Mammography-detected ultrasound-negative asymptomatic micro-calcifications in Chinese women: would it be safe to watch and wait?
Although mammography (MG) has been widely used for breast cancer screening in the western world, over-diagnosis remains controversial. Milestone studies showed that ultrasound (US) was an effective primary screening test for breast cancer both in the western world and in China. US improves the sensitivity of screening in Chinese women who have denser breasts and develop breast cancer earlier than Caucasian counterparts, and is used as the primary imaging test in the hospital-based opportunistic screening among asymptomatic self-referred women. (Source: Medical Hypotheses)
Source: Medical Hypotheses - June 15, 2018 Category: Biomedical Science Authors: Ying Xu, Bo Pan, Yi-Dong Zhou, Ru Yao, Qing-Li Zhu, Jing Zhang, Feng Mao, Yan Lin, Song-Jie Shen, Qiang Sun Source Type: research
A hypothetical method for controlling highly glycolytic cancers and metastases
Most proliferating cancer cells and cancer-associated tumor stroma have an upregulated glucose energy demand in relation to normal cells. Cancer cells are further less metabolically flexible than normal cells. They can therefore not survive metabolic stress as well as normal cells can. Metabolic deprivation thus provides a potential therapeutic window.Unfortunately, current glucose blockers have toxicity problems. An alternative way to reduce a cancer patient ’s blood glucose (BG), for a short-term period to very low levels, without the concomitant toxicity, is hypothesized in this paper. (Source: Medical Hypotheses)
Source: Medical Hypotheses - June 15, 2018 Category: Biomedical Science Authors: Edward H. Mathews, George E. Mathews, Albertus A. Meyer Source Type: research
Evidence of an ancient (2,000 years ago) goiter attributed to iodine deficiencyin North America
The Adena pipe figurine was found in the 2,000 year-old Adena burial mound in Ross County, Ohio, USA by William C. Mills in 1901. The pipe reportedly represents an achondroplastic dwarf male Native American. However, the clinical aspect (swelling of the neck), the environmental/cultural characteristics in this area (iodine-poor soils, absence of seafood and milk consumption, tobacco smoking), and the marked prevalence of goiter among Native American populations favor the diagnosis of a goiter associated to iodine deficiency. (Source: Medical Hypotheses)
Source: Medical Hypotheses - June 15, 2018 Category: Biomedical Science Authors: F. Bauduer, K. Barnett Tankersley Source Type: research
The Possible Impact of Cervical Stenosis on Cephalad Neuronal Dysfunction
Earlier observers have speculated on the causal relationships between abnormal CSF circulation and a variety of neurological dysfunctions. Such speculations have been at least partially validated by recent evidence and inquiries contravening the traditional static viewpoint of CSF circulation. More contemporary inquiries establish a number of factors which influence both CSF production and absorption (sleep disturbance, neck position, cerebral metabolism, brain atrophy, medications, etc.). Thus, transient periods of abnormality are possibly mingled with periods of normality. (Source: Medical Hypotheses)
Source: Medical Hypotheses - June 8, 2018 Category: Biomedical Science Authors: Tigran Khachatryan, Joe Sam Robinson Source Type: research
Combined targeted ion channel therapy: can it be an alternative choice for esophageal cancer patients?
Esophageal cancer is a relatively common malignancy with a poor prognosis and is conventionally treated by surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. However, due to the prevalence of cancer relapse with treatment resistance, novel molecular targets must be identified for the development of alternative therapies. Emerging evidence indicates that ion channels play important roles in cell proliferation, migration, apoptosis and differentitation and could therefore be considered as a potential oncological therapy. (Source: Medical Hypotheses)
Source: Medical Hypotheses - June 7, 2018 Category: Biomedical Science Authors: Guochao Zhang, Xuefei Wang, Qi Xue Source Type: research
The Role of Cellular Phone Usage by Parents in the Increase in ASD Occurrence A Hypothetical Framework
Over the last few decades there has been a significant worldwide increase in the diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), the causes of which are unknown. The biggest environmental change over this decade has been the massive introduction of cellphones. Eye contact is fundamental for infants' development, and parent-infant eye contact is impaired when parents are pre occupied by cellphones. We speculate that children with a pre-existing vulnerability to autism may be adversely affected by this pattern of parental behavior. (Source: Medical Hypotheses)
Source: Medical Hypotheses - June 7, 2018 Category: Biomedical Science Authors: Michael Davidovitch, Maayan Shrem, Nitzan Golovaty, Nurit Assaf, Gideon Koren Source Type: research
Possible role of circulating endothelial cells in patients after acute myocardial infarction
Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) occurs as a result of insufficient myocardial perfusion leading to cell necrosis. This is most commonly due to the obstruction of the coronary artery by ruptured atherosclerotic plaque and thrombosis. Damaged ischemic and necrotic myocardial cells release pro-inflammatory substances in tissue and plasma, leading to a systemic inflammatory response. Profound systemic inflammatory response during ischemia/reperfusion injury causes disruption of endothelial glycocalix and detachment of endothelial cells that express von Willebrant factor (vWF). (Source: Medical Hypotheses)
Source: Medical Hypotheses - June 7, 2018 Category: Biomedical Science Authors: Marijana Rakic, Viktor Persic, Tatjana Kehler, Ana Lanca Bastiancic, Ivan Rosovic, Gordana Laskarin, Vlatka Sotosek Tokmadzic Source Type: research
Garcinol, an effective monoamine oxidase-B inhibitor for the treatment of Parkinson's disease
Loss of dopamine containing neurons in substantia nigra pars compacta of midbrain and resultant depletion of dopamine in striatum is the cause Parkinson ’s disease (PD) which is associated with motor abnormalities. Replenishment of dopamine by oral supplementation of its precursor, the levodopa (L-DOPA), remains the primary mode of treatment of PD despite its potential side-effects after prolonged use in patients. To reduce the daily dosing of L-D OPA in patients, inhibitors of dopamine catabolizing enzymes particularly monoamine oxidase-B (MAO-B) are prescribed. (Source: Medical Hypotheses)
Source: Medical Hypotheses - June 7, 2018 Category: Biomedical Science Authors: Muhammed Khairujjaman Mazumder, Rajib Paul, Banashree Chetia Phukan, Ankumoni Dutta, Jayasree Chakrabart, Pallab Bhattacharya, Anupom Borah Source Type: research
Tuberculosis-related type of psoriasis
Psoriasis is a multifaceted disease in terms of its pathophysiological mechanisms, inducing and aggravating factors, clinical types and clinical severity, associated comorbidities and therapeutic modalities. In recent years, an attracting perspective has emerged to identify variants of the disease with their own specific clinical course and management which could stratify the variable spectrum of the disease into different entities (such as palmo-plantar pustulosis). We hypothesize the existence of a unique Tuberculosis-related type of psoriasis that could be managed successfully with rifampicin. (Source: Medical Hypotheses)
Source: Medical Hypotheses - June 7, 2018 Category: Biomedical Science Authors: Nikolai Tsankov, Ivan Grozdev Source Type: research
mTOR Inhibitors for Treatment of Low-Risk Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer incidence increases with age; along with many other cancers, it could be considered a disease of aging. Prostate cancer screening has led to a significant proportion of men diagnosed with low-grade, low-stage prostate cancer who are now more likely to choose an active surveillance strategy rather than definitive treatments. Definitive treatment, such as surgery and radiation therapy, is useful for high-grade disease; however, because of the low long-term risk of progression of a low-grade disease and side effects of surgery and radiation, these treatments are less commonly used for low-grade disease. (Sourc...
Source: Medical Hypotheses - June 5, 2018 Category: Biomedical Science Authors: Michael A. Liss, Lanette Rickborn, John DiGiovanni, Dean Bacich, Linda A. DeGraffenried, Manish Parihar, Ian M. Thompson, Zelton Dave Sharp Source Type: research
Can pre-screening vestibulocerebellar involvement followed by targeted training improve the outcomes of balance in cerebellar ataxia?
Balance problems and frequent falls are common among clients with Cerebellar Ataxia (CA). CA is not a disease by itself but a collection of symptoms due to the involvement of cerebellum or its pathways. Presently the treatment for balance problems for CA is not standardized. Interventions available to improve balance are not specific to symptoms presentation. Functionally the cerebellum is divided into the spinocerebellum, vestibulocerebellum and corticocerebellum. Each functional zone has a distinct role in maintaining balance. (Source: Medical Hypotheses)
Source: Medical Hypotheses - June 5, 2018 Category: Biomedical Science Authors: Stanley J Winser, Micheal C Shubert, Anne YY Chan, Priya Kannan, Susan L Whitney Source Type: research
A mathematical model predicting the individual outcome of IVF through sperm-analysis: the role of the HaloSpermG2 ® DNA fragmentation test
The present paper reports the results of a pragmatic prospective trial in a group of 38 random infertile couples in whom a battery of semen assays were performed before in vitro fertilisation (IVF). Sixteen couples (42.1%) attained ongoing pregnancy. Using logistic regression analysis only the result of the Oxisperm ® (P=0.047) and the HaloSperm G2® for DNA fragmentation (P0.05). (Source: Medical Hypotheses)
Source: Medical Hypotheses - June 5, 2018 Category: Biomedical Science Authors: F. Comhaire, A. Messiaen, W. Decleer Source Type: research
Heat shock protein(s) may serve as estrus indicators in animals: A conceptual hypothesis
The estrous cycle consists of episodic phases that eventually regulate reproduction in non-primate mammals. Females are sexually receptive to males only during estrus phase, which lasts from few hours to 2 days. Estrus detection is crucial for reproductive management of animal herd; however, precise estrus detection method/tools are not available. The analysis of body fluids, e.g., facets of proteomics during recent years is promising in the progression of estrus markers. Specifically, heat shock proteins (HSPs) present in body fluids and reproductive organs could be possibly used as markers of estrus. (Source: Medical Hypotheses)
Source: Medical Hypotheses - June 4, 2018 Category: Biomedical Science Authors: D. SankarGanesh, R. Ramachandran, U. Suriyakalaa, A. Ramkumar, S. Achiraman, G. Archunan Source Type: research
Urinary tract infection ’s etiopathogenic role in nephrolithiasis formation
Urolithiasis has a high prevalence and recurrence rate, especially in developed countries, and is a major public health issue with a high socioeconomic cost. There are multiple causes of urolithiasis, including urinary tract infection (UTI). Infection stones (mainly composed of struvite) are associated with renal infections by urease-producing bacteria. However, there is limited knowledge about the role of UTIs in the formation of stones that are apparently not related with infection. We hypothesize that UTIs promote the formation of certain urolithiasis that appear to be non-infection stones. (Source: Medical Hypotheses)
Source: Medical Hypotheses - June 4, 2018 Category: Biomedical Science Authors: J.L. Bauza, E.C. Pieras, F. Grases, V. Tubau, J. Guimer à, X.A. Sabaté, P. Pizà Source Type: research
Neuroendocrine and immune disequilibrium as a probable link between metabolic syndrome and carcinogenesis
Numerous investigations prove a higher incidence of carcinogenesis in metabolic syndrome (MetS). They indicate the important role of obesity, elevated inflammatory biomarkers, hyperinsulinemia, hyperglycemia, and dyslipidemia as well. Elevated plasma insulin and free insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) levels stimulate cell proliferation. The present publication considers the role of neuroendocrine and immune disequilibrium in MetS as a reason for transition to carcinogenesis. It emphasizes the role of hormonal disbalance, i.e. (Source: Medical Hypotheses)
Source: Medical Hypotheses - June 2, 2018 Category: Biomedical Science Authors: Mariyana G. Hristova Source Type: research
