Κυριακή 7 Μαΐου 2017

A global cancer surveillance framework within noncommunicable disease surveillance: making the case for population-based cancer registries

A new study by researchers from the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) presents a global surveillance framework for monitoring the core components of cancer control, illustrating both the unique role of cancer registries and commonalities with the surveillance of other noncommunicable diseases.
Pineros M, Znaor A, Mery L, Bray F
A global cancer surveillance framework within noncommunicable disease surveillance: making the case for population-based cancer registries
Epidemiologic Reviews. Published online 2 May 2017
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Calling [Humanities]



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Will women be swayed by HRTs preventive benefits? [News]



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Perinatal outcomes in multifetal pregnancy following fetal reduction [Research]

BACKGROUND:

There is currently insufficient evidence regarding the prognosis of multifetal pregnancy following elective fetal reduction to twin or singleton pregnancy. We compared perinatal outcomes in pregnancies with and without fetal reduction.

METHODS:

We used data on all stillbirths and live births in British Columbia, Canada, from 2009 to 2013. We compared outcomes of multifetal pregnancies with fetal reduction (to twin or singleton pregnancy) with outcomes of pregnancies without fetal reduction. The primary outcome was a composite of serious neonatal morbidity or perinatal death. Other outcomes studied included preterm birth, low birth weight and small-for-gestational-age live birth.

RESULTS:

The rate of serious neonatal morbidity or perinatal death did not differ significantly between pregnancies reduced to twins and unreduced triplet pregnancies (adjusted rate ratio 0.50, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.24–1.07) or between pregnancies reduced to singletons and unreduced twin pregnancies (adjusted rate ratio 1.57, 95% CI 0.74–3.33). The rate was significantly lower in the fetal reduction group reduced to twins versus unreduced triplet pregnancies when we restricted the analysis to pregnancies conceived following the use of assisted reproduction technologies (adjusted rate ratio 0.35, 95% CI 0.18–0.67). The rates of preterm birth, very preterm birth, low birth weight and very low birth weight were significantly lower among pregnancies reduced to twins than among unreduced triplet pregnancies. Compared with unreduced twin pregnancies, pregnancies reduced to singletons had lower rates of preterm birth and low birth weight.

INTERPRETATION:

Fetal reduction to twins and singletons was not associated with a decreased risk of serious neonatal morbidity or perinatal death. However, such fetal reduction was associated with substantial improvements in several other perinatal outcomes, such as preterm birth and low birth weight. Clinicians discussing the risks associated with multifetal pregnancy should counsel parents on the potential risks and benefits of fetal reduction.



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Response to "Selection bias" [Letters]



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Guideline for opioid therapy and chronic noncancer pain [Guideline]



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New Canadian guidance on opioid use for chronic pain: necessary but not sufficient [Commentary]



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Chronic nasal congestion and hyposmia in a 22-year-old woman [Practice]



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Selection bias [Letters]



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Inflammatory bowel disease in pregnancy [Practice]



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New guidelines for evaluating health tech [News]



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Accidental barium bronchography [Practice]



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Physicians with disabilities often undervalued [News]



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Increased cancer rate in US linked to bad environment

Around 39 in 100,000 cancer deaths could be avoided if US counties improved environment quality – a target that could be hampered by Trump's new legislation

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Dietary Guidelines for Vitamin D : A vitamin D intake requirement of 14 µg/day would maintain 97.5% of 25(OH)D >50 nmol/L.

http://alexandrossfa.blogspot.com/2017/05/dietary-guidelines-for-vitamin-d.html
Alexandros Sfakianakis
Anapafseos 5 . Agios Nikolaos
Crete.Greece.72100
2841026182
6948891480

County-level cumulative environmental quality associated with cancer incidence

BACKGROUND

Individual environmental exposures are associated with cancer development; however, environmental exposures occur simultaneously. The Environmental Quality Index (EQI) is a county-level measure of cumulative environmental exposures that occur in 5 domains.

METHODS

The EQI was linked to county-level annual age-adjusted cancer incidence rates from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) Program state cancer profiles. All-site cancer and the top 3 site-specific cancers for male and female subjects were considered. Incident rate differences (IRDs; annual rate difference per 100,000 persons) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using fixed-slope, random intercept multilevel linear regression models. Associations were assessed with domain-specific indices and analyses were stratified by rural/urban status.

RESULTS

Comparing the highest quintile/poorest environmental quality with the lowest quintile/best environmental quality for overall EQI, all-site county-level cancer incidence rate was positively associated with poor environmental quality overall (IRD, 38.55; 95% CI, 29.57-47.53) and for male (IRD, 32.60; 95% CI, 16.28-48.91) and female (IRD, 30.34; 95% CI, 20.47-40.21) subjects, indicating a potential increase in cancer incidence with decreasing environmental quality. Rural/urban stratified models demonstrated positive associations comparing the highest with the lowest quintiles for all strata, except the thinly populated/rural stratum and in the metropolitan/urbanized stratum. Prostate and breast cancer demonstrated the strongest positive associations with poor environmental quality.

CONCLUSION

We observed strong positive associations between the EQI and all-site cancer incidence rates, and associations differed by rural/urban status and environmental domain. Research focusing on single environmental exposures in cancer development may not address the broader environmental context in which cancers develop, and future research should address cumulative environmental exposures. Cancer 2017. © 2017 American Cancer Society.



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Impact of the environment on cancer: Seeing the forest for the trees

The study by Jagai et al. is a valuable resource for researchers to focus on better understanding associations between environmental quality and cancer incidence, as well as for policy makers to target specific regions and environmental factors within those regions to reduce the burden of cancer in the United States. This study also demonstrates the value of environmental geospatial data, a key tool that provides the empirical scientific evidence base to allow scientists to identify disease-contributing factors and identify vulnerable communities. See also pages 000-000.



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Endocrine Emergencies : 1. THYROID STORM, 2. MYXEDEMA COMA, 3. DIABETIC KETOACIDOSIS, 4. ACUTE ADRENAL CRISIS

http://alexandrossfa.blogspot.com/2017/05/endocrine-emergencies-1-thyroid-storm-2.html
Alexandros Sfakianakis
Anapafseos 5 . Agios Nikolaos
Crete.Greece.72100
2841026182
6948891480

Increased cancer rate in US linked to bad environment

gettyimages-510935639-800x533.jpg

Around 39 in 100,000 cancer deaths could be avoided if US counties improved environment quality – a target that could be hampered by Trump's new legislation

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Hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) : Dyspnea and cough


Alexandros Sfakianakis
Anapafseos 5 . Agios Nikolaos
Crete.Greece.72100
2841026182
6948891480

Powassan Virus

Powassan virus: an arbovirus (arthropod-borne) virus that is transmitted to humans through infected ticks. Person-to-person transmission does not occur. The infection is rare, with 60 cases reported in the U.S. over the past 10 years. Most U.S. cases have occurred in the Northeast and Great Lakes areas. Severe infection can lead to encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), requiring hospitalization. Signs and symptoms of Powassan infection can include fever, headache, vomiting, weakness, confusion, seizures, and memory loss. Long-term neurologic problems can develop after infection. There is no specific treatment available. Prevention of infection involves taking precautions to avoid exposure to ticks and tick bites.



MedTerms (TM) is the Medical Dictionary of MedicineNet.com.
We Bring Doctors' Knowledge To You

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Translating in vitro ligand bias into in vivo efficacy

Publication date: Available online 7 May 2017
Source:Cellular Signalling
Author(s): Louis M. Luttrell, Stuart Maudsley, Diane Gesty-Palmer
It is increasingly apparent that ligand structure influences both the efficiency with which G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) engage their downstream effectors and the manner in which they are activated. Thus, ‘biased’ agonists, synthetic ligands whose intrinsic efficacy differs from the native ligand, afford a strategy for manipulating GPCR signaling in ways that promote beneficial signals while blocking potentially deleterious ones. Still, there are significant challenges in relating in vitro ligand efficacy, which is typically measured in heterologous expression systems, to the biological response in vivo, where the ligand is acting on natively expressed receptors and in the presence of the endogenous ligand. This is particularly true of arrestin pathway-selective ‘biased’ agonists. The type 1 parathyroid hormone receptor (PTH1R) is a case in point. Parathyroid hormone (PTH) is the principal physiological regulator of calcium homeostasis, and PTH1R expressed on cells of the osteoblast lineage are an established therapeutic target in osteoporosis. In vitro, PTH1R signaling is highly sensitive to ligand structure, and PTH analogs that affect the selectivity/kinetics of G protein coupling or that engage arrestin-dependent signaling mechanisms without activating heterotrimeric G proteins have been identified. In vivo, intermittent administration of conventional PTH analogs accelerates the rate of osteoblastic bone formation, largely through known cAMP-dependent mechanisms. Paradoxically, both intermittent and continuous administration of an arrestin pathway-selective PTH analog, which in vivo would be expected to antagonize endogenous PTH1R-cAMP signaling, also increases bone mass. Transcriptomic analysis of tissue from treated animals suggests that conventional and arrestin pathway-selective PTH1R ligands act in largely different ways, with the latter principally affecting pathways involved in the regulation of cell cycle, survival, and migration/cytoskeletal dynamics. Such multi-dimensional in vitro and in vivo analyses of ligand bias may provide insights into the physiological roles of non-canonical arrestin-mediated signaling pathways in vivo, and provide a conceptual framework for translating arrestin pathway-selective ligands into viable therapeutics.

Graphical abstract

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A Trace Data-Based Approach for an Accurate Estimation of Precise Utilization Maps in LTE

For network planning and optimization purposes, mobile operators make use of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), computed from Performance Measurements (PMs), to determine whether network performance needs to be improved. In current networks, PMs, and therefore KPIs, suffer from lack of precision due to an insufficient temporal and/or spatial granularity. In this work, an automatic method, based on data traces, is proposed to improve the accuracy of radio network utilization measurements collected in a Long-Term Evolution (LTE) network. The method’s output is an accurate estimate of the spatial and temporal distribution for the cell utilization ratio that can be extended to other indicators. The method can be used to improve automatic network planning and optimization algorithms in a centralized Self-Organizing Network (SON) entity, since potential issues can be more precisely detected and located inside a cell thanks to temporal and spatial precision. The proposed method is tested with real connection traces gathered in a large geographical area of a live LTE network and considers overload problems due to trace file size limitations, which is a key consideration when analysing a large network. Results show how these distributions provide a very detailed information of network utilization, compared to cell based statistics.

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Neuropsychiatric Manifestations in a Patient with Panhypopituitarism

We present a case of an incidental diagnosis of panhypopituitarism in a 68-year-old African American man admitted to our psychiatric inpatient unit with symptoms suggestive of schizophrenia. The case was unusual as a first-episode psychosis given the patient’s age. In the course of his admission, the patient’s clinical condition deteriorated culminating in a sudden altered mental status which prompted a transfer to the medical floors and further investigations. A head CT scan and a pituitary MRI revealed a near total resection of the pituitary while laboratory investigations revealed hyponatremia and a grossly low hormone profile. The progression of these events casts doubts on our admitting diagnosis as the primary cause of the patient’s symptoms. The patient’s clinical condition improved only when his endocrinopathy was treated with hormone replacement, fluids, and electrolyte correction in addition to antipsychotics. An inability to verify the patient’s psychiatric history and a remote history of pituitary resection several decades earlier, unknown to the treating team, added to the diagnostic conundrum. We revised the diagnosis to neuropsychiatric manifestations secondary to an organic brain syndrome due to a partial pituitary resection. The patient was discharged with no symptoms of psychosis, good insight, judgment, and good reality testing.

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Prophet: A Context-Aware Location Privacy-Preserving Scheme in Location Sharing Service

Location sharing service has become an indispensable part in mobile social networks. However, location sharing may introduce a new class of privacy threats ranging from localizing an individual to profiling and identifying him based on the places he shared. Although users may avoid releasing geocontent in sensitive locations, it does not necessarily prevent the adversary from inferring users’ privacy through space-temporal correlations and historical information. In this paper, we design a Prophet framework, which provides an effective security scheme for users sharing their location information. First, we define fingerprint identification based on Markov chain and state classification to describe the users’ behavior patterns. Then, we propose a novel location anonymization mechanism, which adopts a -indistinguishability strategy to protect user’s sensitive location information published. Finally, experimental results are given to illustrate good performance and effectiveness of the proposed scheme.

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Respiratory Syncytial Virus Associated Myocarditis Requiring Venoarterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation

Severe fulminant myocarditis causing cardiogenic shock can be a rapidly progressing, life threatening condition. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a very rare infectious culprit infrequently described in medical literature as a cause of myocarditis, particularly in adults. We present a case of acute fulminant myocarditis in a patient with PCR positive RSV infection requiring venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO).

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Rapid Determination of Isomeric Benzoylpaeoniflorin and Benzoylalbiflorin in Rat Plasma by LC-MS/MS Method

Benzoylpaeoniflorin (BP) is a potential therapeutic agent against oxidative stress related Alzheimer’s disease. In this study, a more rapid, selective, and sensitive liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometric (LC-MS/MS) method was developed to determine BP in rat plasma distinguishing with a monoterpene isomer, benzoylalbiflorin (BA). The method showed a linear response from 1 to 1000 ng/mL (). The precision of the interday and intraday ranged from 2.03 to 12.48% and the accuracy values ranged from −8.00 to 10.33%. Each running of the method could be finished in 4 minutes. The LC-MS/MS method was validated for specificity, linearity, precision, accuracy, recovery, and stability and was found to be acceptable for bioanalytical application. Finally, this fully validated method was successfully applied to a pharmacokinetic study in rats following oral administration.

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Bound for the 2-Page Fixed Linear Crossing Number of Hypercube Graph via SDP Relaxation

The crossing number of graph is the minimum number of edges crossing in any drawing of in a plane. In this paper we describe a method of finding the bound of 2-page fixed linear crossing number of . We consider a conflict graph of . Then, instead of minimizing the crossing number of , we show that it is equivalent to maximize the weight of a cut of . We formulate the original problem into the MAXCUT problem. We consider a semidefinite relaxation of the MAXCUT problem. An example of a case where is hypercube is explicitly shown to obtain an upper bound. The numerical results confirm the effectiveness of the approximation.

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Applications of an Improved Time-Frequency Filtering Algorithm to Signal Reconstruction

The short time Fourier transform time-frequency representation (STFT-TFR) method degenerates, and the corresponding short time Fourier transform time-frequency filtering (STFT-TFF) method fails under stable distribution noise environment. A fractional low order short time Fourier transform (FLOSTFT) which takes advantage of fractional order moment is proposed for stable distribution noise environment, and the corresponding FLOSTFT time-frequency representation (FLOSTFT-TFR) algorithm is presented in this paper. We study vector formulation of the FLOSTFT and inverse FLOSTFT (IFLOSTFT) methods and propose a FLOSTFT time-frequency filtering (FLOSTFT-TFF) method which takes advantage of time-frequency localized spectra of the signal in time-frequency domain. The simulation results show that, employing the FLOSTFT-TFR method and the FLOSTFT-TFF method with an adaptive weight function, time-frequency distribution of the signals can be better gotten and time-frequency localized region of the signal can be effectively extracted from stable distribution noise, and also the original signal can be restored employing the IFLOSTFT method. Their performances are better than the STFT-TFR and STFT-TFF methods, and MSEs are smaller in different and GSNR cases. Finally, we apply the FLOSTFT-TFR and FLOSTFT-TFF methods to extract fault features of the bearing outer race fault signal and restore the original fault signal from stable distribution noise; the experimental results illustrate their performances.

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Barley Seedling Extracts Inhibit RANKL-Induced Differentiation, Fusion, and Maturation of Osteoclasts in the Early-to-Late Stages of Osteoclastogenesis

The number of patients with osteoporosis is increasing worldwide, and a decrease in bone mass is a main risk factor for fracture. The prevention of bone loss is critical for improving the quality of life for patients. However, the long-term use of antiosteoporotic agents is limited due to their side effects. Barley has been traditionally ingested for thousands of years as a safe, natural food with pharmaceutical properties, and its seedling can enhance the biological activity of the medicinal components found in food. This study aimed to clarify the antiresorptive activity of barley seedling and its mode of action. Barley seedling extracts (BSE) dose-dependently inhibited RANKL-induced osteoclast differentiation with alteration of IκB degradation, c-Fos, and NFATc1 molecules in the early-to-middle stages of osteoclastogenesis. In the late phase of osteoclastogenesis, BSE also prevented DC-STAMP and cathepsin K, which are required for cell fusion and bone degradation, such as osteoclast function. In conclusion, barley seedling from natural foods may provide long-term safety and be useful for the prevention or treatment of osteoclast-mediated bone metabolic diseases, including osteoporosis.

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Risk Factors for the Mortality of Pneumocystis jirovecii Pneumonia in Non-HIV Patients Who Required Mechanical Ventilation: A Retrospective Case Series Study

Background. The risk factors for the mortality rate of Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PCP) who required mechanical ventilation (MV) remained unknown. Methods. A retrospective chart review was performed of all PCP patients admitted to our intensive care unit and treated for acute hypoxemic respiratory failure to assess the risk factors for the high mortality. Results. Twenty patients without human immunodeficiency virus infection required mechanical ventilation; 19 received noninvasive ventilation; and 11 were intubated. PEEP was incrementally increased and titrated to maintain FIO2 as low as possible. No mandatory ventilation was used. Sixteen patients (80%) survived. Pneumothorax developed in one patient with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Median PEEP level in the first 5 days was 10.0 cmH2O and not associated with death. Multivariate analysis showed the association of incidence of interstitial lung disease and increase in serum KL-6 with 90-day mortality. Conclusions. We found MV strategies to prevent pneumothorax including liberal use of noninvasive ventilation, and PEEP titration and disuse of mandatory ventilation may improve mortality in this setting. Underlying disease of interstitial lung disease was a risk factor and KL-6 may be a useful predictor associated with mortality in patients with RA. These findings will need to be validated in larger studies.

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Stator and Rotor Faults Diagnosis of Squirrel Cage Motor Based on Fundamental Component Extraction Method

Nowadays, stator current analysis used for detecting the incipient fault in squirrel cage motor has received much attention. However, in the case of interturn short circuit in stator, the traditional symmetrical component method has lost the precondition due to the harmonics and noise; the negative sequence component (NSC) is hard to be obtained accurately. For broken rotor bars, the new added fault feature blanked by fundamental component is also difficult to be discriminated in the current spectrum. To solve the above problems, a fundamental component extraction (FCE) method is proposed in this paper. On one hand, via the antisynchronous speed coordinate (ASC) transformation, NSC of extracted signals is transformed into the DC value. The amplitude of synthetic vector of NSC is used to evaluate the severity of stator fault. On the other hand, the extracted fundamental component can be filtered out to make the rotor fault feature emerge from the stator current spectrum. Experiment results indicate that this method is feasible and effective in both interturn short circuit and broken rotor bars fault diagnosis. Furthermore, only stator currents and voltage frequency are needed to be recorded, and this method is easy to implement.

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Changes in the Total Polyphenolic Content and Antioxidant Capacities of Perilla (Perilla frutescens L.) Plant Extracts during the Growth Cycle

Changes in the total polyphenolics and antioxidative capacity of the perilla (Perilla frutescens L.) plant, during the growth cycle, have been analyzed in this study. These parameters were evaluated at five morphological stages. The extracts characterized by the highest total phenolic compound content were obtained at the full flowering stage. The phenolic compound profile was characterized by the presence of three major compounds, with rosmarinic acid being the most abundant. Moreover, their contents were significantly different according to the growth stage. High Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity values were found for the last two growth stages. The lowest ferric-reducing antioxidant power value was observed for the medium vegetative stage. The highest antiradical activity against DPPH• was observed for extracts obtained from the early vegetative stage. The antioxidant activity changes during the growth cycle, and this change may be useful to determine the optimal harvest time.

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Experimental Study on Aerodynamic Heating Induced by Dual Injections into Hypersonic Cross Flow

In this study, the distribution of surface heat transfer induced by dual side-jets injected into a hypersonic flow has been visualized using a temperature sensitive paint. The experiments were performed in both tandem and parallel injector arrangements, and the spacing between the injection holes was taken as a parameter in each arrangement. As a result, the aerodynamic heating in the separated region of the boundary layer and in the horseshoe vortex was clearly visualized. In the tandem arrangements, heat transfer remarkably increased immediately upstream of the front injector. The distributions and the intensity of surface heat transfer were similar to those caused by the single injection. On the other hand, in the parallel arrangements, the extent of the separation nearly doubled, and the maximum heat flux decreased to less than half of that from the single injection. The global distribution of heat transfer varied significantly as the injector spacing was changed. When the injectors were positioned with a large spacing, the interaction between the side-jets was relatively lowered, and thus distribution, as for the single injector, was induced around each injection hole individually. In contrast, with a short spacing, the dual injection behaved as a single obstacle. The most effective reduction of maximum heat flux was achieved with an intermediate injector spacing.

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Characterization of Recharge Mechanisms and Sources of Groundwater Salinization in Ras Jbel Coastal Aquifer (Northeast Tunisia) Using Hydrogeochemical Tools, Environmental Isotopes, GIS, and Statistics

Groundwater is among the most available water resources in Tunisia; it is a vital natural resource in arid and semiarid regions. Located in north-eastern Tunisia, the Metline-Ras Jbel-Raf Raf aquifer is a mio-plio-quaternary shallow coastal aquifer, where groundwater is the most important source of water supply. The major ion hydrochemistry and environmental isotope composition (δ18O, δ2H) were investigated to identify the recharge sources and processes that affect the groundwater salinization. The combination of hydrogeochemical, isotopic, statistical, and GIS approaches demonstrates that the salinity and the groundwater composition are largely controlled by the water-rock interaction particularly the dissolution of evaporate minerals and the ion exchange process, the return flow of the irrigation water, agricultural fertilizers, and finally saltwater intrusion which started before 1980 and which is partially mitigated by the artificial recharge since 1993. As for the stable isotope signatures, results showed that groundwater samples lay on and around the local meteoric water line LMWL; hence, this arrangement signifies that the recharge of the Ras Jbel aquifer is ensured by recent recharge from Mediterranean air masses.

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Box-Counting Method of 2D Neuronal Image: Method Modification and Quantitative Analysis Demonstrated on Images from the Monkey and Human Brain

This study calls attention to the difference between traditional box-counting method and its modification. The appropriate scaling factor, influence on image size and resolution, and image rotation, as well as different image presentation, are showed on the sample of asymmetrical neurons from the monkey dentate nucleus. The standard BC method and its modification were evaluated on the sample of 2D neuronal images from the human neostriatum. In addition, three box dimensions (which estimate the space-filling property, the shape, complexity, and the irregularity of dendritic tree) were used to evaluate differences in the morphology of type III aspiny neurons between two parts of the neostriatum.

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Systematic Review: Early Verses Late Dangling after Free Flap Reconstruction of the Lower Limb

Dangling regimes after free flap surgery to the lower limb vary between centres and clinicians. There is currently no accepted gold standard. This review examines the evidence for early versus late post-operative dangling after free flap reconstruction of the lower limb. The secondary aim is to evaluate the regimes used.

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Antioxidant Supplements and Gastrointestinal Diseases: A Critical Appraisal

No Abstract


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Estrogen-enhanced apical and basolateral secretion of apolipoprotein B-100 by polarized trophoblast-derived BeWo cells

Publication date: Available online 6 May 2017
Source:Biochimie
Author(s): Miriam Kamper, Florian Mittermayer, Rosalinda Cabuk, Katharina Gelles, Isabella Ellinger, Marcela Hermann
Cholesterol is an important nutrient for fetal development and transplacental transport occurs at all stages of human pregnancy. Furthermore, cholesterol is required for membrane building as well as steroid hormone synthesis. Therefore, all placental cell types require cholesterol for proper function. In human term placenta, the syncytiotrophoblast (STB) faces the maternal circulation. Uptake of maternal-derived cholesterol at the apical membrane of the STB is well understood, but the route by which cholesterol exits at the basal side for subsequent transfer across the fetal endothelial cells (FEC) or to other placental cell types remains not well characterized. Our aim was to provide evidence for basal secretion of apolipoprotein B-100 (apoB) containing lipoproteins. Furthermore, we investigated the placental localization of apolipoprotein receptors (LRP2, LDLR and LRP1) to identify cell targets of lipoprotein particles secreted in a polarized fashion by the STB. In trophoblast-derived BeWo cells grown on permeable filter supports, we demonstrate by immunoprecipitation apical as well as basolateral apoB secretion, which was significantly upregulated by estrogen-treatment for 24 or 48 h. Furthermore, we showed by immunofluorescence microscopy apoB and microsomal triglyceride transfer protein subunits localization in the STB and placental stromal cells in situ. All investigated receptors were detected by RT-qPCR and western blot in BeWo cells, but only expression of LRP2 was estrogen-inducible. In situ, the multi-ligand receptor LRP2 was expressed exclusively in the cytotrophoblast (CTB), the STB precursor cell type. LDLR and LRP1 localized to trophoblasts as well as stromal cells in situ. In summary, basal apoB secretion by BeWo cells supports the concept of basal lipoprotein particle secretion by placental STB. These lipoprotein particles may serve as cholesterol source for STB precursor cells, the CTBs, as well as all stromal cells of the chorionic villi including FECs, which were herein demonstrated to express apoB receptors, LRP2 and LDLR, respectively.

Graphical abstract

image


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Role of MicroRNAs in type 2 diabetes and associated vascular complications

Publication date: Available online 6 May 2017
Source:Biochimie
Author(s): Joyita Banerjee, Vijay Nema, Yogita Dhas, Neetu Mishra
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has become a major health threat worldwide. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a group of non-coding RNAs known to regulate various biological processes including the pathogenesis of T2DM. Recent studies have pointed out that specific miRNAs play a critical role in controlling β cell activities and the development of diabetic vascular complications. Their association with the disease pathogenesis and omnipresence in body fluids have made them important players for prognosis, diagnosis and management of T2DM. Owing to the limitations of classical biomarkers of diabetes such as fasting plasma glucose, glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c) lack in predicting the risk of development of diabetes complications in a susceptible population. The miRNAs can act as ideal biomarkers for diabetes associated complications. Identification of specific microRNA signatures to detect diabetes and ideally to find out the risk of development of diabetes-associated complications in susceptible population is the essential requirement of the present clinical strategies for controlling diabetes worldwide. In this article, we summarize the potential miRNAs and microRNA signatures involved in the β cell activities and diabetes associated macrovascular and microvascular complications.

Graphical abstract

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The new issue is now available.Japanese Journal of Environmental Psychology

Vol.4 No.1

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The new issue is now available.THE JOURNAL OF JAPANESE SOCIETY FOR DENTAL MATERIALS AND DEVICES

Vol.30 No.6

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The new issue is now available.Cytometry Research

Vol.25 No.1

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The new issue is now available.The Kurume Medical Journal

Vol.63 No.3.4

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The new issue is now available.Japanese Journal of Environmental Psychology

Vol.2 No.1

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newly available online.Eibeibunka: Studies in English Language, Literature and Culture



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The new issue is now available.Journal of the Japanese Society of Intensive Care Medicine

Vol.24 No.3

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Vol.30 No.3

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The new issue is now available.Japanese Journal of Environmental Psychology

Vol.3 No.1

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The new issue is now available.Eibeibunka: Studies in English Language, Literature and Culture

Vol.46

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The new issue is now available.Japan Journal of Medical Informatics

Vol.36 No.1

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The new issue is now available.MERA Journal

Vol.19 No.2

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The new issue is now available.Japanese Journal of Grassland Science

Vol.63 No.1

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The new issue is now available.NETSUSHORI

Vol.57 No.2

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The new issue is now available.Cytometry Research

Vol.25 No.2

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newly available online.MERA Journal



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The new issue is now available.THE JOURNAL OF JAPANESE SOCIETY FOR DENTAL MATERIALS AND DEVICES

Vol.30 No.1

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The new issue is now available.Japanese Journal of Environmental Psychology

Vol.5 No.1

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Vol.30 No.4

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The new issue is now available.Japanese Journal of Electoral Studies

Vol.26 No.1

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Effect of vitrification on the zona pellucida hardening and follistatin and cathepsin B genes expression and developmental competence of in vitro matured bovine oocytes

Publication date: Available online 6 May 2017
Source:Cryobiology
Author(s): Teresa Wiesak, Marta Wasielak, Aleksandra Złotkowska, Robert Milewski
The purpose of our study was to assess the effect of vitrification with or without the presence of calcium in the vitrification solution on the: 1) diameter of oocytes and thickness of the zona pellucida, 2) zona pellucida hardening, 3) expression of mRNA follistatin (FST) and cathepsin B (CTSB) in oocytes and 4) developmental competence of embryos derived from in vitro matured and vitrified oocytes.The results of our study demonstrate, that vitrification did not alter thickness of the zona pellucida and diameter of the oocytes, however it triggered hardening of the zona pellucida. The presence of calcium in the vitrification solutions intensified hardening of zona in immature and mature oocytes (P < 0.04, P < 0.001, respectively) and provoked increased mRNA FST expression in oocytes matured in vitro compared to immature oocytes (P < 0.01) and those vitrified without calcium (P < 0.004). CTSB mRNA expression was increased in immature oocytes and oocytes vitrified with calcium compare to mature oocytes (P < 0.02). The developmental potential of vitrified oocytes was impaired compared to non-vitrified oocytes, being more evident in oocytes vitrified with calcium.In summary, vitrification did not change the oocyte diameter and thickness of the zona pellucida and expression of FST and CTSB mRNA. It diminished developmental potential of the vitrified oocytes. The presence of calcium in the vitrification solutions increased hardening of zona pellucida as well as affected the level of FST and CTSB mRNA in oocytes and developmental potential of these oocytes.



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A New Nasal Septum Splint.

A New Nasal Septum Splint.

JAMA Facial Plast Surg. 2017 May 05;:

Authors: Mobley SR

PMID: 28476061 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]



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Synergistic protection of Schizandrin B and Glycyrrhizic acid against bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis by inhibiting TGF-β1/Smad2 pathways and overexpression of NOX4.

Synergistic protection of Schizandrin B and Glycyrrhizic acid against bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis by inhibiting TGF-β1/Smad2 pathways and overexpression of NOX4.

Int Immunopharmacol. 2017 May 02;48:67-75

Authors: Zhang D, Liu B, Cao B, Wei F, Yu X, Li GF, Chen H, Wei LQ, Wang PL

Abstract
Pulmonary fibrosis, a progressive and lethal lung disease, is a major therapeutic challenge for which new therapeutic strategies are warranted. Schisandrin B (Sch B) and Glycyrrhizic acid (GA) are the principal active ingredients of Schisandra chinensis and Glycyrrhiza glabra respectively, which have been reported to protect against lung injures. The present study was aimed at exploring the combinatorial therapeutic effects on bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis. Lung fibrotic injuries were induced in mice by a single intratracheal instillation of 5mg/kg bleomycin (BLM). Then, these mice were administered with Sch B (100mg/kg) or/and GA (75mg/kg) for 28days. BLM-triggered structure distortion, collagen overproduction, excessive inflammatory infiltration, pro-inflammatory cytokine release, and oxidative stress damages in lung tissues were attenuated to a higher degree by combinatorial treatment than by treatment of the individual agents. The expression of TGF-β1 and the phosphorylation of its downstream target, Smad2 were enhanced by BLM, but weakened by Sch B or/and GA. Furthermore, the significant overexpression of NADPH oxidase 4 (NOX4) was observed in BLM-induced pulmonary fibrosis, which was inhibited by Sch B or/and GA. Our study reveals that the synergistic protection by Sch B and GA against BLM-induced pulmonary fibrosis is correlated to its anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative and anti-fibrotic properties, involving inhibition of TGF-β1/Smad2 signaling pathways and overexpression of NOX4.

PMID: 28476015 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]



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Joining Forces: Bmi1 Inhibition and Cisplatin Curb Squamous Carcinogenesis.

Joining Forces: Bmi1 Inhibition and Cisplatin Curb Squamous Carcinogenesis.

Cell Stem Cell. 2017 May 04;20(5):575-577

Authors: Brown JA, Schober M

Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs) are refractory to therapeutic interventions. Chen et al. (2017) show that mouse and human HNSCCs and their metastases depend on Bmi1-expressing cancer stem cells and AP1 signaling and that simultaneously inhibiting Bmi1 or AP1, combined with Cisplatin, reduces tumor growth effectively in preclinical models.

PMID: 28475877 [PubMed - in process]



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Beyond Positive Margins and Extracapsular Extension: Evaluating the Utilization and Clinical Impact of Postoperative Chemoradiotherapy in Resected Locally Advanced Head and Neck Cancer.

Beyond Positive Margins and Extracapsular Extension: Evaluating the Utilization and Clinical Impact of Postoperative Chemoradiotherapy in Resected Locally Advanced Head and Neck Cancer.

J Clin Oncol. 2017 May 10;35(14):1550-1560

Authors: Trifiletti DM, Smith A, Mitra N, Grover S, Lukens JN, Cohen RB, Read P, Mendenhall WM, Lin A, Swisher-McClure S

Abstract
Purpose To examine recent utilization and survival outcomes associated with use of adjuvant chemoradiotherapy (CRT) for patients with resected locally advanced head and neck cancer (LAHNC) with negative surgical margins (SM negative) and no extracapsular extension (ECE). Materials and Methods We conducted a retrospective observational cohort study using the National Cancer Database evaluating patients diagnosed in 2004 to 2012 with AJCC stage III to IVB squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity, oropharynx, hypopharynx, and larynx treated with definitive surgery and adjuvant radiotherapy (RT) or CRT. We identified a subset of patients with SM negative and no ECE (n = 10,870). We determined factors associated with CRT use and examined overall survival of patients receiving CRT versus RT. We further evaluated survival outcomes by number of lymph nodes involved to assess whether this was associated with benefit from CRT. Results Among patients with resected LAHNC with SM negative and no ECE, 47% received adjuvant CRT. The use of CRT varied substantially according to several factors, including patient age, contralateral/bulky neck disease, increasing number of positive lymph nodes, and lower neck disease. CRT was associated with a statistically significant improvement in overall survival compared with RT alone (hazard ratio, 0.90; 95% CI, 0.86 to 0.94; P < .001). Survival benefits of CRT versus RT alone increased in patients with multiple positive lymph nodes. Conclusion The use of adjuvant CRT in patients with resected LAHNC with SM negative and no ECE is common. Substantial practice variation as well as the survival differences observed in this study support the conduct of additional research to guide personalized treatment approaches in this setting. The number of positive lymph nodes seems to be an appropriate selection factor for further investigation of CRT in such patients.

PMID: 28475848 [PubMed - in process]



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Statistical learning in social action contexts.

Statistical learning in social action contexts.

PLoS One. 2017;12(5):e0177261

Authors: Monroy C, Meyer M, Gerson S, Hunnius S

Abstract
Sensitivity to the regularities and structure contained within sequential, goal-directed actions is an important building block for generating expectations about the actions we observe. Until now, research on statistical learning for actions has solely focused on individual action sequences, but many actions in daily life involve multiple actors in various interaction contexts. The current study is the first to investigate the role of statistical learning in tracking regularities between actions performed by different actors, and whether the social context characterizing their interaction influences learning. That is, are observers more likely to track regularities across actors if they are perceived as acting jointly as opposed to in parallel? We tested adults and toddlers to explore whether social context guides statistical learning and-if so-whether it does so from early in development. In a between-subjects eye-tracking experiment, participants were primed with a social context cue between two actors who either shared a goal of playing together ('Joint' condition) or stated the intention to act alone ('Parallel' condition). In subsequent videos, the actors performed sequential actions in which, for certain action pairs, the first actor's action reliably predicted the second actor's action. We analyzed predictive eye movements to upcoming actions as a measure of learning, and found that both adults and toddlers learned the statistical regularities across actors when their actions caused an effect. Further, adults with high statistical learning performance were sensitive to social context: those who observed actors with a shared goal were more likely to correctly predict upcoming actions. In contrast, there was no effect of social context in the toddler group, regardless of learning performance. These findings shed light on how adults and toddlers perceive statistical regularities across actors depending on the nature of the observed social situation and the resulting effects.

PMID: 28475619 [PubMed - in process]



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Prediction of Intraoperative CSF Gusher and Postoperative Facial Nerve Stimulation in Patients With Cochleovestibular Malformations Undergoing Cochlear Implantation Surgery.

Prediction of Intraoperative CSF Gusher and Postoperative Facial Nerve Stimulation in Patients With Cochleovestibular Malformations Undergoing Cochlear Implantation Surgery.

Otol Neurotol. 2017 May 04;:

Authors: Kamogashira T, Iwasaki S, Kashio A, Kakigi A, Karino S, Matsumoto Y, Yamasoba T

Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To determine parameters in computed tomography (CT) of the temporal bone that would be useful for prediction of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) gusher during cochlear implantation (CI) surgery and postoperative facial nerve stimulation (FNS) in patients with inner ear malformations.
STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study.
SETTING: Tertiary referral center.
PATIENTS: Three hundred seventy-five cases who had undergone CI surgery including 54 inner ear malformation cases were analyzed.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The diameters of the cochlea modiolar base and porus of the internal auditory canal (IAC), length of IAC, diameter of the vestibular aqueduct (VA) at the operculum, and presence or absence of the modiolus of the cochlea were evaluated by using CT.
RESULTS: CSF gusher occurred in 12 (22%) cases, in whom the diameters of the cochlea modiolar base (2.7 ± 0.6 mm, p < 0.01) and widths of VA (1.5 ± 1.0 mm, p < 0.05) were significantly greater compared with those without gusher. The modiolus was significantly less formed (8%) in cases with gusher compared with those without gusher (p < 0.01). FNS occurred in 10 (19%) cases, and the widths of VA and lengths of IAC were significantly shorter in these cases compared with those without FNS (p < 0.05).
CONCLUSION: The absence of the modiolus, larger cochlea modiolar base, and wider VA in CT images were important predictors of CSF gusher during CI surgery. The width of VA was also an important factor in predicting FNS.

PMID: 28475547 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]



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Improving the Efficiency of Speech-In-Noise Hearing Screening Tests.

Improving the Efficiency of Speech-In-Noise Hearing Screening Tests.

Ear Hear. 2017 May 04;:

Authors: Smits C

Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Speech-in-noise hearing screening tests have become increasingly popular. These tests follow an adaptive procedure with a fixed number of presentations to estimate the speech reception threshold. The speech reception threshold is compared with an established cutoff signal to noise ratio (SNR) for a pass result or refer result. A fixed SNR procedure was developed to improve the efficiency of speech-in-noise hearing screening tests.
DESIGN: The cutoff SNR is used for all presentations in the fixed-SNR procedure. After each response a reliable test result is given (pass/refer) or an extra stimulus is presented. The efficiency and pass/refer rates between the adaptive procedure and the fixed-SNR procedure were compared.
RESULTS: An average reduction of 67% in the number of presentations can be achieved (from 25 to an average of 8.3 presentations per test).
CONCLUSIONS: The fixed-SNR procedure is superior in efficiency to the adaptive procedure while having nearly equal refer and pass rates.This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-Non Commercial-No Derivatives License 4.0 (CCBY-NC-ND), where it is permissible to download and share the work provided it is properly cited. The work cannot be changed in any way or used commercially without permission from the journal.

PMID: 28475546 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]



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Genomic Assessment of Blitz Nevi Suggests Classification as a Subset of Blue Nevus Rather Than Spitz Nevus: Clinical, Histopathologic, and Molecular Analysis of 18 Cases.

Genomic Assessment of Blitz Nevi Suggests Classification as a Subset of Blue Nevus Rather Than Spitz Nevus: Clinical, Histopathologic, and Molecular Analysis of 18 Cases.

Am J Dermatopathol. 2017 Apr 27;:

Authors: Isales MC, Haugh AM, Bubley J, Verzì AE, Zhang B, Kudalkar E, Lee CY, Yazdan P, Guitart J, Gerami P

Abstract
Blitz nevi/tumors are a distinct subset of melanocytic neoplasia which show mixed morphologic features of Spitz and blue nevus. Genomically, most blue nevi have GNAQ or GNA11 mutations while most Spitzoid neoplasms have either an HRAS mutation or translocations involving MET, ROS, BRAF, ALK1, NTRK1, and RET. The criteria used for the assessment of malignancy in blue and Spitzoid lesions are different, and these lesions have different prognostic markers. In this study, we assess the clinical, morphological, and genomic changes in 18 cases of Blitz nevi/tumors to better characterize this subset of neoplasms and determine their optimal genomic classification. Most lesions occurred on the extremities followed by the head and neck region typical of blue nevi. Histology showed most cases having a prominent plexiform growth pattern with cells aggregating around the adnexal structures and neurovascular bundles also typical of blue nevi. Using next generation sequencing, we detected the presence of somatic mutations in GNAQ or GNA11 in 4 of 7 cases (57%) of Blitz nevi with sufficient DNA available for sequencing. Normal skin samples in these 4 cases were sequenced to confirm that the GNAQ or GNA11 mutations were somatic mutations. All 4 cases were negative for immunohistochemical assessment for wild-type BRAF, RET, ALK, and NTRK1 and mutational analysis of HRAS was also negative in all cases. Hence, our study suggests that Blitz nevi/tumors are a distinct subset which genomically are best classified as a subset of blue nevi.

PMID: 28475519 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]



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Fast and fuzzy multi-objective radiotherapy treatment plan generation for head and neck cancer patients with the lexicographic reference point method (LRPM).

Fast and fuzzy multi-objective radiotherapy treatment plan generation for head and neck cancer patients with the lexicographic reference point method (LRPM).

Phys Med Biol. 2017 May 05;62(11):4318-4332

Authors: van Haveren R, Ogryczak W, Verduijn GM, Keijzer M, Heijmen BJM, Breedveld S

Abstract
Previously, we have proposed Erasmus-iCycle, an algorithm for fully automated IMRT plan generation based on prioritised (lexicographic) multi-objective optimisation with the 2-phase ϵ-constraint (2pϵc) method. For each patient, the output of Erasmus-iCycle is a clinically favourable, Pareto optimal plan. The 2pϵc method uses a list of objective functions that are consecutively optimised, following a strict, user-defined prioritisation. The novel lexicographic reference point method (LRPM) is capable of solving multi-objective problems in a single optimisation, using a fuzzy prioritisation of the objectives. Trade-offs are made globally, aiming for large favourable gains for lower prioritised objectives at the cost of only slight degradations for higher prioritised objectives, or vice versa. In this study, the LRPM is validated for 15 head and neck cancer patients receiving bilateral neck irradiation. The generated plans using the LRPM are compared with the plans resulting from the 2pϵc method. Both methods were capable of automatically generating clinically relevant treatment plans for all patients. For some patients, the LRPM allowed large favourable gains in some treatment plan objectives at the cost of only small degradations for the others. Moreover, because of the applied single optimisation instead of multiple optimisations, the LRPM reduced the average computation time from 209.2 to 9.5 min, a speed-up factor of 22 relative to the 2pϵc method.

PMID: 28475495 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]



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The Pediatric Version of the Eating Assessment Tool: a caregiver administered dyphagia-specific outcome instrument for children.

The Pediatric Version of the Eating Assessment Tool: a caregiver administered dyphagia-specific outcome instrument for children.

Disabil Rehabil. 2017 May 05;:1-5

Authors: Serel Arslan S, Demir N, Karaduman AA, Belafsky PC

Abstract
PURPOSE: To develop and evaluate the psychometric properties of the Pediatric version of the caregiver administered Eating Assessment Tool.
METHODS: The study included developmental phase and reported content, criterion validity, internal consistency and test-retest reliability of the Pediatric Eating Assessment Tool. Literature review and the original Eating Assessment Tool were used for line-item generation. Expert consensus assessed the items for content validity over two Delphi rounds. Fifty-one healthy children to obtain normative data and 138 children with cerebral palsy to evaluate test-retest reliability, internal consistency, and criterion validity were included. The Penetration-Aspiration Scale was used to assess criterion validity.
RESULTS: All items were found to be necessary. Content validity index was 0.91. The mean score of Pediatric Eating Assessment Tool for healthy children and children with cerebral palsy was 0.26 ± 1.83 and 19.5 ± 11, respectively. The internal consistency was high with Cronbach's alpha =0.87 for test and retest. An excellent correlation between the Pediatric Eating Assessment Tool and Penetration-Aspiration score for liquid and pudding swallowing was found (p < 0.001, r = 0.77; p < 0.001, r = 0.83, respectively). A score >4 demonstrated a sensitivity of 91.3% and specificity of 98.8% to predict penetration/aspiration.
CONCLUSIONS: The Pediatric Eating Assessment Tool was shown to be a valid and reliable tool to determine penetration/aspiration risk in children. Implications for rehabilitation The pediatric eating assessment tool: a new dyphagia-specific outcome survey for children. The Pediatric Version of the Eating Assessment Tool is a dysphagia specific, parent report outcome instrument to determine penetration/aspiration risk in children. The Pediatric Version of the Eating Assessment Tool has good internal consistency, test-retest reliability and criterion-based validity. The Pediatric Version of the Eating Assessment Tool may be utilized as a clinical instrument to assess the need for further instrumental evaluation of swallowing function in children.

PMID: 28475381 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]



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Tongue-out versus tongue-in position during Intensity-Modulated Radiotherapy for base of tongue cancer: Clinical implications for minimizing post-Radiotherapy Swallowing Dysfunction.

Tongue-out versus tongue-in position during Intensity-Modulated Radiotherapy for base of tongue cancer: Clinical implications for minimizing post-Radiotherapy Swallowing Dysfunction.

Head Neck. 2017 May 05;:

Authors: Kil WJ, Kulasekere C, Hatch C, Bugno J, Derrwaldt R

Abstract
BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to assess whether different tongue positions change the radiation doses to swallowing organs at risks: the pharyngeal constrictor, oral cavity, and larynx during intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) for base of tongue (BOT) cancer.
METHODS: IMRT plans with Tongue-out (IMRT-TO) and tongue-in position (IMRT-TI) was compared in 3 cases.
RESULTS: Distance from BOT to pharyngeal constrictor was increased to 1.8 ± 0.8 cm with IMRT-TO from 0.9 ± 0.6 cm with IMRT-TI (P < .01). Compared to IMRT-TI, IMRT-TO significantly decreased the radiation dose to the anterior oral cavity, oral tongue, superior pharyngeal constrictor, middle pharyngeal constrictor, and supraglottic larynx (all P ≤ .04). IMRT-TO also had a smaller volume irradiated than IMRT-TI to the anterior oral cavity and the oral tongue receiving ≥30 Gy (V30) and V35, and superior pharyngeal constrictor and middle pharyngeal constrictor for V55 and V65 (all P ≤ .04).
CONCLUSION: Dosimetric advantage with IMRT-TO over IMRT-TI may potentially reduce post-IMRT swallowing dysfunction in selected patients with BOT cancer.

PMID: 28475284 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]



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The primary growth of laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma cells in vitro is effectively supported by paired cancer-associated fibroblasts alone.

The primary growth of laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma cells in vitro is effectively supported by paired cancer-associated fibroblasts alone.

Tumour Biol. 2017 May;39(5):1010428317705512

Authors: Wang M, Wu C, Guo Y, Cao X, Zheng W, Fan GK

Abstract
Most primarily cultured laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma cells are difficult to propagate in vitro and have a low survival rate. However, in our previous work to establish a laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma cell line, we found that laryngeal cancer-associated fibroblasts appeared to strongly inhibit the apoptosis of primarily cultured laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma cells in vitro. In this study, we investigated whether paired laryngeal cancer-associated fibroblasts alone can effectively support the growth of primarily cultured laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma cells in vitro. In all, 29 laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma specimens were collected and primarily cultured. The laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma cells were separated from cancer-associated fibroblasts by differential trypsinization and continuously subcultured. Morphological changes of the cultured laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma cells were observed. Immunocytofluorescence was used to authenticate the identity of the cancer-associated fibroblasts and laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma cells. Flow cytometry was used to quantify the proportion of apoptotic cells. Western blot was used to detect the protein levels of caspase-3. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect the levels of chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 12, chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 7, hepatocyte growth factor, and fibroblast growth factor 1 in the supernatants of the laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma and control cells. AMD3100 (a chemokine (C-X-C motif) receptor 4 antagonist) and an anti-chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 7 antibody were used to block the tumor-supporting capacity of cancer-associated fibroblasts. Significant apoptotic changes were detected in the morphology of laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma cells detached from cancer-associated fibroblasts. The percentage of apoptotic laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma cells and the protein levels of caspase-3 increased gradually in subsequent subcultures. In contrast, no significant differences in the proliferation capacity of laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma cells cocultured with cancer-associated fibroblasts were detected during subculturing. High level of chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 12 was detected in the culture supernatant of cancer-associated fibroblasts. The tumor-supporting effect of cancer-associated fibroblasts was significantly inhibited by AMD3100. Our findings demonstrate that the paired laryngeal cancer-associated fibroblasts alone are sufficient to support the primary growth of laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma cells in vitro and that the chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 12/chemokine (C-X-C motif) receptor 4 axis is one of the major contributors.

PMID: 28475003 [PubMed - in process]



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Prevalence and extent of right-to-left shunt on contrast-enhanced transcranial Doppler in Chinese patients with migraine in a multicentre case-control study.

Prevalence and extent of right-to-left shunt on contrast-enhanced transcranial Doppler in Chinese patients with migraine in a multicentre case-control study.

Cephalalgia. 2017 Jan 01;:333102417708203

Authors: Wang SB, Liu KD, Yang Y, Li YJ, Hu MY, Lin P, Guo R, Tian Q, You Y, Cui YH, Zhang GL, Dong Z, Gao YS, Xing YQ

Abstract
Background The association between RLS and migraine is still debated. The aim of this study is to investigate the prevalence and grade of RLS in Chinese patients with migraine and to evaluate the relationship between RLS and migraine. Methods A multi-center case-control study of contrast-enhanced transcranial Doppler was conducted in 931 consecutive patients with migraine (240 of 931 had migraine with aura and 691 of 931 were in the migraine without aura group) and 282 were healthy adults. Clinical trial no. NCT02425696. Results The prevalence of RLS was 63.8% and 39.9% in the migraine with aura group (MA+) and migraine without aura group (MA-), respectively, significantly higher than that of the healthy group (29.4%, p < 0.001; p < 0.001). The positive rate of large RLS in the MA+ group and MA- group was 32.1% and 16.5%, respectively, significantly higher than healthy group (6.4%, p < 0.001; p < 0.001). There was no difference among groups in terms of positive rate of permanent RLS ( p = 0.704). Conclusion This multi-centre case-control study suggested that there is an association between RLS and migraine with and without aura, especially when the shunt is large.

PMID: 28474985 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]



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Aggressive Salivary Malignancies at Early Stage: Outcomes and Implications for Treatment.

Aggressive Salivary Malignancies at Early Stage: Outcomes and Implications for Treatment.

Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol. 2017 May 01;:3489417702655

Authors: Eppsteiner RW, Fowlkes JW, Anderson CM, Robinson RA, Pagedar NA

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Few studies have examined whether the use of adjuvant treatment impacts survival for early stage high-grade salivary tumors.
METHODS: A retrospective review of the SEER database between 1973 and 2012 was performed. Patients with high-grade major salivary gland tumors including salivary duct carcinoma, carcinoma ex-pleomorphic adenoma, high-grade mucoepidermoid carcinoma, or adenocarcinoma, NOS were identified. Only stage I-II tumors were included. The impact of radiation status on observed and relative survival was examined.
RESULTS: Five hundred seventy-four patients with high-grade, early stage salivary tumors met inclusion criteria. Sixty-seven percent of patients received radiation therapy. There was no difference in observed or relative survival based on having received radiation.
CONCLUSIONS: Adjuvant radiation is indicated for advanced stage tumors or early stage tumors with adverse features. For early stage tumors without adverse features, there was no survival benefit from radiation therapy. Adjuvant radiation should be decided on a case-by-case basis for these patients.

PMID: 28474964 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]



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Is a Multidisciplinary Aerodigestive Clinic More Effective at Treating Recalcitrant Aerodigestive Complaints Than a Single Specialist?

Is a Multidisciplinary Aerodigestive Clinic More Effective at Treating Recalcitrant Aerodigestive Complaints Than a Single Specialist?

Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol. 2017 May 01;:3489417708579

Authors: Rotsides JM, Krakovsky GM, Pillai DK, Sehgal S, Collins ME, Noelke CE, Bauman NM

Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To determine the utility of a pediatric multidisciplinary aerodigestive clinic (ADC) in treating recalcitrant aerodigestive conditions.
METHODS: Longitudinal observational study of presenting complaints, evaluation, management, and outcome of patients seen during 12 monthly ADCs beginning August 2013.
RESULTS: Fifty-five patients were seen by the ADC team (otolaryngology/gastroenterology/pulmonology/speech pathology/nurse practitioner) and followed for a mean 17.6 months (range, 12-26 months). Mean age was 4.3 years (range, 0.5-19 years). All were seen by at least 1 specialist before ADC referral but without significant improvement. Chronic cough was the most common primary symptom (44%). Clinic evaluation included flexible nasopharyngolaryngoscopy (FFL, 53%) and pulmonary function testing (36%.) FFL influenced management in 79%. An operative procedure usually combined endoscopy was warranted in 58%. Endoscopy provided high diagnostic yield, detecting laryngeal cleft (8), adenoid hypertrophy (8), vocal cord dysfunction (4), pulmonary infection (4), reflux disease (3), laryngomalacia (3), tracheomalacia (2), cilia abnormality (2), celiac disease (1), Helicobacter pylori (1), duodenal web (1), and eosinophilic esophagitis (1). Outcome was available for 48 of 55 patients, with 73% reporting resolved to markedly improved symptoms and 27% minimal to no improvement.
CONCLUSIONS: The ADC team approach resulted in resolved to markedly improved symptoms in 73% of patients whose symptoms persisted despite seeing a single specialist prior to referral.

PMID: 28474959 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]



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Group 2 innate lymphoid cells are elevated and activated in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps.

Group 2 innate lymphoid cells are elevated and activated in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps.

Immun Inflamm Dis. 2017 Apr 19;:

Authors: Poposki JA, Klingler AI, Tan BK, Soroosh P, Banie H, Lewis G, Hulse KE, Stevens WW, Peters AT, Grammer LC, Schleimer RP, Welch KC, Smith SS, Conley DB, Raviv JR, Karras JG, Akbari O, Kern RC, Kato A

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) is characterized by type 2 inflammation with high levels of Th2 cytokines. Although T helper cytokines are released from T cells, innate lymphoid cells (ILC) are also known to produce high levels of the same cytokines. However, the presence of various types of ILC in CRS is poorly understood.
OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to fully characterize the presence of all ILC subsets in CRS and to identify phenotypical differences of group 2 ILC (ILC2) in CRSwNP compared to ILC2 from non-type 2 inflamed areas.
METHODS: We investigated the presence of ILC subsets in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from healthy subjects, tonsil tissue, ethmoid tissue from control subjects and patients with non-polypoid CRS (CRSsNP) and CRSwNP, as well as nasal polyp (NP) tissue from CRSwNP by flow cytometry. Sorted ILC2 were cultured in the presence and absence of IL-33 and production of IL-5 and IL-13 was assessed by Luminex.
RESULTS: We found that all ILC subsets were present in NP but ILC2 were dominant and significantly elevated compared to PBMC, tonsil, CRSsNP, and normal sinus tissue. We also found that inducible T-cell co-stimulator (ICOS) and side scatter were increased and CD127 was down-regulated in ILC2 from NP compared to blood or tonsil ILC2. Thymic stromal lymphopoietin, IL-7, and IL-33 were able to down-regulate expression of CD127 and increase side scatter in blood ILC2. Furthermore, sorted NP ILC2 but not blood ILC2 spontaneously released type 2 cytokines including IL-5 and IL-13.
CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: These results suggest that ILC2 are not only elevated but also activated in CRSwNP in vivo and that ILC2 may play important roles in the type 2 inflammation in CRSwNP.

PMID: 28474861 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]



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Non-Allergic Rhinitis: Position paper of the European Academy of Allergology and Clinical Immunology.

Non-Allergic Rhinitis: Position paper of the European Academy of Allergology and Clinical Immunology.

Allergy. 2017 May 05;:

Authors: Hellings PW, Klimek L, Cingi C, Agache I, Akdis C, Bachert C, Bousquet J, Demoly P, Gevaert P, Hox V, Hupin C, Kalogjera L, Manole F, Mösges R, Mullol J, Muluk NB, Muraro A, Papadopoulos N, Pawankar R, Rondon C, Rundenko M, Seys SF, Toskala E, Van Gerven L, Zhang L, Zhang N, Fokkens WJ

Abstract
This EAACI position paper aims at providing a state-of-the-art overview on non-allergic rhinitis (NAR). A significant number of patients suffering from persistent rhinitis are defined as non-allergic non-infectious rhinitis (NANIR) patients, often denominated in short as having NAR. NAR is defined as a symptomatic inflammation of the nasal mucosa with the presence of minimal 2 nasal symptoms like nasal obstruction, rhinorrhoea, sneezing, and/or itchy nose, without clinical evidence of endonasal infection and without systemic signs of sensitization to inhalant allergens. Symptoms of NAR may have a wide range of severity, and be either continuously present and/or induced by exposure to unspecific triggers, also called nasal hyperresponsiveness (NHR). NHR represents a clinical feature of both AR and NAR patients. NAR involves different subgroups: drug-induced rhinitis, (non-allergic) occupational rhinitis, hormonal rhinitis (including pregnancy rhinitis), gustatory rhinitis, senile rhinitis and idiopathic rhinitis (IR). NAR should be distinguished from those rhinitis patients with an allergic reaction confined to the nasal mucosa, also called 'entopy' or local allergic rhinitis (LAR). We here provide an overview of the current consensus on phenotypes of NAR, recommendations for diagnosis, a treatment algorithm and defining the unmet needs in this neglected area of research. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

PMID: 28474799 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]



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Multi-institutional retrospective study of mucoepidermoid carcinoma treated with carbon-ion radiotherapy.

Multi-institutional retrospective study of mucoepidermoid carcinoma treated with carbon-ion radiotherapy.

Cancer Sci. 2017 May 05;:

Authors: Shirai K, Koto M, Demizu Y, Suefuji H, Ohno T, Tsuji H, Okimoto T, Shioyama Y, Saitoh JI, Nemoto K, Nakano T, Kamada T, Japan Carbon Ion Radiation Oncology Study Group

Abstract
To evaluate the clinical outcomes of patients with mucoepidermoid carcinomas in the head and neck treated with carbon-ion radiotherapy. Data from 26 patients who underwent carbon-ion radiotherapy in four facilities were analyzed in this multi-institutional retrospective study: the Japan Carbon-ion Radiation Oncology Study Group (J-CROS). The median follow-up time was 34 months. One patient experienced local recurrence, and the 3-year local control rate was 95%. One patient developed lymph node recurrence and five developed distant metastases. The 3-year progression-free survival rate was 73%. Five patients died, two of mucoepidermoid carcinoma and three of intercurrent disease. The 3-year overall survival rate was 89%. Acute mucositis and dermatitis of grade 3 or higher were experienced by 19% and 8% of patients, respectively; these improved with conservative therapy. Late mucositis and osteonecrosis of jaw were observed in 12% and 23% of patients, respectively. The 3-year cumulative rate of any late adverse event of grade 3 or higher was 14%. None of the patients died of the acute or late adverse events. Carbon-ion radiotherapy was efficacious and safe for treating mucoepidermoid carcinoma in this multi-institutional retrospective study. We are currently conducting a prospective multicenter study. (UMIN000024473) This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

PMID: 28474791 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]



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A Q methodology study to investigate the experiences of head and neck cancer patients from diagnosis to 1 year.

Related Articles

A Q methodology study to investigate the experiences of head and neck cancer patients from diagnosis to 1 year.

Eur J Cancer Care (Engl). 2017 May 04;:

Authors: Reid KJ, Swift A, Mehanna H

Abstract
The experiences of disease and treatment for patients diagnosed with head and neck cancer (H&NC) are known to be important indicators of the quality of care but are represented poorly in the literature. Survival is a major outcome measure to which health-related quality of life (HRQoL) adds detail but outcomes are not fully representative of the patients' experiences because quality of care and reality of treatment are overlooked. This study explored the HRQoL, quality of care and reality of treatment themes using a mixed-methods approach, Q Methodology. In total, 18 participants who were at least 12 months post-diagnosis rank-ordered 45 prepared statements to reflect their own experiences of H&NC. After the statements had been sorted, the participants reviewed the order in an interview to clarify experiences. The statements become a way of facilitating the discussion because the participant can explain the position of specific statements that are notable for them. The ranking was factor-analysed case-wise and five factors provided the best conceptual fit: meaning and attachment to illness; overwhelmed by the cancer; surviving or not; change and recovery; and keep control for the greater good of others. The findings suggest there are distinct ways that H&NC patients experience the disease and its treatment. The concept of the experience being different and defined for individuals has practical implications at a clinical level and is a way of ensuring care is truly patient-centred.

PMID: 28474488 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]



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Incomplete cavernous sinus syndrome as the initial manifestation of a previously undetected metastatic prostate adenocarcinoma.

Related Articles

Incomplete cavernous sinus syndrome as the initial manifestation of a previously undetected metastatic prostate adenocarcinoma.

Head Neck. 2017 May 05;:

Authors: Machío Castelló M, Escobar Montatixe D, Cenjor Español C, Villacampa Aubá JM, Montoya Bordón J, Carias Calix R, Sáez Pinel R

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Cavernous sinus syndrome presents as unilateral ophthalmoplegia associated with sympathetic denervation, pain, paresthesias, and V1 and V2 distribution numbness. The etiology may be vascular, inflammatory, infectious, and, less commonly, neoplastic (metastatic).
METHODS: We report a patient with incomplete cavernous sinus syndrome as the initial manifestation of previously undetected metastatic prostate adenocarcinoma.
RESULTS: A 59-year-old man presented with a 2-month history of left hemicranial headaches with ptosis and binocular diplopia. Clinical evaluation found left third, fourth, and sixth cranial nerve palsy with mydriasis and ptosis. An MRI showed an enhancing lesion at the clivus with infiltration of left cavernous sinus. A trans-sphenoidal biopsy was performed, leading to diagnosis of metastatic prostate adenocarcinoma. The patient underwent treatment and achieved clinical improvement.
CONCLUSIONS: In middle-aged men, it is important to include metastatic prostate adenocarcinoma in the differential diagnosis of cavernous sinus syndrome, even in the absence of primary tumor diagnosis.

PMID: 28474478 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]



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Physiological responses of artificial moss biocrusts to dehydration-rehydration process and heat stress on the Loess Plateau, China

Abstract

Ex-situ cultivation of biological soil crusts (biocrusts) is a promising technology to produce materials that can induce the recovery of biocrusts in the field for the purposes of preventing soil erosion and improving hydrological function in degraded ecosystems. However, the ability of artificially cultivated biocrusts to survive under adverse field conditions, including drought and heat stresses, is still relatively unknown. Mosses can bolster biocrust resistance to the stresses (e.g., drought and heat) and the resistance may be introduced prior to field cultivation. In this study, we subjected the well-developed artificial moss biocrusts (dominant species of Didymodon vinealis (Brid.) Zand.) that we cultivated in the phytotron to a dehydration-rehydration experiment and also a heat stress experiment and measured the activities of protective enzymes (including peroxidase (POD), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT)) and the contents of osmoregulatory substances (including soluble proteins and soluble sugars) and malondialdehyde (MDA, an indicator of oxidative stress) in the stem and leaf fragments of mosses. The results showed that, during the dehydration process, the activities of protective enzymes and the contents of osmoregulatory substances and MDA gradually increased with increasing duration of drought stress (over 13 days). During the rehydration process, values of these parameters decreased rapidly after 1 d of rehydration. The values then showed a gradual decrease for 5 days, approaching to the control levels. Under heat stress (45°C), the activities of protective enzymes and the content of soluble proteins increased rapidly within 2 h of heat exposure and then decreased gradually with increasing duration of heat exposure. In contrast, the contents of soluble sugars and MDA always increased gradually with increasing duration of heat exposure. This study indicates that artificial moss biocrusts possess a strong drought resistance and this resistance can be enhanced after a gradual dehydration treatment. This study also indicates that artificial moss biocrusts can only resist short-term heat stress (not long-term heat stress). These findings suggest that short-term heat stress or prolonged drought stress could be used to elevate the resistance of artificial moss biocrusts to adverse conditions prior to field reintroduction.



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Spatial pattern of plant species diversity and the influencing factors in a Gobi Desert within the Heihe River Basin, Northwest China

Abstract

Understanding the spatial pattern of plant species diversity and the influencing factors has important implications for the conservation and management of ecosystem biodiversity. The transitional zone between biomes in desert ecosystems, however, has received little attention in that regard. In this study, we conducted a quantitative field survey (including 187 sampling plots) in a 40-km2 study area to determine the spatial pattern of plant species diversity and analyze the influencing factors in a Gobi Desert within the Heihe River Basin, Northwest China. A total of 42 plant species belonging to 16 families and 39 genera were recorded. Shrub and semi-shrub species generally represented the major part of the plant communities (covering 90% of the land surface), while annual and perennial herbaceous species occupied a large proportion of the total recorded species (71%). Patrick richness index (R), Shannon-Wiener diversity index (H’), Simpson’s dominance index (D), and Pielou’s evenness index (J) were all moderately spatially variable, and the variability increased with increasing sampling area. The semivariograms for R and H’ were best fitted with Gaussian models while the semivariograms for D and J were best fitted with exponential models. Nugget-to-still ratios indicated a moderate spatial autocorrelation for R, H', and D while a strong spatial autocorrelation was observed for J. The spatial patterns of R and H' were closely related to the geographic location within the study area, with lower values near the oasis and higher values near the mountains. However, there was an opposite trend for D. R, H', and D were significantly correlated with elevation, soil texture, bulk density, saturated hydraulic conductivity, and total porosity (P<0.05). Generally speaking, locations at higher elevations tended to have higher species richness and diversity and the higher elevations were characterized by higher values in sand and gravel contents, bulk density, and saturated hydraulic conductivity and also by lower values in total porosity. Furthermore, spatial variability of plant species diversity was dependent on the sampling area.



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Physiological responses of artificial moss biocrusts to dehydration-rehydration process and heat stress on the Loess Plateau, China

Abstract

Ex-situ cultivation of biological soil crusts (biocrusts) is a promising technology to produce materials that can induce the recovery of biocrusts in the field for the purposes of preventing soil erosion and improving hydrological function in degraded ecosystems. However, the ability of artificially cultivated biocrusts to survive under adverse field conditions, including drought and heat stresses, is still relatively unknown. Mosses can bolster biocrust resistance to the stresses (e.g., drought and heat) and the resistance may be introduced prior to field cultivation. In this study, we subjected the well-developed artificial moss biocrusts (dominant species of Didymodon vinealis (Brid.) Zand.) that we cultivated in the phytotron to a dehydration-rehydration experiment and also a heat stress experiment and measured the activities of protective enzymes (including peroxidase (POD), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT)) and the contents of osmoregulatory substances (including soluble proteins and soluble sugars) and malondialdehyde (MDA, an indicator of oxidative stress) in the stem and leaf fragments of mosses. The results showed that, during the dehydration process, the activities of protective enzymes and the contents of osmoregulatory substances and MDA gradually increased with increasing duration of drought stress (over 13 days). During the rehydration process, values of these parameters decreased rapidly after 1 d of rehydration. The values then showed a gradual decrease for 5 days, approaching to the control levels. Under heat stress (45°C), the activities of protective enzymes and the content of soluble proteins increased rapidly within 2 h of heat exposure and then decreased gradually with increasing duration of heat exposure. In contrast, the contents of soluble sugars and MDA always increased gradually with increasing duration of heat exposure. This study indicates that artificial moss biocrusts possess a strong drought resistance and this resistance can be enhanced after a gradual dehydration treatment. This study also indicates that artificial moss biocrusts can only resist short-term heat stress (not long-term heat stress). These findings suggest that short-term heat stress or prolonged drought stress could be used to elevate the resistance of artificial moss biocrusts to adverse conditions prior to field reintroduction.



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Spatial pattern of plant species diversity and the influencing factors in a Gobi Desert within the Heihe River Basin, Northwest China

Abstract

Understanding the spatial pattern of plant species diversity and the influencing factors has important implications for the conservation and management of ecosystem biodiversity. The transitional zone between biomes in desert ecosystems, however, has received little attention in that regard. In this study, we conducted a quantitative field survey (including 187 sampling plots) in a 40-km2 study area to determine the spatial pattern of plant species diversity and analyze the influencing factors in a Gobi Desert within the Heihe River Basin, Northwest China. A total of 42 plant species belonging to 16 families and 39 genera were recorded. Shrub and semi-shrub species generally represented the major part of the plant communities (covering 90% of the land surface), while annual and perennial herbaceous species occupied a large proportion of the total recorded species (71%). Patrick richness index (R), Shannon-Wiener diversity index (H’), Simpson’s dominance index (D), and Pielou’s evenness index (J) were all moderately spatially variable, and the variability increased with increasing sampling area. The semivariograms for R and H’ were best fitted with Gaussian models while the semivariograms for D and J were best fitted with exponential models. Nugget-to-still ratios indicated a moderate spatial autocorrelation for R, H', and D while a strong spatial autocorrelation was observed for J. The spatial patterns of R and H' were closely related to the geographic location within the study area, with lower values near the oasis and higher values near the mountains. However, there was an opposite trend for D. R, H', and D were significantly correlated with elevation, soil texture, bulk density, saturated hydraulic conductivity, and total porosity (P<0.05). Generally speaking, locations at higher elevations tended to have higher species richness and diversity and the higher elevations were characterized by higher values in sand and gravel contents, bulk density, and saturated hydraulic conductivity and also by lower values in total porosity. Furthermore, spatial variability of plant species diversity was dependent on the sampling area.



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Reply to: Influence of possible predictor variables on the outcome of primary oral squamous cell carcinoma: a retrospective study of 392 consecutive cases at a single centre

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Publication date: Available online 6 May 2017
Source:International Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Author(s): L.M. Ritschl




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Using a Surgical PSA-Threshold (> 0.2 ng/mL) to Define Biochemical Failure in the ASCENDE-RT Phase 3 Trial

Publication date: May–June 2017
Source:Brachytherapy, Volume 16, Issue 3, Supplement
Author(s): William J. Morris, Mira Keyes, Tom Pickles




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Patterns of Care and Impact of Brachytherapy Boost Utilization for Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Base of Tongue in a Large, National Cohort

1-s2.0-S1538472117X00020-cov150h.gif

Publication date: May–June 2017
Source:Brachytherapy, Volume 16, Issue 3, Supplement
Author(s): Anna Lee, Babak Givi, Elizabeth Garay, Kwang N. Choi, David Schwartz, David Schreiber




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Commissioning of Post-Treatment PET-Based Dosimetry Software for Hepatic Radioembolization with Yttrium-90 Microspheres

Publication date: May–June 2017
Source:Brachytherapy, Volume 16, Issue 3, Supplement
Author(s): Nichole M. Maughan, Jose Garcia-Ramirez, Matt Arpidone, Amy Swallen, Richard Laforest, S. Murty Goddu, Parag J. Parikh, Jacqueline E. Zoberi




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Masthead

Publication date: May–June 2017
Source:Brachytherapy, Volume 16, Issue 3, Supplement





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Lack of Benefit Associated with External Beam Radiotherapy in Addition to Brachytherapy for Intermediate- to High-Risk Prostate Cancer

Publication date: May–June 2017
Source:Brachytherapy, Volume 16, Issue 3, Supplement
Author(s): Vinayak Muralidhar, Peter F. Orio, Paul L. Nguyen, Ivan Buzurovic, Neil E. Martin, Phillip M. Devlin, Martin T. King




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Integrating Direction Modulated Brachytherapy (DMBT) Tandem Applicator into a Brachytherapy TPS

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Publication date: May–June 2017
Source:Brachytherapy, Volume 16, Issue 3, Supplement
Author(s): Yunzhi Ma, Habib Safigholi, Songye Cui, William Y. Song, Luc Beaulieu




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Table of Contents

Publication date: May–June 2017
Source:Brachytherapy, Volume 16, Issue 3, Supplement





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Treatment Planning Using the TG-43 Hybrid Technique for HDR Non-Invasive Breast Brachytherapy Applicators

Publication date: May–June 2017
Source:Brachytherapy, Volume 16, Issue 3, Supplement
Author(s): Adam D. Bastien, Ileana N. Iftimia, Per H. Halvorsen, Mark J. Rivard




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Editorial Board

Publication date: May–June 2017
Source:Brachytherapy, Volume 16, Issue 3, Supplement





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Pre-Treatment MRI Staging Predicts for Biochemical Failure in High-Risk Prostate Cancer Treated with Combination High-Dose-Rate Brachytherapy and External Beam Radiotherapy

Publication date: May–June 2017
Source:Brachytherapy, Volume 16, Issue 3, Supplement
Author(s): John V. Hegde, D. Jeffrey Demanes, Darlene Veruttipong, Jagdeep Raince, Sang-June Park, Mitchell Kamrava




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Prostate HDR Monotherapy: Initial Efficacy Results from a Randomized Trial of One versus Two Fractions

Publication date: May–June 2017
Source:Brachytherapy, Volume 16, Issue 3, Supplement
Author(s): Gerard Morton, Hans Chung, Merrylee McGuffin, Ananth Ravi, Stanley Liu, Eric Tseng, Liying Zhang, Andrew Loblaw




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Listing of Plenary, Oral and Poster Presentations of the Abstracts of the 2017 American Brachytherapy Society Annual Meeting April 20–22, 2017

Publication date: May–June 2017
Source:Brachytherapy, Volume 16, Issue 3, Supplement





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Commissioning and Clinical Use of the CivaSheet, a Novel Shielded Pd103 Array

Publication date: May–June 2017
Source:Brachytherapy, Volume 16, Issue 3, Supplement
Author(s): Karen Episcopia, Gil'ad N. Cohen, Christopher Crane, Amandeep S. Taggar, Abraham J. Wu, Antonio L. Damato




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Retrospective Evaluation of Prostate Cancer Treatment Plan Quality Obtained from Intermediate Energy Sources for High Dose Rate Brachytherapy

Publication date: May–June 2017
Source:Brachytherapy, Volume 16, Issue 3, Supplement
Author(s): Gabriel Famulari, John J. Munro, Shirin Abbasinejad Enger




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Image Based Brachytherapy with MRI-Based Planning in the Treatment of Cervical Cancer: A Single Institution Outcome Analysis of 220 Patients

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Publication date: May–June 2017
Source:Brachytherapy, Volume 16, Issue 3, Supplement
Author(s): Scott Glaser, Ronny Kalash, Hayeon Kim, Houser Christopher, Michelle Boisen, John Comerci, Paniti Sukumvanich, Alexander Olawaiye, Joseph Kelley, Robert Edwards, Madeleine Courtney-Brooks, Jessica Berger, Sarah Taylor, Sushil Beriwal




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A Novel Delivery System for High Dose Rate Intensity Modulated Brachytherapy with Intermediate Energy Brachytherapy Radiation Sources Such as 169Yb

Publication date: May–June 2017
Source:Brachytherapy, Volume 16, Issue 3, Supplement
Author(s): Gabriel Famulari, Shirin Abbasinejad Enger




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Preliminary Clinical Study in Open MRI-Guided 125I Seed Implantation for Treatment of Brain Tumor

Publication date: May–June 2017
Source:Brachytherapy, Volume 16, Issue 3, Supplement
Author(s): Chengli Li




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