Insulin attenuates TNFα-induced hemopexin mRNA: An anti-inflammatory action of insulin in rat H4IIE hepatoma cells.

Proinflammatory cytokines, including TNF-α and IL-6, can contribute to insulin resistance. Conversely, insulin has some actions that can be considered anti-inflammatory. Hemopexin is a Class 2 acute phase reactant and control of its transcription is predominantly regulated by IL-6, with TNF-α and IL-1β also inducing hemopexin gene expression.

The public cancer radiology imaging collections of The Cancer Imaging Archive.

The Cancer Imaging Archive (TCIA) is the U.S. National Cancer Institute's repository for cancer imaging and related information.

Renal Cell Carcinoma in Renal Transplantation: The Case for Surveillance.

Introduction: Between January 2013 and September 2015, 135 consecutive renal transplant patients were screened prospectively with ultrasound for renal cell carcinoma (RCC).

Results: Eighteen ultrasound abnormalities were identified with 4 solid lesions detected. Fifty-six other patients were screened retrospectively by referring nephrology groups, with 6 additional malignancies found.

Comparing inpatient versus outpatient bowel preparation in children and adolescents undergoing appendicovesicostomy.

Purpose: The need for mechanical inpatient bowel preparation (IBP) in reconstructive pediatric urology has come under scrutiny, secondary to literature demonstrating little benefit regarding outcomes. Starting in 2013, a majority of patients undergoing reconstructive procedures at our institution no longer underwent IBP. We hypothesized that outpatient bowel preparation (OBP) would reduce length of stay (LOS) without increasing postoperative complications after appendicovesicostomy surgery.

A modified DGT technique for the simultaneous measurement of dissolved inorganic nitrogen and phosphorus in freshwaters.

A modified diffusive gradients in thin films (DGT) technique uses both a mixed binding layer (PrCH and A520E resins for NH-N and NO-N, respectively) and multiple binding layers (Metsorb binding layer for PO-P overlying the mixed binding layer) for the simultaneous measurement of dissolved inorganic nitrogen (nitrate and ammonium) and phosphate in freshwater (INP-DGT). High uptake and elution efficiencies were determined for a mixed (PrCH/A520E) binding gel for dissolved inorganic nitrogen and an agarose-based Metsorb binding layer for PO-P. Diffusion coefficients (D) obtained from DGT time-series experiments (conductivity 180 μS cm) for NH-N, NO-N and PO-P agreed well with those measured using individual DGT techniques in previous studies, but were characterised over a wider range of ionic strengths here.

Fabrication of Periodic Gold Nanocup Arrays Using Colloidal Lithography.

Within recent years, the field of plasmonics has exploded as researchers have demonstrated exciting applications related to chemical and optical sensing in combination with new nanofabrication techniques. A plasmon is a quantum of charge density oscillation that lends nanoscale metals such as gold and silver unique optical properties. In particular, gold and silver nanoparticles exhibit localized surface plasmon resonances-collective charge density oscillations on the surface of the nanoparticle-in the visible spectrum.

Comparing in situ colorimetric DET and DGT techniques with ex situ core slicing and centrifugation for measuring ferrous iron and dissolved sulfide in coastal sediment pore waters.

In productive coastal sediments the separation between different biogeochemical zones (e.g. oxic, iron(III)-reducing and sulfate-reducing) may be on the scale of millimetres.

Gamma tocopherol-enriched supplement reduces sputum eosinophilia and endotoxin-induced sputum neutrophilia in volunteers with asthma.

Background: We and others have shown that the gamma tocopherol (γT) isoform of vitamin E has multiple anti-inflammatory and antioxidant actions and that γT supplementation reduces eosinophilic and endotoxin (LPS)-induced neutrophilic airway inflammation in animal models and healthy human volunteers.

Objective: We sought to determine whether γT supplementation reduces eosinophilic airway inflammation and acute neutrophilic response to inhaled LPS challenge in volunteers with asthma.

Methods: Participants with mild asthma were enrolled in a double-blinded, placebo-controlled crossover study to assess the effect of 1200 mg of γT daily for 14 days on sputum eosinophils, mucins, and cytokines.

Image texture features predict renal function decline in patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examinations provide high-resolution information about the anatomic structure of the kidneys and are used to measure total kidney volume (TKV) in patients with Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease (ADPKD). Height-adjusted TKV (HtTKV) has become the gold-standard imaging biomarker for ADPKD progression at early stages of the disease when estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) is still normal. However, HtTKV does not take advantage of the wealth of information provided by MRI.

Influence of the 5A's Counseling Strategy on Weight Gain During Pregnancy: An Observational Study.

Background: Healthy weight gain during pregnancy may improve health outcomes for women and infants. The objective of this study was to examine providers' use of the 5A's (Assess, Advise, Agree, Assist, and Arrange) in discussions of weight, nutrition, and physical activity during prenatal visits and evaluate the effect of this approach on gestational weight gain.

Materials And Methods: We studied audio recordings of prenatal visits between 22 obstetrics providers and 120 of their patients, coding visits for providers' use of the 5A's.

Evaluation of the DGT technique for selective measurement of aluminium and trace metal concentrations in an acid drainage-impacted coastal waterway.

The performance of DGT-Chelex, DGT-Metsorb and DGT-MBL (Chelex-Metsorb mixed binding layer) with open and restricted diffusive layers for trace metal (Al, Cd, Co, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, Zn) and oxyanion (As, Mo, Sb, V) measurements, was evaluated in four natural waters with different pH (range 3.29-7.81).

Antimony and arsenic exhibit contrasting spatial distributions in the sediment and vegetation of a contaminated wetland.

Antimony is a priority environmental contaminant that is relatively poorly studied compared to other trace metal(loid)s. In particular, the behaviour of antimony in wetland sediments, where anaerobic conditions often dominate, has received considerably less attention compared to well-drained terrestrial soil environments. Here we report the results of a spatial assessment of antimony in the sediments and vegetation of a freshwater wetland exposed to stibnite tailings for the past forty years.

Robin sequence: what the multidisciplinary approach can do.

Robin sequence (RS) is a commonly encountered triad of micrognathia, glossoptosis, and airway obstruction, with or without a cleft palate. The management of airway obstruction is of paramount importance, and multiple reviews and retrospective series outline the diagnosis and treatment of RS. This article focuses on the multidisciplinary nature of RS and the specialists' contributions and thought processes regarding the management of the RS child from birth to skeletal maturity.

Engaging Stakeholders to Inform Clinical Practice Guidelines That Address Multiple Chronic Conditions.

Background: Having more than one chronic condition is common and is associated with greater health care utilization, higher medication burden and complexity of treatment. However, clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) do not routinely address the balance between harms and benefits of treatments for people with multiple chronic conditions (MCCs).

Objective: To partner with the Kaiser Permanente Integrated Cardiovascular Health (ICVH) program to engage multiple stakeholders in a mixed-methods approach in order to: 1) identify two high-priority clinical questions related to MCCs, and 2) understand patients' and family caregivers' perceptions of meaningful outcomes to inform benefit/harm assessments for these two high-priority questions.

Pharmacotherapy for diabetic peripheral neuropathy pain and quality of life: A systematic review.

Objective: To systematically assess the effect of pharmacologic treatments of diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) on pain and quality of life.

Methods: We searched PubMed and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews for systematic reviews from 2011 to October 12, 2015, and PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials for primary studies from January 1, 2013, to May 24, 2016. We searched Clinicaltrials.

Incidence of Low Seroimmunity to Hepatitis B Virus in Children With Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

Objectives: Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) often receive immunosuppressive therapy, which may make them vulnerable to infections such as hepatitis B. We hypothesized that hepatitis B virus titers are low in the vaccinated pediatric population with IBD. The aims of our study were to identify the incidence of lower titers of hepatitis B surface antibody (HBsAb) and determine which patient factors may be associated with lower HBsAb titers.

Regional Ventilation Is the Main Determinant of Alveolar Deposition of Coarse Particles in the Supine Healthy Human Lung During Tidal Breathing.

Background: To quantify the relationship between regional lung ventilation and coarse aerosol deposition in the supine healthy human lung, we used oxygen-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging and planar gamma scintigraphy in seven subjects.

Methods: Regional ventilation was measured in the supine posture in a 15 mm sagittal slice of the right lung. Deposition was measured by using planar gamma scintigraphy (coronal scans, 40 cm FOV) immediately postdeposition, 1 hour 30 minutes and 22 hours after deposition of Tc-labeled particles (4.

A Trans-Nasal Aerosol Delivery Device for Efficient Pulmonary Deposition.

Background: Efficient delivery of aerosols to the lungs via the nasal route has been difficult to achieve, but it may offer benefits over the traditional oral route for a range of patient populations. Because slow, continuous delivery of short-acting agents could improve safety, tolerability, compliance, and efficacy when compared with the rapid, intermittent aerosol treatments delivered by mouthpiece or mask, a novel trans-nasal pulmonary aerosol delivery (tPAD) device was developed. The tPAD incorporates an aerosol particle-size selection chamber and a custom nasal cannula that are specifically optimized for aerosol delivery to the lung via the nasal route.

Adverse events associated with surgical antibiotic prophylaxis for outpatient circumcisions at US children's hospitals.

Introduction: Doctors often use surgical antibiotic prophylaxis (SAP) despite limited evidence to support its efficacy. We sought to determine the association between SAP in children undergoing circumcision and the rate of perioperative adverse events.

Material And Methods: We performed a retrospective study of males >30 days old and <18 years old who underwent circumcision from 2004 to 2014 using the Pediatric Health Information System database.

Safety and benefits of inhaled hypertonic saline following airway challenges with endotoxin and allergen in asthmatics.

Objective: To determine whether induced sputum (IS) with hypertonic saline inhalation is safe to use in asthmatics within 24 hours of two commonly used airway challenges, namely endotoxin and dust mite allergen, and to assess whether IS can enhance mucociliary clearance (MCC) rates in asthmatics.

Methods: IS (three 7-minute inhalation periods of 3%, 4%, and 5% hypertonic saline) was employed before (N = 29) and within 24 hours of inhaled challenges with endotoxin (N = 13) and dust mite allergen (N = 12) in a cohort of mild to moderate asthmatics. Safety was assessed by lung function (Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 second; FEV1) and MCC was measured using a radiolabeled gamma scintigraphy method (Tcm99 sulfur colloid).

Providing prenatal care to pregnant women with overweight or obesity: Differences in provider communication and ratings of the patient-provider relationship by patient body weight.

Objective: To examine the association of women's body weight with provider communication during prenatal care.

Methods: We coded audio recordings of prenatal visits between 22 providers and 117 of their patients using the Roter Interaction Analysis System. Multivariate, multilevel Poisson models were used to examine the relationship between patient pre-pregnancy body mass index and provider communication.

"Diffusive Gradients in Thin Films" Techniques Provide Representative Time-Weighted Average Measurements of Inorganic Nutrients in Dynamic Freshwater Systems.

Nutrient concentrations in freshwater are highly variable over time, with changes driven by weather events, anthropogenic sources, modifications to catchment hydrology or habitats, and internal biogeochemical processes. Measuring infrequently collected grab samples is unlikely to adequately represent nutrient concentrations in such dynamic systems. In contrast, in situ passive sampling techniques, such as the "diffusive gradients in thin films" (DGT) technique, provide time-weighted average analyte concentrations over the entire deployment time.

Molecular dynamics simulations and Kelvin probe force microscopy to study of cholesterol-induced electrostatic nanodomains in complex lipid mixtures.

The molecular arrangement of lipids and proteins within biomembranes and monolayers gives rise to complex film morphologies as well as regions of distinct electrical surface potential, topographical and electrostatic nanoscale domains. To probe these nanodomains in soft matter is a challenging task both experimentally and theoretically. This work addresses the effects of cholesterol, lipid composition, lipid charge, and lipid phase on the monolayer structure and the electrical surface potential distribution.