Measurement of the Nucleon F_{2}^{n}/F_{2}^{p} Structure Function Ratio by the Jefferson Lab MARATHON Tritium/Helium-3 Deep Inelastic Scattering Experiment

The ratio of the nucleon F_{2} structure functions, F_{2}^{n}/F_{2}^{p}, is determined by the MARATHON experiment from measurements of deep inelastic scattering of electrons from ^{3}H and ^{3}He nuclei. The experiment was performed in the Hall A Facility of Jefferson Lab using two high-resolution spectrometers for electron detection, and a cryogenic target system which included a low-activity tritium cell. The data analysis used a novel technique exploiting the mirror symmetry of the two nuclei, which essentially eliminates many theoretical uncertainties in the extraction of the ratio. The results, which cover the Bjorken scaling variable range 0.19<x<0.83, represent a significant improvement compared to previous SLAC and Jefferson Lab measurements for the ratio. They are compared to recent theoretical calculations and empirical determinations of the F_{2}^{n}/F_{2}^{p} ratio.

Radiology of Castleman disease: the pivotal role of imaging in diagnosis, staging, and response assessment of this rare entity

Castleman Disease (CD) is a rare entity that typically presents as an enhancing nodal mass in the mediastinum or head and neck region on computed tomography (CT). It may manifest as unicentric or multicentric regions of lymph node enlargement. A key clinical issue in the context of CD is delayed diagnosis, which contributes adversely to patient outcome, given that accurate diagnosis facilitates earlier treatment of this curable disease. This article will address relevant imaging aspects, with reference to typical and atypical imaging features of CD, illustrated using examples from our specialist centre; the imaging journey for patients with CD; and will provide practical pointers to radiologists in differentiating CD from other benign and malignant causes of enhancing lymphadenopathy, including lymphoma and neoplastic adenopathy. We will also review current classification tools and staging challenges with reference to World Health Organization guidelines, International Working Group guidelines as well as the Lugano classification. Finally, we will discuss the potential role of additional imaging techniques in CD, highlighting novel imaging methods and expanded utilities from our specialist centre.

A generic curriculum development model for the biomedical physics component of the educational and training programmes of the non-physics healthcare professions

The objective of the study was the construction of a generic curriculum development model for the use of biomedical physics (BMP) educators teaching the non-physics healthcare professions (HCP) in Europe. A comprehensive, qualitative cross-sectional Europe-wide survey of the curricula delivered by BMP in Faculties of Medicine and Health Sciences (FMHS) was carried out. Curricular content was collected from faculty web-sites, curricular documents and textbooks. The survey data was supplemented with semi-structured interviews and direct observation during onsite visits. The number of faculties studied was 118 from 67 universities spread all over Europe, whilst the number of onsite visits/interviews was 15 (geographically distributed as follows: Eastern Europe 6, North Western Europe 5, and South Western Europe 4). EU legislation, recommendations by European national medical councils, educational benchmark statements by higher education quality assurance agencies, research journals concerning HCP education and other documents relevant to standards in clinical practice and undergraduate education were also analyzed. Best practices and BMP learning outcomes were elicited from the curricular materials, interviews and documentation and these were subsequently used to construct the curriculum development model. A structured, comprehensive BMP learning outcomes inventory was designed in the format required by the European Qualifications Framework (EQF). The structures of the inventory and curriculum development model make them ideally suited for use by BMP involved in European curriculum development initiatives for the HCP.

The effect of long-range order on intermolecular interactions in organic semiconductors: zinc octaethyl porphyrin molecular thin film model systems

In order to optimize the performance of devices based on porphyrin thin films it is of great importance to gain a physical understanding of the various factors which affect their charge transport and light-harvesting properties. In this work, we have employed a multi-technique approach to study vacuum deposited zinc octaethyl porphyrin (ZnOEP) thin films with different degrees of long-range order as model systems. An asymmetrical stretching of the skeletal carbon atoms of the porphyrin conformer has been observed and attributed to ordered molecular stacking and intermolecular interactions. For ordered films, a detailed fitting analysis of the X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) using the MXAN code establishes a symmetry reduction in the molecular conformer involving the skeletal carbon atoms of the porphyrin ring; this highlights the consequences of increased π-π stacking of ZnOEP molecules adopting the triclinic structure. The observed asymmetrical stretching of the π conjugation network of the porphyrin structure can have significant implications for charge transport and light harvesting, significantly influencing the performance of porphyrin based devices.

Cigarette smoke extract modulates E-Cadherin, Claudin-1 and miR-21 and promotes cancer invasiveness in human colorectal adenocarcinoma cells

BACKGROUND

Cigarette smoke is considered a risk factor for lung and colorectal cancer. A convincing link between epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) with colorectal cancer progression and therapeutic resistance has emerged. Deregulated expression of E-Cadherin and Claudin-1 and increased miR-21 expression and invasiveness represent hallmarks of EMT. The effects of cigarette smoke exposure on EMT in colorectal adenocarcinoma cells are largely unknown.

AIM

The aim of the study is to evaluate the effect of cigarette smoke extract (CSE) on miR-21, Claudin-1 and E-Cadherin, molecules associated to EMT in colorectal cancer cells.

METHODS

A human colorectal adenocarcinoma cell line (Caco-2) was treated with CSE at different concentration (5% and 10%) and for different time points (3 h and 24 h). Metabolic activity (by MTS assay), cell necrosis/cell apoptosis (evaluating Propidium Iodide/Annexin V expression by flow cytometry), miR-21, Claudin-1 and E-Cadherin gene expression were evaluated by Real time PCR. Cell permeability, actin polymerization and cancer cell migration was assessed by Trans-Epitelial Electrical Resistance (TEER), Phalloidin expression and matrigel system, respectively.

RESULTS

CSE at all the tested concentrations and at all time points reduced cell necrosis. CSE at 10% increased miR-21 and reduced the metabolic activity, cell necrosis, Claudin-1 and E-cadherin mRNA at 3 h. Cell permeability, actin polymerization and cancer cell migration were all increased upon CSE exposure.

CONCLUSION

These results showed that CSE increasing miR-21, Claudin-1 and E-Cadherin and enhancing the aggressiveness of cancer cells, may concur to colorectal cancer progression.

Neuroinflammation mediates noise-induced synaptic imbalance and tinnitus in rodent models

Hearing loss is a major risk factor for tinnitus, hyperacusis, and central auditory processing disorder. Although recent studies indicate that hearing loss causes neuroinflammation in the auditory pathway, the mechanisms underlying hearing loss–related pathologies are still poorly understood. We examined neuroinflammation in the auditory cortex following noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) and its role in tinnitus in rodent models. Our results indicate that NIHL is associated with elevated expression of proinflammatory cytokines and microglial activation—two defining features of neuroinflammatory responses—in the primary auditory cortex (AI). Genetic knockout of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) or pharmacologically blocking TNF-α expression prevented neuroinflammation and ameliorated the behavioral phenotype associated with tinnitus in mice with NIHL. Conversely, infusion of TNF-α into AI resulted in behavioral signs of tinnitus in both wild-type and TNF-α knockout mice with normal hearing. Pharmacological depletion of microglia also prevented tinnitus in mice with NIHL. At the synaptic level, the frequency of miniature excitatory synaptic currents (mEPSCs) increased and that of miniature inhibitory synaptic currents (mIPSCs) decreased in AI pyramidal neurons in animals with NIHL. This excitatory-to-inhibitory synaptic imbalance was completely prevented by pharmacological blockade of TNF-α expression. These results implicate neuroinflammation as a therapeutic target for treating tinnitus and other hearing loss–related disorders.

Prolonged exposure to loud noises causes neuronal hyperexcitability and increases the risk of tinnitus. This study reveals that this type of tinnitus is mediated by noise-induced neuroinflammation; blockade of neuroinflammatory responses prevents noise-induced neuronal excitation/inhibition imbalance and tinnitus.

Budesonide, Aclidinium and Formoterol in combination limit inflammaging processes in bronchial epithelial cells exposed to cigarette smoke

Inflammation and cellular senescence (also called inflammaging) are involved in the pathogenesis of premature lung aging, a key driver of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Downregulation of histone deacetylases and FoxO3 expression, activation of the ERK 1/2 pathway and IL-8 increase are hallmarks of lung inflammaging. The effects of Budesonide (BUD), Aclidinium (ACL) and Formoterol (FO) on lung inflammaging are unknown. This study was aimed to assess the effects of BUD, ACL and FO in bronchial epithelial cells exposed to cigarette smoke extract (CSE) by evaluating: a) Expression of TLR4 and survivin and LPS binding by flow cytometry; b) expression of HDAC2, HDAC3, SIRT1 and FoxO3 and activation of the ERK 1/2 pathway by western blot; c) IL-8 mRNA levels and release by Real Time-PCR and ELISA, respectively. Reported results show that CSE increased TLR4 and survivin, LPS binding, ERK 1/2 activation, IL-8 release and mRNA levels but decreased SIRT1, HDAC2, HDAC3 and FoxO3 nuclear expression. Combined therapy with BUD, ACL and FO counteracted the effects of CSE on LPS binding, FoxO3 nuclear expression, ERK 1/2 activation, survivin and IL-8 release and mRNA levels. These findings suggest a new role of combination therapy with BUD, ACL and FO in counteracting inflammaging processes induced by cigarette smoke exposure.

Notch-1 signaling activation sustains overexpression of interleukin 33 in the epithelium of nasal polyps

BACKGROUND

Alterations in the nasal epithelial barrier homeostasis and increased interleukin 33 (IL-33) expression contribute to the pathogenesis of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP).

AIMS

As Notch-1 signaling is crucial in repair processes of mucosa, the current study assessed Notch-1/Jagged-1 signaling and IL-33 in the epithelium of nasal polyps biopsies from allergic (A-CRSwNP; n = 9) and not allergic (NA-CRSwNP; n = 9) subjects by immunohistochemistry. We also assessed, in a model of nasal epithelial cells, the effects of stimulation of Notch-1 with Jagged-1 on the expression of IL-33 (by flow cytometry, immunofluorescence, and immunocytochemistry), Jagged-1 (by flow cytometry), and p-CREB transcription factor (by western blot analysis).

RESULTS

Ex vivo (a) in normal epithelium, the expression of Notch-1 and IL-33 were higher in NA-CRSwNP than in A-CRSwNP; (b) in metaplastic epithelium, the expression of Notch-1, Jagged-1, and IL-33 were higher in NA-CRSwNP than in A-CRSwNP; (c) in hyperplastic epithelium, the expression of Notch-1, Jagged-1, and IL-33 were higher in A-CRSwNP than in NA-CRSwNP; and (d) in basal epithelial cells, no differences were observed in the expression of Jagged-1, IL-33, and Notch-1. The expression of Notch-1 significantly correlated with the expression of IL-33. In vitro, stimulation of Notch-1 with Jagged-1 induced the expression of (a) Jagged-1; (b) IL-33; and (c) p-CREB transcription factor. The inhibitor of Notch-1, DAPT, reduced all the effects of Jagged-1 on nasal epithelial cells.

CONCLUSIONS

The data herein provided support, for the first time, a putative role of Notch-1/Jagged-1 signaling in the overexpression of IL-33 in the epithelium of nasal polyps from patients with CRSwNP.

Blast Exposure Disrupts the Tonotopic Frequency Map in the Primary Auditory Cortex

Blast exposure can cause various auditory disorders including tinnitus, hyperacusis, and other central auditory processing disorders. While this is suggestive of pathologies in the central auditory system, the impact of blast exposure on central auditory processing remains poorly understood. Here we examined the effects of blast shockwaves on acoustic response properties and the tonotopic frequency map in the auditory cortex. We found that multiunits recorded from the auditory cortex exhibited higher acoustic thresholds and broader frequency tuning in blast-exposed animals. Furthermore, the frequency map in the primary auditory cortex was distorted. These changes may contribute to central auditory processing disorders.

Time course of blast-induced injury in the rat auditory cortex

Blast exposure is an increasingly significant health hazard and can have a range of debilitating effects, including auditory dysfunction and traumatic brain injury. To assist in the development of effective treatments, a greater understanding of the mechanisms of blast-induced auditory damage and dysfunction, especially in the central nervous system, is critical. To elucidate this area, we subjected rats to a unilateral blast exposure at 22 psi, measured their auditory brainstem responses (ABRs), and histologically processed their brains at 1 day, 1 month, and 3-month survival time points. The left and right auditory cortices was assessed for astrocytic reactivity and axonal degenerative changes using glial fibrillary acidic protein immunoreactivity and a silver impregnation technique, respectively. Although only unilateral hearing loss was induced, astrocytosis was bilaterally elevated at 1 month post-blast exposure compared to shams, and showed a positive trend of elevation at 3 months post-blast. Axonal degeneration, on the other hand, appeared to be more robust at 1 day and 3 months post-blast. Interestingly, while ABR threshold shifts recovered by the 1 and 3-month time-points, a positive correlation was observed between rats’ astrocyte counts at 1 month post-blast and their threshold shifts at 1 day post-blast. Taken together, our findings suggest that central auditory damage may have occurred due to biomechanical forces from the blast shockwave, and that different indicators/types of damage may manifest over different timelines.

Ceftaroline modulates the innate immune and host defense responses of immunocompetent cells exposed to cigarette smoke

BACKGROUND

Cigarette smoke, the principal risk factor for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), negatively influences the effectiveness of the immune system's response to a pathogen. The antibiotic ceftaroline exerts immune-modulatory effects in bronchial epithelial cells exposed to cigarette smoke.

AIMS AND METHODS

The present study aims to assess the effects of ceftaroline on TLR2 and TLR4 expression, LPS binding and TNF-α and human beta defensin (HBD2) release in an undifferentiated and PMA-differentiated human monocyte cell line (THP-1) exposed or not to cigarette smoke extracts (CSE). TLR2, TLR4, and LPS binding were assessed by flow cytometry, TNF-α and HBD2 release were evaluated by ELISA.

RESULTS

The constitutive expression of TLR2 and TLR4 and LPS binding were higher in differentiated compared to undifferentiated THP-1 cells. In undifferentiated THP-1 cells, CSE increased TLR2 and TLR4 protein levels, LPS binding and TNF-α release and reduced HBD2 release and ceftaroline counteracted all these effects. In differentiated THP-1, CSE did not significantly affect TLR2 and TLR4 expression and LPS binding but reduced HBD2 release and increased TNF-α release. Ceftaroline counteracted the effects of CSE on HBD2 release in differentiated THP-1.

CONCLUSION

Ceftaroline counteracts the effect of CSE in immune cells by increasing the effectiveness of the innate immune system. This effect may also assist in reducing pathogen activity and recurrent exacerbations in COPD patients.

Blast-Induced Tinnitus and Elevated Central Auditory and Limbic Activity in Rats: A Manganese-Enhanced MRI and Behavioral Study

Blast-induced tinitus is the number one service-connected disability that currently affects military personnel and veterans. To elucidate its underlying mechanisms, we subjected 13 Sprague Dawley adult rats to unilateral 14 psi blast exposure to induce tinnitus and measured auditory and limbic brain activity using manganese-enhanced MRI (MEMRI). Tinnitus was evaluated with a gap detection acoustic startle reflex paradigm, while hearing status was assessed with prepulse inhibition (PPI) and auditory brainstem responses (ABRs). Both anxiety and cognitive functioning were assessed using elevated plus maze and Morris water maze, respectively. Five weeks after blast exposure, 8 of the 13 blasted rats exhibited chronic tinnitus. While acoustic PPI remained intact and ABR thresholds recovered, the ABR wave P1-N1 amplitude reduction persisted in all blast-exposed rats. No differences in spatial cognition were observed, but blasted rats as a whole exhibited increased anxiety. MEMRI data revealed a bilateral increase in activity along the auditory pathway and in certain limbic regions of rats with tinnitus compared to age-matched controls. Taken together, our data suggest that while blast-induced tinnitus may play a role in auditory and limbic hyperactivity, the non-auditory effects of blast and potential traumatic brain injury may also exert an effect.

Formoterol and fluticasone propionate combination improves histone deacetylation and anti-inflammatory activities in bronchial epithelial cells exposed to cigarette smoke

BACKGROUND

The addition of long-acting beta2-agonists (LABAs) to corticosteroids improves asthma control. Cigarette smoke exposure, increasing oxidative stress, may negatively affect corticosteroid responses. The anti-inflammatory effects of formoterol (FO) and fluticasone propionate (FP) in human bronchial epithelial cells exposed to cigarette smoke extracts (CSE) are unknown.

AIMS

This study explored whether FP, alone and in combination with FO, in human bronchial epithelial cellline (16-HBE) and primary bronchial epithelial cells (NHBE), counteracted some CSE-mediated effects and in particular some of the molecular mechanisms of corticosteroid resistance.

METHODS

16-HBE and NHBE were stimulated with CSE, FP and FO alone or combined. HDAC3 and HDAC2 activity, nuclear translocation of GR and NF-κB, pERK1/2/tERK1/2 ratio, IL-8, TNF-α, IL-1β mRNA expression, and mitochondrial ROS were evaluated. Actin reorganization in neutrophils was assessed by fluorescence microscopy using the phalloidin method.

RESULTS

In 16-HBE, CSE decreased expression/activity of HDAC3, activity of HDAC2, nuclear translocation of GR and increased nuclear NF-κB expression, pERK 1/2/tERK1/2 ratio, and mRNA expression of inflammatory cytokines. In NHBE, CSE increased mRNA expression of inflammatory cytokines and supernatants from CSE exposed NHBE increased actin reorganization in neutrophils. FP combined with FO reverted all these phenomena in CSE stimulated 16-HBE cells as well as in NHBE cells.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study provides compelling evidences that FP combined with FO may contribute to revert some processes related to steroid resistance induced by oxidative stress due to cigarette smoke exposure increasing the anti-inflammatory effects of FP.

A Conditioned Behavioral Paradigm for Assessing Onset and Lasting Tinnitus in Rats

Numerous behavioral paradigms have been developed to assess tinnitus-like behavior in animals. Nevertheless, they are often limited by prolonged training requirements, as well as an inability to simultaneously assess onset and lasting tinnitus behavior, tinnitus pitch or duration, or tinnitus presence without grouping data from multiple animals or testing sessions. To enhance behavioral testing of tinnitus, we developed a conditioned licking suppression paradigm to determine the pitch(s) of both onset and lasting tinnitus-like behavior within individual animals. Rats learned to lick water during broadband or narrowband noises, and to suppress licking to avoid footshocks during silence. After noise exposure, rats significantly increased licking during silent trials, suggesting onset tinnitus-like behavior. Lasting tinnitus-behavior, however, was exhibited in about half of noise-exposed rats through 7 weeks post-exposure tested. Licking activity during narrowband sound trials remained unchanged following noise exposure, while ABR hearing thresholds fully recovered and were comparable between tinnitus⁽⁺⁾ and tinnitus^(-) rats. To assess another tinnitus inducer, rats were injected with sodium salicylate. They demonstrated high pitch tinnitus-like behavior, but later recovered by 5 days post-injection. Further control studies showed that 1): sham noise-exposed rats tested with footshock did not exhibit tinnitus-like behavior, and 2): noise-exposed or sham rats tested without footshocks showed no fundamental changes in behavior compared to those tested with shocks. Together, these results demonstrate that this paradigm can efficiently test the development of noise- and salicylate-induced tinnitus behavior. The ability to assess tinnitus individually, over time, and without averaging data enables us to realistically address tinnitus in a clinically relevant way. Thus, we believe that this optimized behavioral paradigm will facilitate investigations into the mechanisms of tinnitus and development of effective treatments.

Effects of ceftaroline on the innate immune and on the inflammatory responses of bronchial epithelial cells exposed to cigarette smoke

The tobacco smoking habit interferes with the innate host defence system against infections. Recurrent infections accelerated the functional respiratory decline. The present study assessed the effects of ceftaroline on TLR2 and TLR4 and on pro-inflammatory responses in airway epithelial cells (16HBE cell line and primary bronchial epithelial cells) with or without cigarette smoke extracts (CSE 10%). TLR2, TLR4, LPS binding and human beta defensin 2 (HBD2) were assessed by flow cytometry, NFkB nuclear translocation by western blot analysis, IL-8 and HBD2 mRNA by Real Time PCR; the localization of NFkB on the HBD2 and IL-8 promoters by ChiP Assay. CSE increased TLR4, TLR2 expression, LPS binding and IL-8 mRNA; CSE decreased HBD2 (protein and mRNA), activated NFkB and promoted the localization of NFkB on IL-8 promoter and not on HBD2 promoter. Ceftaroline counteracted the CSE effect on TLR2 expression, on LPS binding, on IL-8 mRNA, HBD2 and NFkB in 16HBE. The effects of ceftaroline on HBD2 protein and on IL-8 mRNA were confirmed in primary bronchial epithelial cells. In conclusion, ceftaroline is able to counteract the effects of CSE on the innate immunity and pro-inflammatory responses modulating TLR2, LPS binding, NFkB activation and activity, HBD2 and IL-8 expression in bronchial epithelial cells.

Carbocysteine counteracts the effects of cigarette smoke on cell growth and on the SIRT1/FoxO3 axis in bronchial epithelial cells

BACKGROUND

Cigarette smoke may accelerate cellular senescence by increasing oxidative stress. Altered proliferation and altered expression of anti-aging factors, including SIRT1 and FoxO3, characterise cellular senescence. The effects of carbocysteine on the SIRT1/FoxO3 axis and on downstream molecular mechanisms in human bronchial epithelial cells exposed to cigarette smoke are largely unknown.

AIMS

Aim of this study was to explore whether carbocysteine modulated SIRT1/FoxO3 axis, and downstream molecular mechanisms associated to cellular senescence, in a bronchial epithelial cell line (16-HBE) exposed to cigarette smoke.

METHODS

16HBE cells were stimulated with/without cigarette smoke extracts (CSE) and carbocysteine. Flow cytometry and clonogenic assay were used to assess cell proliferation; western blot analysis was used for assessing nuclear expression of SIRT1 and FoxO3. The nuclear co-localization of SIRT1 and FoxO3 was assessed by fluorescence microscopy. Beta galactosidase (a senescence marker) and SIRT1 activity were assessed by specific staining and colorimetric assays, respectively. ChiP Assay and flow cytometry were used for assessing survivin gene regulation and protein expression, respectively.

RESULTS

CSE decreased cell proliferation, the nuclear expression of SIRT1 and FoxO3 and increased beta galactosidase staining. CSE, reduced SIRT1 activity and FoxO3 localization on survivin promoter thus increasing survivin expression. In CSE stimulated bronchial epithelial cells carbocysteine reverted these phenomena by increasing cell proliferation, and SIRT1 and FoxO3 nuclear expression, and by reducing beta galactosidase staining and survivin expression.

CONCLUSIONS

The study shows for the first time that carbocysteine may revert some senescence processes induced by oxidative stress due to cigarette smoke exposure.

Psychophysical and neural correlates of noised-induced tinnitus in animals: Intra- and inter-auditory and non-auditory brain structure studies

Tinnitus, a ringing in the ear or head without an external sound source, is a prevalent health problem. It is often associated with a number of limbic-associated disorders such as anxiety, sleep disturbance, and emotional distress. Thus, to investigate tinnitus, it is important to consider both auditory and non-auditory brain structures. This paper summarizes the psychophysical, immunocytochemical and electrophysiological evidence found in rats or hamsters with behavioral evidence of tinnitus. Behaviorally, we tested for tinnitus using a conditioned suppression/avoidance paradigm, gap detection acoustic reflex behavioral paradigm, and our newly developed conditioned licking suppression paradigm. Our new tinnitus behavioral paradigm requires relatively short baseline training, examines frequency specification of tinnitus perception, and achieves sensitive tinnitus testing at an individual level. To test for tinnitus-related anxiety and cognitive impairment, we used the elevated plus maze and Morris water maze. Our results showed that not all animals with tinnitus demonstrate anxiety and cognitive impairment. Immunocytochemically, we found that animals with tinnitus manifested increased Fos-like immunoreactivity (FLI) in both auditory and non-auditory structures. The manner in which FLI appeared suggests that lower brainstem structures may be involved in acute tinnitus whereas the midbrain and cortex are involved in more chronic tinnitus. Meanwhile, animals with tinnitus also manifested increased FLI in non-auditory brain structures that are involved in autonomic reactions, stress, arousal and attention. Electrophysiologically, we found that rats with tinnitus developed increased spontaneous firing in the auditory cortex (AC) and amygdala (AMG), as well as intra- and inter-AC and AMG neurosynchrony, which demonstrate that tinnitus may be actively produced and maintained by the interactions between the AC and AMG.

Noise-induced tinnitus using individualized gap detection analysis and its relationship with hyperacusis, anxiety, and spatial cognition

Tinnitus has a complex etiology that involves auditory and non-auditory factors and may be accompanied by hyperacusis, anxiety and cognitive changes. Thus far, investigations of the interrelationship between tinnitus and auditory and non-auditory impairment have yielded conflicting results. To further address this issue, we noise exposed rats and assessed them for tinnitus using a gap detection behavioral paradigm combined with statistically-driven analysis to diagnose tinnitus in individual rats. We also tested rats for hearing detection, responsivity, and loss using prepulse inhibition and auditory brainstem response, and for spatial cognition and anxiety using Morris water maze and elevated plus maze. We found that our tinnitus diagnosis method reliably separated noise-exposed rats into tinnitus⁽⁺⁾ and tinnitus⁽⁻⁾ groups and detected no evidence of tinnitus in tinnitus⁽⁻⁾ and control rats. In addition, the tinnitus⁽⁺⁾ group demonstrated enhanced startle amplitude, indicating hyperacusis-like behavior. Despite these results, neither tinnitus, hyperacusis nor hearing loss yielded any significant effects on spatial learning and memory or anxiety, though a majority of rats with the highest anxiety levels had tinnitus. These findings showed that we were able to develop a clinically relevant tinnitus⁽⁺⁾ group and that our diagnosis method is sound. At the same time, like clinical studies, we found that tinnitus does not always result in cognitive-emotional dysfunction, although tinnitus may predispose subjects to certain impairment like anxiety. Other behavioral assessments may be needed to further define the relationship between tinnitus and anxiety, cognitive deficits, and other impairments.

Characterization of the THz radiation source at the Frascati linear accelerator

The linac driven coherent THz radiation source at the SPARC-LAB test facility is able to deliver broadband THz pulses with femtosecond shaping. In addition, high peak power, narrow spectral bandwidth THz radiation can be also generated, taking advantage of advanced electron beam manipulation techniques, able to generate an adjustable train of electron bunches with a sub-picosecond length and with sub-picosecond spacing. The paper reports on the manipulation, characterization, and transport of the electron beam in the bending line transporting the beam down to the THz station, where different coherent transition radiation spectra have been measured and studied with the aim to optimize the THz radiation performances.

Increased expression of IL-19 in the epithelium of patients with chronic rhinosinusitis and nasal polyps

BACKGROUND

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is an inflammation of the nose and of the paranasal sinuses. The involvement of the respiratory epithelium in the mechanisms of CRS is poorly understood.

AIMS

Among proteins expressed by nasal epithelial cells in CRS, IL-19 may have key functions. We here aimed to determine the expression and regulation of IL-19.

METHODS

Nasal biopsies from normal subjects (n = 12), subjects with CRS but without nasal polyps (NP) (CRSsNP, n = 12) and with CRS with NP (CRSwNP, n = 15) were collected. Human Asthma Gene Array and real-time PCR were used to evaluate gene expression, western blot analysis and immunohistochemistry for protein expression. Results for IL-19 were confirmed by real-time PCR. The constitutive and stimulated (LPS, TGF β) expression of IL-19 and cell proliferation were evaluated in a nasal epithelial cell line (RPMI 2650).

RESULTS

Human Asthma Gene Array showed an increased IL-19 gene expression in NP from patients with CRS in comparison with normal subjects. Real-time PCR confirmed the IL-19 mRNA up-regulation in patients with CRSwNP and showed an up-regulation of IL-19, at lower extent, in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis without nasal polyps (CRSsNP) in comparison with normal subjects. Western blot analysis confirmed that IL-19 is increased also at protein level in patients with CRSwNP in comparison with normal subjects. In NP, IL-19 is highly expressed in the metaplastic nasal epithelium when compared to normal or hyperplastic epithelium. LPS stimulation increased IL-19 expression, and recombinant IL-19 increased cell proliferation in nasal epithelial cells.

CONCLUSIONS

IL-19 is overexpressed in the epithelium in CRSwNP and increases epithelial cell proliferation.

Tinnitus suppression by electrical stimulation of the rat dorsal cochlear nucleus

Previous studies indicate that the dorsal cochlear nucleus (DCN) may serve as a generator and/or modulator of noise-induced tinnitus. This prompted an interest to investigate the modulatory role of the DCN in tinnitus suppression. In this study, we chronically implanted the DCN of rats with behavioral evidence of intense tone-induced tinnitus. Behavioral evidence of tinnitus was measured using a gap detection acoustic startle reflex paradigm. Our results demonstrated that electrical stimulation of the DCN suppressed behavioral evidence of tinnitus, especially at high frequencies. The data suggest that the DCN may be used as a target to suppress tinnitus through a bottom-up neuromodulation approach. The underlying mechanism of DCN-stimulation-induced tinnitus suppression was discussed by comparing it with other stimulation modalities.

Blast-induced tinnitus and hearing loss in rats: behavioral and imaging assays

Abstract The current study used a rat model to investigate the underlying mechanisms of blast-induced tinnitus, hearing loss, and associated traumatic brain injury (TBI). Seven rats were used to evaluate behavioral evidence of tinnitus and hearing loss, and TBI using magnetic resonance imaging following a single 10-msec blast at 14 psi or 194 dB sound pressure level (SPL). The results demonstrated that the blast exposure induced early onset of tinnitus and central hearing impairment at a broad frequency range. The induced tinnitus and central hearing impairment tended to shift towards high frequencies over time. Hearing threshold measured with auditory brainstem responses also showed an immediate elevation followed by recovery on day 14, coinciding with behaviorally-measured results. Diffusion tensor magnetic resonance imaging results demonstrated significant damage and compensatory plastic changes to certain auditory brain regions, with the majority of changes occurring in the inferior colliculus and medial geniculate body. No significant microstructural changes found in the corpus callosum indicates that the currently adopted blast exposure mainly exerts effects through the auditory pathways rather than through direct impact onto the brain parenchyma. The results showed that this animal model is appropriate for investigation of the mechanisms underlying blast-induced tinnitus, hearing loss, and related TBI. Continued investigation along these lines will help identify pathology with injury/recovery patterns, aiding development of effective treatment strategies.

Self-amplified spontaneous emission free-electron laser with an energy-chirped electron beam and undulator tapering

We report the first experimental implementation of a method based on simultaneous use of an energy chirp in the electron beam and a tapered undulator, for the generation of ultrashort pulses in a self-amplified spontaneous emission mode free-electron laser (SASE FEL). The experiment, performed at the SPARC FEL test facility, demonstrates the possibility of compensating the nominally detrimental effect of the chirp by a proper taper of the undulator gaps. An increase of more than 1 order of magnitude in the pulse energy is observed in comparison to the untapered case, accompanied by FEL spectra where the typical SASE spiking is suppressed.

227 THE EFFECTS OF SEXED SEMEN ON EMBRYONIC DEVELOPMENT TO THE BLASTOCYST STAGE

Sexed semen (SS) exhibits approximately 80% of the fertilizing ability of conventional semen (CS), and studies have shown that this continues through the 8-cell stage of bovine embryo development. At the time of this study, no information could be found that, when used for IVF and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) development, had been carried to the blastocyst stage. In addition, questions have arisen regarding which of the measured sperm parameters are responsible for the difference between the SS and CS and contribute to this decline in fertility. The goals of this project were to evaluate the effects of using sexed sperm as it relates to embryonic development and to determine if any of the differences in sperm parameters affect embryonic development. A preliminary project evaluated SS and CS from 5 bulls for IVF and ICSI. One bull was selected to provide the sperm (both SS and CS) for the trial, and 1752 oocytes were assigned to either IVF or ICSI. The SS and CS were divided among the available oocytes used for IVF and ICSI. Straws were thawed for 30 s at 37°C, and sperm were then evaluated for motility (provided by CASA, SpermVision, MiniTube of America, Verona, WI), morphology, acrosomal integrity (Coomassie and Pope stains), viability, and nuclear decondensation (SYBR Green and HALO). Results for SS v. CS were as follows: motility, 8 v. 26%; viability, 40.6 v. 30%; nuclear decondensation, 40 v. 30%; normal morphology and acrosomal integrity, no differences. Oocytes were obtained from Applied Reproductive Technologies, LLC (Madison, WI). The fertilization rate was consistently lower (Table 1) for both IVF and ICSI when SS were used (Z = 3.65; P = 0.0003), and there was no evidence that this decline in fertilization rate differed for the 2 methods (Z = 0.18; P = 0.86). Nor was there any evidence that the method affected the fertilization rate in general (Z = 0.75; P = 0.45). Thus, the difference was specific for fertilization rate and had no effect on Day 3 cells or Day 7 blastocysts. A higher fertility rate using ICSI would have indicated that a surface membrane factor may have been decreasing the fertility rate with SS because of the elimination of binding factors associated with ICSI. Thus, it may not be the sperm surface membrane that is distorted in the sexing procedure, but likely the integrity of the spermal DNA, as indicated by the increased nuclear decondensation of SS. Table 1.Comparison of sexed sperm with conventional sperm when used for IVF and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) Partial funding for this project was made available by the California State University Agricultural Research Institute (ARI). Appreciation is extended to Sexing Technologies, Inc. (Navasota, TX) for donating the semen.

Experimental demonstration of emittance compensation with velocity bunching

In this Letter we report the first experiments aimed at the simultaneous demonstration of the emittance compensation process and velocity bunching in a high brightness electron source, the SPARC photoinjector in INFN-LNF. While a maximum compression ratio up to a factor 14 has been observed, in a particular case of interest a compression factor of 3, yielding a slice current of 120 A with less than 2 microm slice emittance, has been measured. This technique may be crucial in achieving high brightness beams in photoinjectors aiming at optimized performance of short wavelength single-pass free electron lasers or other advanced applications in laser-plasma accelerators.

[GA(2)LEN (Global Allergy and Asthma European Network): European network of excellence for asthma and allergic diseases]

Allergic diseases represent some of the main health problems in Europe. These are increasing in prevalence, seriousness and social cost. The Global Allergy and Asthma European Network (GA(2)LEN), a network of excellence of the 6 degrees management program, was created in the 2005 with the aim to gather the European leader institutions of the research and clinical assistance fields, in order to guarantee the excellence and avoid the fragmentation of the energy spent in fighting allergy diseases in general. The GA(2)LEN has drawn a great advantage from the personal efforts of every single researcher who have proved their strong motivation in carrying on this "pan-European" model of collaboration. The network has been organized in order to increase the team work in scientific research projects in allergic and asthma disease field, making the GA(2)LEN the worldwide leader in this area. On these basis research projects have been carried on about which first data have been already published. The activities of the GA(2)LEN include in general the establishment of a lasting organization of the planning phase, the activity linked to every single project and to the improving on the existing projects, as well as the draft of new guidelines. This review reports the main achieved goals.

Chemotherapy in the community: what do patients want?

The aim of this study was to compare the outcomes of chemotherapy delivered at a cancer centre with chemotherapy given at a community hospital. The services were compared in terms of safety, preference for location, satisfaction and resource use. Patients were randomly allocated to two groups. One group received their first two cycles of chemotherapy at a community hospital; the other group received theirs at the cancer centre. The patients then crossed over to receive their next two cycles of chemotherapy at outreach or the cancer centre and then chose where they wanted to receive the remaining two cycles of their chemotherapy. Data were collected about patient preference, anxiety and depression, satisfaction and chemotherapy-related toxicity. Forty-two patients were randomized to the study: 38, 31 and 28 patients completed cycles two, four and final chemotherapies respectively. Thirty-one patients reached the end of the crossover period, of which 30 chose the outreach location for the remainder of their chemotherapy treatments. There was strong evidence that patients were more satisfied with outreach location for ease of access and also the environment. Recommendation from this study was that a permanent outreach chemotherapy service to community hospitals be established.

3He spin-dependent cross sections and sum rules

We present a measurement of the spin-dependent cross sections for the 3He over -->(e over -->,e')X reaction in the quasielastic and resonance regions at a four-momentum transfer 0.1< or =Q2< or =0.9 GeV2. The spin-structure functions have been extracted and used to evaluate the nuclear Burkhardt-Cottingham and extended Gerasimov-Drell-Hearn sum rules for the first time. The data are also compared to an impulse approximation calculation and an exact three-body Faddeev calculation in the quasielastic region.

A case-control study of the relation between plasma selenium and asthma in European populations: a GAL2EN project

BACKGROUND

There is evidence that selenium levels are relatively low in Europe and may be falling. Low levels of selenium or low activity of some of the enzymes dependent on selenium have been associated with asthma.

METHODS

The GA(2)LEN network has organized a multicentre case-control study in Europe to assess the relation of plasma selenium to asthma. The network compared 569 cases in 14 European centres with a diagnosis of asthma and reporting asthma symptoms in the last 12 months with 576 controls from the same centres with no diagnosis of asthma and no asthmatic symptoms in the last 12 months.

RESULTS

All cases and controls were selected from the same population defined by age and place of residence. Mean plasma selenium concentrations among the controls ranged from 116.3 microg/l in Palermo to 67.7 microg/l in Vienna and 56.1 microg/l among the children in Oslo. Random effects meta-analysis of the results from the centres showed no overall association between asthma and plasma selenium [odds ratio (OR)/10 microg/l increase in plasma selenium: 1.04; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.89-1.21] though there was a significantly protective effect in Lodz (OR: 0.48; 95% CI: 0.29-0.78) and a marginally significant adverse effect in Amsterdam (OR: 1.68; 95% CI: 0.98-2.90) and Ghent (OR: 1.35; 95% CI: 1.03-1.77).

CONCLUSION

This study does not support a role for selenium in protection against asthma, but effect modification and confounding cannot be ruled out.

The relation between paracetamol use and asthma: a GA2LEN European case-control study

Studies from the UK and USA suggest that frequent use of paracetamol (acetaminophen) may increase the risk of asthma, but data across Europe are lacking. As part of a multicentric case-control study organised by the Global Allergy and Asthma European Network (GA(2)LEN), it was examined whether or not frequent paracetamol use is associated with adult asthma across Europe. The network compared 521 cases with a diagnosis of asthma and reporting of asthma symptoms within the last 12 months with 507 controls with no diagnosis of asthma and no asthmatic symptoms within the last 12 months across 12 European centres. All cases and controls were selected from the same population, defined by age (20-45 yrs) and place of residence. In a random effects meta-analysis, weekly use of paracetamol, compared with less frequent use, was strongly positively associated with asthma after controlling for confounders. There was no evidence for heterogeneity across centres. No association was seen between use of other analgesics and asthma. These data add to the increasing and consistent epidemiological evidence implicating frequent paracetamol use in asthma in diverse populations.