ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of eyes-closed (EC) and eyes-open (EO) EEG field powers on the auditory P300 evoke potentials.MethodsThe EEG was recorded in 12 healthy male college students (20 ～24 years) respectively in their eyes-closed and eyes-open states,and then the auditory P300 paradigm was performed.Results① Alpha band was distributed at the posterior-occipital area,while Alpha-1 (7.5～9.5 Hz) field power were EC as (2.62 ±0.81 ) μV2 and EO as ( 1.80 ±0.56) μV2,with statistical significance (P ＜ 0.01 ) ; Alpha-2 ( 10 ～ 12 Hz) field power were EC as ( 8.55 ± 1.85 ) μV2 and EO as (4.95 ± 1.59 )μV2,also with statistical significance (P＜0.05).②In P300,the Common stimulus elicited clear component N1 (90ms)and P2 (180ms) in the ERPs after stimulus,while there were no significant differences between EC and EO states.Correspondingly,the rare stimulus elicited clear component N2 (207 ms) and P3 (313 ms) in the ERPs after stimulus on-set.Comparing the differences of field potentials of the rare stimulus between the two states,N2field potential in EC ( (0.01 ± 0.71 ) μV) was smaller than that in EO ( ( - 2.13 ± 0.80 ) μV ),with statistical significance (P ＜ 0.05 ) ; while P3 field potential in the EC ( ( 4.16 ± 1.08 ) μV ) was smaller than that in EO ( (4.78 ± 1.20) μV),but without statistical significance (P ＞ 0.05 ).ConclusionThe alpha field power is higher in eyes-closed than in eyes-open state,while performing the same auditory P300 paradigm,significant reduction of field potential in the N2 component are observed in eyes-closed than in eyes-open state.

BACKGROUND: Aerococcus urinae is a rare pathogen of endocarditis with high rates of embolic events, valvular damage and mortality.
CASE 1:A 24 y/o male, with mitral valve prolapse, presented with recurrent fever and body malaise for four months. ?-hemolytic streptococci was isolated in his blood 3 months prior, antibiotics for 10 days temporarily relieved his symptoms. He denied illicit drug use, recent dental, genitourinary manipulations. On admission, he was febrile with a 4/6 holosystolic murmur at the apex. He had leukocytosis and elevated acute phase reactants. Blood cultures: Aerococcus urinae. A TEE revealed: ruptured chordae and vegetation at the posterior mitral valve leaflet. Gentamicin for 14 days and Ceftriaxone for 28 days was completed. Mitral valve replacement was done and LV dimension returned to normal.
CASE 2:A 51 y/o male presented with 9 days of fever, chills, and malaise. He was treated with norfloxacin with no relief of symptoms. On admission, he was febrile, with a grade 2/6 holosystolic murmur at the apex and left parasternal area. He had leukocytosis and blood culture grew Aerococcus urinae. Echocardiogram showed mitral stenosis, aortic stenosis and vegetations at the mitral valve and non coronary cusp. Pen-G plus Gentamicin for 14 days and upon discharge, amoxicillin for 2 weeks was completed.
DISCUSSION: Risk factors associated with A. urinae endocarditis are >65 year s of age, male, urologic abnormalities, malignancy and diabetes. Diagnosis isusually made by culture as our cases and both were found to have vegetations by echocardiography. B-lactam and amino glycoside treatment is effective and although mortality is high, both patients improved and were discharged.
CONCLUSION: A. urinae endocarditis does occur in a young population and to those without urologic abnormality.

Human ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Young Adult ; Aerococcus ; Amoxicillin ; Anti-bacterial Agents ; Aortic Valve Stenosis ; Diabetes Mellitus ; Endocarditis ; Mitral Valve ; Risk Factors ;

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common chronic liver disease and encompasses a spectrum of pathology from simple steatosis to inflammation and significant fibrosis that leads to cirrhosis. NAFLD and its comorbid conditions extend well beyond the liver. It is a multisystemic clinical disease entity with extrahepatic manifestations such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, chronic kidney disease, hypothyroidism, polycystic ovarian syndrome, and psoriasis. Indeed, the most common causes of mortality in subjects with NAFLD are cardiovascular disease, followed by malignancies and then liver-related complications as a distant third. This review focuses on several of the key extrahepatic manifestations of NAFLD and areas for future investigation. Clinicians should learn to screen and initiate treatment for these extrahepatic manifestations in a prompt and timely fashion before they progress to end-organ damage.

Cardiovascular disease is a major cause of death in Australia. The Tick Program by the National Heart Foundation was designed to assist consumers in making healthier food choices. The aim of our study was to evaluate the awareness of university students regarding the Tick Program as a sustainable approach in preventing the onset of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in youth. Following Ethics Committee approval, a cross-sectional study was undertaken in 2006 to measure university students’ level of awareness of the Tick Program using a self-administered survey form. Inclusion criteria were full-time university students who have lived in Australia for a minimum duration of twelve months and do their own shopping. Students of less than 18 years of age were excluded from the study. Of 110 university students surveyed, 97 questionnaires were successfully completed (response rate: 88%). Overall there was a high level of awareness (72.2%) of the Tick program, which was also considered trustworthy by a majority of participants, with a mean rating of 3.87 (on a scale of 1 to 5). Tick-approved products were also considered a healthier choice by participants (mean 4.06 out of 5). Participants were also asked to identify potential barriers limiting the use of the Tick in making purchase decisions. The most important barrier identified to the Tick program was the limited range of Tick-approved products. A significant proportion of respondents also believed there was limited publicity of the program. The Tick Program is considered to be trustworthy and the approved products were regarded as healthy, with the results showing that participants have confidence in the Tick Program. This research also highlighted the potential areas for improvement of the Tick Program.
Cardiovascular Diseases ; Food Preferences ; Students ; Universities ; Australia

PURPOSE: We evaluated the impact of collagenase clostridium histolyticum (CCH) on rates of diagnosis, treatment, and corporal rupture in Peyronie's disease (PD). We examined the impact of CCH on cost of PD treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We extracted data on PD diagnosis (ICD-9 607.95 and ICD-10 N48.6), corporal rupture (ICD-9 959.13 and ICD-10 S39.840A), CCH use (J0775), penile injections (CPT 54200), and corporal rupture repair from 2008 to 2016 in men over 40 years old using the Clinformatics® Data Mart Database (3.7 to 4.9 million males). We analyzed for prevalence of PD, rates of PD treatments, cost associated with treatment, and rates of corporal rupture and repair by year. RESULTS: The prevalence of PD was 0.29% in 2013 and did not increase after CCH entered the market in 2014. An average of 2.52% of men with PD received treatment before CCH, compared with 3.75% after (p<0.0001). Penile injection rates increased (1.34% vs. 2.61%, p<0.0001), while rates of surgical treatments decreased between these periods. There was no change in rate of corporal rupture in men with PD before (0.024%) and after (0.024%) CCH. Overall, only 20.0% of corporal ruptures were repaired. After CCH entered practice, a significant increase in cost occurred (p=0.013). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of men with PD did not change after CCH. However, more men with PD received treatment due to an increase in penile injections. The cost of treating PD increased after CCH became available. The overall prevalence of corporal rupture did not change after CCH entered the market.
Clostridium histolyticum ; Clostridium ; Diagnosis ; Epidemiology ; Humans ; International Classification of Diseases ; Male ; Microbial Collagenase ; Penile Induration ; Prevalence ; Rupture ; United States

Extranodal lymphomas (ENLs) comprise about a third of all non-Hodgkin lymphomas (NHL).Radiation therapy (RT) is frequently used as either primary therapy (particularly for indolent ENL),consolidation after systemic therapy,salvage treatment,or palliation.The wide range of presentations of ENL,involving any organ in the body and the spectrum of histological sub-types,poses a challenge both for routine clinical care and for the conduct of prospective and retrospective studies.This has led to uncertainty and lack of consistency in RT approaches between centers and clinicians.Thus far there is a lack of guidelines for the use of RT in the management of ENL.This report presents an effort by the International Lymphoma Radiation Oncology Group (ILROG) to harmonize and standardize the principles of treatment of ENL,and to address the technical challenges of simulation,volume definition and treatment planning for the most frequently involved organs.Specifically,detailed recommendations for RT volumes are provided.We have applied the same modern principles of involved site radiation therapy as previously developed and published as guidelines for Hodgkin lymphoma and nodal NHL.We have adopted RT volume definitions based on the International Commission on Radiation Units and Measurements (ICRU),as has been widely adopted by the field of radiation oncology for solid tumors.Organ-specific recommendations take into account histological subtype,anatomy,the treatment intent,and other treatment modalities that may be have been used before RT.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effect and molecular mechanism of Tiantai No.1, a compound Chinese herbal preparation, for the prevention and reduction of neurotoxicity induced by beta-amyloid peptides (Abeta) in vitro and its effects on nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kappa B) and cAMP responsive element-binding protein (CREB) pathways using the gene transfection technique.

METHODSB104 neuronal cells were used to examine the effects of Tiantai No.1 on lowering the neurotoxicity induced by Abeta. The cells were pre-treated with Tiantai No.1 at doses of 50, 100, 150, or 200 micro g/mL respectively for 3 days and co-treated with Tiantai No.1 and beta-amyloid peptide1-40 (A beta 1-40, 10 micro mol/L) for 48 h or post-treated with Tiantai No.1 for 48 h after the cells were exposed to beta-amyloid peptides25-35 (A beta 25-35) for 8 h. In gene transfection assays, cells were treated with Tiantai No.1 at 50 micro g/mL and 150 micro g/mL for 5 days or co-treated with Tiantai No.1 and A beta 1-40 (5 micro mo/L) for 3 days after electroporation for the evaluation of NF-kappa B and CREB expression.

RESULTSPre-treating and co-treating B104 neuronal cells with Tiantai No.1 lowered the neurotoxicity induced by Abeta, and post-treating with Tiantai No.1 reduced or blocked B104 neuronal apoptotic death induced by Abeta (P<0.05, P<0.01). With a dose-dependent relationship, the same treatments increased the expression of NF-kappa B or CREB in B104 neuronal cells (P<0.05, P<0.01). Meanwhile, Tiantai No.1 reduced A beta -40 induced inhibition on NF-kappa B expression (P<0.01).

CONCLUSIONSTiantai No.1 can protect neurons against the neurotoxicity induced by Abeta. The neuroprotective mechanisms may be associated with the activation of NF-kappa B and cAMP cellular signal pathways.

Amyloid beta-Peptides ; Animals ; Apoptosis ; drug effects ; Cells, Cultured ; Cyclic AMP Response Element-Binding Protein ; analysis ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; Electroporation ; Luciferases ; Microscopy, Fluorescence ; NF-kappa B ; analysis ; Neurons ; drug effects ; Rats ; Transfection

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the correction of fronto-orbital deformation in infant craniosynostosis and to discuss the timing of treatment and surgical technique.

METHODSEleven consecutive patients with craniosynostoses underwent bilateral fronto-orbital osteotomies and advancement via coronal approaches. There were two females and 9 males with an age range from 6 to 9 months. Among the patients, six had trigonocephaly secondary to metopic synostosis, two had non-syndromic plagiocephaly secondary to unilateral coronal synostosis, one had turricephaly secondary to multi-sutural synostosis and two patients had brachycephaly due to syndromic synostosis (Apert syndrome and Saethre-Chotzen syndrome).

RESULTSThe shape of forehead, bilateral orbit and bilateral temples in all patients markedly improved with 2-11 months follow-up. There were not obvious complications except that the unilateral parietal bossing happened to the child with turricephaly postoperatively.

CONCLUSIONSSatisfactory results show that fronto-orbital advancement is safe and effective way to correct frontal and orbital retrusion secondary to craniosynostosis.

Craniosynostoses ; surgery ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Infant ; Male ; Reconstructive Surgical Procedures ; methods ; Skull ; surgery ; Time Factors ; Treatment Outcome

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effect of dietary saturated fat (SFA) from animal sources on the urine excretion 11-dehydro thromboxane B2 (TXB2) and 6-keto prostaglandin F 1alpha (PGF 1alpha) in 27 healthy free-living male subjects aged 30 to 55 years.

METHODSIt was a randomized crossover design. Each volunteer was randomly assigned to one of the two diets (high fat and low fat) for a period of 4 weeks, after which each subject resumed his usual diet for 2 weeks as a 'wash-out period', before being assigned to the other diet for an additional 4 weeks.

RESULTSSerum proportion of 20:4n-6 was 5% lower in the high fat (6.2% of total fatty acid) than in the low fat diet (6.5% of total fatty acid), which was associated with a significantly decreased ratio of the urinary excretion 11-dehydro TXB2 to 6-keto PGF 1alpha (P < 0.05). However, there was no significant fall in the absolute urinary excretion of 11-dehydro TXB2.

CONCLUSIONSDiet rich in SFA from animal sources may influence TXA2 formation via effect on tissue proportion of 20:4n-6.

6-Ketoprostaglandin F1 alpha ; urine ; Adult ; Arteriosclerosis ; physiopathology ; Cross-Over Studies ; Dietary Fats ; pharmacology ; Fatty Acids ; metabolism ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Thrombosis ; physiopathology ; Thromboxane B2 ; analogs & derivatives ; urine

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) in children with congenital micrognathia using mandibular distraction osteogenesis and to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of this approach.

METHODS6 patients (4 males, 2 females) had undergone mandibular distraction osteogenesis, 12 distraction devices were placed through extraoral incision for bilateral distraction. The mean age of treatment was 1 year and 9 months (range 4 months to 9 years). Every patient had been evaluated pre and postoperatively with cephalometry. The period of consolidation was 4 - 11 weeks. The period of follow-up was from 2 to 10 months.

RESULTSThe average distraction distance was 19.2 mm (range 15 to 25 mm). The osteotomy and distraction processes were smooth in all the cases, the osteogenesis was good, without infection and other complications. The posterior airway space was increased from averaged 4.5 mm preoperatively to 10. 1mm after surgery. Five children had normal respiration and sleep restored with naso-pharyngeal airway removal or tracheostomy decannulation. One patient is to receive a planned second stage of distraction with a horizontal vector. The results were stable without relapse during a follow-up period of 2 to 10 months.

CONCLUSIONSApplication of mandibular distraction osteogenesis is an important component and effective in the treatment of OSAS and permits mandibular advancement in the younger child. As more experience is gained with distraction osteogenesis in the treatment of children with OSAS, the role of distraction will become better defined.

Child ; Child, Preschool ; Female ; Humans ; Infant ; Male ; Micrognathism ; complications ; surgery ; Osteogenesis, Distraction ; methods ; Sleep Apnea, Obstructive ; complications ; surgery