- 1,2,4,5-Tetramethoxybenzene Suppresses House Dust Mite-Induced Allergic Inflammation in BALB/c MiceBackground: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is the most common allergic inflammatory skin disease. The activation of innate immunity by house dust mite (Dermatophagoides farinae extract, DFE) allergen plays an important role in the pathogenesis of AD. We previously showed the inhibitory effect of an extract of Amomum xanthioides on allergic diseases, and isolated 1,2,4,5-tetramethoxybenzene (TMB) as a major active component. In this study, we investigated whether TMB relieves DFE-induced allergic inflammation symptoms. Methods: We established a DFE-induced allergic inflammation model in BALB/c mice by repeated skin exposure to DFE. To define the underlying mechanisms of action, we used a tumor necrosis factor-α and interferon-#x03B3;-activated human keratinocytes (HaCaT cell line) and mouse keratinocytes (3PC cell line) cell line model. Results: Oral administration of TMB suppressed allergic inflammation symptoms, such as histopathological analysis and ear thickness, in addition to serum IgE, DFE-specific IgE and IgG2a levels. TMB decreased the serum histamine levels and tissue infiltration of inflammatory cells, including mast cells and eosinophils. TMB also inhibited CD4+IFN-#x03B3;+, CD4+IL-4+, and CD4+IL-17A+ lymphocyte expansion in the draining lymph nodes and expression of the Th2 cytokines in the ear tissue. TMB significantly inhibited the expression of cytokines and chemokines by the downregulation of the mitogen-activated protein kinases and nuclear factor of activated cytoplasmic T cells in HaCaT cells. Conclusions: TMB improved DFE-induced allergic inflammation by suppressing the production of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines. Our results suggest that TMB might be a potential therapeutic agent for AD.
Int Arch Allergy Immunol 2016;170:35-45 - Identification and Characterization of IgE-Binding Tropomyosins in Aedes aegyptiBackground: The mosquito Aedes aegypti is a potential source of important clinically relevant allergens. However, the allergenicity and cross-reactivity of most of these has not been fully described. Methods: Natural wild-type mosquito tropomyosin was purified by size exclusion and anionic-exchange chromatography from an A. aegypti extract. Further characterization was accomplished by MALDI-TOF/TOF. Two recombinant variants of tropomyosin were obtained by expression in Escherichia coli. Specific IgE measurement by ELISA and skin tests for mosquito extract were performed in 12 patients with asthma or allergy rhinitis residing on the Caribbean island of Martinique. Cross-reactivity between natural A. aegypti tropomyosin and recombinant tropomyosins from A. aegypti, house dust mite, shrimp and Ascaris lumbricoides was analyzed by ELISA competition. Results: Four variants of natural tropomyosin were purified. A band of 32 kDa in SDS-PAGE representing 2 tropomyosin variants (Aed a 10.0101 and Aed a 10.0201) reacted with specific IgE of 4 of the 12 (33%) allergic patients and with rabbit polyclonal anti-shrimp tropomyosin. A high degree of cross-reactivity (60-70%) was detected between natural mosquito tropomyosin and Blo t 10, Der p 10 and Lit v 1, and a lower degree with Asc l 3 from A. lumbricoides(A. aegypti tropomyosin; however, rAed a 10.0201 showed a low inhibitory capacity. Conclusion: Tropomyosin is a new IgE-binding protein from A. aegypti. Two of the 4 variants identified showed different degree of cross-reactivity with tropomyosins from other arthropods. The potential allergenic role of each variant should be further investigated.
Int Arch Allergy Immunol 2016;170:46-56 - Exchange of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons across the air-water interface in the Bohai and Yellow SeasPublication date: September 2016
Source:Atmospheric Environment, Volume 141
Author(s): Yingjun Chen, Tian Lin, Jianhui Tang, Zhiyong Xie, Chongguo Tian, Jun Li, Gan Zhang
In this study, air and surface seawater samples collected from the Bohai (BS) and Yellow Seas (YS) in May 2012 were determined exchange of PAHs, especially of low-molecular-weight (LMW) PAHs (three- and four-ring PAHs) at the air-water interface. Net volatilization fluxes of LMW PAHs were 266–1454 ng/m2/d and decreased with distance from the coast, indicating that these PAHs transported from coastal runoff were potential contributors to the atmosphere in the BS and YS. Moreover, LMW PAHs were enriched in the dissolved phase compared with those in the particulate phase in the water column, possibly suggesting that the volatilized LMW PAHs were directly derived from wastewater discharge or petroleum pollution rather than released from contaminated sediments. The air–sea exchange fluxes of the three-ring PAHs were 2- to 20-fold higher than their atmospheric deposition fluxes in the BS and YS. The input to and output from the water reached equilibrium for four-ring PAHs. Differently, five- and six-ring PAHs were introduced into the marine environment primarily through dry and wet deposition, indicating that the water column was still a sink of these PAHs from the surrounding atmosphere. - A novel mobile monitoring approach to characterize spatial and temporal variation in traffic-related air pollutants in an urban communityPublication date: September 2016
Source:Atmospheric Environment, Volume 141
Author(s): Chang Ho Yu, Zhihua Fan, Paul J. Lioy, Ana Baptista, Molly Greenberg, Robert J. Laumbach
Air concentrations of traffic-related air pollutants (TRAPs) vary in space and time within urban communities, presenting challenges for estimating human exposure and potential health effects. Conventional stationary monitoring stations/networks cannot effectively capture spatial characteristics. Alternatively, mobile monitoring approaches became popular to measure TRAPs along roadways or roadsides. However, these linear mobile monitoring approaches cannot thoroughly distinguish spatial variability from temporal variations in monitored TRAP concentrations. In this study, we used a novel mobile monitoring approach to simultaneously characterize spatial/temporal variations in roadside concentrations of TRAPs in urban settings. We evaluated the effectiveness of this mobile monitoring approach by performing concurrent measurements along two parallel paths perpendicular to a major roadway and/or along heavily trafficked roads at very narrow scale (one block away each other) within short time period (<30 min) in an urban community. Based on traffic and particulate matter (PM) source information, we selected 4 neighborhoods to study. The sampling activities utilized real-time monitors, including battery-operated PM2.5 monitor (SidePak), condensation particle counter (CPC 3007), black carbon (BC) monitor (Micro-Aethalometer), carbon monoxide (CO) monitor (Langan T15), and portable temperature/humidity data logger (HOBO U12), and a GPS-based tracker (Trackstick). Sampling was conducted for ∼3 h in the morning (7:30–10:30) in 7 separate days in March/April and 6 days in May/June 2012. Two simultaneous samplings were made at 5 spatially-distributed locations on parallel roads, usually distant one block each other, in each neighborhood. The 5-min averaged BC concentrations (AVG ± SD, [range]) were 2.53 ± 2.47 [0.09–16.3] μg/m3, particle number concentrations (PNC) were 33,330 ± 23,451 [2512–159,130] particles/cm3, PM2.5 mass concentrations were 8.87 ± 7.65 [0.27–46.5] μg/m3, and CO concentrations were 1.22 ± 0.60 [0.22–6.29] ppm in the community. The traffic-related air pollutants, BC and PNC, but not PM2.5 or CO, varied spatially depending on proximity to local stationary/mobile sources. Seasonal differences were observed for all four TRAPs, significantly higher in colder months than in warmer months. The coefficients of variation (CVs) in concurrent measurements from two parallel routes were calculated around 0.21 ± 0.17, and variations were attributed by meteorological variation (25%), temporal variability (19%), concentration level (6%), and spatial variability (2%), respectively. Overall study findings suggest this mobile monitoring approach could effectively capture and distinguish spatial/temporal characteristics in TRAP concentrations for communities impacted by heavy motor vehicle traffic and mixed urban air pollution sources. - Estimation of prognosis of tongue cancer using tumor depth and margin shape obtained from ultrasonography
Abstract
Objectives
To evaluate the feasibility of using ultrasound-obtained tumor depth (TD) and margin shape (MS) to predict the prognosis of tongue cancer.Methods
Fifty-two Japanese patients with tongue cancer who underwent ultrasound examination between 2007 and 2012 were retrospectively evaluated. TD was measured at the deepest portion of the tumor. MS was classified as “pressure,” “wedge-shaped,” or “permeated.” Prognosis was assessed by local recurrence, lymph node metastasis, and overall survival rate. We classified the patients into a good prognosis group and poor prognosis group. Relationships among TD, MS, and patient prognosis were evaluated using Spearman rank correlation. A regression formula to predict prognosis using TD and MS was derived.Results
The correlation between TD and MS was significant (Spearman rank correlation ρ = 0.552, p < 0.01). Using a structure matrix, we identified the contribution of both predictors from an ultrasound image. The contribution of TD was 0.796, while that of MS was better at 0.906. The prognosis could be predicted using the following regression formula: \( D \, = \, – 2.801 \, + \, 0.093x \, + \, 0.872y \) , where D prognosis (risk probability), x = TD (mm), and y = MS (grade). The average value for good risk probability was −0.254 (standard deviation, 0.962), while that for poor risk probability was 0.566 (standard deviation, 1.08) (p < 0.05). The cut-off value for classifying cases was −0.00169. Using the formula above, 73.1 % of patients in the poor prognosis group were correctly classified.Conclusions
MS and TD are useful predictors of tongue cancer prognosis. - New clues about the ageing brain’s memory functionsA European study led by Umeå University Professor Lars Nyberg, has shown that the dopamine D2 receptor is linked to the long-term episodic memory, which function often reduces with age and due to…
- MALAT1 induces tongue cancer cells’ EMT and inhibits apoptosis through Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway
Background
MALAT1 is recognized as an oncogenic lncRNA in various malignancies. However, its expression and function in oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma are still unknown. This study aims to investigate the expression and function of MALAT1 in TSCC tissues and cells.Materials and Methods
qPCR was performed to detect the expression of MALAT1. MALAT1 was suppressed and upregulated by plasmid transfection in TSCC cells, and then cell migration, invasion, EMT, and apoptosis were analyzed.Results
LncRNA MALAT1 was upregulated in TSCC tissues and correlated with cervical lymph node metastasis in TSCC patients. Moreover, MALAT1 induced cell migration, invasion, EMT, and inhibited apoptosis by modulating Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Finally, inhibiting Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway attenuated the effect of exogenous MALAT1.Conclusion
In summary, upregulated MALAT1 in TSCC promoted EMT and inhibited cell apoptosis by modulating Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. - Special properties of pneumococci affect their ability to cause meningitisStructures on the surface of pneumococci determine the ability of these bacteria to enter the brain and cause severe infections, according to a paper published in The Journal of Clinical…
- Partial characterization and anticancer activities of purified glycoprotein extracted from green seaweed Codium decorticatumPublication date: August 2016
Source:Journal of Functional Foods, Volume 25
Author(s): Dharmaraj Senthilkumar, Sivaraman Jayanthi
Glycoprotein (GLP) with a molecular mass of ~48 kDa was isolated from Codium decorticatum. Further, characterization of GLP and its potent anti-cancer activities was discussed. GLP is a glycoprotein with 36.24% carbohydrate, composed of rhamnose, galactose, glucose and mannose with a mole ratio of 38:30:26:6. Rhamnose and galactose are thus the main monosaccharides in GLP. FT-IR and NMR spectra proved that GLP contained protein and carbohydrate portions with (1→4)-linked β-galactose residues and β-linked glucose residues. Secondary structure of GLP was estimated using circular dichroism (CD) analysis. Furthermore mass spectrometric analysis was performed for identification of protein using mascot search. The findings of this study serve as a reference for better understanding of the bioactivity of glycoprotein in green algae. Analysis of anticancer potential of this GLP revealed a remarkable inhibition of cell growth in breast, cervical and lung cancer cells. - Anti-hIgE gene therapy of peanut-induced anaphylaxis in a humanized murine model of peanut allergyPeanuts are the most common food to provoke fatal or near-fatal anaphylactic reactions. Treatment with an anti-hIgE mAb is efficacious but requires frequent parenteral administration.
- ArXiv preprint server plans multimillion-dollar overhaulUsers urge caution in revamp of service at the heart of physics.Nature 534 602 doi: 10.1038/534602a
- Actively but not passively synchronized motor activity amplifies predictive timingPublication date: 1 October 2016
Source:NeuroImage, Volume 139
Author(s): Nadine Conradi, Cornelius Abel, Stefan Frisch, Christian A. Kell, Jochen Kaiser, Maren Schmidt-Kassow
Previous studies have shown that the effect of temporal predictability of presented stimuli on attention allocation is enhanced by auditory-motor synchronization (AMS). The present P300 event-related potential study (N=20) investigated whether this enhancement depends on the process of actively synchronizing one’s motor output with the acoustic input or whether a passive state of auditory-motor synchrony elicits the same effect. Participants silently counted frequency deviants in sequences of pure tones either during a physically inactive control condition or while pedaling on a cycling ergometer. Tones were presented either at fixed or variable intervals. In addition to the pedaling conditions with fixed or variable stimulation, there was a third condition in which stimuli were adaptively presented in sync with the participants’ spontaneous pedaling. We replicated the P300 enhancement for fixed versus variable stimulation and the amplification of this effect by AMS. Synchronization performance correlated positively with P300 amplitude in the fixed stimulation condition. Most interestingly, P300 amplitude was significantly reduced for the passive synchronization condition by adaptive stimulus presentation as compared to the fixed stimulation condition. For the first time we thus provide evidence that it is not the passive state of (even perfect) auditory-motor synchrony that facilitates attention allocation during AMS but rather the active process of synchronizing one’s movements with external stimuli. - Olmutinib: First Global Approval
Abstract
Olmutinib (OlitaTM) is an oral, third-generation epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor (EGFR TKI) that is being developed by Boehringer Ingelheim and Hanmi Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Third-generation EGFR TKIs with covalent binding to the receptors demonstrate irreversible enzymatic inhibition of activating EGFR mutations and T790M mutation (a common reason for acquired EGFR TKI resistance), while sparing wild-type EGFR. In December 2015, olmutinib was granted breakthrough therapy designation in NSCLC by the US FDA. In May 2016, olmutinib received its first global approval in South Korea for the treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic EGFR T790M mutation-positive NSCLC. This article summarizes the milestones in the development of olmutinib leading to this first approval. - Conventional metaphors in longer passages evoke affective brain responsePublication date: 1 October 2016
Source:NeuroImage, Volume 139
Author(s): Francesca M.M. Citron, Jeremie Güsten, Nora Michaelis, Adele E. Goldberg
Conventional metaphorical sentences such as She’s asweetchild have been found to elicit greater amygdala activation than matched literal sentences (e.g., She’s akindchild). In the present fMRI study, this finding is strengthened and extended with naturalistic stimuli involving longer passages and a range of conventional metaphors. In particular, a greater number of activation peaks (four) were found in the bilateral amygdala when passages containing conventional metaphors were read than when their matched literal versions were read (a single peak); while the direct contrast between metaphorical and literal passages did not show significant amygdala activation, parametric analysis revealed that BOLD signal changes in the left amygdala correlated with an increase in metaphoricity ratings across all stories. Moreover, while a measure of complexity was positively correlated with an increase in activation of a broad bilateral network mainly involving the temporal lobes, complexity was not predictive of amygdala activity. Thus, the results suggest that amygdala activation is not simply a result of stronger overall activity related to language comprehension, but is more specific to the processing of metaphorical language.Significance statementThis work is the first to show that conventional metaphorical language in naturalistic longer passages that includes a range of metaphors elicits more activation in the amygdala–an area recognized to be involved in emotional processing–than carefully matched literal control passages. We probe this finding with parametric analyses using a measure of syntactic complexity and subjective judgments of metaphoricity. While complexity correlates with more overall bilateral activation of the temporal lobes, it does not correlate with amygdala activation. Instead, amygdala activation correlates with metaphoricity, suggesting that the increase in emotional salience is specific to metaphoricity and is not simply a result of an overall increase in brain activity in regions associated with language comprehension. - Age differences in the neural correlates of distraction regulation: A network interaction approachPublication date: 1 October 2016
Source:NeuroImage, Volume 139
Author(s): Tarek Amer, John A.E. Anderson, Karen L. Campbell, Lynn Hasher, Cheryl L. Grady
Older adults show decrements in the ability to ignore or suppress distraction relative to younger adults. However, age differences in the neural correlates of distraction control and the role of large-scale network interaction in regulating distractors are scarcely examined. In the current study, we investigated age differences in how the anticorrelation between an externally oriented dorsal attention network (DAN) and an internally focused default mode network (DMN) is related to inhibiting distractors presented during a 1-back working memory task. For both young and older adults, the extent of DAN-DMN anticorrelation predicted reduced distractibility. Activation in a common set of frontal and insular control regions during the task was, however, associated with opposite patterns of network interaction and distractibility in the age groups. For older adults, recruitment of these regions was associated with greater DAN-DMN anticorrelation and less distractibility (better performance). For younger adults, it was associated with decreased DAN-DMN anticorrelation and more distractibility (worse performance). Our findings demonstrate the age-dependent relationship between DAN-DMN interaction patterns and engagement of control regions during an externally oriented distraction control task. This suggests that engagement of those regions may play a compensatory role for older adults but may be indicative of less efficient neural control mechanisms in younger adults. - Gleason score and the risk of cause-specific and all-cause mortality following radiation with or without 6 months of androgen deprivation therapy for men with unfavorable-risk prostate cancer
Abstract
Purpose
We evaluated whether a differential impact of adding 6 months of androgen deprivation (ADT) to radiation therapy (RT) on all-cause (ACM), prostate cancer-specific (PCSM), and other-cause mortality (OCM) in men with unfavorable-risk prostate cancer (PC) exists within Gleason score (GS) subgroups.Methods and materials
Individual patient data from 743 men with unfavorable-risk PC from two randomized ADT trials were utilized. Competing risks and Cox regression were used to determine whether adding 6 months of ADT to RT significantly impacted PCSM, OCM, and ACM within GS subgroups.Results
Men with GS 9/10 versus ≤8 were significantly more likely to be over 75 (23.3 versus 12.7 %; p = 0.03). At a median follow-up of 11.93 and 11.81 years in the 683 and 60 patients with GS ≤8 and GS 9/10, 315 (46.1 %) and 44 (73.1 %) died, respectively. ADT in men with GS ≤8 was associated with significantly decreased ACM (adjusted hazard ratio (AHR) 0.66; 95 % confidence interval: 0.52–0.82; p < 0.001) and PCSM (0.43; 0.28–0.66; p < 0.001) but no significant difference in OCM (0.90; 0.68–1.17; p = 0.43) Among men with GS 9/10 PC ADT significantly reduced PCSM (0.33; 0.11–0.99; p = 0.048) but not ACM (0.79; 0.38–1.61; p = 0.51) and increased OCM (2.16; 0.81–5.79; p = 0.12), resulting in opposite effects of ADT on OCM by the GS subgroup such that the relative AHR of OCM in GS 9/10 versus ≤8 was nearly significantly increased (2.42 [0.87,6.71]; p = 0.09).Conclusion
While ADT reduced PCSM risk overall, survival was not prolonged in men with GS 9/10 due to ADT-driven increased OCM, which supports the hypothesis that older men with significant comorbidity may not experience prolonged survival when ADT is added to RT. - Androgyny in Liking and in Being Liked Are Antecedent to Well-Being in Pre-Adolescent Boys and Girls
Abstract
The present study is a two-wave longitudinal study of the concurrent and prospective associations between patterns of same- and other-gender liking and well-being in a sample of 403 fifth and sixth-grade girls and boys from Montréal Québec, Canada that was used to examine Sandra Bem’s perspective that androgyny is related to well-being. In our study androgyny was operationally defined as (a) the combination of liking for same- and other-gender peers and (b) the combination of being liked by same- and other-gender peers. Well-being was indexed with a measure of the self-concept. Findings drawn from analyses conducted with structural equation modeling showed that androgynous liking was an antecedent and a consequence of well-being. Specifically (a) Time 1 (T1) well-being was a predictor of how much girls and boys liked same-gender and other-gender peers at Time 2 (T2) whereas T2 well-being was predicted by how much girls and boys liked same- and other-gender peers at T1 and (b) T2 well-being was predicted by how much girls and boys were liked by same-gender and other-gender peers. These findings are discussed according to the dynamics of experiences with peers from one’s own gender and the other-gender. - Fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome — features, mechanisms and managementNature Reviews Neurology 12, 403 (2016). doi:10.1038/nrneurol.2016.82Authors: Randi J. Hagerman & Paul HagermanMany physicians are unaware of the many phenotypes associated with the fragile X premutation, an expansion in the 5′ untranslated region of the fragile X mental retardation 1 (FMR1) gene that consists of 55–200 CGG repeats. The most severe of these phenotypes is
- The mTOR signalling cascade: paving new roads to cure neurological diseaseNature Reviews Neurology 12, 379 (2016). doi:10.1038/nrneurol.2016.81Author: Peter B. CrinoDefining the multiple roles of the mechanistic (formerly ‘mammalian’) target of rapamycin (mTOR) signalling pathway in neurological diseases has been an exciting and rapidly evolving story of bench-to-bedside translational research that has spanned gene mutation discovery, functional experimental validation of mutations, pharmacological pathway manipulation, and
- Phosphorylated-insulin growth factor I receptor (p-IGF1R) and metalloproteinase-3 (MMP3) expression in advanced gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST). A GEIS 19 study
Abstract
Background
Most GISTs have mutations in KIT or PDGFRA. Patients with advanced GIST with KIT exon 9, PDGFRA mutation or WT for KIT and PDGFRA have a worse progression-free survival (PFS) compared to patients with KIT exon 11 mutated tumors. We evaluated the immunohistochemical (IHC) expression of p-IGF1R (Y1316) and MMP3 as predictors of PFS or overall survival (OS).Methods
Ninety-two advanced GIST patients included in GEIS-16 study with KIT and PDGFRA mutational information were examined for p-IGF1R (Y1316) and MMP3 expression in a tissue micro-array. To study activation of the IGF1R system, we have used an antibody (anti-pY1316) that specifically recognizes the active phosphorylated form of the IGF1R. DNA was extracted from paraffin-embedded tissues and intronic PCR primers were used to amplify exons 9, 11, 13 and 17 of KIT, 12 and 18 of PDGFRA. Bidirectional sequencing with specific primers was performed on a ABI3100 sequencer using the Big Dye Terminator v3.1 kit. Multivariate model was built using a stepwise automated variable selection approach with criterion to enter the variable in the model of p < 0.10 and criterion to keep the variable in the model of p < 0.05. PFS was computed as the date of imatinib initiation to progression or death. Overall survival was defined as the time from imatinib initiation to death.Results
Phospho-IGF1R was expressed only in 9 % (2/22) of cases without KIT mutation. MMP3 expression was detected in 2/5 patients (40 %) with PDGFRA mutation, 1/16 patients (6 %) with WT genotype and 7/71 patients (10 %) of KIT mutant patients. At univariate analysis KIT exon 11/13 mutation had better PFS than patients with exon 9 mutation, PDGFRA mutation or WT genotype (p = 0.021; HR: 0.46; 95 %CI (0.28–0.76). Less than 24 months disease free-interval (HR 24.2, 95 % CI 10.5–55.8), poor performance status (PS) (HR 6.3, 95 % CI 2.5–15.9), extension of disease; >1 organ (HR 1.89; 95 % CI 1.03–3.4) and genotype analysis (HR 0.57, 95 % CI 0.37–0.97) but not immunophenotype analysis (HR 1.53; 95 % CI 0.76–3.06) were the strongest prognostic factors for PFS in the multivariate analysis.Conclusions
Our results do not support p-IGF-1R and MMP3 evaluation in non-selected GIST patients but evaluation of this immunophenotype in WT and mutant PDGFR mutation in larger group of GIST patients, deserve merits.
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http://ift.tt/294lOpj - Phosphorylated-insulin growth factor I receptor (p-IGF1R) and metalloproteinase-3 (MMP3) expression in advanced gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST). A GEIS 19 study
Abstract
Background
Most GISTs have mutations in KIT or PDGFRA. Patients with advanced GIST with KIT exon 9, PDGFRA mutation or WT for KIT and PDGFRA have a worse progression-free survival (PFS) compared to patients with KIT exon 11 mutated tumors. We evaluated the immunohistochemical (IHC) expression of p-IGF1R (Y1316) and MMP3 as predictors of PFS or overall survival (OS).Methods
Ninety-two advanced GIST patients included in GEIS-16 study with KIT and PDGFRA mutational information were examined for p-IGF1R (Y1316) and MMP3 expression in a tissue micro-array. To study activation of the IGF1R system, we have used an antibody (anti-pY1316) that specifically recognizes the active phosphorylated form of the IGF1R. DNA was extracted from paraffin-embedded tissues and intronic PCR primers were used to amplify exons 9, 11, 13 and 17 of KIT, 12 and 18 of PDGFRA. Bidirectional sequencing with specific primers was performed on a ABI3100 sequencer using the Big Dye Terminator v3.1 kit. Multivariate model was built using a stepwise automated variable selection approach with criterion to enter the variable in the model of p < 0.10 and criterion to keep the variable in the model of p < 0.05. PFS was computed as the date of imatinib initiation to progression or death. Overall survival was defined as the time from imatinib initiation to death.Results
Phospho-IGF1R was expressed only in 9 % (2/22) of cases without KIT mutation. MMP3 expression was detected in 2/5 patients (40 %) with PDGFRA mutation, 1/16 patients (6 %) with WT genotype and 7/71 patients (10 %) of KIT mutant patients. At univariate analysis KIT exon 11/13 mutation had better PFS than patients with exon 9 mutation, PDGFRA mutation or WT genotype (p = 0.021; HR: 0.46; 95 %CI (0.28–0.76). Less than 24 months disease free-interval (HR 24.2, 95 % CI 10.5–55.8), poor performance status (PS) (HR 6.3, 95 % CI 2.5–15.9), extension of disease; >1 organ (HR 1.89; 95 % CI 1.03–3.4) and genotype analysis (HR 0.57, 95 % CI 0.37–0.97) but not immunophenotype analysis (HR 1.53; 95 % CI 0.76–3.06) were the strongest prognostic factors for PFS in the multivariate analysis.Conclusions
Our results do not support p-IGF-1R and MMP3 evaluation in non-selected GIST patients but evaluation of this immunophenotype in WT and mutant PDGFR mutation in larger group of GIST patients, deserve merits.
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via IFTTT - Phosphorylated-insulin growth factor I receptor (p-IGF1R) and metalloproteinase-3 (MMP3) expression in advanced gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST). A GEIS 19 studyPhosphorylated-insulin growth factor I receptor (p-IGF1R) and metalloproteinase-3 (MMP3) expression in advanced gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST). A GEIS 19 study:AbstractBackgroundMost GISTs have mutations in KIT or PDGFRA. Patients with advanced GIST with KIT exon 9, PDGFRA mutation or WT for KIT and PDGFRA have a worse progression-free survival (PFS) compared to patients with KIT exon 11 mutated tumors. We evaluated the immunohistochemical (IHC) expression of p-IGF1R (Y1316) and MMP3 as predictors of PFS or overall survival (OS).MethodsNinety-two advanced GIST patients included in GEIS-16 study with KIT and PDGFRA mutational information were examined for p-IGF1R (Y1316) and MMP3 expression in a tissue micro-array. To study activation of the IGF1R system, we have used an antibody (anti-pY1316) that specifically recognizes the active phosphorylated form of the IGF1R. DNA was extracted from paraffin-embedded tissues and intronic PCR primers were used to amplify exons 9, 11, 13 and 17 of KIT, 12 and 18 of PDGFRA. Bidirectional sequencing with specific primers was performed on a ABI3100 sequencer using the Big Dye Terminator v3.1 kit. Multivariate model was built using a stepwise automated variable selection approach with criterion to enter the variable in the model of pResultsPhospho-IGF1R was expressed only in 9 % (2/22) of cases without KIT mutation. MMP3 expression was detected in 2/5 patients (40 %) with PDGFRA mutation, 1/16 patients (6 %) with WT genotype and 7/71 patients (10 %) of KIT mutant patients. At univariate analysis KIT exon 11/13 mutation had better PFS than patients with exon 9 mutation, PDGFRA mutation or WT genotype (p = 0.021; HR: 0.46; 95 %CI (0.28–0.76). Less than 24 months disease free-interval (HR 24.2, 95 % CI 10.5–55.8), poor performance status (PS) (HR 6.3, 95 % CI 2.5–15.9), extension of disease; >1 organ (HR 1.89; 95 % CI 1.03–3.4) and genotype analysis (HR 0.57, 95 % CI 0.37–0.97) but not immunophenotype analysis (HR 1.53; 95 % CI 0.76–3.06) were the strongest prognostic factors for PFS in the multivariate analysis.ConclusionsOur results do not support p-IGF-1R and MMP3 evaluation in non-selected GIST patients but evaluation of this immunophenotype in WT and mutant PDGFR mutation in larger group of GIST patients, deserve merits.from Cancer via ola Kala on Inoreader
via IFTTT - Pathogenesis of bronchopulmonary dysplasia: when inflammation meets organ developmentPathogenesis of bronchopulmonary dysplasia: when inflammation meets organ development:AbstractBronchopulmonary dysplasia is a chronic lung disease of preterm infants. It is caused by the disturbance of physiologic lung development mainly in the saccular stage with lifelong restrictions of pulmonary function and an increased risk of abnormal somatic and psychomotor development. The contributors to this disease’s entity are multifactorial with pre- and postnatal origin. Central to the pathogenesis of bronchopulmonary is the induction of a massive pulmonary inflammatory response due to mechanical ventilation and oxygen toxicity. The extent of the pro-inflammatory reaction and the disturbance of further alveolar growth and vasculogenesis vary largely and can be modified by prenatal infections, antenatal steroids, and surfactant application.This minireview summarizes the important recent research findings on the pulmonary inflammatory reaction obtained in patient cohorts and in experimental models. Unfortunately, recent changes in clinical practice based on these findings had only limited impact on the incidence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia.from Cancer via ola Kala on Inoreader
via IFTTT - Gleason score and the risk of cause-specific and all-cause mortality following radiation with or without 6 months of androgen deprivation therapy for men with unfavorable-risk prostate cancerGleason score and the risk of cause-specific and all-cause mortality following radiation with or without 6 months of androgen deprivation therapy for men with unfavorable-risk prostate cancer:AbstractPurposeWe evaluated whether a differential impact of adding 6 months of androgen deprivation (ADT) to radiation therapy (RT) on all-cause (ACM), prostate cancer-specific (PCSM), and other-cause mortality (OCM) in men with unfavorable-risk prostate cancer (PC) exists within Gleason score (GS) subgroups.Methods and materialsIndividual patient data from 743 men with unfavorable-risk PC from two randomized ADT trials were utilized. Competing risks and Cox regression were used to determine whether adding 6 months of ADT to RT significantly impacted PCSM, OCM, and ACM within GS subgroups.ResultsMen with GS 9/10 versus ≤8 were significantly more likely to be over 75 (23.3 versus 12.7 %; p = 0.03). At a median follow-up of 11.93 and 11.81 years in the 683 and 60 patients with GS ≤8 and GS 9/10, 315 (46.1 %) and 44 (73.1 %) died, respectively. ADT in men with GS ≤8 was associated with significantly decreased ACM (adjusted hazard ratio (AHR) 0.66; 95 % confidence interval: 0.52–0.82; pConclusionWhile ADT reduced PCSM risk overall, survival was not prolonged in men with GS 9/10 due to ADT-driven increased OCM, which supports the hypothesis that older men with significant comorbidity may not experience prolonged survival when ADT is added to RT.from Cancer via ola Kala on Inoreader
via IFTTT - Meetings of the mind!Meetings of the mind!:from Cancer via ola Kala on Inoreader
via IFTTT - Factors contributing to the development of overt encephalopathy in liver cirrhosis patientsFactors contributing to the development of overt encephalopathy in liver cirrhosis patients:AbstractThe aim of this study was to clarify the relationships among psychometric testing results, blood ammonia (NH3) levels, electrolyte abnormalities, and degree of inflammation, and their associations with the development of overt hepatic encephalopathy (HE) in liver cirrhosis (LC) patients. The relationships between covert HE and blood NH3, sodium (Na), and C-reactive protein (CRP) were examined in 40 LC patients. The effects of elevated NH3, hyponatremia, and elevated CRP on the development of overt HE were also investigated. The covert HE group had significantly lower serum Na levels and significantly higher serum CRP levels. During the median observation period of 11 months, 10 patients developed overt HE, and the results of multivariate analysis showed that covert HE and elevated blood NH3 were factors contributing to the development of overt HE. Electrolyte abnormalities and mild inflammation are involved in the pathogenesis of HE. Abnormal psychometric testing results and hyperammonemia are linked to subsequent development of overt HE.from Cancer via ola Kala on Inoreader
via IFTTT - NCCT for Ureteric Stone-Teaching VideoCT signs for a ureteric stone discussed in teaching video including cobweb sign, ureteric rim sign and comet tail sign.Famous Radiology Blog http://ift.tt/1MM2hKr TeleRad Providers athttp://ift.tt/1NgppuI Mail us at sales@teleradproviders.comfrom Imaging via xlomafota13 on Inoreader http://ift.tt/293rdf0
via IFTTT - Pathogenesis of bronchopulmonary dysplasia: when inflammation meets organ development
Abstract
Bronchopulmonary dysplasia is a chronic lung disease of preterm infants. It is caused by the disturbance of physiologic lung development mainly in the saccular stage with lifelong restrictions of pulmonary function and an increased risk of abnormal somatic and psychomotor development. The contributors to this disease’s entity are multifactorial with pre- and postnatal origin. Central to the pathogenesis of bronchopulmonary is the induction of a massive pulmonary inflammatory response due to mechanical ventilation and oxygen toxicity. The extent of the pro-inflammatory reaction and the disturbance of further alveolar growth and vasculogenesis vary largely and can be modified by prenatal infections, antenatal steroids, and surfactant application.This minireview summarizes the important recent research findings on the pulmonary inflammatory reaction obtained in patient cohorts and in experimental models. Unfortunately, recent changes in clinical practice based on these findings had only limited impact on the incidence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia.
from Cancer via xlomafota13 on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2958Ree
via IFTTT - An internal electron reservoir enhances catalytic CO2 reduction by a semisynthetic enzymeChem. Commun., 2016, Accepted Manuscript
DOI: 10.1039/C6CC03901D, CommunicationCamille R Schneider, Hannah S. Shafaat
The development of an artificial metalloenzyme for CO2 reduction is described. The small-molecule catalyst [NiII(cyclam)]2+ has been incorporated within azurin. Selectivity for CO generation over H+ reduction is enhanced within…
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from BioChemistry via xlomafota13 on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2908M9I
via IFTTT - Exchange of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons across the air-water interface in the Bohai and Yellow SeasExchange of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons across the air-water interface in the Bohai and Yellow Seas:Publication date: September 2016Source:Atmospheric Environment, Volume 141
Author(s): Yingjun Chen, Tian Lin, Jianhui Tang, Zhiyong Xie, Chongguo Tian, Jun Li, Gan Zhang
In this study, air and surface seawater samples collected from the Bohai (BS) and Yellow Seas (YS) in May 2012 were determined exchange of PAHs, especially of low-molecular-weight (LMW) PAHs (three- and four-ring PAHs) at the air-water interface. Net volatilization fluxes of LMW PAHs were 266–1454 ng/m2/d and decreased with distance from the coast, indicating that these PAHs transported from coastal runoff were potential contributors to the atmosphere in the BS and YS. Moreover, LMW PAHs were enriched in the dissolved phase compared with those in the particulate phase in the water column, possibly suggesting that the volatilized LMW PAHs were directly derived from wastewater discharge or petroleum pollution rather than released from contaminated sediments. The air–sea exchange fluxes of the three-ring PAHs were 2- to 20-fold higher than their atmospheric deposition fluxes in the BS and YS. The input to and output from the water reached equilibrium for four-ring PAHs. Differently, five- and six-ring PAHs were introduced into the marine environment primarily through dry and wet deposition, indicating that the water column was still a sink of these PAHs from the surrounding atmosphere.
from Environmental Medicine via xlomafota13 on Inoreader
via IFTTT - A novel mobile monitoring approach to characterize spatial and temporal variation in traffic-related air pollutants in an urban communityA novel mobile monitoring approach to characterize spatial and temporal variation in traffic-related air pollutants in an urban community:Publication date: September 2016Source:Atmospheric Environment, Volume 141
Author(s): Chang Ho Yu, Zhihua Fan, Paul J. Lioy, Ana Baptista, Molly Greenberg, Robert J. Laumbach
Air concentrations of traffic-related air pollutants (TRAPs) vary in space and time within urban communities, presenting challenges for estimating human exposure and potential health effects. Conventional stationary monitoring stations/networks cannot effectively capture spatial characteristics. Alternatively, mobile monitoring approaches became popular to measure TRAPs along roadways or roadsides. However, these linear mobile monitoring approaches cannot thoroughly distinguish spatial variability from temporal variations in monitored TRAP concentrations. In this study, we used a novel mobile monitoring approach to simultaneously characterize spatial/temporal variations in roadside concentrations of TRAPs in urban settings. We evaluated the effectiveness of this mobile monitoring approach by performing concurrent measurements along two parallel paths perpendicular to a major roadway and/or along heavily trafficked roads at very narrow scale (one block away each other) within short time period ( from Environmental Medicine via xlomafota13 on Inoreader
via IFTTT - Estimation of prognosis of tongue cancer using tumor depth and margin shape obtained from ultrasonographyEstimation of prognosis of tongue cancer using tumor depth and margin shape obtained from ultrasonography:AbstractObjectivesTo evaluate the feasibility of using ultrasound-obtained tumor depth (TD) and margin shape (MS) to predict the prognosis of tongue cancer.MethodsFifty-two Japanese patients with tongue cancer who underwent ultrasound examination between 2007 and 2012 were retrospectively evaluated. TD was measured at the deepest portion of the tumor. MS was classified as “pressure,” “wedge-shaped,” or “permeated.” Prognosis was assessed by local recurrence, lymph node metastasis, and overall survival rate. We classified the patients into a good prognosis group and poor prognosis group. Relationships among TD, MS, and patient prognosis were evaluated using Spearman rank correlation. A regression formula to predict prognosis using TD and MS was derived.ResultsThe correlation between TD and MS was significant (Spearman rank correlation ρ = 0.552, pConclusionsMS and TD are useful predictors of tongue cancer prognosis.from Imaging via xlomafota13 on Inoreader
via IFTTT - Fertility Risk Assessment and Preservation in Male and Female Prepubertal and Adolescent Cancer PatientsCancer represents the second cause of death in prepubertal children and adolescents, although it is currently associated with an overall survival rate of 80%–85%. The annual incidence rate is 186.6 per 1 million children and adolescents aged up to 19 years. Both disease and treatment options are associated with life-altering, long-term effects that require monitoring. Infertility is a common issue, and as such, fertility preservation represents an essential part in the management of young patients with cancer who are at risk of premature gonadal failure. This review deals with the up-to-date available data on fertility risk assessment and preservation strategies that should be addressed prior to antineoplastic therapy in this vulnerable subgroup of cancer patients.
from Cancer via xlomafota13 on Inoreader http://ift.tt/298LAv9
via IFTTT - Gleason score and the risk of cause-specific and all-cause mortality following radiation with or without 6 months of androgen deprivation therapy for men with unfavorable-risk prostate cancer
Abstract
Purpose
We evaluated whether a differential impact of adding 6 months of androgen deprivation (ADT) to radiation therapy (RT) on all-cause (ACM), prostate cancer-specific (PCSM), and other-cause mortality (OCM) in men with unfavorable-risk prostate cancer (PC) exists within Gleason score (GS) subgroups.Methods and materials
Individual patient data from 743 men with unfavorable-risk PC from two randomized ADT trials were utilized. Competing risks and Cox regression were used to determine whether adding 6 months of ADT to RT significantly impacted PCSM, OCM, and ACM within GS subgroups.Results
Men with GS 9/10 versus ≤8 were significantly more likely to be over 75 (23.3 versus 12.7 %; p = 0.03). At a median follow-up of 11.93 and 11.81 years in the 683 and 60 patients with GS ≤8 and GS 9/10, 315 (46.1 %) and 44 (73.1 %) died, respectively. ADT in men with GS ≤8 was associated with significantly decreased ACM (adjusted hazard ratio (AHR) 0.66; 95 % confidence interval: 0.52–0.82; p < 0.001) and PCSM (0.43; 0.28–0.66; p < 0.001) but no significant difference in OCM (0.90; 0.68–1.17;p = 0.43) Among men with GS 9/10 PC ADT significantly reduced PCSM (0.33; 0.11–0.99; p = 0.048) but not ACM (0.79; 0.38–1.61; p = 0.51) and increased OCM (2.16; 0.81–5.79; p = 0.12), resulting in opposite effects of ADT on OCM by the GS subgroup such that the relative AHR of OCM in GS 9/10 versus ≤8 was nearly significantly increased (2.42 [0.87,6.71]; p = 0.09).Conclusion
While ADT reduced PCSM risk overall, survival was not prolonged in men with GS 9/10 due to ADT-driven increased OCM, which supports the hypothesis that older men with significant comorbidity may not experience prolonged survival when ADT is added to RT.
from Cancer via xlomafota13 on Inoreader http://ift.tt/28ZZ86U
via IFTTT - Meetings of the mind!
- Effect of Single Administration of Coffee on Pupil Size and Ocular Wavefront Aberration Measurements in Healthy SubjectsNo study has so far evaluated the impact of coffee drinking on ocular wavefront aberration (OWA) measurements. This study presents novel findings regarding the OWA of the eye following coffee intake. We aimed to evaluate the acute changes in pupil size and OWA of the eye after single administration of coffee. A total of 30 otherwise healthy participants were included in this prospective study. All subjects drank a cup of coffee containing 57 mg caffeine. Measurements of pupil size, total coma (TC), total trefoil (TF), total spherical aberration (TSA), and total higher order aberration (HOA) were performed before and at 5 minutes, at 30 minutes, and at 4 hours after coffee drinking using a wavefront aberrometer device (Irx3, Imagine Eyes, Orsay, France). The mean age of the study population was 20.30 ± 2.74 years. Pupil size did not show a significant change during the measurements (). A significant increase was observed in TF and HOA measurements following coffee intake ( and , resp.). Single administration of coffee results in significant increase in TF and total HOAs in healthy subjects without any effect on pupil diameter. Ultrastructural changes in the cornea following coffee intake might be of relevance to the alterations in ocular aberrations in healthy subjects.
from Biomedical Engineering via xlomafota13 on Inoreaderhttp://ift.tt/29c5syf
via IFTTT - Heavy Cigarette Smokers in a Chinese Population Display a Compromised Permeability BarrierCigarette smoking is associated with various cutaneous disorders with defective permeability. Yet, whether cigarette smoking influences epidermal permeability barrier function is largely unknown. Here, we measured skin biophysical properties, including permeability barrier homeostasis, stratum corneum (SC) integrity, SC hydration, skin surface pH, and skin melanin/erythema index, in cigarette smokers. A total of 99 male volunteers were enrolled in this study. Smokers were categorized as light-to-moderate (
from Biomedical Engineering via xlomafota13 on Inoreaderhttp://ift.tt/2953FXQ
via IFTTT - Comparative Study of Two ELISA Kits for Estimation of Antibodies to Hepatitis B Virus in Human Normal Immunoglobulin and Specific Immunoglobulin Intended for Intravenous or Intramuscular Use
Abstract
Current study is conducted to evaluate method verification of two locally available kits manufactured by DSI & BIORAD for quantitative estimation of Hepatitis B virus antibodies in human normal immunoglobulin by using International standard of National Institute of Biological Standards and Control. Four analyst perform five sets of test in duplicate analysing accuracy, precision, and limit of detection, sensitivity and specificity. Our results suggest that both DSI and BIORAD kits fulfil the validation criteria and are sensitive to detect up to 10 mIU concentration precisely and accurately. DSI kit is more precise at concentration 100 mIU and economically 4–5 times cheaper in local market; on the other hand, BIORAD kits provide larger detection range up to 1000 mIU.
from BioChemistry via xlomafota13 on Inoreader http://ift.tt/2952Jmq
via IFTTT - Olmutinib: First Global Approval
Abstract
Olmutinib (OlitaTM) is an oral, third-generation epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor (EGFR TKI) that is being developed by Boehringer Ingelheim and Hanmi Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Third-generation EGFR TKIs with covalent binding to the receptors demonstrate irreversible enzymatic inhibition of activating EGFR mutations and T790M mutation (a common reason for acquired EGFR TKI resistance), while sparing wild-type EGFR. In December 2015, olmutinib was granted breakthrough therapy designation in NSCLC by the US FDA. In May 2016, olmutinib received its first global approval in South Korea for the treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic EGFR T790M mutation-positive NSCLC. This article summarizes the milestones in the development of olmutinib leading to this first approval.
from Therapeutics via xlomafota13 on Inoreader http://ift.tt/29anH5n
via IFTTT - Olmutinib: First Global ApprovalOlmutinib: First Global Approval:AbstractOlmutinib (OlitaTM) is an oral, third-generation epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor (EGFR TKI) that is being developed by Boehringer Ingelheim and Hanmi Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Third-generation EGFR TKIs with covalent binding to the receptors demonstrate irreversible enzymatic inhibition of activating EGFR mutations and T790M mutation (a common reason for acquired EGFR TKI resistance), while sparing wild-type EGFR. In December 2015, olmutinib was granted breakthrough therapy designation in NSCLC by the US FDA. In May 2016, olmutinib received its first global approval in South Korea for the treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic EGFR T790M mutation-positive NSCLC. This article summarizes the milestones in the development of olmutinib leading to this first approval.from Therapeutics via xlomafota13 on Inoreader
via IFTTT - 1,2,4,5-Tetramethoxybenzene Suppresses House Dust Mite-Induced Allergic Inflammation in BALB/c MiceBackground: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is the most common allergic inflammatory skin disease. The activation of innate immunity by house dust mite (Dermatophagoides farinae extract, DFE) allergen plays an important role in the pathogenesis of AD. We previously showed the inhibitory effect of an extract of Amomum xanthioides on allergic diseases, and isolated 1,2,4,5-tetramethoxybenzene (TMB) as a major active component. In this study, we investigated whether TMB relieves DFE-induced allergic inflammation symptoms. Methods: We established a DFE-induced allergic inflammation model in BALB/c mice by repeated skin exposure to DFE. To define the underlying mechanisms of action, we used a tumor necrosis factor-α and interferon-#x03B3;-activated human keratinocytes (HaCaT cell line) and mouse keratinocytes (3PC cell line) cell line model. Results: Oral administration of TMB suppressed allergic inflammation symptoms, such as histopathological analysis and ear thickness, in addition to serum IgE, DFE-specific IgE and IgG2a levels. TMB decreased the serum histamine levels and tissue infiltration of inflammatory cells, including mast cells and eosinophils. TMB also inhibited CD4+IFN-#x03B3;+, CD4+IL-4+, and CD4+IL-17A+ lymphocyte expansion in the draining lymph nodes and expression of the Th2 cytokines in the ear tissue. TMB significantly inhibited the expression of cytokines and chemokines by the downregulation of the mitogen-activated protein kinases and nuclear factor of activated cytoplasmic T cells in HaCaT cells. Conclusions: TMB improved DFE-induced allergic inflammation by suppressing the production of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines. Our results suggest that TMB might be a potential therapeutic agent for AD.
Int Arch Allergy Immunol 2016;170:35-45 - Identification and Characterization of IgE-Binding Tropomyosins in Aedes aegyptiBackground: The mosquito Aedes aegypti is a potential source of important clinically relevant allergens. However, the allergenicity and cross-reactivity of most of these has not been fully described. Methods: Natural wild-type mosquito tropomyosin was purified by size exclusion and anionic-exchange chromatography from an A. aegypti extract. Further characterization was accomplished by MALDI-TOF/TOF. Two recombinant variants of tropomyosin were obtained by expression in Escherichia coli. Specific IgE measurement by ELISA and skin tests for mosquito extract were performed in 12 patients with asthma or allergy rhinitis residing on the Caribbean island of Martinique. Cross-reactivity between natural A. aegypti tropomyosin and recombinant tropomyosins from A. aegypti, house dust mite, shrimp and Ascaris lumbricoides was analyzed by ELISA competition. Results: Four variants of natural tropomyosin were purified. A band of 32 kDa in SDS-PAGE representing 2 tropomyosin variants (Aed a 10.0101 and Aed a 10.0201) reacted with specific IgE of 4 of the 12 (33%) allergic patients and with rabbit polyclonal anti-shrimp tropomyosin. A high degree of cross-reactivity (60-70%) was detected between natural mosquito tropomyosin and Blo t 10, Der p 10 and Lit v 1, and a lower degree with Asc l 3 from A. lumbricoides(A. aegypti tropomyosin; however, rAed a 10.0201 showed a low inhibitory capacity. Conclusion: Tropomyosin is a new IgE-binding protein from A. aegypti. Two of the 4 variants identified showed different degree of cross-reactivity with tropomyosins from other arthropods. The potential allergenic role of each variant should be further investigated.
Int Arch Allergy Immunol 2016;170:46-56 - Exchange of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons across the air-water interface in the Bohai and Yellow SeasPublication date: September 2016
Source:Atmospheric Environment, Volume 141
Author(s): Yingjun Chen, Tian Lin, Jianhui Tang, Zhiyong Xie, Chongguo Tian, Jun Li, Gan Zhang
In this study, air and surface seawater samples collected from the Bohai (BS) and Yellow Seas (YS) in May 2012 were determined exchange of PAHs, especially of low-molecular-weight (LMW) PAHs (three- and four-ring PAHs) at the air-water interface. Net volatilization fluxes of LMW PAHs were 266–1454 ng/m2/d and decreased with distance from the coast, indicating that these PAHs transported from coastal runoff were potential contributors to the atmosphere in the BS and YS. Moreover, LMW PAHs were enriched in the dissolved phase compared with those in the particulate phase in the water column, possibly suggesting that the volatilized LMW PAHs were directly derived from wastewater discharge or petroleum pollution rather than released from contaminated sediments. The air–sea exchange fluxes of the three-ring PAHs were 2- to 20-fold higher than their atmospheric deposition fluxes in the BS and YS. The input to and output from the water reached equilibrium for four-ring PAHs. Differently, five- and six-ring PAHs were introduced into the marine environment primarily through dry and wet deposition, indicating that the water column was still a sink of these PAHs from the surrounding atmosphere. - A novel mobile monitoring approach to characterize spatial and temporal variation in traffic-related air pollutants in an urban communityPublication date: September 2016
Source:Atmospheric Environment, Volume 141
Author(s): Chang Ho Yu, Zhihua Fan, Paul J. Lioy, Ana Baptista, Molly Greenberg, Robert J. Laumbach
Air concentrations of traffic-related air pollutants (TRAPs) vary in space and time within urban communities, presenting challenges for estimating human exposure and potential health effects. Conventional stationary monitoring stations/networks cannot effectively capture spatial characteristics. Alternatively, mobile monitoring approaches became popular to measure TRAPs along roadways or roadsides. However, these linear mobile monitoring approaches cannot thoroughly distinguish spatial variability from temporal variations in monitored TRAP concentrations. In this study, we used a novel mobile monitoring approach to simultaneously characterize spatial/temporal variations in roadside concentrations of TRAPs in urban settings. We evaluated the effectiveness of this mobile monitoring approach by performing concurrent measurements along two parallel paths perpendicular to a major roadway and/or along heavily trafficked roads at very narrow scale (one block away each other) within short time period (<30 min) in an urban community. Based on traffic and particulate matter (PM) source information, we selected 4 neighborhoods to study. The sampling activities utilized real-time monitors, including battery-operated PM2.5 monitor (SidePak), condensation particle counter (CPC 3007), black carbon (BC) monitor (Micro-Aethalometer), carbon monoxide (CO) monitor (Langan T15), and portable temperature/humidity data logger (HOBO U12), and a GPS-based tracker (Trackstick). Sampling was conducted for ∼3 h in the morning (7:30–10:30) in 7 separate days in March/April and 6 days in May/June 2012. Two simultaneous samplings were made at 5 spatially-distributed locations on parallel roads, usually distant one block each other, in each neighborhood. The 5-min averaged BC concentrations (AVG ± SD, [range]) were 2.53 ± 2.47 [0.09–16.3] μg/m3, particle number concentrations (PNC) were 33,330 ± 23,451 [2512–159,130] particles/cm3, PM2.5 mass concentrations were 8.87 ± 7.65 [0.27–46.5] μg/m3, and CO concentrations were 1.22 ± 0.60 [0.22–6.29] ppm in the community. The traffic-related air pollutants, BC and PNC, but not PM2.5 or CO, varied spatially depending on proximity to local stationary/mobile sources. Seasonal differences were observed for all four TRAPs, significantly higher in colder months than in warmer months. The coefficients of variation (CVs) in concurrent measurements from two parallel routes were calculated around 0.21 ± 0.17, and variations were attributed by meteorological variation (25%), temporal variability (19%), concentration level (6%), and spatial variability (2%), respectively. Overall study findings suggest this mobile monitoring approach could effectively capture and distinguish spatial/temporal characteristics in TRAP concentrations for communities impacted by heavy motor vehicle traffic and mixed urban air pollution sources. - Estimation of prognosis of tongue cancer using tumor depth and margin shape obtained from ultrasonography
Abstract
Objectives
To evaluate the feasibility of using ultrasound-obtained tumor depth (TD) and margin shape (MS) to predict the prognosis of tongue cancer.Methods
Fifty-two Japanese patients with tongue cancer who underwent ultrasound examination between 2007 and 2012 were retrospectively evaluated. TD was measured at the deepest portion of the tumor. MS was classified as “pressure,” “wedge-shaped,” or “permeated.” Prognosis was assessed by local recurrence, lymph node metastasis, and overall survival rate. We classified the patients into a good prognosis group and poor prognosis group. Relationships among TD, MS, and patient prognosis were evaluated using Spearman rank correlation. A regression formula to predict prognosis using TD and MS was derived.Results
The correlation between TD and MS was significant (Spearman rank correlation ρ = 0.552, p < 0.01). Using a structure matrix, we identified the contribution of both predictors from an ultrasound image. The contribution of TD was 0.796, while that of MS was better at 0.906. The prognosis could be predicted using the following regression formula: \( D \, = \, – 2.801 \, + \, 0.093x \, + \, 0.872y \) , where D prognosis (risk probability), x = TD (mm), and y = MS (grade). The average value for good risk probability was −0.254 (standard deviation, 0.962), while that for poor risk probability was 0.566 (standard deviation, 1.08) (p < 0.05). The cut-off value for classifying cases was −0.00169. Using the formula above, 73.1 % of patients in the poor prognosis group were correctly classified.Conclusions
MS and TD are useful predictors of tongue cancer prognosis. - New clues about the ageing brain’s memory functionsA European study led by Umeå University Professor Lars Nyberg, has shown that the dopamine D2 receptor is linked to the long-term episodic memory, which function often reduces with age and due to…
- MALAT1 induces tongue cancer cells’ EMT and inhibits apoptosis through Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway
Background
MALAT1 is recognized as an oncogenic lncRNA in various malignancies. However, its expression and function in oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma are still unknown. This study aims to investigate the expression and function of MALAT1 in TSCC tissues and cells.Materials and Methods
qPCR was performed to detect the expression of MALAT1. MALAT1 was suppressed and upregulated by plasmid transfection in TSCC cells, and then cell migration, invasion, EMT, and apoptosis were analyzed.Results
LncRNA MALAT1 was upregulated in TSCC tissues and correlated with cervical lymph node metastasis in TSCC patients. Moreover, MALAT1 induced cell migration, invasion, EMT, and inhibited apoptosis by modulating Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Finally, inhibiting Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway attenuated the effect of exogenous MALAT1.Conclusion
In summary, upregulated MALAT1 in TSCC promoted EMT and inhibited cell apoptosis by modulating Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. - Special properties of pneumococci affect their ability to cause meningitisStructures on the surface of pneumococci determine the ability of these bacteria to enter the brain and cause severe infections, according to a paper published in The Journal of Clinical…
- Partial characterization and anticancer activities of purified glycoprotein extracted from green seaweed Codium decorticatumPublication date: August 2016
Source:Journal of Functional Foods, Volume 25
Author(s): Dharmaraj Senthilkumar, Sivaraman Jayanthi
Glycoprotein (GLP) with a molecular mass of ~48 kDa was isolated from Codium decorticatum. Further, characterization of GLP and its potent anti-cancer activities was discussed. GLP is a glycoprotein with 36.24% carbohydrate, composed of rhamnose, galactose, glucose and mannose with a mole ratio of 38:30:26:6. Rhamnose and galactose are thus the main monosaccharides in GLP. FT-IR and NMR spectra proved that GLP contained protein and carbohydrate portions with (1→4)-linked β-galactose residues and β-linked glucose residues. Secondary structure of GLP was estimated using circular dichroism (CD) analysis. Furthermore mass spectrometric analysis was performed for identification of protein using mascot search. The findings of this study serve as a reference for better understanding of the bioactivity of glycoprotein in green algae. Analysis of anticancer potential of this GLP revealed a remarkable inhibition of cell growth in breast, cervical and lung cancer cells. - Anti-hIgE gene therapy of peanut-induced anaphylaxis in a humanized murine model of peanut allergyPeanuts are the most common food to provoke fatal or near-fatal anaphylactic reactions. Treatment with an anti-hIgE mAb is efficacious but requires frequent parenteral administration.
Τετάρτη 29 Ιουνίου 2016
OtoRhinoLaryngology & Medicine,New Articles,June 29th,2016,afternoon
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