Video similarity detection using fixed-length Statistical Dominant Colour Profile (SDCP) signatures

Abstract

This paper presents a fast and effective technique for videos' visual similarity detection and measurement using compact fixed-length signatures. The proposed technique facilitates for building real-time and scalable video matching/retrieval systems through generating a representative signature for a given video shot. The generated signature (Statistical Dominant Colour Profile, SDCP) effectively encodes the colours' spatio-temporal patterns in a given shot, towards a robust real-time matching. Furthermore, the SDCP signature is engineered to better address the visual similarity problem, through its relaxed representation of shot contents. The compact fixed-length aspect of the proposed signature is the key to its high matching speed (>1000 fps) compared to the current techniques that relies on exhaustive processing, such as dense trajectories. The SDCP signature encodes a given video shot with only 294 values, regardless of the shot length, which facilitates for speedy signature extraction and matching. To maximize the benefit of the proposed technique, compressed-domain videos are utilized as a case study following their wide availability. However, the proposed technique avoids full video decompression and operates on tiny frames, rather than full-size decompressed frames. This is achievable through using the tiny DC-images sequence of the MPEG compressed stream. The experiments on various standard and challenging datasets (e.g. UCF101 13k videos) shows the technique's robust performance, in terms of both, retrieval ability and computational performances.

http://ift.tt/2ugP98y

Chemotherapy-induced cardiomyopathy caused by Pemetrexed

Summary

Chemotherapy-related cardiac toxicity is a rare but serious adverse event in patients with cancer. Thus far, no case of serious cardiac toxicity of pemetrexed has been reported. We describe the case of a patient with advanced lung cancer and cardiomyopathy due to pemetrexed. A 59-year-old woman visited our hospital, and we found abnormal findings on a chest radiograph. She was diagnosed as having stage IV lung adenocarcinoma. Chemotherapy with cisplatin and pemetrexed every 3 weeks was initiated. After four cycles of chemotherapy, maintenance chemotherapy with pemetrexed was administered every 3 weeks. During the seventeenth cycle of pemetrexed, she had shortness of breath in her daily life. A chest radiograph showed an enlarged cardiothoracic ratio (66%), and the transthoracic echocardiogram demonstrated expansion of the left ventricle (diastolic diameter, 67 mm), severe global hypokinesis, and reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (28%). The coronary angiogram showed no coronary constriction. There was no delayed accumulation on the contrast-enhanced cardiac magnetic resonance imaging scan. After right heart catheterization, pathological results of a myocardial biopsy from the ventricular septum indicated no cardiac muscle hypertrophy, cardiac fibrosis, inflammatory cell infiltration, or myocyte disarray. Eventually, she was diagnosed as having pemetrexed-induced cardiomyopathy. Pemetrexed was discontinued, and furosemide, enalapril, and carvedilol were started. Then her symptoms and cardiac function improved. Early detection and discontinuation of causative agents are the most important treatment strategies in similar patients. Diuretics, angiotensin-conversion enzyme inhibitors, and beta-blockers may be effective for treating heart failure.

http://ift.tt/2tW5yjf

Deficiency of NALP3 Signaling Impairs Liver Regeneration After Partial Hepatectomy

Abstract

Inflammatory response is required to proceed the optimal liver regeneration after liver injury. Recent reports demonstrated that inflammasomes are involved in the innate immune response. Several NOD-Like receptors (NLRs) participated in the formation of the inflammasomes. NACHT, LRR, and PYD domain-containing protein 3 (NALP3) belongs to the NLR families and recognizes adenosine triphosphate (ATP), crystals, and reactive oxygen species. The present study examined the effect of inflammasomes on the process of liver regeneration using NALP3 knockout (KO) mice. The activation of inflammasomes in the liver was induced after 70% partial hepatectomy (PHx). The liver-to-body weight ratio was significantly decreased in NALP3-KO mice compared to that in WT mice after PHx. The number of Ki67-positive cells and the expression of Cyclin D1 and E1 after PHx were reduced in NALP3-KO mice compared to WT mice. The expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-6) were decreased in the remnant liver of NALP3-KO mice compared to WT mice. Flow cytometric analysis revealed that the expression of chemokines was decreased and the accumulation of CD11b-positive cells was suppressed in NALP3-KO mice after PHx. The treatment with ATP, which is a ligand to NALP3, increased the liver-to-body weight ratio in WT mice. These results indicate that NALP3 signaling is required for the induction of inflammatory response and the development of liver regeneration after PHx.

http://ift.tt/2tn9Q69

VSD with severe aortic regurgitation with an anomalous coronary artery: a rare case

Abstract

Coronary anomalies are found in less than 1% of diagnostic coronary angiograms. The clinical relevance of these anomalies varies from insignificant to potentially lethal. Here, we present a rare case of a 46-year-old male who was previously diagnosed with severe aortic regurgitation with sub-aortic ventricular septal defect with coronary cameral fistula. Coronary angiography and 2-D echocardiography were showing that this fistula was connecting from the left circumflex artery to the left atrium (LA). Intra-operatively, there was no coronary cameral fistula; it was just an anomalous coronary artery arising from the left circumflex artery and ending upon the left atrial wall. This rare entity should be discussed; as in the literature, anomalous coronary in a case of ventricular septal defect with aortic regurgitation has not been reported yet.

http://ift.tt/2tjsZFE

Performance improvement of ERP-based brain–computer interface via varied geometric patterns

Abstract

Recently, many studies have been focusing on optimizing the stimulus of an event-related potential (ERP)-based brain–computer interface (BCI). However, little is known about the effectiveness when increasing the stimulus unpredictability. We investigated a new stimulus type of varied geometric pattern where both complexity and unpredictability of the stimulus are increased. The proposed and classical paradigms were compared in within-subject experiments with 16 healthy participants. Results showed that the BCI performance was significantly improved for the proposed paradigm, with an average online written symbol rate increasing by 138% comparing with that of the classical paradigm. Amplitudes of primary ERP components, such as N1, P2a, P2b, N2, were also found to be significantly enhanced with the proposed paradigm. In this paper, a novel ERP BCI paradigm with a new stimulus type of varied geometric pattern is proposed. By jointly increasing the complexity and unpredictability of the stimulus, the performance of an ERP BCI could be considerably improved.

http://ift.tt/2sfSJD9

Performance of microbial identification by MALDI-TOF MS and susceptibility testing by VITEK 2 from positive blood cultures after minimal incubation on solid media

Abstract

Bloodstream infections (BSIs) are a leading cause of patient morbidity and mortality. Rapid identification of organisms from BSIs is critical for initiating targeted antimicrobial therapy. Although many methods exist for rapid identification, they do not provide detailed or definitive susceptibility information. We assessed the utility of both the VITEK MS and Bruker Biotyper MALDI-TOF mass spectrometers to identify organisms from a positive blood culture bottle after only 4 h of growth on solid media compared to identification from overnight growth using the VITEK MS. Additionally, we determined whether this limited growth could yield accurate antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) results compared to overnight growth using the VITEK 2 AST system. Overall, identifications using the VITEK MS and Biotyper had agreements of 127/150 (84%) and 133/150 (88%), respectively. For rapid AST, the overall categorical agreement was 1010/1017 (99.3%), where Gram-negative bacteria had concordant results for 743/750 (99.1%) organism–drug combinations and Gram-positive bacteria had concordant results for 265/267 (99.3%). Gram-negative bacteria had 4, 2, and 1 minor, major, and very major discrepancies, respectively, while Gram-positive bacteria had no minor errors, one major, and one very major discrepancy. In conclusion, organisms grown for only 4 h on solid media were accurately identified by MALDI-TOF MS and have concordant phenotypic AST profiles. This method can also be implemented using common commercial instruments, providing a way to improve upon identification and gain detailed susceptibility information without significant additional laboratory costs.

http://ift.tt/2tirqHT

Staying Out of Double-Bubble and Bottoming-Out Deformities in Dual-Plane Breast Augmentation: Anatomical and Clinical Study

Abstract

Background

Double-bubble and bottoming-out deformities represent the second most common reason for revision surgery in breast augmentation. Etiopathogenesis of these complications is still unclear. The aim of this paper is to report our findings in breast cadaver dissections focusing on the inframammary fold (IMF) applied anatomy and to critically review our ten-year experience in breast augmentation.

Methods

A cadaveric study has been performed on four consecutive embalmed cadavers. A retrospective review of 207 consecutive women who underwent breast augmentation, using the submuscular dual-plane technique with a periareolar approach, between January 2003 and January 2013, was performed.

Results

According to our dissections, the IMF is a complex osseo-fascio-cutaneous structure in which the superficial pectoralis fascia represents a key structure in breast augmentation surgery. Hence, a critical analysis of the IMF relationship with surrounding breast structures helps to understand the etiology of double-bubble and bottoming-out deformities and gives the anatomical basis to prevent them. In our early clinical experience, we experienced 3% of double-bubble and 6% of bottoming-out deformities. Those complications were avoided later by dissection in the inferior pole according to the anatomical findings.

Conclusions

Bottoming-out and double-bubble deformities can be avoided if an anatomical approach is used during pocket dissection at the level of the IMF, paying attention to avoid disrupting the superficial and deep attachments of the superficial pectoralis fascia at the IMF. A comprehensive understanding of IMF anatomy and the key surgical maneuvers to avoid these complications must be taken into account for each route of dissection.

Level of Evidence IV

This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors http://ift.tt/18t7xNj.

http://ift.tt/2tlSk2q

Has the Quality of Aesthetic Surgery Research Improved over the Last 20 Years?

http://ift.tt/2tUPWfK

Emerging Roles of Sirtuins in Ischemic Stroke

Abstract

Ischemic stroke is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. It is characterized by a sudden disruption of blood flow to the brain causing cell death and damage, which will lead to neurological impairments. In the current state, only one drug is approved to be used in clinical setting and new therapies that confer ischemic neuroprotection are desperately needed. Several targets and pathways have been indicated to be neuroprotective in ischemic stroke, among which the sirtuin family of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD⁺)-dependent deacetylases has emerged as important modulators of several processes in the normal physiology and pathological conditions such as stroke. Recent studies have identified some members of the sirtuin family are able to ameliorate the devastating consequences of ischemic stroke by conferring neuroprotection by means of reducing neuronal cell death, oxidative stress, and neuroinflammation whereas some sirtuins are found to be detrimental in the pathophysiology of ischemic stroke. This review summarizes implications of sirtuins in ischemic stroke and the experimental evidences that demonstrate the potential of sirtuin modulators as neuroprotective therapy for ischemic stroke.

http://ift.tt/2sYeC73

Is the Personal Identity Debate a “Threat” to Neurosurgical Patients? A Reply to Müller et al.

Abstract

In their article in this journal, Sabine Müller, Merlin Bittlinger, and Henrik Walter launch a sweeping attack against what they call the "personal identity debate" as it relates to patients treated with deep brain stimulation (DBS). In this critique offered by Müller et al., the personal identity debate is said to: (a) be metaphysical in a problematic way, (b) constitute a threat to patients, and (c) use "vague" and "contradictory" statements from patients and their families as direct evidence for metaphysical theories. In this response, I critically evaluate Müller et al.'s argument, with a special focus on these three just-mentioned aspects of their discussion. My conclusion is that Müller et al.'s overall argument is problematic. It overgeneralizes criticisms that may apply to some, but certainly not to all, contributions to what they call the personal identity-debate. Moreover, it rests on a problematic conception of what much of this debate is about. Nor is Müller et al.'s overall argument fair in its assessment of the methodology used by most participants in the debate. For these reasons, we should be skeptical of Müller et al.'s claim that the "personal identity debate" is a "threat to neurosurgical patients".

http://ift.tt/2sNSUEF

Indications and outcomes for tunneled central venous line placement via the axillary vein in children

Abstract

Purpose

To assess the indications, safety and outcomes of tunneled central venous catheters (CVCs) placed via a cutdown approach into the axillary vein in children, an approach not well described in this population.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was performed on pediatric patients who received CVCs via open cannulation of the axillary vein or one of its tributaries between January 2006 and October 2016 at two hospitals.

Results

A total of 24 axillary CVCs were placed in 20 patients [10 male (42%); mean weight 7.0 kg (SD 2.9); mean age 10 months (SD 6)]. The most common indications for axillary vein access included neck or chest wall challenges (tracheostomies or chest wall wounds) (n = 18). The median duration of line placement was 140 days (IQR 146). The most common indications for removal were completion of therapy (n = 7, 39%) and infection (n = 5, 28%). There were no early complications. Long-term complications included infection (n = 5) or catheter malfunction (n = 3).

Conclusions

Tunneled CVC placement via a cutdown approach into the axillary vein or its tributary can be an effective alternative approach to obtain long-term vascular access in children. Outcomes may be comparable to lines placed in traditional internal jugular and subclavian vein locations.

http://ift.tt/2sNihpQ

Retention and Transport of PAH-Degrading Bacterium Herbaspirillum chlorophenolicum FA1 in Saturated Porous Media Under Various Physicochemical Conditions

Abstract

Dispersal of functional microorganisms is a rate-limiting process during in situ bioremediation of contaminated soil and groundwater. In this work, series of column experiments were conducted to investigate the retention and transport behaviors of Herbaspirillum chlorophenolicum FA1, a promising bacterial agent for bioremediation, in saturated porous media under conditions of different combinations of grain size, solution pH, solution ionic strength (IS), and humic acid (HA) concentration. Experimental data showed that the mobility of FA1 in saturated porous media was strongly dependent on the physicochemical conditions. The breakthrough curves (BTCs) indicated that the amounts of FA1 in the effluent increased with increasing in sand size, solution pH, and HA concentration, but decreased with increase of solution IS. The shape of retention profiles (RPs) was hyper-exponential. The amounts of retained bacteria in the media also varied with the experimental conditions with opposite trends to that of effluent. Both experimental BTCs and RPs were simulated by a mathematical model that accounted for deposition kinetics to better interpret the effects of physicochemical conditions on FA1 deposition dynamics. Findings from this study showed that fate and transport of the functional bacterium FA1 in porous media strongly relied on the environmental conditions. Both experimental and modeling results can provide guidelines for field application of functional bacteria for soil and groundwater remediation.

http://ift.tt/2siYB9P

Action of three bioavailable antioxidants in orbital fibroblasts from patients with Graves’ orbitopathy (GO): a new frontier for GO treatment?

Abstract

Objective

Oxidative stress is involved in the pathogenesis of Graves' orbitopathy (GO) and an antioxidant approach has been advocated for GO treatment. Here, we investigated the action of three antioxidants in orbital fibroblasts, namely, vitamin C, N-acetyl-l-cysteine, and melatonin.

Methods

Primary cultures of orbital fibroblasts from six GO patients and six control subjects were established. Cells were treated with H₂O₂ to induce oxidative stress. Cell vitality assays were performed to determine the non-cytotoxic dose of each antioxidant. The following assays were performed: glutathione disulfide (GSSG), as a measure of oxidative stress, cell proliferation, hyaluronic acid (HA), TNFα, IFNγ, and IL1β.

Results

H₂O₂ induced oxidative stress (augmented GSSG), increased cell proliferation as well as cytokine release, but did not affect HA release. All of the three antioxidant substances reduced H₂O₂-dependent oxidative stress. Vitamin C reduced proliferation in GO, but not in control fibroblasts. N-acetyl-l-cysteine reduced proliferation and IFNγ in GO, and HA and IL1β in both GO and control fibroblasts. Melatonin reduced IL1β and HA in GO and control fibroblasts, and IFNγ only in GO fibroblasts.

Conclusions

Our study provides evidence in support of an antioxidant role of vitamin C, N-acetyl-l-cysteine and melatonin in orbital fibroblasts. Some of the effects of these compounds are exclusive to GO fibroblasts, whereas some other are observed also in control fibroblasts. Our observations provide a basis for a possible clinical use of these substances in patients with GO.

http://ift.tt/2siVJdf

Human endogenous retrovirus W env increases nitric oxide production and enhances the migration ability of microglia by regulating the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase

Abstract

Human endogenous retrovirus W env (HERV-W env) plays a critical role in many neuropsychological diseases such as schizophrenia and multiple sclerosis (MS). These diseases are accompanied by immunological reactions in the central nervous system (CNS). Microglia are important immunocytes in brain inflammation that can produce a gasotransmitter–nitric oxide (NO). NO not only plays a role in the function of neuronal cells but also participates in the pathogenesis of various neuropsychological diseases. In this study, we reported increased NO production in CHME-5 microglia cells after they were transfected with HERV-W env. Moreover, HERV-W env increased the expression and function of human inducible nitric oxide synthase (hiNOS) and enhanced the promoter activity of hiNOS. Microglial migration was also enhanced. These data revealed that HERV-W env might contribute to increase NO production and microglial migration ability in neuropsychological disorders by regulating the expression of inducible NOS. Results from this study might lead to the identification of novel targets for the treatment of neuropsychological diseases, including neuroinflammatory diseases, stroke, and neurodegenerative diseases.

http://ift.tt/2sXj4TA

Bedeutung neuronaler Netzwerke für die motorische Rehabilitation nach einem Schlaganfall

Zusammenfassung

In Europa treten jährlich ca. 1,5 Mio. neue Schlaganfälle auf. Trotz der Weiterentwicklung der Akutbehandlung mit flächendeckenden Stroke-Units, Thrombolyse und Thrombektomie und der postakuten Neurorehabilitation erholt sich immer noch nur ein nicht zufriedenstellender Anteil der Patienten bis zu einem Grad, der ihnen erlaubt, sich wieder in ihr normales Leben zu integrieren. Der Schlaganfall ist damit der Hauptgrund für Langzeitbehinderung mit den entsprechenden persönlichen und gesundheitsökonomischen Konsequenzen. Daher müssen die Konzepte der Neurorehabilitation erweitert werden, um den Effekt von Neurorehabilitation zu erhöhen. Um dies zu erreichen, müssen das Verständnis zur Prädiktion des Erholungsverlaufes, die Mechanismen funktioneller Erholung, Faktoren, die Erholung beeinflussen, und eine darauf basierende Präzisionsmedizin verbessert werden. Zentral hierfür ist Schlaganfall als eine Erkrankung zu sehen, die nicht nur das geschädigte Areal beeinflusst, sondern das damit verbundene Netzwerk. Dies ist von entscheidender Bedeutung für das schlaganfallinduzierte Defizit, aber auch für die Prädiktion der Erholung und zur Bestimmung von Optionen für interventionelle Therapiestrategien, die in diesem Netzwerk an unterschiedlichsten Stellen (z. B. primär motorischer Kortex, sekundär motorische Areale) angreifen können. Der Beitrag diskutiert die Bedeutung von Netzwerkveränderungen für motorische Neurorehabilitation nach einem Schlaganfall und beschreibt, welche Konsequenzen und Optionen hieraus für die Neurorehabilitation entstehen können.

http://ift.tt/2sWZyH7

Anatomy of the aortic root: implications for aortic root reconstruction

Abstract

Since the introduction of valve-preserving root replacement and aortic annuloplasty, precise understanding of the aortic root anatomy has emerged as a key to successful aortic valve-preservation surgery. Fundamentally, surgeons need to know the precise anatomical definition and structure of the aortic root, including its normal dimensions, know the anatomy of the coronary arteries, and understand the cardiac conduction system. Surgeons must be able to clearly distinguish normal and abnormal structures, and recognize the effects of aortic valve regurgitation or root expansion on dimensions and geometric relationships within the aortic root. Possessing a detailed understanding of the aortic root, surgeons can select appropriately sized grafts and achieve optimum annular fixation. This review covers the essentials of aortic root anatomy and provides tips for correct and safe performance of aortic valve-preservation surgery with a view toward durable late outcomes.

http://ift.tt/2sdcTO4

Cobalt inhibits motility of axonal mitochondria and induces axonal degeneration in cultured dorsal root ganglion cells of rat

Abstract

Cobalt is a trace element that localizes in the human body as cobalamin, also known as vitamin B12. Excessive cobalt exposure induces a peripheral neuropathy, the mechanisms of which are yet to be elucidated. We investigated how cobalt may affect mitochondrial motility in primary cultures of rat dorsal root ganglion (DRG). We observed mitochondrial motility by time-lapse imaging after DsRed2 tagging via lentivirus, mitochondrial structure using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and axonal swelling using immunocytochemical staining. The concentration of cobaltous ion (Co²⁺) required to significantly suppress mitochondrial motility is lower than that required to induce axonal swelling following a 24-h treatment. Exposure to relatively low concentrations of Co²⁺ for 48 h suppressed mitochondrial motility without leading to axonal swelling. TEM images indicated that Co²⁺ induces mitochondrial destruction. Our results show that destruction of the axonal mitochondria precedes the axonal degeneration induced by Co²⁺ exposure.

http://ift.tt/2teIdvk

Health-related quality of life in non-paraplegic (ambulatory) children with myelomeningocele

Abstract

Purpose

Evaluation of the effects of ventriculoperitoenal shunt and incontinence presence on health-related quality of life of ambulatory myelomeningocele patients.

Methods

The study group included 35 myelomeningocele patients, between 5 and 18 years old (mean age = 9.6), who were neonatally operated. All patients were ambulatory. The Child Edition of the Child Health and Illness Profile (CHIP-CE) used to evaluate the patient group. Seventeen patients were using clean intermittent catheterization and nine patients had ventriculoperitoneal shunt.

Results

The CHIP-CE has five domains, and in satisfaction, resilience and achievement domains, significant lower scores were obtained from our study group. In terms of clean intermittent catheterization use, we got significantly lower scores on satisfaction, resilience and achievement domains (p < 0.05). According to the presence of ventriculoperitoneal shunt, we found lower scores in satisfaction, resilience, risk avoidance and achievement domains but the differences were not significant (p > 0.05). No significant difference was spotted according to gender and age.

Conclusions

Continence problems have important effects on life quality of myelomeningocele patients. Incontinency should always be considered as a major variable in health-related quality of life evaluations.

http://ift.tt/2tRaTIH

X-ray vs. CT in identifying significant C-spine injuries in the pediatric population

Abstract

Purpose

Evaluation of cervical spine injury (CSI) in children requires rapid, yet accurate assessment of damage. Given concerns of radiation exposure, expert consensus advises that computed tomography (CT) should be used sparingly. However, CT can provide superior image resolution and detection of pathology. Herein, we evaluate if X-ray offers equal diagnostic accuracy compared to CT imaging in identifying CSI in children.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective study between October 2000 and March 2012 of pediatric patients evaluated for cervical spine injury at a level 1 trauma center. All patients included in this study were imaged with cervical spine X-rays and CT at the time of injury. Demographic information, mechanism of injury, significant versus non-significant injury (as defined by the NEXUS criteria), radiographic findings, level of the injury, presence of spinal cord injury, treatment, clinical outcome, and length of follow-up were collected. Chi-squared (χ ²) and Fisher's exact tests were used as appropriate and means and standard deviations were reported.

Results

We identified 1296 patients who were screened for CSI. Of those, 164 patients were diagnosed with spinal cord/column injuries (CSI). Eighty-nine patients were excluded for only having a CT or X-ray imaging without the other modality. Thus, a total of 75 patients with CSI were included in the final cohort. Using the NEXUS definitions, 78% of patients had clinically significant injuries while 22% had non-significant injuries. There were no injuries detected on X-ray that were not also detected on CT. For all injuries, X-ray sensitivity was 50.7%. X-rays were more sensitive to significant injuries (62.3%) compared in non-significant injuries, which were missed on all X-rays (0%). Therefore, X-rays did not identify 24 significant cervical spine injuries (32%) as defined by NEXUS.

Conclusions

CT is superior to X-rays in detecting both clinically significant and insignificant cervical spine injuries. These results were not dependent on patient age or location of the injury. We recommend CT imaging in the evaluation of suspected cervical spine injuries in children.

Level of evidence: III

http://ift.tt/2thJ92R

Limited capacity of working memory in unihemispheric random walks implies conceivable slow dispersal

Abstract

Phenomenologically inspired by dolphins' unihemispheric sleep, we introduce a minimal model for random walks with physiological memory. The physiological memory consists of long-term memory which includes unconscious implicit memory and conscious explicit memory, and working memory which serves as a multi-component system for integrating, manipulating and managing short-term storage. The model assumes that the sleeping state allows retrievals of episodic objects merely from the episodic buffer where these memory objects are invoked corresponding to the ambient objects and are thus object-oriented, together with intermittent but increasing use of implicit memory in which decisions are unconsciously picked up from historical time series. The process of memory decay and forgetting is constructed in the episodic buffer. The walker's risk attitude, as a product of physiological heuristics according to the performance of objected-oriented decisions, is imposed on implicit memory. The analytical results of unihemispheric random walks with the mixture of object-oriented and time-oriented memory, as well as the long-time behavior which tends to the use of implicit memory, are provided, indicating the common sense that a conservative risk attitude is inclinable to slow movement.

http://ift.tt/2shUD1f

Different dissecting orders of the pulmonary bronchus and vessels during right upper lobectomy are associated with surgical feasibility and postoperative recovery for lung cancer patients

Abstract

Background

Right upper lobectomy (RUL) for lung cancer with different dissecting orders involves the most variable anatomical structures, but no studies have analyzed its effects on postoperative recovery. This study compared the conventional surgical approach, VAB (dissecting pulmonary vessels first, followed by the bronchus), and the alternative surgical approach, aBVA (dissecting the posterior ascending arterial branch first, followed by the bronchus and vessels) on improving surgical feasibility and postoperative recovery for lung cancer patients.

Methods

According to the surgical approach, consecutive lung cancer patients undergoing RUL were grouped into aBVA and VAB cohorts. Their clinical, pathologic, and perioperative characteristics were collected to compare perioperative outcomes.

Results

Three hundred one patients were selected (109 in the aBVA cohort and 192 in the VAB cohort). The mean operation time was shorter in the aBVA cohort than in the VAB cohort (164 vs. 221 min, P < 0.001), and less blood loss occurred in the aBVA cohort (92 vs. 141 mL, P < 0.001). The rate of conversion to thoracotomy was lower in the aBVA cohort than in the VAB cohort (0% vs. 11.5%, P < 0.001). The mean duration of postoperative chest drainage was shorter in the aBVA cohort than in the VAB cohort (3.6 vs. 4.5 days, P = 0.001). The rates of postoperative complications were comparable (P = 0.629). The median overall survival was not arrived in both cohorts (P > 0.05). The median disease-free survival was comparable for all patients in the two cohorts (not arrived vs. 41.97 months) and for patients with disease recurrences (13.25 vs. 9.44 months) (both P > 0.05). The recurrence models in two cohorts were also comparable for patients with local recurrences (6.4% vs. 7.8%), distant metastases (10.1% vs. 8.3%), and both (1.8% vs. 1.6%) (all P > 0.05).

Conclusions

Dissecting the right upper bronchus before turning over the lobe repeatedly and dissecting veins via the aBVA approach during RUL would promote surgical feasibility and achieve comparable postoperative recovery for lung cancer patients.

http://ift.tt/2sWtZNf

Eine multimodale Behandlung bei bipolarer Störung erfordert ausreichende Personalressourcen

http://ift.tt/2sWuaIG

Gravity and neuronal adaptation, in vitro and in vivo—from neuronal cells up to neuromuscular responses: a first model

Abstract

For decades it has been shown that acute changes in gravity have an effect on neuronal systems of human and animals on different levels, from the molecular level to the whole nervous system. The functional properties and gravity-dependent adaptations of these system levels have been investigated with no or barely any interconnection. This review summarizes the gravity-dependent adaptation processes in human and animal organisms from the in vitro cellular level with its biophysical properties to the in vivo motor responses and underlying sensorimotor functions of human subjects. Subsequently, a first model for short-term adaptation of neuronal transmission is presented and discussed for the first time, which integrates the responses of the different levels of organization to changes in gravity.

http://ift.tt/2tRCWb0

Acute toxic leukoencephalopathy associated with a non-prescription weight loss supplement: a report of two cases

Abstract

Weight loss dietary supplements are used with some frequency by an increasingly overweight population. Some products are not adequately regulated and may pose potential health risks. We report two new cases of acute toxic leukoencephalopathy (ATL) due to the use of a supplement marketed as a thermogenic weight loss aid. ATL is a heterogeneous clinic-radiological entity that has been associated with various compounds, such as chemotherapeutic drugs and immunomodulators. It is characterized by an often reversible periventricular and infratentorial demyelination. The commercialization of non-regulated weight loss products continues to be a health risk in our population.

http://ift.tt/2ucnupb

Chitinase 3-Like-1-Deficient Splenocytes Deteriorated the Pathogenesis of Acute Graft- Versus -Host Disease via Regulating Differentiation of Tfh Cells

Abstract

Acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD) is an intractable complication in transplant patients, limiting the efficacy of this therapy. Chitinase 3-like-1 (CHI3L1), a member of the glycosyl hydrolase 18 family that lacks chitinase activity, plays a critical role in a variety of inflammatory diseases. Here, we investigated the in vitro and in vivo effects of CHI3L1 on the development of aGVHD. In this study, mixed lymphocyte reactions (MLR) in vitro showed that CHI3L1 deficiency in CD4⁺ T cell promoted the production of interferon (IFN)-γ and T follicular helper (Tfh)-related cytokines such as interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-21 (IL-21). Meanwhile, the inducible Tfh cell population increased remarkably in CHI3L1-KO CD4⁺ T cells' induction group, compared with WT group. Then, in the murine acute GVHD model, we found that CHI3L1 deficiency in donor splenocytes dramatically increased the severity of aGVHD through enhancing Tfh cell differentiation. Moreover, at mRNA and protein levels, we defined several molecules that may account for the enhanced ability of CHI3L1-KO splenocytes to migrate into target organs and produce IFN-γ and Tfh-related cytokines and chemokines, such as IL-6, IL-21, and CXCL13. Expression of inducible co-stimulator (ICOS) and B cell lymphoma 6 (Bcl6) increased in the skin, the intestine, the lung, and the liver from CHI3L1-KO splenocyte-treated aGVHD mice. Therefore, these results strongly imply that CHI3L1 levels in donor cells may be related to the risk of aGVHD and targeting CHI3L1 represents a novel therapeutic strategy for controlling aGVHD progression.

http://ift.tt/2uck4CN

Erratum to: Fisetin Alleviates Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Acute Lung Injury via TLR4-Mediated NF-κB Signaling Pathway in Rats

http://ift.tt/2terBDX

IL-22 Enhances TNF-α- and IL-1-Induced CXCL8 Responses by Intestinal Epithelial Cell Lines

Abstract

IL-22 is known to induce intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) to produce the chemokine CXCL8. However, IECs exist in a cytokine network during mucosal inflammation, such that IL-22 must act in concert with potent pro-inflammatory cytokines like TNF-α and IL-1. Our studies show that IL-22 alone increased CXCL8 secretion from HT-29 cells, but the levels were minimal compared to that of the cells treated with TNF-α or IL-1 only. More significantly, co-stimulation with IL-22 and TNF-α enhanced both CXCL8 secretion and mRNA levels well over that of TNF-α stimulation alone. A similar enhancing effect was seen with IL-22- and IL-1-stimulated CXCL8 secretion. The enhancing effect of IL-22 on TNF-α-induced CXCL8 secretion was then determined to require the p38 MAPK, but not STAT1/3, PI3K, Akt, c-Jun N-terminal kinase, ERK, or IκBα. These experiments indicate that more significant effect of IL-22 on IECs responses may not be in inducing CXCL8 by itself, but in enhancing TNF-α- and IL-1-induced CXCL8 secretion to augment the contribution of IECs to local inflammatory responses.

http://ift.tt/2ucdZGE

Polyelectrolyte-assisted preparation of gold nanocluster-doped silica particles with high incorporation efficiency and improved stability

Abstract

In this paper, we reported an approach for efficient incorporation of glutathione-capped gold nanoclusters (GSH-Au NCs) into silica particles with the assistance of a polyelectrolyte, poly-diallyldimethyl-ammoniumchloride (PDDA). In this approach, the negatively charged GSH-Au NCs were firstly mixed with the positively charged PDDA to form PDDA–Au NC complexes. Then, the complexes were added into a pre-hydrolyzed Stöber system to get the Au NCs-doped silica particles. With increased ratio of PDDA in the complexes, the negative charges on surface of the Au NCs were neutralized gradually and finally reversed to positive in presence of excess PDDA, which facilitated the incorporation of the Au NCs into the negatively charged silica matrix. Under the optimal amount of PDDA in the complexes, the incorporation efficiency of Au NCs could be as high as 88%. After being incorporated into the silica matrix, the Au NCs become much robust against pH and heavy metal ions attributed to the protection effect of silica and PDDA. This approach was also extendable to highly efficient incorporation of other negatively charged metal nanoclusters, such as bovine serum albumin-capped Cu nanoclusters, into silica matrix.

http://ift.tt/2ubLTeD

Comparing naturally occurring glycosylated forms of proline rich antibacterial peptide, Drosocin

Abstract

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are key players of innate immunity. Amongst various classes of AMPs, proline rich AMPs from insects enjoy special attention with few members of this class bearing O-glycosylation as post-translational modification. Drosocin, a 19 amino acid glycosylated AMP is a member of proline rich class, synthesized in the haemolymph of Drosophila melanogaster upon bacterial challenge. We report herein the chemical synthesis of drosocin carrying disaccharide (β-Gal(1 → 3)α-GalNAc) and comparison of its structural and functional properties with another naturally occurring monoglycosylated form of drosocin i.e. α-GalNAc-drosocin as well as with non-glycosylated drosocin. The disaccharide containing drosocin exhibited lower potency compared to monoglycosylated drosocin against all the tested Gram negative bacteria, suggesting the role of the distal sugar or increase in the sugar chain length on the activity. Circular dichroism studies failed to demonstrate the differential effect of sugars on the overall peptide conformation. Haemolytic and cytotoxic properties of drosocin were not altered due to an increase in the sugar chain length. In addition, we have also evaluated the effect of differentially glycosylated drosocins on two pro-inflammatory cytokines secreted by murine macrophages or LPS stimulated macrophages. All the drosocin forms tested, neither could stimulate the secretion of TNF-α and IL-6 nor could modulate LPS-induced levels of TNF-α and IL-6 in murine macrophages. This study provides insights about naturally occurring two different glycosylated forms of drosocin.

http://ift.tt/2sbRhl7

Responses of Wetland Plant Carex vulpina to Copper and Iron Nanoparticles

Abstract

Currently, the use of nanotechnologies is in rapid expansion, which entails increasing risks of environmental contamination by nanoparticles. Many studies describe the toxic effects on human cells, but little is known about the possible adverse effects on plants. Currently, various nanoparticles are often detected in streams, wastewater, and sewage due to widespread nanoparticle uses. We studied the accumulation and the effect of metal oxide nanoparticles together with their bulk counter particles and soluble metal salts on the growth of a wetland plant species true fox-sedge (Carex vulpina L.). The concentration 100 mg/l of copper nanoparticles significantly affected the growth of the plants, roots characteristics, and content of the photosynthetic pigments in leaves, while the same concentration of iron nanoparticles did not reduced any of the measured items. Using the bulk materials, the effect was very similar.

http://ift.tt/2sWb3hT

Biogeochemical Cycle of Mercury and Methylmercury in Two Highly Contaminated Areas of Tagus Estuary (Portugal)

Abstract

Mercury (Hg) dynamics was evaluated in contaminated sediments and overlying waters from Tagus estuary, in two sites with different Hg anthropogenic sources: Cala Norte (CNOR) and Barreiro (BRR). Environmental factors affecting methylmercury (MMHg) production and Hg and MMHg fluxes across sediment/water interface were reported. [THg] and [MMHg] in solids (0.31–125 μg g⁻¹ and 0.76–201 ng g⁻¹, respectively) showed high variability with higher values in BRR. Porewater [MMHg] (0.1–63 ng L⁻¹, 0.5–86% of THg) varied local and seasonally; higher contents were observed in the summer campaign, thus increasing sediment toxicity affecting the sediment/water Hg (and MMHg) fluxes. In CNOR and BRR sediments, Hg availability and organic carbon were the main factors controlling MMHg production. Noteworthy, an upward MMHg diffusive flux was observed in winter that was inverted in summer. Although MMHg production increases in warmer month, the MMHg concentrations in overlying water increase in a higher proportion compared to the levels in porewaters. This opposite trend could be explained by different extension of MMHg demethylation in the water column. The high concentrations of Hg and MMHg and their dynamics in sediments are of major concern since they can cause an exportation of Hg from the contaminated areas up to ca. 14,600 mg year⁻¹ and an MMHg deposition of up to ca. 6000 mg year⁻¹. The results suggest that sediments from contaminated areas of Tagus estuary should be considered as a primary source of Hg for the water column and a sink of MMHg to the sedimentary column.

http://ift.tt/2sc7t5U

Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis in an elderly patient

http://ift.tt/2sVRztH

Biomarkers that Predict Response to Neoadjuvant Chemoradiation in Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer

Abstract

Neoadjuvant chemoradiation has been a standard of care for locally advanced rectal cancers. Recent reports suggest that a pathologic complete response to neoadjuvant treatment correlates to improved overall survival. In addition, some series suggest that patients who have a complete response to neoadjuvant therapy may safely defer surgery in favor of a "watch and wait" approach, therefore avoiding the potential complications and adverse bowel function associated with surgery. It is therefore important to understand the clinical and biologic factors which affect the response of rectal cancers to chemoradiation. This review highlights the current literature examining the biomarkers of tumor response to chemoradiation.

http://ift.tt/2thsFI2