Κυριακή 18 Φεβρουαρίου 2018
Structure optimization and preliminary bioactivity evaluation of N- hydroxybenzamide-based HDAC inhibitors with Y-shaped cap
Publication date: Available online 18 February 2018
Source:Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry
Author(s): Chenggong Yu, Feng He, Ying Qu, Qiuqiong Zhang, Jiahui Lv, Xiangna Zhang, Ana Xu, Pannan Miao, Jingde Wu
Histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACIs) are effective small molecules in the treatment of human cancers. In our continuing efforts to develop novel N-hydroxyterephthalamide-based HDACIs, herein we report the design and development of a new class of N-hydroxybenzamide-based HDACIs. In this new class of analogs, we inserted an ethylene moiety in the linker and used indole as a part of the Y-shaped cap group. Biological characterization identified compounds 4o, 4p, 4q and 4t to show improved HDAC inhibition, while no isoform selectivity for HDACs was observed. These compounds also exhibited improved anti-proliferative activity against multiple cancer cell lines when compared to their parent compound and positive control SAHA.
Graphical abstract
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Correction to: Removal of fluoroquinolone from aqueous solution using graphene oxide: experimental and computational elucidation
Abstract
Unfortunately, the original version of this article contains a mistake. The figures no. 10, 11, 12 and 13 in the original version of the article should be replaced by the figures shown in this paper.
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Handheld reflectance confocal microscopy, dermatoscopy and histopathological correlation of common inflammatory balanitis
Abstract
Background
The term balanitis includes a variety of inflammatory skin diseases involving the glans penis whose clinical diagnosis may be challenging. A biopsy is often required to obtain a definitive diagnosis, although it is barely accepted by patients. Reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM), that provides a real-time, en face imaging of the epidermis and upper dermis, is currently utilized for the diagnosis of some neoplastic and inflammatory skin diseases. The aim of this study was to analyze the RCM handheld findings of some common balanitis and to correlate them with dermatoscopy and histopathological features.
Materials and Methods
Thirty-two patients with biopsy-proven diagnosis of psoriatic balanitis (10 patients), Zoon's balanitis (11 patients) and lichen sclerosus et atrophicus (11 patients) were evaluated using a handheld RCM device and ×10 dermatoscopy.
Results
At the end of the study, each disorder presented specific RCM patterns that correlated with dermatoscopy and histopathological findings.
Conclusion
The use of handheld RCM as complementary tool in everyday clinical practice for the evaluation of inflammatory diseases involving sensitive areas such as male genitalia, may contribute to reduce the need of invasive procedures.
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Molecular genetics characterization and homology modeling of the CHM gene mutation: A study on its association with choroideremia
Publication date: Available online 18 February 2018
Source:Mutation Research/Reviews in Mutation Research
Author(s): Saber Imani, Iqra Ijaz, Marzieh Dehghan Shasaltaneh, Shangyi Fu, Jingliang Cheng, Junjiang Fu
Choroideremia (CHM) is a rare form of X-linked chorioretinal dystrophy that is caused by mutations in the CHM gene. Mutations in the Rab escort protein-1 (REP-1), an ubiquitously encoded protein of the CHM gene, lead to prenylation and vesicle trafficking deficiency in the protein, resulting in the progressive degeneration of choriocapillaris, retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), and photoreceptors. Despite previous studies concerning this disease, no effective diagnostic tests or established therapeutic interventions currently exist for CHM. In this paper, we reviewed the pathogenic effects of synonymous hotspot mutation in the CHM gene and the genotypic–phenotypic associations in families with CHM. In addition, we employed a combination of molecular dynamics simulations and principal component analysis to gain insight into the underlying molecular basis of these deleterious and disease-causing hotspot mutation analogs. These computer predictions provide strong evidence that the C > T nonsynonymous hotspot mutations of CHM spectrum contribute to overall RPE retinopathy. These findings increase our understanding of the CHM pathogenesis, which may potentially define a new approach in developing novel symbiotic strategies for genetic diagnosis and specific treatment of inherited retinal diseases.
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Gastrointestinal Hormones in Regulation of Memory
Publication date: Available online 18 February 2018
Source:Peptides
Author(s): Anwesha Mandal, Kedar S. Prabhavalkar, Lokesh K. Bhatt
The connection between the gastrointestinal hormones and the brain has been established many years ago. This relation is termed the gut-brain axis (GBA). The GBA is a bidirectional communication which not only regulates gastrointestinal homeostasis but is also linked with higher emotional and cognitive functions. Hypothalamus plays a critical role in the regulation of energy metabolism, nutrient partitioning and control of feeding behaviors. Various gut hormones are released inside the gastrointestinal tract on food intake. These hormones act peripherally and influence the different responses of the tissues to the food intake, but do also have effects on the brain. The hypothalamus, in turn, integrates visceral function with limbic system structures such as hippocampus, amygdala, and cerebral cortex. The hippocampus has been known for its involvement in the cognitive function and the modulation of synaptic plasticity. This review aims to establish the role of various gut hormones in learning and memory, through the interaction of various receptors in the hippocampus. Understanding their role in memory can also aid in finding novel therapeutic strategies for the treatment of the neurological disorders associated with memory dysfunctions.
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Sleep, food cravings and taste
Publication date: 1 June 2018
Source:Appetite, Volume 125
Author(s): Wen Lv, Graham Finlayson, Robin Dando
ObjectiveTaste is influenced by factors from our environment, psychology, and from our own physiological state. The objective of the study was to determine whether sleep influences our sense of taste or our cravings for food.Method57 healthy panelists, predominantly of college age, submitted to sleep tracking, and subsequently underwent a series of sensory tests, using basic prototypic tastants, as well as real foods. Panelists were also evaluated to quantify food cravings, using both the Leeds Food Preference Questionnaire, and the Control of Eating Questionnaire.ResultsUmami (p = 0.025, F = 5.301) and sour (p = 0.037, F = 4.591) taste were intensified in those rating sleepiness higher, while this group also reported higher implicit wanting for high fat sweet foods (p = 0.011, Wald chi-sq = 14.937). Craving for sweet or savory also associated with a number of measures of taste response to real foods.ConclusionsResults imply that a lack of sleep may induce cravings for unhealthy foods, and that foods high in umami or sour taste may be experienced differently due to alterations in taste function. Results imply that feeding behavior may be influenced by a lack of sleep, acting at least partially through our sense of taste.
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How effective are messages and their characteristics in changing behavioural intentions to substitute plant-based foods for red meat? The mediating role of prior beliefs
Publication date: 1 June 2018
Source:Appetite, Volume 125
Author(s): Annukka Vainio, Xavier Irz, Hanna Hartikainen
By means of a population-based survey experiment, we analysed the effectiveness of two message characteristics – message framing and the refutation of misinformation – in persuading respondents to reduce their consumption of red meat and increase that of plant-based alternatives. We also tested whether the effects of those two message characteristics were moderated by prior beliefs about the health and climate impacts of red meat consumption. The data were collected with an online survey of the adult population living in Finland (N = 1279). We found that messages had a small but desired effect on intentions when the effect of prior beliefs was taken into account, but that that effect was strongly moderated by prior beliefs. In particular, messages changed behavioural intentions among the "meat-sceptics" (i.e., those believing relatively strongly in the negative health and climate effects of meat consumption) but not among the "meat believers" (defined symmetrically). The combination of frames and refutation of misinformation were not found to be more effective strategies than the provision of information through single-framed, one-sided messages. We found limited evidence that the way a message was formulated determined its effectiveness in changing behaviours.
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Weak genetic divergence suggests extensive gene flow at the northeastern range limit of a dioecious Ficus species
Publication date: Available online 17 February 2018
Source:Acta Oecologica
Author(s): Rong Wang, Chang-Hong Yang, Yuan-Yuan Ding, Xin Tong, Xiao-Yong Chen
Genus Ficus (Moraceae) plays a critical role in the sustainability and biodiversity in tropical and subtropical ecosystems. Ficus species and their host specific pollinating fig wasps (Agaonidae) represent a classic example of obligate mutualism. The genetic consequence of range expansion and range shift is still under investigation, but extensive gene flow and subsequently low level of genetic divergence may be expected to occur among the populations at the poleward range limit of some Ficus species due to long distance gene flow in the genus. In the present study, we focused on populations of F. sarmentosa var. henryi at its northeastern range limit in southeast China to test whether edge populations were genetically fragile. Consistent with our hypothesis, high level of genetic diversity and weak genetic structure were revealed in Ficus sarmentosa var. henryi populations, suggesting extensive gene flow at the plant's range limit. Long-distance movements of both pollinators and frugivorous birds were likely to be frequent and thereby predominantly contributed to the extensive gene flow at large scale despite of some magnificent landscape elements like huge mountains.
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Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome: clinical and biochemical correlates
Journal Name: Journal of Pediatric Endocrinology and Metabolism
Issue: Ahead of print
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A novel paraneoplastic syndrome with acquired lipodystrophy and chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy in an adolescent male with craniopharyngioma
Journal Name: Journal of Pediatric Endocrinology and Metabolism
Issue: Ahead of print
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Arsenic speciation in tree moss by mass spectrometry based hyphenated techniques
Publication date: 1 June 2018
Source:Talanta, Volume 183
Author(s): Kai Nan, Man He, Beibei Chen, Yujie Chen, Bin Hu
A method based on ion-pair reversed phase high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) hyphenated with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) was developed for arsenic speciation in extract of tree moss. Under the optimal conditions, the limit of detection of eight arsenic species including arsenite (AsIII), arsenate (AsV), monomethylarsonic acid (MMA), dimethylarsonic acid (DMA), trimethylarsinoxide (TMAO), tetramethylarsonium (Tetra), arsenocholine (AsC) and arsenobetaine (AsB) is between 0.04 and 0.07 ng/mL, with a linear range of 0.2 − 500 ng/mL. Three unknown arsenic species (Unk1, Unk2 and Unk3) and six specific arsenic species (AsIII, AsV, DMA, TMAO, Tetra and AsB) were detected in the extract of tree moss. Unk3 was identified as a kind of arsenosugars (2,3-dihydroxypropyl-5-deoxy-5(dimethylarsenoso)furanoside, arsenosugar X) by electrospray ionization quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (ESI-qTOF-MS).
Graphical abstract
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Fast blood plasma separation device for point-of-care applications
Publication date: 1 June 2018
Source:Talanta, Volume 183
Author(s): Pavol Ďurč, František Foret, Petr Kubáň
In this work, a simple device for extremely fast separation of blood plasma from diluted whole blood was developed. The device accommodates an asymmetric polysulfone membrane/supporting membrane sandwich that allows collection of 10 µL blood plasma into a narrow glass capillary in less than 10 s. The composition of diluent solution was optimized in order to achieve maximum recoveries for selected metabolites of alcohol intoxication. 5% solution of [tris(hydroxymethyl)methylamino] propanesulfonic acid provided recoveries of formate, oxalate and glycolate close to 100% and only moderate erythrocyte lysis. Both charged and uncharged compounds from the whole blood samples can be analyzed in the separated blood plasma by capillary electrophoresis with contactless conductometric detection and spectrophotometry, respectively. The developed device might find wide application in on-site testing and point-of-care analysis, when only microliter volumes of whole blood are available.
Graphical abstract
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Validity and reliability of outcome measures assessing dexterity, coordination, and upper limb strength in Autosomal Recessive Spastic Ataxia of Charlevoix-Saguenay
Publication date: Available online 17 February 2018
Source:Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Author(s): Cynthia Gagnon, Isabelle Lessard, Bernard Brais, Isabelle Côté, Caroline Lavoie, Matthis Synofzik, Jean Mathieu
ObjectiveTo document in adults affected by Autosomal Recessive Spastic Ataxia of Charlevoix-Saguenay (ARSACS) the intra- and interrater reliability, standard error of measurement, agreement, minimal detectable change and construct validity of the Nine-Hole Peg Test (NHPT), Standardized Finger-to-Nose Test (SFNT), and grip strength.DesignMetrological study.SettingNeuromuscular rehabilitation clinic.ParticipantsGenetically confirmed adult patients with ARSACS (n = 42, 21 females, mean age = 38.6y for intrarater reliability, and n = 33, 18 females, mean age = 40.0y for interrater reliability).InterventionsNot applicable.Main outcome measuresIntra- and interrater reliability was determined using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Construct validity was determined by assessing the capacity of the NHPT, SFNT, and grip strength to distinguish between participants based on sex, mobility stages, and age groups, and on performance on the Archimedes spiral and Alternating hand movement tests.ResultsAll three tests have shown excellent reliability (ICC = 0.90-0.98). However, the limit of agreement was influenced by the participant's performance on the NHPT, and the minimal detectable change was very different for both hands (right = 9.7 vs left = 28.0). Construct validity was confirmed for the SFNT and NHPT, but was not demonstrated for grip strength.ConclusionsGiven the metrological properties assessed in this study, the SFNT is an excellent measure to assess upper limb coordination, while the NHPT must be used with caution. The grip strength is reliable but does not seem to reflect disease severity.
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Convergence of BOLD and ERP Measures of Neural Reactivity to Emotional Faces in Children and Adolescents with and without Anxiety Disorders
Publication date: Available online 17 February 2018
Source:Biological Psychology
Author(s): Nóra Bunford, Autumn Kujawa, Kate D. Fitzgerald, Christopher S. Monk, K. Luan Phan
The neural bases of emotion are commonly measured using blood-oxygen-level-dependent (BOLD) signal and the late positive potential (LPP) event-related potential (ERP) component, but rarely together in the same individuals. Despite evidence of developmental changes in processing socio-emotional signals (e.g., faces) as reflected by both BOLD and LPP indices of brain maturation, the literature on the correspondence between these measures is limited to healthy adults, leaving questions regarding such correspondence across development and in clinical populations unaddressed. We examined the relationship between BOLD and LPP during an emotional face processing task in a large sample of youth (N = 70; age 7–19 years) with and without anxiety disorders, and tested whether BOLD signal in regions corresponding to LPP may account for age-related decreases in LPP. Greater activation in bilateral inferior frontal gyrus (IFG)/orbitofrontal gyrus (OFG), left supplementary motor area, right superior parietal lobule, and bilateral amygdala correlated with enhanced LPP to emotional faces in both anxious and healthy youth. Older youth exhibited reduced activation in bilateral IFG/OFG and bilateral amygdala, as well as reduced LPP. Decreased right IFG/OFG activation mediated the association between age and LPP. These findings support correspondence between these measures and need for multi-method approaches and indicate that age-related decreases in LPP may be driven, in part, by decreased IFG/OFG activation.
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EEG phase states at stimulus onset in a variable-ISI Go/NoGo task: Effects on ERP components
Publication date: Available online 17 February 2018
Source:Biological Psychology
Author(s): Robert J. Barry, Jack S. Fogarty, Frances M. De Blasio, Diana Karamacoska
Previous EEG-ERP dynamics studies found non-random "preferred" EEG phases at stimulus onset in a fixed interstimulus interval (ISI) equiprobable auditory Go/NoGo paradigm, with substantial effects on ERP components. Here we changed to a variable ISI task to prevent/reduce preferential phase occurrence. Discrete Fourier transforms decomposed prestimulus EEG at Cz for each trial to calculate the phase of different frequencies at stimulus onset; we combined these into the delta, theta, alpha, and beta bands, and then sorted trials into phase quartiles for each. ERPs from the raw EEG, assessed using temporal Principal Components Analyses, were examined as a function of phase at stimulus onset. Preferential phase occurrence was reduced as predicted, but random phase substantially impacted component amplitudes. For example, negativity in delta enhanced Go and NoGo P3b; and in theta reduced NoGo but not Go P3b. Overall, EEG phases at stimulus onset support differential cognitive processing in this two-choice task.
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Osteopathic manipulative treatment in pudendal neuralgia: A case report
Publication date: Available online 17 February 2018
Source:Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies
Author(s): D. Origo, A.G. Tarantino
Pudendal neuralgia is characterised by pain in the pudendal dermatome. It could be due to a stenosis of the pudendal canal, a compression along its pathway, or a pelvic trauma.Pudendal nerve entrapment (PNE) syndrome is frequently involved in pudendal neuralgia onset. This case report describes the osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) of a patient with functional PNE. A 40-year-old female presented with a 12-month history of intense pelvic pain resistant to 3 months of pharmacologic treatment that arose after three proctological surgeries. A perineal retracted painful scar was visible upon examination. PNE syndrome diagnosis was based on Nantes criteria. The electromyogram of the nerve showed an increased motor response latency of the left pudendal nerve. Visual analogue scale (VAS), female National Institutes of Health Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index (NIH-CPSI), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and Tampa scale of kinesiophobia (TSK) were used to assess patient's symptoms at baseline (T0), after pharmacologic treatment (T1), after OMT (T2), and at 6-month follow-up. Five treatments, including direct and indirect techniques, were performed for 1 month. OMT reduced pelvic neuralgia and disability indexes without any complications, maintaining a positive outcome at 6-month follow-up (VAS: T0 = 10, T1 = 10, T2 = 1.8, T3 = 1.5), (NIH-CPSI: T0 = 34, T1 = 30, T2 = 7, T3 = 6), (ODI: T0 = 48, T1 = 29, T2 = 9, T3 = 5) and (TSK: T0 = 51, T1 = 41, T2 = 20, T3 = 17). This is the first report of a patient diagnosed with functional PNE managed with OMT. A link between PNE, scar and pelvic somatic dysfunctions could suggest double crush syndrome.
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The effects of dry needling and neurodynamic exercise on idiopathic peripheral neuropathy: A case report
Publication date: Available online 17 February 2018
Source:Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies
Author(s): Andrew J. Nasr, Jason Zafereo
A single patient (male, 67) with a medical diagnosis of idiopathic peripheral neuropathy (G60.9) was referred to physical therapy. The patient presented with signs and symptoms consistent with peripheral neuropathy, including bilateral single leg balance deficits, sensation impairments, and antalgic gait. Treatment consisted of dry needling (DN) with electrical stimulation and a home exercise program involving a neurodynamic exercise to be performed daily. Dry needling included the use of thin filiform needles to stimulate the underlying structures directed at eliciting a change within the tissues. The needles were left in situ and connected to an electrical stimulation unit. The neurodynamic exercise used in this case study was designed to target the distal branches of the sciatic nerve. The patient was directed to complete 3 sets of 10 repetitions in the slumped position and moving between ankle plantar flexion and dorsiflexion. The patient was treated for a total of 4 visits over a 5-week period. The Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM), Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), Romberg Test, and sensation testing were collected at baseline and then again after the 4th treatment. A Global Rating of Change (GROC) score was obtained at the end of treatment. After the 4th visit, functional self-report scores were not improved (93.75%–86.9% at completion), while NPRS decreased to 2 from a baseline rating of 4. The eyes closed portion of the Rhomberg balance test improved from 5 s on the right limb to 15 s and from 8 s to 20 s on the left limb. Sharp/dull sensation testing of the L4 dermatome also improved from 2 out of 5 correctly selected on the left lower limb to 5 out of 5. At the S1 level, sensation improved on the left lower limb from 2 out of 5 to 4 out of 5 and from 2 out of 5 on the right lower limb to 5 out of 5. The patient's GROC score was rated as quite a bit better (+5). The outcomes of this case study suggest that clinicians may consider the addition of DN with electrical stimulation and neurodynamic exercises to the treatment of this patient population given the sizeable and rapid improvements in pain, balance, and sensation testing following only 4 treatments.
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Reliability of modified adheremeter and digital pressure algometer in measuring normal abdominal tissue and C-section scars
Publication date: Available online 17 February 2018
Source:Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies
Author(s): Rachel Kelly-Martin, Laura Doughty, Marina Garkavi, Jennifer B. Wasserman
ObjectiveThis study tested inter- and intrarater reliability of the digital pressure algometer and modified adheremeter and concurrent validity in the algometer in both normal abdominal tissue and in chronically painful C-section scars.Study designCorrelational Reliability/Validity.BackgroundThe algometer is used to measure pressure-pain threshold (PPT). The adheremeter is a tool to measure tissue extensibility. Painful abdominal scars are being treated successfully with soft-tissue techniques yet reliable measurement tools for this tissue have not been reported.Methods and measures59 subjects with normal abdominal tissue were marked at a point 2 inches inferolateral to the umbilicus. Two separate testers measured PPT twice with an algometer and tissue extensibility in superior/left/inferior/right directions with a modified adheremeter. 29 subjects with painful C-section scars were marked at 2.5 cm intervals along the scar. A total of 115 points were measured in the same manner as above. C-section subjects also were asked to rate their pain using the numeric pain rating scale (NPRS). Each tester was blinded to all other measurements.ResultsFor PPT, intraclass correlations (ICC's) ranged from 0.814 to 0.933 with a standard error of measurement (SEM) ranging from 1.65N to 5.9 N. For tissue mobility, ICC's ranged from 0.430 to 0.914; SEM ranging from 1.67 mm to 3.7 mm. All but 2 measures had ICCs that were good-excellent. Inferior glide in C-section tissues showed the least and multi-directional measurement the strongest reliability. The PPT had a moderate negative correlation (r = −0.551) with the NPRS.ConclusionsThe algometer showed excellent inter- and intra-rater reliability on normal abdominal tissue and C-section scars. It showed moderate criterion validity when compared against the NPRS. The modified adheremeter showed good-excellent inter- and intra-rater reliability on both normal abdominal tissue and C-section scars. Both measures have clinical and research applications for women's health practitioners.
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The use of dry needling as a diagnostic tool and clinical treatment for cervicogenic dizziness: A narrative review & case series
Publication date: Available online 17 February 2018
Source:Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies
Author(s): James Escaloni, Raymond Butts, James Dunning
Study designNarrative Review & Case Series.BackgroundNo "gold standard" test presently exists to confirm a diagnosis of cervicogenic dizziness, a condition whereby the neuromusculoskeletal tissues of the cervical spine are thought to contribute to imbalance and dizziness. Clusters of tests are presently recommended to provoke signs and symptoms of the condition. In this regard, dry needling may provide a valuable diagnostic tool. Targeting the musculoskeletal structures of the upper neck with dry needling may also provide a valuable treatment tool for patients that suffer from cervicogenic dizziness. While dry needling has been used to treat various musculoskeletal conditions, it has not been specifically reported in patients with cervicogenic dizziness.Case descriptionThree patients were screened for signs and symptoms related to cervicogenic dizziness in an outpatient physical therapy clinic. These patients presented with signs and symptoms often associated with (though not always) cervicogenic dizziness, including a positive flexion-rotation test, altered cervical range of motion, and tenderness with manual assessment of the upper cervical extensors. In addition, dry needling targeting the obliquus capitis inferior muscle was used diagnostically to reproduce symptoms as well as to treat the patients.OutcomesTwo of the patients reported full resolution of their dizziness and a significant improvement in their function per standardized outcome measures. While the third patient did not report full resolution of her cervicogenic dizziness, she noted significant improvement, and dry needling was helpful in guiding further treatment. Importantly, the effect of the treatment was maintained in all three patients for at least 6 months.DiscussionThis case series with narrative review covers various testing procedures for cervicogenic dizziness and explores the use of dry needling targeting the suboccipital muscles to evaluate and treat this patient population. The physiologic changes that occur in the periphery, the spine and the brain secondary to dry needling and their potential relevance to the mechanisms driving cervicogenic dizziness are discussed in detail.
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Systems based model: A Holistic Approach to Developmental Movement Education
Publication date: Available online 17 February 2018
Source:Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies
Author(s): Myles Jay Polsgrove, Roch Lockyer
Considering the human body as a dynamic system, a given movement is the result of contributing sub-systems (Thelen and Smith, 1993). In this view, gains in movement performance occur as subsystem performance becomes optimized. Movement instruction offered from a systems perspective is aimed optimizing learner's performance through evolving understanding and through application.The Holistic Approach to Developmental Movement Education (HADME) is a systems based instructional model that depicts the interactive process between learner and practitioner. This mind-body approach utilizes 11 steps to optimize movement performance: A) Current Understandings, B) Increased Insights of Evaluation, C) Truthful Reflection of Current State, D) Systematic Modification to Optimize Performance, E) Application of the Change Tool to Change Target Pattern, F) Fine-Tune Learner Perception Tool Application, G) Improved Understanding Through a Point of Control, H) Expanded Systemic Understanding of Learner's Knowledge/Movement, I) Isolation of Target Muscle for a Constant Steady Flowing Movement, J) Gained Conceptual Understanding of Movement and K) Increased Knowledge of Systemic Inputs.The instructor adopting this viewpoint may experience continual insights on how to best optimize the performance for an increasing range of leaners display unique systemic variations. Gaining insights on how to overcome movement limitations through optimizing subsystem performances, the learner taking part in a HADME may experience greater movement enjoyment and hopefully, a more active lifestyle.
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Effect of neuromuscular training on functional throwing performance and speed in asymptomatic cricket players
Publication date: Available online 17 February 2018
Source:Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies
Author(s): S.A. Hydar Abbas, H. Karvannan, V. Prem
ObjectiveTo determine the effect of neuromuscular training on functional throwing performance and speed among asymptomatic cricket players.DesignSingle-subject A-B-A design.MethodForty-three male asymptomatic sub-elite cricket players were recruited from Karnataka Institute of Cricket, Bangalore, India, with a mean age of 20.4 ± 2.03 years. Throwing accuracy and throwing speed were measured using Functional Throwing Performance Index (FTPI) and radar gun respectively, at zero, 12, 24 and 30 weeks in accordance with the A-B-A single-subject design. The neuromuscular training of the throwing arm was performed for 12 weeks, two days a week of supervised training including rhythmic stabilization drills were performed. A non-supervised training session including shoulder strengthening programme was conducted three days a week.ResultParticipants demonstrated significant improvement in throwing accuracy (p < 0.001) and speed (p < 0.001) after 12 weeks of neuromuscular training. Six weeks post-withdrawal of the neuromuscular training on throwing accuracy was not significant (p = 0.117), However, speed was sustained (p = 0.013).ConclusionNeuromuscular training showed an improved efficiency in throwing performance following 12 weeks of training in sub-elite cricket players. The sustained effect was not observed following 6 weeks of withdrawal of training.
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High expression of NPRL2 is linked to poor prognosis in patients with prostate cancer
Publication date: Available online 17 February 2018
Source:Human Pathology
Author(s): Zhixiong Chen, Shengjun Luo, Yanlin Chen, Xuemei Xie, Zhongbo Du, Li Jiang
As a tumor suppressor candidate gene, NPRL2 has anti-cancer effects against several cancers, but its potential role in prostate cancer (PCa) has not been reported. The present study aimed to explore the expression of NPRL2 in PCa and its potential clinical significance. Our results showed that expression of NPRL2 in PCa tissues was significantly higher than in non-PCa tissues (P<.001). High NPRL2 expression in PCa tissue was significantly correlated with a high Gleason grade group (P<.001), high pT stage (P<.001), and lymph node metastasis (P=.003). The overall survival of PCa patients with negative to weak NPRL2 expression was significantly higher than that of patients with moderate to strong positive NPRL2 expression. Furthermore, in vitro, we found the up-regulated NPRL2 level in LNCaP and PC3 cells, and forced re-expression of NPRL2 significant promoted the growth of those cells and vice versa. Contrary to existing reports, our results interestingly showed, for the first time, that the expression level of NPRL2 was significantly upregulated in PCa and its high expression was correlated with poor prognosis, suggesting its pivotal role in the progression of PCa. NPRL2 may serve as a potential prognostic biomarker for PCa patients.
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Ovarian microcystic stromal tumor with undetermined potential: Case study with molecular analysis and literature review
Publication date: Available online 17 February 2018
Source:Human Pathology
Author(s): Ying Zhang, Lin Tao, Can Yin, Weiwei Wang, Hong Zou, Yan Ren, Weihua Liang, Jinfang Jiang, Wenjie Zhang, Wei Jia, Feng Li
Ovarian microcystic stromal tumor is a relatively rare tumor type. This tumor is characterized by a unique microcyst structure and essentially all tumors show benign biological behavior. Here, we report a case with a primary ovarian microcystic stromal tumor that experienced recurrence. Pathological findings showed that the original tumor, relapsed tumor in the ovary, and the recurrent tumor in the iliac fossa presented similar histological features. The tumor mainly consisted of microcysts, solid cellular regions, and a fibrous stroma. Immunohistochemically, the tumor cells were positive for β-catenin, CD10, vimentin, and WT-1. Mutational analysis revealed a missense mutation (c.1590C > T; pG530E) in exon 15 of the APC gene and another missense mutation (c.740G > A; pA247V) in exon 1 of the KRAS gene. We also reviewed other published cases to evaluate the prognosis and treatment. This is the first report to describe a microcystic stromal tumor of the ovary presenting with undetermined biological potential.
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Editorial Board
Publication date: February 2018
Source:International Immunopharmacology, Volume 55
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Data on the TGFβ response of CD4+ T cells in the absence of Eed
Publication date: Available online 17 February 2018
Source:Data in Brief
Author(s): Taku Naito, Sawako Muroi, Ichiro Taniuchi, Motonari Kondo
The data presented here are related to the research article entitled "Loss of Eed leads to lineage instability and increased CD8 expression of mouse CD4+ T cells upon TGFβ signaling" [1]. The cited research article investigates the molecular mechanism of CD8α upregulation observed in Eed-deficient (∆Eed) CD4+ T cells upon activation in the presence of TGFβ. This data report describes the effect of retinoic acid (RA) and/or interferon-gamma (IFNγ) supplementation on up-regulation of CD8α and Foxp3 in ∆Eed CD4+ T cells, the effect of dose or timing of TGFβ treatment on CD4+ T cell identity of ∆Eed, adding further information regarding the conditions that induces CD8α, and mRNA expression changes of genes encoding polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) subunits by TGFβ treatment.
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Dataset on leaf surface and elemental study of four species of Bignoniaceae family by SEM-EDAX
Publication date: Available online 17 February 2018
Source:Data in Brief
Author(s): Kedar Kalyani Abhimanyu, Chaudhari Sanjay Ravindra, Rao Avanapu Srinivasa
The data presented in this article are related to the scanning electron microscope and elemental studies in the four species of Bignoniaceae namely Tecoma gaudichaudi DC (Sample 1), Tecoma capensis (Thunb.) Lindl. (Sample 2), Tecoma stans (L.) Juss.Ex Kunth (Sample 3), Tabebuia rosea (Bertol.) (Sample 4). The SEM images were obtained for permanent record. The abaxial and adaxial surfaces of each species were carefully studied. In addition to this, the consistent occurrence of anomocytic stomata in all four species of this family shows that morphological and taxonomically all the species are very close and intimate.The elemental data on leaf samples of all four species were performed and total eight important components were present such as C, O, Mg, Al, Si, Cl, K, Ca. These elements are useful, so identification of inorganic components of these species defiantly helps to promote as dietary elements.
http://ift.tt/2BCzN5f
Data on unstable charge/discharge behavior of composite anode composed of Sn compound and multi-walled carbon nanotube
Publication date: Available online 17 February 2018
Source:Data in Brief
Author(s): S.H. Kim, J.Y. Lee, Y.S. Yoon
This data is related to the article entitled "Effect of Composite Structure on Capacity Instability of SnO2-Coated Multiwalled Carbon Nanotube Composite Anode" (S. H. Kim et al., 2018) [1]. This data provides the information about capacitance instability of a composite anode material based on multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) coated with crystalline and amorphous SnO2 and Sn on the inner and outer walls of MWCNT fabricated by a simple wet synthesis method.
http://ift.tt/2C4yHA8
Data exploration on factors that influences construction cost and time performance on construction project sites
Publication date: Available online 16 February 2018
Source:Data in Brief
Author(s): Lekan M. Amusan, Adedeji Afolabi, Raphael Ojelabi, Ignatius Omuh, Hilary I. Okagbue
This data article explores the factors that contribute to maintaining steady cost projection on construction projects. The data was obtained using structured questionnaire designed in Likert scale. The responses were solicited from category of construction practitioners. Simple random sampling was employed in the distribution of the questionnaires to the respondents. Data samples were analysed using severity index, ranking and simple percentages. The analysis of the data brought to fore some important data on factors that causes cost overrun, they include: contractor's inexperience, inadequate planning, inflation, incessant variation order, and change in project design. They are critical to causing cost overrun, while project complexity, shortening of project period and fraudulent practices are found to be responsible. The data fall within the percentages of possible consequences of cost overrun when compared with those available in scientific literature. The data can provide insights on how to mitigate the risks of project deviation from initial cost and as-built project.
http://ift.tt/2BA0QOs
Ovine liver proteome: Assessing mechanisms of seasonal weight loss tolerance between Merino and Damara sheep
Publication date: Available online 18 February 2018
Source:Journal of Proteomics
Author(s): Blake Miller, Nathalie Selevsek, Jonas Grossman, Tanya Kilminster, Tim Scanlon, Matthew Daniels, Paolo Nanni, John Milton, Chris Oldham, Johan Greef, Aspinas Chapwanya, Don Bergfelt, André M. de Almeida
The effect of feed restriction on the liver protein profiles of two different breeds of sheep was studied. We compared Merino with the Damara, breeds with respectively low and high tolerance to nutritional stress. Each breed was grouped into two nutritional treatments: restricted (12–14% loss of live weight) and control (maintenance). The trial lasted 42 days. Animals were sacrificed and liver samples subjected to label free shotgun proteomics. The resultant proteins had both their fold change and statistical significance in an unpaired t-test calculated to identify differential protein abundance. The tool WebGestalt was utilized to perform an Overrepresentation Enrichment Analysis (ORA) for gene ontology terms associated with the significant proteins. We further validated shotgun proteomics findings using a selected reaction monitoring (SRM)-based targeted proteomics approach, where similar trends in regulation were obtained for a subset of relevant proteins across an independent cohort of animals. Results confirm that Damara has adapted to nutritional stress by mobilizing stored fatty acids within adipose tissue and converting them to energy more efficiently than Merino. Finally, Merino had an overabundance pattern primarily directed to protein synthesis pathways. Regulated proteins identified may be used as a basis for marker selection towards tolerance to nutritional stress.Biological significanceSheep are one of the most important livestock animals. They remain however poorly understudied and described. Seasonal weight loss (SWL) due to pasture scarcity during the dry season is one of the most limiting conditions to ruminant production in the tropics. To counter SWL, farmers may use supplementation, expensive or difficult to implement. A more suitable long-term solution would be to use breeds that are naturally adapted to nutritional stress. This work contrasts two breeds with different levels of tolerance to SWL, the Damara and the Merino, respectively well and poorly adapted. Comparison is conducted at the level of the hepatic tissue and using label free proteomics. This work identifies a series of pathways in the liver of the Damara via label free proteomics that suggest a unique fatty acid metabolic process within this breed. Proteins that have increased abundance in the Damara in association with fatty acid metabolism may be used as potential markers of tolerance to nutritional stress. This research will pave the way for more viable, long-term solutions for farmers facing annual production problems due to drought in the tropics and the Mediterranean region.
Graphical abstract
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Cell wall enrichment unveils proteomic changes in the cell wall during treatment of Mycobacterium smegmatis with sub-lethal concentrations of rifampicin
Publication date: Available online 18 February 2018
Source:Journal of Proteomics
Author(s): Clemens Hermann, Alexander D. Giddey, Andrew J.M. Nel, Nelson C. Soares, Jonathan M. Blackburn
Understanding the cell wall of mycobacteria is crucial for improving drug design or identifying new antigens suitable to vaccination. Yet this remains problematic due to the complexity of the cell wall composition. In this study, we successfully developed gel-free approaches to study cell wall proteins in Mycobacterium smegmatis. The cell wall was subjected to differential centrifugation, differential detergent solubilisation and phase separation to yield the genuine cell wall proteome. Next, protein extracts were digested by filter-assisted sample preparation for LC-MS/MS analysis on a Q Exactive mass spectrometer, and identified proteins filtered through a stringent bioinformatics pipeline. This yielded the unprecedented coverage of 96 lipoproteins, 475 membrane proteins and 73 secreted proteins. Employing this approach, we next quantified changes in the cell wall proteome during exposure of M. smegmatis to sub-lethal concentration of rifampicin. This facilitated detailed characterisation of the dysregulation of ABC transporters, virulence factors such as Mce proteins and PknG, and proteins involved in cell wall and lipid synthesis. Crucially, these cell wall proteins are under-represented in previous proteome analysis of M. smegmatis. This approach enables further quantitative proteomic studies of the role of the cell wall proteome of mycobacteria in virulence or during drug exposure.SignificanceWe developed novel gel-free sample preparation workflows for the cell wall fraction of mycobacteria that significantly increase the coverage of the cell wall proteome compared to previous studies. We then provide a data analysis workflow that enables the removal of likely cytosolic contaminants in the cell wall fraction post-measurement. Combined, these approaches increase the coverage of the cell wall proteome while ensuring that the identified proteins are true cell wall proteins and not carry-over of high-abundance contaminants from the cytosol. We have applied these approaches to quantify the dysregulation of cell wall proteins during exposure of M. smegmatis to rifampicin, which has shed new light on the coordinated down-regulation of ABC transporters as well as virulence factors present in the cell wall proteome.
Graphical abstract
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Global proteomic and functional analysis of Crotalus durissus collilineatus individual venom variation and its impact on envenoming
Publication date: Available online 17 February 2018
Source:Journal of Proteomics
Author(s): Isadora Sousa de Oliveira, Iara Aimê Cardoso, Karla de Castro Figueiredo Bordon, Sante Emmanuel Imai Carone, Johara Boldrini-França, Manuela Berto Pucca, Karina Furlani Zoccal, Lúcia Helena Faccioli, Suely Vilela Sampaio, José César Rosa, Eliane Candiani Arantes
Individual variations studies are important to understand the snakebite envenoming and to improve the antivenom production and its effectiveness. In this way, the objective of this study was a comparative analysis of intraspecific variation in the venom composition of 22 Crotalus durissus collilineatus specimens through proteomic techniques. Venoms were fractionated by RP-FPLC, and analyzed by SDS-PAGE and mass spectrometry. Although similar, chromatographic and electrophoretic profiles showed significant qualitative and quantitative differences. Some venom components were identified for the very first time in C. d. collilineatus, such as glutathione peroxidase, nerve growth factor, 5′-nucleotidase, angiotensin-converting enzyme, carboxypeptidase, phosphodiesterase, glutaminyl cyclase and phospholipase B. Regarding hyaluronidase activity, 2 venoms did not present detectable enzyme activity in the tested amounts. Additionally, in vivo crotalic envenoming in mice showed that venoms from different specimens resulted in diversified changes of biochemical and immunological parameters, such as creatine kinase and interleukin 6. This study demonstrated significant intraspecific variations in the venom of C. d. collilineatus, which may impact the production and effectiveness of the antivenom therapy.Biological significanceThis study performed the proteomic and functional analyzes of 22 C. d. collilineatus individual venoms and verified the occurrence of quali and quantitative variations among them. The venoms evaluated caused envenomings with different changes in biochemical and immunological parameters. These results confirm the need to use a pool of venoms with the greatest possible variability in the preparation of antivenoms, in order to improve their effectiveness. In addition, this study was able to identify for the first time 8 different proteins in this subspecies venom, increasing knowledge about its composition and showing that it is a source of these proteins with possible biotechnological applications.
Graphical abstract
http://ift.tt/2ELimkT
Advances in nanotechnology for cancer biomarkers
Publication date: February 2018
Source:Nano Today, Volume 18
Author(s): Fei Ye, Ying Zhao, Ramy El-Sayed, Mamoun Muhammed, Moustapha Hassan
Cancer biomarkers with high selectivity, specificity and reproducibility play essential role in diagnosis, prognosis and prediction of treatment efficacy in cancer patients. However, the current biomarker assays used in clinics could be improved due to low sensitivity and specificity. Nanoparticle-based assays are emerging as an upcoming approach, providing ultra-high sensitivity and specificity in cancer biomarker detection. The current survey presents an overview of strategies used in the development and integration of nanoparticles for cancer biomarker detection, including mass spectrometry, optical and electrical detection methods. Moreover, we discuss the future trends in the field in correlation to new approaches from fundamental and practical standpoints.
Graphical abstract
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Evaluating the impact of diabetes and diabetic cardiomyopathy rat heart on the outcome of ischemia-reperfusion associated oxidative stress
Publication date: Available online 17 February 2018
Source:Free Radical Biology and Medicine
Author(s): A. Mahalakshmi, Gino A. Kurian
Earlier literature underlines that oxidative stress plays a major role in the pathology of myocardial ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury, diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM), diabetes mellitus (DM), fibrosis and hypertrophy which could adversely affect the normal cardiac function. However, the contributory role of oxidative stress in I/R pathology of heart with pre-existing abnormalities or diseases like DM and DCM remains to be explored. I/R injury was induced in normal (normal diet), DM (normal diet + streptozotocin: multiple low dose of 30mg/kg) and DCM (high fat diet (40% fat) + streptozotocin: multiple low dose of 30mg/kg) rat hearts using Langendorff isolated heart perfusion apparatus. Cardiac physiological recovery after I/R was assessed by hemodynamic parameters like LVDP, and LVSP, whereas cardiac injury was measured by tissue infarct size, and apoptosis, LDH, and CK release in coronary effluent. The oxidative stress was evaluated in myocardial homogenate, mitochondrial subpopulation, and microsomes. Reperfusing the ischemic DCM heart significantly deteriorated cardiac physiological recovery and elevated the cardiac injury (infarct size: 60%), compared to the control. But in DM heart, physiological recovery was prominent in the initial phase of reperfusion but deteriorated towards the end of reperfusion, supported by less infarct size. In addition, elevated lipid peroxidation (70% in DCM-I/R vs Sham) and impaired antioxidant enzymes (% decline vs Sham: GSH- 56% (DM), 63% (DCM); Catalase- 58% (DM), 35% (DCM); GPx- 19% (DM), 27% (DCM) and GR- 28% (DCM)) was observed in myocardial tissue from both DM and DCM. Interestingly, upon reperfusion, only normal heart showed significant deterioration in the antioxidant defense system. Collectively these results demonstrated that I/R induced oxidative stress is minimal in DM and DCM rat heart, despite high infarct size and low cardiac performance. This may be due to the prior adaptive modification in the antioxidant system associated with disease pathology.
Graphical abstract
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PINK1 Protects Auditory Hair Cells and Spiral Ganglion Neurons from Cisplatin-induced Ototoxicity via Inducing Autophagy and Inhibiting JNK Signaling Pathway
Publication date: Available online 17 February 2018
Source:Free Radical Biology and Medicine
Author(s): Qianqian Yang, Gaoying Sun, Haiyan Yin, Hongrui Li, Zhixin Cao, Jinghan Wang, Meijuan Zhou, Haibo Wang, Jianfeng Li
Phosphatase and tensin homologue (PTEN)-induced putative kinase 1 (PINK1) gene encodes a serine/threonine kinase, which acts as a molecular sensor of mitochondrial health necessary for mitochondrial quality control. The present study was designed to examine whether PINK1 expressed in C57BL/6 murine cochlea and HEI-OC1 cells and, if so, to investigate the possible mechanisms underlying the action of PINK1 in cisplatin-induced death of sensory hair cells (HCs) and spiral ganglion neurons (SGNs) in vitro. The expression pattern of PINK1, formation of parkin particles, and autophagy were determined by immunofluorescent staining. The expressions of PINK1, LC3B, cleaved-caspase 3 and p-JNK were measured by Western blotting. The levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) were evaluated by DCFH-DA and Mito-Sox Red staining. The mitochondrial membrane potential was detected by Tetramethylrhodamine methyl ester perchlorate (TMRM) and Rhodamine 123. Cell viability and apoptosis were examined by CCK8 assay, TUNEL staining and Annexin V Apoptosis Detection Kit, respectively. We found that PINK1 was widely expressed in the cytoplasm in HCs, SGNs, stria vascularis of C57BL/6 cochlea and HEI-OC1 cells and, notably, the expression level in cochlear HCs and SGNs of postnatal day 4 (P4) mice was higher than that in adult mice. Moreover, treatment with 30μM cisplatin elicited the formation of ROS, which, in turn, led to PINK1 activation, parkin recruitment, autophagy formation and JNK pathway relevant to apoptosis in HEI-OC1 cells, HCs, and SGNs. Meanwhile, co-treatment with ROS scavenger N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) or H2O2 consumer catalase-polyethylene glycol (PEG-catalase) inhibited parkin recruitment, alleviated autophagy formation, and mitigated JNK pathway related apoptosis. In addition, PINK1 silencing resulted in a lower level of autophagy, but, a higher mortality in HEI-OC1 cells treated with cisplatin. Taken together, data from this work reveal that PINK1 possesses the protective effect via induction of autophagy and resistance of apoptosis under cisplatin stimulus in sensory HCs and SGNs, implying that PINK1 might serve as an important regulator of cisplatin-elicited ototoxicity.
Graphical abstract
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A new model of diabetic nephropathy in C57BL/6 mice challenged with advanced oxidation protein products
Publication date: Available online 17 February 2018
Source:Free Radical Biology and Medicine
Author(s): Xiaoyan Bai, Xiao Li, Jianwei Tian, Liting Xu, Jiao Wan, Youhua Liu
There remains a lack of robust mouse models with key features of advanced human diabetic nephropathy (DN). Few options of murine models of DN require mutations to be superimposed to obtain desired phenotypic characteristics. Most genetically modified mice are on the C57BL/6 background; however, they are notorious for resistance to develop DN. To overcome these conundrums, this study reports a novel DN model by challenging with advanced oxidation protein products (AOPPs) in streptozotocin-induced diabetic C57BL/6 mice. AOPPs-challenged diabetic C57BL/6 mice were more sensitive to develop progressive proteinuria, causing a 5.59-fold increase in urine albumin to creatinine ratio as compared to diabetic controls by 24 weeks. Typical lesions were present as demonstrated by significant diffuse mesangial expansion, diffuse podocyte foot process effacement, increased glomerular basement membrane thickness, focal arteriolar hyalinosis, mesangiolysis, and mild interstitial fibrosis. These changes were alleviated by losartan treatment. Collectively, these results suggest that AOPPs can accelerate the progression of DN in the resistant C57BL/6 mouse strain. Our studies offer a novel model for studying the pathogenesis of DN that resembles human diabetic kidney disease. It also makes it possible to interrogate the role of specific genetic modifications and to evaluate novel therapeutics to treat DN in preclinical setting.
Graphical abstract
http://ift.tt/2EBc3kF
MACROPHAGE-DERIVED SUPEROXIDE PRODUCTION AND ANTIOXIDANT RESPONSE FOLLOWING SKELETAL MUSCLE INJURY
Publication date: Available online 17 February 2018
Source:Free Radical Biology and Medicine
Author(s): Emmeran Le Moal, Gaëtan Juban, Anne Sophie Bernard, Tamas Varga, Clotilde Policar, Bénédicte Chazaud, Rémi Mounier
Macrophages are key players of immunity that display different functions according to their activation states. In a regenerative context, pro-inflammatory macrophages (Ly6Cpos) are involved in the mounting of the inflammatory response whereas anti-inflammatory macrophages (Ly6Cneg) dampen the inflammation and promote tissue repair. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) production is a hallmark of tissue injury and of subsequent inflammation as described in a bacterial challenge context. However, whether macrophages produce ROS following a sterile tissue injury is uncertain. In this study, we used complementary in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo experiments in mouse to show that macrophages do not release ROS following a sterile injury in skeletal muscle. Furthermore, expression profiles of genes involved in the response to oxidative stress in Ly6Cpos and Ly6Cneg macrophage subsets did not indicate any antioxidant response in this context. Finally, in vivo, pharmacological antioxidant supplementation with N-Acetyl-cysteine (NAC) following skeletal muscle injury did not alter macrophage phenotype during skeletal muscle regeneration. Overall, these results indicate that following a sterile injury, macrophage-derived ROS release is not involved in the regulation of the inflammatory response in the regenerating skeletal muscle.
Graphical abstract
http://ift.tt/2CtsIjW
Circulation of cosmogenic 22Na using the global monitoring network of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO)
Publication date: July 2018
Source:Journal of Environmental Radioactivity, Volume 187
Author(s): I. Hoffman, B. Lewis, P. Chan
Using a recently published global data set of 22Na and 7Be from the global monitoring network of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO), atmospheric circulation and stratosphere-troposphere interactions are examined. Cosmogenic 22Na has a half-life well-suited to environmental processes with durations from several months to a decade. Combined with corresponding 7Be observations, these two cosmogenic isotopes form a useful environmental tracer and new radiochronometer to study physical interactions of air masses in the stratosphere and troposphere.
http://ift.tt/2of8vtd
Application of a Monte Carlo method to the uncertainty assessment in in situ gamma-ray spectrometry
Publication date: July 2018
Source:Journal of Environmental Radioactivity, Volume 187
Author(s): Leif Persson, Jonas Boson, Torbjörn Nylén, Henrik Ramebäck
In situ gamma-ray spectrometry has since the introduction of portable germanium detectors been a widely used method for the assessment of radionuclide ground deposition activity levels. It is, however, a method that is most often associated with fairly large and, more important, poorly known combined measurement uncertainties. In this work an uncertainty analysis of in situ gamma ray spectrometry in accordance with the Guide to the Expression of Uncertainty in Measurements is presented. The uncertainty analysis takes into account uncertainty contributions from the calibration of the detector system, the assumed activity distribution in soil, soil density, detector height and air density. As a result, measurement results from in situ gamma spectrometry will serve as a better basis for decision-making in e.g. radiological emergencies.
http://ift.tt/2o8ubIl
Diamond nucleation and growth on WC-Co inserts with Cr2O3-Cr interlayer
Publication date: Available online 17 February 2018
Source:Surface and Coatings Technology
Author(s): Fan Ye, Masoud Mohammadtaheri, Yuanshi Li, Sheida Shiri, Qiaoqin Yang, Ning Chen
Cr2O3-Cr interlayer was prepared by magnetron sputtering to restrict graphite formation on WC-Co before diamond nucleation. Continuous diamond coatings containing little graphite phase were successfully deposited on single Cr2O3 interlayered WC-Co substrates. For Cr2O3/Cr duplex interlayer, a low nucleation density was observed at a low CH4 concentration, but a continuous diamond coating was readily obtained with an increased CH4 concentration during nucleation stage. X-ray diffraction and X-ray absorption analysis reveal that the Cr top layer was carburized to Cr3C2 and Cr7C3 after diamond deposition while Cr2O3 layer kept unchanged. In addition, the indentation test shows that the diamond coating has poor adhesion to the substrate with a single Cr2O3 interlayer, while the adhesion was significantly enhanced with the Cr2O3/Cr duplex interlayer combined with a high CH4 concentration for nucleation.
http://ift.tt/2CsW8yP
Bioengineering an electro-mechanically functional miniature ventricular heart chamber from human pluripotent stem cells
Publication date: May 2018
Source:Biomaterials, Volume 163
Author(s): Ronald A. Li, Wendy Keung, Timothy J. Cashman, Peter C. Backeris, Bryce V. Johnson, Evan S. Bardot, Andy O.T. Wong, Patrick K.W. Chan, Camie W.Y. Chan, Kevin D. Costa
Tissue engineers and stem cell biologists have made exciting progress toward creating simplified models of human heart muscles or aligned monolayers to help bridge a longstanding gap between experimental animals and clinical trials. However, no existing human in vitro systems provide the direct measures of cardiac performance as a pump. Here, we developed a next-generation in vitro biomimetic model of pumping human heart chamber, and demonstrated its capability for pharmaceutical testing. From human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC)-derived ventricular cardiomyocytes (hvCM) embedded in collagen-based extracellular matrix hydrogel, we engineered a three-dimensional (3D) electro-mechanically coupled, fluid-ejecting miniature human ventricle-like cardiac organoid chamber (hvCOC). Structural characterization showed organized sarcomeres with myofibrillar microstructures. Transcript and RNA-seq analyses revealed upregulation of key Ca2+-handling, ion channel, and cardiac-specific proteins in hvCOC compared to lower-order 2D and 3D cultures of the same constituent cells. Clinically-important, physiologically complex contractile parameters such as ejection fraction, developed pressure, and stroke work, as well as electrophysiological properties including action potential and conduction velocity were measured: hvCOC displayed key molecular and physiological characteristics of the native ventricle, and showed expected mechanical and electrophysiological responses to a range of pharmacological interventions (including positive and negative inotropes). We conclude that such "human-heart-in-a-jar" technology could facilitate the drug discovery process by providing human-specific preclinical data during early stage drug development.
http://ift.tt/2Gnlq3G
Biofunctionalized aligned microgels provide 3D cell guidance to mimic complex tissue matrices
Publication date: May 2018
Source:Biomaterials, Volume 163
Author(s): Jonas C. Rose, David B. Gehlen, Tamás Haraszti, Jens Köhler, Christopher J. Licht, Laura De Laporte
Natural healing is based on highly orchestrated processes, in which the extracellular matrix plays a key role. To resemble the native cell environment, we introduce an artificial extracellular matrix (aECM) with the capability to template hierarchical and anisotropic structures in situ, allowing a minimally-invasive application via injection. Synthetic, magnetically responsive, rod-shaped microgels are locally aligned and fixed by a biocompatible surrounding hydrogel, creating a hybrid anisotropic hydrogel (Anisogel), of which the physical, mechanical, and chemical properties can be tailored. The microgels are rendered cell-adhesive with GRGDS and incorporated either inside a cell-adhesive fibrin or bioinert poly(ethylene glycol) hydrogel to strongly interact with fibroblasts. GRGDS-modified microgels inside a fibrin-based Anisogel enhance fibroblast alignment and lead to a reduction in fibronectin production, indicating successful replacement of structural proteins. In addition, YAP-translocation to the nucleus increases with the concentration of microgels, indicating cellular sensing of the overall anisotropic mechanical properties of the Anisogel. For bioinert surrounding PEG hydrogels, GRGDS-microgels are required to support cell proliferation and fibronectin production. In contrast to fibroblasts, primary nerve growth is not significantly affected by the biomodification of the microgels. In conclusion, this approach opens new opportunities towards advanced and complex aECMs for tissue regeneration.
Graphical abstract
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RF-assisted gadofullerene nanoparticles induces rapid tumor vascular disruption by down-expression of tumor vascular endothelial cadherin
Publication date: May 2018
Source:Biomaterials, Volume 163
Author(s): Xue Li, Mingming Zhen, Ruijun Deng, Tong Yu, Jie Li, Ying Zhang, Toujun Zou, Yue Zhou, Zhigao Lu, Mirong Guan, Hui Xu, Chunying Shu, Chunru Wang
The tumor vasculature with unique characteristics offers an attractive target for anti-cancer therapy. Herein, we put forward a novel antitumor therapeutic mechanism based on the gadofullerene nanocrystals (GFNCs), the agent we have previously shown to efficiently disrupt tumor vasculature by size-expansion with assistance of radiofrequency (RF). However, the tumor vascular disrupting mechanism of RF-assisted GFNCs treatment was not further studied. In the present work, a rapid tumor blood flow shutdown has been observed by the vascular perfusion imaging in vivo and vascular damages were evident 6 h after the RF-assisted GFNCs treatment. Importantly, a significant down-expression of tumor vascular endothelial cadherin (VE-cadherin) treated by RF-assisted GFNCs was further investigated, which caused vascular collapse, blood flow shut-down and subsequent tumor hemorrhagic necrosis. These findings set forth a systematic mechanism on the superior anti-tumor efficiency by RF-assisted GFNCs treatment.
Graphical abstract
http://ift.tt/2Gouw0j
Near-infrared rechargeable “optical battery” implant for irradiation-free photodynamic therapy
Publication date: May 2018
Source:Biomaterials, Volume 163
Author(s): Lidan Hu, Peiyuan Wang, Mengyao Zhao, Lu Liu, Lei Zhou, Benhao Li, Fahad H. Albaqami, Ahmed Mohamed El-Toni, Xiaomin Li, Yang Xie, Xiaofei Sun, Fan Zhang
As a minimal or noninvasive therapeutic method for tumors, photodynamic therapy (PDT) induced by the external laser irradiations has attracted great attentions. However, the UV–visible responsive property with low tissue penetration and photothermal effect from the prolonged irradiation impedes their further applications. Herein, a near-infrared (NIR) rechargeable "optical battery" for irradiation-free PDT is fabricated by embedding upconversion materials, persistent luminescence materials, photosensitizer into biocompatible polydimethylsiloxane. After 5 s quickly charged by 980-nm NIR laser, the PDT "optical battery" can generate green persistent luminescence and produce cytotoxic singlet oxygen for continuous irradiation-free PDT (∼30 min) without external irradiation. Due to deep tissue penetration and discontinuous short exposure of NIR light charging source, the "optical battery" can still be charged to continuously generate singlet oxygen in deep tissue (∼4 mm) with low photothermal effect. The PDT implant can be easily optimized in size and shape aiming at different nidus sites and achieved different functions by adding other functional components (e.g. CaO2 for oxygen envolving to overcome hypoxia tumor). The effective tumor proliferation inhibiting capability of this NIR rechargeable "optical battery" may give rise to next generation of intelligent stimuli-responsive nanomedicine and noninvasive photo bio-stimulation research for future clinical applications.
Graphical abstract
http://ift.tt/2HpL0GB
Pubic Hair Restorative Surgery Using Grafts Harvested by the Nonshaven Follicular Unit Extraction Technique
BACKGROUND Pubic atrichosis or hypotrichosis is quite common among Korean women. Although Korean people are increasingly opening up to Western culture, pubic hair transplantation is still pursued for cultural reasons. However, many hesitate to undergo restorative surgery because follicular unit strip surgery would leave a linear donor scar, preventing patients from hiding their surgical history. Thus, follicle harvesting using nonshaven follicular unit extraction (NS-FUE), aside from many other strengths, is very useful when performing pubic restorative surgery. There has been no previous report concerning the effectiveness of NS-FUE for treating pubic atrichosis or hypotrichosis. OBJECTIVE To investigate the effectiveness of NS-FUE when performing pubic restorative surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS The 50 patients who were included in the study underwent pubic hair restoration using NS-FUE between March 2014 and June 2016 at Dana Plastic Surgery Clinic (Seoul, Korea), and were followed for at least 10 months afterward. Patients and the surgeon completed a survey about donor and recipient site surgical results using a 5-point Likert scale. RESULTS The average satisfaction scores of patients and surgeon were 4.5 and 4.6, respectively. CONCLUSION Nonshaven follicular unit extraction is one of the most effective harvesting methods when performing restorative surgery for patients with pubic atrichosis or hypotrichosis. Address correspondence and reprint requests to: Jae Hyun Park, MD, PhD, Dana Plastic Surgery Clinic, 10F Samju Building, Gangnamdaero 606, Gangnamgu, Seoul 06038, Korea, or e-mail: jay8384@naver.com The author J.H. Park declares that there is possible ownership interest in that he has obtained patents regarding the Rainbow implanter of the Seson medical company. The remaining author has indicated no significant interest with commercial supporters. © 2018 by the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, Inc. Published by Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.
http://ift.tt/2FdlxQc
http://ift.tt/2FdlxQc
Review of Endovenous Thermal Ablation of the Great Saphenous Vein: Endovenous Laser Therapy Versus Radiofrequency Ablation
BACKGROUND Endovenous thermal ablation is a popular treatment for varicose veins of the greater saphenous vein. Two common techniques of thermal ablation are endovenous laser therapy (EVLT) and radiofrequency ablation (RFA). OBJECTIVE The authors compare EVLT and RFA in vein therapy. METHODS A review was conducted using PubMed. Studies comparing the treatment modalities were gathered and compared on the basis of 5 main standpoints, including: efficacy, side effects, serious complications, recurrence, and quality of life. RESULTS It was found that EVLT and RFA are both highly efficacious (>80%). Endovenous laser therapy seems to be slightly more efficacious than RFA in numerous studies but its significance is uncertain. Side effect profiles varied regarding postoperative pain and bruising because both were seen to be significantly less using RFA. Serious complications were found to be rare in both with no significant difference in incidence. Recanalization rate was observed to be higher using RFA with uncertainty in significance among various studies. Quality of life improved after both procedures with no significant difference among the 2. CONCLUSION Efficacy and recurrence rate seem to favor EVLT, whereas postoperative pain and bruising favor RFA. Further studies are needed to validate the significance of the differences found. Address correspondence and reprint requests to: Ashley Wysong, MD, MS, Department of Dermatology, Keck Medicine of USC, 830 S. Flower Street, Suite 100, Los Angeles, CA 90017, or e-mail: Ashley.Wysong@med.usc.edu The authors have indicated no significant interest with commercial supporters. © 2018 by the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, Inc. Published by Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.
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http://ift.tt/2GoQPms
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