Ιατρικά Άρθρα Αλέξανδρος Γ. Σφακιανάκης: 01/04/17

Τετάρτη 4 Ιανουαρίου 2017

MicroRNA-134-3p is a novel potential inhibitor of human ovarian cancer stem cells by targeting RAB27A

Publication date: 20 March 2017
Source:Gene, Volume 605
Author(s): Cui Chang, Te Liu, Yongyi Huang, Wenxing Qin, Hongtu Yang, Juan Chen
The cluster of microRNAs (miRNAs) in the DLK1-DIO3 genomic imprinted region contains several miRNAs that have a significant regulatory role in tumor proliferation and invasion. One of these miRNAs is miR-134-3p, and its expression changes significantly in human ovarian cancer stem cells (OCSCs) and in CD44−/CD133− ovarian cancer. The results of a luciferase assay showed that miR-134-3p silenced RAB27A by binding to the 3′-UTR of RAB27A mRNA. Overexpression of miR-134-3p in human OCSCs can not only inhibit the expression of RAB27A but also can effectively downregulate the expression of some tumor proliferation and invasion genes. Overexpression of miR-134-3p can not only inhibit the in vitro proliferation and cell cycle progression of human OCSCs but also can decrease the tumorigenicity in nude mice.

from #AlexandrosSfakianakis via Alexandros G.Sfakianakis on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2iSnIgd
via IFTTT

Clinical and Prognostic Effect of Plasma Fibrinogen in Renal Cell Carcinoma: A Meta-Analysis

Background. Although numerous studies have shown that plasma fibrinogen is linked to renal cell carcinoma (RCC) risk, the consistency and magnitude of the effect of plasma fibrinogen are unclear. The aim of the study was to explore the association between plasma fibrinogen and RCC prognosis. Methods. An electronic search of Embase, PubMed/MEDLINE, and the Cochrane databases was performed to identify relevant studies published prior to June 1, 2016. Results. A total of 3744 patients with RCC from 7 published studies were included in the meta-analysis. The prognostic and clinical relevance of plasma fibrinogen are evaluated in RCC patients. Statistical significance of the combined hazard ratio (HR) was detected for overall survival, cancer-specific survival, and disease-free survival. Our pooled results showed that elevated plasma fibrinogen was significantly associated with clinical stage and Fuhrman grading. The level of plasma fibrinogen was not found to be associated with tumor type and gender. Conclusions. Elevated plasma fibrinogen is a strong indicator of poorer prognosis of patients with RCC, whereas the plasma fibrinogen is not significantly associated with tumor type. Therefore, plasma fibrinogen could be used in patients with RCC for risk stratification and decision providing a proper therapeutic strategy.

from #AlexandrosSfakianakis via Alexandros G.Sfakianakis on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2iGxwKy
via IFTTT

Case Finding and Medical Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes among Different Ethnic Minority Groups: The HELIUS Study

Aims. Prevention of diabetes complications depends on the level of case finding and successful treatment of diabetes, which may differ between ethnicities. Therefore, we studied the prevalence by age, awareness, treatment, and control of type 2 diabetes, among a multiethnic population. Methods. We included 4,541 Dutch, 3,032 South-Asian Surinamese, 4,109 African Surinamese, 2,323 Ghanaian, 3,591 Turkish, and 3,887 Moroccan participants (aged 18–70 y) from the HELIUS study. The prevalence of diabetes was analysed by sex, ethnicity, and 10-year age groups. Ethnic differences in the prevalence, awareness, treatment, and control of diabetes were studied by logistic regression. Results. From the age of 31–40 years and older, the prevalence of diabetes was 3 to 12 times higher among ethnic minority groups than that among the Dutch host population. Awareness and medical treatment of diabetes were 2 to 5 times higher among ethnic minorities than that among Dutch. Among those medically treated, only 37–53% had HbA1c levels on target (≤7.0%); only Dutch men had HbA1c levels on target more often (67%). Conclusions. Our results suggest that the age limit for case finding among ethnic minority groups should be lower than that for the general population. Importantly, despite higher awareness and treatment among ethnic minorities, glycemic control was low, suggesting a need for increased efforts to improve the effectiveness of treatment in these groups.

from #AlexandrosSfakianakis via Alexandros G.Sfakianakis on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2jcHjet
via IFTTT

Thermophilic bacteria are potential sources of novel Rieske non-heme iron oxygenases

Rieske non-heme iron oxygenases, which have a Rieske-type [2Fe–2S] cluster and a non-heme catalytic iron center, are an important family of oxidoreductases involved mainly in regio- and stereoselective transfo...

from #AlexandrosSfakianakis via Alexandros G.Sfakianakis on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2jcvlS6
via IFTTT

Secondary metabolites from Bacillus amyloliquefaciens isolated from soil can kill Burkholderia pseudomallei

Bacillus species are Gram-positive bacteria found in abundance in nature and their secondary metabolites were found to possess various potential activities, notably antimicrobial. In this...

from #AlexandrosSfakianakis via Alexandros G.Sfakianakis on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2idjoaU
via IFTTT

Endoplasmic reticulum-mitochondria Ca2+ crosstalk in the control of the tumor cell fate

Publication date: Available online 4 January 2017
Source:Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) - Molecular Cell Research
Author(s): Sonia Missiroli, Alberto Danese, Tommaso Iannitti, Simone Patergnani, Mariasole Perrone, Maurizio Previati, Carlotta Giorgi, Paolo Pinton
Mitochondria-associated membranes are juxtaposed between the endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria and have been identified as a critical hub in the regulation of apoptosis and tumor growth. One key function of mitochondria-associated membranes is to provide asylum to a number of proteins with tumor suppressor and oncogenic properties. In this review, we discuss how Ca²⁺ flux manipulation represents the primary mechanism underlying the action of several oncogenes and tumor-suppressor genes and how these networks might be manipulated to provide novel therapies for cancer. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: ECS Meeting edited by Claus Heizmann, Joachim Krebs and Jacques Haiech.

from #AlexandrosSfakianakis via Alexandros G.Sfakianakis on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2jcBKg8
via IFTTT

Endoplasmic reticulum-mitochondria calcium signalling in hepatic metabolic diseases

Publication date: Available online 4 January 2017
Source:Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) - Molecular Cell Research
Author(s): Jennifer Rieusset
The liver plays a central role in glucose homeostasis, and both metabolic inflexibility and insulin resistance predispose to the development of hepatic metabolic diseases. Mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum (ER), which play a key role in the control of hepatic metabolism, also interact at contact points defined as mitochondria-associated membranes (MAM), in order to exchange metabolites and calcium (Ca²⁺) and regulate cellular homeostasis and signaling. Here, we overview the role of the liver in the control of glucose homeostasis, mainly focusing on the independent involvement of mitochondria, ER and Ca²⁺ signaling in both healthy and pathological contexts. Then we focus on recent data highlighting MAM as important hubs for hormone and nutrient signalling in the liver, thus adapting mitochondria physiology and cellular metabolism to energy availability. Lastly, we discuss how chronic ER-mitochondria miscommunication could participate to hepatic metabolic diseases, pointing MAM interface as a potential therapeutic target for metabolic disorders.

Graphical abstract

from #AlexandrosSfakianakis via Alexandros G.Sfakianakis on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2idl6ZE
via IFTTT

TMBIM-mediated Ca2+ homeostasis and cell death

Publication date: Available online 5 January 2017
Source:Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) - Molecular Cell Research
Author(s): Qun Liu
Ca²⁺ is a ubiquitous intracellular messenger that regulates numerous physiological activities in humans, animals, plants, and bacteria. Cytosolic Ca²⁺ is kept at a low level, but subcellular organelles such as the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and Golgi apparatus maintain high-concentration Ca²⁺ stores. Under resting conditions, store Ca²⁺ homeostasis is dynamically regulated to equilibrate between active Ca²⁺ uptake and passive Ca²⁺ leak processes. The evolutionarily conserved Transmembrane BAX Inhibitor-1 Motif-containing (TMBIM) proteins mediate Ca²⁺ homeostasis and cell death. This review focuses on recent advances in functional and structural analysis of TMBIM proteins in regulation of the two related functions. The roles of TMBIM proteins in pathogen infection and cancer are also discussed with prospects for treatment. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: ECS Meeting edited by Claus Heizmann, Joachim Krebs and Jacques Haiech.

from #AlexandrosSfakianakis via Alexandros G.Sfakianakis on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2idjmzO
via IFTTT

Relationship between intracellular pH, metabolic co-factors and caspase-3 activation in cancer cells during apoptosis

Publication date: Available online 4 January 2017
Source:Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) - Molecular Cell Research
Author(s): Tatiana F. Sergeeva, Marina V. Shirmanova, Olga A. Zlobovskaya, Alena I. Gavrina, Varvara V. Dudenkova, Maria M. Lukina, Konstantin A. Lukyanov, Elena V. Zagaynova
A complex cascade of molecular events occurs in apoptotic cells but cell-to-cell variability significantly complicates determination of the order and interconnections between different processes. For better understanding of the mechanisms of programmed cell death, dynamic simultaneous registration of several parameters is required. In this paper we used multiparameter fluorescence microscopy to analyze energy metabolism, intracellular pH and caspase-3 activation in living cancer cells in vitro during staurosporine-induced apoptosis. We performed metabolic imaging of two co-factors, NAD(P)H and FAD, and used the genetically encoded pH-indicator SypHer1 and the FRET-based sensor for caspase-3 activity, mKate2-DEVD-iRFP, to visualize these parameters by confocal fluorescence microscopy and two-photon fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy. The correlation between energy metabolism, intracellular pH and caspase-3 activation and their dynamic changes were studied in CT26 cancer cells during apoptosis. Induction of apoptosis was accompanied by a switch to oxidative phosphorylation, cytosol acidification and caspase-3 activation. We showed that alterations in cytosolic pH and the activation of oxidative phosphorylation are relatively early events associated with the induction of apoptosis.

from #AlexandrosSfakianakis via Alexandros G.Sfakianakis on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2jcFaQ7
via IFTTT

Case of Superficial Cancer Located at the Pharyngoesophageal Junction Which Was Dissected by Endoscopic Laryngopharyngeal Surgery Combined with Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection

Aims. In order to determine the indications of transoral surgery for a tumor located at the pharyngoesophageal junction, the trumpet maneuver with transnasal endoscopy was used. Its efficacy is reported here. Material and Methods. An 88-year-old woman complaining of dysphagia, diagnosed with cervical esophageal cancer, and hoping to preserve her voice and swallowing function was admitted to our hospital. Conventional endoscopy showed that the tumor had invaded the hypopharynx. When inspecting the hypopharynx and the orifice of the esophagus, we asked the patient to blow hard and puff her cheeks with her mouth closed (trumpet maneuver). After the trumpet maneuver, the pharyngeal mucosa was stretched out. The pedicle of the tumor arose from the left-anterior wall of the pharyngoesophageal junction, so we decided to perform endoscopic resection. Result. Under general anesthesia, the curved laryngoscope made it possible to view the whole hypopharynx, including the apex of the piriform sinus and the orifice of the esophagus. The cervical esophageal cancer was pulled up to the hypopharynx. Under collaboration between a head and neck surgeon and an endoscopist, the tumor was resected en bloc by endoscopic laryngopharyngeal surgery combined with endoscopic submucosal dissection. Conclusion. Transnasal endoscopy using the trumpet maneuver is useful for a precise diagnosis of the pharyngoesophageal junction. Close collaboration between head and neck surgeons and endoscopists can provide good results in treating tumors of the pharyngoesophageal junction.

from #AlexandrosSfakianakis via Alexandros G.Sfakianakis on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2hT8R3B
via IFTTT

Enriching Genomic Resources and Marker Development from Transcript Sequences of Jatropha curcas for Microgravity Studies

Jatropha (Jatropha curcas L.) is an economically important species with a great potential for biodiesel production. To enrich the jatropha genomic databases and resources for microgravity studies, we sequenced and annotated the transcriptome of jatropha and developed SSR and SNP markers from the transcriptome sequences. In total 1,714,433 raw reads with an average length of 441.2 nucleotides were generated. De novo assembling and clustering resulted in 115,611 uniquely assembled sequences (UASs) including 21,418 full-length cDNAs and 23,264 new jatropha transcript sequences. The whole set of UASs were fully annotated, out of which 59,903 (51.81%) were assigned with gene ontology (GO) term, 12,584 (10.88%) had orthologs in Eukaryotic Orthologous Groups (KOG), and 8,822 (7.63%) were mapped to 317 pathways in six different categories in Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genome (KEGG) database, and it contained 3,588 putative transcription factors. From the UASs, 9,798 SSRs were discovered with AG/CT as the most frequent (45.8%) SSR motif type. Further 38,693 SNPs were detected and 7,584 remained after filtering. This UAS set has enriched the current jatropha genomic databases and provided a large number of genetic markers, which can facilitate jatropha genetic improvement and many other genetic and biological studies.

from #AlexandrosSfakianakis via Alexandros G.Sfakianakis on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2iDfnzd
via IFTTT

Pathogenesis of Thromboembolism and Endovascular Management

Venous thromboembolism (VTE), a disease that includes deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE), is associated with high mortality, morbidity, and costs. It can result in long-term complications that include postthrombotic syndrome (PTS) adding to its morbidity. VTE affects 1/1000 patients, costs $13.5 billion annually to treat, and claims 100,000 lives annually in the US. The current standard of care for VTE is anticoagulation, though thrombolysis may be performed in patients with PE and threatened limb. This review discusses pathogenesis and medical treatment of VTE and then focuses on endovascular treatment modalities. Mechanical- and catheter-directed thrombolysis (CDT) is discussed, as well as patient selection criteria, and complications. The first prospective study (CaVenT) comparing CDT with anticoagulation alone in acute DVT, despite study shortcomings, corroborates the existing literature indicating improved outcomes with CDT. The potential of the ongoing prospective, multicenter, randomized ATTRACT trial is also highlighted.

from #AlexandrosSfakianakis via Alexandros G.Sfakianakis on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2hTeIGb
via IFTTT

Electric Vehicle Routing Problem with Charging Time and Variable Travel Time

An electric vehicle routing problem with charging time and variable travel time is developed to address some operational issues such as range limitation and charging demand. The model is solved by using genetic algorithm to obtain the routes, the vehicle departure time at the depot, and the charging plan. Meanwhile, a dynamic Dijkstra algorithm is applied to find the shortest path between any two adjacent nodes along the routes. To prevent the depletion of all battery power and ensure safe operation in transit, electric vehicles with insufficient battery power can be repeatedly recharged at charging stations. The fluctuations in travel time are implemented to reflect a dynamic traffic environment. In conclusion, a large and realistic case study with a road network in the Beijing urban area is conducted to evaluate the model performance and the solution technology and analyze the results.

from #AlexandrosSfakianakis via Alexandros G.Sfakianakis on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2iDfM4J
via IFTTT

Case Report of Successful Childbearing after Conservative Surgery for Cervical Mullerian Adenosarcoma

Mullerian adenosarcoma (MA) is a rare tumor variant with low malignancy potential and is reported to account for 8% of all uterine sarcomas. Cervical MAs are reported to occur in relatively younger patients with the mean age of 27 years, while those in the uterine corpus generally present in postmenopausal women. Due to the rarity of cervical MAs, optimal management for these patients (especially younger women) is still under exploration. Here, we describe a case of cervical MA in a woman of reproductive age who was treated by fertility-preserving surgery and successfully delivered a child 18 months later.

from #AlexandrosSfakianakis via Alexandros G.Sfakianakis on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2hTbOBe
via IFTTT

Analysis of Argonaute Complex Bound mRNAs in DU145 Prostate Carcinoma Cells Reveals New miRNA Target Genes

Posttranscriptional gene regulation by microRNAs (miRNAs) contributes to the induction and maintenance of prostate carcinoma (PCa). To identify mRNAs enriched or removed from Ago2-containing RISC complexes, these complexes were immunoprecipitated from normal prostate fibroblasts (PNFs) and the PCa line DU145 and the bound mRNAs were quantified by microarray. The analysis of Ago complexes derived from PNFs or DU145 confirmed the enrichment or depletion of a variety of mRNAs already known from the literature to be deregulated. Novel potential targets were analyzed by luciferase assays with miRNAs known to be deregulated in PCa. We demonstrate that the mRNAs of the death effector domain-containing protein (DEDD), the tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily, member 10b protein (TNFRSF10B), the tumor protein p53 inducible nuclear protein 1 (TP53INP1), and the secreted protein, acidic, cysteine-rich (SPARC; osteonectin) are regulated by miRNAs miR-148a, miR-20a, miR-24, and miR-29a/b, respectively. Therefore, these miRNAs represent potential targets for therapy. Surprisingly, overexpression of miR-24 induced focus formation and proliferation of DU145 cells, while miR-29b reduced proliferation. The study confirms genes deregulated in PCa by virtue of their presence/absence in the Ago2-complex. In conjunction with the already published miRNA profiles of PCa, the data can be used to identify miRNA-regulated mRNAs.

from #AlexandrosSfakianakis via Alexandros G.Sfakianakis on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2hTf2V5
via IFTTT

Neuropeptides and Microglial Activation in Inflammation, Pain, and Neurodegenerative Diseases

Microglial cells are responsible for immune surveillance within the CNS. They respond to noxious stimuli by releasing inflammatory mediators and mounting an effective inflammatory response. This is followed by release of anti-inflammatory mediators and resolution of the inflammatory response. Alterations to this delicate process may lead to tissue damage, neuroinflammation, and neurodegeneration. Chronic pain, such as inflammatory or neuropathic pain, is accompanied by neuroimmune activation, and the role of glial cells in the initiation and maintenance of chronic pain has been the subject of increasing research over the last two decades. Neuropeptides are small amino acidic molecules with the ability to regulate neuronal activity and thereby affect various functions such as thermoregulation, reproductive behavior, food and water intake, and circadian rhythms. Neuropeptides can also affect inflammatory responses and pain sensitivity by modulating the activity of glial cells. The last decade has witnessed growing interest in the study of microglial activation and its modulation by neuropeptides in the hope of developing new therapeutics for treating neurodegenerative diseases and chronic pain. This review summarizes the current literature on the way in which several neuropeptides modulate microglial activity and response to tissue damage and how this modulation may affect pain sensitivity.

from #AlexandrosSfakianakis via Alexandros G.Sfakianakis on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2iD4s8K
via IFTTT

Warty Carcinoma Penis: An Uncommon Variant

Penile carcinoma frequency varies widely in different parts of the world and comprises 1–10% of all the malignancies in males. Majority of the cases of penile carcinoma are squamous cell carcinoma of penis comprising 60% to 70% of all cases. Warty carcinoma of penis is an unusual neoplasm and a variant of penile squamous cell carcinoma comprising 5%–10% of all the variants. The other histological variants include basaloid, verrucous, papillary, sarcomatous, mixed, and adenosquamous carcinoma. The various histological entities with an exophytic papillary lesions including warty carcinoma are together referred to as the “verruciform” group of neoplasms. The warty carcinoma has to be differentiated from these lesions and is typically distinguished by histological features of hyperkeratosis, arborescent papillomatosis, acanthosis, and prominent koilocytosis with nuclear pleomorphism. We present a case of 65-year-old male with growth measuring cm in the penis who underwent total penectomy and was diagnosed as warty carcinoma penis.

from #AlexandrosSfakianakis via Alexandros G.Sfakianakis on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2hSXF74
via IFTTT

Immunoregulation of Shenqi Fuzheng Injection Combined with Chemotherapy in Cancer Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background. Immunosuppression is a well-recognised complication of chemotherapy in cancer patients. We assemble the clinical evidence that SQI, an adjuvant drug for lung cancer and gastric cancer which was widely prescribed in China, interventions could increase objective tumour response and regulate immunity in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Methods. We undertook a systemic review of the clinical data from randomised controlled trials up to September 2015 in which a SQI intervention was compared with a control arm in patients undergoing conventional chemotherapy. Revman 5.0 Software was used for the data analysis. Results. 49 randomised controlled trials were included in the systematic review. The meta-analysis results demonstrated that the SQI intervention with conventional chemotherapy exhibited better therapeutic efficacy than the conventional chemotherapy group with a statistically significant higher objective tumour response. Cotreatment with SQI could enhance NK, , level, and ratio comparing with the conventional chemotherapy group. Conclusions. The conclusions of this review might suggest a high risk of bias due to the low quality and the limitation of cancer types in the included trials. A more reliable conclusion regarding the immunoregulation of SQI could be reached based on more trials of higher quality.

from #AlexandrosSfakianakis via Alexandros G.Sfakianakis on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2iDht2e
via IFTTT

Optimal Design of Viscoelastic Dampers in Frame Structures considering Soil-Structure Interaction Effect

The seismic response control of multistory frame structures using optimally placed viscoelastic dampers (VEDs) within consideration of soil-structure interaction (SSI) effect is investigated in this paper. The system is assumed to be elastic and responses of the system are obtained in frequency domain for stationary random seismic excitations. The optimal designs of VEDs in structures are achieved through genetic algorithm (GA) by minimizing the maximum response quantities of the system for a determined total amount of viscoelastic material. Two typical elastic multistory frame structures with different soil types and foundation embedment ratios are considered to demonstrate the optimization process. It is shown that the VEDs have the best control of the structural response for fixed base condition and the control efficiency decreases as the soil becomes softer. The optimal placement types of VEDs for different soil types differ from each other. With the decrease of soil stiffness, the optimal locations of VEDs have a tendency to shift to top floors.

from #AlexandrosSfakianakis via Alexandros G.Sfakianakis on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2hTaEFC
via IFTTT

Pilocarpine-Induced Status Epilepticus Is Associated with Changes in the Actin-Modulating Protein Synaptopodin and Alterations in Long-Term Potentiation in the Mouse Hippocampus

Epilepsy is a complex neurological disorder which can severely affect neuronal function. Some patients may experience status epilepticus, a life-threatening state of ongoing seizure activity associated with postictal cognitive dysfunction. However, the molecular mechanisms by which status epilepticus influences brain function beyond seizure activity remain not well understood. Here, we addressed the question of whether pilocarpine-induced status epilepticus affects synaptopodin (SP), an actin-binding protein, which regulates the ability of neurons to express synaptic plasticity. This makes SP an interesting marker for epilepsy-associated alterations in synaptic function. Indeed, single dose intraperitoneal pilocarpine injection (250 mg/kg) in three-month-old male C57BL/6J mice leads to a rapid reduction in hippocampal SP-cluster sizes and numbers (in CA1 stratum radiatum of the dorsal hippocampus; 90 min after injection). In line with this observation (and previous work using SP-deficient mice), a defect in the ability to induce long-term potentiation (LTP) of Schaffer collateral-CA1 synapses is observed. Based on these findings we propose that status epilepticus could exert its aftereffects on cognition at least in part by perturbing SP-dependent mechanisms of synaptic plasticity.

from #AlexandrosSfakianakis via Alexandros G.Sfakianakis on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2iD8I8n
via IFTTT

Detection of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Determination of Minimum Inhibitory Concentration of Vancomycin for Staphylococcus aureus Isolated from Pus/Wound Swab Samples of the Patients Attending a Tertiary Care Hospital in Kathmandu, Nepal

The present study was conducted to evaluate the performance of cefoxitin disc diffusion method and oxacillin broth microdilution method for detection of methicillin resistant S. aureus (MRSA), taking presence of mecA gene as reference. In addition, inducible clindamycin resistance and beta-lactamase production were studied and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of vancomycin for S. aureus isolates was determined. A total of 711 nonrepeated pus/wound swab samples from different anatomic locations were included in the study. The Staphylococcus aureus was identified on the basis of colony morphology, Gram’s stain, and biochemical tests. A total of 110 (15.47%) S. aureus isolates were recovered, of which 39 (35.50%) isolates were identified as MRSA by cefoxitin disc diffusion method. By oxacillin broth microdilution method, 31.82% of the Staphylococcus aureus isolates were found to be MRSA. However, mecA gene was present in only 29.1% of the isolates. Further, beta-lactamase production was observed in 71.82% of the isolates, while inducible clindamycin resistance was found in 10% of S. aureus isolates. The MIC value of vancomycin for S. aureus ranged from 0.016 μg/mL to 1 μg/mL. On the basis of the absolute sensitivity (100%), both phenotypic methods could be employed for routine diagnosis of MRSA in clinical microbiology laboratory; however cefoxitin disc diffusion could be preferred over MIC method considering time and labour factor.

from #AlexandrosSfakianakis via Alexandros G.Sfakianakis on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2hT8qGm
via IFTTT

Systemic Inflammatory Response and Severe Thrombocytopenia after Endovascular Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm Repair

After Endovascular repair of thoracic aortic aneurysm, a systemic inflammatory response, named postimplantation syndrome, can develop. This syndrome is characterized by fever, leukocytosis, and elevated CRP plasma levels and its pathogenetic mechanisms are still unknown. Although this syndrome generally resolves within few days, some patients develop a persisting severe inflammatory reaction leading to mild or severe complications. Here we describe the case of a male patient who developed postimplantation inflammatory syndrome and severe thrombocytopenia after endovascular repair of thoracic aortic aneurysm. Treatment with prednisone (50 mg/bid) for two weeks did not improve the clinical and laboratory findings. We utilized danazol, a weak androgen that has been shown to be effective in the treatment of immune and idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, and after 12 days of treatment with danazol (200 mg/bid), the patient improved progressively and platelet number increased up to 53,000/μL. Patients undergoing endovascular repair of thoracic aortic aneurysm should be carefully monitored for the development of postimplantation syndrome. This clinical condition is relatively common after the endovascular repair of aortic aneurysm but is rarely observed after endovascular repair of thoracic aortic aneurysms. The different known therapeutical approaches are still empiric, with reported beneficial effects with the use of NSAID, corticosteroids, and danazol.

from #AlexandrosSfakianakis via Alexandros G.Sfakianakis on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2iSaDna
via IFTTT

The Outcomes of Minimally Invasive versus Open Posterior Approach Spinal Fusion in Treatment of Lumbar Spondylolisthesis: The Current Evidence from Prospective Comparative Studies

Purpose. To investigate the evidence of minimally invasive (MI) versus open (OP) posterior lumbar fusion in treatment of lumbar spondylolisthesis from current prospective literatures. Methods. The electronic literature database of Pubmed, Embase, and Cochrane library was searched at April 2016. The data of operative time, estimated blood loss and length of hospital stay, visual analog scale (VAS) of both lower back pain and leg pain, Oswestry disability index (ODI), SF-36 PCS (physical component scores) and SF-36 MCS (mental component scores), complications, fusion rate, and secondary surgery were extracted and analyzed by STATA 12.0 software. Results. Five nonrandom prospective comparative studies were included in this meta-analysis. The meta-analysis showed that the MI group had a significantly longer operative time than OP group, less blood loss, and shorter hospital stay. No significant difference was found in back pain, leg pain, ODI, SF-36 PCS, SF-36 MCS, complications, fusion rate, and secondary surgery between MI and OP groups. Conclusion. The prospective evidence suggested that MI posterior fusion for spondylolisthesis had less EBL and hospital stay than OP fusion; however it took more operative time. Both MI and OP fusion had similar results in pain and functional outcomes, complication, fusion rate, and secondary surgery.

from #AlexandrosSfakianakis via Alexandros G.Sfakianakis on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2iDfJ93
via IFTTT

Lavandula angustifolia Mill. Oil and Its Active Constituent Linalyl Acetate Alleviate Pain and Urinary Residual Sense after Colorectal Cancer Surgery: A Randomised Controlled Trial

Pain and urinary symptoms following colorectal cancer (CRC) surgery are frequent and carry a poor recovery. This study tested the effects of inhalation of Lavandula angustifolia Mill. (lavender) oil or linalyl acetate on pain relief and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) following the removal of indwelling urinary catheters from patients after CRC surgery. This randomised control study recruited 66 subjects with indwelling urinary catheters after undergoing CRC surgery who later underwent catheter removal. Patients inhaled 1% lavender, 1% linalyl acetate, or vehicle (control group) for 20 minutes. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure (BP), heart rate, LUTS, and visual analog scales of pain magnitude and quality of life (QoL) regarding urinary symptoms were measured before and after inhalation. Systolic BP, diastolic BP, heart rate, LUTS, and QoL satisfaction with urinary symptoms were similar in the three groups. Significant differences in pain magnitude and urinary residual sense of indwelling catheters were observed among the three groups, with inhalation of linalyl acetate being significantly more effective than inhalation of lavender or vehicle. Inhalation of linalyl acetate is an effective nursing intervention to relieve pain and urinary residual sense of indwelling urinary catheters following their removal from patients who underwent CRC surgery.

from #AlexandrosSfakianakis via Alexandros G.Sfakianakis on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2hTefDz
via IFTTT

Subglottic Metastatic Rectal Adenocarcinoma: A Specialist Multidisciplinary Airway Team Approach for Optimized Voice and Airway Outcome

A 56-year-old female with a background of metastatic rectal adenocarcinoma presented with a subglottic mass causing biphasic stridor. Transoral laser microsurgery and the use of fibrin glue prevented the need for tracheostomy. Six months postoperatively there was no evidence of recurrence. Laryngeal metastasis of colorectal adenocarcinoma, although remarkably rare, is perhaps more prevalent than commonly perceived and the presence of laryngeal symptoms in a patient with colorectal adenocarcinoma should raise concern. This case is presented to aid physicians should they encounter a similar presentation of metastasis to the subglottis.

from #AlexandrosSfakianakis via Alexandros G.Sfakianakis on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2iDqCYv
via IFTTT

Combined Effect of Synthetic and Natural Polymers in Preparation of Cetirizine Hydrochloride Oral Disintegrating Tablets: Optimization by Central Composite Design

Our aim was to employ experimental design to formulate and optimize cetirizine hydrochloride oral disintegrating tablets (ODTs) by direct compression technique, using the mutual effect of synthetic croscarmellose sodium (CCS) and natural Hibiscus rosa-sinensis mucilage (HRM) as disintegrants in the formulation. Central composite design (CCD) was applied to optimize the influence of three levels each of CCS () and HRM () concentrations (independent variables) for investigated responses: disintegration time (DT) (), % friability () (), and % cumulative drug release (DR) () (dependent variables). This face-centered second-order model’s reliability was verified by the probability and adequate precision values from the analysis of variance, while the significant factor effects influencing the studied responses were identified using multiple linear regression analysis. Perturbation and response surface plots were interpreted to evaluate the responses’ sensitivity towards the variables. During optimization, the concentrations of the processed factors were evaluated, and the resulting values were in good agreement with predicted estimates endorsing the validity. Spectral study by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and thermograms from Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) demonstrated the drug-excipients compatibility of the optimized formulation. The optimized formulation has concentrations of 9.05 mg and 16.04 mg of CCS and HRM each, respectively, and the model predicted DT of 13.271 sec, of 0.498, and DR of 99.768%.

from #AlexandrosSfakianakis via Alexandros G.Sfakianakis on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2hTaDBy
via IFTTT

Bu-Zhong-Yi-Qi Decoction, the Water Extract of Chinese Traditional Herbal Medicine, Enhances Cisplatin Cytotoxicity in A549/DDP Cells through Induction of Apoptosis and Autophagy

Cisplatin is one of the most active cytotoxic agents for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treatment. However, the development of cisplatin resistance is common. Bu-Zhong-Yi-Qi decoction (BZYQD), a Chinese traditional herbal medicine, is widely used for the enhancement of antitumor effect in other medications. In this study, we evaluated the effect and drug-resistance reversal mechanism of BZYQD combined with cisplatin on cisplatin-resistant A549/DDP cells. Our results showed that BZYQD exhibited direct cytotoxic and chemosensitizing effects. Cotreatment with BZYQD and cisplatin induced intrinsic apoptotic pathways which were measured by condensed nuclear chromatin, Annexin V/PI apoptosis assay, and apoptosis related proteins expression. In addition, cotreatment with BZYQD and cisplatin also activated autophagy, as indicated by an increase in LC3 puncta, classical autophagosomes and/or autolysosomes, and an accumulation of LC3-II and ATG7 protein. Finally, cotreatment with BZYQD and cisplatin resulted in the generation of ROS and scavenging ROS by NAC almost completely suppressing cell death. These results suggest that cotreatment with BZYQD and cisplatin might reverse cisplatin resistance by inducing ROS accumulation, which activates apoptosis and autophagy by oxidative stress. The combination of BZYQD and cisplatin may represent a novel approach in treatment for NSCLC and thus offer a new target for chemotherapy.

from #AlexandrosSfakianakis via Alexandros G.Sfakianakis on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2iD6iXe
via IFTTT

Valgus Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis in Patient with Hypopituitarism

Slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) is a common disease of adolescent and the epiphysis is positioned more posteromedially in relation to the femoral neck shaft with varus SCFE; however, posterolateral displacement of the capital epiphysis, valgus SCFE, occurs less frequently. We report a case of valgus SCFE in a 17-year-old boy with hypopituitarism. After falling down, he experienced difficulty in walking. The radiographs were inconclusive; however three-dimensional computed tomography images showed lateral displacement of the epiphysis on the right femoral head. Valgus SCFE was diagnosed. The patient underwent in situ pinning of both sides. In situ pinning on the left side was performed as a prophylactic pinning because of endocrine abnormalities. At the 1-year follow-up, he could walk without any difficulty and there were no signs of pain. The epiphysis is commonly positioned more posteromedially in relation to the femoral neck shaft with most SCFE, but, in this case, the epiphysis slipped laterally. Differential diagnosis included femoral neck fracture (Delbet-Colonna type 1); however, this was less likely due to the absence of other clinical signs. Therefore, we diagnosed the patient as SCFE. When children complain of leg pain and limp, valgus SCFE that may not be visualized on anteroposterior radiographs needs to be considered.

from #AlexandrosSfakianakis via Alexandros G.Sfakianakis on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2hT7AJJ
via IFTTT

En mann med feber og leddsmerter

Leddsmerter kan ha mange årsaker. Traumatiske, immunologiske og infeksiøse lidelser må vurderes. En god anamnese kan sette oss på rett spor tidlig.

En norsk mann i 60-årene ble innlagt i medisinsk avdeling på grunn av sterke smerter i høyre ankel. Smertene var ledsaget av intermitterende feber over 39 °C. Han var tidligere stort sett frisk, bortsett fra at han var innlagt med malaria i 2011. Pasienten brukte Albyl-E 75 mg 1 · 1 som fast medikasjon som primærprofylakse mot hjertesykdom. Han kom hjem til Norge fra et utenlandsopphold fem dager i forveien. Under reisen og to uker før innleggelsen hadde han merket forbigående nesetetthet og ubehag i svelg. Ved innleggelsen hadde han tiltagende smerter fra høyre ankel. Han hadde tråkket over og forstuet ankelen en måned i forveien, men det var ingen større traumer i historien. Han oppga også generelle smerter i skuldre, rygg og venstre hofte. Pasienten var ved ankomst til sykehuset høyfebril med temperatur 39 °C, normalt blodtrykk (119/65), og puls var 86, regelmessig. Det var normale auskultasjonsfunn over hjerte og lunger. Han hadde diffus rubor både på medialsiden og lateralsiden av høyre ankel, samt varmeøkning og petekkialt utslett over ankelleddet (fig 1).

Blodprøver ved innkomst viste CRP 248 (9/l) med 19,4 nøytrofile granulocytter (1,7 – 8,2 · 10**⁹/l), trombocytter 186 (145 – 348 · 10**⁹/l), INR 1,3 (

Det ble rekvirert tilsyn fra ortoped i akuttmottak. Blodprøvesvar forelå da, og det ble funnet indikasjon for diagnostisk punksjon av ankelleddet. Det ble ikke funnet indikasjon for røntgenundersøkelse av ankelen. Det ble tappet 2 – 3 ml blakket leddvæske fra høyre ankel rundt midnatt innkomstdagen. På grunn av smerter fikk vi ikke tappet ut all leddvæske. Leddvæsken ble sendt til dyrking og mikroskopi, men ikke til celletelling.

Figur 1 Høyre ankel ved innkomst. Foto: Astrid Rykkje Heien

På dette tidspunktet valgte vi på empirisk grunnlag å dekke septisk artritt med kloksacillin og gentamicin intravenøst. Vi trodde initialt mest på reaktiv artritt, men en høy CRP-verdi og leukocytose med nøytrofili, i tillegg til høy feber, gjorde at vi i tillegg dekket med antibiotika.

Morgenen etter var pasienten fremdeles febril, og CRP-nivået hadde steget til 317. Omtrent samtidig kom det preliminært svar fra Mikrobiologisk avdeling om at mikroskopi av leddvæsken viste gramnegative kokker i par og rikelig med leukocytter. Mikrobene kunne ses intracellulært (fig 2).

Figur 2 Mikroskopifunn. Grampreparat som viser gramnegative diplokokker funnet ved punksjon av høyre ankel

Dette gjorde de klart hyppigste årsakene til septisk artritt – Staphylococcus aureus og Streptococcus species – mindre sannsynlig. Vi mistenkte nå ut fra mikroskopifunnet gonokokkinfeksjon og endret antibiotika til ceftriaxon 2 g intravenøst 1 · 1.

På bakgrunn av dette ble pasienten henvist poliklinikk for seksuelt overførbare sykdommer. Dette ble gjort første innleggelsesdag. Han var nå subfebril og hadde mindre smerter i ankelen.

Det ble tatt prøver fra urethra og tonsilleregionen med tanke på gonokokker og klamydia, i tillegg til serologi med tanke på syfilis, hiv og hepatittvirus. Anamnestisk kom det etter hvert frem at pasienten hadde hatt sex uten kondom i land utenfor Europa ved et par tilfeller det siste året.

Ankelen var hoven og rød, men med god bevegelighet to dager etter innleggelse. Vi punkterte ankelen på nytt, og det kom ut 1 ml blank væske. To dager etter gjentok vi punksjon av ankel og tappet 3 ml pussbefengt væske. I høyre kne ble pasienten på grunn av økende hevelse tappet for 5 ml strågul væske. På dette tidspunktet forelå også endelig mikrobiologisk svar med oppvekst av Neisseria gonorrhoeae, fra leddvæsken fra høyre ankel tappet ved innleggelsen, både på blodagar og sjokoladeagar. Mikroben var katalasepositiv og agglutinerte i serogruppe WI. Bekreftende identifikasjon av bakteriene ble gjort med både systemet Vitek II og massespekterbasert teknologi med systemet MaldiTof (bioMérieux). Mikroben var resistent for penicillin G, ampicillin og ciprofloxacin, men sensitiv for ceftriaxon, azitromycin og spectinomycin.

Vi vurderte fortløpende behovet for artroskopisk skylling. Imidlertid tilkom det biokjemisk og lokal bedring, så dette ble ikke gjort.

Etter ti dager med antibiotikabehandling hadde pasienten fremdeles feber og smerter. CRP-nivået var fortsatt forhøyet til 145. Vi valgte da å gi en prednisolonkur, initialt 40 mg 1 · 1 i fire dager, deretter gradvis nedtrapping over tre uker. To dager etter oppstart av prednisolon ble pasienten afebril, og CRP-nivået falt raskt. Syv dager etter dette kunne pasienten skrives ut med peroral azitromycin, og prednisolon i nedtrappende dosering. CRP-nivået var da 6. Han fikk belaste ankelen til smertegrensen og fikk instruks om øvelser av fysioterapeut.

Det ble ikke påvist gonokokker i sekret fra urethra og hals, og blodkulturer var negative. Chlamydia trachomatis DNA ble ikke påvist i urinprøve, og serologiske tester for syfilis (Treponema pallidum spesifikke antistoff) og hiv-antigen/antistoff var negative. Pasienten ble kontrollert ukentlig på poliklinikken. Hevelsen bedret seg gradvis, CRP-nivået forble normalt, og pasienten hadde mindre smerter. Prednisolon og antibiotika ble seponert etter henholdsvis 3 og 4,5 ukers behandling (18 dager intravenøst ceftriaxon, azitromycin · 3/uke i 2,5 uker).

Etter avsluttet behandling tilkom økende hydrops og smerter i høyre kne, ledsaget av CRP-stigning til 43. Han ble reinnlagt, og kneleddet ble tappet for 15 ml gulaktig væske. Denne ble analysert med celletelling (leukocytter 5,7 · 10⁹/l), men var mikroskopi- og dyrkingsnegativ. Revmatolog satte inn 2 ml Lederspan (et kortikosteroidpreparat) da vi antok at han nå hadde en postinfeksiøs reaktiv artritt. CRP-nivået falt da til 1 ved kontroll én uke senere. Senere fikk han på ny lett CRP-stigning til 17, og han ble behandlet med diklofenak 50 mg 1 · 3 i én uke. Ved avsluttende kontroll var CRP-verdien

Diskusjon

Ved feber og monoartritt overveies i første omgang septisk artritt, reaktiv artritt eller krystallartritt. Med polyartralgi i tillegg vil også systemsykdom som adult Stills sykdom eller virusinfeksjon med leddaffinitet være aktuelt. Hvis symptomene har oppstått ved reise til et tropisk område, øker de differensialdiagnostiske mulighetene. Det er avgjørende å punktere leddet for leddvæskeanalyser og ta blodkulturer.

Gonokokkartritt er en kjent, men forholdsvis sjelden årsak til septisk artritt. I Norge påvises årlig 1 – 2 tilfeller med gonokokker i leddvæske (Øyvind Nilsen, MSIS, Folkehelseinstituttet, personlig meddelelse). Gonokokker forårsaker vanligvis uretritt og cervisitt, men fra litteraturen er det kjent at mellom 0,5 – 3 % av personer med mukosal gonokokkinfeksjon utvikler disseminert gonokokkinfeksjon (1 – 3). Flertallet av disseminerte gonokokkinfeksjoner, 42 – 85 %, vil presentere seg med artritt (2). I Norge har det de siste ti årene vært påvist 12 tilfeller av gonokokker i leddvæske, av totalt 3 682 tilfeller av gonokokkinfeksjon, tilsvarende 0,3 % (Øyvind Nilsen, personlig meddelelse).

Ved disseminert gonokokksykdom foreligger hovedsakelig purulent artritt eller et syndrom med tenosynovitt, dermatitt og polyartralgi, eventuelt en kombinasjon av dette (4, 5).

Denne pasienten hadde åpenbart septisk artritt, med purulent leddvæske og oppvekst av bakterier. I tillegg hadde han klinisk tenosynovitt, dermatitt og polyartralgi. Hovedsymptomene var sterke smerter i høyre ankel, ledsaget av høy feber og generelle smerter i kroppen. I tillegg fant vi ved undersøkelse erytem på høyre legg, petekkialt utslett på høyre fot og hydrops i høyre kne. Han hadde også generelle smerter i skuldre, rygg og venstre hofte.

Invasiv gonokokksykdom er assosiert med komplementmangel og systemisk lupus erythematosus (SLE). Pasienten hadde ikke hatt dette. Prøve på antinukleære antistoffer (ANA) var negativ, og komplementtest var normal.

Diagnostikk, resistens og behandlingslengde

Direkte mikroskopi av leddvæske har en høy forekomst av falskt negative funn ved septiske artritter, og sensitivitetstall fra under 50 % til 78 % er oppgitt (6, 7).

Metoden brukes likevel ved alvorlige infeksjoner der funn ved mikroskopi vil kunne ha konsekvens for valg av behandling. For vår pasient sikret metoden at det raskt ble skiftet behandling til korrekt antibiotika. Flere mikrobiologiske laboratorier i Norge kan nå også hurtig påvise gonokokker med nukleinsyreamplifiseringstester (PCR).

Isolatet var resistent for ampicillin og ciprofloksacin. Av antibiotika som isolatet var følsomt for, var kun ceftriaxon og azitromycin registrert i Norge, mens spectinomycin måtte bestilles med en leveringstid på cirka tre uker.

I litteraturen er det angitt at 7 – 10 dager samlet behandlingstid vanligvis er nok for gonokokkartritt (8). Vi valgte å gi betydelig lengre behandling på grunn av vedvarende smerter, febrilia og høye inflammasjonsmarkører. Vi valgte derfor intravenøs ceftriaxon initialt mens vi dekket med peroral azitromycin så lenge han fikk adjuvant steroidbehandling.

Adjuvant steroidbehandling ble valgt da vi oppfattet vedvarende febrilia til å være immunologisk utløst og hans hydrops i høyre kne til å være reaktiv artritt (8).

Kirurgisk behandling: Tapping versus skylling

Generelt anbefales artroskopisk skylling ved septisk artritt. Ved gonokokkartritt er det anbefalt enten skylling eller gjentatte punksjoner. Vi valgte gjentatte punksjoner (8). Det forelå svært beskjeden mengde leddvæske, slik at risikoen for leddskade syntes lav.

Årlig antas det å forekomme minst 78 millioner nye gonorétilfeller globalt (9). Funn av Neisseria gonorrhoeae er i Norge meldepliktig til Meldingssystem for smittsomme sykdommer (MSIS). Folkehelsesinstituttet har i de senere årene rapportert om stadig økende forekomst (10) (fig 3).

Figur 3 Oversikt over antall meldte gonorétilfeller, forekomst etter påvisningsmetode (10). Illustrasjonen er basert på Folkehelseinstituttets figur og gjengitt med tillatelse fra Øivind Nilsen

Man har også lenge sett en bekymringsfull økning i ciprofloksacinresistente isolat både i Norge og internasjonalt, noe som førte til at ciprofloksacin ble forlatt som empirisk behandling i norske retningslinjer fra 2013 (11, 12). Også cefalosporinresistens er økende globalt, og sykdommen blir stadig vanskeligere å behandle (13).

Vår pasient presenterte seg med atypisk klinisk bilde. Sykdommen er økende, og det er viktig at både helsearbeidere og personer i risikogruppene er oppmerksomme på sykdommen, også ved atypiske symptomer.

from #AlexandrosSfakianakis via Alexandros G.Sfakianakis on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2hOKzcC
via IFTTT

Heart attack

Heart attack: The death of heart muscle due to the loss of blood supply. The loss of blood supply is usually caused by a complete blockage of a coronary artery, one of the arteries that supplies blood to the heart muscle. Death of the heart muscle, in turn, causes chest pain and electrical instability of the heart muscle tissue.

The electrical instability of the heart causes ventricular fibrillation (chaotic electrical disturbances affecting the ventricles, the lower chambers of the heart). Orderly transmission of electrical signals in the heart is important for the regular beating (and the efficient pumping) of the heart. A heart undergoing ventricular fibrillation simply quivers and can not pump or deliver oxygenated blood to the brain. Permanent brain damage and death can occur unless oxygenated blood flow is restored within five minutes.

Many heart attack deaths are due to ventricular fibrillation that occurs before the victim can reach any medical assistance or the emergency room. These electrical disturbances of the heart can often be successfully treated with medications or other means by paramedics in the "field," or upon arrival to the hospital. Approximately 90-95% of heart attack victims who reach the hospital survive. The 5-10% who later die are those who have suffered major heart muscle damage, or who suffer an "extension" or enlargement of their heart attack.

Early heart attack deaths can be avoided if a bystander starts CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) within five minutes of the onset of ventricular fibrillation. CPR involves breathing for the victim and applying external chest compression to make the heart pump. When paramedics arrive, medications and/or electrical shock (cardioversion) to the heart can be administered to convert ventricular fibrillation to a normal heart rhythm. Therefore, prompt CPR and rapid paramedic response can improve the survival chances from a heart attack.

The treatment of a heart attack may include the prompt administration of drugs to dissolve and prevent blood clots; an angioplasty or intracoronary stenting to open an obstructed artery; and medications that open (dilate) blood vessels. Early reopening of a blocked coronary artery reduces the amount of heart muscle damage, lessens the size of the heart attack, and improves prognosis. Patients suffering a heart attack are usually hospitalized for several days to detect heart rhythm disturbance, and observe for shortness of breath and chest pain.

A heart attack is also called a myocardial infarction or an MI. Myocardial refers to the myocardium, the heart muscle. Infarction is tissue death due to a local lack of oxygen.

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

from #AlexandrosSfakianakis via Alexandros G.Sfakianakis on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2idepqG
via IFTTT

En mann med feber og leddsmerter

Leddsmerter kan ha mange årsaker. Traumatiske, immunologiske og infeksiøse lidelser må vurderes. En god anamnese kan sette oss på rett spor tidlig.

Blodprøver ved innkomst viste CRP 248 (9/l) med 19,4 nøytrofile granulocytter (1,7 – 8,2 · 10**⁹/l), trombocytter 186 (145 – 348 · 10**⁹/l), INR 1,3 (

Figur 1 Høyre ankel ved innkomst. Foto: Astrid Rykkje Heien

Figur 2 Mikroskopifunn. Grampreparat som viser gramnegative diplokokker funnet ved punksjon av høyre ankel

På bakgrunn av dette ble pasienten henvist poliklinikk for seksuelt overførbare sykdommer. Dette ble gjort første innleggelsesdag. Han var nå subfebril og hadde mindre smerter i ankelen.

Vi vurderte fortløpende behovet for artroskopisk skylling. Imidlertid tilkom det biokjemisk og lokal bedring, så dette ble ikke gjort.

Diskusjon

Ved disseminert gonokokksykdom foreligger hovedsakelig purulent artritt eller et syndrom med tenosynovitt, dermatitt og polyartralgi, eventuelt en kombinasjon av dette (4, 5).

Diagnostikk, resistens og behandlingslengde

Direkte mikroskopi av leddvæske har en høy forekomst av falskt negative funn ved septiske artritter, og sensitivitetstall fra under 50 % til 78 % er oppgitt (6, 7).

Adjuvant steroidbehandling ble valgt da vi oppfattet vedvarende febrilia til å være immunologisk utløst og hans hydrops i høyre kne til å være reaktiv artritt (8).

Kirurgisk behandling: Tapping versus skylling

from #AlexandrosSfakianakis via Alexandros G.Sfakianakis on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2hOKzcC
via IFTTT

Integrated Cellular and Plasma Proteomics of Contrasting B-cell Cancers Reveals Common, Unique and Systemic Signatures [Research]

Approximately 800,000 leukaemia and lymphoma cases are diagnosed worldwide each year. Burkitt's lymphoma (BL) and chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL), are examples of contrasting B-cell cancers; BL is a highly aggressive lymphoid tumour, frequently affecting children, whilst CLL typically presents as an indolent, slow-progressing leukaemia affecting the elderly. The B-cell-specific over-expression of the myc and tcl1 oncogenes in mice induce spontaneous malignancies modelling BL and CLL, respectively. Quantitative mass spectrometry proteomics and isobaric labelling were employed to examine the biology underpinning contrasting Eμ-myc and Eμ-TCL1 B-cell tumours. Additionally, the plasma proteome was evaluated using sub-proteome enrichment to interrogate biomarker emergence and the systemic effects of tumour burden. Over 10,000 proteins were identified (q<0.01) of which 8270 cellular and 2095 plasma proteins were quantitatively profiled. A common B-cell tumour signature of 695 over-expressed proteins highlighted ribosome biogenesis, cell-cycle promotion and chromosome segregation. Eμ-myc tumours over-expressed several methylating enzymes and under-expressed many cytoskeletal components. Eμ-TCL1 tumours specifically over-expressed ER stress response proteins and signalling components in addition to both subunits of the interleukin-5 (IL5) receptor. IL5 treatment promoted Eμ-TCL1 tumour proliferation, suggesting an amplification of IL5-induced AKT signalling by TCL1. Tumour plasma contained a substantial tumour lysis signature, most prominent in Eμ-myc plasma, whilst Eμ-TCL1 plasma contained signatures of immune-response, inflammation and microenvironment interactions, with putative biomarkers in early-stage cancer. These findings provide a detailed characterisation of contrasting B-cell tumour models, identifying common and specific tumour mechanisms. Integrated plasma proteomics allowed the dissection of a systemic response and a tumour lysis signature present in early- and late-stage cancers, respectively. Overall, this study suggests common B-cell cancer signatures exist and illustrates the potential of the further evaluation of B-cell cancer subtypes by integrative proteomics.

from #AlexandrosSfakianakis via Alexandros G.Sfakianakis on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2iRZ8w5
via IFTTT

SILAC-Based Proteomics of Primary Human Kidney Cells Reveals a Novel Link between Male Sex Hormones and Impaired Energy Metabolism in Diabetic Kidney Disease [Research]

Male sex predisposes to many kidney diseases. Considering that androgens exert deleterious effects in a variety of cell types within kidney, we hypothesized that dihydrotestosterone (DHT) would alter the biology of the renal tubular cell by inducing changes in the proteome. We employed stable isotope labeling with amino acids (SILAC) in an indirect spike-in fashion to accurately quantify the proteome in DHT- and 17β-estradiol (EST)-treated human proximal tubular epithelial cells (PTEC). Of the 5043 quantified proteins, 76 were differentially regulated. Biological processes related to energy metabolism were significantly enriched among DHT-regulated proteins. SILAC ratios of 3 candidates representing glycolysis, N-acetylglucosamine metabolism and fatty acid β-oxidation, namely glucose-6-phosphate isomerase (GPI), glucosamine-6-phosphate-N-acetyltransferase 1 (GNPNAT1) and mitochondrial trifunctional protein subunit alpha (HADHA), were verified in vitro. In vivo, renal GPI and HADHA protein expression was significantly increased in males. Furthermore, male sex was associated with significantly higher GPI, GNPNAT1 and HADHA kidney protein expression in two different murine models of diabetes. Enrichment analysis revealed a link between our DHT-regulated proteins and oxidative stress within the diabetic kidney. This finding was validated in vivo, as we observed increased oxidative stress levels in control and diabetic male kidneys, compared to females. This in depth quantitative proteomics study of human primary PTEC response to sex hormone administration suggests that male sex hormone stimulation results in perturbed energy metabolism in kidney cells, and that this perturbation results in increased oxidative stress in the renal cortex. The proteome-level changes associated with androgens may play a crucial role in the development of structural and functional changes in the diseased kidney. With our findings, we propose a possible link between diabetic and non-diabetic kidney disease progression and male sex hormone levels. Data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD003811.

from #AlexandrosSfakianakis via Alexandros G.Sfakianakis on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2hTifJu
via IFTTT

Anthropometric factors have significant influence on the outcome of the GHRH-arginine test: establishment of normative data for an automated immunoassay specifically measuring 22 kDa human growth hormone

Context

Adult growth hormone (GH) deficiency (GHD) is diagnosed by provocative testing of GH secretion.

Objective

To improve the diagnostic accuracy of GH-releasing hormone (GHRH) plus arginine (GARG) testing, we evaluated the influence of age, BMI and sex and established normative data for an automatic immunoassay specifically measuring 22 kDa human GH.

Design/setting

Prospective multicenter study.

Participants

Eighty-seven patients with hypothalamic–pituitary disease and 200 healthy controls. Patients were classified according to the number of pituitary hormone deficiencies (PHD). GHD was assumed when ≥2 PHD (in addition to GH) were present (n = 51); 36 patients with <2 PHD were considered GH sufficient (GHS). ROC analysis identified cutoffs with ≥95% specificity for GHD. Controls were prospectively stratified for sex, age and BMI.

Interventions

All participants received GHRH and l-arginine.

Main outcome measures

GH was measured by immunoassay (iSYS, IDS).

Results

In controls, multiple stepwise regression analysis showed that BMI (21%, P < 0.0001), sex (20%, P < 0.0001) and age (5%, P < 0.001), accounted for 46% of GH peak level variability during GARG. Comparison of peak GH during GARG (GHD vs GHS + controls) revealed an overall cutoff of 3.9 ng/mL (sensitivity 86%, specificity 95%). After adjustment for BMI and sex, optimal cutoffs (male vs female) were 6.5 vs 9.7 ng/mL in lean, 3.5 vs 8.5 ng/mL in overweight and 2.2 vs 4.4 ng/mL in obese subjects respectively.

Conclusion

BMI and sex account for most of the variability of peak GH levels during GARG. Consequently, diagnostic accuracy of the GARG test is significantly improved by use of adjusted cutoffs.

from #AlexandrosSfakianakis via Alexandros G.Sfakianakis on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2jcjRy1
via IFTTT

Increased prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea in patients with Cushings syndrome compared with weight- and age-matched controls

Objective

Diabetes mellitus and obesity are well-known risk factors associated with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Cushing’s syndrome (CS) is also characterized by obesity and diabetes mellitus. However, the association between CS and OSA remains unclear. Therefore, we investigated the possible associations between CS and OSA in this study.

Patients and methods

Thirty female patients with newly diagnosed active CS and 30 age-, gender- and body mass index (BMI)-matched controls were included in this study. All participants were evaluated by overnight polysomnography. OSA was defined as having an apnea–hypopnea index (AHI) score of ≥5 events/h. Insulin resistance was calculated by homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) scores. Fasting serum cortisol was also determined.

Results

The prevalence of OSA was higher (50% vs 23%, P = 0.003) in patients with CS compared with the control subjects. The mean HOMA (P = 0.046) and AHI (P = 0.028) scores were higher in patients with CS compared with the control subjects. AHI was positively correlated with the HOMA scores (r = 0.281, P = 0.046) in both groups. Linear regression analysis showed that serum cortisol remained as an independent predictor for AHI after controlling for BMI and HOMA score (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

The prevalence of OSA increased in patients with CS compared with control subjects with similar ages and BMI levels. Hypercortisolemia is an independent risk factor for developing OSA. The presence of OSA needs to be considered in patients with CS.

from #AlexandrosSfakianakis via Alexandros G.Sfakianakis on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2id6ZUo
via IFTTT

Pulse sequence considerations for simulation and postimplant dosimetry of prostate brachytherapy

Publication date: Available online 4 January 2017
Source:Brachytherapy
Author(s): Jingfei Ma, Marinus A. Moerland, Aradhana M. Venkatesan, Tharakeswara K. Bathala, Rajat J. Kudchadker, Kristy K. Brock, Steven J. Frank
PurposeThe purpose of this work is to present a brief review of MRI physics principles pertinent to prostate brachytherapy, and a summary of our experience in optimizing protocols for prostate brachytherapy applications.Methods and MaterialsWe summarized essential MR imaging characteristics and their interplays that need to be considered for prostate brachytherapy applications. These include spatial resolution, signal-to-noise ratio, image contrast, artifacts, geometric distortion, specific absorption rate, and total scan time. We further described the optimization of the protocols for three pulse sequences: three-dimensional (3D) fast-spoiled gradient echo sequence for T1-weighted imaging, 3D fast-spin echo sequence for T2-weighted imaging, and 3D fast imaging in steady-state precession sequence for combined T1 and T2-weighed imaging. The utilization of an endorectal coil was also described.ResultsUsing the optimized protocols, we acquired high-quality images of the entire prostate within 3–5 minutes for each sequence. These images display the desired image contrasts and a spatial resolution that is equal to or better than 0.59 mm × 0.73 mm × 1.2 mm. While 3D fast-spoiled gradient echo sequence and 3D fast-spin echo sequence depict radioactive seed markers and anatomic structures separately, 3D fast imaging in steady-state precession sequence demonstrates great promise for imaging both seed markers and prostate anatomy simultaneously in a single acquisition.ConclusionsWe have optimized current MRI protocols and demonstrated that the anatomic structures and positive contrast radioactive seed markers for prostate post-implant dosimetry can be adequately imaged either separately or simultaneously using different pulse sequences within a total scan time of 3–5 minutes each.

from #AlexandrosSfakianakis via Alexandros G.Sfakianakis on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2iKufwv
via IFTTT

Trends in the use of implantable accelerated partial breast irradiation for ductal carcinoma in situ: Implications of the recent amendments to the American Society for Radiation Oncology consensus guidelines

Publication date: Available online 4 January 2017
Source:Brachytherapy
Author(s): Waqar Haque, Vivek Verma, Anam Haque, E. Brian Butler, Bin S. Teh
PurposeIn 2009, the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) published consensus recommendations that stated ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) patients were in a “cautionary” group for accelerated partial breast irradiation (APBI) and should not receive APBI outside of a clinical trial. However, very recently, ASTRO placed low-risk DCIS patients in the “suitable” category. Given this recent change, we aimed to use the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database to evaluate past patterns of implantable APBI (IAPBI) utilization in women with DCIS.Methods and MaterialsThe Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database was queried for patients from 2000 to 2012 with DCIS that underwent lumpectomy and adjuvant radiation therapy. Patients receiving IAPBI were differentiated from those receiving whole breast radiation therapy. Trends based on treatment year and patient demographics were collected, and multivariable logistic regression determined factors independently predictive of use of IAPBI.ResultsOf 52,012 eligible patients, 49,450 (95%) underwent external beam radiation and 2562 (5%) received APBI. Though IAPBI utilization steadily increased from 2000 (0.2% of the study population) to 2008 (9.4%), it abruptly declined in 2009 (7.9%, p = 0.009) and yearly thereafter. The 40–49 age group was proportionally most associated with this decline (8.6% in 2008 to 4.3% in 2009). Factors independently associated with IAPBI receipt included increasing age, hormone receptor negative status, and women living in the South.ConclusionsPatterns of IAPBI administration in DCIS are described. These trends are important to consider as a benchmark going forward, in light of the very recent change in ASTRO recommendations to include low-risk DCIS patients.

from #AlexandrosSfakianakis via Alexandros G.Sfakianakis on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2id6VUB
via IFTTT

A Model of Electrically Stimulated Auditory Nerve Fiber Responses with Peripheral and Central Sites of Spike Generation

Abstract

A computational model of cat auditory nerve fiber (ANF) responses to electrical stimulation is presented. The model assumes that (1) there exist at least two sites of spike generation along the ANF and (2) both an anodic (positive) and a cathodic (negative) charge in isolation can evoke a spike. A single ANF is modeled as a network of two exponential integrate-and-fire point-neuron models, referred to as peripheral and central axons of the ANF. The peripheral axon is excited by the cathodic charge, inhibited by the anodic charge, and exhibits longer spike latencies than the central axon; the central axon is excited by the anodic charge, inhibited by the cathodic charge, and exhibits shorter spike latencies than the peripheral axon. The model also includes subthreshold and suprathreshold adaptive feedback loops which continuously modify the membrane potential and can account for effects of facilitation, accommodation, refractoriness, and spike-rate adaptation in ANF. Although the model is parameterized using data for either single or paired pulse stimulation with monophasic rectangular pulses, it correctly predicts effects of various stimulus pulse shapes, stimulation pulse rates, and level on the neural response statistics. The model may serve as a framework to explore the effects of different stimulus parameters on psychophysical performance measured in cochlear implant listeners.

from #AlexandrosSfakianakis via Alexandros G.Sfakianakis on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2iFPMUm
via IFTTT

Reply

Jakob and Spillner1 commented on our comparison of 2 different diagnostic assays for insect venom allergy, namely ImmunoCAP and Immulite.2 Their sophisticated and partially ambiguous arguments are well taken. However, we disagree on some quite critical aspects.

from #AlexandrosSfakianakis via Alexandros G.Sfakianakis on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2iS4S8Y
via IFTTT

Comparing sensitivity of Hymenoptera allergen components on different diagnostic assay systems: Comparing apples and oranges?

In a recent letter to the editor published in the Journal, Schrautzer et al1 reported the comparison of 2 different diagnostic assays, namely ImmunoCAP (Thermo Fisher Scientific, Waltham, Mass) and Immulite (Siemens, Tarrytown, NY), for the detection of specific IgE (sIgE) responses to allergen components in a population of patients with Hymenoptera venom allergy. The study reports a higher rate of positive test results (≥0.35 kUA/L) on the Immulite compared with the ImmunoCAP system for sIgE to rApi m 1 in patients with bee venom allergy and for sIgE to rVes v 5 in patients with vespid venom allergy and concludes that the Immulite system displays a higher sensitivity for the detection of sIgE to these Hymenoptera venom allergens.

from #AlexandrosSfakianakis via Alexandros G.Sfakianakis on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2hTqUeS
via IFTTT

En mann med feber og leddsmerter

Leddsmerter kan ha mange årsaker. Traumatiske, immunologiske og infeksiøse lidelser må vurderes. En god anamnese kan sette oss på rett spor tidlig.

Blodprøver ved innkomst viste CRP 248 (9/l) med 19,4 nøytrofile granulocytter (1,7 – 8,2 · 10**⁹/l), trombocytter 186 (145 – 348 · 10**⁹/l), INR 1,3 (

Figur 1 Høyre ankel ved innkomst. Foto: Astrid Rykkje Heien

Figur 2 Mikroskopifunn. Grampreparat som viser gramnegative diplokokker funnet ved punksjon av høyre ankel

På bakgrunn av dette ble pasienten henvist poliklinikk for seksuelt overførbare sykdommer. Dette ble gjort første innleggelsesdag. Han var nå subfebril og hadde mindre smerter i ankelen.

Vi vurderte fortløpende behovet for artroskopisk skylling. Imidlertid tilkom det biokjemisk og lokal bedring, så dette ble ikke gjort.

Diskusjon

Ved disseminert gonokokksykdom foreligger hovedsakelig purulent artritt eller et syndrom med tenosynovitt, dermatitt og polyartralgi, eventuelt en kombinasjon av dette (4, 5).

Diagnostikk, resistens og behandlingslengde

Direkte mikroskopi av leddvæske har en høy forekomst av falskt negative funn ved septiske artritter, og sensitivitetstall fra under 50 % til 78 % er oppgitt (6, 7).

Adjuvant steroidbehandling ble valgt da vi oppfattet vedvarende febrilia til å være immunologisk utløst og hans hydrops i høyre kne til å være reaktiv artritt (8).

Kirurgisk behandling: Tapping versus skylling

from #AlexandrosSfakianakis via Alexandros G.Sfakianakis on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2hOKzcC
via IFTTT

Impact of a peri-operative quality improvement programme on postoperative pulmonary complications

Summary

Postoperative pulmonary complications are common, with a reported incidence of 2–40%, and are associated with adverse outcomes that include death, longer hospital stay and reduced long-term survival. Enhanced recovery is now a standard of care for patients undergoing elective major surgery. Despite the high prevalence of pulmonary complications in this population, few elements of enhanced recovery specifically address reducing these complications. In 2013, a prevalence audit confirmed a postoperative pulmonary complication rate of 16/83 (19.3%) in patients undergoing elective major surgery who were admitted to critical care postoperatively. A quality improvement team developed and implemented ERAS+, an innovative model of peri-operative care combining elements of enhanced recovery with specific measures aimed at reducing pulmonary complications. ERAS+ was introduced in June 2014, with full implementation in September 2014. Patients were screened during full ERAS+ implementation and again one year following implementation. Following ERAS+ implementation, postoperative pulmonary complications reduced to 24/228 (10.5%). Sustained improvement was evident one year after implementation, with a pulmonary complication rate of 16/183 (8.7%). Median (IQR [range]) length of hospital stay one year after implementation of ERAS+ also improved from 12 (9–15 [4-101]) to 9 (5.5–10.5 [3-81]) days. The ERAS+ pathway is applicable to patients undergoing elective major surgery and appears effective in reducing postoperative pulmonary complications.

from #AlexandrosSfakianakis via Alexandros G.Sfakianakis on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2hTmogg
via IFTTT

Individual Bromodomains of Polybromo-1 Contribute to Chromatin Association and Tumor Suppression in Clear Cell Renal Carcinoma [Gene Regulation]

The architecture of chromatin is governed, in part, by adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-dependent chromatin remodelers. These multi-protein complexes contain targeting domains that recognize posttranslational marks on histones. One such targeting domain is the bromodomain (BD), which recognizes acetyl-lysines and recruits proteins to sites of acetylation across the genome. Polybromo1 (PBRM1), a subunit of the polybromo-associated BRG1- or hBRM-associated factors (P-BAF) chromatin remodeler, contains six tandem BDs and is frequently mutated in Renal Clear Cell Carcinoma (ccRCC). Mutations in the PBRM1 gene often lead to loss of protein expression; however, missense mutations in PBRM1 have been identified and tend to cluster in the BDs, particularly BD2 and BD4, suggesting that individual BDs are critical for PBRM1 function. To study the role of these six BDs, we inactivated each of the six BDs of PBRM1 and re-expressed these mutants in Caki2 cells (ccRCC cells with loss of function mutation of PBRM1). Four of the six BDs abrogated PBRM1 tumor suppressor, gene regulation, and chromatin affinity with degree of importance correlating strongly to rate of missense mutations in patients. Furthermore, we identified BD2 as the most critical for PBRM1 and confirmed BD2 mediated association to histone H3 peptides acetylated at lysine 14 (H3K14Ac), validating the importance of this specific acetylation mark for PBRM1 binding. From these data we conclude that four of the BDs act together to target PBRM1 to sites on chromatin; when a single BD is mutated, PBRM1 no longer controls gene expression properly, leading to increased cell proliferation.

from #AlexandrosSfakianakis via Alexandros G.Sfakianakis on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2iRVQJf
via IFTTT

Identification of the catalytic ubiquinone-binding site of Vibrio cholerae sodium-dependent NADH dehydrogenase: a novel ubiquinone-binding motif [Enzymology]

The sodium-dependent NADH dehydrogenase (Na+-NQR) is a key component of the respiratory chain of diverse prokaryotic species, including pathogenic bacteria. Na+-NQR uses the energy released by electron transfer between NADH and ubiquinone (UQ) to pump sodium, producing a gradient that sustains many essential homeostatic processes, as well as virulence factor secretion, and the elimination of drugs. The location of the UQ binding site has been controversial, with two main hypotheses that suggest that this site could be located in the cytosolic subunit A or in the membrane-bound subunit B. In this work, we performed Alanine scanning mutagenesis of aromatic residues located in transmembrane helices II, IV and V of subunit B, near glycine residues 140 and 141. These two critical glycine residues form part of the structures that regulate the site accessibility. Our results indicate that the elimination of phenylalanine residues 211 or 213 abolishes the UQ-dependent activity, produces a leak of electrons to oxygen, and completely blocks the binding of UQ and the inhibitor HQNO. Molecular docking calculations predict that UQ interacts with phenylalanine 211 and pinpoints the location of the binding site in the interface of subunits B and D. The mutagenesis and structural analysis allow us to propose a novel UQ-binding motif, which is completely different compared to the sites of other respiratory photosynthetic complexes. These results are essential to understanding the electron transfer pathways and mechanism of Na+-NQR catalysis

from #AlexandrosSfakianakis via Alexandros G.Sfakianakis on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2hTh7W9
via IFTTT

Targeting TRAF3IP2 by genetic and interventional approaches inhibits ischemia/reperfusion-induced myocardial injury and adverse remodeling [Gene Regulation]

Re-establishing blood supply is the primary goal for reducing myocardial injury in subjects with ischemic heart disease. Paradoxically, reperfusion results in oxidative stress and a marked inflammatory response in the heart. TRAF3IP2 (TRAF3 Interacting Protein 2; previously known as CIKS or Act1) is an oxidative stress-responsive cytoplasmic adapter molecule that is an upstream regulator of both IκB kinase (IKK) and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), and an important mediator of autoimmune and inflammatory responses. Here we investigated the role of TRAF3IP2 in ischemia/reperfusion (I/R)-induced oxidative stress, inflammation, myocardial dysfunction, injury, and adverse remodeling. Our data show that I/R upregulates TRAF3IP2 expression in the heart, and its gene deletion, in a conditional cardiomyocyte-specific manner, significantly attenuates I/R-induced oxidative and nitrative stress, IKK/NF-κB and JNK/AP-1 activation, inflammatory cytokine, chemokine, and adhesion molecule expression, immune cell infiltration, myocardial injury, and contractile dysfunction. Furthermore, TRAF3IP2 gene deletion blunts adverse remodeling 12 weeks post-I/R, as evidenced by reduced hypertrophy, fibrosis and contractile dysfunction. Supporting the genetic approach, ultrasound-targeted microbubble destruction (UTMD)-mediated delivery of phosphorothioated TRAF3IP2 antisense oligonucleotides into the LV in a clinically relevant time frame significantly inhibits TRAF3IP2 expression and myocardial injury in wild type mice post-I/R. Further, ameliorating myocardial damage by targeting TRAF3IP2 appears to be more effective to inhibiting its downstream signaling intermediates NF-κB or JNK. Therefore, TRAF3IP2 could be a potential therapeutic target in ischemic heart disease.

from #AlexandrosSfakianakis via Alexandros G.Sfakianakis on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2iRZgeP
via IFTTT

Πληροφορίες

Τετάρτη 4 Ιανουαρίου 2017

Graphical abstract

Diskusjon

Diagnostikk, resistens og behandlingslengde

Kirurgisk behandling: Tapping versus skylling

Diskusjon

Diagnostikk, resistens og behandlingslengde

Kirurgisk behandling: Tapping versus skylling

Abstract

Diskusjon

Diagnostikk, resistens og behandlingslengde

Kirurgisk behandling: Tapping versus skylling

Summary

Δημοφιλείς αναρτήσεις