Achievements in colorectal cancer care during 8 years of auditing in the Netherlands

Publication date: Available online 8 June 2018
Source:European Journal of Surgical Oncology
Author(s): Michael P.M. de Neree tot Babberich, Robin Detering, Jan Willem T. Dekker, Marloes A. Elferink, Rob A.E.M. Tollenaar, Michel W.J.M. Wouters, Pieter J. Tanis
IntroductionThe efficacy of auditing is still a subject of debate and concerns exist whether auditing promotes risk averse behaviour of physicians. This study evaluates the achievements made in colorectal cancer surgery since the start of a national clinical audit and assesses potential signs of risk averse behaviour.MethodsData were extracted from the Dutch ColoRectal Audit (2009-2016). Trends in outcomes were evaluated by uni and multivariable analyses. Patients were stratified according to operative risks and changes in outcomes were expressed as absolute (ARR) and relative risk reduction (RRR). To assess signs of risk averse behaviour, trends in stoma construction in rectal cancer were analysed.ResultsPostoperative mortality decreased from 3.4% to 1.8% in colon cancer and from 2.3% to 1% in rectal cancer. Surgical and non-surgical complications increased, but with less reintervention. For colon cancer, the high-risk elderly patients had the largest ARR for complicated postoperative course (6.4%) and mortality (5.9%). The proportion of patients receiving a diverting stoma or end colostomy after a (L)AR decreased 11% and 7%, respectively. In low rectal cancer, patients increasingly received a non-diverted primary anastomosis (5.4% in 2011 and 14.4% in 2016).ConclusionsNo signs of risk averse behaviour was found since the start of the audit. Especially the high-risk elderly patients seem to have benefitted from improvements made in colon cancer treatment in the past 8 years. For rectal cancer, trends towards the construction of more primary anastomoses are seen. Future quality improvement measures should focus on reducing surgical and non-surgical complications.



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The caudal dorsal artery generates hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells via the endothelial-to-hematopoietic transition in zebrafish

Publication date: Available online 8 June 2018
Source:Journal of Genetics and Genomics
Author(s): Yandong Zhan, Youkui Huang, Jingying Chen, Zigang Cao, Jianbo He, Jingjing Zhang, Honghui Huang, Hua Ruan, Lingfei Luo, Li Li
Zebrafish hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) originate from the hemogenic endothelium of the ventral wall of the dorsal aorta (DA) through the endothelial-to-hematopoietic transition (EHT) from approximately 30 to 60 h post fertilization (hpf). However, whether other artery sites can generate HSPCs de novo remains unclear. In this study, using live imaging and lineage tracing, we found that the caudal dorsal artery (CDA) in the caudal hematopoietic tissue directly gave rise to HSPCs through EHT. This process initiated from approximately 60 hpf and terminated at approximately 156 hpf. Compared with that in the DA, fewer EHT events were observed in the CDA. The EHT events in the DA and CDA were similarly regulated by Runx1 but differentially influenced by blood flow (i.e., the EHT frequency in CDA was affected to a lesser extent when circulation was compromised in the tnnt2a^−/−mutant). Therefore, the whole artery, including both DA and CDA, was endowed with the ability to produce HSPCs during a much longer time period. Coincidently, the lineage tracing results indicated that adult hematopoietic cells originated from the embryonic endothelium, whereas those produced later preferentially colonized the adult thymus. Collectively, our study revealed that the CDA served as an additional source of hematopoiesis, and it showed similar but not identical properties with the DA.



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Endoplasmic reticulum stress in autoimmune diseases: Can altered protein quality control and/or unfolded protein response contribute to autoimmunity? A critical review on Sjögren's syndrome

Publication date: Available online 8 June 2018
Source:Autoimmunity Reviews
Author(s): María-José Barrera, Sergio Aguilera, Isabel Castro, Sergio González, Patricia Carvajal, Claudio Molina, Marcela A. Hermoso, María-Julieta González
For many years, researchers in the field of autoimmunity have focused on the role of the immune components in the etiopathogenesis of autoimmune diseases. However, some studies have demonstrated the importance of target tissues in their pathogenesis and the breach of immune tolerance. The immune system as well as target tissue cells (plasmatic, β-pancreatic, fibroblast-like synoviocytes, thyroid follicular and epithelial cells of the lachrymal glands, salivary glands, intestine, bronchioles and renal tubules) share the characteristic of secretory cells with an extended endoplasmic reticulum (ER). The function of these cells depends considerably on a normal ER function and calcium homeostasis, so they can produce and secrete their main components, which include glycoproteins involved in antigenic presentation such as major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I and II. All these proteins are synthesized and modified in the ER, and for this reason disturbances in the normal functions of this organelle such as protein folding, protein quality control, calcium homeostasis and redox balance, promote accumulation of unfolded or misfolded proteins, a condition known as ER stress. Autoimmune diseases are characterized by inflammation, which has been associated with an ER stress condition. Interestingly, patients with these diseases contain circulating auto-antibodies against chaperone proteins (such as Calnexin and GRP94), thus affecting the folding and assembly of MHC class I and II glycoproteins and their loading with peptide.The main purpose of this article is to review the involvement of the protein quality control and unfolded protein response (UPR) in the ER protein homeostasis (proteostasis) and their alterations in autoimmune diseases. In addition, we describe the interaction between ER stress and inflammation and evidences are shown of how autoimmune diseases are associated with an ER stress condition, with a special emphasis on the second most prevalent autoimmune rheumatic disease, Sjögren's syndrome.



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Autosomic dominant familial Behçet disease and haploinsufficiency A20: A review of the literature

Publication date: Available online 8 June 2018
Source:Autoimmunity Reviews
Author(s): Berteau Florian, Rouviere Bénédicte, Delluc Aurélien, Nau Alice, Le Berre Rozenn, Sarrabay Guillaume, Touitou Isabelle, Claire de Moreuil
IntroductionBehçet disease (BD) is a systemic vasculitis involving vessels from any size with various clinical features. Most BD cases are multifactorial and associated with the HLA B51 antigen. In rare and severe early onset cases, dominant Mendelian transmission has been linked to mutations in the TNFAIP3 gene encoding A20. Herein, we propose a systematic review of the literature about the haploinsufficiency A20 (HA20) published cases.Systematic reviewOur review of the 45 cases of HA20 from literature highlights the similarities and the differences between this genetic auto-inflammatory disease and classical BD. HA20 looks like BD if we consider recurrent oral (87%) and genital (67%) ulcers, arthralgia or arthritis (42%), skin involvement (53%) such as erythema nodosum or abdominal symptoms (60%) such as abdominal pain, digestive ulcers or diarrhea. However, HA20 differs from classical BD because its geographical distribution is ubiquitous, sex ratio is inversed (one man for two women), first symptoms occur in early childhood (median age = 5.5 years; interquartile range: 1–10) instead of adulthood, recurrent fever is common (62%) unlike classical BD, HLA B51 antigen is uncommon and abdominal symptoms are over-represented compared to classical BD. In addition, response to colchicine in HA20 is inconstant (24%) unlike classical BD.Discussion/conclusionHigh fever flares and digestive involvement starting in early childhood seem to be hallmarks of HA20 clinical features. Response to colchicine is unpredictable and biotherapies like anti-TNFα and anti IL1 appear to be treatments of choice, like for other auto-inflammatory diseases. Prospective description of larger cohort of HA20 cases is needed to understand better when this disease must be looked for and how to treat these patients.



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Heavy metal tolerance in contrasting ecotypes of Alyssum montanum

Publication date: 15 October 2018
Source:Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, Volume 161
Author(s): Ewa Muszyńska, Mateusz Labudda, Elżbieta Różańska, Ewa Hanus-Fajerska, Ewa Znojek
The response of metallicolous (M) and nonmetallicolous (NM) Alyssum montanum ecotypes to multi-metal stress was investigated under in vitro condition and compared in this study. Shoot cultures were simultaneously treated with 0.7 mM ZnSO4, 3.0 μM Pb(NO3)2 and 16.4 μM CdCl2 for 8 weeks and evaluated for their morphogenetic and ultrastructural reaction, growth tolerance as well as ability to Zn, Pb, and Cd uptake. Moreover, tissue localization and concentrations of antioxidant compounds were determined in order to elucidate the potential role of ROS-scavenging machinery in plant tolerance to metal toxicity. The results clearly demonstrated that M specimens treated with heavy metals showed less phytotoxic symptoms and low level of lipid peroxidation than reference NM one. The enhanced tolerance of M ecotype resulted from heavy metals detoxification in trichomes and intracellular leaf compartments as well as balanced ROS accumulation. The inactivation of ROS in M plants was based on peroxidase-flavonoid system, while in NM plants such relationship was not detected and amounts of antioxidant enzymes or phenolic compounds was comparable to untreated specimens or decreased significantly. Considering the procumbent growth of such hemicryptophyte which reproduce effectively in the presence of heavy metals but is characterized by low biomass production, it is proposed to exploit M ecotype of A. montanum in revegetation schemes of polluted calamine wastes to provide the prompt stabilization of areas prone to erosion.



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Emergent Neuroimaging: A Patient-Focused Approach

Publication date: Available online 8 June 2018
Source:Neuroimaging Clinics of North America
Author(s): Suresh K. Mukherji




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Approach to Imaging in Patients with Spontaneous Intracranial Hemorrhage

Publication date: Available online 8 June 2018
Source:Neuroimaging Clinics of North America
Author(s): Peter G. Kranz, Michael D. Malinzak, Timothy J. Amrhein

Teaser

Spontaneous intracranial hemorrhage is a commonly encountered neurologic emergency. Imaging plays important roles in both guiding the emergent stabilization of patients with ICH and in elucidating the etiology of the hemorrhage to prevent rebleeding. A thorough understanding of the factors that have an impact on immediate management, the causes of hemorrhage, and the strengths of various imaging techniques in addressing these 2 concerns is vital to crafting a patient-centered approach to this condition.


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Imaging the Unconscious “Found Down” Patient in the Emergency Department

Publication date: Available online 8 June 2018
Source:Neuroimaging Clinics of North America
Author(s): Carlos Torres, Nader Zakhari, Sean Symons, Thanh B. Nguyen

Teaser

Unconsciousness may be due to severe brain damage or to potentially reversible causes. Noncontrast head computed tomography (CT) helps identify acute ischemic and hemorrhagic lesions as well as certain patterns of toxic encephalopathy. MR imaging plays an important role in the assessment of acutely encephalopathic patients who may show no significant abnormality on CT. This review describes some of the common and infrequent entities that can lead to unconsciousness, including epilepsy and vascular, traumatic, metabolic, and toxic disorders.


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The Patient with Thunderclap Headache

Publication date: Available online 8 June 2018
Source:Neuroimaging Clinics of North America
Author(s): Ajay Malhotra, Xiao Wu, Dheeraj Gandhi, Pina Sanelli

Teaser

Thunderclap headache is a common presentation in the emergency department and, although multiple causes have been described, subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is the primary concern and early diagnosis is critical. CT is highly sensitive if performed within 6 hours of onset. Patients with aneurysmal or perimesencephalic SAH should be evaluated with CT angiography. Further work-up should be guided by the pattern of blood. Patients with negative CT angiography may be further evaluated with MR imaging, especially patients with peripheral convexity SAH.


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Acute Neurologic Syndromes Beyond Stroke

Publication date: Available online 8 June 2018
Source:Neuroimaging Clinics of North America
Author(s): Edward K. Sung, Chad Farris, Mohamad Abdalkader, Asim Mian

Teaser

MR imaging with diffusion-weighted imaging has been essential in the evaluation of acute stroke but is also crucial for the diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up in patients with various nonischemic disorders, including infectious processes, trauma, toxic/metabolic disorders, and other abnormalities. This article reviews various disorders with diffusion abnormality that can be commonly seen in the emergency setting.


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Current Challenges in the Use of Computed Tomography and MR Imaging in Suspected Cervical Spine Trauma

Publication date: Available online 8 June 2018
Source:Neuroimaging Clinics of North America
Author(s): Frank J. Minja, Kushal Y. Mehta, Ali Y. Mian

Teaser

There is controversy regarding the optimal imaging strategy in adult blunt trauma patients for suspected cervical spine trauma. Some investigators recommend negative computed tomography (CT) alone to clear the cervical spine in adult blunt trauma patients, while others insist that MR imaging is necessary, especially among obtunded adult blunt trauma patients. CT is an excellent imaging modality for bony cervical spine injury; however, there is a nonzero rate of clinically significant cervical spine injuries missed on CT. MR imaging has high sensitivity for soft tissue cervical spine injuries, but low specificity for the rare isolated unstable ligamentous cervical spine injury.


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The Imaging of Maxillofacial Trauma 2017

Publication date: Available online 8 June 2018
Source:Neuroimaging Clinics of North America
Author(s): Mark P. Bernstein

Teaser

Maxillofacial injuries account for a large portion of emergency department visits and often result in surgical consultation. Although many of the principles of fracture detection and repair are basic, the evolution of technology and therapeutic strategies has led to improved patient outcomes. This article aims to provide a clinical review of imaging aspects involved in maxillofacial trauma and to delineate its relevance to patient management.


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Head and Neck Injuries

Publication date: Available online 8 June 2018
Source:Neuroimaging Clinics of North America
Author(s): Claire K. Sandstrom, Diego B. Nunez

Teaser

Traumatic injuries to the head and neck are common in the elderly, which is a rapidly growing sector of the American population. Most injuries result from low-energy falls and therefore might be at risk for delayed presentation and undertriage. Imaging, particularly with computed tomography, plays a vital role in the evaluation of traumatic head and neck injuries in geriatric patients. A thorough understanding of the differing patterns of trauma in the elderly patient and the factors that are associated with poorer outcomes is essential.


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The Adult Patient with Acute Neurologic Deficit

Publication date: Available online 8 June 2018
Source:Neuroimaging Clinics of North America
Author(s): Shahmir Kamalian, Michael H. Lev

Teaser

Stroke is the clinical syndrome of abrupt onset of acute neurologic deficit owing to decreased oxygen delivery to the brain, resulting in ischemia or infarction. Approximately 87% of strokes are ischemic and 13% are hemorrhagic. Improved awareness of the neuroimaging findings highlighted in recent stroke clinical trials, as well as of their role in patient selection for novel treatment options—including "late window" (8-24 hours post-ictus!) intraarterial thrombectomy—has become increasingly important. This article focuses on the role of neuroimaging in the assessment and management of patients with acute ischemic stroke.


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Galectin-7 promotes proliferation and Th1/2 cells polarization toward Th1 in activated CD4+ T cells by inhibiting The TGFβ/Smad3 pathway

Publication date: September 2018
Source:Molecular Immunology, Volume 101
Author(s): Zhenlong Luo, Yudong Ji, Dean Tian, Yong Zhang, Sheng Chang, Chao Yang, Hongmin Zhou, Zhonghua Klaus Chen
Galectin-7 (Gal-7) has been associated with cell proliferation and apoptosis. It is known that Gal-7 antagonises TGFβ-mediated effects in hepatocytes by interacting with Smad3. Previously, we have demonstrated that Gal-7 is related to CD4+ T cells responses; nevertheless, its effect and functional mechanism on CD4+ T cells responses remain unclear. The murine CD4+ T cells were respectively cultured with Gal-7, anti-CD3/CD28 mAbs, or with anti-CD3/CD28 mAbs & Gal-7. The effects of Gal-7 on proliferation and the phenotypic changes in CD4+ T cells were assessed by flow cytometry. The cytokines from CD4+ T cells were analysed by quantitative real-time PCR. Subcellular localisation and expression of Smad3 were determined by immunofluorescence staining and Western blot, respectively. Gal-7 enhanced the proliferation of activated CD4+ T cells in a dose- and β-galactoside-dependent manner. Additionally, Gal-7 treatment did not change the ratio of Th2 cells in activated CD4+ T cells, while it increased the ratio of Th1 cells. Gal-7 also induced activated CD4+ T cells to produce a higher level of IFN-γ and TNF-α and a lower level of IL-10. Moreover, Gal-7 treatment significantly accelerated nuclear export of Smad3 in activated CD4+ T cells. These results revealed a novel role of Gal-7 in promoting proliferation and Th1/2 cells polarization toward Th1 in activated CD4+ T cells by inhibiting the TGFβ/Smad3 pathway.



https://ift.tt/2HyTp9u

Point-of-care microfluidic devices for pathogen detection

Publication date: 15 October 2018
Source:Biosensors and Bioelectronics, Volume 117
Author(s): Behzad Nasseri, Neda Soleimani, Navid Rabiee, Alireza Kalbasi, Mahdi Karimi, Michael R. Hamblin
The rapid diagnosis of pathogens is crucial in the early stages of treatment of diseases where the choice of the correct drug can be critical. Although conventional cell culture-based techniques have been widely utilized in clinical applications, newly introduced optical-based, microfluidic chips are becoming attractive. The advantages of the novel methods compared to the conventional techniques comprise more rapid diagnosis, lower consumption of patient sample and valuable reagents, easy application, and high reproducibility in the detection of pathogens. The miniaturized channels used in microfluidic systems simulate interactions between cells and reagents in microchannel structures, and evaluate the interactions between biological moieties to enable diagnosis of microorganisms. The overarching goal of this review is to provide a summary of the development of microfluidic biochips and to comprehensively discuss different applications of microfluidic biochips in the detection of pathogens. New types of microfluidic systems and novel techniques for viral pathogen detection (e.g. HIV, HVB, ZIKV) are covered. Next generation techniques relying on high sensitivity, specificity, lower consumption of precious reagents, suggest that rapid generation of results can be achieved via optical based detection of bacterial cells. The introduction of smartphones to replace microscope based observation has substantially improved cell detection, and allows facile data processing and transfer for presentation purposes.



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CIP2A immunosensor comprised of vertically-aligned carbon nanotube interdigitated electrodes towards point-of-care oral cancer screening

Publication date: 15 October 2018
Source:Biosensors and Bioelectronics, Volume 117
Author(s): Shaowei Ding, Suprem R. Das, Benjamin J. Brownlee, Kshama Parate, Taylor M. Davis, Loreen R. Stromberg, Edward K.L. Chan, Joseph Katz, Brian D. Iverson, Jonathan C. Claussen
Vertically aligned carbon nanotube array (VANTA) coatings have recently garnered significant attention due in part to their unique material properties including light absorption, chemical inertness, and electrical conductivity. Herein we report the first use of VANTAs grown via chemical vapor deposition in a 2D interdigitated electrode (IDE) footprint with a high height-to-width aspect ratio (3:1 or 75:25 µm). The VANTA-IDEs were functionalized with an antibody (Ab) specific to the human cancerous inhibitor PP2A (CIP2A)—an oncoprotein that is associated with a variety of malignancies such as oral, breast, and multiple myeloma cancers. The resultant label-free immunosensor was capable of detecting CIP2A across a wide linear sensing range (1−100 pg/mL) with a detection limit of 0.24 pg/mL within saliva supernatant—a range that is more sensitive than the corresponding CIP2A enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). These results help pave the way for rapid cancer screening tests at the point-of-care (POC) such as for the early-stage diagnosis of oral cancer at a dentist's office.

Graphical abstract

https://ift.tt/2JvqTrd

Aptasensor based on fluorophore-quencher nano-pair and smartphone spectrum reader for on-site quantification of multi-pesticides

Publication date: 15 October 2018
Source:Biosensors and Bioelectronics, Volume 117
Author(s): Nan Cheng, Yang Song, Qiangqiang Fu, Dan Du, Yunbo Luo, Yong Wang, Wentao Xu, Yuehe Lin
Current techniques for the detection of multi-pesticides are limited by technical complexity, sensitivity and cost. There is an urgent demand of developing new specific recognition elements and sensitive signal readouts for on-site monitoring. In this work, we developed a fluorescent aptamer-based lateral flow biosensor (apta-LFB) integrated with fluorophore-quencher nano-pairs and a smartphone spectrum reader to accomplish triple-target detection of chlorpyrifos, diazinon, and malathion. Aptamers serve as alternative recognition elements instead of antibodies in LFB, offering better specificity and stability. A novel fluorophore-quencher nano-pair (quantum dots nanobeads and gold nanostars) was implemented to perform "signal-on" instead of "signal-off". After optimization, detection limit of chlorpyrifos, diazinon, and malathion were determined to be 0.73 ng/mL, 6.7 ng/mL, and 0.74 ng/mL, respectively. Greatly increased sensitivity may come from the combination of improved signal and zero background. This innovative cascade strategy allowed to lower the detection limit of pesticides residue level in food, which is largely considered satisfactory. The accuracy and practicality of this design for effective on-site quantification of multi-pesticides were further confirmed using 12 vegetable and fruit samples. The estimated recoveries were between 82.4% and 112.8% in spiked vegetable samples, which indicated that the developed method is capable for detecting multi-pesticides in food samples. This sensitive handheld-system is promising to become a powerful tool for practical on-site application of multi-pesticide quantification procedures.



https://ift.tt/2M8DLoN

Carbon nanofiber-based multiplexed immunosensor for the detection of survival motor neuron 1, cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator and Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy proteins

Publication date: 15 October 2018
Source:Biosensors and Bioelectronics, Volume 117
Author(s): Shimaa Eissa, Nawal Alshehri, Mai Abduljabbar, Anas M. Abdel Rahman, Majed Dasouki, Imran Y. Nizami, Mohammad A. Al-Muhaizea, Mohammed Zourob
Simultaneous and point-of-care detection of multiple protein biomarkers has significant impact on patient care. Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), Cystic Fibrosis (CF) and Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) are well known progressive hereditary disorders associated with increased morbidity as well as mortality. Therefore, rapid detection of biomarkers specific for these three disorders in newborns offers new opportunities for early diagnosis, delaying symptoms and effective treatment. Here, we report the development of a disposable carbon nanofiber (CNF)-based electrochemical immunosensor for simultaneous detection of survival motor neuron 1 (SMN1), cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) and DMD proteins. The CNF-modified array electrodes were first functionalized by electroreduction of carboxyphenyl diazonium salt. Then, the immunosensor was fabricated by the covalent immobilization of the three antibodies on the working electrodes of the array sensor via carbodiimide (EDC/NHS) chemistry. Simultaneous detection of CFTR, DMD and SMN1 was achieved with high sensitivity and detection limits of 0.9 pg/ml, 0.7 pg/ml and 0.74 pg/ml, respectively. The multiplexed immunosensor has also shown strong selectivity against non-specific proteins. Moreover, high recovery percentage was obtained when the immunosensor was applied in spiked whole blood samples. This voltammetric immunosensor offers cost effective, easy to use, rapid and high throughput potential screening method for these three hereditary disorders using only few drops of blood.



https://ift.tt/2Jvrauf

A novel nonenzymatic cascade amplification for ultrasensitive photoelectrochemical DNA sensing based on target driven to initiate cyclic assembly of hairpins

Publication date: 15 October 2018
Source:Biosensors and Bioelectronics, Volume 117
Author(s): Guangming Wen, Wenxia Dong, Bin Liu, Zhongping Li, Lifang Fan
A novel cascade photoelectrochemical (PEC) signal amplification biosensing tactics was developed for DNA detection based on a target-driven DNA association to induce cyclic hairpin assembly. In the circulatory system there are two ssDNA (A and B) and two hairpins (C and D). The hybridization of these ssDNA led to the formation of an A–target–B structure. The close proximity of their toehold and branch-migration regions was able to induce the cyclic hairpin assembly. Afterwards, the assembly result further causes the separation of a double-stranded probe DNA (Q:F) to switch the PEC signal via toehold-mediated strand replacement. As such, the signal stranded DNA-CdS QDs (F) as the signal tag was released in the presence of the target DNA. The signal DNA-CdS QDs was then coated to F-doped tin oxide (FTO) electrode leading to the "signal-on" PEC signal. The designed biosensing strategy showed a low detection limit of 21.3 pM for target DNA and a broad linear range from 50 pM to 100 nM. This signal amplification PEC sensing method exhibited a potential application to detect protein molecules, RNA or metal ions via changing the sequence of A and B recognition.



https://ift.tt/2McpqrF

A flow-proteometric platform for analyzing protein concentration (FAP): Proof of concept for quantification of PD-L1 protein in cells and tissues

Publication date: 15 October 2018
Source:Biosensors and Bioelectronics, Volume 117
Author(s): Chao-Kai Chou, Po-Jung Huang, Pei-Hsiang Tsou, Yongkun Wei, Heng-Huan Lee, Ying-Nai Wang, Yen-Liang Liu, Colin Shi, Hsin-Chih Yeh, Jun Kameoka, Mien-Chie Hung
Protein expression level is critically related to the cell physiological function. However, current methodologies such as Western blot (WB) and Immunohistochemistry (IHC) in analyzing the protein level are rather semi-quantitative and without the information of actual protein concentration. We have developed a microfluidic technique termed a "flow-proteometric platform for analyzing protein concentration (FAP)" that can measure the concentration of a target protein in cells or tissues without the requirement of a calibration standard, e.g., the purified target molecules. To validate our method, we tested a number of control samples with known target protein concentrations and showed that the FAP measurement resulted in concentrations that well matched the actual concentrations in the control samples (coefficient of determination [R²], 0.998), demonstrating a dynamic range of concentrations from 0.13 to 130 pM of a detection for 2 min. We successfully determined a biomarker protein (for predicting the treatment response of cancer immune check-point therapy) PD-L1 concentration in cancer cell lines (HeLa PD-L1 and MDA-MB-231) and breast cancer patient tumor tissues without any prior process of sample purification and standard line construction. Therefore, FAP is a simple, faster, and reliable method to measure the protein concentration in cells and tissues, which can support the conventional methods such as WB and IHC to determine the actual protein level.



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Nano-biosensor for highly sensitive detection of HER2 positive breast cancer

Publication date: 15 October 2018
Source:Biosensors and Bioelectronics, Volume 117
Author(s): Razieh Salahandish, Ali Ghaffarinejad, Seyed Morteza Naghib, Keivan Majidzadeh-A, Hossein Zargartalebi, Amir Sanati-Nezhad
Nanocomposite materials have provided a wide range of conductivity, sensitivity, selectivity and linear response for electrochemical biosensors. However, the detection of rare cells at single cell level requires a new class of nanocomposite-coated electrodes with exceptional sensitivity and specificity. We recently developed a construct of gold nanoparticle-grafted functionalized graphene and nanostructured polyaniline (PANI) for high-performance biosensing within a very wide linear response and selective performance. Further, replacing the expensive gold nanoparticles with low-cost silver nanoparticles as well as optimizing the nanocomposite synthesis and functionalization protocols on the electrode surface in this work enabled us to develop ultrasensitive nanocomposites for label-free detection of breast cancer cells. The sensor presented a fast response time of 30 min within a dynamic range of 10 − 5 × 10⁶ cells mL⁻¹ and with a detection limit of 2 cells mL⁻¹ for the detection of SK-BR3 breast cancer cell. The nano-biosensor, for the first time, demonstrated a high efficiency of > 90% for the label-free detection of cancer cells in whole blood sample without any need for sample preparation and cell staining. The results demonstrated that the optimized nanocomposite developed in this work is a promising nanomaterial for electrochemical biosensing and with the potential applications in electro-catalysis and super-capacitances.



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Editorial Board

Publication date: 30 September 2018
Source:Biosensors and Bioelectronics, Volume 116





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Dopaminergic neurodegeneration in a rat model of long-term hyperglycemia: preferential degeneration of the nigrostriatal motor pathway

Publication date: September 2018
Source:Neurobiology of Aging, Volume 69
Author(s): Justine Renaud, Valentina Bassareo, Jimmy Beaulieu, Annalisa Pinna, Michele Schlich, Carole Lavoie, Daniela Murtas, Nicola Simola, Maria-Grazia Martinoli
Epidemiological evidence suggests a correlation between diabetes and age-related neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. Hyperglycemia causes oxidative stress in vulnerable tissues such as the brain. We recently demonstrated that elevated levels of glucose lead to the death of dopaminergic neurons in culture through oxidative mechanisms. Considering the lack of literature addressing dopaminergic alterations in diabetes with age, the goal of this study was to characterize the state of 2 critical dopaminergic pathways in the nicotinamide-streptozotocin rat model of long-term hyperglycemia, specifically the nigrostriatal motor pathway and the reward-associated mesocorticolimbic pathway. Neuronal and glial alterations were evaluated 3 and 6 months after hyperglycemia induction, demonstrating preferential degeneration of the nigrostriatal pathway complemented by a noticeable astrogliosis and loss of microglial cells throughout aging. Behavioral tests confirmed the existence of motor impairments in hyperglycemic rats that resemble early parkinsonian symptomatology in rats, pensuing from nigrostriatal alterations. These results solidify the relation between hyperglycemia and nigrostriatal dopaminergic neurodegeneration, providing new insight on the higher occurrence of Parkinson's disease in diabetic patients.



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11 Beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 regulates synovitis, joint destruction, and systemic bone loss in chronic polyarthritis

Publication date: Available online 8 June 2018
Source:Journal of Autoimmunity
Author(s): R.S. Hardy, C. Fenton, A.P. Croft, A.J. Naylor, R. Begum, G. Desanti, C.D. Buckley, G. Lavery, M.S. Cooper, K. Raza
ObjectiveIn rheumatoid arthritis, the enzyme 11 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11β-HSD1) is highly expressed at sites of inflammation, where it converts inactive glucocorticoids (GC) to their active counterparts. In conditions of GC excess it has been shown to be a critical regulator of muscle wasting and bone loss. Here we examine the contribution of 11β-HSD1 to the pathology of persistent chronic inflammatory disease.MethodsTo determine the contribution of 11β-HSD1 to joint inflammation, destruction and systemic bone loss associated with persistent inflammatory arthritis, we generated mice with global and mesenchymal specific 11β-HSD1 deletions in the TNF-transgenic (TNF-tg) model of chronic polyarthritis. Disease severity was determined by clinical scoring. Histology was assessed in formalin fixed sections and fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) analysis of synovial tissue was performed. Local and systemic bone loss were measured by micro computed tomography (micro-CT). Measures of inflammation and bone metabolism were assessed in serum and in tibia mRNA.ResultsGlobal deletion of 11β-HSD1 drove an enhanced inflammatory phenotype, characterised by florid synovitis, joint destruction and systemic bone loss. This was associated with increased pannus invasion into subchondral bone, a marked polarisation towards pro-inflammatory M1 macrophages at sites of inflammation and increased osteoclast numbers. Targeted mesenchymal deletion of 11β-HSD1 failed to recapitulate this phenotype suggesting that 11β-HSD1 within leukocytes mediate its protective actions in vivo.ConclusionsWe demonstrate a fundamental role for 11β-HSD1 in the suppression of synovitis, joint destruction, and systemic bone loss. Whilst a role for 11β-HSD1 inhibitors has been proposed for metabolic complications in inflammatory diseases, our study suggests that this approach would greatly exacerbate disease severity.



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Fibrotomy with diode laser (980 nm) and habit correlation in oral submucous fibrosis: a report of 30 cases

Abstract

To evaluate the efficacy of laser fibrotomy in patients with oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) and also to correlate the habit variables causing OSMF. Thirty patients diagnosed clinically and histopathologically with OSMF were included in the study. Laser fibrotomy was done under local anesthesia using Zolar diode laser (980 nm frequency) at 2-W power in contact mode with fibro-optic cutting tip. The patients were advised to practice mouth-opening exercises rigorously, and topical corticosteroid was given for burning sensation and pain for 6 months. Pre- and post-treatment comparison of mouth opening, burning sensation, tongue protrusion, and cheek flexibility was analyzed after a follow-up period of 9 months. After a follow-up period of 9 months from the surgical intervention, the mean value of difference in pre- and post-treatment of VAS score, mouth opening, and tongue protrusion was found to be 3.3 ± 2.1, 7.7 ± 5.1, 1.6 ± 2.7, and 0.38 ± 0.61 respectively. Using the Wilcoxon signed rank test, all the above difference in mean was found to be significant with p value < 0.05. With above suggested significant results, lasers can provide an alternative and better means for surgical fibrotomy, relieving trismus in moderate OSMF as they are minimally invasive, cause less hemorrhage, and have faster healing and minimal surgical site scaring and relapse.

https://ift.tt/2kXWLtO

Comparative study of phrenic and partial ulnar nerve transfers for elbow flexion after upper brachial plexus avulsion–a retrospective clinical analysis

The widely used nerve transfer sources for elbow flexion in patients with upper brachial plexus avulsion (UBPA) include partial ulnar nerve, phrenic nerve and intercostal nerves. A retrospective review of 21 patients treated with phrenic and partial ulnar nerve transfers for elbow flexion after UBPA was carried out. In the phrenic nerve transfer group, the phrenic nerve was transferred to the anterolateral bundle of anterior division of upper trunk; In the partial ulnar nerve transfer group, one fascicle of the ulnar nerve was transferred to the biceps branch.

https://ift.tt/2JENO6z

Concomitant Injuries Affect Prognosis in Patients with Central Slip Tear

Central slip tears often occur with concomitant hand injuries. However, the outcome of a central slip tear and the effect of concomitant injuries are rarely reported. We evaluated 67 fingers in 63 patients with central slip tears who underwent primary surgery in our hospital between April 2009 and June 2017. We performed multivariate analyses; on proximal interphalangeal joint active range of motion and existing extension lag greater than 10 degrees as dependent variables, and age, existence of concomitant fractures, skin defects, collateral ligament injuries, ruptured lateral bands, ruptured flexor tendons, or vascular injury in the injured finger as independent variables.

https://ift.tt/2LAEXAq

Ultra-High Frequency Ultrasound in planning capillary perforator flaps: preliminary experience.

The introduction of perforator flaps has revolutionized the modern reconstructive plastic surgery. The technical ability to dissect small vessels allowed to further expand the perforator flap concept to precise composite tissues harvest, known as chimerism.1 The latest evolution of perforator flap was represented by the introduction of superthin skin flaps which are based on very peripheral vascular structures.2 Although the thinning procedure was usually performed after traditional harvest of adipocutaneous perforator flap, recently, Hong JP introduced the concept of harvesting thin flap by using superficial fascia as dissection plane thus allowing to directly harvest thin flaps.

https://ift.tt/2JG3Qx7

Incidence of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia in lower-extremity free flap reconstruction correlates with the overall surgical population

Lower extremity free flap reconstruction is a growing trend in the management of lower extremity wounds. Heparin induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is a significant risk to free flap reconstruction. The purpose of this study was to investigate the incidence of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia in patients receiving lower-extremity free flap surgery.

https://ift.tt/2HwRWAA

‘The Silicone Siphon’ - A safe and simple method of removing silicone implant and content from the breast

Removal of leaking or ruptured breast implants,1,2 often presenting sub-clinically and sometimes diagnosed by MRI or USS,3,4 can present a technical challenge.

https://ift.tt/2sJ8CQJ

A technique to measure the tension across a wound in real time during wound closure

The optimal result after primary closure of a wound, if wound eversion and low tissue tension is maintained, is a flat inconspicuous and robust scar that heals in a timely fashion. If the tension applied during wound closure is too high and the sutures are too tight, blood supply to the site may be compromised resulting in wound breakdown. If the tension applied is too little, the subcutaneous tissues and dermal edges will not be opposed effectively, leading to poor scar formation.

https://ift.tt/2Hx2pw5

Review of Donor Site Complications Among Different Intra-Abdominal Vascularized Lymph Node Free Flaps: Future Tendency of Application Based on Anatomical Considerations

Transfer of lymph node flap (LNF) has become popular in surgical management of lymphedema as a means of providing physiologic lymph drainage. A variety of donor site options have been reported, and their effects are still under investigation, but a consensus is to minimize the donor site complications. Among them, iatrogenic lymphedema is one of the least desirable complications. Therefore, the intra-abdominal options, theoretically free of iatrogenic lymphedema, is getting more accepted. We review the current options and discuss their precautions and indications.

https://ift.tt/2sFUojO

Smartphones for frugal three-dimensional scanning of the external ear with application to microtia

Dear Editor,

https://ift.tt/2LBL33n

Internal Mammary Usability as Recipient Vessels in DIEP Breast Reconstruction in the Setting of Previous Radiation

Autologous breast reconstruction has become the standard of care over the last several decades. The recipient vessel for these patients with microvascular reconstruction has classically been the thoracodorsal (TD) artery. This artery has a reliable anatomic location and is often easily dissected and preserved when exploring the axilla as part of the oncological procedure.1 Recent recommendations have supported the use of the Internal mammary (IM) vessels for free flap anastomosis. The IM vessel selection allows for better arterial inflow, medial breast mound placement, shorter pedicle length, and avoids axillary exploration with resulting scarring and lymphedema risk.

https://ift.tt/2sGX68n

Patient-reported outcome measurement in upper blepharoplasty; how to measure what the patient sees

Blepharochalasis is very common and affects not only appearance but also visual function. Upper blepharoplasty is therefore the most frequently performed facial cosmetic procedure worldwide. It is generally seen as a small procedure with good patient acceptance and postoperative satisfaction. Research concerning the outcome of this procedure in terms of satisfaction and quality of life is lacking, as well as a recommendation on which assessment tools to use in this patient group.

https://ift.tt/2LzeHWR

Invasive Aesthetic Gynecology Trends In Poland Between 2010 And 2016: A Multicenter Experience,,✯✯✯,✯✯✯✯

Dear Editorial Board,

https://ift.tt/2JG3Htz

SELECTIVE NON-OPERATIVE MANAGEMENT FOR PENETRATING EXTREMITY TRAUMA– A PARADIGM SHIFT IN MANAGEMENT?

Selective non-operative management (SNOM) has been proposed as a safe and adequate strategy for penetrating extremity trauma (PET) management. This may reduce unwarranted surgical exploration and enhance cost-effectiveness. Our experience at a UK major trauma centre advocates SNOM-PET as a viable and safe strategy for selected patients. A PET management algorithm is proposed.

https://ift.tt/2LBQM9d

Clinical features affecting the patient-based outcome after minimal medial epicondylectomy for cubital tunnel syndrome.

Little information is currently available to analyze unsatisfactory surgical outcomes for cubital tunnel syndrome (CuTS). The aim of this study was to analyze the clinical features influencing patient-reported outcomes of minimal medial epicondylectomy for CuTS.

https://ift.tt/2JEUG3P

Total Lower Lip Reconstruction with Free Forearm Flap Suspended on Adams Wires

After a total lower lip resection, the radial forearm free flap (RFFF) may be used for lip reconstruction [1]. However, the flap retraction occurs in some patients and causes oral incompetence that could be prevented by improved suspension of the flap.

https://ift.tt/2HAZIt8

Historical Review of Dakin's Solution Applications

Dakin's solution and the Carrel-Dakin method were developed and integrated into clinical practice in the early 20th century, which were found to aid in effective wound healing and infection. This historical review briefly outlines highlights with respect to the history of infection management, wartime amputation, and wound treatment dating back to Galen through the early 20th century. This paper extensively reviews and discusses the historic use of Dakin's solution, which was developed almost a century ago, in both wartime settings and in the civilian sector as well.

https://ift.tt/2JCcrkn

Quality of life and Shoulder Function after Latissimus Dorsi Breast Reconstruction

Breast reconstruction using a latissimus dorsi flap impacts one of the principal muscles of the shoulder. There is therefore concern that this procedure could impair shoulder function. The primary objective of this study was to study the effect of breast reconstruction using the latissimus dorsi flap on patient reported shoulder function and quality of life, compared to women who underwent total mastectomy without reconstruction.

https://ift.tt/2HAZD8O

“Efficacy of autologous fat transfer for the correction of contour deformities in the breast: a systematic review and meta-analysis”

Autologous fat transfer (AFT), also known as fat grafting or lipofilling, has already become part of clinical practice for treating contour deformities of the breast, even though evidence regarding its efficacy is still lacking. This is the first meta-analysis on the subject, aimed to facilitate intuitive interpretation of the available data by clinicians, guideline committees and policy makers.

https://ift.tt/2sGX5RR

Inferiorly Based Lotus Petal Flap & Laser Therapy in Difficult Pilonidal Sinus Management

To assess the efficacy of the lotus petal flap in difficult pilonidal sinus management

https://ift.tt/2Lwx8vx

Chances and limitations of a low-priced mobile 3-D scanner for breast imaging in comparison to an established 3-D photogrammetric system

In search of new possibilities in 3-D surface imaging, several non-medical scanning systems have been assessed for their implementation in Plastic Surgery. The aim of this study was to compare a new affordable 3-D imaging consumer product in comparison to an established medical 3-D imaging system for objective 3-D breast imaging.

https://ift.tt/2sFU18U

Lympahtico venous anastomosis and resection for genital acquired lymphangiectasia (GAL)

The purpose of this paper is to report on the relationship between lymphoscintigraphic findings and the operative results of lymphatico-venous anastomosis (LVA) and resection of genital acquired lymphangiectasia (GAL). Seventeen GAL patients who underwent lymphoscintigraphy between April 2012 and June 2016 were included in this retrospective study. LVA and GAL resections were performed for 14 patients. The GALs were resected in a spindle shape to the full thickness of the genital skin and the wounds were closed primarily.

https://ift.tt/2HyrUNd

Characterisation of “flushable” and “non-flushable” commercial wet wipes using microRaman, FTIR spectroscopy and fluorescence microscopy: to flush or not to flush

Abstract

The introduction to the market of wet wipes, advertised and labelled as "flushable", has been the subject of controversy due to their perceived potential to block sewer systems as observed with other non-woven cloths such as traditional non-flushable wipes. Non-woven cloths that enter wastewater systems can find their way into the aquatic environment via wastewater effluents and it has been suggested that the breakdown of these fabrics can release materials such as microplastics into the environment. Worldwide research has revealed the alarming number of aquatic organisms affected by the presence of plastic debris in the aquatic environment harbouring a potential risk to humans through the introduction of microplastics into the food chains. However, the actual material composition of flushable wipes, their fate and impacts in the aquatic environment have not yet been scientifically studied. This paper investigates the fibre composition of flushable and non-flushable wipes, specifically with regard to synthetic polymer material, using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and microRaman spectroscopy along with fluorescence microscopy. The study demonstrated the presence of polyester (polyethylene terephthalate, (PET)), high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and polyethylene/vinyl acetate (PEVA/EVA) in some flushable wipes and PET in all non-flushable. Other polymers such us polypropylene (PP), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), expanded polystyrene (EPS) and polyurethane (PU) were also identified as potential components in the flushable material. Hence, commercially available wet wipes labelled as flushable could also be considered as a possible source of microplastic fibres in the wastewater streams and, if not retained, in the environment.

https://ift.tt/2JuRO6v

The Value of Negative Diagnosis in Thyroid Fine-Needle Aspiration: a Retrospective Study with Histologic Follow-Up

Abstract

The Bethesda System for reporting thyroid cytopathology (BSRTC) predicts an incidence of malignancy of less than 5% in thyroid nodules with a benign diagnosis on fine-needle aspiration (FNA). However, recent series have suggested that the true rate of malignancy might be significantly higher in this category of patients. We reviewed our experience by performing a retrospective analysis of patients with benign thyroid FNA results who underwent thyroidectomy between 2008 and 2013 at a large academic center. Information including demographics, ultrasound features, FNA diagnosis, and surgical follow-up information were recorded. Slides were reviewed on cytology-histology discrepant cases, and it was determined whether the discrepancy was due to sampling or interpretation error. A total of 802 FNA cases with a benign diagnosis and surgical follow-up were identified. FNA diagnoses included 738 cases of benign goiter and 64 cases of lymphocytic thyroiditis. On subsequent surgical resection, 144 cases were found to be neoplastic, including 117 malignant cases. False negative, defined as interpretation error and inadequate biopsy of the nodule harboring malignancy, was 6%. When cases of noninvasive follicular thyroid neoplasm with papillary-like nuclear features (NIFTP) were excluded from the analysis, false-negative rate was 5%. When microPTC cases were excluded, false-negative rate was 3% and was slightly less than 3% when both microPTC and NIFTP cases were excluded from the analysis. Retrospective review of neoplastic cases showed that 57% were due to sampling error and 43% were due to interpretation error. Interpretation error was more likely to occur in follicular patterned neoplasms (75%), while sampling error was more common in non-follicular variants of papillary thyroid carcinoma (non-FVPTC) (61%). With the exclusion of microPTC, interpretation errors were still more likely to occur in follicular neoplasms (79%) but there was no significant difference in sampling error between non-FVPTC (37%) and follicular patterned neoplasms (42%). Tumor size was larger in cases with interpretation error (mean = 2.3 cm) compared to cases with sampling error (mean = 1.4 cm). This study shows that the false-negative rate of thyroid FNA at our institution is not significantly above the rate suggested by the BSRTC. Interpretation errors were more likely to occur in follicular patterned neoplasms, while non-FVPTC was more frequently found in false negative cases due to inadequate sampling.

https://ift.tt/2LxyuGm

Combined targeted ion channel therapy: can it be an alternative choice for esophageal cancer patients?

Publication date: Available online 8 June 2018
Source:Medical Hypotheses
Author(s): Guochao Zhang, Xuefei Wang, Qi Xue
Esophageal cancer is a relatively common malignancy with a poor prognosis and is conventionally treated by surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. However, due to the prevalence of cancer relapse with treatment resistance, novel molecular targets must be identified for the development of alternative therapies. Emerging evidence indicates that ion channels play important roles in cell proliferation, migration, apoptosis and differentitation and could therefore be considered as a potential oncological therapy. Therapies that target single oncogenic channel have shown promise. However, therapies that target more than one ion channel have not been developed. We propose that therapies targeting more than one type of ion channel might be an alternative treatment for esophageal cancer.



https://ift.tt/2LBDzx9

The Possible Impact of Cervical Stenosis on Cephalad Neuronal Dysfunction

Publication date: Available online 8 June 2018
Source:Medical Hypotheses
Author(s): Tigran Khachatryan, Joe Sam Robinson
Earlier observers have speculated on the causal relationships between abnormal CSF circulation and a variety of neurological dysfunctions. Such speculations have been at least partially validated by recent evidence and inquiries contravening the traditional static viewpoint of CSF circulation. More contemporary inquiries establish a number of factors which influence both CSF production and absorption (sleep disturbance, neck position, cerebral metabolism, brain atrophy, medications, etc.). Thus, transient periods of abnormality are possibly mingled with periods of normality.Such episodic alterations suggest that the physiological arrangements which underpin CSF circulation may be in some ways likened to blood pressure alterations, in that long-standing CSF abnormalities may be both unappreciated and gradual, though virulent enough to cause substantial neurological injury. We suggest that cervical stenosis (blocking an important CSF decompressive pathway into the vertebral canal) is among the largely unappreciated causes of abnormal CSF circulation and may play a role in cephalad neuronal dysfunction. Such a blockage is correlated with age and easily assessed by cine MRI study. Indeed, episodic disturbances can diminish CSF cerebral flow circulation increasing deposition in cerebral parenchyma of contrary metabolic products (e.g. beta Amyloid), possibly having a causal influence on senile dementia. Additionally, cervical stenosis, by increasing posterior fossa cerebral pressure, could play a causal role in a number of afflictions, among them sleep apnea, concomitant respiratory and circulatory dysfunction, hypertension, chronic occipital headaches, tinnitus, etc.We further suggest that among those patients with substantial cervical stenosis (extensive enough to block CSF circulation in the cervical area as identified by cine MRI) appropriate comparative clinical studies could be undertaken to demarcate associations with presenile dementia, sleep disturbance and posterior fossa dysfunction.Additionally, we suggest that an intracranial monitoring implant be perfected to chronically monitor both intracranial pressure and CSF flow – a monitoring device comparable to the rather less invasive sphygmometric evaluation of blood pressure.If such speculations prove correct, different therapeutic regimens which might improve outcome could be imagined. Among them better sleep hygiene (to by position maximize CSF flow) and possibly more aggressive operative decompressive intervention to diminish cervical obstruction.



https://ift.tt/2sIfIVz

Garcinol, an effective monoamine oxidase-B inhibitor for the treatment of Parkinson's disease

Publication date: Available online 8 June 2018
Source:Medical Hypotheses
Author(s): Muhammed Khairujjaman Mazumder, Rajib Paul, Banashree Chetia Phukan, Ankumoni Dutta, Jayasree Chakrabart, Pallab Bhattacharya, Anupom Borah
Loss of dopamine containing neurons in substantia nigra pars compacta of midbrain and resultant depletion of dopamine in striatum is the cause Parkinson's disease (PD) which is associated with motor abnormalities. Replenishment of dopamine by oral supplementation of its precursor, the levodopa (L-DOPA), remains the primary mode of treatment of PD despite its potential side-effects after prolonged use in patients. To reduce the daily dosing of L-DOPA in patients, inhibitors of dopamine catabolizing enzymes particularly monoamine oxidase-B (MAO-B) are prescribed. The most widely used MAO-B inhibitor to maintain the bioavailability of dopamine in brain of PD patients is L-deprenyl despite of its potential side-effect. The present study identified Garcinol as a potential candidate in the treatment paradigm of PD by virtue of its exorbitant MAO-B inhibitory potentials. The inhibitory potential is comparable to known MAO-B inhibitors, which was evaluated by using molecular docking technique. Owing to its known antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and cathecol-o-methyl transferase inhibitory potential the molecule would also confer neuroprotection as well, and thus, the present study is of immense significance in the treatment paradigm of PD.



https://ift.tt/2HuGo0N

Seasonal variation and source analysis of persistent organic pollutants in the atmosphere over the western Tibetan Plateau

Abstract

Over the past few decades, the Tibetan Plateau (TP) region has become gradually contaminated by persistent organic pollutants (POPs). The picture regarding POPs is clear in the central and southern parts of the TP; however, few observational campaigns have focused on the western TP. To clarify the concentrations, seasonal trends and source regions of POPs in the western TP, a first study of POPs in Muztagh Ata (westerly region) and a long-term (5 years) monitoring program in Ngari (transect region influenced by both the Indian monsoon and westerly climate) were conducted. Except for hexachlorobenzene (HCB) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), relatively low POP levels were observed in the western TP. In Muztagh Ata, dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethanes (DDTs) showed higher concentrations in winter and lower ones in summer, whereas at Ngari, higher DDTs and hexachlorocyclohexanes (HCHs) concentrations were observed in summer as compared with winter. Source diagnosis indicated that Xinjiang and central Asia were the main source regions for POPs in Muztagh Ata and that westerly winds play a key role in transporting POPs from central Asia. No correlation was found between the height of the atmospheric boundary layer and the concentrations of POPs over the TP.

https://ift.tt/2Lzf4kg

Occurrence of tumors among gastropods Plicopurpura pansa (Gastropoda: Neogastropoda) in the Port of Manzanillo, Mexico

Abstract

In order to evaluate the health of Plicopurpura pansa, a species considered vulnerable, a population of this gastropod living in proximity to the port of greatest cargo movement in Mexico was monitored seasonally during 1 year. Morphometric characteristics and sexual proportion were recorded. A macroscopic analysis was carried out to detect malformations and imposex; a histological analysis was performed to evaluate disseminated and gonadal neoplasias; the presence/absence in soft tissues of butyltin species (BTs) as possible contamination agents was also estimated. A total of 508 P. pansa specimens were collected. The largest specimens were obtained in winter. The coefficients of determination inside the port were low (R² = 0.453). In general, there was a greater proportion of females than males throughout the year. Distinctive foot malformations (tumors) were recorded, but without signs of imposex. The histological examination confirmed the presence of disseminated neoplasias in the foot and gonads of P. pansa in the Port of Manzanillo. The comparative analysis of the morphological and histological features of the studied gastropod population allowed us to recognize impact patterns in relation to proximity to the port. There were high concentrations of monobutyltin (MBT) and greater abundance of tumors in heavier specimens; this was associated with port proximity zones. P. pansa could therefore serve as a sensitive bioindicator of environmental health in marine systems.

https://ift.tt/2JkIWo1

A short view on nanohydroxyapatite as coating of dental implants

Publication date: September 2018
Source:Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy, Volume 105
Author(s): Javad Yazdani, Elham Ahmadian, Simin Sharifi, Shahriar Shahi, Solmaz Maleki Dizaj
IntroductionTitanium based (Ti-based) materials have been used as dental implants due to their high biocompatibility, good mechanical strength and ideal osseointegration properties. Osseointegration of an implant is dependent on surface characteristics such as surface chemistry and topography. Nanotechnology has presented new and interesting applications in dentistry in recent years. The presence of nanoparticles on the implant surface can affect both the topography and surface chemistry, leading to different and outstanding specifications for implant.MethodA literature review was performed in electronic databases by means of MeSH keywords to collect relevant published literature in English about the effect of nanohydroxyapatite on osseointegration of titanium implants. No limitations on publication date were imposed. Data regarding titanium implants; nanotechnology; nanohydroxyapatite; osseointegration and cell attachment were collected and reviewed.Results and conclusionAccording to reviewed literature, nanohydroxyapatites have a nanostructured surface with higher surface area and then higher reactivity, letting them to bind to bone creating a biomimetic coating on implants. However, more studies are needed on the cell–substrate interface to develop an effective implant due to the interaction of the cells and the biomaterial surface after the implantation.



https://ift.tt/2sGDAsH

Clinical applications of quantitative three-dimensional MRI analysis for pediatric embryonal brain tumors

Publication date: Available online 8 June 2018
Source:International Journal of Radiation Oncology*Biology*Physics
Author(s): Jared H. Hara, Ashley Wu, Javier E. Villanueva-Meyer, Gilmer Valdes, Vikas Daggubati, Sabine Mueller, Timothy D. Solberg, Steve E. Braunstein, Olivier Morin, David R. Raleigh
ObjectivesTo investigate the prognostic utility of quantitative three-dimensional (3D) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) radiomic analysis for primary pediatric embryonal brain tumorsMethodsThirty-four pediatric embryonal brain tumor patients with concurrent pre-operative T1-weighted post contrast (T1PG) and T2-weighted fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) MR images were identified from an institutional database. The median follow-up was 5.2 years. Radiomic features were extracted from axial T1PG and FLAIR contours using MATLAB, and 15 features were selected for analysis based on qualitative radiographic features with prognostic significance for pediatric embryonal brain tumors. Logistic regression, linear regression, receiver operating characteristic curve, Harrell's C index and Somer's D index were used to test the relationships between radiomic features, demographic variables and clinical outcomes.ResultsWe found that pediatric embryonal brain tumors in older patients had increased normalized mean tumor intensity (P=0.05, T1PG), decreased tumor volume (P=0.02, T1PG) and increased markers of heterogeneity (P≤0.01, T1PG and FLAIR) relative to younger patients. We identified 10 quantitative radiomic features that delineated between medulloblastoma, pineoblastoma and supratentorial primitive neuroectodermal tumor, including size and heterogeneity (P≤0.05, T1PG and FLAIR). Decreased markers of tumor heterogeneity were predictive of neuraxis metastases and trended towards significance (P=0.1, FLAIR). Tumors with increased size (AUC=0.7, FLAIR) and decreased heterogeneity (AUC=0.7, FLAIR) at diagnosis were more likely to recur.ConclusionsQuantitative radiomic features are associated with pediatric embryonal brain tumor patient age, histology, neuraxis metastases and recurrence. These data suggest that quantitative 3D MRI radiomic analysis has the non-invasive potential to identify radiomic risk features for pediatric embryonal brain tumor patients.

Teaser

The relationship between clinical outcomes and imaging characteristics of pediatric embryonal brain tumors is poorly understood. Here, we analyze embryonal brain tumor magnetic resonance images to identify quantitative radiomic features associated with clinical outcomes. Our results demonstrate that features quantifying primary tumor size and heterogeneity are associated with patient age, neuraxis metastases, histology and recurrence. These data suggest that 3D MRI analysis has the non-invasive potential to identify radiomic risk features for pediatric embryonal brain tumor patients.


https://ift.tt/2M9ZzAG

Oculoauriculovertebral spectrum and maxillary sinus volumes

Abstract

Objectives

To evaluate, by comparing maxillary sinus volumes, how asymmetries related to oculoauriculovertebral spectrum (OAVS) affect upper-jaw development.

Methods

From pre-existing multislice spiral computed tomography (MSCT) datasets, we selected 20 cases of 11 female and 9 male patients aged 6.1–24 years who were clinically and radiographically symmetrical (group 1) plus 20 cases of 8 female and 12 male patients aged 5.7–23.9 years who had OAVS (group 2). After three-dimensional reconstruction of the datasets, the volumes of the left and right maxillary sinuses were calculated and compared based on patient groups and based on the sides affected or unaffected by OAVS. To this end, the OAVS patients were subdivided into a group in whom both external acoustic pores were radiographically present (group 2a) and a group in whom the pore on the affected side was congenitally missing (group 2b).

Results

Intrarater reliability was very high (0.997). Significantly larger volumes of the maxillary sinuses, amounting to a mean of 13.4 ml, were observed in the control group than in the asymmetric OAVS groups where the volumes averaged 9.8 ml or 10.3 ml, respectively (p = 0.03). No statistically significant differences in sinus volumes were found between the two OAVS groups (p = 0.557) and between the sides affected or unaffected by the OAVS (p = 0.8311 in group 2a and 0.4961 in group 2b).

Conclusions

Overall, we found the volumes of both maxillary sinuses to be somewhat smaller in the asymmetric patients than in the symmetric control group. This might indicate that OAVS was associated with a mild generalized hypoplasia of the maxilla, but significantly different sinus volumes were not seen between the affected and unaffected sides.

https://ift.tt/2HvG9SU

Synthesis and antitumor activity of bis(hydroxymethyl)propionate analogs of pterostilbene in cisplatin-resistant human oral cancer cells

Publication date: Available online 8 June 2018
Source:Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry
Author(s): Min-Tsang Hsieh, Li-Jiau Huang, Tian-Shung Wu, Hui-Yi Lin, Susan L. Morris-Natschke, Kuo-Hsiung Lee, Sheng-Chu Kuo
The aim of this study was to develop a new drug substance with low toxicity and effective inhibitory activity against cisplatin-resistant oral cancer. The naturally produced pterostilbene was selected as the lead compound for design and synthesis of a series of bis(hydroxymethyl)propionate-based prodrugs. All derivatives were screened for antiproliferative effects against the cisplatin-resistant oral squamous (CAR) cell line and the results indicated that several compounds demonstrated superior inhibitory activity compared with pterostilbene and resveratrol. Among them, the most promising compound, 12, was evaluated for in vivo antitumor activity in a CAR xenograft nude mouse model. Obvious antitumor activity was observed at the lowest oral dose (25 mg/kg/day). Increasing the dose of 12 to 100 mg/kg/day reduced the tumor size to 22% of the control group. Based on these findings as well as the extremely low toxicity seen in the in vivo studies, we believe that compound 12 could serve as a new lead for further development.

Graphical abstract

https://ift.tt/2M7whSZ

Lycopene reduces in utero bisphenol A exposure-induced mortality, benefits hormones, and development of reproductive organs in offspring mice

Abstract

This study was conducted to investigate the protective effect of lycopene on reproductive toxicity induced by in utero exposure to bisphenol A (BPA) in offspring mice. Pregnant mice in the BPA model group were given orally 500 mg/kg/day BPA from pregnant day (PD)8 to PD14. Mice of lycopene group were gavaged with 20 mg/kg/day lycopene from PD1 to PD7 and then given 500 mg/kg/day BPA from PD8 to PD14. Results showed that lycopene reduced the elevated mortality in offspring mice of the mother exposed to BPA. BPA lowered the levels of testosterone, luteinizing hormone, and follicle-stimulating hormone while lycopene treatment increased the levels significantly. BPA elevated estradiol while lycopene lowered estradiol in the offspring. BPA caused testicular damage as shown by less Leydig cells and ovarian injury as shown by less corpus granules in adult offspring, while lycopene decreased the damages. Maternal exposure to BPA increased Bax and decreased Bcl-2 in testicular and ovary tissues in the offspring mice. Lycopene decreased Bax in testis and ovary and increased Bcl-2 in ovary tissues in the offspring mice. These findings suggest lycopene has protective effects on in utero BPA exposure-induced reproductive toxicity in offspring mice.

https://ift.tt/2sQQDal

Minimal Clinically Important Differences for Measures of Treatment Efficacy in Stevens-Johnson Syndrome and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis

Publication date: Available online 8 June 2018
Source:Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology
Author(s): Whan B. Kim, Brandon Worley, James Holmes, Elizabeth J. Phillips, Jennifer Beecker, Jennifer Beecker




https://ift.tt/2LvLNaj

Platelet rich plasma with microneedling and trichloroacetic acid peel for treatment of striae distensae

Publication date: Available online 8 June 2018
Source:Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology
Author(s): Abhijeet Kumar Jha, Sidharth Sonthalia, Deepak Jakhar




https://ift.tt/2JFQmkQ

The dependency analysis between energy consumption, sanitation, forest area, financial development, and greenhouse gas: a continent-wise comparison of lower middle-income countries

Abstract

This study explored the long-run association among greenhouse gases (GHGs), financial development, forest area, improved sanitation, renewable energy, urbanization, and trade in 24 lower middle-income countries from Asia, Europe, Africa, and America (South and North) by using panel data from 1990 to 2015. Granger causality was tested by Toda and Yamamoto approach. The bi-directional causality was established among urbanization and GHGs (Asia), financial development and forest (Asia), energy use and renewable energy (Asia), renewable energy and forest (Asia), improved sanitation and forest (Asia, Africa, America), urbanization and forest (Asia), and improved sanitation and financial development (Europe). The GHG emission also shows one-way causality is running from financial development to GHG (America), energy to GHG (Asia), renewable energy to GHG (America), forest area to GHG (America), trade openness to GHG (Africa), urbanization to GHG (Europe), GHG to financial development (Europe), GHG to energy use (Europe, Africa, and America), and GHG to trade openness (Asia). On the basis of fully modified ordinary least square and generalized method of moment, the reciprocal relationship of GHGs was observed due to financial development in Asia and Africa; renewable energy in all panels; forest area in Asia, Europe, and America; improved sanitation in Asia, Africa, and America; trade openness in Africa; and urbanization in Europe and America. Policymakers should concentrate on these variables for the reduction in GHGs. The annual convergence towards long-run equilibrium was 50.5, 31.9, and 20.9% for America, Asia, and Africa, respectively.

https://ift.tt/2JC8CvH

Occurrence and ecological risk assessment of 22 emerging contaminants in the Jilin Songhua River (Northeast China)

Abstract

Rivers may receive pharmaceuticals, personal care products, and environment estrogens, which are emerging concerns, from various sources. Understanding the fate of these emerging contaminants (ECs) from the sources to their receiving river is important for assessing their ecosystem risk. Here, the occurrence, seasonal variation, spatial distribution, and ecological risk of 22 ECs in water and sediments from the Jilin Songhua River, as well as in the effluents from the riverside Jilin wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) were investigated. Results indicated that estriol with the highest median concentration of 21.5 ng L⁻¹ in the river water and with the highest median concentration of 481.5 ng g⁻¹ in the sediments, and methylparaben with the highest concentration of 29.6 ± 2.9 ng L⁻¹ in the WWTP effluents were the predominant contaminants. The total concentration of ECs in the river water in the dry season was about 1.5 times higher than that in the wet season. The concentrations of these ECs close to the contaminated tributary and the WWTP were relatively high. Risk assessment showed that the maximum risk quotient value of estrone was 1.07 in the river water and estriol was 2.10 in the effluents. In addition, erythromycin posed generally medium risk in the river water and WWTP effluents. It should be paid attention to the prior control of the three contaminants in the river region.

https://ift.tt/2HwjXZ9

Oculoauriculovertebral spectrum and maxillary sinus volumes

Abstract

Objectives

To evaluate, by comparing maxillary sinus volumes, how asymmetries related to oculoauriculovertebral spectrum (OAVS) affect upper-jaw development.

Methods

From pre-existing multislice spiral computed tomography (MSCT) datasets, we selected 20 cases of 11 female and 9 male patients aged 6.1–24 years who were clinically and radiographically symmetrical (group 1) plus 20 cases of 8 female and 12 male patients aged 5.7–23.9 years who had OAVS (group 2). After three-dimensional reconstruction of the datasets, the volumes of the left and right maxillary sinuses were calculated and compared based on patient groups and based on the sides affected or unaffected by OAVS. To this end, the OAVS patients were subdivided into a group in whom both external acoustic pores were radiographically present (group 2a) and a group in whom the pore on the affected side was congenitally missing (group 2b).

Results

Intrarater reliability was very high (0.997). Significantly larger volumes of the maxillary sinuses, amounting to a mean of 13.4 ml, were observed in the control group than in the asymmetric OAVS groups where the volumes averaged 9.8 ml or 10.3 ml, respectively (p = 0.03). No statistically significant differences in sinus volumes were found between the two OAVS groups (p = 0.557) and between the sides affected or unaffected by the OAVS (p = 0.8311 in group 2a and 0.4961 in group 2b).

Conclusions

Overall, we found the volumes of both maxillary sinuses to be somewhat smaller in the asymmetric patients than in the symmetric control group. This might indicate that OAVS was associated with a mild generalized hypoplasia of the maxilla, but significantly different sinus volumes were not seen between the affected and unaffected sides.

https://ift.tt/2HvG9SU

Miniaturized point discharge-radical optical emission spectrometer: A multichannel optical detector for discriminant analysis of volatile organic sulfur compounds

Publication date: 1 October 2018
Source:Talanta, Volume 188
Author(s): Mengtian Li, Shixu Huang, Kailai Xu, Xiaoming Jiang, Xiandeng Hou
In this work, we proposed a miniaturized point discharge-radical optical emission spectrometer (PD-RES) as a multichannel optical detector for discriminant analysis of various volatile organic sulfur compounds (VOSCs). Under appropriate experimental conditions, the unique molecular emission of CS radical in the vicinity of 257.6 nm was recorded, as well as the atomic emission lines of C at 193.1 nm and 247.8 nm, the molecular emission of C2 radical around 231.5 nm and CN radical nearby 384.8 nm. They were utilized as five optical channels for precise qualification and discrimination. Linear discriminant analysis (LDA) and principal component analysis (PCA) further demonstrated the robustness of this detector for discriminant analysis: 95 unknown samples from ten typical VOSCs were classified with accuracy of 98.9%. This proposed detector was further successfully applied to the discrimination of different concentrations of CS2 in air samples and two types of isomers (functional group isomer and carbon-chain isomer).

Graphical abstract

https://ift.tt/2sMYIg4

ZrO2 doped magnetic mesoporous polyimide for the efficient enrichment of phosphopeptides

Publication date: 1 October 2018
Source:Talanta, Volume 188
Author(s): Xi-Ming Wang, Zhi-Yong Guo, Yue Zhang, Ming-Li Chen, Jian-Hua Wang
FexOy and ZrO2 nanoparticles co-doped layered porous polyimide, polyimide-FexOy-ZrO2 is prepared with a one-step strategy, shortly termed as PI-FexOy-ZrO2. The layered and porous structure of the polymer offers a supported platform for metallic oxide anchoring, exhibiting a mesopore size of 3.93 nm and providing a surface area of 198.47 m² g⁻¹. The metallic oxides were uniformly and highly dispersed in the PI-FexOy-ZrO2 nanocomposite with percentages of 15.81 and 20.53 wt% for Fe and Zr, respectively. The magnetic FexOy provides driving force for rapid separation. The high doping of ZrO2 facilitates effective enrichment of phosphopeptides, even at a very low mass ratio of 1:1000 for tryptic digest of phosphopeptides/non-phosphopeptides, e.g., β-casein/BSA in this particular case. In addition, the PI-FexOy-ZrO2 nanocomposite exhibits better adsorption performance to phosphopeptides with respect to commercial titanium dioxide nanoparticles. The effectiveness of low-abundant phosphopeptides isolation and enrichment from human serum is further identified and demonstrated by means of MALDI-TOF MS and LC-ESI-MS/MS.

Graphical abstract

https://ift.tt/2JCdIIi

Correlation between oral health-related quality of life and orthodontic treatment need in children and adolescents—a prospective interdisciplinary multicentre cohort study

Abstract

Purpose

Oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) is a construct for assessing the self-perceived oral health of patients. The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation between OHRQoL and orthodontic treatment need in consideration of demographic and psychological factors.

Patients and methods

This multicentre study included 250 patients with an indication for orthodontic diagnostics. In cooperation with the Institute of Clinical Psychology at the University of Würzburg, validated and internationally acknowledged questionnaires were selected to assess OHRQoL (COHIP-G19) and health-related quality of life (HRQOL). Self-esteem and behavioural problems were taken into consideration as possible psychological factors. Orthodontic treatment need was assessed using the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need—Dental Health Component (IOTN-DHC), the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need—Aesthetic Component (IOTN-AC) and the Dental Aesthetic Index (DAI). Possible significant correlations between the collected parameters and OHRQoL were evaluated by means of linear regression analysis.

Results

Objective orthodontic treatment need (IOTN-DHC and DAI) was significantly correlated with OHRQoL. Further factors significantly influencing OHRQoL in children and adolescents were age, HRQOL, self-esteem and behavioural problems.

Conclusions

Objective orthodontic treatment need significantly influences OHRQoL in children and adolescents. Further studies are required to investigate if OHRQoL may be improved by correcting misaligned teeth and jaws.

https://ift.tt/2kXqpiL

A Clinical Study of HMME-PDT Therapy in Chinese Pediatric patients with Port-wine stain

Publication date: Available online 8 June 2018
Source:Photodiagnosis and Photodynamic Therapy
Author(s): Gan Li-qiang, Wang Hua, Ni Si-li, Tan Chun-hua
ObjectiveTo report our observations from a trial of the effectiveness and safety of hematoporphyrin monomethyl ether photodynamic therapy (HMME-PDT) in treating Chinese Pediatric patients port-wine stains (PWS).MethodFrom October 2017 to December 2017, the study recruited 82 patients of PWS with negative HMME skin test results. The patients received an intravenous injection of 5 mg/kg HMME and the affected areas were exposed to 532 nm LED green light, with the irradiation power density between 80–85 mW/cm². Each light spot was irradiated for 20–25 min. After two treatments, the clinical efficacy and posttreatment reactions at each treated area were observed.ResultThe patient age between 1 and 14 years old. 24 of the 82 cases were cured (29.27%) after two HMME-PDT treatment, 34 cases indicates a good efficacy (41.46%), 16 cases showed alleviation (19.51%), while 8 cases displayed no efficacy (9.76%). Pain was observed during treatment, and post-treatment edema was observed at the treated areas. No other obvious systematic adverse reaction were reported.ConclusionHMME-PDT is an effective and safe treatment for pediatric patients with PWS.



https://ift.tt/2sRlxzw

Long-term clinical outcome in patients with high-grade soft tissue sarcoma who were treated with surgical adjuvant therapy using acridine orange after intra-lesional or marginal resection

Publication date: Available online 7 June 2018
Source:Photodiagnosis and Photodynamic Therapy
Author(s): Tomoki Nakamura, Katsuyuki Kusuzaki, Takao Matsubara, Hiroaki Murata, Tomohito Hagi, Kunihiro Asanuma, Akihiro Sudo
BackgroundWe investigated the long-term clinical efficacy of acridine orange (AO) therapy on the inhibition of local recurrence after marginal or intra-lesional tumor resection in high-grade soft tissue sarcomas (STSs).MethodsOur study consisted of 48 patients with STSs who received AO therapy after marginal or intra-lesional resection. The median and mean follow-up durations were 76 and 78 months, respectively. Our AO therapy procedure was combined with photodynamic surgery, photodynamic therapy, and radiodynamic therapy.ResultsThere were 25 men and 23 women, with a mean age of 46 years. The average tumor size at surgery was 8.5 cm. At the last follow-up, 11 patients developed local recurrence. The 5- and 10-year local recurrence-free rates were 78.9% and 73.3%, respectively. In multivariate analysis, tumor size remained significant for local control. None of the patients developed systemic or local complications. All patients recovered activities of daily life before AO therapy.ConclusionAO therapy can be performed in safety and may be a useful therapy for acquiring long-term local control in patients with high-grade STSs. Tumor size is an important factor for the indication of AO therapy.



https://ift.tt/2kUQajI

Resolution of Herpes Simplex in the Nose Wing Region using Photodynamic Therapy and Photobiomodulation

Publication date: Available online 7 June 2018
Source:Photodiagnosis and Photodynamic Therapy
Author(s): Andréa Dias Neves Lago, Guilherme Silva Furtado, Odalace Chaves Ferreira, Rafael Soares Diniz, Letícia Machado Gonçalves




https://ift.tt/2xVy2j3

Targeted Photodynamic-Induced Singlet Oxygen Production by Peptide-Conjugated Biodegradable Nanoparticles for Treatment of Skin Melanoma

Publication date: Available online 7 June 2018
Source:Photodiagnosis and Photodynamic Therapy
Author(s): Aya Ahmed Sebak, Iman Imam Gomaa, Aliaa Nabil ElMeshad, Mahmoud Hashem AbdelKader
BackgroundPhotodynamic therapy (PDT) has been determined to be a promising treatment modality in the most resistant tumors as malignant melanoma. Meanwhile, the key cytotoxic agent of PDT, -singlet oxygen (¹O2) - represents a high risk of photodynamic-associated side effects e.g. skin photosensitization. Recently, controllable photosensitization, where ¹O2 is produced on demand, has received increasing attention. In our study, this could be achieved via loading the photosensitizer (PS) in nanoparticles (NPs) decorated with target-specific moieties characterized by ¹O2 quenching abilities to specifically locate the PS in the targeted cells and assure that ¹O2 is only produced where desired after cellular processing.MethodsPolymeric and hybrid lipid-polymer NPs were formulated and assayed for their physicochemical properties. This was followed by conjugation with an active targeting ligand, cRGDyk, cyclic (Arginine-Glycine-Aspartic acid-D-Tyrosine-Lysine) peptide. Finally, photodynamic potential of the selected formulations was assayed by quantification of ¹O2 production and in vitro cytotoxicity.ResultsThree formulations were selected and nominated to be formulations of choice (FOCs); FOC-1 (200 nm, polymeric), FOC-2 (130 nm, polymeric) and FOC-3 (200 nm, hybrid). Physicochemical properties, most importantly particle size and NPs' composition have shown to be the major determinants in targeted NPs' ¹O2 production and PDT-mediated cytotoxicity of melanoma.ConclusionProper selection of formulations intended for PDT application and target-specific ligands could achieve dual targeting; enhanced accumulation of NPs and protection of ¹O2 production elsewhere other than target cells.

Graphical abstract

https://ift.tt/2kVVEL9

Correlation between oral health-related quality of life and orthodontic treatment need in children and adolescents—a prospective interdisciplinary multicentre cohort study

Abstract

Purpose

Oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) is a construct for assessing the self-perceived oral health of patients. The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation between OHRQoL and orthodontic treatment need in consideration of demographic and psychological factors.

Patients and methods

This multicentre study included 250 patients with an indication for orthodontic diagnostics. In cooperation with the Institute of Clinical Psychology at the University of Würzburg, validated and internationally acknowledged questionnaires were selected to assess OHRQoL (COHIP-G19) and health-related quality of life (HRQOL). Self-esteem and behavioural problems were taken into consideration as possible psychological factors. Orthodontic treatment need was assessed using the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need—Dental Health Component (IOTN-DHC), the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need—Aesthetic Component (IOTN-AC) and the Dental Aesthetic Index (DAI). Possible significant correlations between the collected parameters and OHRQoL were evaluated by means of linear regression analysis.

Results

Objective orthodontic treatment need (IOTN-DHC and DAI) was significantly correlated with OHRQoL. Further factors significantly influencing OHRQoL in children and adolescents were age, HRQOL, self-esteem and behavioural problems.

Conclusions

Objective orthodontic treatment need significantly influences OHRQoL in children and adolescents. Further studies are required to investigate if OHRQoL may be improved by correcting misaligned teeth and jaws.

https://ift.tt/2kXqpiL

Association of anthropometric measures and cardio-metabolic risk factors in normal-weight children and adolescents: the CASPIAN-V study

Journal Name: Journal of Pediatric Endocrinology and Metabolism
Issue: Ahead of print


https://ift.tt/2sGmgUW

Scholar : These new articles for Canadian Water Resources Journal / Revue canadienne des ressources hydriques are available online

The online platform for Taylor & Francis Online content New for Canadian Water Resources Journal / Revue canadienne des ressources hydriques and online now on Taylor & Francis Online: Original Articles Plan 2014: The historical evolution of Lake Ontario–St. Lawrence River regulation Murray Clamen & Daniel Macfarlane Pages: 1-16 | DOI: 10.1080/07011784.2018.1475263 Hoping to have your article read by anyone, anywhere and at any time? Find out more about publishing open access with Ecosystem Health and Sustainability. To update which email alerts you receive, manage your alerts within the My Account area. Unsubscribe from new content alerts for this journal (both new issue and latest article notifications) with one click. If you need any further help, please contact us at support@tandfonline.com Please do not reply to this email. To ensure that you receive your alerts and information from Taylor & Francis Online, please add "alerts@tandfonline.com" and "info@tandfonline.com" to your safe senders list. Taylor & Francis, an Informa business. Taylor & Francis is a trading name of Informa UK Limited, registered in England under no. 1072954. Registered office: 5 Howick Place, London, SW1P 1WG.

Soft Toothbrushes versus Foam Swabs for Oral Care: A Review of the Comparative Clinical Effectiveness, Cost- Effectiveness, and Guidelines [Internet].

The purpose of this report is to evaluate the clinical effectiveness, cost-effectiveness, and guidelines for the use of soft toothbrushes compared to foam swabs for oral care in hospitals, residential care, or group home populations.

https://ift.tt/2sFB8mm

Scholar : These new articles for Archives and Manuscripts are available online

The online platform for Taylor & Francis Online content New for Archives and Manuscripts and online now on Taylor & Francis Online: Original Articles Making the case for recordkeeping literacy: a narrative approach Catherine Victoria Nicholls Pages: 1-15 | DOI: 10.1080/01576895.2018.1455598 To update which email alerts you receive, manage your alerts within the My Account area. Unsubscribe from new content alerts for this journal (both new issue and latest article notifications) with one click. If you need any further help, please contact us at support@tandfonline.com Please do not reply to this email. To ensure that you receive your alerts and information from Taylor & Francis Online, please add "alerts@tandfonline.com" and "info@tandfonline.com" to your safe senders list. Taylor & Francis, an Informa business. Taylor & Francis is a trading name of Informa UK Limited, registered in England under no. 1072954. Registered office: 5 Howick Place, London, SW1P 1WG.

Persistence of picloram in soil with different vegetation managements

Abstract

Herbicides with long residual period may increase the risk of environmental contamination. Adequate management of forage can reduce the half-life of the picloram, one of the most herbicides used in weed control. This study aims to determine the half-life of picloram, using high-performance liquid chromatography in a cultivated soil with Brachiaria brizantha trimmed or not. Brachiaria brizantha was cultivated in 60 pots filled with samples of oxisol, and 30 others were kept uncultivated with this forage. This plant was cut off close to the ground, after 60 days of emergency on 30 vessels. Picloram was applied in all of the plots. Soil samples were collected at 2, 16, 30, 44, 58, 72, 86, 120, 150, and 180 days after the application of this herbicide. These samples were air-dried and stored at − 20 °C. Picloram was extracted by HPLC/UV-Vis detector. Half-life of this herbicide was calculated using kinetics models. The mere presence of roots in treatment with signalgrass cutoff did not reduce the concentrations of this herbicide, except when the emergence of new leaves occurred. The absence of B. brizantha cultivation in areas with application of picloram increases the risk of environmental contamination and successive crops due to the half-life of this herbicide. Brachiaria brizantha reduced half-life picloram and environmental risk in pastures. The validation method is suitable for determining picloram in low concentrations in soil.

https://ift.tt/2y4cRvB

Humic substances in Fluvisols of the Lower Vistula floodplain, North Poland

Abstract

The present study describes properties of humic substances of the Fluvisols (the Lower Vistula, Poland). Fluvisols under agricultural management (arable soil and grassland) were sampled from the surface horizon 50, 200, 600, and 900 m from the Vistula River. The content of carbon in the fractions of humic acids (C_HAs), fulvic acids (C_FAs), and humins (C_HUMIN) as well as the content of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) were assayed. The organic matter of the soils that were sampled 200 m from the river demonstrated a lowest share of the humic acids (HAs) and fulvic acids (FAs). The percentage share of the hydrophilic fractions (HIL) in the HAs and, as a result the value of the HIL/ΣHOB ratio, increased with the distance from the riverbed. The HAs of the soils located further from the riverbed had a higher degree of humification compared to the HAs of the soils that were sampled 50 and 200 m away. Based on the research results, it was determined that the properties of HAs can be used to evaluate the effect of flood events, their location, and scope on the transformation of the organic matter in fluvial sediments.

https://ift.tt/2Jmek5D