysis of mostly late premenopausal women from nine cohorts does not support the hypothesized inverse association between prediagnostic circulating levels of AMH and risk of ovarian cancer. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

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Spot light on skeletal muscles: optogenetic stimulation to understand and restore skeletal muscle function.

Spot light on skeletal muscles: optogenetic stimulation to understand and restore skeletal muscle function.

J Muscle Res Cell Motil. 2017 Sep 16;:

Authors: van Bremen T, Send T, Sasse P, Bruegmann T

Abstract
Damage of peripheral nerves results in paralysis of skeletal muscle. Currently, the only treatment option to restore proper function is electrical stimulation of the innervating nerve or of the skeletal muscles directly. However this approach has low spatial and temporal precision leading to co-activation of antagonistic muscles and lacks cell-type selectivity resulting in pain or discomfort by stimulation of sensible nerves. In contrast to electrical stimulation, optogenetic methods enable spatially confined and cell-type selective stimulation of cells expressing the light sensitive channel Channelrhodopsin-2 with precise temporal control over the membrane potential. Herein we summarize the current knowledge about the use of this technology to control skeletal muscle function with the focus on the direct, non-neuronal stimulation of muscle fibers. The high temporal flexibility of using light pulses allows new stimulation patterns to investigate skeletal muscle physiology. Furthermore, the high spatial precision of focused illumination was shown to be beneficial for selective stimulation of distinct nearby muscle groups. Finally, the cell-type specific expression of the light-sensitive effector proteins in muscle fibers will allow pain-free stimulation and open new options for clinical treatments. Therefore, we believe that direct optogenetic stimulation of skeletal muscles is a very potent method for basic scientists that also harbors several distinct advantages over electrical stimulation to be considered for clinical use in the future.

PMID: 28918572 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Synergy of Dendritic Cell Vaccines and Avasimibe in Treatment of Head and Neck Cancer in Mice.

Synergy of Dendritic Cell Vaccines and Avasimibe in Treatment of Head and Neck Cancer in Mice.

Med Sci Monit. 2017 Sep 17;23:4471-4476

Authors: Chen X, Song Q, Xia L, Xu X

Abstract
BACKGROUND The main purpose of this study was to explore the antitumor effect and mechanisms of ACAT1 inhibitor combined with CSCs-DC vaccine. MATERIAL AND METHODS We isolated HNSCC CSCs and gained CSCs antigens, then used CSCs antigens to load dendritic cells (DC) and generated a CSCs-DC vaccine. We treated mice after surgical excision of established SCC7 tumors with CSCs-DC vaccine and/or ACAT1 inhibitor, and recorded local tumor relapse and host survival. T cells and B cells were harvested from mice treated with CSCs-DC vaccine and/or ACAT1 inhibitor. We tested antibody production and the death rate of CSCs killed by T cells. RESULTS The tumors in the combined treatment group were smaller than in all other groups (P<0.01). The average survival time of the combined treatment group was 82 days and was the longest of all groups. Analysis of IgG levels secreted by B cell and CTL activity in spleens of mice found that results of the combined treatment group were the highest, and the results of the CSCs-DC group were lower than in the combined treatment group. The ACAT1 inhibitor group results were lower than in the CSCs-DC group and the combined treatment group results, but higher than in the PBS group, and the difference was statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS ACAT1 inhibitor enhanced the therapeutic effect of CSCs-DC vaccine in the treatment of the mouse HNSCC postoperative recurrence model. ACAT1 may play an important role in cancer immunotherapy.

PMID: 28918429 [PubMed - in process]

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Effectiveness, cost-utility and implementation of a decision aid for patients with localised prostate cancer and their partners: study protocol of a stepped-wedge cluster randomised controlled trial.

Effectiveness, cost-utility and implementation of a decision aid for patients with localised prostate cancer and their partners: study protocol of a stepped-wedge cluster randomised controlled trial.

BMJ Open. 2017 Sep 15;7(9):e015154

Authors: Al-Itejawi HHM, van Uden-Kraan CF, van de Ven PM, Coupé VMH, Vis AN, Nieuwenhuijzen JA, van Moorselaar JA, Verdonck-de Leeuw IM

Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Patient decision aids (PDAs) have been developed to help patients make an informed choice for a treatment option. Despite proven benefits, structural implementation falls short of expectations. The present study aims to assess the effectiveness and cost-utility of the PDA among newly diagnosed patients with localised prostate cancer and their partners, alongside implementation of the PDA in routine care.
METHODS/ANALYSIS: A stepped-wedge cluster randomised trial will be conducted. The PDA will be sequentially implemented in 18 hospitals in the Netherlands, over a period of 24 months. Every 3 or 6 months, a new cluster of hospitals will switch from usual care to care including a PDA.The primary outcome measure is decisional conflict experienced by the patient. Secondary outcomes comprise the patient's quality of life, treatment preferences, role in the decision making, expectations of treatment, knowledge, need for supportive care and decision regret. Furthermore, societal cost-utility will be valued. Other outcome measures considered are the partner's treatment preferences, experienced participation to decision making, quality of life, communication between patient, partner and health care professional, and the effect of prostate cancer on the relationship, social contacts and their role as caregiver. Patients and partners receiving the PDA will also be asked about their satisfaction with the PDA.Baseline assessment takes place after the treatment choice and before the start of a treatment, with follow-up assessments at 3, 6 and 12 months following the end of treatment or the day after deciding on active surveillance. Outcome measures on implementation include the implementation rate (defined as the proportion of all eligible patients who will receive a PDA) and a questionnaire for health care professionals on determinants of implementing an innovation.
ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This study will be conducted in accordance with local laws and regulations of the Medical Ethics Committee of VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. The results from this stepped-wedge trial will be presented at scientific meetings and published in peer-reviewed journals.
TRIAL REGISTRATION: Nederlands Trial Register NTR TC5177, registration date: May 28(th) 2015.Pre-results.

PMID: 28918408 [PubMed - in process]

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Survival after surgery for oral cancer: a 30-year experience.

Survival after surgery for oral cancer: a 30-year experience.

Br J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2017 Sep 13;:

Authors: Ong TK, Murphy C, Smith AB, Kanatas AN, Mitchell DA

Abstract
Oral squamous cell carcinoma is the most common intraoral malignancy, for which we advocate radical primary resection with adjuvant treatment where indicated. The main aims of this paper are to identify the overall survival of a consecutive series of patients and to relate survival to clinical and pathological factors. Kaplan-Meier curves were produced for site, sex, TNM status, and use of postoperative radiotherapy. The data were analysed using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows and probabilities of less than 0.05 were accepted as significant. A total of 921 patients were recorded in the database with a diagnosis of oral squamous cell carcinoma out of a total of 1958 with salivary gland conditions or other cancers of the head and neck (43.1%). The earliest date of diagnosis was 1973, and the data were censored at 31 March 2016. The database comprised 340 women (36.9%) and 581 men (63.1%). A total of 339 patients died (34.5%): 117 women (33.7%) and 222 men (65.5%). The mean (range) age at death was 73.4 (31.4-97.5) years for women and 68.7 (33.3-95.5) years for men (t (337)=3.28, p=0.001). Our overall survival was somewhat better than the 56% five-year survival reported for oral cancer in England in 2010, which may be a reflection of the treatment. This work supports the view that aggressive management may improve overall survival.

PMID: 28918183 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Ninety Day Mortality After Radical Radiotherapy for Head and Neck Cancer.

Ninety Day Mortality After Radical Radiotherapy for Head and Neck Cancer.

Clin Oncol (R Coll Radiol). 2017 Sep 13;:

Authors: Dixon L, Garcez K, Lee LW, Sykes A, Slevin N, Thomson D

Abstract
AIMS: Treatment for head and neck cancers using definitive radiotherapy, with or without chemotherapy, is associated with significant acute toxicity. Our aim was to assess 90 day mortality after radical radiotherapy. A further aim was to identify patient, tumour or treatment factors associated with early death after treatment and whether these could be used to predict outcomes.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: In total, 1116 patients with squamous cell pharyngeal and larynx cancer between January 2011 and December 2015 were included. Patients with T1 larynx cancer were excluded. Patients were treated using radical radiotherapy, with or without chemotherapy. Ninety day mortality was calculated using survival of less than 135 days from the planned start date for radical radiotherapy, to include early deaths during and up to 90 days after treatment.
RESULTS: Overall, 90 day mortality was 4.7%. Among the subgroup of patients treated with concurrent platinum chemotherapy, the 90 day mortality rate was 0.4%. Overall survival at 1, 3 and 5 years was 84%, 62% and 53%, respectively. Factors associated with a higher risk of early death included performance status > 1, haemoglobin <100 g/l, weight < 60 kg, age > 80 years and presence of multiple comorbidities.
CONCLUSION: We report excellent crude overall survival rates among our radically treated cohort of head and neck cancer patients. Several factors were associated with an increased risk of death within 90 days of completion of radical head and neck radiotherapy. Given the potential severe acute effects and the impact on patient quality of life associated with radical head and neck radiotherapy, this information is helpful to inform treatment-related discussions with patients.

PMID: 28918176 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Shrinkage in oral squamous cell carcinoma: An analysis of tumor and margin measurements in vivo, post-resection, and post-formalin fixation.

Shrinkage in oral squamous cell carcinoma: An analysis of tumor and margin measurements in vivo, post-resection, and post-formalin fixation.

Am J Otolaryngol. 2017 Sep 12;:

Authors: Umstattd LA, Mills JC, Critchlow WA, Renner GJ, Zitsch RP

Abstract
PURPOSE: To quantify changes in tumor size and tumor-free margins following surgical resection and formalin fixation of oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: Nineteen patients were studied via cohort design. Between May and December 2011, measurements of tumor size and tumor-free margin were made in patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity. Mucosal reference points were marked with sutures, representing tumor diameter and two separate resection margins. Measurements were recorded immediately before resection, after resection, and following fixation in formalin.
RESULTS: The overall mean shrinkage in tumor size was 10.7% (95% CI 3.4-18.0, p=0.006). When comparing mean tumor measurements, most of the tumor size decrease (6.4%, 95% CI 0.4-12.4, p=0.039) occurred between pre- and post-excision measurements. To a lesser extent, tumor size decreased following formalin fixation. Comparison of tumor-free margin measurements revealed a pre-excision to post-fixation mean decrease of 11.3% (95% CI 2.9-19.6%, p=0.011), with a statistically significant decrease of 14.9% (95% CI 8.5-21.3%, p<0.001) occurring between pre- and post-excision, and no significant decrease from post-excision to post-formalin fixation.
CONCLUSION: Mucosal dimensions of both tumor and tumor-free margins in oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma specimens decrease between surgical resection and pathologic analysis. Most of this decrease occurs prior to fixation, especially for margins, and may be due to intrinsic tissue properties rather than formalin effects.

PMID: 28917966 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Exploiting molecular genomics in precision radiation oncology: a marriage of biological and physical precision.

Exploiting molecular genomics in precision radiation oncology: a marriage of biological and physical precision.

Chin Clin Oncol. 2017 Sep;6(Suppl 2):S19

Authors: Tan JSH, Lin X, Chua KLM, Lam PY, Soo KC, Chua MLK

Abstract
Achieving local tumour control is paramount for cure in head and neck and prostate cancers. With the transition to precision radiotherapy (RT) techniques, survival rates have improved in the majority of these cancers, but a substantial proportion of 30-40% still relapse following primary treatment. Recent large-scale molecular profiling studies have revealed unique biological events that could explain for tumour aggression and resistance to therapies, redefining the molecular taxonomy of head and neck and prostate cancers. Here, we reviewed the key findings from these studies, highlighting those relevant for clinical stratification. We also proposed novel combinatorial clinicomolecular models to identify subsets of patients with aggressive localised tumours and limited metastases, and to inform on the optimal management of these patients using molecular targeted agents, immunotherapy, and RT.

PMID: 28917257 [PubMed - in process]

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Re-irradiation with stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT).

Re-irradiation with stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT).

Chin Clin Oncol. 2017 Sep;6(Suppl 2):S15

Authors: Høyer M

Abstract
Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) is a potential treatment option for patients who develop a relapse within or marginal to a previously irradiated volume, but it seems underused because of sparse knowledge on the efficacy and morbidity related to the treatment. Normal tissues often recover some of the damage caused by the primary radiotherapy with time, but the kinetics of recovery is not clearly described in the literature. There is a growing number of publications on SBRT reirradiation, but the literature consists mainly of retrospective cohort studies. The aim of the present paper is to review studies on SBRT reirradiation in various regions where some studies have been published such as the head and neck, lung, liver, pancreas, prostate and spine. Based on the retrospective nature of the literature, the guide-lines provided by this guideline are relatively weak. In some organ systems, some advice on constraints related to reirradiated volumes and doses may be given.

PMID: 28917253 [PubMed - in process]

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Emerging technologies in stereotactic body radiotherapy.

Emerging technologies in stereotactic body radiotherapy.

Chin Clin Oncol. 2017 Sep;6(Suppl 2):S12

Authors: Ma L, Wang L, Tseng CL, Sahgal A

Abstract
Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) stems from the initial developments of intra-cranial stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS). Despite similarity in their names and clinical goals of delivering a sufficiently high tumoricidal dose, maximal sparing of the surrounding normal tissues and a short treatment course, SBRT technologies have transformed from the early days of body frame-based treatments with X-ray verification to primarily image-guided procedures with cone-beam CT or stereoscopic X-ray systems and non-rigid body immo-bilization. As a result of the incorporation of image-guidance systems and multi-leaf col-limators into mainstream linac systems, and treatment planning systems that have also evolved to allow for routine dose calculations to permit intensity modulated radiotherapy and volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT), SBRT has disseminated rapidly in the community to manage many disease sites that include oligometastases, spine lesions, lung, prostate, liver, renal cell, pelvic tumors, and head and neck tumors etc. In this article, we review the physical principles and paradigms that led to the widespread adoption of SBRT practice as well as technical caveats specific to individual SBRT technologies. From the perspective of treatment delivery, we categorically described (I) C-arm linac-based SBRT technologies; (II) robotically manipulated X-band CyberKnife® technology; and (III) emerging specialized systems for SBRT that include integrated MRI-linear accelerators and the imaged-guided Gamma Knife Perfexion Icon system with expanded multi-isocenter treatments of skull-based tumors, head-and-neck and cervical-spine lesions.

PMID: 28917250 [PubMed - in process]

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Unusual Complication of Multidrug Resistant Tuberculosis

Introduction. Capreomycin is a second-line drug often used for multidrug-resistant tuberculosis which can result in nephrotoxic effects similar to other aminoglycosides. We describe a case of capreomycin induced Bartter-like syndrome with hypocalcemic tetany. Case Report. 23-year-old female patient presented with carpopedal spasms and tingling sensations in hands. Patient was being treated with capreomycin for two months for tuberculosis. On further investigation, hypocalcemia, hyponatremia, hypomagnesemia, hypokalemia, and hypochloremic metabolic alkalosis were noted. Vitamin D and serum PTH levels were within normal limits. Hypercalciuria was confirmed by urine calcium/creatinine ratio. Calcium, potassium, and magnesium supplementation was given and capreomycin was discontinued. Electrolytes normalized in two days after cessation of capreomycin with no further abnormalities on repeat investigations. Discussion. Aminoglycosides can result in renal tubular dysfunction leading to Fanconi syndrome, Bartter syndrome, and distal tubular acidosis. Impaired mitochondrial function in the tubular cells has been hypothesized as the possible cause of these tubulopathies. Acquired Bartter-like syndrome phenotypically resembles autosomal dominant type 5 Bartter syndrome. Treatment consists of correction of electrolyte abnormalities, indomethacin, and potassium-sparing diuretics. Prompt diagnosis and treatment of severe dyselectrolytemia are warranted in patients on aminoglycoside therapy.

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Predicted Cold Shock Proteins from the Extremophilic Bacterium Deinococcus maricopensis and Related Deinococcus Species

While many studies have examined the mechanisms by which extremophilic Deinococci survive exposure to ionizing radiation, very few publications have characterized the cold shock adaptations of this group, despite many species being found in persistent cold environments and environments prone to significant daily temperature fluctuations. Bacterial cold shock proteins (Csps) are a family of conserved, RNA chaperone proteins that commonly play a role in cold temperature adaptation, including a downward shift in temperature (i.e., cold shock). The primary aim of this study was to test whether a representative, desert-dwelling Deinococcus, Deinococcus maricopensis, encodes Csps as part of its genome. Bioinformatic approaches were used to identify a Csp from D. maricopensis LB-34. The Csp, termed Dm-Csp1, contains sequence features of Csps including a conserved cold shock domain and nucleic acid binding motifs. A tertiary model of Dm-Csp1 revealed an anticipated Csp structure containing five anti-parallel beta-strands, and ligand prediction experiments identified N-terminally located residues capable of binding single-stranded nucleic acids. Putative Csps were identified from 100% of (27 of 27) Deinococci species for which genome information is available; and the Deinococci-encoded Csps identified contain a C-terminally located region that appears to be limited to members of the class Deinococci.

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A Case of Chronic Cough and Pneumonia Secondary to a Foreign Body

Foreign body aspiration occurs when a solid or semisolid object becomes lodged in the larynx or trachea. It can be a life-threatening emergency, especially if it is large enough to occlude the airway. However, small aspirated objects may go unnoticed until symptoms occur. Therefore, it is frequently misdiagnosed. A high level of clinical suspicion, patient's risk factors, and thorough history and physical examination are essential in making the diagnosis. It should be considered in cases where there is unresolved chronic cough with or without associated recurrent pneumonia especially in patients with risks for aspiration.

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Comparisons of Faulting-Based Pavement Performance Prediction Models

Faulting prediction is the core of concrete pavement maintenance and design. Highway agencies are always faced with the problem of lower accuracy for the prediction which causes costly maintenance. Although many researchers have developed some performance prediction models, the accuracy of prediction has remained a challenge. This paper reviews performance prediction models and JPCP faulting models that have been used in past research. Then three models including multivariate nonlinear regression (MNLR) model, artificial neural network (ANN) model, and Markov Chain (MC) model are tested and compared using a set of actual pavement survey data taken on interstate highway with varying design features, traffic, and climate data. It is found that MNLR model needs further recalibration, while the ANN model needs more data for training the network. MC model seems a good tool for pavement performance prediction when the data is limited, but it is based on visual inspections and not explicitly related to quantitative physical parameters. This paper then suggests that the further direction for developing the performance prediction model is incorporating the advantages and disadvantages of different models to obtain better accuracy.

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Viscosity and Morphology Modification of Length Sorted Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes in PIB Matrices

This work evaluates the effectiveness of nanoscale particulates in producing non-Einstein-like responses in polymer matrices, to reduce their negative effects in low shear rate processing. This is of value to material processing applications which encompass extrusion, flow into cold mold, and generalized processing of nanocomposites. Through control and understanding of the structure processing relationships entailed through nanoscale additive materials, we begin to manage dispersion characteristics for more reliable and defect-free product development. In pursuit of identifying system characteristics that produce non-Einstein-like responses we isolate and characterize homogenous fractions of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) with singular lengths. This enables the definition of a well-defined nanoscale particulate phase, within the polymer matrices. The effect of nanotube length and weight fraction on the polyisobutylene (PIB) matrices was evaluated with thermal and rheological testing. Our findings show that the viscosity of the produced nanocomposite systems has a length dependence and does not demonstrate the expected monotonous increases in the viscosity with an increase in weight fraction of nanotube additive within the matrix, demonstrating a non-Einstein-like viscosity response. Furthermore, we demonstrate length dependent crystallization in the studied systems, as an intermediate length nanotube initiates crystallization of polyisobutylene (PIB) affecting viscosity and mechanical properties.

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Labor Induction with Orally Administrated Misoprostol: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Introduction. One great challenge in obstetric care is labor inductions. Misoprostol has advantages in being cheap and stable at room temperature and available in resource-poor settings. Material and Methods. Retrospective cohort study of 4002 singleton pregnancies with a gestational age ≥34 w at Sodersjukhuset, Stockholm, during 2009-2010 and 2012-2013. Previously used methods of labor induction were compared with misoprostol given as a solution to drink, every second hour. Main outcome is as follows: Cesarean Section (CS) rate, acid-base status in cord blood, Apgar score 1500 ml (PPH). Results. The proportion of CS decreased from 26% to 17% when orally given solution of misoprostol was introduced at the clinic (). No significant difference in the frequency of low Apgar score (), low aPh in cord blood (), or PPH () between the different methods of induction was studied. After adjustment for different risk factor for CS the only method of induction which was associated with CS was (Propess®) (aor = 2.9 (1.6–5.2)). Conclusion. Induction of labor with misoprostol, given as an oral solution to drink every second hour, gives a low rate of CS, without affecting maternal or fetal outcome.

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The Effect of Electroacupuncture on PKMzeta in the ACC in Regulating Anxiety-Like Behaviors in Rats Experiencing Chronic Inflammatory Pain

Chronic inflammatory pain can induce emotional diseases. Electroacupuncture (EA) has effects on chronic pain and pain-related anxiety. Protein kinase Mzeta (PKMzeta) has been proposed to be essential for the maintenance of pain and may interact with GluR1 to maintain CNS plasticity in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC). We hypothesized that the PKMzeta-GluR1 pathway in the ACC may be involved in anxiety-like behaviors of chronic inflammatory pain and that the mechanism of EA regulation of pain emotion may involve the PKMzeta pathway in the ACC. Our results showed that chronic inflammatory pain model decreased the paw withdrawal threshold (PWT) and increased anxiety-like behaviors. The protein expression of PKCzeta, p-PKCzeta (T560), PKMzeta, p-PKMzeta (T560), and GluR1 in the ACC of the model group were remarkably enhanced. EA increased PWT and alleviated anxiety-like behaviors. EA significantly inhibited the protein expression of p-PKMzeta (T560) in the ACC, and only a downward trend effect for other substances. Further, the microinjection of ZIP remarkably reversed PWT and anxiety-like behaviors. The present study provides direct evidence that the PKCzeta/PKMzeta-GluR1 pathway is related to pain and pain-induced anxiety-like behaviors. EA treatment both increases pain-related somatosensory behavior and decreases pain-induced anxiety-like behaviors by suppressing PKMzeta activity in the ACC.

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Comparison of Chebyshev and Legendre Polynomial Expansion of Phase Function of Cloud and Aerosol Particles

Chebyshev and Legendre polynomial expansion is used to reconstruct the Henyey-Greenstein phase function and the phase functions of spherical and nonspherical particles. The result of Legendre polynomial expansion is better than that of Chebyshev polynomial for around 0-degree forward angle, while Chebyshev polynomial expansion produces more accurate results in most regions of the phase function. For large particles like ice crystals, the relative errors of Chebyshev polynomial can be two orders of magnitude less than those of Legendre polynomial.

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Hurricane Harvey was a Major Test for the Texas Power Grid

Hurricane Harvey took hundreds of electricity lines and more than 10,000 Megawatts (MW) of electricity generating capacity offline according to new information from the U.S. Energy Information...

-- Read more on ScientificAmerican.com

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Poly(2-(diethylamino)ethyl methacrylate)-based, pH-responsive, copolymeric mixed micelles for targeting anticancer drug control release

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Trans-resveratrol-loaded nonionic lamellar liquid-crystalline systems: structural, rheological, mechanical, textural, and bioadhesive characterization and evaluation of in vivo anti-inflammatory activity

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Multimedia education program and nutrition therapy improves HbA1c, weight, and lipid profile of patients with type 2 diabetes: a randomized clinical trial

Abstract

Purpose

To evaluate the effect of a multimedia education program and nutrition therapy on metabolic control in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Research question

What is the effect of a multimedia education program and nutritional therapy on metabolic control in type 2 diabetes?

Patients and methods

A randomized clinical trial was conducted in 351 patients randomly assigned to either an experimental group receiving a multimedia diabetes education program (MDE) and nutrition therapy (NT) (NT + MDE: n = 173), or to a control group who received nutrition therapy only (NT: n = 178).

At baseline, 7, 14, and 21 months, the glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL-cholesterol, and HDL-cholesterol were measured. Weight, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), fat percentage, fat and lean mass, systolic blood pressure (SBP), and diastolic (DBP) were also recorded.

Results

Glycated hemoglobin decreased in both groups, although the group with NT + MDE had a greater reduction, with a difference of −0.76% (95%CI −1.33 to −0.19) at 7 months and −0.73% (95%CI −1.37 to −0.09) at 21 months. Only in the NT + MDE did the glucose decrease at 7 (−41.2 mg/dL; 95%CI −52.0 to −30.5), 14 (−27.8 mg/dL; 95%CI −32.6 to −23.1), and 21 months (−36.6 mg/dL; 95%CI −46.6 to −26.6). Triglycerides and the atherogenic index decreased in both groups at 7 and 14 months; while only in the NT + MDE group did it decrease at 21 months. (p < 0.05). Weight decreased at 21 months in the NT + MDE group (−1.23, −2.29 at −0.16; p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Nutrition therapy and a multimedia diabetes education program have a favorable impact on achieving metabolic control goals in type 2 diabetes.

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Fear and trembling, from The Great Quake to Quakeland

Detail or range? Two new books offer very different approaches to the fascinating and violent world of earthquake science

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Nanofluidic lab-on-a-chip trapping devices for screening electrostatics in concentration gradients

Geometry-induced electrostatic (GIE) trapping is a novel contact-free method of stably confining charged nano objects in solution. This method has proven to be very effective in trapping sub-100 nm objects and.is based only on the electrostatic repulsion between the charged object and the device surfaces, without requiring an external control or power. We report on fabricating a GIE trapping device integrated into a microfluidic system and demonstrate its performance in screening the behaviour of individually trapped nano-objects along a NaCI salt concentration gradient. We use 60 nm gold particles as probes to analyze the trapping stiffness and residence time of the particles along the salt gradient. We show that in our devices a critical concentration for the reliable trapping of the particles in the order of seconds is reached at an ionic concentration of 0.3 mM. By analyzing the trap stiffness and residence times, we determine a smooth gradient of the salt concentration, as expected from Fick's first law. Furthermore, we find that the instability of the colloidal dispersion is reached at 0.8 mM NaCl. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

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Direct Observation of Alternating Stretch-Coil and Coil-Stretch Transitions of Semiflexible Polymers in Microstructured Flow

Analyzing the behavior of semiflexible polymers experiencing hydrodynamic forces is an important step toward a better understanding of polymer dynamics in microfluidic applications as well as in living cells. In particular, studying conformational changes of fluorescently labeled, semiflexible actin filaments in flow fields of spatially varying flow strength will significantly contribute to this goal. The experimental situation is realized in flows through structured microchannels with alternating high- and low-velocity segments. While entering the wider channel segments, the semiflexible filaments undergo a buckling transition under compression whereas they are stretched with a suppression of thermal fluctuations in the extensional regime when reentering the narrow segments. The nature of these nonequilibrium and nonstationary conformational transitions is characterized by analyzing the evolution of the end-to-end distances, center-of-mass velocities, and bending energies along the passage of the filaments through the channels.

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Characterization of mechano-sensitive nano-containers for targeted vasodilation

Cardiovascular diseases are the worldwide number one cause of mortality. The blood flow in diseased human coronary arteries differs from the blood flow in the healthy vessels. This fact should be used for designing targeted localized delivery of vasodilators with a purely physical drug release trigger. Thus, we have proposed mechano-sensitive liposomes as mechano-sensitive containers. One has to tailor the liposome's properties, so that containers are stable under physiological conditions in health, but release their cargo near the constricted vessels at body temperature. In order to determine the shear stress threshold for release, both the morphology of the healthy and diseased human arteries and the mechanical property of the liposomes have to be known. We have shown that micro computed tomography (mu CT) techniques allow visualizing the lumen of human coronary arteries and provide the basis for flow simulations to extract the wall shear stress of healthy and stenosed regions in human coronary arteries. The behavior of the mechano-sensitive liposomes is currently investigated by means of microfluidics and spatially resolved small-angle X-ray scattering. The liposomes are injected into micro-channels mimicking in vivo situation. The scattering signal from the liposomes reveals information about their size, shape, and wall thickness.

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Biocatalytic atom transfer radical polymerization in a protein cage nanoreactor

Incorporation of the ATRP-catalyzing enzyme horseradish peroxidase (HRP) into the cavities of the group II chaperonin thermosome is demonstrated. The resulting nanoreactor was used to polymerize an acrylate under ARGET ATRP conditions. The confined space within the protein cage results in poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether acrylate (PEGA) with lower molecular weights (poly(styrene)-apparent M-n = 4400 g mol(-1)) as well as narrower molecular weight distributions (D = 1.08) compared to polymerizations with the free ATRPase (M-n = 43 700 g mol(-1) and a D of 1.23).

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Single positively charged particle trapping in nanofluidic systems

High-throughput and contact-free trapping of single nano-objects in an aqueous solution is of substantial interest for fundamental and applied research. One of the several trapping methods is geometry-induced electrostatic (GIE) trapping that allows for passive spatial confinement of single nanoparticles in nanofluidic devices. In aqueous environments (pH > 2) glass and silicon dioxide surfaces acquire a net negative surface charge density due to the self-dissociation of terminal silanol groups. Thus, with native glass/silicon-based GIE-trapping devices only negatively charged nano-objects can be trapped, limiting the applications of this method. In this work, we have performed surface modifications of glass-based GIE-trapping nanofluidic devices to enable the trapping of positively charged nanoparticles. For surface functionalization of the devices, a layer transfer of poly(ethyleneimine) electrolytes were used which provides a net positive surface charge density. We demonstrate the successful confinement of positively charged 60 nm gold nanoparticles inside the functionalized devices, and present a comparison study between trapping of negatively- and positively charged particles in native and functionalized devices, respectively. (C) 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

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X-ray micro computed tomography for the visualization of an atherosclerotic human coronary artery

Atherosclerosis refers to narrowing or blocking of blood vessels that can lead to a heart attack, chest pain or stroke. Constricted segments of diseased arteries exhibit considerably increased wall shear stress, compared to the healthy ones. One of the possibilities to improve patient's treatment is the application of nano-therapeutic approaches, based on shear stress sensitive nano-containers. In order to tailor the chemical composition and subsequent physical properties of such liposomes, one has to know precisely the morphology of critically stenosed arteries at micrometre resolution. It is often obtained by means of histology, which has the drawback of offering only two-dimensional information. Additionally, it requires the artery to be decalcified before sectioning, which might lead to deformations within the tissue. Micro computed tomography (muCT) enables the three-dimensional (3D) visualization of soft and hard tissues at micrometre level. muCT allows lumen segmentation that is crucial for subsequent flow simulation analysis. In this communication, tomographic images of a human coronary artery before and after decalcification are qualitatively and quantitatively compared. We analyse the cross section of the diseased human coronary artery before and after decalcification, and calculate the lumen area of both samples.

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LATITUDE, STAMPEDE and ARASENS trials discussed by our expert panel, looking at the future of #prostatecancer care… https://t.co/KxGLxZPYz5

LATITUDE, STAMPEDE and ARASENS trials discussed by our expert panel, looking at the future of #prostatecancer care… https://t.co/KxGLxZPYz5

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RT @ecancer_patient : What are the preventive methods and treatments for #throatcancer? https://t.co/ETrxBXGmJB https://t.co/x1MdR5V7ij

RT @ecancer_patient : What are the preventive methods and treatments for #throatcancer? https://t.co/ETrxBXGmJB https://t.co/x1MdR5V7ij

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