The feasibility and surgical effort of a pre-lacrimal window approach (PLWA) depends on the width of the bony window anterior to the nasolacrimal duct. This study aimed to investigate gender-specific ...differences in feasibility of PLWA. A consecutive series of paranasal computed tomography scans from 50 females (n = 100) and 50 males (n = 100) were retrospectively analyzed. The primary outcome measure was the antero-posterior length of the bony pre-lacrimal window (BPLWA). The secondary outcome measure was the distribution of Simmen's PLWA feasibility types (major, moderate and minor surgical effort). On average, males had a 1.5 mm (95% CI 0.8-2.2) significantly higher BPLW length in comparison to females t(198) = 4.4, p < 0.0001. The requirement of major surgical effort occurred 29% more frequently in females χ
(1) = 17.7, p < 0.0001, whereas the necessity of moderate surgical effort was 21% more prevalent in males χ
(1) = 8.8, p = 0.003. The need of only minor surgical effort was twice as high in males compared to females χ
(1) = 3, p = 0.081. Our data indicates that females require more significant surgical effort during a PLWA to gain access to the maxillary sinus. These results are highly informative as a high amount of bone removal and nasolacrimal duct dislocation are associated with a higher likelihood of complications.
Vitamin D: do we get enough? Brouwer-Brolsma, E. M.; Bischoff-Ferrari, H. A.; Bouillon, R. ...
Osteoporosis international,
05/2013, Letnik:
24, Številka:
5
Journal Article, Conference Proceeding
Recenzirano
Summary
On September 29, 2011, acknowledged experts in the field of vitamin D, mainly European, were brought together in order to discuss the recent scientific advances in relation to vitamin D: the ...current requirements and associations with various health outcomes. In this article, the discussions resulting from the meeting are summarized.
Introduction
Several groups at risk for developing vitamin D insufficiency have been identified. Accordingly, reviews indicate that a significant percentage of the population worldwide have serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels below 50 nmol/l. In addition to the role of vitamin D in bone health, recent studies suggest that it may play a pivotal role in other systems, e.g., the cardiovascular system, pancreas, muscle, immune system and brain. Most evidence, however, is obtained from observational studies and yet inconclusive.
Methods
To exchange and broaden knowledge on the requirements for vitamin D and its effect on various health outcomes, a workshop entitled “Vitamin D Expert Meeting: Do we get enough?”, was organized.
Results
Despite low vitamin D levels worldwide, consensus on the definition of deficiency is not yet reached. In order to define cut-off points for vitamin D whilst taking into account extraskeletal health effects, randomized controlled trials in these fields are warranted. The experts do emphasize that there is evidence to suggest an important role for vitamin D in the maintenance of optimal bone health at all ages and that vitamin D supplementation, in most studies co-administered with calcium, reduces fracture risk in the senior population.
Conclusion
To reach a serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D level of 50 nmol/l older adults aged ≥65 years are therefore recommended to meet a mean daily vitamin D intake of 20 μg (800 IU), which is best achieved with a supplement.
There is an increasing interest in the underlying mechanisms of the antidepressant and anxiolytic treatment effect associated with changes in serotonergic neurotransmission after treatment with ...selective serotonin (5-HT) reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) in humans. The 5-HT(1A) receptor is known to play a crucial role in the pathophysiology of affective disorders, and altered 5-HT(1A) receptor binding has been found in anxiety patients. SSRI treatment raises the 5-HT level in the synaptic cleft and might change postsynaptic receptor densities. Therefore, our study in patients suffering from anxiety disorders investigated the effects of long-term treatment with escitalopram on the 5-HT(1A) receptor. A longitudinal positrone emission tomography (PET) study in 12 patients suffering from anxiety disorders was conducted. Two dynamic PET scans were performed applying the selective 5-HT(1A) receptor antagonist carbonyl-(11)CWAY-100635. Eight regions of interest were defined a priori (orbitofrontal cortex, amygdala, hippocampus, subgenual cortex, anterior and posterior cingulate cortex, dorsal raphe nucleus and cerebellum as reference). After the baseline PET scan, patients were administered escitalopram (average dose of 11.2+/-6.0 mg day(-1)) for a minimum of 12 weeks. A second PET scan was conducted after 109+/-27 days. 5-HT(1A) receptor binding potentials in 12 patients were assessed by PET applying the Simplified Reference Tissue Model.There was a significant reduction in the 5-HT(1A) receptor binding potential after a minimum of 12 weeks of escitalopram treatment in the hippocampus (P=0.006), subgenual cortex (P=0.017) and posterior cingulate cortex (P=0.034). The significance of the hippocampus region survived the Bonferroni-adjusted threshold for multiple comparisons. These PET data in humans in vivo demonstrate a reduction of the 5-HT(1A) binding potential after SSRI treatment.
Objectives
Reliable prognostic markers are lacking for tongue carcinoma. C‐reactive protein (CRP) and a ratio from neutrophils/lymphocytes (NLR) are biomarkers, associated with prognosis in solid ...cancers. Aim of this work was to investigate the role of CRP and NLR in prognosis of patients with tongue carcinoma.
Design
Retrospective cohort study.
Setting
We retrospectively analysed data of patients treated for tongue carcinoma at our institution. Levels of CRP, Neutrophils and Lymphocytes were measured pretherapeutic.
Participants
197 patients treated for squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue between 2002 and 2015.
Main outcome measures
Overall survival, disease‐free survival.
Results
Elevated CRP was significantly associated with shorter overall survival in our cohort in uni‐ and multivariate analysis. NLR was not associated with prognosis.
Conclusion
In the present study we could confirm the role of CRP as an independent prognostic marker in patients with tongue carcinoma. Incorporating this marker in prognostication could represent a valuable and moreover inexpensive tool for improved decisions making concerning therapy in the future.
There is an increasing interest in the underlying mechanisms of the antidepressant and anxiolytic treatment effect associated with changes in serotonergic neurotransmission after treatment with ...selective serotonin (5-HT) reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) in humans. The 5-HT(1A) receptor is known to play a crucial role in the pathophysiology of affective disorders, and altered 5-HT(1A) receptor binding has been found in anxiety patients. SSRI treatment raises the 5-HT level in the synaptic cleft and might change postsynaptic receptor densities. Therefore, our study in patients suffering from anxiety disorders investigated the effects of long-term treatment with escitalopram on the 5-HT(1A) receptor. A longitudinal positrone emission tomography (PET) study in 12 patients suffering from anxiety disorders was conducted. Two dynamic PET scans were performed applying the selective 5-HT(1A) receptor antagonist carbonyl-(11)CWAY-100635. Eight regions of interest were defined a priori (orbitofrontal cortex, amygdala, hippocampus, subgenual cortex, anterior and posterior cingulate cortex, dorsal raphe nucleus and cerebellum as reference). After the baseline PET scan, patients were administered escitalopram (average dose of 11.2+/-6.0 mg day(-1)) for a minimum of 12 weeks. A second PET scan was conducted after 109+/-27 days. 5-HT(1A) receptor binding potentials in 12 patients were assessed by PET applying the Simplified Reference Tissue Model.There was a significant reduction in the 5-HT(1A) receptor binding potential after a minimum of 12 weeks of escitalopram treatment in the hippocampus (P=0.006), subgenual cortex (P=0.017) and posterior cingulate cortex (P=0.034). The significance of the hippocampus region survived the Bonferroni-adjusted threshold for multiple comparisons. These PET data in humans in vivo demonstrate a reduction of the 5-HT(1A) binding potential after SSRI treatment.
Background: The objectives of this study were to evaluate the frequency of bony dehiscences in the optico-carotid recess (OCR) area and to measure the thickness of the bony lamellas bordering the ...OCR, according to our previously proposed OCR classification taking into account the extent of the recess. Methodology: A total of 100 human cadaver heads (n= 200 sphenoid sinuses) were investigated. Samples were divided into groups according to the presence and extent of OCR (no OCR, sub-optical OCR, latero-optical OCR). Bony dehiscences were visually identified and bone thickness was measured by using a high-resolution micrometer. Results: A bony dehiscence in the OCR area was observed in 20%. A significant difference in bony dehiscence occurrence rate between OCR types was found. The wall thickness of the bony carotid artery- and optic nerve canals bordering the OCR were 0.25 ± 0.16 mm and 0.27 ± 0.15 mm, respectively. Significant differences between OCR groups in bony wall thickness of the carotid artery canal and optic nerve canal were found. Samples with a latero-optical OCR had a significant thinner wall of the carotid artery and optic nerve canal than samples with a sub-optical OCR and no OCR. Conclusions: The current results indicate that the presence of an extended OCR, e.g. latero-optical, is highly associated with a greater risk of bony dehiscences and thinner bony lamellas in the OCR region.
The OPERA experiment Target Tracker Adam, T.; Baussan, E.; Borer, K. ...
Nuclear instruments & methods in physics research. Section A, Accelerators, spectrometers, detectors and associated equipment,
07/2007, Letnik:
577, Številka:
3
Journal Article
Recenzirano
The main task of the Target Tracker detector of the long baseline neutrino oscillation OPERA experiment is to locate in which of the target elementary constituents, the lead/emulsion bricks, the ...neutrino interactions have occurred and also to give calorimetric information about each event. The technology used consists in walls of two planes of plastic scintillator strips, one per transverse direction. Wavelength shifting fibres collect the light signal emitted by the scintillator strips and guide it to both ends where it is read by multi-anode photomultiplier tubes. All the elements used in the construction of this detector and its main characteristics are described.
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