A general XML schema and SPM toolbox for storage of neuro-imaging results and anatomical labels

With the increased frequency of multisite, large-scale collaborative neuro-imaging studies, the need for a general, self-documenting framework for the storage and retrieval of activation maps and anatomical labels becomes evident. To address this need, we have developed and extensible markup language (XML) schema and associated tools for the storage of neuro-imaging activation maps and anatomical labels. This schema, as part of the XML-based Clinical Experiment Data Exchange (XCEDE) schema, provides storage capabilities for analysis annotations, activation threshold parameters, and cluster and voxel-level statistics. Activation parameters contain information describing the threshold, degrees of freedom, FWHM smoothness, search volumes voxel sizes, expected voxels per cluster, and expected number of clusters in the statistical map. Cluster and voxel statistics can be stored along with the coordinates, threshold, and anatomical label information. Multiple threshold types can be documented for a given cluster or voxel along with the uncorrected and corrected probability values. Multiple atlases can be used to generate anatomical labels and stored for each significant voxel or cluter. Additionally, a toolbox for Statistical Parametric Mapping software (http://www. fil.ion.ucl.ac.uk/spm/) was created to capture the results from activation maps using the XML schema that supports both SPM99 and SPM2 versions (http:/nnbirn.net/Resources/Users/ Applications/xcede/SPM_XMLTools.htm). Support for anatomical labeling is available via the Talairach Daemon (http://ric.uthcsa. edu/projects/talairachdaemon.htm1) and Automated Anatomical Labeling (http://www. cyceron.fr/freeware/).     

Imaging phenotypes and genotypes in schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is associated with subtle structural and functional brain abnormalities. Both recent and classical data suggest that it is a heterogeneous disorder that is clearly heritable. The cause and course of schizophrenia are poorly understood, and classical categories of clinical symptoms have not been particularly useful in identifying its pathophysiology or predicting its treatment. The possible genetic risk factors for schizophrenia are numerous; however, the connection between the genotype and the time-course, or the multifaceted symptoms of the disease, has yet to be established. Brain imaging methods that study the structure or function of the cortical and subcortical regions have also identified distinct patterns that distinguish schizophrenics from controls, and that may identify meaningful subtypes of schizophrenia. The predictive relationship between these imaging phenotypes and disease characteristics such as treatment response is only beginning to be revealed. The emergence of the field of imaging genetics, combining genetic, and neuroimaging data, holds much promise for the deeper understanding and improved treatment of diseases such as schizophrenia. In this article we review some of the key findings in imaging phenotyping and genotyping of schizophrenia, and the initial endeavors at their combination into more meaningful and predictive patterns, or endophenotypes identifying the relationships among clinical symptoms, course, genes, and the underlying pathophysiology.     

Microstructural and Corrosion Properties of Hydroxyapatite Containing PEO Coating Produced on AZ31 Mg Alloy

In this work, the composition of an electrolyte was selected and optimized to induce the formation of hydroxyapatite during Plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) treatment on an AZ31 alloy for application in bioabsorbable implants. In detail, the PEO process, called PEO-BIO (Plasma Electrolytic Oxidation-Biocompatible), was performed using a silicate-phosphate-based electrolyte with the addition of calcium oxide in direct-current mode using high current densities and short treatment times. For comparison, a known PEO process for producing anticorrosive coatings, called standard, was applied on the same alloy. The coatings were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and XPS analyses. The corrosion performance was evaluated in simulated body fluid (SBF) at 37 °C. The coating produced on the PEO-BIO sample was porous and thicker than the standard PEO one, with zones enriched in Ca and P. The XRD analysis showed the formation of hydroxyapatite and calcium oxides in addition to magnesium-silicon oxide and magnesium oxide in the PEO-BIO sample. The corrosion resistance of PEO-BIO sample was comparable with that of a traditional PEO treated sample, and higher than that of the untreated alloy.     

Comparison of biomechanical parameters in penetrating keratoplasty and normal eyes using the Ocular Response Analyser

Background: To compare corneal hysteresis (CH) and corneal resistance factor (CRF) in eyes 1 year following penetrating keratoplasty (PK) with that of normal eyes using the Ocular Response Analyser. Methods: Prospective case comparison of 166 normal right eyes and 34 unilateral post‐PK eyes presenting to a teaching hospital in Birmingham, UK. The CH, CRF and Goldmann‐correlated intraocular pressure, of each eye was measured using the Ocular Response Analyser. The central corneal thickness (CCT) was measured using an ultrasonic pachymeter. Results: The mean CH was 10.6 ±2.0 mmHg, standard deviation (SD) and CRF was 10.2 ± 2.0 mmHg (SD) in normal eyes and 8.9 ± 3.3 mmHg and 8.1 ± 3.3 mmHg in post‐PK eyes, respectively. The mean CCT was 541.8 ± 36.1 µm in normal eyes and 556.0 ±69.2 µm in post‐PK eyes. The Goldmann‐correlated intraocular pressure was 16.1 ± 3.1 mmHg and 12.4 ± 2.9 mmHg in normal eyes and post‐PK eyes, respectively. The CCT was found to be higher in post‐PK eyes compared with normal eyes but the difference was not statistically significant (P > 0.5). Conclusion: Reduced biomechanical measures were found in post‐PK eyes despite a higher mean CCT. This may be due to the altered corneal structure following PK.     

Salmeterol, a new inhaled beta 2-adrenergic agonist, has a longer blocking effect than albuterol on hyperventilation-induced bronchoconstriction.

The duration of the blocking effect of salmeterol (50 micrograms), albuterol (200 micrograms), and a placebo were compared in a double-blind study in 12 adult subjects with asthma who underwent hyperventilation tests with cold dry air (-20 degrees C) on 4 study days. On the first day, the hyperventilation test was performed at various time intervals (baseline, 1, 4, 6, 8, 12, and 24 hours) with spontaneous functional recovery between each test to determine the within-day within-subject variability of the response. The response was assessed by interpolating the dose of cold dry air causing a 20% fall in FEV1. On the 3 remaining days, separated by an interval of at least 5 days, the active or placebo medication was administered after spontaneous recovery from the first hyperventilation test. Spirometry was assessed 15 minutes and 1 hour later. The hyperventilation test was then performed and repeated 4 hours after administration of the drug. The test was repeated 6, 8, 12, and 24 hours later to detect any significant blocking effect. The improvement in FEV1 15 minutes and 1 hour after the drug was administered was 19.8% and 20.4%, as compared to baseline for albuterol, and 16.3% and 16.8% for salmeterol (not significant). The mean duration of the blocking effect was 0.25 hour for the placebo, 3.5 hours for albuterol, and 15.9 hours for salmeterol (F = 24.5; p less than 0.001; Newman-Keul's test was significant for every contrast). Eight of the 12 subjects still demonstrated some blocking effect 8 hours after taking salmeterol; this was true for only one subject receiving albuterol.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Emtricitabine + tenofovir alafenamide for the treatment of HIV

Introduction: Tenofovir alafenamide is a new oral prodrug of tenofovir resulting in relatively low plasma levels and rapid uptake into peripheral blood mononuclear cells in its active form. The United States Food and Drug Administration has now approved this drug coformulated with elvitegravir/cobicistat/emtricitabine, rilpivirine/emtricitabine and emtricitabine. United States guidelines now list this formulation as one of the preferred components of a variety of antiretroviral regimens, and is included as an alternative in other international guidelines, with the notable exception of the World Health Organization, mostly due to limited availability.

Areas covered: This review covers pre-clinical and clinical data searched through PubMed? up to August 2016.

Expert opinion: Tenofovir alafenamide is effective as part of an antiretroviral regimen. There is also compelling data that it has less adverse effects on bone mineral density and possibly kidneys than tenofovir disoproxil fumarate. Although approved for use in those with estimated glomerular filtration rates as low as 30 mL/min, data is somewhat limited in this group. While there are few reasons to not use tenofovir alafenamide as a substitute for tenofovir disoproxil fumarate, the former should not be used with rifamycins, is not yet recommended in pregnancy and needs to be studied further before it can be considered as part of a pre-exposure prophylaxis regimen.