Πέμπτη 3 Μαΐου 2018
Evaluation of bone repair after application of a norbixin membrane scaffold with and without laser photobiomodulation (λ 780 nm)
Abstract
Biocompatible membranes are widely used in medicine to stimulate bone repair. Several studies have demonstrated that laser photobiomodulation (PBM) also stimulates osteoblast proliferation and osteogenesis at the fracture site, leading to a greater deposition of bone mass and accelerating the process of bone consolidation. This work assessed the therapeutic effect of 780-nm laser PBM and a polystyrene membrane coated with norbixin and collagen (PSNC) on bone healing in rats with calvarial bone defect. Histological staining, Raman spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used to evaluate the bone repair process. Four experimental treatment groups were compared: C, control; M, membrane only; L, laser PBM only; and ML, membrane + laser PBM. A bone defect was created in the calvaria of each animal, with each group subdivided into two subgroups that underwent euthanasia after 15 and 30 days treatment. The L and ML groups were irradiated (λ = 780 nm, ED = 6 J/cm2, P = 60 mW, t = 4 s) postoperatively on alternate days until they were euthanized. The bone concentration of hydroxyapatite (CHA) showed a clear gradation with increasing phosphate area in the order B (normal cortical bone) > L > M > ML > C for both periods. The PSNC membrane was effective in reducing the inflammatory process and served as a scaffold for bone repair. The laser PBM also showed positive effects on the bone repair process with increased deposition and organization of the newly formed bone. However, laser PBM failed to improve the bioactive properties of the membrane scaffold.
https://ift.tt/2FIS5Qm
When and how to treat women with HER2-positive, small (pT1a-b), node-negative breast cancer?
Publication date: Available online 22 March 2018
Source:Critical Reviews in Oncology/Hematology
Author(s): Stefania Gori, Monica Turazza, Alessandra Modena, Simona Duranti, Giuseppe Zamboni, Filippo Alongi, Giovanni Carbognin, Alberto Massocco, Matteo Salgarello, Alessandro Inno
Small (pT1a-b), node-negative (pN0) breast cancer generally has a good prognosis. However, HER2-positive status is associated with an increased risk of relapse and decreased survival even in these tumors. Although there are only few data from prospective randomized trials, results of retrospective studies suggest adjuvant chemotherapy plus trastuzumab may improve outcomes of patients with pT1a-b pN0 HER2-positive breast cancer. On the other hand, trastuzumab is potentially associated with increased cardiac toxicity, especially when combined with anthracycline-based chemotherapy. A valid strategy for improving cardiac safety is the addition of trastuzumab to non-anthracycline chemotherapy, whereas a shorter duration of trastuzumab should be not routinely considered although might represent an option for selected patients at low risk of relapse and very high risk of cardiac events. Therefore, the choice of adjuvant treatment for patients with pT1a-b pN0 HER2-positive breast cancer should be done on individual basis, carefully weighing benefits and risks.
https://ift.tt/2GhkqBY
Income as a moderator of psychological stress and nicotine dependence among adult smokers
Source:Addictive Behaviors, Volume 84
Author(s): Andréa L. Hobkirk, Nicolle M. Krebs, Joshua E. Muscat
BackgroundPerceived stress and psychological distress are associated with more cigarette craving and withdrawal, higher nicotine dependence, and less success during quit attempts. Low income smokers have disproportionately higher rates of smoking and may be particularly vulnerable to the effects of stress on smoking dependence. The aim of the current study was to assess if lower income smokers have a stronger association between stress and nicotine dependence than higher income smokers.MethodsData were obtained from the Pennsylvania Adult Smoking Study, which included 351 daily smokers. Subjects completed PhenX Toolkit and other self-report measures of socioeconomic factors, the 10-item Perceived Stress Scale, Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K6), Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND), and the Hooked on Nicotine Checklist (HONC). Moderation analyses using linear regression examined income-related differences in the association between stress and nicotine dependence.ResultsIncome groups were categorized by an annual household income of $50,000 based on visual-inspection of scatter plots of income by nicotine dependence. Compared to higher income smokers, lower income smokers had significantly higher mean levels of nicotine dependence on the FTND [3.74 vs. 4.79, p < 0.001], perceived stress [15.63 vs. 17.95, p = 0.004], and psychological distress [5.30 vs. 6.86, p = 0.001], respectively. There were interaction effects, such that lower income smokers had a strong, positive associations between FTND and perceived stress (B = −0.11, CI = −0.17 to −0.04, p = 0.002) and psychological distress (B = −0.13, CI = −0.25 to −0.02, p = 0.022) whereas no association was found in higher income smokers. No significant moderation effects were found for the HONC or when income groups were categorized by U.S. federal poverty level.ConclusionsThe results highlight that the relationship between increasing stress and FTND was found in lower but not higher income groups. Future research should examine socioeconomic, environmental and psychosocial factors that may facilitate increased smoking during stress-induced craving.
https://ift.tt/2KBpEHR
Synthesis and characterization of anthill-eggshell composite adsorbent for removal of hexavalent chromium from aqueous solution
Abstract
In this study, adsorption behavior of anthill-eggshell composite (AEC) for the removal of hexavalent chromium (Cr6+) from aqueous solution was investigated. The raw AEC sample was thermally treated at 864 °C for 4 h and characterized using Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) techniques. The effects of adsorption process variables including initial Cr6+ concentration, contact time, and adsorbent dosage on the Cr6+ removal efficiency were investigated using central composite design (CCD) of response surface methodology (RSM). Equilibrium adsorption isotherm and kinetic were also studied. From the analysis of variance (ANOVA), the three variables proved to be significant and the optimum conditions for Cr6+ adsorption were obtained to be 150 mg/L initial Cr6+ concentration, 45.04-min contact time, and 0.5 g adsorbent dosage, which resulted in 86.21% of Cr6+ adsorbed. Equilibrium isotherm study showed that Freundlich model fitted well to the experimental data. The pseudo-second-order kinetic model appeared to better describe the experimental data. The study showed that mixed anthill-eggshell is a promising adsorbent for removing Cr6+ from aqueous solution.
https://ift.tt/2KzratX
The predominant phytoplankton of Pseudoanabaena holding specific biosynthesis gene-derived occurrence of 2-MIB in a drinking water reservoir
Abstract
With the increasing occurrence of water eutrophication and blooms, earthy-musty odor problems caused by cyanobacteria have been more and more apparent. These problems have a serious impact on aquatic ecosystems and drinking water safety and become one of the priorities of the water environment researches and managements. In the present study, genes associated with 2-MIB synthesis in cyanobacteria were studied by systematic investigation on molecular characterization and quantity of 2-MIB-producing cyanobacteria in China. Our results founded that Pseudoanabaena is an important 2-MIB-producing phytoplankton and predominant in summer in Qingcaosha reservoir, and the copy number of mic and 2-MIB concentration have strongly positive correlation. We also demonstrated that abundance of mic in water was significant correlation with that in sediment. These results will help us to understand the main taxa of the odoriferous cyanobacteria in the water bodies in China, understand the genetic basis of the odor substances in the cyanobacteria. Rapid, reliable monitoring and ecological research methods for the production of odor cyanobacteria in water bodies can be established based on these results.
https://ift.tt/2FH0IuJ
Interobserver variations in the delineation of target volumes and organs at risk and their impact on dose distribution in intensity-modulated radiation therapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Publication date: July 2018
Source:Oral Oncology, Volume 82
Author(s): Ying-lin Peng, Li Chen, Guan-zhu Shen, Ya-ning Li, Ji-jin Yao, Wei-wei Xiao, Lin Yang, Shu Zhou, Jia-xin Li, Wan-qin Cheng, Ying Guan, Hai-qun Xia, Shuai Liu, Chong Zhao, Xiao-wu Deng
ObjectiveThis study aimed to (a) assess the differences in the delineation of target volumes and organs-at-risk (OARs) by different physicians designing an intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) and (b) analyze the impact of these differences on the treatment plan optimization.Materials and methodsThe planning target volumes (PTVs) and OARs for radiotherapy were manually delineated from computed tomography images of a patient with NPC, and a standard delineation was determined using the STAPLE algorithm of ABAS software. IMRT was designed using one standard plan and 10 individual plans based on the same constraints and field conditions. The maximum/minimum ratio (MMR) of the PTV and OAR volumes and the coefficient of variation (CV) for the different groups were evaluated and compared to the volume of the standard contour.ResultsSignificant differences were seen in the PTVs of the nasopharynx (PTVnx), neck lymph node (PTVnd) and the OARs manually delineated by different physicians. Compared to the standard plan, the mean dose-related parameters of various OARs in different individual plans were not significantly different, while that of most organs in different individual plans were reduced. However, a significant difference in the dose at each organ was noted in different individual plans.ConclusionSignificant differences were noted in the PTV and OAR delineations by different physicians in radiotherapy of NPC, and their dosimetric parameters were significantly different from the standard planned parameters. Therefore, multicenter trials should pay attention to the impact of these differences on the clinical evaluation.
https://ift.tt/2HPcuFf
Interleukin-6 Delays Gastric Emptying in Humans with Direct Effects on Glycemic Control
Publication date: Available online 3 May 2018
Source:Cell Metabolism
Author(s): Louise Lang Lehrskov, Mark Preben Lyngbaek, Line Soederlund, Grit Elster Legaard, Jan Adam Ehses, Sarah Elizabeth Heywood, Nicolai Jacob Wewer Albrechtsen, Jens Juul Holst, Kristian Karstoft, Bente Klarlund Pedersen, Helga Ellingsgaard
Gastric emptying is a critical regulator of postprandial glucose and delayed gastric emptying is an important mechanism of improved glycemic control achieved by short-acting glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) analogs in clinical practice. Here we report on a novel regulatory mechanism of gastric emptying in humans. We show that increasing interleukin (IL)-6 concentrations delays gastric emptying leading to reduced postprandial glycemia. IL-6 furthermore reduces insulin secretion in a GLP-1-dependent manner while effects on gastric emptying are GLP-1 independent. Inhibitory effects of IL-6 on gastric emptying were confirmed following exercise-induced increases in IL-6. Importantly, gastric- and insulin-reducing effects were maintained in individuals with type 2 diabetes. These data have clinical implications with respect to the use of IL-6 inhibition in autoimmune/inflammatory disease, and identify a novel target that could be exploited pharmacologically to delay gastric emptying and spare insulin, which may be beneficial for the beta cell in type 2 diabetes.
Graphical abstract
Teaser
Lehrskov et al. show that acutely elevated IL-6 in humans delays gastric emptying, reduces postprandial blood glucose, and reduces insulin secretion. The delay in gastric emptying and the reduced meal-stimulated insulin secretion are maintained in individuals with type 2 diabetes and may contribute to long-term preservation of beta cell function.https://ift.tt/2HRuor9
Gallium spreads itself thin
Source:Nano Today
https://ift.tt/2FHn0wr
Principal component analysis of personalized biomolecular corona data for early disease detection
Publication date: Available online 3 May 2018
Source:Nano Today
Author(s): Massimiliano Papi, Giulio Caracciolo
Today, early disease detection (EDD) is a matter of more importance than ever in medicine. Upon interaction with human plasma, nanoparticles are covered by proteins leading to formation of a biomolecular corona (BC). As the protein patterns of patients with conditions differ from those of healthy subjects, current research into technologies based on the exploitation of personalized BC patterns could be a turning point for early disease detection. Here, we present a framework based on principal component analysis of large personalized BC datasets. We comment on how principal component analysis of personalized BC data is a fundamental step towards turning the output of basic research into fast, safe and inexpensive technologies with superior prediction ability than current methods.
Graphical abstract
https://ift.tt/2KwU6mq
Time-course transcriptome analysis of medullary thymic epithelial cells in the early phase of thymic involution
Source:Molecular Immunology, Volume 99
Author(s): Haoming Wu, Xiaodan Qin, Hui Dai, Yu Zhang
Degeneration of the thymic epithelium is believed to be the primary cause of age-associated thymic involution. In order to investigate the molecular events during the early phase of thymic involution, RNA-seq was performed to gain the transcriptional profiles of medullary thymic epithelial cells (mTEC) from mice of 2, 6 and 10 weeks of age. We confirmed and extended the previous observation of declined expression of cell cycle-related genes and diminished E2F3 activity during thymic involution, showing that it occurred as early as 2–6 weeks after birth. Moreover, we demonstrated that mTEC aging was coupled with augmented expression of inflammatory chemokines and cytokines, reminiscent of the senescence-associated secretory phenotype. Impaired cell cycling and proinflammatoty response therefore represent two predominant transcriptional signatures during the very early phase of thymic involution. Taken together, the present study provides not only complimentary information about, but also new insight into the molecular mechanisms underlying age-related degeneration of thymic epithelial cells.
https://ift.tt/2I8voKX
Increased plasmatic soluble HLA-G levels in endometrial cancer
Source:Molecular Immunology, Volume 99
Author(s): Hamza Ben Yahia, Wafa Babay, Daria Bortolotti, Nadia Boujelbene, Ahmed Baligh Laaribi, Nour Zidi, Mehdi Kehila, Hanène Chelbi, Abdellatif Boudabous, Karima Mrad, Amel Mezlini, Dario Di Luca, Hadda-Imene Ouzari, Roberta Rizzo, Inès Zidi
Human Leukocyte Antigen-G (HLA-G) is known as an immune suppressive molecule; it interacts with several immune cells and inhibits their functions. HLA-G molecule is highly represented in pathological conditions including malignant transformation. To the best of our knowledge this is the first study that focuses on the expression of soluble HLA-G (sHLA-G) in endometrial cancer (EC). We aimed at exploring sHLA-G plasma levels and its prognostic value in EC.We examined total sHLA-G expression as well as the sHLA-G1 and HLA-G5 isoforms expression in plasma samples from 40 patients with EC and 45 healthy controls by a specific sandwich ELISA. Immunoprecipitation and Coomassie blue staining were performed to explore the presence of plasmatic sHLA-G monomers and dimers.sHLA-G plasma level was significantly enhanced in patients with EC compared to healthy controls (p = 0.028). Additionally, HLA-G5 molecules were highly represented than sHLA-G1 molecules in EC, at the borderline of significance (p = 0.061). Interestingly, sHLA-G has been shown to be increased in early stages (Stages I and II) as well as in high grade EC (Grade 3) that is associated with rapid spread of the disease (p = 0.057). sHLA-G positive EC plasma were majorly in monomeric form (75%). Clinically, all the HLA-G dimers were detected in early stages and in high grade of EC.Our data strengthen the implication of HLA-G molecules in EC etiology and especially in progression.
https://ift.tt/2HRGZKW
Insect (food) allergy and allergens
Source:Molecular Immunology
Author(s): Steffie de Gier, Kitty Verhoeckx
Insects represent an alternative for meat and fish in satisfying the increasing demand for sustainable sources of nutrition. Approximately two billion people globally consume insects. They are particularly popular in Asia, Latin America, and Africa. Most research on insect allergy has focussed on occupational or inhalation allergy. Research on insect food safety, including allergenicity, is therefore of great importance. The objective of this review is to provide an overview of cases reporting allergy following insect ingestion, studies on food allergy to insects, proteins involved in insect allergy including cross-reactive proteins, and the possibility to alter the allergenic potential of insects by food processing and digestion. Food allergy to insects has been described for silkworm, mealworm, caterpillars, Bruchus lentis, sago worm, locust, grasshopper, cicada, bee, Clanis bilineata, and the food additive carmine, which is derived from female Dactylopius coccus insects. For cockroaches, which are also edible insects, only studies on inhalation allergy have been described. Various insect allergens have been identified including tropomyosin and arginine kinase, which are both pan-allergens known for their cross-reactivity with homologous proteins in crustaceans and house dust mite. Cross-reactivity and/or co-sensitization of insect tropomyosin and arginine kinase has been demonstrated in house dust mite and seafood (e.g. prawn, shrimp) allergic patients. In addition, many other (allergenic) species (various non-edible insects, arachnids, mites, seafoods, mammals, nematoda, trematoda, plants, and fungi) have been identified with sequence alignment analysis to show potential cross-reactivity with allergens of edible insects. It was also shown that thermal processing and digestion did not eliminate insect protein allergenicity. Although purified natural allergens are scarce and yields are low, recombinant allergens from cockroach, silkworm, and Indian mealmoth are readily available, giving opportunities for future research on diagnostic allergy tests and vaccine candidates.
https://ift.tt/2HMxzEv
Spectrophotometric photodynamic diagnosis of prostate cancer cells excreted in voided urine using 5-aminolevulinic acid
Abstract
To evaluate the feasibility of photodynamic diagnosis using 5-aminolevulinic acid (PDD-ALA) for detection of prostate cancer (PCa) cells in urine samples after prostate massage in patients who were suspected to have PCa. One hundred and eighty-nine patients with abnormal digital rectal examination and/or an elevated prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level who underwent initial prostate biopsy were recruited. After prostate massage, the first 60 mL of voided urine was collected. For PDD-ALA, 50 mL was used. The rest of collected urine was used for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of PSA and glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH). After incubation for 2 h, the intensity was measured at 635 nm under a 405-nm wavelength excitation. The results of PDD-ALA were compared with those of an initial transrectal ultrasound (TRUS)–guided prostate biopsy. Overall, 126/189 (67%) samples that showed bands of both PSA and GAPDH on PCR in urine samples were analyzed. The area under the curve, sensitivity, and specificity of PDD-ALA were 0.74, 77, and 67%, respectively. The value of PDD-ALA was significantly higher in patients with Gleason scores of 6 (p = 0.03), 7 (p = 0.005), and 8–10 (p = 0.0002) than in those with negative biopsy results. In the multivariate analysis, high PSA density, abnormal findings on TRUS, and a high value of PDD-ALA were significant markers for prediction of positive biopsy results. PDD-ALA was useful to predict positive biopsy results in patients who underwent initial prostate biopsy with suspected PCa. This PCa-detection method has potential for clinical use.
https://ift.tt/2FFHPIW
Identifying β-thalassemia carriers using a data mining approach: The case of the Gaza Strip, Palestine
Publication date: Available online 3 May 2018
Source:Artificial Intelligence in Medicine
Author(s): Alaa S. AlAgha, Hossam Faris, Bassam H. Hammo, Ala' M. Al-Zoubi
Thalassemia is considered one of the most common genetic blood disorders that has received excessive attention in the medical research fields worldwide. Under this context, one of the greatest challenges for healthcare professionals is to correctly differentiate normal individuals from asymptomatic thalassemia carriers. Usually, thalassemia diagnosis is based on certain measurable characteristic changes to blood cell counts and related indices. These characteristic changes can be derived easily when performing a complete blood count test (CBC) using a special fully automated blood analyzer or counter. However, the reliability of the CBC test alone is questionable with possible candidate characteristics that could be seen in other disorders, leading to misdiagnosis of thalassemia. Therefore, other costly and time-consuming tests should be performed that may cause serious consequences due to the delay in the correct diagnosis. To help overcoming these challenging diagnostic issues, this work presents a new novel dataset collected from Palestine Avenir Foundation for persons tested for thalassemia. We aim to compile a gold standard dataset for thalassemia and make it available for researchers in this field. Moreover, we use this dataset to predict the specific type of thalassemia known as beta thalassemia (β-thalassemia) based on hybrid data mining model. The proposed model consists of two main steps. First, to overcome the problem of the highly imbalanced class distribution in the dataset, a balancing technique called SMOTE is proposed and applied to handle this problem. In the second step, four classification models, namely k-nearest neighbors (k-NN), naïve Bayesian (NB), decision tree (DT) and the multilayer perceptron (MLP) neural network are used to differentiate between normal persons and those patients carrying β-thalassemia. Different evaluation metrics are used to assess the performance of the proposed model.The experimental results show that the SMOTE oversampling method can effectively improve the identification ratio of β-thalassemia carriers in a highly imbalanced class distribution. The results reveal also that the NB classifier achieved the best performance in differentiating between normal and β-thalassemia carriers at oversampling SMOTE ratio of 400%. This combination shows a specificity of 99.47% and a sensitivity of 98.81%.
https://ift.tt/2riZ7ar
Leveraging Wikipedia knowledge to classify multilingual biomedical documents
Publication date: Available online 3 May 2018
Source:Artificial Intelligence in Medicine
Author(s): Marcos Antonio Mouriño García, Roberto Pérez Rodríguez, Luis Anido Rifón
This article presents a classifier that leverages Wikipedia knowledge to represent documents as vectors of concepts weights, and analyses its suitability for classifying biomedical documents written in any language when it is trained only with English documents. We propose the cross-language concept matching technique, which relies on Wikipedia interlanguage links to convert concept vectors between languages. The performance of the classifier is compared to a classifier based on machine translation, and two classifiers based on MetaMap. To perform the experiments, we created two multilingual corpus. The first one, Multi-Lingual UVigoMED (ML-UVigoMED) is composed of 23,647 Wikipedia documents about biomedical topics written in English, German, French, Spanish, Italian, Galician, Romanian, and Icelandic. The second one, English-French-Spanish-German UVigoMED (EFSG-UVigoMED) is composed of 19,210 biomedical abstract extracted from MEDLINE written in English, French, Spanish, and German. The performance of the approach proposed is superior to any of the state-of-the art classifier in the benchmark. We conclude that leveraging Wikipedia knowledge is of great advantage in tasks of multilingual classification of biomedical documents.
https://ift.tt/2HU3vTC
Reduced protein expression of the phosphodiesterases PDE4A4 and PDE4A8 in AIP mutation positive somatotroph adenomas
Publication date: Available online 3 May 2018
Source:Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology
Author(s): Mariana Ferreira Bizzi, Sergio Veloso Brant Pinheiro, Graeme B. Bolger, Junia Ribeiro de Oliveira Longo Schweizer, Alexandre V. Giannetti, Mary N. Dang, Antonio Ribeiro-Oliveira, Márta Korbonits
Type 4 phosphodiesterases (PDE4s) of the large PDE enzyme superfamily have unique specificity for cAMP and may, therefore, be relevant for somatotroph tumorigenesis. Somatotroph adenomas typically overexpress PDEs probably as part of a compensatory mechanism to reduce cAMP levels. The rat PDE4A5 isoform (human homolog PDE4A4) interacts with the AIP protein, coded by a tumour suppressor gene mutated in a subgroup of familial isolated pituitary adenomas (FIPAs). PDE4A8 is the closest related isoform of PDE4A4. We aimed to evaluate the expression of both PDE4A4 and PDE4A8 in GH cells of AIP-mutated adenomas and compare their expression with that in GH cells from sporadic AIP-mutation negative GH-secreting adenomas, where we had shown previously that both PDE4A4 and PDE4A8 isoforms had been over-expressed. Confocal immunofluorescence analysis showed that both PDE4A8 and PDE4A4 had lower expression in AIP-mutated somatotropinoma samples compared to sporadic GH-secreting tumours (P < 0.0001 for both). Based on the association of low PDE4A4 and PDE4A8 expression with germline AIP-mutations positive samples we suggest that lack of AIP hinders the upregulation of PDE4A8 and PDE4A4 protein seen in sporadic somatotrophinomas. These data point to a unique disturbance of the cAMP-PDE pathway in AIP-mutation positive adenomas, which may help to explain their well-described poor response to somatostatin analogue.
https://ift.tt/2wdfLwW
Involvement of glucocorticoid prereceptor metabolism and signaling in rat visceral adipose tissue lipid metabolism after chronic stress combined with high-fructose diet
Publication date: Available online 3 May 2018
Source:Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology
Author(s): Biljana Bursać, Ana Djordjevic, Nataša Veličković, Danijela Vojnović Milutinović, Snježana Petrović, Ana Teofilović, Ljupka Gligorovska, Frederic Preitner, Luc Tappy, Gordana Matić
Both fructose overconsumption and increased glucocorticoids secondary to chronic stress may contribute to overall dyslipidemia. In this study we specifically assessed the effects and interactions of dietary fructose and chronic stress on lipid metabolism in the visceral adipose tissue (VAT) of male Wistar rats.We analyzed the effects of 9-week 20% high fructose diet and 4-week chronic unpredictable stress, separately and in combination, on VAT histology, glucocorticoid prereceptor metabolism, glucocorticoid receptor subcellular redistribution and expression of major metabolic genes. Blood triglycerides and fatty acid composition were also measured to assess hepatic Δ9 desaturase activity.The results showed that fructose diet increased blood triglycerides and Δ9 desaturase activity. On the other hand, stress led to corticosterone elevation, glucocorticoid receptor activation and decrease in adipocyte size, while phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase, adipose tissue triglyceride lipase, FAT/CD36 and sterol regulatory element binding protein-1c (SREBP-1c) were increased, pointing to VAT lipolysis and glyceroneogenesis. The combination of stress and fructose diet was associated with marked stimulation of fatty acid synthase and acetyl-CoA carboxylase mRNA level and with increased 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 and hexose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase protein levels, suggesting a coordinated increase in hexose monophosphate shunt and de novo lipogenesis. It however did not influence the level of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma, SREBP-1c and carbohydrate responsive element-binding protein.In conclusion, our results showed that only combination of dietary fructose and stress increase glucocorticoid prereceptor metabolism and stimulates lipogenic enzyme expression suggesting that interaction between stress and fructose may be instrumental in promoting VAT expansion and dysfunction.
Graphical abstract
https://ift.tt/2rp0iVV
The role of bisphosphonates or denosumab in light of the availability of new therapies for prostate cancer
Source:Cancer Treatment Reviews
Author(s): Fred Saad, Cora N Sternberg, Peter FA Mulders, Daniela Niepel, Bertrand F Tombal
Most men with advanced prostate cancer will develop bone metastases, which have a substantial impact on quality of life. Bone metastases can lead to skeletal-related events (SREs), which place a burden on patients and healthcare systems. For men with castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) and bone metastases, the treatment landscape has evolved rapidly over the past few years. The relatively recent approvals of the hormonal agents abiraterone acetate and enzalutamide, second-line chemotherapy cabazitaxel, and the radiopharmaceutical radium-223 dichloride (radium-223), have provided clinicians with a greater choice of treatments. These compounds have benefits in terms of overall survival based on the results of pivotal phase 3 studies. The bisphosphonate zoledronic acid and the RANK ligand inhibitor denosumab are indicated for the prevention of SREs in men with metastatic CRPC but studies of these compounds have not demonstrated a survival benefit. The important question of the role of bisphosphonates or denosumab in combination with these new agents has thus materialised. Current and emerging evidence from clinical studies of abiraterone acetate, enzalutamide and radium-223, suggest that addition of bisphosphonates or denosumab to these new therapies may provide further clinical benefits for patients with prostate cancer and bone metastases. This evidence may help to shape clinical practice but are based largely on post hoc analyses of clinical trial data. It is therefore apparent that further data are required from both clinical studies and real-world settings to enable physicians to understand the efficacy and safety of combination therapy with the new agents plus bisphosphonates or denosumab.
https://ift.tt/2JToczz
Diabetes and pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours: which interplays, if any?
Source:Cancer Treatment Reviews
Author(s): Marco Gallo, Rosaria Maddalena Ruggeri, Giovanna Muscogiuri, Genoveffa Pizza, Antongiulio Faggiano, Annamaria Colao
Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours (PanNETs) represent an uncommon type of pancreatic neoplasm, whose incidence is increasing worldwide. As per exocrine pancreatic cancer, a relationship seems to exist between PanNETs and glycaemic alterations. Diabetes mellitus (DM) or impaired glucose tolerance often occurs in PanNET patients as a consequence of hormonal hypersecretion by the tumour, specifically affecting glucose metabolism, or due to tumour mass effects. On the other hand, pre-existing DM may represent a risk factor for developing PanNETs and is likely to worsen the prognosis of such patients. Moreover, the surgical and/or pharmacological treatment of the tumour itself may impair glucose tolerance, as well as antidiabetic therapies may impact tumour behaviour and patients outcome. Differently from exocrine pancreatic tumours, few data are available for PanNETs as yet on this issue. In the present review, the bidirectional association between glycaemic disorders and PanNETs has been extensively examined, since the co-existence of both diseases in the same individual represents a further challenge for the clinical management of PanNETs.
https://ift.tt/2rizbM1
Treatment of Advanced HER2-positive Breast Cancer: 2018 and Beyond
Source:Cancer Treatment Reviews
Author(s): Noam Pondé, Mariana Brandão, Georges El-Hachem, Emilie Werbrouck, Martine Piccart
In the 1980s the importance of HER2 signalling to the aberrant behaviour of a subset of breast cancer cells was recognized for the first time and, consequently, a hitherto unknown subtype of breast cancer – HER2-positive (HER2+) breast cancer was identified. The development of the anti-HER2 class of drugs, first with trastuzumab, followed closely by lapatinib, pertuzumab, and T-DM1, has improved outcomes dramatically. Nevertheless, metastatic HER2+ breast cancer remains an incurable disease and new therapeutic options are needed. Additionally, the rapid changes in treatment standards 5 years ago have left unanswered numerous questions, including the "real-life" benefit of pertuzumab and T-DM1, since both the CLEOPATRA and EMILIA trials were conducted in populations that no longer exist in practice and, moreover, on the role of endocrine therapy in HER2+ disease. Furthermore, despite significant research efforts, including translational efforts and new imaging techniques, no predictive biomarkers have been clinically validated and therefore a more refined approach to treatment tailoring remains beyond our reach. Finally, a better understanding of resistance to currently existing anti-HER2 agents and of the role played by the microenvironment (e.g. immune system) and of interconnected signalling pathways (e.g. PI3K-mTOR-AKT) is at the core of clinical trials exploring new drugs and new regimens. These include the combination of anti-HER2 agents and anti-PD-1/PDL-1, PI3K inhibitors and CDK 4/6 inhibitors, as well as a host of new panHER inhibitors, drug antibody conjugates and anti-HER antibodies, which may, in coming years further push the boundaries of what we can do for our patients.
https://ift.tt/2JSUYRt
The Role of PARP Inhibition in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer: Unraveling the Wide Spectrum of Synthetic Lethality
Source:Cancer Treatment Reviews
Author(s): Marios Papadimitriou, Giannis Mountzios, Christos A. Papadimitriou
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) accounts for approximately 15-20% of all breast cancers and is characterized by a lack of immunohistochemical expression of estrogen receptors (ER), progesterone receptors (PR) and HER2. TNBC is associated with poor long-term outcomes compared with other breast cancer subtypes. Many of these tumors are also basal-like cancers which are characterized by an aggressive biological behavior with a distant recurrence peak observed early at 3 years following diagnosis. Furthermore, metastatic TNBC bears a dismal prognosis with an average survival of 12 months. Although the prevalence of genetic alterations among women with TNBC differs significantly by ethnicity, race and age, BRCA mutations (including both germline mutations and somatic genetic aberrations) are found in up to 20-25% of unselected patients and especially in those of the basal-like immunophenotype. Therefore, defects in the DNA repair pathway could represent a promising therapeutic target for this subgroup of TNBC patients. Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors exploit this deficiency through synthetic lethality and have emerged as promising anticancer therapies, especially in BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation carriers. Several PARP inhibitors are currently being evaluated in the adjuvant, neo-adjuvant, and metastatic setting for the treatment of breast cancer patients with a deficient homologous recombination pathway. In this article, we review the major molecular characteristics of TNBC, the mechanisms of homologous recombination, and the role of PARP inhibition as an emerging therapeutic strategy.
https://ift.tt/2risNUW
Cardiotoxicity associated with radiotherapy in breast cancer: A question-based review with current literatures
Source:Cancer Treatment Reviews
Author(s): Qian Zhu, Youlia M. Kirova, Lu Cao, Alexandre Arsene-Henry, Jiayi Chen
Radiotherapy is an indispensable unit of multidisciplinary treatment of breast cancer. Although the application of modern techniques has led to a significantly reduction in radiation-induced heart disease, it is still recognized as the leading causes of morbidity and mortality among breast cancer survivors. With the growing number of long-term survivors, it is important to understand the cardiovascular risks associated with radiotherapy. Questions exist regarding the existence or not of a safe radiation threshold dose that the heart (or its substructures) can receive and strategies to minimize risk of radiation. This paper aims to review the current understanding of radiation-induced cardiotoxicity and try to give answers to those unsettled issues based on current literatures.
https://ift.tt/2JMxAok
Metabolomics in breast cancer: a decade in review
Source:Cancer Treatment Reviews
Author(s): Amelia McCartney, Alessia Vignoli, Laura Biganzoli, Richard Love, Leonardo Tenori, Claudio Luchinat, Angelo Di Leo
Breast cancer (BC) is a heterogeneous disease which has been characterised and stratified by many platforms such as clinicopathological risk factors, genomic assays, computer generated models, and various "-omic" technologies. Genomic, proteomic and transcriptomic analysis in breast cancer research is well established, and metabolomics, which can be considered a downstream manifestation of the former disciplines, is of growing interest. The past decade has seen significant progress made within the field of clinical metabolomic BC research, with several groups demonstrating results with significant promise in the setting of BC screening and biological characterisation, as well as future potential for prognostic metabolomic biomarkers.
https://ift.tt/2I9DFhE
The current evidence for a biomarker-based approach in cancer of unknown primary
Source:Cancer Treatment Reviews
Author(s): Elie El Rassy, Nicholas Pavlidis
Cancer of unknown primary (CUP) accounts for the seventh to eighth most frequently diagnosed cancer yet its prognosis remains poor with conventional chemotherapy. The spectrum of therapeutic management includes both locoregional and systemic therapy and should intend to offer optimal benefit to favorable CUP patients and palliative care to unfavorable cases. The recent molecular advances have revolutionized the armamentarium of cancer treatments though a biomarker-based approach. Unfortunately, solid data in CUP is lacking in the absence of a CUP-specific driver molecular signature. This prompted us to screen the medical literature for clinical data that evaluates the efficacy and safety of the biomarker-based approach in CUP patients. In this review, we will summarize the available evidence for the applicability of targeted therapies in CUP.
https://ift.tt/2JPROxv
Renal Cell Carcinoma in one year: going inside the news of 2017
Source:Cancer Treatment Reviews
Author(s): Claudia Mosillo, Chiara Ciccarese, Davide Bimbatti, Emanuela Fantinel, Alberto Dalla Volta, Iolanda Bisogno, Ilaria Zampiva, Matteo Santoni, Francesco Massar, Matteo Brunelli, Rodolfo Montironi, Giampaolo Tortora, Roberto Iacovelli
Very interesting issues regarding RCC treatment have been raised during 2017. We analysed the main news that may potentially modified clinical practice. Conflicting data came from trials testing targeted therapies in the adjuvant setting, supporting the necessity of further investigations. One of the key goals of RCC research is focused on the first-line therapy, with particular interest focus on immunotherapy combinations. Redefine the standard of care with the aim of improving patients' survival represents an imperative need. Enhancing immunotherapy antitumor activity by combining immune checkpoint inhibitors with anti-angiogenetic therapies is a noteworthy research field, with promising results. In addiction, we analysed in the metastatic setting data about the role of cytoreductive nephrectomy and the possibility of delay the start of first-line therapy after an active surveillance period. Based on recent developments, the paper outlines future prospective of RCC research.
https://ift.tt/2rjjKDr
Harmine, a small molecule derived from natural sources, inhibits enterovirus 71 replication by targeting NF-κB pathway
Source:International Immunopharmacology, Volume 60
Author(s): Deyan Chen, Xiaoyan Tian, Xue Zou, Shijie Xu, Huanru Wang, Nan Zheng, Zhiwei Wu
Enterovirus 71 (EV71) infection of young children can cause neurological manifestations, which is mainly responsible for the fatality. Although a vaccine is recently available for preventing enterovirus 71 infection, its efficacy remains to be seen. Therefore, there is a pressing need for anti-viral agents for the treatment of EV71 infection. By screening a natural compound library for inhibitory activity of EV71 replication, we identified a small molecule, harmine, that inhibited EV71 replication by targeting NF-κB signaling pathway. Harmine is a β-carboline alkaloid found in the medicinal plant Peganum harmala, which is used as a folk antitumor medicine in China and other parts of the Asia. The estimated EC50 value for harmine to block EV71 infection was 20 μM, while the CC50 was estimated at 500 μM in vitro. Harmine inhibited replication of EV71, as evidenced by its ability to diminish plague formation induced by EV71 and to reduce the level of viral RNA and protein. Mechanistic studies indicated that harmine suppressed EV71 replication through inhibition of NF-κB signaling pathway. Harmine treatment also reduced EV71-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation, which was associated with a decline in EV71-associated NF-κB activation. In addition, the harmine treatment could protect AG129 mice against EV71 replication in vivo. These findings suggest that harmine may present as a candidate antiviral drug for the treatment of EV71 infection.
https://ift.tt/2rnFcX8
Progressive increase in allergen concentration abrogates immune tolerance in ovalbumin-induced murine model of chronic asthma
Publication date: July 2018
Source:International Immunopharmacology, Volume 60
Author(s): Gurupreet S. Sethi, Amarjit S. Naura
Persistent inflammation and remodeling of airways are the major hallmarks of asthma. Though airway inflammation diminishes in ovalbumin (OVA)-based mouse model of chronic asthma owing to immune-tolerance linked with repeated allergen exposure, which limits the application of the disease model. Accordingly, the present study was designed to develop a murine model of chronic asthma which presents persistent airway inflammation coupled with remodeling traits. Herein, OVA-sensitized BALB/c mice were challenged with increasing (modified protocol) or constant concentration (conventional protocol) of the allergen for 6 weeks; 3 times/week. The results, indeed, revealed that mice subjected to modified protocol demonstrate an improved response to the allergen as reflected by the significant increase in inflammatory cells particularly, eosinophils in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid compared to conventional protocol. Moreover, the expression of Th2 cytokines and their responsible transcription factors (GATA-3 and STAT-6) was markedly enhanced in lungs. The increase in inflammation was further accompanied by a marked increase in mucus production, collagen deposition, and the expression of allied factors (Muc5ac, Col1α1, and α-SMA). Interestingly, pre-treatment of dexamethasone, a corticosteroid (0.5 mg/kg b.wt., i.p.), suppressed the allergen-induced airway inflammation and mucus production without altering collagen deposition. Failure of dexamethasone seems to be related to their ineffectiveness to modulate the expression of TGF-β, MMP-9, COL1α1, and α-SMA. Overall, our results strongly suggest that mice underwent modified chronic protocol bears more resemblance with asthmatics as it imitates persistent airway inflammation allied with steroid-refractory remodeling traits; hence, may be useful for the evaluation of new/alternative drugs in steroid-refractory asthmatic conditions.
Graphical abstract
https://ift.tt/2KulDVL
New peptide MY1340 revert the inhibition effect of VEGF on dendritic cells differentiation and maturation via blocking VEGF-NRP-1 axis and inhibit tumor growth in vivo
Source:International Immunopharmacology, Volume 60
Author(s): Zheng Mo, Fei Yu, Su Han, Songhua Yang, Liangliang Wu, Peng Li, Shunchang Jiao
The development and clinical application of immunostimulatory therapy provides us a new and exciting strategy in cancer treatment of which the agents act on crucial receptors. Given the fact that Neuropilin-1(NRP-1) is essential for vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) to inhibit LPS-dependent maturation of dendritic cells (DCs), it may present a potentially meaningful target in cancer immunotherapy. To explore this hypothesis, we synthesized a novel polypeptide called MY1340 consist of 32 amino acids with the aim of targeting VEGF–NRP-1 axis. Pull-down assay coupled with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry analysis (LC-MS/MS) was firstly conducted to identify NRP-1 as a potential MY1340 interacting protein, and the interaction between them was further confirmed by western blot. The competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) results revealed that MY1340 was able to inhibit the binding between NRP-1 and VEGF with IC50 7.42 ng/ml, better than that of Tuftsin, although a natural ligand reportedly specific for the NRP-1 receptor. The presence of VEGF significantly reduced the expression of human leukocyte antigen-DR (HLA-DR), CD86 and CD11C on DCs, and this effect was reverted by MY1340-augment p65 NF-κB and ERK1/2 phosphorylation. We also present evidence that MY1340 is remarkably efficacious in the treatment of mice bearing subcutaneous liver cancer and induced DC maturation in the tumor environment in vivo. Taken together, these results indicate that MY1340 may represent a potential efficient immune therapeutic compound within disease that are rich in VEGF.
https://ift.tt/2rktkF9
Immunomodulatory effects of Tinospora crispa extract and its major compounds on the immune functions of RAW 264.7 macrophages
Source:International Immunopharmacology, Volume 60
Author(s): Waqas Ahmad, Ibrahim Jantan, Endang Kumolosasi, Md Areeful Haque, Syed Nasir Abbas Bukhari
The in vivo immunomodulatory activities of Tinospora crispa have been reported but its molecular mechanisms underlying its immunomodulatory properties remains obscure and the active constituents contributing to the activities have not been identified. The present study was aimed to investigate the immunomodulatory effects of T. crispa extract (TCE) and its chemical constituents on RAW 264.7 macrophages. Six known compounds including magnoflorine and syringin were isolated by various chromatographic techniques from TCE and their structures were determined spectroscopically. A validated HPLC method was used to quantify magnoflorine and syringin in the extract. The immunomodulatory effects of TCE and its isolated compounds on chemotaxis, phagocytosis, production of inflammatory mediators including reactive oxygen species (ROS), nitric oxide (NO), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and pro-inflammatory cytokines which include tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6 and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) on macrophages were assessed. TCE increased the chemotaxis and phagocytic activity of macrophages and significantly enhanced the production of ROS, NO and pro-inflammatory cytokines. All alkaloids isolated, specifically magnoflorine showed remarkable inducing effects on the chemotaxis, phagocytic activity, ROS and NO productions and the secretions of IL-1β, TNF-α, IL6, PGE2 and MCP-1. In contrast, syringin potently reduced the chemotaxis, phagocytic activity, ROS and NO productions and secretions of IL-1β, TNF-α, IL6, PGE2 and MCP-1. TCE showed strong immunostimulant effects on various components of the immune system and these activities were possibly contributed mainly by the alkaloids specifically magnoflorine. TCE has potential to be developed as an effective natural immunostimulant for improvement of immune-related disorders.
https://ift.tt/2KxGlUN
Cumulative Experience in Lymphovenous Anastomosis for Lymphedema Treatment: The Learning Curve Effect on the Overall Outcome
J reconstr Microsurg
DOI: 10.1055/s-0038-1648220
Background The lymphovenous anastomosis (LVA) has become one of the treatment options for lymphedema. However, it is regarded as a difficult surgery that many young microsurgeons are reluctant to try. This report investigates the learning curve in regard to symptom improvement. Method This is a retrospective analysis performed in 33 consecutive lymphedema patients (38 extremities) who underwent only LVAs from August 2010 to February 2016. Surgical outcomes in regard to surgeon's experience were evaluated. The surgeons experience was divided into three groups: early group with less than 2 years, moderate with 2 to 4 years, and mature group with more than 4 years of experience. Result A total of 31 limbs (8/8 in upper extremity and 23/30 in lower extremity) showed improvement. When we compare volume change and recurrence of cellulitis with regard to surgeon's experience, there were no statistically significant differences. However, the mean time per LVA was significantly decreased as the experience increased over time (p = 0.017). Conclusion LVA is an effective treatment option to reduce the volume in the affected limb and to improve symptoms involved. Regardless of the number and experience of the surgeons, cellulitis improves significantly after LVA. The experience of the surgeon does not significantly impact the positive outcome while proficiency increases with experience.
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Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.
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Adipose-Derived Stem Cells Ameliorates Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury in a Rat Skin Free Flap Model
J reconstr Microsurg
DOI: 10.1055/s-0038-1648246
Background Ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury is inevitable during free tissue transfers. When the period of ischemia exceeds the tissue tolerance, it causes necrosis and flap failure. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) embedded in a collagen type I scaffold on the survival of free skin flaps to counteract I/R injury. Methods Left superficial caudal epigastric skin flaps (3 × 6 cm) were performed in 28 Wistar rats that were divided into four groups. The flaps elevated in the animals of the control group did not suffer any ischemic insult, and the vascular pedicle was not cut. All other flaps were subjected to 8 hours of ischemia prior to revascularization: I/R control group (8 hours of ischemia), I/R scaffold group (8 hours of ischemia + collagen type I scaffold), and I/R scaffold–ASCs group (8 hours of ischemia + collagen type I scaffold with rat ASCs embedded). Transit-time ultrasound blood flow measurements were performed. After 7 days, the areas of flap survival were measured and tissues were stained with hematoxylin/eosin and Masson's trichrome stain for histological analysis. Results The mean percentage flap survival area was significantly higher in the ASCs-treated flaps (I/R scaffold–ASCs group) compared with the ischemic controls (I/R control group and I/R scaffold group). Higher vascular proliferation and lower severity of necrosis and inflammatory changes were seen histologically in the samples of the ASCs-treated group. No significant difference in blood flow was detected between groups. Conclusion Subcutaneous administration of ASCs embedded on a collagen type I scaffold reduces tissue damage after I/R injury in microvascular free flaps.
[...]
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.
Article in Thieme eJournals:
Table of contents | Abstract | Full text
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The S&T Lecture: An Introduction to the 9th Congress of WSRM
J reconstr Microsurg
DOI: 10.1055/s-0038-1642624
Just what is the S&T lecture? In the beginning it appeared to be a dubious distinction, another task thrust upon me but different in that I had absolutely no idea what was wanted or would be appropriate. At the least, it seemed reasonable to recite a simple introductory story for what would be an extraordinary conclave. First, an appreciation was due to our dedicated leaders of World Society of Reconstructive Microsurgery (WSRM), who this year (2017) have put together the most extravagant meeting ever, intended to include not just the glamorous but the entire scope of rudimentary reconstructive microsurgery. We know we must acquire all this knowledge to succeed today and tomorrow, but also need not to overlook the struggles and sacrifices our predecessors had to overcome. Too often the past is forgotten, only to then inefficiently be repeated. Today then, this will be a short story, a story of our past that must never be cast aside. The WSRM here today is a great international forum where we can then mingle with all of our colleagues to help dictate the present, but also define the future role of all specialities here where the ultimate goal is to help those most in need. This S&T lecture will just be a history story, subject to your interpretation. Enjoy!
[...]
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.
Article in Thieme eJournals:
Table of contents | Abstract | Full text
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Postburn Neck Contracture: Principles of Reconstruction and a Treatment Algorithm
J reconstr Microsurg
DOI: 10.1055/s-0038-1641724
Background Various techniques have been developed for postburn neck reconstruction, but a treatment algorithm is needed. Methods We retrospectively reviewed all patients treated for postburn neck contracture at our institution between February 2008 and December 2015. Necks were divided into one anterior subunit and two lateral subunits marked by the sternocleidomastoid muscle. Deformities were categorized into three types according to their size and location. Type I deformities involve less than one subunit, type II deformities involve at least one subunit but less than two subunits, and type III deformities affect two or more subunits. Type II deformities were further divided into type IIa deformities, which mainly involve the anterior region, and type IIb deformities, which mainly involve the lateral region. Results Local random pattern flaps were constructed for type I deformities. Pedicled flaps from the anterior chest and supraclavicular areas were preferred for type IIa deformities, and pedicled flaps from the back were preferred for type IIb deformities. Pedicled flaps from other areas were the second choice for type II deformities, followed by free and prefabricated flaps. For type III deformities, bipedicled flaps were usually required. At a follow-up of at least 12 months, all patients showed near-normal neck function, and aesthetic features were significantly improved. Conclusion The proposed classification and treatment algorithm for postburn neck reconstruction may help achieve satisfactory outcomes.
[...]
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.
Article in Thieme eJournals:
Table of contents | Abstract | Full text
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In situ synthesis of g-C 3 N 4 /TiO 2 heterojunction nanocomposites as a highly active photocatalyst for the degradation of Orange II under visible light irradiation
Abstract
As a highly active photocatalyst, g-C3N4/TiO2 heterojunction nanocomposites were in situ synthesized by simple ultrasonic mixing and calcination by using TiO2 and melamine as precursors. The morphology and structure of the prepared photocatalysts were characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The photocatalytic activities of g-C3N4/TiO2 nanocomposites to degrade Orange II (AO7) under visible light irradiation were evaluated. Results showed that the photocatalytic rate of the prepared g-C3N4/TiO2 photocatalyst to degrade AO7 was about three times than that of pristine TiO2 and g-C3N4. The g-C3N4/TiO2 composite with a ratio of 1:4 had the highest degradation efficiency for AO7 solution. Its degradation efficiency under acidic conditions was significantly higher than that under alkaline conditions. The enhancement of photocatalytic activity can be attributed to the formation of heterojunctions between g-C3N4 and TiO2, which leads to rapid charge transfer and the efficient separation of photogenerated electron-hole pairs. The recycling experiment indicated that the photocatalyst of g-C3N4/TiO2 nanocomposites still maintained good photochemical stability and recyclability after five cycles; this finding was important for its practical applications. A series of free radical trapping experiments showed that •O2− played a crucial role in the degradation of AO7.
Graphical Abstract
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https://ift.tt/2rj6zCp
Three-dimensional evaluation of the posterior airway space: differences in computed tomography and cone beam computed tomography
Abstract
Objectives
Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) becomes increasingly important. For diagnosis and surgery, computed tomography (CT), and cone beam computed tomography (CB-CT) are used equally, although in most of cases, patient positioning differs between supine positioning (CT) and upright seating positioning (CB-CT). We measured volumetric and anatomical changes in the posterior airway space (PAS) between upright and supine positioning in a three-dimensional set up.
Materials and methods
Coherent CT and CB-CT scans of 55 patients were included in the study. Using Brainlab ENT 3.0, image data was superimposed, and three-dimensional models were segmented. PAS height, cross-sectional area, vertical and horizontal position of the mandible and hyoid, and volumetric analyses of the three-dimensional models were measured.
Results
PAS height and cross-sectional area were significantly higher in CB-CT compared to CT scans (p < 0.001). In the vertical dimension, the mandible and hyoid were localized more caudally in CB-CT in contrast to CT scans (p < 0.04; p < 0.001). Three-dimensional evaluation showed a greater volume of the PAS in CB-CT (p < 0.0001). Pearson correlation coefficient showed a correlation between vertical positioning of the mandible and hyoid compared to the positioning of the patient.
Conclusions
Patient positioning during CT and CB-CT has an effect on the location of anatomical structures like the mandible and hyoid and changes the dimensions and volume of the posterior airway space significantly.
Clinical relevance
The radiological technique used and the positioning of the patient should be taken into account when considering further surgical therapy.
https://ift.tt/2rjVFvW
Effect of implant macrogeometry on peri-implant healing outcomes: a randomized clinical trial
Abstract
Objectives
This randomized split-mouth clinical trial investigated the influence of implant macrogeometry on bone properties and peri-implant health parameters during the healing process.
Material and methods
Ninety-nine implants were placed bilaterally in posterior mandibles of 23 patients that received at least four dental implant macrogeometries: standard geometry, Integra (IN) and three geometries inducing "healing chamber": Duo (D), Compact (C), and Infra (IF). Insertion torque (IT) and implant stability quotient (ISQ) were measured. Peri-implant health were monitored by visible plaque index (VPI), peri-implant inflammation (PI), and presence of calculus (CC). Data were collected during 90 days. Data were assessed for normality using the asymmetry and kurtosis coefficients followed by the Shapiro-Wilk test. A one-way ANOVA was used to investigate differences in IT and linear bone dimensions between the macrogeometry groups. The repeated measurements ANOVA test or ANOVA-R was used for analysis of ISQ, VPI, and PI. Tukey-Kramer test or Student's t test was used for comparisons between the groups or within each macrogeometry.
Results
Macrogeometry did not significantly influence IT and ISQ values. The minimum ISQ was recorded after 7 days (71.95 ± 12.04, p = 0.0001). Intermediate ISQ was found after 14 days, when the ISQ reached values that are statistically identical to primary stability. The VPI showed significantly higher scores for the D (0.88 ± 1.03) and IN (0.72 ± 0.94) implants after 7 days. The PI was only influenced by the healing time significantly decreasing from 7 (1.07 ± 0.89) to 21 days (0.18 ± 0.18).
Conclusion
Implant macrogeometry did not influence IT nor ISQ values. The relationship between IT and SS was more evident for the Duo implant, but only in the final stage of healing process.
Clinical relevance
Show to the clinician that the macrogeometry and drilling protocols did not interfere in the clinical behavior of the implants during the healing process. However, the IT, primary and secondary stability, is quite dependent of the surgeon experience.
https://ift.tt/2JSJ0H9
Biochemical characterization of avian influenza viral polymerase containing PA or PB2 subunit from human influenza A virus
Source:Microbes and Infection
Author(s): Phu Tran Vinh Pham, Kadir Turan, Kyosuke Nagata, Atsushi Kawaguchi
Adaptive mutations in viral polymerase, which is composed of PB1, PB2, and PA, of avian influenza viruses are major genetic determinants of the host range. In this study, to elucidate the molecular mechanism of mammalian adaptation of avian viral polymerase, we performed cell-based vRNP reconstitution assays and biochemical analyses using purified recombinant viral polymerase complexes. We found that avian viral polymerase from A/duck/Pennsylvania/10218/84 (DkPen) enhances the viral polymerase activity in mammalian cells by replacing the PA or PB2 gene with that from human influenza virus A/WSN/33 (WSN). Chimeric constructs between DkPen PA and WSN PA showed that the N-terminal endonuclease domain of WSN PA was essential for the mammalian adaptation of DkPen viral polymerase. We also found that the cap-snatching activity of purified DkPen viral polymerase was more than 5 times weaker than that of WSN in vitro in a PB2 Glu627-dependent manner. However, the cap-snatching activity of DkPen viral polymerase was hardly increased by replacing DkPen PA to WSN PA. These results suggest that the activity of viral genome replication may be enhanced in the DkPen reassortant containing WSN PA.
https://ift.tt/2jpqyuD
Complement C3 opsonization of Chlamydia trachomatis facilitates uptake in human monocytes
Source:Microbes and Infection
Author(s): Mads Lausen, Gunna Christiansen, Nichlas Karred, Robert Winther, Thomas Bouet Guldbæk Poulsen, Yaseelan Palarasah, Svend Birkelund
Chlamydia trachomatis is an obligate intracellular bacterium that causes severe infections, which can lead to infertility and ectopic pregnancy. Although both innate and adaptive immune responses are elicited during chlamydial infection the bacterium succeeds to evade host defense mechanisms establishing chronic infections. Thus, studying the host-pathogen interaction during chlamydial infection is of importance to understand how C. trachomatis can cause chronic infections. Both the complement system and monocytes play essential roles in anti-bacterial defense, and, therefore, we investigated the interaction between the complement system and the human pathogens C. trachomatis D and L2.Complement competent serum facilitated rapid uptake of both chlamydial serovars into monocytes. Using immunoelectron microscopy, we showed that products of complement C3 were loosely deposited on the bacterial surface in complement competent serum and further characterization demonstrated that the deposited C3 product was the opsonin iC3b. Using C3-depleted serum we confirmed that complement C3 facilitates rapid uptake of chlamydiae into monocytes in complement competent serum. Complement facilitated uptake did not influence intracellular survival of C. trachomatis or C. trachomatis-induced cytokine secretion. Hence, C. trachomatis D and L2 activate the complement system leading to chlamydial opsonization by iC3b and subsequent phagocytosis, activation and bacterial elimination by human monocytes.
https://ift.tt/2FFmFus
Circulating soluble RAGE and cell surface RAGE on peripheral blood mononuclear cells in healthy children
Journal Name: Journal of Pediatric Endocrinology and Metabolism
Issue: Ahead of print
https://ift.tt/2KxOmZy
Quantitative proteomics analysis of differentially expressed proteins in ruptured and unruptured cerebral aneurysms by iTRAQ
Publication date: Available online 3 May 2018
Source:Journal of Proteomics
Author(s): Pengjun Jiang, Jun Wu, Xin Chen, Bo Ning, Qingyuan Liu, Zhengsong Li, Maogui Li, Fan Yang, Yong Cao, Rong Wang, Shuo Wang
The underlying pathophysiological mechanisms involved in cerebral aneurysms rupture remain unclear. This study was performed to investigate the differentially expressed proteins between ruptured and unruptured aneurysms using quantitative proteomics. The aneurysmal walls of six ruptured aneurysms and six unruptured aneurysms were collected during the surgical operation. The isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantification (iTRAQ) were used to identify the differentially expressed proteins and western blotting was performed to validate the expression of the proteins of interest. Bioinformatics analysis of the differentially expressed proteins was also performed using the KEGG database and GO database. Between ruptured and unruptured aneurysms, 169 proteins were found differently expressed, including 74 up-regulated proteins and 95 down-regulated proteins with a fold change ≥ 2 and p value ≤ .05. KEGG pathway analysis revealed that phagosome, focal adhesion and ECM-receptor interaction were the most common pathways involved in aneurysm rupture. In addition, the differential expressions of ITGB3, CRABP1 and S100A9 were validated by western blotting. Through the iTRAQ method, we found that inflammatory responses and cell-matrix interactions may play a significant role in the rupture of cerebral aneurysms. These findings provide a basis for better understanding of pathophysiological mechanisms associated with aneurysm rupture.Biological significanceIntracranial aneurysm is the leading cause of life-threating subarachnoid hemorrhage which can cause 45% patients die within 30 days and severe morbidity in long-term survivors. With a high prevalence ranging from 1% to 5% in general population, cerebral aneurysm has become a widespread health hazard over past decades. Though great advances have been achieved in the diagnosis and treatment of this disease, the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms of aneurysm rupture remains undetermined and a lot of uncertainty still exists surrounding the treatment of unruptured cerebral aneurysms. Clarifying the mechanism associated with aneurysm rupture is important for estimating the rupture risk, as well as the development of new treatment strategy. Some previous studies have analyzed the molecular differences between ruptured and unruptured IAs at gene and mRNA levels, but further comprehensive proteomic studies are relatively rare. Here we performed a comparative proteomics study to investigate the differentially expressed proteins between ruptured IAs (RIAs) and unruptured IAs (UIAs). Results of our present study will provide more insights into the pathogenesis of aneurysm rupture at protein level. With a better understanding of pathophysiological mechanisms associated with aneurysm rupture, some noninvasive treatment strategies may be developed in the future.
Graphical abstract
https://ift.tt/2KAIjng
Proteomics, functional characterization and antivenom neutralization of the venom of Pakistani Russell's viper (Daboia russelii) from the wild
Publication date: Available online 3 May 2018
Source:Journal of Proteomics
Author(s): Tasnim Faisal, Kae Yi Tan, Si Mui Sim, Naeem Quraishi, Nget Hong Tan, Choo Hock Tan
The venom proteome of wild Pakistani Russell's viper (Daboia russelii) was investigated through nano-ESI-LCMS/MS of the reverse-phase HPLC fractions. A total of 54 venom proteins were identified and clustered into 11 protein families. Phospholipase A2 (PLA2, 63.8%) and Kunitz-type serine protease inhibitor (KSPI, 16.0%) were most abundant, followed by snake venom serine protease (SVSP, 5.5%, mainly Factor V activating enzyme), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF, 4.3%), snake venom metalloprotease (SVMP, 2.5%, mainly Factor X activating enzyme) and phosphodiesterase (PDE, 2.5%). Other minor proteins include cysteine-rich secretory protein (CRiSP), snake venom C-type lectin/lectin-like protein (snaclec), nerve growth factor, L-amino acid oxidase and 5′-nucleotidase. PLA2, KSPI, SVSP, snaclec and SVMP are hemotoxic proteins in the venom. The study revealed substantial venom variation in D. russelii venoms of different locales, including 3 Pakistani specimens kept in the USA. The venom exhibited potent procoagulant activity on human plasma (minimum clotting dose = 14.5 ng/ml) and high lethality (rodent LD50 = 0.19 μg/g) but lacked hemorrhagic effect locally. The Indian VINS Polyvalent Antivenom bound the venom immunologically in a concentration-dependent manner. It moderately neutralized the venom procoagulant and lethal effects (normalized potency against lethality = 2.7 mg venom neutralized per g antivenom). (200 words).Biological significanceThe availability of comprehensive venom proteomes of D. russelii from different geographical locales will facilitate better understanding of the geographical variability of the venom in both qualitative and quantitative terms. This is essential to provide scientific basis for the interpretation of differences in the clinical presentation of Russell's viper envenomation. The study revealed a unique venom proteome for the Pakistani D. russelii from the wild (Indus Delta), in which PLA2 predominated (~60% of total venom proteins). The finding unveiled remarkable differences in the venom compositions between the wild (present study) and the captive specimens reported previously. The integration of toxicity tests enabled the correlation of the venom proteome to envenoming pathophysiology, where the venom showed high lethality mediated through its potent coagulopathic activity. The Indian VINS Polyvalent Antivenom (VPAV) showed binding activity toward the venom protein antigens, however the immunorecognition toward small proteins and PLA2-dominating fractions were low to moderate. Consistently, the antivenom neutralized the toxicity of the wild Pakistani Russell's viper venom at moderate efficacies. Our results suggest that it may be possible to enhance the Indian antivenom potency against the Pakistani viper venom by the inclusion of venoms from a wider geographical range including that from Pakistan into the immunogen formulation.
Graphical abstract
https://ift.tt/2FCXtVn
Subcellular proteome profiles of different latex fractions revealed washed solutions from rubber particles contain crucial enzymes for natural rubber biosynthesis
Publication date: Available online 3 May 2018
Source:Journal of Proteomics
Author(s): Dan Wang, Yong Sun, Lili Chang, Zheng Tong, Quanliang Xie, Xiang Jin, Liping Zhu, Peng He, Hongbin Li, Xuchu Wang
Rubber particle (RP) is a specific organelle for natural rubber biosynthesis (NRB) and storage in rubber tree Hevea brasiliensis. NRB is processed by RP membrane-localized proteins, which were traditionally purified by repeated washing. However, we noticed many proteins in the discarded washing solutions (WS) from RP. Here, we compared the proteome profiles of WS, C-serum (CS) and RP by 2-DE, and identified 233 abundant proteins from WS by mass spectrometry. Many spots on 2-DE gels were identified as different protein species. We further performed shotgun analysis of CS, WS and RP and identified 1837, 1799 and 1020 unique proteins, respectively. Together with 2-DE, we finally identified 1825 proteins from WS, 246 were WS-specific. These WS-specific proteins were annotated in Gene Ontology, indicating most abundant pathways are organic substance metabolic process, protein degradation, primary metabolic process, and energy metabolism. Protein-protein interaction analysis revealed these WS-specific proteins are mainly involved in ribosomal metabolism, proteasome system, vacuolar protein sorting and endocytosis. Label free and Western blotting revealed many WS-specific proteins and protein complexes are crucial for NRB initiation. These findings not only deepen our understanding of WS proteome, but also provide new evidences on the roles of RP membrane proteins in NRB.SignificanceNatural rubber is stored in rubber particle from the rubber tree. Rubber particles were traditionally purified by repeated washing, but many proteins were identified from the washing solutions (WS). We obtained the first visualization proteome profiles with 1825 proteins from WS, including 246 WS-specific ones. These WS proteins contain almost all enzymes for polyisoprene initiation and may play important roles in rubber biosynthesis.
Graphical abstract
https://ift.tt/2jqzH6f
Quantitative proteomics and biochemical analyses reveal the role of endoplasmin in the regulation of the expression and secretion of A Disintegrin And Metalloproteinase 12
Publication date: Available online 2 May 2018
Source:Journal of Proteomics
Author(s): Lipeng Xiong, Wenwen Yan, Emmanuel Zubia, Yanqing Zhou, Yang Zhang, Qianqian Duan, Mahesh Narayan, Guoqiang Xu
A Disintegrin And Metalloproteinase 12 (ADAM12) is highly expressed in multiple cancers such as breast and cervical cancers and its high expression reduces the overall patient survival rate. ADAM12 has two major splicing variants, the long membrane-anchored form ADAM12L and the short secreted form ADAM12S. However, how they are regulated and whether they are modulated similarly or differently in cells are not clear. Here, we use affinity purification and mass spectrometry to identify the ADAM12S-interacting proteins. Spectral counting and MaxQuant label-free quantification reveal that ADAM12S but not ADAM12L specifically interacts with a subset of endoplasmic reticulum proteins, such as endoplasmin (GRP94), 78 kDa glucose-regulated protein (GRP78), and UDP-glucose:glycoprotein glucosyltransferase I (UGGT1), that regulate the folding and processing of secreted proteins. Further biochemical experiments validate the interaction between ADAM12S and several of its interacting proteins. Computational docking analysis demonstrates that GRP94 preferentially interacts with ADAM12S over ADAM12L. The data also suggest that both the protein expression level and the secretion of ADAM12S are regulated by GRP94 expression and knockdown. Our results reveal a link between these two proteins that are highly expressed in cancer cells. Furthermore, our studies define a new ADAM12S-specific regulator that may contribute to the cancer development.SignificanceA Disintegrin And Metalloproteinase 12 (ADAM12) is highly expressed in many cancers such as lung, breast and cervical cancers. ADAM12 has two major splicing variants, the long membrane-anchored form ADAM12L and the short secreted form ADAM12S. However, how they are regulated and whether they are modulated similarly or differently are not completely understood. We use affinity purification and label-free quantitative proteomics to identify the ADAM12S-interacting proteins. Our results reveal that ADAM12S specifically interacts with a subset of endoplasmic reticulum proteins, including endoplasmin (GRP94), UDP-glucose:glycoprotein glucosyltransferase I (UGGT1), and neutral α-glucosidase AB (GANAB). Computer modeling reveals that ADAM12S interacts with the surface amino acids of GRP94 more strongly than ADAM12L. Biochemical experiments further reveal that GRP94 regulates both the protein level and the secretion of ADAM12S. Database mining finds that both GRP94 and ADAM12 are highly expressed in multiple cancers and their high expression is correlated with poor patient survival rate. Taken together, our work discovers a new upstream regulator for ADAM12S, which may contribute to its distinct functions in the regulation of the migration and invasion of cancer cells.
Graphical abstract
https://ift.tt/2FFxY5Q
Simple ICP-OES based method for determination of selected elements in brewed ground and soluble coffees prior to evaluation of their intake and chemical fractionation
Publication date: 15 October 2018
Source:Food Chemistry, Volume 263
Author(s): Pawel Pohl, Anna Szymczycha-Madeja, Maja Welna
A simple method of simultaneous determination of aluminum (Al), barium (Ba), calcium (Ca), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), magnesium (Mg), manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni), strontium (Sr) and zinc (Zn) in brews of ground and soluble coffees was proposed. It relied on acidification of brews with HNO3 to 1.3 mol L−1 and their analysis by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry. Precision of 0.1–9% and detection limits from 0.07 ng mL−1 (Sr) to 3 ng mL−1 (Ni) were achieved. Trueness of the method was verified by comparison of results with those achieved with wet digestion and by the recovery study, and was better than 5%. Additionally, chemical fractionation by tandem solid phase extraction with reverse-phase and strong cation-exchange extraction tubes was carried out. Differences in chemical fractionation patterns, particularly the residual fraction, was useful for differentiation of ground and soluble coffees by analysis of variance, principle component analysis and hierarchical clustering analysis.
https://ift.tt/2waxipB
A graphene oxide nanosheet-modified Ti nanocomposite electrode with enhanced electrochemical property and stability for nitrate reduction
Publication date: 15 September 2018
Source:Chemical Engineering Journal, Volume 348
Author(s): Xuejiao Ma, Miao Li, Xiang Liu, Lele Wang, Nan Chen, Jiacheng Li, Chuanping Feng
A convenient and simple hydrothermal method was used to prepare a graphene oxide nanosheet-modified Ti nanocomposite (Ti-GO) electrode with highly stable nitrate reduction activity. The samples' electrochemical activity for nitrate reduction was studied under 120 min electrolysis. The results demonstrated that Ti-GO showed higher nitrate reduction efficiency than Ti and Cu electrodes, and comparable to Cu-Zn electrode due to its surface GO modification. The low current efficiency of the electrode (0.0015) was attributed to its high selectivity of ammonia. The specific addition of NaCl resulted in efficient by-products removal and increased reduction efficiency. Electrochemical test showed that the Ti-GO electrode has stronger electrochemical activity and much higher real surface area than that of Ti electrode. The Ti-GO electrode exhibited excellent durability without apparent variation in the electrolytic property was observed after 5 treatment cycles (10 h in total), while only slight decrease in the reduction efficiency was noted (Standard Deviation = 1.72). In conclusion, the developed Ti-GO electrode showed excellent electroreduction behavior and promising results for electrochemical nitrate reduction.
https://ift.tt/2HM7gON
Statistical study on distribution of multiple dissolved elements and a water quality assessment around a simulated stackable fly ash
Publication date: 15 September 2018
Source:Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, Volume 159
Author(s): Jiao Wang
This study reports the leaching and transport behaviors of sixteen elements in fly ash taken from coal-fired power plant stations. A total of 480 water samples were collected from 20 simulative monitoring wells at three different times. Concentrations of elements in water samples were detected to know the spatial variability of substance, contamination level and quality of groundwater around stackable fly ash. The results of the water quality index (WQI) indicate that the water around a stackable fly ash is unsuitable for drinking. Sixteen parameters (Al, As, B, Ba, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, V, Pb, Sb, Ni and Zn) were analyzed using different multivariate statistical approaches to assess the origins of elements in groundwater around stackable fly ash, identified five factor types that accounted for 75.66% of the total variance. Based on drinking water guidelines, As, Sb, Pb, Al and Cd were the dominant contaminants in groundwater around stackable fly ash. The quality of fly ash were considered to contribute much of the Mn, V, Ba and Mg (Cd, Cr and Ni for leaching time; Sb and Pb for leaching intensity; Al and Fe for water depths; B for flow velocity). Co, Cu and Zn had natural and random origins from crustal materials and upper reaches. Cluster analysis (CA) was adopted to classify the 20 simulative monitoring wells into two groups of water pollution, high pollution and low pollution, reflecting influences from leaching solution and upper reaches activities, respectively. The results of Hazard quotient and index (HQ/HI) suggests that As, Sb, Cd, Pb, V and Cr are the largest contributors to health risks in monitoring sites around stackable fly ash.
Graphical abstract
https://ift.tt/2wfKfyy
Fly ash from coal combustion: Dependence of the concentration of various elements on the particle size
Publication date: 15 September 2018
Source:Fuel, Volume 228
Author(s): Christof Lanzerstorfer
The dependence of the distribution of various elements on the particle size of coal combustion fly ash is of special interest for use of the fly ash in ultrafine cement, or for recovery of valuable elements from fly ash. Therefore, electrostatic precipitator fly ash from a coal fired power plant was split into particle size classes with mass median diameters of 2.2 µm, 5.4 µm, 9.7 µm, 19 µm and 43 µm by means of an air classifier. The size dependence for the elements Al, As, Ba, Br, Ca, Ce, Cl, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Ga, Ge, Hg, K, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, Nb, Ni, P, Pb, Rb, S, Sb, Se, Si, Sn, Sr, Ta, Ti, Th, Tl, U, V, W, Y, Yb, Zn, Zr, and for total carbon, was determined. For several components a considerable dependence of the concentration on the particle size was observed, which can be approximated by power functions. Substantially higher concentration with decreasing particle size was found for total carbon, As, Cu, Ga, Ge, Hg, Sn, Pb, Tl, V and Zn, whereas the concentration of the main mineral components Si, Al, Fe, Ca, K, Na, Mg, Mn and Ti was slightly lower in the fine particles. The increased concentrations have to be considered for critical elements like Pb and Cu when air classified ultrafine fly ash is used in ultrafine cement. Air classification might also be an important pre-processing step in a recovery process for trace elements like Ga, Ge and V.
Graphical abstract
https://ift.tt/2IfEmWU
Structural, photoluminescence and magnetic properties of Mn, Cr dual-doped ZnS quantum dots: Influence of Cr concentration
Publication date: September 2018
Source:Journal of Physics and Chemistry of Solids, Volume 120
Author(s): P. Sakthivel, S. Muthukumaran
Mn-doped ZnS and Mn, Cr dual-doped ZnS quantum dots were prepared using a simple co-precipitation method. The synthesized samples were analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy dispersive X-rays (EDX), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), UV–visible spectroscopy, photoluminescence (PL) spectra and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). Cr doping reduced the crystallite size. The reduction of activation energy due to the incorporation of Cr is responsible for the increase of micro-strain and the suppression of crystallite size. The change in lattice parameters by Cr doping is attributed to the replacement of Cr3+/Cr2+ ions instead of Zn2+ ions in the ZnS host lattice. Doping concentration of the samples was confirmed by energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectra. Occurrence of higher intensity in absorption and a shift in absorption edge towards the lower angle side were supported by the proper substitution of Cr2+ ions instead of Zn2+ ions in the ZnS host. The diminishment of absorption intensity for Cr doping beyond 2% can be ascribed to defect states caused by imperfections in the lattice structure due to the different sizes of Cr2+/3+, Mn2+ and Zn2+. When Cr is introduced into the Zn-Mn-S assembly, a shift in UV emission is observed from 392 nm to 379 nm for Cr = 2% and 382 nm for Cr = 4%; these peak shifts were due to the size effect and the change in crystal structure by Cr doping. Nevertheless, the magnetic moment is enhanced because of the increase in number of spins by Cr incorporation; all samples retained their paramagnetic nature.
https://ift.tt/2wgHQTU
Soil element fractions affect phytotoxicity, microbial biomass and activity in volcanic areas
Publication date: 15 September 2018
Source:Science of The Total Environment, Volume 636
Author(s): Valeria Memoli, Enrique Eymar, Carlos García-Delgado, Francesco Esposito, Speranza Claudia Panico, Anna De Marco, Rossella Barile, Giulia Maisto
Soil quality is strongly affected by microbial biomass that is involved in organic matter mineralization and the supply of nutrients to plants. The effects of trace elements on soil microbial biomass and activity are still controversial, and the contents of the elements in different forms, more than the total amounts, may affect soil microbial community. Volcanic soils are peculiar environments because of their chemical characteristics. Therefore, the aims of this research were to evaluate in volcanic soils: i) the elemental composition; ii) the elemental availability; and iii) the effects of elemental fractions on soil microbial biomass and activity. In order to reach the aims, the BCR sequential extraction method was applied in order to separate 22 elements in different soil fractions: acid soluble, reducible, oxidisable and residual. The studied biological parameters were: microbial and fungal biomasses, soil respiration, metabolic quotient, coefficient of endogenous mineralization, dehydrogenase and hydrolase activities, and phytotoxicity. Among the investigated elements, Al, B, Ba, Ca, Cr, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, Ti, V and Zn were scarcely available; Cd appeared to be the most ready available element; Zn was mainly present in the acid soluble and in the residual fractions. Microbial biomass and activity appeared to be mainly affected by the reducible and oxidasable fractions of the investigated elements more than the acid soluble or residual ones. With the exception of La and V, the elemental content in the various fractions would seem to stimulate the microbial biomass and activity. Finally, the investigated volcanic soils showed phytotoxic properties.
Graphical abstract
https://ift.tt/2IcjyPH
A multi-chemosensor based on Zn-MOF: Ratio-dependent color transition detection of Hg (II) and highly sensitive sensor of Cr (VI)
Publication date: 15 September 2018
Source:Sensors and Actuators B: Chemical, Volume 269
Author(s): Jiannan Xiao, Jingjuan Liu, Xuechuan Gao, Guanfeng Ji, Dongbo Wang, Zhiliang Liu
Accurate and visual methods aimed to pollution monitoring were insistent demands of scientists. For this purpose, a novel metal-organic framework (MOF), formulated as [Zn(tpbpc)2]·solvent (Htpbpc = 4′-[4,2′;6′,4′′]-terpyridin-4′-yl-biphenyl-4-carboxylic acid), has been isolated and structurally characterized; it exhibits unique (2,8)-connected 8T20 (MOF.ttd) topology with binuclear [Zn2(COO)4N4]n secondary building units (SBUs) as 8-c nodes and tpbpc− ligands as 2-c nodes. Strikingly, this is the first multi-responsive MOFs fluorescent sensor for simultaneously detecting Hg2+, CrO42− and Cr2O72− ions with high sensitivity and low detection limits in aqueous solution. Meanwhile, the fluorescent sensor for Hg2+ exhibits a color transition in seconds which can be observed by the naked eyes. What is more, the chemosensor based on the Zn-MOF for detecting Cr(VI) ions possesses a very low detection down to 10−8 M, which is the lowest detection limit among all reported up to date. Importantly, the luminescence can be fast regenerated and its sensing ability can be recycled for more than six times. In addition, the simple MOF-based fluorescent test paper was successfully prepared, which provided a reliable and visual detection of Hg2+, CrO42− and Cr2O72− in practical application.
https://ift.tt/2wgImRQ
Polymerizable-group capped ZnS nanoparticle for high refractive index inorganic-organic hydrogel contact lens
Publication date: 1 September 2018
Source:Materials Science and Engineering: C, Volume 90
Author(s): Peili Zhao, Jinku Xu, Yongchun Zhang, Weiyue Zhu, Yuezhi Cui
Refractive index (RI) is an important parameter for contact lens biomaterials. In this paper, a novel polymerizable-group capped ZnS nanoparticle (NP) was synthesized by chemical link between hydroxyl group on the surface of ZnS (ME-capped) and isocyanate group of polymerizable molecule of 2-isocyanatoethyl methacrylate. Then the ZnS NP copolymerized with monomer of 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) and N,N-dimethylacrylamide (DMA) to prepare high refractive index hydrogel contact lens with high content of inorganic ZnS NP. Increasing polymerizable-group capped ZnS content in the hydrogels improved its RI value and mechanical properties, however decreased slightly its transmittance, equilibrium (ESR) and lysozyme deposition on the hydrogel surface. The ZnS-containing hydrogels possessed good cytocompatibility and in vivo biocompatibility in rabbit eyes, demonstrating a potential application as high RI ocular refractive correction biomaterial.
Graphical abstract
https://ift.tt/2HLj2J7
Comparative uptake study of arsenic, boron, copper, manganese and zinc from water by different green microalgae
Publication date: September 2018
Source:Bioresource Technology, Volume 263
Author(s): Ricardo Saavedra, Raúl Muñoz, María Elisa Taboada, Marisol Vega, Silvia Bolado
This work represents a comparative uptake study of the toxic elements arsenic, boron, copper, manganese and zinc in monometallic and multimetallic solutions by four green microalgae species (Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, Chlorella vulgaris, Scenedesmus almeriensis and an indigenous Chlorophyceae spp.), evaluating the effect of pH and contact time. Maximum removal efficiencies for each toxic element were 99.4% for Mn (C. vulgaris, pH 7.0, 3 h), 91.9% for Zn (Chlorophyceae spp., pH 5.5, 3 h), 88% for Cu (Chlorophyceae spp., pH 7.0, 10 min), 40.7% for As (S. almeriensis, pH 9.5, 3 h) and 38.6% for B (S. almeriensis, pH 5.5, 10 min).B removal efficiencies decreased remarkably in multimetallic solutions (down to 0.2% in C. reinhardtii), except for Chlorophyceae spp., the only species isolated from a polluted environment. FTIR spectra shown the highest interactions for As (1150–1300 cm−1) and Cu (3300, 1741, 1535, 1350–1400 cm−1). Results confirm microalgae biomass as a potential biosorbent for toxic elements.
Graphical abstract
https://ift.tt/2wa4zB1
Laterally positioned flap along with acellular dermal matrix graft in the management of maxillary localized recessions
Abstract
Objectives
The aim of this study was to evaluate acellular dermal matrix graft (ADM) combination with laterally positioned flap (LPF) and to compare the results with LPF alone in terms of root coverage, esthetics, and patient perspectives in gingival recessions.
Materials and methods
Twenty-two patients with localized Miller Class I/II recessions ≥ 3 mm with gingival thickness (GT) < 0.8 mm were included. Outcome parameters such as recession height and width, keratinized tissue (KT) height, GT, mean and complete defect coverage, patient satisfaction, and root coverage esthetic score (RES) were re-evaluated at 12 months postoperatively.
Results
Mean and complete defect coverage were 94.80 and 72.73% in LPF+ADM group and 77.25 and 45.45% in LPF group, respectively. Significant differences were observed for KT and GT gain, patient satisfaction, and RES in favor of LPF group (p < 0.05). A significant positive correlation was established between GT and mean defect coverage (r = 0.448; p < 0.05).
Conclusion
LPF is a successful approach in the treatment of localized Miller I/II gingival recessions. On the other hand, when thin donor tissue was thickened with an allogenic graft, more successful results regarding complete defect coverage, patient satisfaction, and RES were obtained.
Clinical relevance
Increase in gingival thickness and keratinized tissue height represents critical improvements in the prognosis of the advanced localized recessions and will be beneficial for patient's periodontal health and esthetics. Both approaches can be used successfully as an alternative for soft tissue root coverage in specific localized cases with a limited amount of keratinized tissue apical to the defect.
https://ift.tt/2IbJn2n
NLRP3: A promising therapeutic target for autoimmune diseases
Source:Autoimmunity Reviews
Author(s): Hui-Hui Shen, Yue-Xin Yang, Xiang Meng, Xiao-Yun Luo, Xiao-Mei Li, Zong-Wen Shuai, Dong-Qing Ye, Hai-Feng Pan
NLRP3, a member of nucleotide-binding domain-(NOD)like receptor family, can be found in large varieties of immune and non-immune cells. Upon activation, the NLRP3, apoptosis-associated speck-like protein (ASC) and pro-caspase-1 would assemble into a multimeric protein, called the NLRP3 inflammasome. Then the inflammasome promotes inflammation (through specific cleavage and production of bioactive IL-1β and IL-18) and pyroptotic cell death. Previous studies have indicated the importance of NLRP3 in regulating innate immunity. Recently, numerous studies have begun to reveal their significance in autoimmune diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic sclerosis (SSc) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). In this review, we will briefly discuss the biological features of NLRP3 and summarize the recent progression of the involvement of NLRP3 in the development and pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases, as well as its clinical implications and therapeutic potential.
https://ift.tt/2JQB8pA
Hearing loss in autoimmune disorders: Prevalence and therapeutic options
Source:Autoimmunity Reviews
Author(s): Patrizia Mancini, Francesca Atturo, Alessia Di Mario, Portanova Ginevra, Massimo Ralli, Armando De Virgilio, Marco de Vincentiis, Antonio Greco
The objective of this study was to review our current knowledge relative to the correlation between sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) and autoimmune diseases, focusing on the prevalence of hearing loss in different pathologies and possible therapeutic approaches. A review of the literature on hearing loss in different forms of autoimmune disease has been carried out, with emphasis on incidence and prevalence of SNHL. Therapeutic protocols have been assessed including both conservative medical and rehabilitative methods. Cochlear implant outcomes have been investigated. The prevalence of hearing loss in autoimmune and immune-mediated inner ear diseases, as referred by case reports or single-center statistics, is widely variable. More difficult is the evaluation of severe/profound SNHL, usually reported in relation to cochlear implantation. Though these patients represent ideal candidates for cochlear implantation, as they become deaf after years of hearing; the associated systemic disease, the specific damage on inner ear structures and the medication taken may influence the result of cochlear implantation. The main problem is the cochlear fibrosis or ossification that has been found to affect 50% of implanted ears in patients suffering from autoimmune and immune-mediated SNHL. Hence, in the presence of severe/profound SNHL earlier implantation may be indicated before post-inflammatory obliterative changes to the cochlea.
https://ift.tt/2riJmAh
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