Σάββατο 20 Οκτωβρίου 2018
What is Abstraction in Photography?
Abstract
There is confusion about what counts as abstraction in photography: art theorists class very different kinds of photographs as abstract, and common philosophical views of photography, if true, should cause us to doubt their very possibility. I address two questions here: 'What is Abstraction?' and 'What is Abstraction in Photography?' To the answer the second, I briefly consider a third: 'What is Photography?' so that the resulting account is not undermined by a poor theory of photography. In answer to my target question, I outline a schematic (and non-exhaustive) typology of kinds of work generically typed as 'abstract' in order to bring out some differences between them. I distinguish 'proto', 'faux', 'constructed faux', 'weak', 'strong', 'constructed' and 'concrete' abstraction, although the differences between them are not always clear-cut and there is room for debate about borderline cases. My goal is not to resolve all such cases, but to show: (i) that there is a range of broadly identifiable kinds of abstraction in photography; (ii) that images can be abstract in a variety of ways and for a variety of reasons; and (iii) why certain images are not abstract, despite being widely typed as such.On Looking through Wollheim’s Bifocals: Depiction, Twofolded Seeing and the Trompe-l’œil
Abstract
Richard Wollheim was hardly alone in supposing that his account of pictorial depiction implies that a trompe-l'œil is not a depiction. I recommend removing this apparent implication by inserting a Kant-style version of aspect-perception into his account. I characterize the result as Neo-Wollheimian and retain the centrality of Wollheim's notion of twofoldedness in the theory of depiction, but I demote it to a contingent feature of depictions and I criticize his employment of it for determining the category of both the trompe-l'œil and depictions in general.Effect of live oral attenuated Typhoid vaccine, Ty21a, on systemic and terminal ileum mucosal CD4+ T memory responses in humans
Abstract
Our current understanding of CD4+ T cell mediated immunity (CMI) elicited by the oral live attenuated typhoid vaccine Ty21a is primarily derived from studies using peripheral blood. Very limited data is available in humans regarding mucosal immunity (especially CD4+ T) at the site of infection (e.g., terminal ileum; TI). Here using multiparametric flow cytometry, we examined the effect of Ty21a immunization on TI lamina propria mononuclear cells (LPMC) and peripheral blood CD4+ T memory (TM) subsets in volunteers undergoing routine colonoscopy. Interestingly, we observed significant increases in the frequencies of LPMC CD4+ T cells following Ty21a-immunization, restricted to the T-effector/memory (TEM)-CD45RA+ (TEMRA) subset. Importantly, Ty21a-immunization elicited S. Typhi responsive LPMC CD4+ T cells in all major TM subsets (interferon (IFN) and interleukin (IL)-17A in T effector/memory -TEM-; IFN and macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-1 in T central/memory -TCM-; and IL-2 in TEMRA). Subsequently, we analyzed LPMC S. Typhi responsive CD4+ T cells in depth for multifunctional (MF) effectors. We found that LPMC CD4+ TEM responses were mostly MF, except for those cells exhibiting the characteristics associated with IL-17A responses. Finally, we compared mucosal to systemic responses and observed that LPMC CD4+ S. Typhi-specific responses were unique and distinct from their systemic counterparts. This study provides the first demonstration of S. Typhi-specific CD4+ TM responses in the human terminal ileum mucosa and provides valuable information about the generation of mucosal immune responses following oral Ty21a-immunization.Host NAD+ metabolism and infections: therapeutic implications
Abstract
Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) is both a crucial coenzyme and a cosubstrate for various metabolic reactions in all living cells. Maintenance of NAD+ levels is essential for cell energy homeostasis, survival, proliferation and function. Mounting evidence points to NAD+ as one of the major modulators of immuno-metabolic circuits, thus regulating immune responses and functions. Recent studies delineate impaired host NAD+ metabolism during chronic infections and inflammation, suggesting NAD+ replenishment as an avenue to ameliorate deleterious inflammatory responses. Here, we discuss aspects of NAD+ biosynthesis and consumption, NAD+ biology during infections and how NAD+ metabolism can be intervened with pharmacologically to enhance the host's immunological fitness against pathogens.Demonstratives, definite descriptions and non-redundancy
Abstract
In some sentences, demonstratives can be substituted with definite descriptions without any change in meaning. In light of this, some have maintained that demonstratives are just a type of definite description. However, several theorists have drawn attention to a range of cases where definite descriptions are acceptable, but their demonstrative counterparts are not. Some have tried to account for this data by appealing to presupposition. I argue that such presuppositional approaches are problematic, and present a pragmatic account of the target contrasts. On this approach, demonstratives take two arguments and generally require that the first, covert argument is non-redundant with respect to the second, overt argument. I derive this condition through an economy principle discussed by Schlenker (in: Maier, Bary, Huitink (eds) Proceedings of Sub9, 2005).
Intraarticular injection of dexamethasone promotes bone erosion in collagen-induced arthritis in mice through up-regulation of RANKL expression
Abstract
Background
Dexamethasone (DEX) is an effective therapeutic option commonly used in the treatment of many inflammatory diseases. However, DEX could impair proliferation or differentiation of osteoblasts, suggesting a pivotal role of DEX in bone destruction.
Objective
To investigate whether intraarticular injection of DEX could exacerbate bone erosion during CIA development.
Setting
Collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) mice were divided into PBS-treated and DEX-treated groups (n = 5/group). Negative control group: DBA/1 mice (n = 5) were used as age-matched, healthy, untreated controls.
Method
CIA was induced in male DBA/1 mice. Intraarticular injected DEX (0.01 mg/Kg, 10 μl) into the knee joint of CIA on Day 28, Day 35, Day 42 and Day 49 post the 1st immunization.
Results
The severity of the arthritic disease was ameliorated in DEX-treated mice, accompanied by the decreased expression of IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α. However, DEX treatment accelerates bone erosion and osteoporosis during CIA development and triggers higher expression of RANKL, IL-17 in vitro and vivo.
Main outcome measure
The effect of DEX on bone structure was analyzed using Haematoxylin & Eosin (H&E) staining and Micro-CT. The levels of receptor activator for nuclear factor-κ B ligand (RANKL) and osteoprotegerin (OPG) were investigated by real-time PCR, Western Blot and immunohistochemical analysis. RASFs were stimulated with Interleukin (IL)-1β and then treated with different concentrations of DEX for 72 h.
Conclusion
Intraarticular injection of DEX could exacerbate bone erosion in CIA model via up-regulation of RANKL expression.
Pirfénidone (Esbriet®) : attention au soleil !
Publication date: Available online 19 October 2018
Source: Annales de Dermatologie et de Vénéréologie
Author(s): J.-L. Schmutz
Interactive patient-customized curvilinear reformatting for improving neurosurgical planning
Abstract
Purpose
Visualizing a brain in its native space plays an essential role during neurosurgical planning because it allows the superficial cerebral veins and surrounding regions to be preserved. This paper describes the use of a visualization tool in which single gadolinium contrast-enhanced T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging was applied in nondefective and nonresective skulls to promote visualization of important structures.
Methods
A curvilinear reformatting tool was applied on the supratentorial compartment to peel the tissues to the depth of the dura mater and thereby revealing cortical and vascular spatial relationships. The major advantage of our proposed tool is that it does not require coregistration of anatomical and vascular volumes.
Results
The reliability of this technique was supported by comparisons between preoperative images and digital photographs of the brain cortical surface obtained after the dura mater was removed in 20 patients who underwent surgery in the Clinics Hospital of the University of Campinas from January 2017 to April 2018.
Conclusion
Single fat-suppressed GAD contrast-enhanced T1-weighted magnetic resonance scans provide accurate preoperative 3D views of cortical and vascular relationships similar to neurosurgeons' intraoperative views. In developing countries with limited access to state-of-the-art health technologies, this imaging approach may improve the safety of complex neurosurgeries.
Second primary melanomas: Increased risk and decreased time to presentation in patients exposed to tanning beds
Publication date: Available online 19 October 2018
Source: Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology
Author(s): Yang Li, Mukti Kulkarni, Kathryn Trinkaus, Lynn A. Cornelius
Background
Melanoma incidence has increased; the primary modifiable risk factor is ultraviolet radiation (UVR) from the sun or artificial UVR (arUVR) from tanning beds.
Objective
To determine whether patients who developed melanoma after arUVR exposure from tanning beds have unique characteristics.
Methods
A retrospective study of 434 melanoma patients was performed. Patients who consented at the initial appointment completed a questionnaire regarding phenotypic traits, medical history, and UVR exposure.
Results
Compared with patients aged ≥40 years, younger patients, especially women, had greater lifetime exposure to arUVR. At any age, patients with multiple primary melanomas had a higher probability of exposure to arUVR. For all patients with additional primary melanomas, those exposed to arUVR acquired their second primary melanoma significantly earlier; 67% of patients exposed to arUVR through tanning beds had their second primary diagnosed at the time of or within 1 year of their original diagnosis compared with 28% of nontanners (P = .011). Median time to diagnosis of second primary melanoma in patients exposed to arUVR versus those not exposed was 225 days versus 3.5 years, respectively (P = .027).
Limitations
The study was conducted in 1 geographic area with a relatively small sample size.
Conclusion
Our findings provide evidence for heightened surveillance in melanoma patients exposed to arUVR.
A Technique to Provide Enhanced Visualization For Suture Cutting In Dermatologic Surgery
Publication date: Available online 19 October 2018
Source: Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology
Author(s): Brett C. Neill, Isadore S. Tarantino, Jason Stevens, Thomas L.H. Hocker
Patient Requests to Alter the Medical Record
Publication date: Available online 19 October 2018
Source: Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology
Author(s): Marissa L.H. Baranowski, Sarah Chisolm, Benjamin K. Stoff
Correlation between DNA/HSA-interactions and antimalarial activity of acridine derivatives: Proposing a possible mechanism of action
Publication date: Available online 19 October 2018
Source: Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology B: Biology
Author(s): Marina de M. Silva, Taís S. Macedo, Helena Mariana P. Teixeira, Diogo Rodrigo M. Moreira, Milena B.P. Soares, Ana Ligia da C. Pereira, Vanessa de L. Serafim, Francisco J.B. Mendonça-Júnior, Maria do Carmo A. de Lima, Ricardo O. de Moura, Edeildo F. da Silva-Júnior, João Xavier de Araújo-Júnior, Maria Dayanne de A. Dantas, Eduarda de O. O. Nascimento, Thamilla Maria S. Maciel, Thiago Mendonça de Aquino, Isis M. Figueiredo, Josué C.C. Santos
Abstract
Acridines are considered an important class of compounds due to their wide variety of biological activities. In this work, we synthesized four acridine derivatives (1–4) and evaluated their biological activity against the Plasmodium falciparum W2 line, as well as studied the interaction with ctDNA and HSA using spectroscopic techniques and molecular docking. The acridine derivative 2 (IC50 = 0.90 ± 0.08 μM) was more effective against P. falciparum than primaquine (IC50 = 1.70 ± 0.10 μM) and similar to amsacrine (IC50 = 0.80 ± 0.10 μM). In the fluorescence and UV–vis assays, it was verified that the acridine derivatives interact with ctDNA and HSA leading to a non-fluorescent supramolecular complex formation. The non-covalent binding constants ranged from 2.09 to 7.76 × 103 M−1, indicating moderate interaction with ctDNA. Through experiments with KI, fluorescence contact energy transfer and competition assays were possible to characterize the main non-covalent binding mode of the acridines evaluated with ctDNA as intercalation. The binding constants obtained showed a high linear correlation with the IC50 values against the antimalarial activity, suggesting that DNA may be the main biological target of these molecules. Finally, HSA interaction studies were performed and all evaluated compounds bind to the site II of the protein. The less active compounds (1 and 3) presented the highest affinity to HSA, indicating that the interaction with carrier protein can affect the (bio)availability of these compounds to the biological target.
Graphical Abstract
Transferring An Organ From An HIV-Positive Donor
Surgeons in South Africa transplanted part of a liver from an HIV-positive mother to her uninfected daughter — a medical first. Scott Simon talks to Dr. Harriet Etheredge, a medical bioethicist.
A Climate Scientist On 'Slaying The Climate Dragon'
Kate Marvel, a climate scientist at Columbia University and NASA, talks to NPR's Scott Simon about her fairy tale on climate change and reads passages from the story.
Correction to: The fitting attitudes analysis of value: an explanatory challenge
Few errors were identified in the original publication of the article. The corrections are as follows.
Clinical and Genetic Risk Factors Associated with Psoriatic Arthritis among Patients with Psoriasis
Abstract
Introduction
Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a chronic, inflammatory arthritis that affects an estimated 30% of patients with psoriasis. PsA is underdiagnosed in primary care and dermatology clinics due to a variety of reasons, including failure of healthcare providers to ask about symptoms, overlap of symptoms and signs with other rheumatologic conditions, and lack of a specific diagnostic test. A delay in PsA diagnosis and treatment, even as short as 6 months, can lead to decreased quality of life, increased joint damage, and worse long-term physical function. In this study, we sought to identify the clinical and genetic factors that help discriminate patients with PsA from those with cutaneous psoriasis only.
Methods
We analyzed a cohort of 974 psoriasis patients at an academic medical center, of whom 175 had confirmed PsA, and performed univariate, multivariate, and predictive modeling to determine factors associated with PsA.
Results
The univariate analysis revealed significant positive associations of PsA with age, nail involvement, scalp involvement, skin fold involvement, elbow/knee involvement, psoriasis severity, plaque subtype, erythrodermic subtype, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and coronary artery disease, and a significant negative association of PsA with the human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-C*06:02 allele. In the multivariate analysis, nail involvement, type 2 diabetes, and pustular psoriasis remained significantly associated with PsA, while HLA-C*06:02 positivity remained protective. There was a trend towards an association of PsA with older age, younger age of psoriasis onset, and skin fold involvement, while there was protective trend for smoking. A predictive model including both clinical and genetic factors showed reasonable discriminative ability between psoriasis and PsA, with an area under the curve of 0.87 for a receiver operating characteristic curve.
Conclusion
This study identified a number of clinical and genetic features that could help stratify patients who are at higher risk for having PsA and for whom rheumatology referral may be beneficial.
Beating tumour drug resistance: “Lamarckian” induction in the spotlight
Pigment Cell &Melanoma Research, Volume 0, Issue ja, -Not available-.
A curated gene list for expanding the horizons of pigmentation biology
Pigment Cell &Melanoma Research, Volume 0, Issue ja, -Not available-.
The 1918 Influenza Pandemic: Looking Back, Looking Forward
Abstract
In commemoration of the centennial of the 1918 influenza pandemic, the American Journal of Epidemiology has convened a collection of 12 articles that further illuminate the epidemiology of that pandemic and consider whether we would be more prepared if an equally deadly influenza virus were to emerge again. In the present commentary, we place these 12 articles in the context of a growing body of work on the archeo-epidemiology of past pandemics, the socioeconomic and geographic drivers of influenza mortality and natality impact, and renewed interest in immune imprinting mechanisms and the development of novel influenza vaccines. We also highlight persisting mysteries in the origins and impact of the 1918 pandemic and the need to preserve rapidly decaying epidemiologic and serological information that may provide treasure troves for future generations.Spectral Properties of Fluorogenic Thiophene‐Derived Triarylmethane Dyes
Photochemistry and Photobiology, Volume 0, Issue ja, -Not available-.
The Xanthophyll Carotenoid Astaxanthin has Distinct Biological Effects to Prevent the Photo‐aging of the Skin Even by its Post‐irradiation Treatment
Photochemistry and Photobiology, Volume 0, Issue ja, -Not available-.
Axitinib Versus Placebo as an Adjuvant Treatment for Renal Cell Carcinoma: Results From the Phase III, Randomized ATLAS Trial
Abstract
Background
The ATLAS trial compared axitinib versus placebo in patients with locoregional renal cell carcinoma (RCC) at risk of recurrence after nephrectomy. Patients and Methods
In a phase III, randomized, double-blind trial, patients had >50% clear-cell RCC, had undergone nephrectomy, and had no evidence of macroscopic residual or metastatic disease (independent review committee [IRC] confirmed). The intent-to-treat population included all randomized patients (≥pT2 and/or N+, any Fuhrman grade [FG], Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group status 0/1). Patients (stratified by risk group/country) received (1:1) oral twice-daily axitinib 5 mg or placebo for ≤3 years, with a 1-year minimum unless recurrence, occurrence of second primary malignancy, significant toxicity, or consent withdrawal. The primary end point was disease-free survival (DFS) per IRC. A prespecified DFS analysis in the highest-risk subpopulation (pT3, FG ≥ 3 or pT4 and/or N+, any T, any FG) was conducted. Results
A total of 724 patients (363 versus 361, axitinib versus placebo) were randomized from May 8, 2012, to July 1, 2016. The trial was stopped due to futility at a preplanned interim analysis at 203 DFS events. There was no significant difference in DFS per IRC (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.870; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.660–1.147; P=0.3211). In the highest-risk subpopulation, a 36% and 27% reduction in risk of a DFS event (HR; 95% CI) was observed per investigator (0.641; 0.468–0.879; P=0.0051), and by IRC (0.735; 0.525–1.028; P=0.0704), respectively. Overall survival data were not mature. Similar adverse events (AEs; 99% versus 92%) and serious AEs (19% versus 14%), but more grade 3/4 AEs (61% versus 30%) were reported for axitinib versus placebo. Conclusions
ATLAS did not meet its primary end point; however, improvement in DFS per investigator was seen in the highest-risk subpopulation. No new safety signals were reported. Trial registration number
NCT01599754Biomarker analysis beyond angiogenesis: RAS/RAF mutation status, tumour sidedness, and second-line ramucirumab efficacy in patients with metastatic colorectal carcinoma from RAISE, a global phase 3 study
Abstract
Background
Second-line treatment with ramucirumab+FOLFIRI improved overall survival (OS) versus placebo+FOLFIRI for patients with metastatic colorectal carcinoma (mCRC) (hazard ratio [HR]=0.84, 95%CI=0.73–0.98, P=0.022). Post-hoc analyses of RAISE patient data examined the association of RAS/RAF mutation status and the anatomical location of the primary CRC tumour (left versus right) with efficacy parameters. Patients and methods
Patient tumour tissue was classified as BRAF mutant, KRAS/NRAS ("RAS") mutant, or RAS/BRAF wild-type. Left-CRC was defined as the splenic flexure, descending and sigmoid colon, and rectum; right-CRC included transverse, ascending colon and cecum. Results
RAS/RAF mutation status was available for 85% of patients (912/1072) and primary tumour location was known for 94.4% of patients (1012/1072). A favourable and comparable ramucirumab treatment effect was observed for patients with RAS mutations (OS HR = 0.86, 95% CI = 0.71–1.04) and patients with RAS/BRAF wild-type tumours (OS HR = 0.86, 95% CI = 0.64–1.14). Among the 41 patients with BRAF-mutated tumours, the ramucirumab benefit was more notable (OS HR = 0.54, 95% CI = 0.25–1.13), although, as with the other genetic subgroup analyses, differences were not statistically significant. Progression-free survival (PFS) data followed the same trend. Treatment-by-mutation status interaction tests (OS P=0.523, PFS P=0.655) indicated that the ramucirumab benefit was not statistically different among the mutation subgroups, although the small sample size of the BRAF group limited the analysis. Addition of ramucirumab to FOLFIRI improved left-CRC median OS by 2.5 month over placebo (HR = 0.81, 95% CI = 0.68–0.97); median OS for ramucirumab-treated patients with right-CRC was 1.1 month over placebo (HR = 0.97, 95% CI = 0.75–1.26). The treatment-by-subgroup interaction was not statistically significant for tumour sidedness (P = 0.276). Conclusions
In the RAISE study, the addition of ramucirumab to FOLFIRI improved patient outcomes, regardless of RAS/RAF mutation status and tumour sidedness. Ramucirumab treatment provided a numerically substantial benefit in BRAF-mutated tumours, although the p-values were not statistically significant. ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT01183780Nanoscale Extracellular Vesicle-Derived DNA is Superior to Circulating Cell Free DNA for Mutation Detection in Early-Stage Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Abstract
Background
The comparison between relatively intact nanoscale extracellular vesicle derived DNA (nEV-DNA) and fragmented circulating cell free DNA (cfDNA) in mutation detection among patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has not been performed yet, and thus deserves investigation. Patients and methods
Both nEV-DNA and cfDNA was obtained from 377 NSCLC patients with known EGFR mutation status and 69 controls. The respective EGFRE19del/T790M/L858R mutation status was interrogated with amplification-refractory-mutation-system-based PCR assays (ARMS-PCR). Results
Neither nEV-DNA nor cfDNA levels show a strong correlation with tumor volumes. There is no correlation between cfDNA and nEV-DNA levels either. The detection sensitivity of nEV-DNA and cfDNA using ARMS-PCR in early-stage NSCLC was 25.7% and 14.2%, respectively, with 96.6% and 91.7% specificity, respectively. In late-stage NSCLC, both nEV-DNA and cfDNA show ∼80% sensitivity and over 95% specificity. Conclusions
nEV-DNA is superior to cfDNA for mutation detection in early-stage NSCLC using ARMS-PCR. However, the advantages vanish in late-stage NSCLC.Niacinamide and 12‐hydroxystearic acid prevented benzo(a)pyrene and squalene peroxides induced hyperpigmentation in skin equivalent
Experimental Dermatology, Volume 0, Issue ja, -Not available-.
Expression of Proton‐sensing G‐Protein‐coupled receptors in selected skin tumors
Experimental Dermatology, Volume 0, Issue ja, -Not available-.
On the relevance of an in vitro reconstructed human epidermis model for drug screening in atopic dermatitis
Experimental Dermatology, Volume 0, Issue ja, -Not available-.
Visualized identification of the maximal surgical delay effect in a rat flap model
Wound Repair and Regeneration, Volume 0, Issue ja, -Not available-.
A pilot study of oral tranexamic acid and Glycyrrhizin compound in the treatment of recalcitrant Riehl’s melanosis
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, EarlyView.
Thymic localization of erythrodermic cutaneous T‐cell lymphoma
British Journal of Dermatology, Volume 0, Issue ja, -Not available-.
The epithelial zinc transporter ZIP10 epigenetically regulates human epidermal homeostasis by modulating histone acetyltransferase activity
British Journal of Dermatology, Volume 0, Issue ja, -Not available-.
Alitretinoin in punctate palmoplantar keratoderma
British Journal of Dermatology, Volume 0, Issue ja, -Not available-.
Harnessing autophagy to overcome MEK‐inhibitor induced resistance in metastatic melanoma
British Journal of Dermatology, Volume 0, Issue ja, -Not available-.
Association of CCL2 with systemic inflammation in Schnitzler's syndrome
British Journal of Dermatology, Volume 0, Issue ja, -Not available-.
Reporting of sample size calculations for randomized trials in dermatology: comparison of publications with registries
British Journal of Dermatology, Volume 0, Issue ja, -Not available-.
Atopic dermatitis, educational attainment and psychological functioning: a national cohort study
British Journal of Dermatology, Volume 0, Issue ja, -Not available-.
Παρασκευή 19 Οκτωβρίου 2018
Black pepper and its bioactive constituent piperine: promising therapeutic strategies for oral lichen planus
Abstract
Oral lichen planus (OLP) is a common T cell-mediated chronic inflammatory disease with malignant potential and unclear etiology. The present study suggests that antigen-specific mechanisms in which dentritic cells, T lymphocytes and NF-κB signaling pathway play critical roles, are involved in the pathogenesis of OLP. Additionally, it has been indicated that altered expression of cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) and imbalanced oxidant-antioxidant status as well as psychological issue may act as promoters to the development of OLP. Therapies for OLP are primarily aimed to control symptoms and a specific cure is not yet available. Black pepper and its principle bioactive compound piperine have been reported to possess remarkable pharmacological activities. Not only has piperine been evidenced to exhibit repressive effects on the maturation of dentritic cells, the proliferation, activation and function of T lymphocytes as well as the NF-κB signaling pathway, but also to suppress the overproduction of COX-2 and weaken the oxidative stress. Furthermore, piperine might be a possible agent for alleviating psychological disorders and preventing carcinogenesis. Given all these into consideration, piperine may be a novel and effective therapeutic strategy for OLP.
Platelets: the holy grail in cancer blood biomarker research?
Abstract
We would like to promote the fact that platelets are increasingly emerging as a rich source of potential biomarkers for cancer. Blood platelets contain vast amounts of bioactive proteins, such as growth factors, chemokines, and cytokines. These proteins are either synthesized by the megakaryocytes that produce the platelets or are sequestered by the circulating platelets from the blood, in which case these proteins may originate from the tumor. Recent studies in patients have demonstrated that the presence of cancer influences multiple platelet characteristics (e.g., platelet count, volume, activation status, proteins, and RNA content). Interestingly, these changes happened already in early stages of the disease before metastasis had occurred. Additionally, exploiting these platelet alterations enabled discrimination of patients with early-stage cancer from healthy sex- and age-matched individuals. Therefore, we challenge clinicians and researchers to look beyond traditional fluid sources such as plasma or serum, and to take platelets and their content into account as they may become the holy grail in cancer blood biomarker research.
Esthetic and functional result of crooked nose treatment; internal microperforating osteotomy and subtotal septal reconstruction
Abstract
Crooked nose is mostly characterized by a deviation of both the bone and the cartilaginous parts of the nose. In order to obtain proper functional and improved esthetic results, both of these parts have to be corrected. The objective of this study is to evaluate the esthetical and the functional outcomes following correction procedures of the bone pyramid through internal microperforating technique and the cartilaginous part through subtotal septal reconstruction. The medical records of 158 patients who have undergone through primary septorhinoplasty for crooked nose treatment during the period of 21 June 2016 and 31 July 2017 have been reviewed. Functional results have been evaluated using the Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) scores and the esthetical results through Rhinoplasty Outcome Evaluation (ROE) scores. The observation times have been arranged preoperatively as 6 months–1 year (group 1) and 1–2 years (group 2). Septorhinoplasty procedure has been performed on 158 patients with crooked noses. Out of this number, 104 of the patients (65.8%) were women and 54 were men (34.2%). The average age of the patients was 31.59 (9.3%), all of who have undergone this procedure. There was a significant improvement (P < 0.001) in the NOSE and the ROE scores of group 1 and group 2, which was statistically significant. There was no difference between group 1 and group 2. In crooked nose treatment, correction of the deviated bone pyramid using internal microperforating osteotomy and correction of the severely deviated septum using subtotal septal reconstruction yield improved functional and esthetic results.
Level of Evidence: Level V, therapeutic study.
Coffee May Reduce Rosacea Risk
Caffeinated coffee was associated with a significant reduction in risk of rosacea but other sources of caffeine, such as soda and tea, did not appear protective.
Medscape Medical News
Practical and clinical utility of non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation (nVNS) for the acute treatment of migraine: a post hoc analysis of the randomized, sham-controlled, double-blind PRESTO trial
The PRESTO study of non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation (nVNS; gammaCore®) featured key primary and secondary end points recommended by the International Headache Society to provide Class I evidence that for ...
Spray Drift from a Conventional Axial Fan Airblast Sprayer in a Modern Orchard Work Environment
Abstract
Pesticide spray drift represents an important cause of crop damage and farmworker illness, especially among orchard workers. We drew upon exposure characteristics from known human illness cases to design a series of six spray trials that measured drift from a conventional axial fan airblast sprayer operating in a modern orchard work environment. Polyester line drift samples (n = 270; 45 per trial) were suspended on 15 vertical masts downwind of foliar applications of zinc, molybdenum, and copper micronutrient tracers. Samples were analyzed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and resulting masses were normalized by sprayer tank mix concentration to create tracer-based drift volume levels. Mixed-effects modeling described these levels in the context of spatial variability and buffers designed to protect workers from drift exposure. Field-based measurements showed evidence of drift up to 52 m downwind, which is approximately 1.7 times greater than the 30 m (100 ft) 'Application Exclusion Zone' defined for airblast sprayers by the United States Environmental Protection Agency Worker Protection Standard. When stratified by near (5 m), mid (26 m), and far (52 m) distances, geometric means and standard deviations for drift levels were 257 (1.8), 52 (2.0), and 20 (2.3) µl, respectively. Fixed effect model coefficients showed that higher wind speed [0.53; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.35, 0.70] and sampling height (0.16; 95% CI: 0.11, 0.20) were positively associated with drift; increasing downwind distance (−0.05; 95% CI: −0.06, −0.04) was negatively associated with drift. Random effects showed large within-location variability, but relatively few systematic changes for individual locations across spray trials after accounting for wind speed, height, and distance. Our study findings demonstrate that buffers may offer drift exposure protection to orchard workers from airblast spraying. Variables such as orchard architecture, sampling height, and wind speed should be included in the evaluation and mitigation of risks from drift exposure. Data from our study may prove useful for estimating potential exposure and validating orchard-based bystander exposure models.Response to Dobie et al. Letter, ‘Exchange Rate and Risk of Noise-induced Hearing Loss in Construction Workers’
We thank Dobie et al. for their letter and the additional discussion around this important issue. However, we believe that Dobie et al. have mischaracterized or misrepresented multiple aspects of our study. We hope this response will help clarify these issues for Dobie et al. and other readers.
A Slow Trip To A Hot Planet: Spacecraft Poised For Mission To Mercury
The European Space Agency's BepiColombo will take seven years to reach the innermost planet in our solar system, where temperatures at the surface can reach 800 degrees Fahrenheit.
(Image credit: NASA, Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, Carnegie Institution of Washington via AP)
One-year outcomes in children with eosinophilic esophagitis
Abstract
Background and aims
Despite rising incidence of eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE), data on the follow-up and treatment outcomes in pediatric patients are scarce. Therefore, the aim of this study was to present data on the treatment outcomes in children diagnosed with EoE who were treated in a tertiary medical center.
Patients and methods
A retrospective study involving patients younger than 18 years who were diagnosed with EoE in our center between January 2011 and June 2017.
Results
Thirty-two patients met inclusion criteria and were followed up for a mean of 3 years (range 0.5–6.8). Six months after the diagnosis, 28 (87.5%) children were still followed up; 21 (75%) were in clinical remission, including 10 (36%) who were in histological remission. After 12 months, 27 patients were still followed up; 21 (78%) achieved clinical remission, including 10 (37%) with histological remission. During follow-up, three patients developed gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). There was no difference in body mass index (BMI) Z score between baseline and 12 months follow-up (median − 0.3 vs − 0.3 SD, p = 0.862).
Conclusions
Absence of symptoms does not indicate mucosal healing; therefore, patients should be followed up endoscopically. Additionally, despite restricted diet, nutritional status remains unaffected. Finally, patients with EoE can develop significant GERD even years after the EoE diagnosis.
Grounding the normative: a problem for structured non-naturalism
Abstract
Many non-naturalists about the normative want to endorse the view that some normative facts hold in virtue of both non-normative facts and normative principles. In this paper, I argue that non-naturalism is inconsistent with this thesis, due to the nature of normative principles and their grounds. I then consider two ways in which the nonnaturalist position could be modified or expanded to solve this problem. No solution, it turns out, is without its problems. I end by considering how the non-naturalist can deny that normative facts obtain partially in virtue of principles.
Bio-synthesis of Barleria gibsoni leaf extract mediated zinc oxide nanoparticles and their formulation gel for wound therapy in nursing care of infants and children
Publication date: Available online 18 October 2018
Source: Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology B: Biology
Author(s): Feng Shao, AiJun Yang, Dong Mei Yu, Juan Wang, Xue Gong, Hong Xiao Tian
Abstract
Bio-synthesis of nano-metal oxide particles is gaining lot of significance and recommended as promising substitute not only physical methods but also chemical methods. Here in, we demonstrate the nano-zinc oxide (nano-ZnO) particles were successfully prepared by an eco-friendly process using plant Barleria gibsoni (B. gibsoni) aqueous leaf extract. The water leaf extract of B. gibsoni responsible for not only reducing source but also protective agent. The prepared nano-ZnO particles were studied by UV–Vis diffuse reflectance (UV-DRS), Photoluminescence (PL), Fourier transform (FT-IR) infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction spectroscopy (X-RD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), thermal stability was studied by thermogravimetric and differential thermal (TG-DTA) analysis and particle size by zeta sizer, dynamic light scattering (DLS). UV-DRS spectrum of nano-ZnO particles showed below at wave length 400 nm. FT-IR spectra showed that plant metabolites like polyphenols, flavonoids and amino acids etc., are act as reducing and protective agent. X-RD studies revealed the formed nano-ZnO particles have hexagonal (wurtzite) structure. TEM analysis confirmed the range of nanoparticles between 30 and 80 nm, which is supported by DLS analysis. The antibacterial property of synthesized nano-ZnO particles was tested with bacterial pathogens showed good results. The developed nano-ZnO gel act as an efficient and superior another tropical antimicrobial formulations for healing of burn infections. Moreover, the formulated nano-ZnO gel exhibited a remarkable wound healing potential in rats.
Graphical abstract
Evaluating Patient Responses to Omalizumab in Solar Urticaria
Photodermatology, Photoimmunology &Photomedicine, Volume 0, Issue ja, -Not available-.
Enhanced Production of Hypocrellin A in Submerged Cultures of Shiraia bambusicola by Red Light
Photochemistry and Photobiology, Volume 0, Issue ja, -Not available-.
Platelet‐rich plasma: Potential role in combined therapy for vitiligo
Dermatologic Therapy, Volume 0, Issue ja, -Not available-.
Vulvar Cancer Association with Groin Hidradenitis Suppurativa: A Large, Urban, Midwestern U.S. Patient Population Study
Publication date: Available online 18 October 2018
Source: Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology
Author(s): Supriya Rastogi, Kevin R. Patel, Vivek Singam, Yasmeen Ali, Jing Gao, Ahmad Amin, Bethanee J. Schlosser, Dennis P. West, Beatrice Nardone
Tumor necrosis factor-alpha inhibitors for the treatment of pyoderma gangrenosum not associated with inflammatory bowel diseases: a multicenter retrospective study
Publication date: Available online 18 October 2018
Source: Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology
Author(s): Laurie Rousset, Adèle de Masson, Edouard Begon, Axel Villani, Maxime Battistella, Michel Rybojad, Marie Jachiet, Martine Bagot, Jean-David Bouaziz, Clémence Lepelletier
Epidemiology of Nickel Sensitivity: Retrospective Cross-Sectional Analysis of North American Contact Dermatitis Group (NACDG) Data 1994-2014
Publication date: Available online 18 October 2018
Source: Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology
Author(s): Erin M. Warshaw, Amy J. Zhang, Joel G. DeKoven, Howard I. Maibach, Donald V. Belsito, Denis Sasseville, Joseph F. Fowler, Anthony F. Fransway, Toby Mathias, Melanie D. Pratt, James G. Marks, Kathryn A. Zug, Matthew J. Zirwas, James S. Taylor, Vincent A. DeLeo
Abstract
Background
Nickel is a common allergen.
Objective
To examine the epidemiology of nickel sensitivity in North America.
Methods
Retrospective, cross-sectional analysis of 44,097 patients patch tested by the North American Contact Dermatitis Group from 1994-2014. Nickel sensitivity was defined as a positive patch test to nickel. We evaluated frequency of nickel sensitivity and patient demographics. For each positive nickel reaction, we tabulated clinical relevance, occupational relatedness, and exposure sources.
Results
Average frequency of nickel sensitivity was 17.5% (1994-2014). Nickel sensitivity significantly increased over time (14.3% 1994-1996 to 20.1% 2013-2014, p<0.0001). Nickel sensitive patients were significantly more likely to be female, young, non-Caucasian, atopic (eczema and asthma), and/or have dermatitis affecting the face, scalp, ears, neck, arm, or trunk (p values ≤0.0474). Overall, 55.5% of reactions were currently clinically relevant; this frequency significantly increased over time (44.1% 1994-1996 to 51.6% 2013-2014, p<0.0001). Occupational relatedness was 3.7% overall with a significant decrease over time (7.9% 1994-1996 to 1.9% 2013-2014, p<0.0001). Jewelry was the most common source.
Limitations
Tertiary referral population.
Conclusions
Nickel allergy is of significant public health importance in North America. The frequency of nickel sensitivity in patients referred for patch testing has significantly increased over a 20-year period.
Hydrocolloid Dressing Application for the Treatment of Pediatric Onychodystrophies
Publication date: Available online 18 October 2018
Source: Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology
Author(s): Solomon Geizhals, Christine T. Lauren, Shari R. Lipner
Antioxidant supplements in combination with phototherapy for vitiligo: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Publication date: Available online 18 October 2018
Source: Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology
Author(s): Han Mi Jung, Yu Seok Jung, Ji Hae Lee, Gyong Moon Kim, Jung Min Bae
Effect of Physical and Chemical Hair Removal Methods on Skin Barrier Function in vitro: Consequences for a Hydrophilic Model Permeant
Background: Although very common in our society, the effect of hair removal on physiological skin parameters and on the ingress of applied chemicals has not been systematically investigated. Thus, as a first step, the aim of the present study was to elucidate the effect of hair removal through epilation (electric epilation, waxing) and depilation (dry and wet shaving, depilatory cream) on skin properties in vitro using the porcine ear model. Methods: Attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, measurement of the transepidermal water loss (TEWL), visualization by capacitance-based contact imaging, confocal Raman spectroscopy (CRS), diffusion cell studies and tape stripping experiments were employed. Results: Increased TEWL and altered skin permittivity maps were observed. Decreased stratum corneum thickness was observed after waxing. Diffusion cell studies showed increased skin permeation especially in case of dry shaving, electric epilation and waxing. Conclusion: Considering CRS and diffusion cell data, a moderate if significant decrease in skin barrier function was found after hair removal by dry shaving (physical skin/material interaction) and epilation methods (plucking out the entire hair, for example, by electrical epilation and waxing). Subsequent experiments will include testing of different permeants covering a broad range of physicochemical properties in vitro and confirming our findings in vivo.
Skin Pharmacol Physiol 2019;32:8–21
Skin Pharmacol Physiol 2019;32:8–21
Research Techniques Made Simple: Transepidermal Water Loss Measurement as a Research Tool
Transepidermal water loss (TEWL) is the most widely used objective measurement for assessing the barrier function of skin in healthy individuals but also patients with skin diseases that are associated with skin barrier dysfunction, such as atopic dermatitis. TEWL is the quantity of condensed water that diffuses across a fixed area of stratum corneum to the skin surface per unit time. The water evaporating from the skin is measured using a probe that is placed in contact with the skin surface and contains sensors that detect changes in water vapor density.
Clinical Snippets
The opportunistic skin bacterium Propionibacterium acnes has been linked to acne vulgaris, a condition that affects more than 40 million people in the United States and has mostly inadequate or intolerable therapies. Following prior studies indicating that the P. acnes secretory virulence factor Christie-Atkins-Munch-Peterson (CAMP) factor is the main source of inflammation in acne vulgaris, Wang and colleagues demonstrated that a vaccination strategy targeting CAMP factor reduced the growth of P. acnes, diminished associated erythema, and limited production of proinflammatory cytokines in mice.
Editors’ Picks
Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) has the clinical and molecular features of a tumor that is likely to respond to systemic immunotherapy, as this tumor harbors a high mutational load and incidence is increased in immunocompromised patients. While nearly all cases are cured with surgery, in the remaining 5%, the tumor becomes metastatic or locally advanced, requiring palliative systemic therapy due to a lack of efficacious approved systemic therapies. In early phase I trials, the human monoclonal antibody to programmed death-1 (PD-1), cemiplimab, elicited a durable response in patients with advanced disease.
SnapshotDx Quiz: November 2018
Editorial note: Welcome to the Journal of Investigative Dermatology (JID) SnapshotDx Quiz. In this monthly online-only quiz, the first question ("What is your diagnosis?") relates to the clinical images above, while additional questions concern the findings reported in the JID article by Rahbar et al. (https://ift.tt/2PG6iDx).
Cells to Surgery Quiz: November 2018
Editorial note: Welcome to the Journal of Investigative Dermatology (JID) Cells to Surgery Quiz. In this monthly online-only quiz, the first question ("What is your diagnosis?") relates to the clinical image above, while additional questions concern the findings reported in a JID article by Tucker et al (https://ift.tt/2PbjraL).
Zebrafish Models of Ectopic Mineralization—The Paradigm of Pseudoxanthoma Elasticum
Zebrafish represent a powerful model system with which to study human biology and pathology. Recently developed CRISPR/Cas9 technology enables genetic manipulation with precision. Using CRISPR/Cas9 methodology, van Gils et al. generated knockout zebrafish for abcc6a, the orthologue of human ABCC6 that is mutated in pseudoxanthoma elasticum. Although similarities exist between this and other abcc6a zebrafish models, none fully recapitulate phenotypes of human pseudoxanthoma elasticum.
General Relative Rate Models for the Analysis of Case-Cohort Designs
Abstract
A standard approach to analysis of case-cohort data involves fitting log-linear models. We describe how standard statistical software can be used to fit a broad class of general relative rate models to case-cohort data and derive confidence intervals. We focus on a case-cohort design in which a roster has been assembled and events ascertained, but additional information needs to be collected on explanatory variables. The additional information is ascertained just for individuals who experience the event of interest and for a sample of the cohort members enumerated at study entry. One appeal of such a case-cohort design is that this sample of the cohort may be used to support analyses of several outcomes. The ability to fit general relative rate models to case cohort data may allow an investigator to reduce model misspecification in exposure-response analyses, fit models in which some factors have effects that are additive and others multiplicative, and facilitate estimation of relative excess risk due to interaction. We address model fitting for simple random sampling designs as well as stratified designs. Data on lung cancer among radon exposed men are used to illustrate these methods.A human subcutaneous infection by Microascus ennothomasiorum sp. nov
Mycoses, Volume 0, Issue ja, -Not available-.
Usefulness of the skin biopsy as a tool in the diagnosis of silvery hair syndrome
Pediatric Dermatology, EarlyView.
Long‐term off‐label dupilumab in pediatric atopic dermatitis: A case series
Pediatric Dermatology, EarlyView.
Pitfalls in the diagnosis and management of Kawasaki disease: An update for the pediatric dermatologist
Pediatric Dermatology, EarlyView.
Response to ustekinumab in three pediatric patients with alopecia areata
Pediatric Dermatology, EarlyView.
Infective dermatitis associated with HTLV‐1 infection in a girl from Trinidad: Case report and review of literature
Pediatric Dermatology, EarlyView.
Πέμπτη 18 Οκτωβρίου 2018
Treatment of pediatric alopecia areata with anthralin: A retrospective study of 37 patients
Pediatric Dermatology, EarlyView.
Prospective Multicenter Study of Changes in MTT after Aneurysmal SAH and Relationship to Delayed Cerebral Ischemia in Patients with Good- and Poor-Grade Admission Status [ADULT BRAIN]
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE:
Patients with aneurysmal SAH and good clinical status at admission are considered at a lower risk for delayed cerebral ischemia. Prolonged MTT may be associated with an increased risk. It is unclear whether this is dependent on clinical status. Our purpose was to determine whether increased MTT within 3 days of aneurysmal SAH compared with baseline is associated with a higher risk of delayed cerebral ischemia in patients with good (World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies I–III) versus poor (World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies IV–V) admission status.
MATERIALS AND METHODS:This prolonged MTT was a multicenter, prospective cohort investigation of 87 patients with aneurysmal SAH. MTT was measured at admission before aneurysm treatment (MTT1) and following repair (MTT2) within 3 days of admission; MTTdiff was calculated as the difference between MTT2 and MTT1. Changes in MTT across time were assessed with repeated measures analyses. Risk of delayed cerebral ischemia or death was determined with multivariate logistic regression analysis.
RESULTS:In patients with a good grade (n = 49), MTT was prolonged in patients who developed delayed cerebral ischemia, with MTTdiff significantly greater (0.82 ± 1.5) compared with those who did not develop delayed cerebral ischemia (–0.14 ± 0.98) (P = .03). Prolonged MTT was associated with a significantly higher risk of delayed cerebral ischemia or death (OR = 3.1; 95% CI, 1.3–7.4; P = .014) on multivariate analysis. In patients with poor grades (n = 38), MTTdiff was not greater in patients who developed delayed cerebral ischemia; MTT1 was significantly prolonged compared with patients with a good grade.
CONCLUSIONS:Patients in good clinical condition following aneurysmal SAH but with increasing MTT in the first few days after aneurysmal SAH are at high risk of delayed cerebral ischemia and warrant close clinical monitoring.
The Central Vein: FLAIR Signal Abnormalities Associated with Developmental Venous Anomalies in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis [ADULT BRAIN]
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE:
Demyelination is a recently recognized cause of FLAIR hyperintensities associated with developmental venous anomalies. Our purpose was to quantify the prevalence of white matter signal abnormalities associated with developmental venous anomalies in patients with multiple sclerosis compared with controls.
MATERIALS AND METHODS:A retrospective, blinded, multireader study compared the prevalence of FLAIR hyperintense signal abnormalities adjacent to developmental venous anomalies in patients with MS compared with controls (patients with developmental venous anomalies without MS). Study findings were positive if a central vein was demonstrated using FLAIR and contrast-enhanced fat-saturated T1 sequences. Imaging parameters also included developmental venous anomaly location, developmental venous anomaly drainage, white matter lesion size, and depth of white matter lesions. Clinical parameters included age, sex, and the presence of confounding variables (hypertension, diabetes, migraines, and/or vasculopathy).
RESULTS:FLAIR signal abnormality was present around 47.3% (35/74) of developmental venous anomalies in patients with MS, and 13.5% (10/74) of developmental venous anomalies in the control group (P < .001). The multivariate logistic regression model controlling for covariates (including migraines, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, vasculopathy, age, sex, and drainage direction of developmental venous anomalies) showed that the odds of FLAIR hyperintensity around developmental venous anomalies was 6.7-fold higher in patients with MS (relative risk MS = 6.68; 95% CI, 2.79–15.97; P < .001).
CONCLUSIONS:The association of developmental venous anomalies and FLAIR hyperintensities was more common in patients with MS, which suggests that the underlying demyelinating pathologic process of MS may be the cause of this propensity in patients with MS. Impaired venous drainage in the territory of developmental venous anomalies may predispose to development of these lesions, and an associated central vein is helpful in understanding an atypical location of MS plaques.
Outcomes of Stent Retriever versus Aspiration-First Thrombectomy in Ischemic Stroke: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis [INTERVENTIONAL]
BACKGROUND:
There is ongoing debate regarding the optimal first-line thrombectomy technique for large-vessel occlusion.
PURPOSE:We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of comparative studies on stent retriever–first and aspiration-first thrombectomy.
DATA SOURCES:We searched Ovid MEDLINE, PubMed, and EMBASE from 2009 to February 2018.
STUDY SELECTION:Two reviewers independently selected the studies. The primary end point was successful reperfusion (TICI 2b/3).
DATA ANALYSIS:Random-effects meta-analysis was used for analysis.
DATA SYNTHESIS:Eighteen studies including 2893 patients were included. There was no significant difference in the rate of final successful reperfusion (83.9% versus 83.3%; OR = 0.87; 95% CI, 0.62%–1.27%) or good functional outcome (mRS 0–2) at 90 days (OR = 1.07; 95% CI, 0.80–1.44) between the stent-retriever thrombectomy and aspiration groups. The stent-retriever thrombectomy–first group achieved a statistically significant higher TICI 2b/3 rate after the first-line device than the aspiration-first group (74.9% versus 66.4%; OR = 1.53; 95% CI, 1.14%–2.05%) and resulted in lower use of a rescue device (19.9% versus 32.5%; OR = 0.36; 95% CI, 0.14%–0.90%). The aspiration-first approach resulted in a statistically shorter groin-to-reperfusion time (weighted mean difference, 7.15 minutes; 95% CI, 1.63–12.67 minutes). There was no difference in the number of passes, symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage, vessel dissection or perforation, and mortality between groups.
LIMITATIONS:Most of the included studies were nonrandomized. There was significant heterogeneity in some of the outcome variables.
CONCLUSIONS:Stent-retriever thrombectomy–first and aspiration-first thrombectomy were associated with comparable final reperfusion rates and functional outcome. Stent-retriever thrombectomy was superior in achieving reperfusion as a stand-alone first-line technique, with lower use of rescue devices but a longer groin-to-reperfusion time.
Aberrant Structural Brain Connectivity in Adolescents with Attentional Problems Who Were Born Prematurely [PEDIATRICS]
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE:
Differences in structural brain connectivity that underlie inattention have been previously investigated in adolescents with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, but not in the context of premature birth, which is often associated with attentional problems. The purpose of this study was to identify the neural correlates of attentional problems in adolescents born prematurely and determine neonatal predictors of those neural correlates and attention problems.
MATERIALS AND METHODS:The study included 24 adolescents (12.5 ± 1.8 years of age; 12 girls, 12 boys) who were born prematurely and underwent MR imaging of the brain and cognitive assessment, both shortly after birth and as adolescents. Structural connectivity was assessed at adolescence using diffusion tensor imaging and tractography.
RESULTS:Of the 24 subjects, 12 had attention deficits. A set of axonal pathways connecting the frontal, parietal, temporal, and occipital lobes had significantly lower fractional anisotropy in subjects with attentional problems. The temporoparietal connection between the left precuneus and left middle temporal gyrus was the most significantly underconnected interlobar axonal pathway. Low birth weight and ventriculomegaly, but not white matter injury or intraventricular hemorrhage on neonatal MR imaging, predicted temporoparietal hypoconnectivity in adolescence. However, neither birth weight nor other neonatal characteristics were associated with attention deficits directly.
CONCLUSIONS:We identified an aberrant structural brain connectivity pattern, involving temporoparietal hypoconnectivity, in prematurely born adolescents with attentional problems. We also identified birth weight as a potential neonatal predictor of the temporoparietal hypoconnectivity. These findings add to our understanding of the neural basis and etiology of inattention in adolescents after premature birth.
Systematic Assessment of Multispectral Voxel-Based Morphometry in Previously MRI-Negative Focal Epilepsy [ADULT BRAIN]
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE:
Voxel-based morphometry is widely used for detecting gray matter abnormalities in epilepsy. However, its performance with changing parameters, smoothing and statistical threshold, is debatable. More important, the potential yield of combining multiple MR imaging contrasts (multispectral voxel-based morphometry) is still unclear. Our aim was to objectify smoothing and statistical cutoffs and systematically compare the performance of multispectral voxel-based morphometry with existing T1 voxel-based morphometry in patients with focal epilepsy and previously negative MRI.
MATERIALS AND METHODS:3D T1-, T2-, and T2-weighted FLAIR scans were acquired for 62 healthy volunteers and 13 patients with MR imaging negative for focal epilepsy on a Magnetom Skyra 3T scanner with an isotropic resolution of 0.9 mm3. We systematically optimized the main voxel-based morphometry parameters, smoothing level and statistical cutoff, with T1 voxel-based morphometry as a reference. As a next step, the performance of multispectral voxel-based morphometry models, T1+T2, T1+FLAIR, and T1+T2+FLAIR, was compared with that of T1 voxel-based morphometry using gray matter concentration and gray matter volume analysis.
RESULTS:We found the best performance of T1 at 12 mm and a T-threshold (statistical cutoff) of 3.7 for gray matter concentration analysis. When we incorporated these parameters, after expert visual interpretation of concordant and discordant findings, we identified T1+FLAIR as the best model with a concordant rate of 46.2% and a concordant rate/discordant rate of 1.20 compared with T1 with 30.8% and 0.67, respectively. Visual interpretation of voxel-based morphometry findings decreased concordant rates from 38.5%–46.2% to 15.4%–46.2% and discordant rates from 53.8%–84.6% to 30.8%–46.2% and increased specificity across models from 33.9%–40.3% to 46.8%–54.8%.
CONCLUSIONS:Multispectral voxel-based morphometry, especially T1+FLAIR, can yield superior results over single-channel T1 in focal epilepsy patients with a negative conventional MR imaging.
MR Imaging in Meniere Disease: Is the Contact between the Vestibular Endolymphatic Space and the Oval Window a Reliable Biomarker? [HEAD & NECK]
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE:
No reliable MR imaging marker for the diagnosis of Menière disease has been reported. Our aim was to investigate whether the obliteration of the inferior portion of the vestibule and the contact with the stapes footplate by the vestibular endolymphatic space are reliable MR imaging markers in the diagnosis of Menière disease.
MATERIALS AND METHODS:We retrospectively enrolled 49 patients, 24 affected by unilateral sudden hearing loss and 25 affected by definite Menière disease, who had undergone a 4-hour delayed 3D-FLAIR sequence. Two readers analyzed the MR images investigating whether the vestibular endolymphatic space bulged in the third inferior portion of the vestibule contacting the stapes footplate. This sign was defined as the vestibular endolymphatic space contacting the oval window.
RESULTS:We analyzed 98 ears: 27 affected by Menière disease, 24 affected by sudden sensorineural hearing loss, and 47 that were healthy. The vestibular endolymphatic space contacting the oval window showed an almost perfect interobserver agreement (Cohen = 0.87; 95% CI, 0.69–1). The vestibular endolymphatic space contacting oval window showed the following: sensitivity = 81%, specificity = 96%, positive predictive value = 88%, and negative predictive value = 93% in differentiating Menière disease ears from other ears. The vestibular endolymphatic space contacting the oval window showed the following: sensitivity = 81%, specificity = 96%, positive predictive value = 96%, negative predictive value = 82% in differentiating Menière disease ears from sudden sensorineural hearing loss ears.
CONCLUSIONS:The vestibular endolymphatic space contacting the oval window has high specificity and positive predictive value in differentiating Menière disease ears from other ears, thus resulting in a valid tool for ruling in Menière disease in patients with mimicking symptoms.
Spinal Epidural Arteriovenous Fistula with Perimedullary Venous Reflux: Clinical and Neuroradiologic Features of an Underestimated Vascular Disorder [SPINE]
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE:
The purpose of this study was to discuss the clinical and radiologic characteristics of spinal epidural arteriovenous fistulas (SEAVF) and demonstrate their specific angiomorphology in a single-center series.
MATERIALS AND METHODS:Thirteen consecutive patients were diagnosed with SEAVF at RWTH Aachen University Hospital between 2006 and 2018 and were included in this study. All patients had MR imaging and DSA before treatment; 10 of these 13 patients received contrast-enhanced MRA (CE-MRA).
RESULTS:The mean patient age was 72 ± 8 years. Paraparesis was present in 12 (92%) patients. Sphincter dysfunction and sensory symptoms were observed in 7 (54%) and 6 (46%) patients, respectively. The mean duration of symptoms was 6 ± 8 months. Congestive myelopathy on MR imaging was present in all patients. Prominent arterialized perimedullary veins were demonstrated in only 3 cases. CE-MRA revealed arterialized perimedullary veins and an arterialized epidural pouch in 9/10 (90%) patients, mostly located ventrolaterally. DSA demonstrated a multisegmental extension of the arterialized ventrolateral epidural pouch in 6 (46%) cases. An intradural radicular drainage vein was localized distant from the original fistula point in 3 (23%) patients.
CONCLUSIONS:Congestive myelopathy with an acute/subacute clinical course was the dominant finding in spinal epidural arteriovenous fistulas. CE-MRA is a powerful diagnostic tool for identifying arterialized perimedullary veins as well as an arterialized epidural pouch. While arterialized perimedullary veins frequently present with only mild enlargement and elongation in spinal epidural arteriovenous fistulas, the arterialized epidural pouch is frequently located ventrolaterally and may extend over several vertebral levels. DSA remains the criterion standard to precisely visualize a spinal epidural arteriovenous fistula and its intradural radicular drainage vein, which may be located distant from the fistulous point.
EGR3 is a late epidermal differentiation regulator that establishes the skin-specific gene network
Late epidermal differentiation is a key step of skin barrier formation; however, the specific genetic factors that distinguish late differentiation from early differentiation remain unknown. Here, we demonstrated that early growth response factor 3 (EGR3) is highly expressed in the stratum granulosum, and that it contributes to late epidermal differentiation. However, its expression is lost under poorly differentiated conditions such as the parakeratosis-lesional skin. EGR3 mediated the regulation of genes located in the epidermal differentiation complex (EDC) through activation of enhancers and induction of enhancer RNAs.
Scientists Learn To Hear The 'Songs' Of Ice Shelves
Scientists have found a new way to analyze the structural integrity of ice shelves at the end of the world, through the songs the winds sing on top of them.
(Image credit: De Agostini Picture Library/De Agostini/Getty Images)
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A Case of Diprosopus Tetraophthalmos: Ocular Findings and Surgical Treatment of Exposure KeratopathyDiprosopus is a rare variation of conjoined twinning. In this report, ophthalmic findings in an infant with diprosopus tetraophthalmos are p...
