Publication date: June 2018
Source:Epilepsy & Behavior, Volume 83
Author(s): David Baker, Fiona J.R. Eccles, Helen L. Caswell
ObjectivesThe aim of this review was to identify quantitative correlates, predictors, and outcomes of stigma in adults with epilepsy living in Western countries.MethodsTo identify relevant literature, four academic databases (PsycINFO, CINAHL, PubMed, and Scopus) were systematically searched using key terms related to stigma and epilepsy.ResultsThirty-three research papers reporting findings from 25 quantitative studies of correlates of stigma in epilepsy were identified. The findings suggest that stigma can be predicted by demographic, illness-related, and psychosocial factors, although associations were found to be highly culturally specific. Outcomes of stigma in people with epilepsy were replicated more consistently across cultures, and its impact was significant. Detrimental effects included both worse physical health, including less effective management of the condition, and reduced psychological well-being, including difficulties such as depression and anxiety.ImplicationsEducational initiatives and therapeutic interventions that aim to address stigma in people with epilepsy are recommended; however, these need to be culturally informed to ensure that they are valid and effective.
https://ift.tt/2vIVWxo
Τρίτη 24 Απριλίου 2018
Correlates of stigma in adults with epilepsy: A systematic review of quantitative studies
Trends of absorption, scattering and total aerosol optical depths over India and surrounding oceanic regions from satellite observations: role of local production, transport and atmospheric dynamics
Abstract
The study examines trends of scattering, absorption and total aerosol optical depths (SAOD, AAOD and AOD) over India and surrounding oceanic regions and explores role of local production, long-range transport and atmospheric dynamics on observed trends. Long-term satellite observations are used to estimate trends and assess their statistical significance. Significant spatial and seasonal changes are observed in trends of SAOD, AAOD and AOD. AOD is observed to be increasing during post monsoon and winter over most of the land mass and surrounding oceanic regions, whereas decreasing trends over land and increasing trends over oceanic regions are observed in pre-monsoon and summer months. In general, SAOD and AAOD show similar trends (if there is any) as that of AOD over most of the regions in most of the months. Strongest positive trends over land regions are observed in November with trend of AOD greater than 0.01 year−1, especially over Indo-Gangetic Plain (IGP). Increase of AOD over IGP in post monsoon is contributed significantly by absorbing aerosols with rate of increase ~ 0.005 AAOD year−1. AAODs are observed to be increasing over Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal (BoB) in December also, with rate ~ 0.003 AAOD year−1. Strongest positive trends over Arabian Sea and BoB are observed in June with rate of increase greater than 0.02 AOD year−1, whereas strong negative trends are observed over north-west India in the same period with rate of decrease greater than 0.02 AOD year−1. Over IGP, AOD, AAOD and SAOD show contrasting trends in winter and summer seasons. AAOD exhibits strongest decreasing trend over IGP during April–June. Positive trends of AOD over Arabian Sea and BoB are favoured significantly by changes in circulation dynamics. Atmospheric convergence is observed to be strengthening over these regions in April and June, leading to more accumulation and hence positive trends of AOD. Aerosol transport over to the Arabian Sea is observed to be enhancing and contributing significantly to AOD increase over the Arabian Sea in pre-monsoon and summer months. Enhancement in aerosol transport over to the Arabian Sea is observed in pre-monsoon at higher altitudes above 3 km, whereas it is observed in summer at lower levels. However, decreasing trends of AOD over north-west India and IGP during pre-monsoon and summer are observed to be due to decrease in aerosol transport from the continental regions at the west.
https://ift.tt/2qZwYE6
Synthesis of metal-intermetallic laminate (MIL) composites with modified Al3Ti structure and in situ synchrotron X-ray diffraction analysis of sintering process
Publication date: 5 August 2018
Source:Materials & Design, Volume 151
Author(s): D.V. Lazurenko, I.A. Bataev, V.I. Mali, A.M. Jorge, A. Stark, F. Pyczak, T.S. Ogneva, I.N. Maliutina
Al3Ti-based alloys attract exceptional attention due to their high specific mechanical properties. However, their application is still insufficient due to their low ductility and fracture toughness. Several approaches were previously proposed to address these problems. The first one is stabilization of the cubic modification of titanium trialuminide by alloying. Another approach consists in fabricating metal-intermetallic laminated composites (MIL). In this study, we combined both methods to synthesize the first MIL composite with cubic Al3Ti interlayers. Copper additions were used to stabilize the cubic modification of Al3Ti and produce a novel Ti-Al5CuTi2 MIL composite. First mechanical characterization by indentation tests showed that the binary Al3Ti intermetallic tended to crack at a load of 0.2 kg while the fracture was not observed in the Al5CuTi2 layers at least at a load of 1 kg. These results are an indirect evidence of a higher ductility and fracture toughness of the composite with cubic Al3Ti compared to tetragonal one. The sequence of the phase transformations in the Al-Ti-Cu system was studied using in situ synchrotron X-ray radiation diffraction. The formation of Al5CuTi2 occurred via several intermediate stages including eutectic melting of Al and Cu and the formation of binary AlCu and Al3Ti compounds.
Graphical abstract
https://ift.tt/2qWyZB6
High strain rate testing at the nano-scale: A proposed methodology for impact nanoindentation
Publication date: 5 August 2018
Source:Materials & Design, Volume 151
Author(s): Christoffer Zehnder, Jan-Niklas Peltzer, James S.K.-L. Gibson, Sandra Korte-Kerzel
Hard, brittle materials are often subjected to mechanical loading on the nano-scale at high strain rates, and while high loading rates can be achieved on the macroscopic scale, there are few methods in the micro-mechanical regime in which these materials can be plastically deformed.Impact nanoindentation is a possible method which retains the flexibility of quasi-static nanoindentation, namely that it is useable for a wide range of materials and can be used to test small phases in a site-specific manner while still applying high strain rates. It therefore helps elucidate deformation mechanisms in regimes that were not accessible up to now. However, previous investigations suffered from limitations regarding the data acquisition, subsequently reducing the scope and accuracy of the determined properties.Here, an improved experimental setup is used and a systematic analysis is described which analyses the energy loss, indentation depth recovery and dynamic hardness over a wide range of strain rates. The accuracy of the results is investigated by atomic force and optical microscopy, compared to the accuracy of other approaches and discussed.
Graphical abstract
https://ift.tt/2HpjYmp
Rational construction of metal nanoparticles fixed in zeolite crystals as highly efficient heterogeneous catalysts
Publication date: Available online 24 April 2018
Source:Nano Today
Author(s): Liang Wang, Shaodan Xu, Shenxian He, Feng-Shou Xiao
The zeolites, a class of materials with uniform porosity, high crystallinity, structural diversity, and large surface area, have been extensively studied in both synthesis and applications in catalysis, separation, and adsorption. In the zeolite crystals, the uniform nanopores benefit molecular diffusion, but the absence of catalytically active metal species (e.g. isolated metal site, nanocluster, and nanoparticle) strongly limits their wide applications. Solution to this problem is to fix the active sites inside of the nanoporous crystals. In this review, it is briefly summarized recent developments on metal-based active species fixed in zeolite crystals, including the synthesis strategies, catalytic performances, and mechanism investigations. It is emphasized that the nanoparticles of metals and metal oxides fixed inside of zeolite crystals effectively combine the advantages of high activity of the nanoparticles and the selectivity/stability of the zeolite, resulting in enhanced catalytic performances in a series of reactions. Particularly, the metal nanoparticles are effectively stabilized by the zeolite sheath, giving superior sinter resistance at harsh reaction conditions.
Graphical abstract
https://ift.tt/2Kc063V
Dynamic behavior of metal nanoparticles for catalysis
Publication date: Available online 24 April 2018
Source:Nano Today
Author(s): Yan Zhou, Chuanchuan Jin, Yong Li, Wenjie Shen
The geometrical and electronic properties of the active sites on the surface of metal nanoparticles and their structure evolution and dynamic behavior during catalysis, consitute the core issue of heterogeneous catalysis. Metal nanoparticles are characterized by the highly reduced size, in a typical range of 1–10 nm, and the significantly enhanced catalytic performance; but they are subject to structural and chemical changes under the reaction conditions, primarily induced by the reactive gases at elevated temperatures. In situ characterization techniques, like environmental transmission electron microscopy and X-ray absorption spectroscopy, allow to directly visualize the structural variations at nano and atomic scales and simultaneously probe the chemical variations of the metal nanoparticles at functionalities. This review article summarizes the most recent advances on the structure evolution and dynamic behavior of metal nanoparticles, including late transition metals and IB metals, during their activation and reaction processing. Analyses on the correlation between the dynamic nanostructures observed under or close to reaction conditions and the catalytic performance shed profound insights into the fundamental understanding of the structure-reactivity relationship of metal nanoparticles.
Graphical abstract
https://ift.tt/2JnbpF8
Chemiresistive nanosensors with convex/concave structures
Publication date: Available online 24 April 2018
Source:Nano Today
Author(s): Songyue Chen, Yongliang Tang, Kan Zhan, Daoheng Sun, Xu Hou
Nanosensors have attracted tremendous, scientific and application, interests promoted by the advances in nanotechnology and emerging new nanomaterials. There has been rapid progress in developing chemiresistive nanosensors, and these sensor technologies are being transferred among a variety of different fields, from energy, environment to life science. This review presents nanomaterials with special convex/concave structures used for chemiresistive sensors, which mainly composed of one-dimensional conductive structures, e.g. nanowires, nanotubes, nanopores and nanochannels. Furthermore, designing, operation, and applications of current chemiresistive nanosensors are discussed to give an outlook of this field, especially for ionic solution and gas as the working chemical environments. The authors hope this review could inspire the active interest in the scientific field of sensor development and application.
Graphical abstract
https://ift.tt/2KbyADD
Graphene oxide membranes: Functional structures, preparation and environmental applications
Publication date: Available online 24 April 2018
Source:Nano Today
Author(s): Meng Sun, Jinghong Li
Graphene oxide (GO) membranes, as laminated and channel-rich architectures assembled by stacked GO nanosheets, have surpassed other two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterials and present preeminent structural specialization and potential applicability in a wide range of environmental applications. This review mainly surveys the latest GO-based macroscopic membranes, which feature distinct functionalized structures, interior fluid flows, and tunable physicochemical properties. The GO-based membranes are classified and presented in three typical forms: single-layered porous GO membranes, few-layered laminated GO membranes, and multi-layered composited GO membranes. More attention is paid to target-oriented preparation strategies for the assembly of GO building blocks, involving multiple interactions and technical advantages, and to the resulting membrane characteristics. The overview also explores the serviceability of these GO-based membranes for full-scale use in environmental practices in gas, water, and biological treatments to pave the way for the promising development and realization of their prospects.
Graphical abstract
https://ift.tt/2JnTQER
Editorial Board
Publication date: May 2018
Source:Medical Image Analysis, Volume 46
https://ift.tt/2HsZpl9
Robust variational segmentation of 3D bone CT data with thin cartilage interfaces
Publication date: Available online 17 April 2018
Source:Medical Image Analysis
Author(s): Tarun Gangwar, Jeff Calder, Takashi Takahashi, Joan E. Bechtold, Dominik Schillinger
We present a two-stage variational approach for segmenting 3D bone CT data that performs robustly with respect to thin cartilage interfaces. In the first stage, we minimize a flux-augmented Chan-Vese model that accurately segments well-separated regions. In the second stage, we apply a new phase-field fracture inspired model that reliably eliminates spurious bridges across thin cartilage interfaces, resulting in an accurate segmentation topology, from which each bone object can be identified. Its mathematical formulation is based on the phase-field approach to variational fracture, which naturally blends with the variational approach to segmentation. We successfully test and validate our methodology for the segmentation of 3D femur and vertebra bones, which feature thin cartilage regions in the hip joint, the intervertebral disks, and synovial joints of the spinous processes. The major strength of the new methodology is its potential for full automation and seamless integration with downstream predictive bone simulation in a common finite element framework.
Graphical abstract
https://ift.tt/2HXVLAN
VP-Nets : Efficient Automatic Localization of Key Brain Structures in 3D Fetal Neurosonography
Publication date: Available online 23 April 2018
Source:Medical Image Analysis
Author(s): Ruobing Huang, Weidi Xie, J.Alison Noble
Three-dimensional (3D) fetal neurosonography is used clinically to detect cerebral abnormalities and to assess growth in the developing brain. However, manual identification of key brain structures in 3D ultrasound images requires expertise to perform and even then is tedious. Inspired by how sonographers view and interact with volumes during real-time clinical scanning, we propose an efficient automatic method to simultaneously localize multiple brain structures in 3D fetal neurosonography. The proposed View-based Projection Networks (VP-Nets), uses three view-based Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs), to simplify 3D localizations by directly predicting 2D projections of the key structures onto three anatomical views.While designed for efficient use of data and GPU memory, the proposed VP-Nets allows for full-resolution 3D prediction. We investigated parameters that influence the performance of VP-Nets, e.g. depth and number of feature channels. Moreover, we demonstrate that the model can pinpoint the structure in 3D space by visualizing the trained VP-Nets, despite only 2D supervision being provided for a single stream during training. For comparison, we implemented two other baseline solutions based on Random Forest and 3D U-Nets. In the reported experiments, VP-Nets consistently outperformed other methods on localization. To test the importance of loss function, two identical models are trained with binary corss-entropy and dice coefficient loss respectively. Our best VP-Net model achieved prediction center deviation: 1.8 ± 1.4mm, size difference: 1.9 ± 1.5mm, and 3D Intersection Over Union (IOU): 63.2 ± 14.7% when compared to the ground truth. To make the whole pipeline intervention free, we also implement a skull-stripping tool using 3D CNN, which achieves high segmentation accuracy. As a result, the proposed processing pipeline takes a raw ultrasound brain image as input, and output a skull-stripped image with five detected key brain structures.
Graphical abstract
https://ift.tt/2Hq3Lcp
A Probabilistic Approach to Joint Cell Tracking and Segmentation in High-Throughput Microscopy Videos
Publication date: Available online 22 April 2018
Source:Medical Image Analysis
Author(s): Assaf Arbelle, Jose Reyes, Jia-Yun Chen, Galit Lahav, Tammy Riklin Raviv
We present a novel computational framework for the analysis of high-throughput microscopy videos of living cells. The proposed framework is generally useful and can be applied to different datasets acquired in a variety of laboratory settings. This is accomplished by tying together two fundamental aspects of cell lineage construction, namely cell segmentation and tracking, via a Bayesian inference of dynamic models. In contrast to most existing approaches, which aim to be general, no assumption of cell shape is made. Spatial, temporal, and cross-sectional variation of the analysed data are accommodated by two key contributions. First, time series analysis is exploited to estimate the temporal cell shape uncertainty in addition to cell trajectory. Second, a fast marching (FM) algorithm is used to integrate the inferred cell properties with the observed image measurements in order to obtain image likelihood for cell segmentation, and association. The proposed approach has been tested on eight different time-lapse microscopy data sets, some of which are high-throughput, demonstrating promising results for the detection, segmentation and association of planar cells. Our results surpass the state of the art for the Fluo-C2DL-MSC data set of the Cell Tracking Challenge (Maška et al., 2014).
Graphical abstract
https://ift.tt/2HWUXfn
Identification of CPE and GAIT elements in 3’UTR of macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) involved in inflammatory response induced by LPS in Ciona robusta
Source:Molecular Immunology, Volume 99
Author(s): Aiti Vizzini, Maria Giovanna Parisi, Felicia Di Falco, Laura Cardinale, Matteo Cammarata, Vincenzo Arizza
Innate immune responses face infectious microorganisms by inducing inflammatory responses. Multiple genes within distinct functional categories are coordinately and temporally regulated by transcriptional 'on' and 'off' switches that account for the specificity of gene expression in response to external stimuli. Mechanisms that control transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulation are important in coordinating the initiation and resolution of inflammation. Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is an important cytokine that, in Ciona robusta, is related to inflammatory response. It is well known that in C. robusta, formerly known as Ciona intestinalis, the pharynx is involved in the inflammatory reaction induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) injection in the body wall. Using this biological system, we describe the identification of two C. robusta MIFs (CrMIF1 and CrMIF2). The phylogenetic tree and modeling support a close relationship with vertebrate MIF family members. CrMIF1 and CrMIF2 possess two evolutionally conserved catalytic sites: a tautomerase and an oxidoreductase site with a conserved CXXC motif. Real-time PCR analysis shows a prompt expression induced by LPS inoculation in CrMIF1 and a late upregulation of CrMIF2 and in silico analyses of 3'UTR show a cis-acting GAIT element and a CPE element in 3'-UTR, which are not present in the 3'-UTR of CrMIF1, suggesting that different transcriptional and post-transcriptional control mechanisms are involved in the regulation of gene expression of MIF during inflammatory response in C. robusta.
https://ift.tt/2Kd7RGT
Distortion-matched T1 maps and unbiased T1-weighted images as anatomical reference for high-resolution fMRI
Publication date: 1 August 2018
Source:NeuroImage, Volume 176
Author(s): Wietske van der Zwaag, Pieter F. Buur, Alessio Fracasso, Tessa van Doesum, Kâmil Uludağ, Maarten J. Versluis, José P. Marques
The increasing availability of ultra-high field scanners has led to a growing number of submillimetre fMRI studies in humans, typically targeting the gray matter at different cortical depths. In most analyses, the definition of surfaces at different cortical depths is based on an anatomical image with different contrast and distortions than the functional images. Here, we introduce a novel sequence providing bias-field corrected T1-weighted images and T1-maps with distortions that match those of the fMRI data, with an image acquisition time significantly shorter than standard T1-weighted anatomical imaging. For 'T1-imaging with 2 3D-EPIs', or T123DEPI, 3D-EPI volumes are acquired centred at two inversion times. These 3D-EPIs are segmented into half, quarter or smaller blocks of k-space to allow for optimisation of the inversion times. T1-weighted images and T1-maps are then generated as for MP2RAGE acquisitions. A range of T123DEPI data acquired at 7 T is shown with resolutions ranging from 0.7 mm to 1.3 mm isotropic voxels. Co-registration quality to the mean EPI of matching fMRI timecourses shows markedly less local deviations compared to co-registration of a standard MP2RAGE to the same echo planar volume. Thus, the T123DEPI T1-weighted images and T1-maps can be used to provide cortical surfaces with matched distortions to the functional data or else to facilitate co-registration between functional and undistorted anatomical data.
Graphical abstract
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Automated search of control points in surface-based morphometry
Publication date: 1 August 2018
Source:NeuroImage, Volume 176
Author(s): Antonietta Canna, Andrea G. Russo, Sara Ponticorvo, Renzo Manara, Alessandro Pepino, Mario Sansone, Francesco Di Salle, Fabrizio Esposito
Cortical surface-based morphometry is based on a semi-automated analysis of structural MRI images. In FreeSurfer, a widespread tool for surface-based analyses, a visual check of gray-white matter borders is followed by the manual placement of control points to drive the topological correction (editing) of segmented data. A novel algorithm combining radial sampling and machine learning is presented for the automated control point search (ACPS).Four data sets with 3 T MRI structural images were used for ACPS validation, including raw data acquired twice in 36 healthy subjects and both raw and FreeSurfer preprocessed data of 125 healthy subjects from public databases. The unedited data from a subgroup of subjects were submitted to manual control point search and editing. The ACPS algorithm was trained on manual control points and tested on new (unseen) unedited data. Cortical thickness (CT) and fractal dimensionality (FD) were estimated in three data sets by reconstructing surfaces from both unedited and edited data, and the effects of editing were compared between manual and automated editing and versus no editing.The ACPS-based editing improved the surface reconstructions similarly to manual editing. Compared to no editing, ACPS-based and manual editing significantly reduced CT and FD in consistent regions across different data sets. Despite the extra processing of control point driven reconstructions, CT and FD estimates were highly reproducible in almost all cortical regions, albeit some problematic regions (e.g. entorhinal cortex) may benefit from different editing.The use of control points improves the surface reconstruction and the ACPS algorithm can automate their search reducing the burden of manual editing.
https://ift.tt/2HWKrov
Morphology-dependent electrochemical behavior of 18-facet Cu7S4 nanocrystals based electrochemical sensing platform for hydrogen peroxide and prostate specific antigen
Source:Biosensors and Bioelectronics, Volume 112
Author(s): Yuxue Dai, Xiaodong Zhu, Hao Liu, Yanna Lin, Weiyan Sun, Yuanling Sun, Chaofan Ding, Chuannan Luo, Qin Wei
18-facet polyhedron Cu7S4 nanocrystal and CuS sphere were prepared from Cu2O precursor, and CuS flower was synthesized through a simple solvothermal approach. Their electrochemical performances were investigated towards H2O2 and it was interesting to discover that Cu7S4 nanocrystal had the best electrochemical catalysis compared with CuS sphere and CuS flower. It can deduce that the special structure of Cu7S4 nanocrystal endowed it more exposed active points, higher surface area and higher Cu/S ratio. Therefore, Cu7S4 nanocrystal was firstly employed to prepare a nonenzymatic biosensor for H2O2. Satisfactory results were obtained. In addition, a label-free sensing platform for prostate specific antigen (PSA) was constructed based on electrochemical catalysis towards H2O2 of Cu7S4 nanocrystal. The label-free immunosenosr offered accurate PSA in the range of 0.001–15 ng/mL with the detection limit of 0.001 ng/mL. Besides, the immunosensor possessed good sensitivity, selectivity and stability and could detect PSA in real sample. More importantly, this work demonstrated that Cu7S4 nanocrystal hold great promising application in electrochemical sensors.
https://ift.tt/2vE9fik
Photoelectrochemical platform for cancer cell glutathione detection based on polyaniline and nanoMoS2 composites modified gold electrode
Publication date: 30 July 2018
Source:Biosensors and Bioelectronics, Volume 112
Author(s): Xu Hun, Yanxin Li, Shiyu Wang, Yao Li, Jikuan Zhao, Hui Zhang, Xiliang Luo
Herein, a visible light photoelectrochemical (PEC) platform based on polyaniline (PANI) and nanoMoS2 composites as optoelectronic material for glutathione detection without any auxiliary of biomolecules or labeled materials was developed. Firstly, the nanoMoS2 was prepared via a simple ultrasound exfoliation method. The PANI was synthesized by chemical oxidative polymerization method. Then composite of PANI and nanoMoS2 was used to modify gold electrode. It was found that the composite membrane showed excellent PEC properties. And glutathione enhanced the PEC signal greatly. Based on this finding a method for glutathione detection was fabricated. Under the optimum conditions, the linear response of glutathione concentrations ranged from 1.0 × 10−10 to 1.0 × 10−4 mol L−1 was obtained with a detection limit of 3.1 × 10−11 mol L−1. The relative standard deviation was 2.9% at 2.0 × 10−9 M (n = 10). This method showed high sensitivity and simpleness which opened up a new promising signal-on PEC platform for future bioassay.
https://ift.tt/2HKQQ8p
Direct growth of metal-organic frameworks thin film arrays on glassy carbon electrode based on rapid conversion step mediated by copper clusters and hydroxide nanotubes for fabrication of a high performance non-enzymatic glucose sensing platform
Publication date: 30 July 2018
Source:Biosensors and Bioelectronics, Volume 112
Author(s): Saeed Shahrokhian, Elnaz Khaki Sanati, Hadi Hosseini
The direct growth of self-supported metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) thin film can be considered as an effective strategy for fabrication of the advanced modified electrodes in sensors and biosensor applications. However, most of the fabricated MOFs-based sensors suffer from some drawbacks such as time consuming for synthesis of MOF and electrode making, need of a binder or an additive layer, need of expensive equipment and use of hazardous solvents. Here, a novel free-standing MOFs-based modified electrode was fabricated by the rapid direct growth of MOFs on the surface of the glassy carbon electrode (GCE). In this method, direct growth of MOFs was occurred by the formation of vertically aligned arrays of Cu clusters and Cu(OH)2 nanotubes, which can act as both mediator and positioning fixing factor for the rapid formation of self-supported MOFs on GCE surface. The effect of both chemically and electrochemically formed Cu(OH)2 nanotubes on the morphological and electrochemical performance of the prepared MOFs were investigated. Due to the unique properties of the prepared MOFs thin film electrode such as uniform and vertically aligned structure, excellent stability, high electroactive surface area, and good availability to analyte and electrolyte diffusion, it was directly used as the electrode material for non-enzymatic electrocatalytic oxidation of glucose. Moreover, the potential utility of this sensing platform for the analytical determination of glucose concentration was evaluated by the amperometry technique. The results proved that the self-supported MOFs thin film on GCE is a promising electrode material for fabricating and designing non-enzymatic glucose sensors.
https://ift.tt/2vI8DbF
Nonenzymatic electrochemical sensor based on imidazole-functionalized graphene oxide for progesterone detection
Publication date: 30 July 2018
Source:Biosensors and Bioelectronics, Volume 112
Author(s): Ava Gevaerd, Sirlon F. Blaskievicz, Aldo J.G. Zarbin, Elisa S. Orth, Márcio F. Bergamini, Luiz H. Marcolino-Junior
The modification of electrode surfaces has been the target of study for many researchers in order to improve the analytical performance of electrochemical sensors. Herein, the use of an imidazole-functionalized graphene oxide (GO-IMZ) as an artificial enzymatic active site for voltammetric determination of progesterone (P4) is described for the first time. The morphology and electrochemical performance of electrode modified with GO-IMZ were characterized by scanning electron microscopy and cyclic voltammetry, respectively. Under optimized conditions, the proposed sensor showed a synergistic effect of the GO sheets and the imidazole groups anchored on its backbone, which promoted a significant enhancement on electrochemical reduction of P4. Figures of merits such as linear dynamic response for P4 concentration ranging from 0.22 to 14.0 μmol L−1, limit of detection of 68 nmol L−1 and limit of quantification and 210 nmol L−1 were found. In addition, presented a higher sensitivity, 426 nA L µmol−1, when compared to the unmodified electrode. Overall, the proposed device showed to be a promising platform for a simple, rapid, and direct analysis of progesterone.
https://ift.tt/2qT46hS
Signal processing approach to probe chemical space for discriminating redox signatures
Publication date: 30 July 2018
Source:Biosensors and Bioelectronics, Volume 112
Author(s): Mijeong Kang, Eunkyoung Kim, Shuo Chen, William E. Bentley, Deanna L. Kelly, Gregory F. Payne
The discovery of discriminating molecular biomarkers often couples omics for data acquisition with advanced information processing methods for data analysis. Here, we move information processing upstream for data acquisition and report that a sample's "chemical space" can be actively probed using a tailored sequence of redox-based input signals. Specifically, we use a redox-active iridium salt (K3IrCl6) and an oxidative pulse-redox-relaxation input sequence to probe serum samples for chemical information. Optical and electrical output responses are collected simultaneously and analyzed using signal metrics that are sensitive to component and concentration dependent chemical information. We use the example of schizophrenia to illustrate the potential of this signal processing approach to rapidly discover discriminating signatures using simple and inexpensive instrumentation. These studies indicate that redox-probing provides an orthogonal measurement approach to accelerate biomarker discovery and further suggest a simple means to supply chemical information for the internet-of-things in medical and consumer applications.
Graphical abstract
https://ift.tt/2vMZoag
Flexible multichannel vagus nerve electrode for stimulation and recording for heart failure treatment
Publication date: 30 July 2018
Source:Biosensors and Bioelectronics, Volume 112
Author(s): Ning Xue, Ignacio Delgado Martinez, Jianhai Sun, Yuhua Cheng, Chunxiu Liu
Vagus nerve stimulation is an emerging bioelectronic medicine to modulate cardiac function, as the nerve provides parasympathetic innervation to the heart. In this study, we developed a polyimide based 2D cuff electrode to wrap around on the vagus nerve. Thanks to the tiny size and bendable protruding structure of the contact tips of the device, the electrode sites are able to flexibly bend to touch the nerve, selectively record and stimulate the vagus nerve. Gold, platinum and platinum black materials were chosen to compose the electrodes for nerve stimulation and recording, respectively. Since the platinum black has ~30 times larger charge delivery capacity (CDC) than gold, Pt black electrode is used for nerve stimulation. The electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry measurement of the three materials were conducted in vitro, revealing the results of 405 kΩ, 41 kΩ, 10.5 kΩ, @1 kHz and 0.81 mC/cm2, 4.26 mC/cm2, 25.5 mC/cm2, respectively (n = 3). The cuff electrodes were implanted into the right-sided vagus nerve of rats for in vivo experiment. Biphasic current configuration was implemented for nerve stimulation with frequency of 10 Hz, pulse during of 300 μs and various currents stimulus. The result shows the heart beat frequency drops up to 36% during the stimulation and was able to return the regular frequency as stimulation was removed. Subsequently, the vagus nerve signals were recorded with the four channel cuff electrodes. The magnitude of the compound nerve action potentials (CNAPs) is ~10 μV and the signal to noise ratio (SNR) is ~20.
https://ift.tt/2qV4CLZ
Dual functional rhodium oxide nanocorals enabled sensor for both non-enzymatic glucose and solid-state pH sensing
Source:Biosensors and Bioelectronics, Volume 112
Author(s): Qiuchen Dong, Yikun Huang, Donghui Song, Huixiang Wu, Fei Cao, Yu Lei
Both pH-sensitive and glucose-responsive rhodium oxide nanocorals (Rh2O3 NCs) were synthesized through electrospinning followed by high-temperature calcination. The as-prepared Rh2O3 NCs were systematically characterized using various advanced techniques including scanning electron microscopy, X-ray powder diffraction and Raman spectroscopy, and then employed as a dual functional nanomaterial to fabricate a dual sensor for both non-enzymatic glucose sensing and solid-state pH monitoring. The sensing performance of the Rh2O3 NCs based dual sensor toward pH and glucose was evaluated using open circuit potential, cyclic voltammetry and amperometric techniques, respectively. The results show that the as-prepared Rh2O3 NCs not only maintain accurate and reversible pH sensitivity of Rh2O3, but also demonstrate a good electrocatalytic activity toward glucose oxidation in alkaline medium with a sensitivity of 11.46 μA mM−1 cm−2, a limit of detection of 3.1 μM (S/N = 3), and a reasonable selectivity against various interferents in non-enzymatic glucose detection. Its accuracy in determining glucose in human serum samples was further demonstrated. These features indicate that the as-prepared Rh2O3 NCs hold great promise as a dual-functional sensing material in the development of a high-performance sensor forManjakkal both solid-state pH and non-enzymatic glucose sensing.
https://ift.tt/2vHHztf
An enzyme-free and label-free surface plasmon resonance biosensor for ultrasensitive detection of fusion gene based on DNA self-assembly hydrogel with streptavidin encapsulation
Publication date: 30 July 2018
Source:Biosensors and Bioelectronics, Volume 112
Author(s): Bin Guo, Bo Wen, Wei Cheng, Xiaoyan Zhou, Xiaolei Duan, Min Zhao, Qianfeng Xia, Shijia Ding
In this research, an enzyme-free and label-free surface plasmon resonance (SPR) biosensing strategy has been developed for ultrasensitive detection of fusion gene based on the heterogeneous target-triggered DNA self-assembly aptamer-based hydrogel with streptavidin (SA) encapsulation. In the presence of target, the capture probes (Cp) immobilized on the chip surface can capture the PML/RARα, forming a Cp-PML/RARα duplex. After that, the aptamer-based network hydrogel nanostructure is formed on the gold surface via target-triggered self-assembly of X shaped polymers. Subsequently, the SA can be encapsulated into hydrogel by the specific binding of SA aptamer, forming the complex with super molecular weight. Thus, the developed strategy achieves dramatic enhancement of the SPR signal. Using PML/RARα "S" subtype as model analyte, the developed biosensing method can detect target down to 45.22 fM with a wide linear range from 100 fM to 10 nM. Moreover, the high efficiency biosensing method shows excellent practical ability to identify the clinical PCR products of PML/RARα. Thus, this proposed strategy presents a powerful platform for ultrasensitive detection of fusion gene and early diagnosis and monitoring of disease.
https://ift.tt/2HNbxkg
An enhanced fresh cadaveric model for reconstructive microsurgery training
Abstract
Background
Performing microsurgery requires a breadth and depth of experience that has arguably been reduced as result of diminishing operating exposure. Fresh frozen cadavers provide similar tissue handling to real-time operating; however, the bloodless condition restricts the realism of the simulation. We describe a model to enhance flap surgery simulation, in conjunction with qualitative assessment.
Methods
The fresh frozen cadaveric limbs used in this study were acquired by the University. A perfused fresh cadaveric model was created using a gelatin and dye mixture in a specific injection protocol in order to increase the visibility and realism of perforating vessels, as well as major vessels. A questionnaire was distributed amongst 50 trainees in order to assess benefit of the model. Specifically, confidence, operative skills, and transferable procedural-based learning were assessed.
Results
Training with this cadaveric model resulted in a statistically significant improvement in self-reported confidence (p < 0.005) and prepared trainees for unsupervised bench work (p < 0.005). Respondents felt that the injected model allowed easier identification of vessels and ultimately increased the similarity to real-time operating. Our analysis showed it cost £10.78 and took 30 min.
Conclusions
Perfusion of cadaveric limbs is both cost- and time-effective, with significant improvement in training potential. The model is easily reproducible and could be a valuable resource in surgical training for several disciplines.
Level of Evidence: Not ratable.
https://ift.tt/2vHPCGn
Pre-operative predictive estimation of abdominal flap volume for breast reconstruction using ultrasound and an anthropometric method
Abstract
Background
The abdominal flap has proven to be an optimal autologous option for breast reconstruction. However, the feasibility of breast reconstruction using an abdominal flap should be determined pre-operatively, especially in lean patients. In order to achieve optimal symmetry when using an abdominal flap for breast reconstruction, a specific amount of abdominal tissue is required and this should be estimated prior to surgery.
Methods
Patients with unilateral modified radical mastectomies requesting delayed breast reconstruction had their abdominal flap volume measured pre-operatively using a measuring tape and ultrasound. Contralateral breast volume was also measured using magnetic resonance imaging and was compared to the abdominal flap volume. Additionally, body mass index was measured for every patient. A correlation between each patient's body mass index, contralateral breast volume, and abdominal flap volume was calculated.
Results
Twenty patients with a mean age of 39 years (range 26–49 years, SD 6) and a mean body mass index of 29 (range 23–35, SD 4) were included in this study. The mean breast volume was 620 cm3, and the mean abdominal flap volume was 770 cm3 (excluding zone IV). The mean breast volume to abdominal flap volume ratio (without zone IV) was 0.8.
Conclusions
Our pre-operative measurements of breast volume, abdominal flap volume, and body mass index enabled us to establish a relationship between these variables and to determine the feasibility of surgery and the need for additional volume enhancement and breast symmetrization procedures in patients seeking breast reconstruction.
Level of Evidence: Level IV, risk/prognostic study.
https://ift.tt/2HOEKLw
Long-term study of Cr, Ni, Zn, and P distribution in Typha domingensis growing in a constructed wetland
Abstract
The aim of this work was to study Cr, Ni, Zn, and P bioaccumulation in different compartments of Typha domingensis plants and sediment in a free-water surface constructed wetland for the treatment of a metallurgical effluent for 5 years. Removal efficiencies were satisfactory. To increase metal tolerance, its transport from belowground to aboveground tissues is reduced, being metal concentrations in the roots and rhizomes significantly higher than in the aerial and submerged parts of leaves. Regarding belowground tissues, metals were retained in the roots, while P was mainly accumulated in rhizomes. Bioaccumulation factors (BAFs) of Cr and Ni showed values near 1, and BAF of Zn and P were above 1 in several samplings, indicating bioaccumulation in the roots. Translocation factors (TFs) of Cr, Ni, and Zn were below 1, showing a scarce translocation from the roots to the aerial parts of the leaves, while the TF of P were above 1 in many samplings, indicating that this element is necessary for plant metabolism. The study of plant tissues where contaminants are accumulated allows gaining insight into the constructed wetland operation. The high translocation of P in T. domingensis makes this species suitable for its phytoextraction, while the low metal translocation makes T. domingensis suitable for phytostabilization.
https://ift.tt/2qYmvc5
Some aspects of the adsorption of glyphosate and its degradation products on montmorillonite
Abstract
The most worldwide used herbicide is glyphosate, phosphonomethylglycine (PMG). Consequently, a significant amount of PMG, its metabolites (sarcosine, SAR, and aminomethylphosphonic acid, AMPA) and the degradation product, methylphosphonic acid (MPA), reaches the soil, which acts as final sink. Because clays are one of the most reactive components of soils, expansive clays such as montmorillonite (Mt) are used to retain agriculture contaminants with some success. In this work, as a preliminary step for the evaluation of the risk that PMG, SAR, AMPA, and MPA occurrence could have on the environment, their adsorption on Mt surface was performed. The adsorption process was analyzed at constant adsorbate concentrations and two pH values to take into account the different protonation states of the amino group. DTA, XRD, zeta potential measurements, and XPS were used to identify the interactions or association mechanisms with the clay surface, the entry of adsorbates into the Mt interlayer, and electric charge changes on the Mt surface, and evaluate the acid-base surface complex constants, respectively. The interlayer thickness in acid media indicated that adsorbates are able to enter the interlayer in planar form. Besides, for the Mt-PMG sample, some PMG molecules could be also inserted as a bilayer or with a tilt angle of 52.4° in the interlayer. However, in alkaline media, the interlayer thickness indicated that the adsorbate arrangement differed from that of acidic media where PMG and MPA could have more than one orientation. The surface complex deprotonation constants were determined for the =NH+2 ⇆ =NH+H+ process, being 3.0, 5.0, and 7.3 for PMG, AMPA, and SAR, respectively.
https://ift.tt/2HpMAvX
Investigating Patients' Perception of Microvascular Free Toe Flap for Reconstruction of Amputated Thumbs: A Guide for Surgeons during Informed Consent
J reconstr Microsurg
DOI: 10.1055/s-0038-1642024
Background After thumb amputations, restoration of function and aesthetic can be accomplished with microvascular free toe flaps. However, many patients in clinical practice do not choose this reconstruction despite positive reported outcomes. This study aims to determine patients' perceptions with respect to free toe flaps to improve areas of informed consent. Methods A retrospective survey was administered to patients with thumb amputations. Participants were required to complete a questionnaire about patient demographics, the Brief Michigan Hand Questionnaire (bMHQ), the standard gamble/time trade-off questionnaires for utility scores, and a questionnaire investigating potential reasons for electing not to undergo a free toe transfer. Results Thirty patients were enrolled in the study wherein 53% underwent a replantation procedure, 27% a revision amputation, and 20% a delayed reconstruction. Mean normalized score on the bMHQ was recorded as 63.54. Utility questionnaires yielded mean measures of 0.8967 and 0.86 on the standard gamble and time trade-off, respectively. From 14 elements, a majority (87%) stated flap failure as a major source of concern, followed by lack of understanding of risks and benefits (80%) and prolonged hospital stay (53%). Cultural/religious beliefs, aesthetic appearance of the foot, and concerns about footwear were not reported as important reasons in 90, 80, and 79% of patients, respectively. Conclusion A better understanding of patients' attitudes and beliefs with respect to free toe flaps will allow surgeons to better address their concerns during informed consent. This study emphasizes the importance to discuss about failure rates, risks, and benefits of the operation and prolonged hospital stay.
[...]
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.
Article in Thieme eJournals:
Table of contents | Abstract | Full text
https://ift.tt/2HsC0QO
A Prospective Evaluation of Health-Related Quality of Life following Lymphaticovenular Anastomosis for Upper and Lower Extremities Lymphedema
J reconstr Microsurg
DOI: 10.1055/s-0038-1642623
Background Lymphedema is a progressive disease that negatively affects body image and physical, psychological, and social functions. There is lack of evidence in the present literature about the impact of super microsurgical lymphaticovenular anastomosis (LVA) on health-related quality of life (HRQoL). The aim of this prospective study is to report the outcomes of patients' HRQoL after LVA for lower and upper extremities lymphedema. Methods Between September 2015 and February 2017, 74 patients with upper or lower limb lymphedema (ULL or LLL) underwent LVA at our center. Quality of life (QoL) was assessed by lymphedema QoL questionnaire (LyMQoL), which is a validated disease-specific instrument to measure the impact of lymphedema on patient's lives, covering four domains: function, body image, symptoms, and mood. All patients were evaluated preoperatively, 1 month after surgery, and every 3 months up to 1 year. Additionally, we evaluated the episodes of lymphangitis and the need for conservative therapy before and after surgery. Results After a mean follow-up of 8.5 months (range: 2–21 months), we observed an increase of 2.3 points in the overall QoL average for upper limb and 2.6 points for lower limb (p < 0.001). A statistically significant improvement in all four domains (p < 0.01) was reported after surgery, being present from the first postoperative months for both upper and lower extremities. Conclusion Our study shows that lymphaticovenular anastomosis improves HRQoL in patients affected by ULL and LLL. Additionally, both a reduction of episodes of lymphangitis and a decrease in the need of conservative therapy were observed in this cohort of patients.
[...]
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.
Article in Thieme eJournals:
Table of contents | Abstract | Full text
https://ift.tt/2HMfRA0
Can avocado oil strengthen my hair?
Oils play an important role in the health of a person's hair. Avocado oil may have specific benefits due to its vitamin and mineral composition. When the hair's natural oil balance is uneven, or the environment has damaged the hair, using oils on the scalp or hair may moisturize it and prevent further damage.
https://ift.tt/2HplUah
Scholar : These new articles for Advances in Mental Health are available online
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Eccrine-Centric Melanocytic Nevus
Abstract: Benign melanocytic neoplasms present with a diverse array of well-known histopathologic patterns. It is imperative to recognize the benign patterns to render accurate diagnoses. We describe here an interesting and hitherto not described low-power architectural pattern of a benign melanocytic lesion: eccrine-centric melanocytic nevus. The patient was a 50-year-old African American woman who noticed a new mole on her foot that began as a dark speck but quickly grew larger. The lesion was excised to exclude the possibility of melanoma. Upon review of the specimen, the lesion was noted to demonstrate a distinctive pattern consistent with a melanocytic nevus of possible congenital onset. Remarkably, the ducts of eccrine glands were increased in density and the nests of melanocytes were found solely in a peri-eccrine distribution without melanocytes in any other locations (ie, interstitial, perifollicular). Additionally, all melanocytes in the nevus were rather heavily pigmented. Although this pattern demonstrated no atypical features that would cause one to consider it malignant to the trained eye, this presentation could implicate a metastatic disease (well-delineated nests in the dermis without concomitant interstitial component) and it is important to recognize.https://ift.tt/2vJskQg
Unilesional Follicular Mycosis Fungoides: Report of 6 Cases and Review of the Literature
Abstract: Unilesional follicular mycosis fungoides (MF) is a rare variant of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma characterized by selective involvement of the hair follicles by neoplastic T lymphocytes presenting initially as a solitary lesion occupying less than 5% of the body surface; there are 22 previous reported cases. We describe 6 patients with this rare variant of MF, all males (age range 6–64 years; mean age: 28 years) presenting with a solitary lesion primarily on the face and scalp except 1 patient who presented with a truncal lesion. All the patients had the lesions for at least a few months. The lesions were associated with follicular prominence and hair loss. In each, the biopsies showed an atypical folliculotropic lymphocytic infiltrate accompanied by follicular mucinosis in certain cases. The infiltrate involved the lower isthmic part of the follicle, and in 1 case, there was an alopecia areata-like neoplastic lymphomatoid bulbitis. There was no evidence of large cell transformation nor was there a significant degree of infiltration of the interfollicular dermis or epidermis. Higher magnification disclosed marked cerebriform atypia amidst the lymphocytes. Phenotypic studies demonstrated a high CD4 to CD8 ratio in excess of 5 with a significant loss of CD7. One patient developed additional similar lesions involving the thigh and buttock after a period of at least 3–4 years of untreated unilesional MF. Unilesional follicular MF is a potentially curable form of MF with a young male predilection. Early diagnosis and treatment intervention likely define a cornerstone for ensuring the best patient outcome and preventing clinical evolution to either tumor stage MF and or multilesional MF.https://ift.tt/2qVnH0Q
Cutaneous Light Chain Deposition Disease: A Report of 2 Cases and Review of the Literature
Abstract: Light chain deposition disease (LCDD) is a rare systemic disorder with deposition of mostly monoclonal amorphous nonamyloid light chains in multiple organs. Renal involvement with rapidly progressing renal failure presents the dominant manifestation of LCDD. Approximately 20%–30% of patients show symptomatic cardiac or liver involvement. Cutaneous manifestations are extremely rare with only a few published cases. We report 2 additional cases of cutaneous LCDD without detectable systemic disease.https://ift.tt/2HLlvTi
Florid Granuloma Annulare–Like Reaction in Regional Lymph Nodes After “Regression” of Red Pigment in Tattoos
Abstract: A healthy 50-year-old woman had a tattoo performed on the posterior aspect of her neck and another on the dorsum of her left foot. Several weeks later, she noted redness, tenderness, and intense pruritis at both tattoo sites. Treatment with cephalexin and hydrocortisone cream was instituted, without success. Within a few months, the red, but not black, pigment had disappeared from both tattoos and was replaced by pale areas of scarring. Persistently enlarged left supraclavicular and suboccipital lymph nodes were excised 7 and 10 months after receipt of the tattoos, respectively. The nodes were pigmented on gross examination, and on microscopy, a granuloma annulare–like reaction was observed. Normal lymphoid tissue was seen to be replaced by large palisading granulomas with central degenerative change, abundant stromal mucin, and scattered deposits of tattoo pigment. Histochemical stains, tissue culture, and serological studies revealed no evidence of infection. There are rare reports of granuloma annulare–like reactions in tattoos, and these are believed to represent delayed-type hypersensitivity reactions. Our case is unique in the observation of this reaction pattern in regional lymph nodes, and it expands the spectrum of complications known to be associated with tattoos.https://ift.tt/2vHKeTB
Cytokeratin Profile of Basal Cell Carcinomas According to the Degree of Sun Exposure and to the Anatomical Localization
Abstract: Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) seems to originate from ultraviolet light-induced mutations involving the bulge or the outer sheath of the hair follicle cells. However, the etiopathogenic mechanisms involved in the development of these tumors in nonphotoexposed and in hairless areas remain unclear. The cytokeratin (CK) profile (including CK5/6, CK7, CK14, CK15, CK17, and CK19) from a series of different BCC subtypes developing in sun-exposed and non–sun-exposed areas, including hairless regions, was evaluated. The authors have observed that CK7 expression in BCC is associated with the anatomical localization of the tumor and its sun-exposition, but not with other factors such as histological subtype. The expression of this CK is higher in BCCs located in non–sun-exposed and nonhairy areas, such as the vulvar semimucosa and the nipple. Because CK7 is a marker of simple glandular epithelia, the authors suggest a glandular origin for BCCs located in hairless and nonphotoexposed areas.https://ift.tt/2qWmBln
Immunohistochemical and Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization Analysis of MYC in a Series of 17 Cutaneous Angiosarcomas: A Single-Center Study
Abstract: Cutaneous angiosarcoma (AS) is an uncommon, aggressive sarcoma whose incidence is rising because of the increasing use of radiation therapy, especially in breast cancer. The few studies on the relevance of prognostic factors, such as MYC status in cutaneous AS, have reported inconclusive findings, with some authors reporting MYC amplification only in postirradiation and lymphedema-associated AS and others reporting evidence of MYC amplification in idiopathic AS. We analyzed 17 cases of cutaneous AS (6 idiopathic AS, 10 postirradiation AS, and 1 lymphedema-associated AS) treated at our institute between 2000 and 2015. Follow-up data were available in all cases. We compared the presence/absence of MYC amplification by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and immunohistochemical (IHC) MYC overexpression in the different AS subtypes. We also investigated potential associations between MYC amplification and prognosis. MYC amplification was observed by FISH in 6 of 14 informative cases. The positive cases were all secondary AS (5 postirradiation AS and 1 lymphedema-associated AS). IHC detected MYC overexpression in 8 of 15 informative cases (7 secondary AS and 1 idiopathic AS). In conclusion, MYC amplification and MYC overexpression were detected almost exclusively in secondary AS. No associations were found between MYC amplification/overexpression and prognosis. We found MYC amplification or overexpression in a similar proportion of the patients who died and who were still alive at the end of the study. In the group of 9 patients who died, MYC was detected by FISH in 4 cases and by IHC in 5. The corresponding figures in the group of 6 patients still alive were 2 by FISH and 3 by IHC.https://ift.tt/2HJUBeq
Pigmented Deposits in the Skin
Abstract: Pigmented deposits can occur in the skin due to many and varied causes. Some of them are systemic conditions accompanied by involvement of internal organs. Others have serious prognostic implications, and early diagnosis can help in the correct and adequate management of the diseases. In addition, some of them are quite innocuous and the correct diagnosis avoids unnecessary treatments. In this article, we review the morphologic features of some of the most common and some of the less usual pigmented deposits in skin other than tattoos.https://ift.tt/2vG3ZLb
Collagenoma in a Patient With Down Syndrome: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Abstract: A 26-year-old woman with Down syndrome presented with a 4-cm-sized palpable mass in the sacrococcygeal region. Histologic evaluation of the specimen revealed densely packed collagen fibers in the dermis, which is consistent with a collagenoma. Masson trichrome staining showed dense fibrosis, and elastic Van Gieson staining revealed a significant decrease in elastic tissue. The clinicopathologic characteristics of this patient and 4 previously reported cases are discussed in detail.https://ift.tt/2HMokU0
Cutaneous Presentation of Mesothelioma With a Sarcomatoid Transformation
Abstract: Malignant pleural mesothelioma is a rare neoplasm of mesodermal origin. Cutaneous involvement of malignant pleural mesothelioma is a very rare entity, with only 11 cases reported in the literature. Here, we describe the case of a 75-year-old man with stage IV epithelioid pleural mesothelioma, presenting with a cutaneous eruption 5 months after initial diagnosis, which revealed sarcomatoid features on skin biopsy. Histological analysis of malignancy progression through immunohistochemical staining of the pleural, lymph node, and skin tissue revealed gradual loss of calretinin and gain of desmin, supporting a transformation from epithelioid to sarcomatoid tissue. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of an epithelioid to sarcomatoid transformation of malignant pleural mesothelioma manifesting in a cutaneous presentation.https://ift.tt/2vG3S2d
Hydroa Vacciniforme–Like Lymphoma in Tibetan Children: 2 Cases and a Literature Review
Abstract: Hydroa vacciniforme–like lymphoma shows a marked predilection for the pediatric population, especially in Latin America and Asia. Here, we present 2 pediatric patients from Tibet of China, which is the first report from this area.https://ift.tt/2HJZap7
Specific Skin Lesions of Sarcoidosis Located at Venipuncture Points for Blood Sample Collection
Abstract: It has been suggested that the predilection of sarcoidosis to affect scars is due to the presence of antigens or foreign bodies that can serve as a stimulus for granuloma formation. Several patients with sarcoidosis-specific skin lesions in venous puncture sites have been reported. However, in these patients the pathogenesis of the cutaneous lesions is not clear because the presence of foreign bodies is not to be expected. Our objective was to describe 3 patients who developed specific lesions of sarcoidosis in areas of venipuncture and to discuss their possible pathogenesis. The database of the Sarcoid Clinic of Bellvitge Hospital (an 800-bed university referral center providing tertiary care to approximately 1 million people in Barcelona, Spain) was reviewed to detect those patients with specific cutaneous lesions of systemic sarcoidosis in areas of venipuncture. Three patients with biopsy-proven specific cutaneous lesions of systemic sarcoidosis in areas of venipuncture for blood collection were detected (3 women, mean age 56 years). In one case, the histopathological image shows the hypothetical path of a needle through the skin. In 2 cases, an amorphous birefringent material was detected under polarized light. This material was consistent with silicone. In patients who are developing sarcoidosis, the smallest amount of oil used as lubricant in the needle for sample blood collection may induce the formation of granulomas. In addition to exploring scars, it is advisable to explore the cubital folds to detect specific cutaneous lesions of sarcoidosis.https://ift.tt/2HPCkwt
Correlation of Reflectance Confocal Microscopy and Dermatopathology Findings in a Case of Acrodermatitis Chronica Atrophicans
Abstract: Acrodermatitis chronica atrophicans (ACA) that is characterized by thin, papery dry, translucent, and alopecic patches with visible superficial veins is a late cutaneous manifestation of Lyme borreliosis. Clinical findings, a history of exposure to tick bite, and serology are helpful for the diagnosis of ACA and sometimes a biopsy is performed to rule out other infectious or inflammatory processes. In this study, we report reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) findings in a case of ACA. RCM examination revealed a flattened surface with broadened skin folds, a flattened dermoepidermal junction with few papillae and less bright basal cells and multiple small bright reflecting spots in the dermis. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first description of the RCM findings in this disorder.https://ift.tt/2qW6AvC
Blistering and Skin Fragility Due to Imatinib Therapy: Loss of Laminin and Collagen IV as a Possible Cause of Cutaneous Basement Membrane Instability
Abstract: Imatinib mesylate (Glivec; Novartis AG, Basel, Switzerland) is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor which is used in the treatment of oncologic diseases like chronic myeloid leukemia and gastrointestinal stroma tumor (GIST). Among cutaneous side effects, bullous reactions are rare. The authors describe the case of a 66-year-old woman developing blistering and skin fragility on her hands, foot, lower legs, and back after intake of imatinib for treatment of GIST. Biopsy showed vacuolar alteration at the dermoepidermal junction (DEJ) associated with a few lymphocytes and a subepidermal blister. The upper papillary dermis below the vacuolar alteration and below the blister showed hyalinization and loss of elastic microfibrils. Direct immunofluorescence was negative for deposits of immunoglobulins. Immunofluorescence on cryosections revealed loss of laminin and collagen IV in vacuoles at the DEJ. Electron microscopy showed dissolution of lamina lucida and lamina densa of the basement membrane below as well as next to the vacuoles and blister. In conclusion, the authors present the first patient with GIST with blistering and skin fragility due to imatinib therapy. As a pathophysiological explanation the authors propose loss of laminin and collagen IV at the DEJ leading to basement membrane instability and blistering. This case also suggests additional features reminiscent of lichen sclerosus induced by imatinib, a drug which is actually known for its antifibrotic effects.https://ift.tt/2HJZaFD
Determination of size-segregated elements in diesel-biodiesel blend exhaust emissions
Abstract
This study was based on the determination of metals in particulate matter emitted by a typical diesel engine used by busses and trucks in Brazil. Emissions were sampled using a cascade impactor, and the engine was operated using diesel with 5% (B5), 10% (B10), 15% (B15), and 20% (B20) of biodiesel. The particulate matter was stratified in different sizes, i.e., 18, 5.6, 3.2, 1.8, 1.0, 0.560, 0.320, 0.180, 0.100, and 0.056 μm. Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, V, and Zn with concentrations within 10 to 1000 ng m−3 were determined. The results indicate a trend in the prevalence of lead, nickel, and chromium in coarse particles and nanoparticles in all blends of fuels. By comparing the results of B5, B10, B15, and B20 fuels, we can confirm that the addition of biodiesel to diesel promotes a reduction of emissions, and by comparing the behavior of the concentration of all elements analyzed, emissions by B10 and B15 fuels are similar, while B5 and B20 suffer significant changes during the process of combustion. Multivariate statistical analysis was used, and it indicates possible sources in three clusters, one for Ni, other for Cr-Mn, and the last one for other metals.
https://ift.tt/2vEOGT7
The dorsal diencephalic conduction system in reward processing: Spotlight on the anatomy and functions of the habenular complex
Source:Behavioural Brain Research, Volume 348
Author(s): Marc Fakhoury
The dorsal diencephalic conduction system (DDC) is a highly conserved pathway in vertebrates that provides a route for the neural information to flow from forebrain to midbrain structures. It contains the bilaterally paired habenular nuclei along with two fiber tracts, the stria medullaris and the fasciculus retroflexus. The habenula is the principal player in mediating the dialogue between forebrain and midbrain regions, and functional abnormalities in this structure have often been attributed to pathologies like mood disorders and substance use disorder. Following Matsumoto and Hikosaka seminal work on the lateral habenula as a source of negative reward signals, the last decade has witnessed a great surge of interest in the role of the DDC in reward-related processes. However, despite significant progress in research, much work remains to unfold the behavioral functions of this intriguing, yet complex, pathway. This review describes the current state of knowledge on the DDC with respect to its anatomy, connectivity, and functions in reward and aversion processes.
https://ift.tt/2HLpFuq
Elevated stress hormone levels and antidepressant treatment starting before pregnancy affect maternal care and litter characteristics in an animal model of depression
Source:Behavioural Brain Research, Volume 348
Author(s): J.M. Kott, S.M. Mooney-Leber, J. Li, S. Brummelte
Many women who take antidepressant medications become pregnant while taking their medication; however, the impact of depression and antidepressant medication on fetal development is not well understood. This study used a translational animal model of maternal depression to investigate the consequences of discontinuing antidepressant medication during pregnancy. First, rats received corticosterone (CORT; 40 mg/kg, s.c.) or vehicle to induce a depressive-like phenotype. After 16 days of treatment with CORT or vehicle, animals were treated with sertraline (a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, SSRI; 20 mg/kg) or vehicle via gavage. Following 21 days of CORT or oil treatment, rats were mated. One group receiving sertraline was discontinued from treatment on gestational day 16, and another group continued sertraline treatment throughout pregnancy to assess the effects of discontinuation. After weaning, dams were sacrificed via perfusion to investigate neurogenesis. As intended, CORT administration created a depressive-like phenotype with increased immobility in the Forced Swim Test and reduced body weight. Interestingly, sertraline treatment could not rescue these altered features. Pre-conceptional CORT exposure resulted in smaller litters and CORT dams that received sertraline until the end of gestation spent more time off of the nest compared to CORT dams that received vehicle or discontinued sertraline during gestation. There was no difference in hippocampal neurogenesis between any of the groups. Our results suggest that treatment with antidepressants may have different effects in healthy or depressed dams, however, we need more research to investigate the detailed and long-term effects of maternal depression and its treatment in translational animal models.
https://ift.tt/2vJ1A2j
Biochemical and cognitive effects of docosahexaenoic acid differ in a developmental and SorLA dependent manner
Source:Behavioural Brain Research, Volume 348
Author(s): Anne Højland, Mette Richner, Simon Mølgaard, Ruthe Storgaard Dieu, Amanda Eskelund, Anders Nykjær, Jens Randel Nyengaard, Jens Lykkesfeldt, Simon Glerup, Morten Schallburg Nielsen
Beneficial effects of omega-3 fatty acid intake on cognition are under debate as some studies show beneficial effects while others show no effects of omega-3 supplementation. These inconsistencies may be a result of inter-individual response variations, potentially caused by gene and diet interactions. SorLA is a multifunctional receptor involved in ligand trafficking including lipoprotein lipase and amyloid precursor protein. Decreased SorLA levels have been correlated to Alzheimer's disease, and omega-3 fatty acid supplementation is known to increase SorLA expression in neuronal cell lines and mouse models. We therefore addressed potential correlations between Sorl1 and dietary omega-3 in SorLA deficient mice (Sorl1−/−) and controls exposed to diets supplemented with or deprived of omega-3 during their entire development and lifespan (lifelong) or solely from the time of weaning (post weaning).Observed diet-induced effects were only evident when exposed to lifelong omega-3 supplementation or deprivation as opposed to post weaning exposure only. Lifelong exposure to omega-3 supplementation resulted in impaired spatial learning in Sorl1−/− mice. The vitamin C antioxidant capacity in the brains of Sorl1−/− mice was reduced, but reduced glutathione and vitamin E levels were increased, leaving the overall antioxidant capacity of the brain inconclusive. No gross morphological differences of hippocampal neurons were found to account for the altered behavior.We found a significant adverse effect in cognitive performance by combining SorLA deficiency with lifelong exposure to omega-3. Our results stress the need for investigations of the underlying molecular mechanisms to clarify the precise circumstances under which omega-3 supplementation may be beneficial.
https://ift.tt/2HLpEqm
Scholar : These new articles for Text and Performance Quarterly are available online
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World's first penis and scrotum transplant complete
The first total penis and scrotum transplant has now been performed by a team of Johns Hopkins surgeons. The recipient, they say, 'is recovering well.'
https://ift.tt/2KcHCAv
Antrodia cinnamomea produces anti-angiogenic effects by inhibiting the VEGFR2 signaling pathway
Publication date: 28 June 2018
Source:Journal of Ethnopharmacology, Volume 220
Author(s): Tsung-Teng Huang, Ying-Wei Lan, Yun-Fei Ko, Chuan-Mu Chen, Hsin-Chih Lai, David M. Ojcius, Jan Martel, John D. Young, Kowit-Yu Chong
Ethnopharmacological relevanceThe medicinal mushroom Antrodia cinnamomea has been used to treat cancer but its anti-angiogenic effects have not been studied in detail.Aim of the studyThe main objective of this study was to determine the molecular mechanism of activity underlying the anti-angiogenic effects of A. cinnamomea.Materials and methodsThe effects of an A. cinnamomea ethanol extract (ACEE) on cell migration and microvessel formation were investigated in endothelial cells in vitro and Matrigel plugs implanted into mice in vivo. Activation of intracellular signaling pathways was examined using Western blotting. Protein expression was assessed using immunohistochemistry in a mouse model of lung metastasis.ResultsWe show that treatment with ACEE inhibits cell migration and tube formation in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). ACEE suppresses phosphorylation of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) and expression of pro-angiogenic kinases in vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-treated HUVECs, in addition to reducing expression of Janus kinase 2 (JAK2) and phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3). ACEE treatment inhibits VEGF-induced microvessel formation in Matrigel plugs in vivo. In addition, ACEE significantly reduces VEGFR2 expression in Lewis lung carcinoma cells and downregulates the expression of cluster of differentiation 31 (CD31) and VEGFR2 in murine lung metastases.ConclusionThese results indicate that A. cinnamomea produces anti-angiogenic effects by inhibiting the VEGFR2 signaling pathway.
Graphical abstract
https://ift.tt/2HXhwAE
Low-protein diet in puberty impairs testosterone output and energy metabolism in male rats
We examined the long-term effects of protein restriction during puberty on the function of hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) and hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal (HPG) axes in male rats. Male Wistar rats from the age of 30 to 60 days were fed a low-protein diet (4%, LP). A normal-protein diet (20.5%) was reintroduced to rats from the age of 60 to 120 days. Control rats were fed a normal-protein diet throughout life (NP). Rats of 60 or 120 days old were killed. Food consumption, body weight, visceral fat deposits, lipid profile, glycemia, insulinemia, corticosteronemia, adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), testosteronemia and leptinemia were evaluated. Glucose-insulin homeostasis, pancreatic-islet insulinotropic response, testosterone production and hypothalamic protein expression of the androgen receptor (AR), glucocorticoid receptor (GR) and leptin signaling pathway were also determined. LP rats were hypophagic, leaner, hypoglycemic, hypoinsulinemic and hypoleptinemic at the age of 60 days (P < 0.05). These rats exhibited hyperactivity of the HPA axis, hypoactivity of the HPG axis and a weak insulinotropic response (P < 0.01). LP rats at the age of 120 days were hyperphagic and exhibited higher visceral fat accumulation, hyperleptinemia and dyslipidemia; lower blood ACTH, testosterone and testosterone release; and reduced hypothalamic expression of AR, GR and SOCS3, with a higher pSTAT3/STAT3 ratio (P < 0.05). Glucose-insulin homeostasis was disrupted and associated with hyperglycemia, hyperinsulinemia and increased insulinotropic response of the pancreatic islets. The cholinergic and glucose pancreatic-islet responses were small in 60-day-old LP rats but increased in 120-day-old LP rats. The hyperactivity of the HPA axis and the suppression of the HPG axis caused by protein restriction at puberty contributed to energy and metabolic disorders as long-term consequences.
https://ift.tt/2HrlNeo
Neuronostatin exerts actions on pituitary that are unique from its sibling peptide somatostatin
Neuronostatin, a somatostatin gene-encoded peptide, exerts important physiological and metabolic actions in diverse tissues. However, the direct biological effects of neuronostatin on pituitary function of humans and primates are still unknown. This study used baboon (Papio anubis) primary pituitary cell cultures, a species that closely models human physiology, to demonstrate that neuronostatin inhibits basal, but not ghrelin-/GnRH-stimulated, growth hormone (GH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) secretion in a dose- and time-dependent fashion, without affecting the secretion of other pituitary hormones (prolactin, ACTH, FSH, thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)) or changing mRNA levels. Actions of neuronostatin differs from somatostatin which in this study reduced GH/PRL/ACTH/LH/TSH secretion and GH/PRL/POMC/LH gene expression. Remarkably, we found that inhibitory actions of neuronostatin are likely mediated through: (1) the orphan receptor GPCR107 (found to be highly expressed in pituitary compared to somatostatin-receptors), (2) common (i.e. adenylyl cyclase/protein kinase A/MAPK/extra-/intracellular Ca2+ mobilization, but not phospholipase C/protein kinase C/mTOR) and distinct (i.e. PI3K) signaling pathways than somatostatin and; (3) dissimilar molecular mechanisms than somatostatin (i.e. upregulation of GPCR107 and downregulation of GHS-R/Kiss1-R expression by neuronostatin and, upregulation of sst1–5 expression by somatostatin). Altogether, the results of this study provide the first evidence that there is a functional neuronostatin signaling circuit, unique from somatostatin, which may work in concert with somatostatin to fine-tune hormone release from somatostropes and gonadotropes.
https://ift.tt/2HVKxwx
Leptin stimulates aromatase in the growth plate: limiting catch-up growth efficiency
Catch-up growth (CUG) in childhood is defined as periods of growth acceleration, after the resolution of growth attenuation causes, bringing the children back to their original growth trajectory. Sometimes, however, CUG is incomplete, leading to permanent growth deficit and short stature. The aim of this study was to investigate the mechanisms that limit nutritional-CUG. Specifically, we focused on the crosstalk between leptin, increased by re-feeding, and sex hormones, which increase with age. In vivo studies were performed in young male Sprague Dawley rats fed ad libitum or subjected to 10/36 days of 40% food restriction followed by 90–120 days of re-feeding. In vitro studies were performed on ATDC5 cells. Analyses of mRNA and protein levels were done using qPCR and Western blot, respectively. CUG was complete in body weight and humerus length in animals that were food-restricted for 10 days but not for those food-restricted for 36 days. In vitro studies showed that leptin significantly increased aromatase gene expression and protein level as well as the expression of estrogen and leptin receptors in a dose- and time-dependent manner. The effect of leptin on aromatase was direct and was mediated through the MAPK/Erk, STAT3 and PI3K pathways. The crosstalk between leptin and aromatase in the growth plate suggests that re-feeding during puberty may lead to increased estrogen level and activity, and consequently, irreversible premature epiphyseal growth plate closure. These results may have important implications for the development of novel treatment strategies for short stature in children.
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Dynamic and Cell-Specific DACH1 Expression in Human Neocortical and Striatal Development
https://ift.tt/2vEcxSV
Ethanol Exposure In Utero Disrupts Radial Migration and Pyramidal Cell Development in the Somatosensory Cortex
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Intestinal microbiome of broiler chickens after use of nanoparticles and metal salts
Abstract
The research included the study of influence of ultrafine particle preparations (nanoparticles of copper, zinc, iron, CuZn alloy) and metal salts (iron pyrophosphate, copper asparginate, zinc asparginate) on the composition of cecal microbiota of broiler chickens. Before adding the studied nanoparticles and metal salts to the diet, cecal microbiota of broiler chickens was represented by 76% Firmicutes taxon and 16% Bacteroidetes. Numerous among them were the bacteria of the taxa Anaerotruncus spp., Lactobacillus spp., Blautia spp., Alistipes spp., and Bacteroides spp.; they constituted 18, 17, 11, and 6%, respectively. A peculiarity of action of the most analyzed metals in nanoform and in the form of salts was a decrease in the number of phylum Firmicutes bacteria and an increase in the number of microorganisms of the phylum Bacteroidetes. The number of bacteria belonging to the families Ruminococcaceae (III, IV, V, VII, and VIII groups), Bacteroidaceae (in all experimental groups), and Lachnospiraceae (I, IV, V, and VII groups) was registered within the taxa of Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes. At the same time, in some experimental groups, the number of bacteria of the family Lachnospiraceae (II, III, and VIII) decreased in the intestine. The data obtained can be used to assess the possibility of using metal nanoparticles in the poultry diet, as a micronutrient preparation, to correct dysbiosis and to improve the utilization of fodder energy.
https://ift.tt/2qW3U0s
Scholar : Acta Oto-Laryngologica, Volume 138, Issue 5, May 2018 is now available online on Taylor & Francis Online
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Summary Insulinomas are rare neuroendocrine tumours that classically present with fasting hypoglycaemia. This case report discusses an un...
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