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Παρασκευή 29 Ιουνίου 2018

Early anomaly detection in smart home: A causal association rule-based approach

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Publication date: Available online 29 June 2018
Source:Artificial Intelligence in Medicine
Author(s): Sfar Hela, Bouzeghoub Amel, Raddaoui Badran
As the world's population grows older, an increasing number of people are facing health issues. For the elderly, living alone can be difficult and dangerous. Consequently, smart homes are becoming increasingly popular. A sensor-rich environment can be exploited for healthcare applications, in particular, anomaly detection (AD). The literature review for this paper showed that few works consider environmental factors to detect anomalies. Instead, the focus is on user activity and checking whether it is abnormal, i.e., does not conform to expected behavior. Furthermore, reducing the number of anomalies using early detection is a major issue in many applications. In this context, anomaly-cause discovery may be helpful in recommending actions that may prevent risk. In this paper, we present a novel approach for detecting the risk of anomalies occurring in the environment regarding user activities. The method relies on anomaly-cause extraction from a given dataset using causal association rules mining. These anomaly causes are utilized afterward for real-time analysis to detect the risk of anomalies using the Markov logic network machine learning method. The detected risk allows the method to recommend suitable actions to perform in order to avoid the occurrence of an actual anomaly. The proposed approach is implemented, tested, and evaluated for each contribution using real data obtained from an intelligent environment platform and real data from a clinical datasets. Experimental results prove our approach to be efficient in terms of recognition rate.



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Factors associated with musculoskeletal disorders and disability in elementary teachers: A cross-sectional study

Publication date: Available online 28 June 2018
Source:Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies
Author(s): Diogo Henrique Constantino Coledam, Raymundo Pires Júnior, Edineia Aparecida Gomes Ribeiro, Arli Ramos de Oliveira
The purpose of this study was to analyze factors associated with musculoskeletal disorders and disability in elementary teachers. This is a cross-sectional study from a representative sample of Brazilian elementary teachers (n = 530). Data were collected using a self-report questionnaire. Sociodemographic, work-related, and behavioural characteristics were the exposure variables. The outcomes were musculoskeletal symptoms, disability, and musculoskeletal disease. Musculoskeletal disease was used as an outcome, as well as an exposure variable when musculoskeletal symptoms and disability were the outcomes. Prevalence ratios (PR) were estimated by Poisson regression. Variables associated with musculoskeletal symptoms were: length of employment ≥20 years (PR = 1.41), perception of inappropriate infrastructure of schools (RP = 1.21), physical activity (PR = 0.80), and high stress (PR = 1.16) for upper limbs; high stress (PR = 1.23) and perception of inappropriate infrastructure of schools (RP = 1.16) for back/neck; common mental disorders (PR = 1.14 to 1.30), and musculoskeletal disease (PR = 1.19–1.62) for all regions of the body. Musculoskeletal disease (PR = 2.46 to 3.37) and perception of inappropriate infrastructure of schools (PR = 1.53 to 1.95) were associated to disability in all regions of the body. Length of employment >20 years was associated with disability in the upper limbs (PR = 2.06). Common mental disorders were associated with disability in the upper limbs (PR = 1.53) and back and neck (PR = 1.47) while sitting time >120 min/day was inversely associated with disability in the lower limbs (PR = 0.64). The predictors of musculoskeletal disease were length of employment ≥20 years (PR = 1.97), perception of inappropriate infrastructure of schools (PR = 1.57), strength and flexibility activities (PR = 1.66), TV viewing time ≥ 120 min (PR = 1.37), sports practice (PR = 0.39), and common mental disorders (PR = 1.39). Although the associations varied according to the outcome, common mental disorders, perception of inappropriate infrastructure of schools, high stress, and length of employment are variables to be considered in the prevention of musculoskeletal disorders in teachers. When analyzed as an exposure variable, musculoskeletal disease was the main predictor of musculoskeletal symptoms and disability.



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Effect of soft tissue mobilization techniques on adhesion-related pain and function in the abdomen: A systematic review

Publication date: Available online 28 June 2018
Source:Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies
Author(s): Jennifer B. Wasserman, Molly Copeland, Molly Upp, Karen Abraham
ObjectiveTo systematically review the effects of soft tissue mobilization (STM) on both surgical and non-surgical abdominal adhesion-related symptoms.Study Design: Systematic ReviewBackgroundIt is known that abdominal adhesions can cause a variety of symptoms with one of the most common being abdominal pain. To date, there is no known systematic review that documents the effects of STM on adhesion-related abdominal symptoms.Methodsand Measures: A systematic review of literature was indexed in the following databases: PubMed, Cochrane, Google Scholar, OVID, and EBSCO. The quality of the studies was assessed using the MINORS scale.ResultsNine studies satisfied the eligibility criteria for this systematic review. The studies' population age ranged from 10.7-89.4 years. Four articles were nonrandomized and had scores ranging from 3-14 out of 16 total on the MINORS scale. Five articles were randomized controlled trials or comparative studies and scores ranged from 16-23 out of 24 total on the MINORS scale. There were five articles that used pain as an objective measure and all of them reported a decrease in pain after treatment. Two studies looked at quality of life and function and both saw objective improvements following abdominal adhesion treatment. Collectively, there were also improvements seen in scar mobility, infertility, posture, a reduction in medication, increased pressure tolerance and decreased postoperative ileus.ConclusionThe results of this review indicate preliminary strong evidence for the benefits of STM on symptoms relating to acute post-surgical adhesions, preliminary moderate evidence for the benefits of STM on symptoms relating to chronic non-surgical related adhesions (fertility and SBO) and moderate evidence for the benefits of STM on symptoms relating to chronic post-surgical adhesions.



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Virtual reality in the rehabilitation process for individuals with cerebral palsy and Down syndrome: A systematic review

Publication date: Available online 28 June 2018
Source:Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies
Author(s): Jamile Benite Palma Lopes, Natalia de Almeida Carvalho Duarte, Roberta Delasta Lazzari, Claudia Santos Oliveira
BackgroundChildhood neurological diseases result in neuromotor impairment, which affects selective motor control, compromising the acquisition of motor skills and functional independence. The positive results achieved with virtual reality are believed to be related to training in an interactive environment that provides a broad range of activities and scenarios with multiple sensory channels, enabling the creation of exercises at an intensity based on individual need. Therefore, a review was conducted to answer the following question: What are the possible effects of virtual reality for the pediatric population, specifically children with cerebral palsy and Down syndrome?ObjectiveThe objective of the present study was to conduct a systematic review of the literature to determine the possible effects of virtual reality therapy in children with cerebral palsy and Down's syndrome.MethodsThe PubMed, Bireme, Scielo and PEDro electronic databases were searched in the period from January to March 2016using the following keywords: Down syndrome and virtual reality, virtual reality and cerebral palsy, virtual reality and neuropediatrics, and Down's syndrome and virtual reality. Only randomized controlled trials published in English in the previous 10 years (2007 to 2016) that addressed the specific purpose of this review and achieved a score of at least 4 points on the PEDro methodological quality scale were eligible for inclusion.ResultsThe initial research led to the retrieval of 214 articles, which were analyzed considering the inclusion criteria. Eighteen articles were submitted to an appraisal of methodological quality using the PEDro scale, only five of which received a score of four or more points and were described in the present review. Three of the studies selected analyzed children with cerebral palsy and two analyzed children with Down syndrome. Despite the different physiopathological characteristics of the two conditions, the authors employed similar therapeutic methods and evaluations. The results of the studies demonstrated that virtual reality training either alone or combined with motor training leads to improvements in sensory-motor functions and can be used as a complement to other successful rehabilitation interventions in the two populations.ConclusionBased on the results of the studies included in the present systematic review, despite differences in the characteristics of each population, the objectives and methods proposed by the authors were similar and virtual reality demonstrated promising effects for individuals with cerebral palsy and Down syndrome.



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Prevalence of Abnormal Postures in Parkinson's Disease

Condition:   Parkinson Disease
Intervention:  
Sponsor:   Universita di Verona
Recruiting

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A Study to Evaluate the Safety and Efficacy of Lenvatinib in Participants With Refractory Differentiated Thyroid Cancer

Condition:   Thyroid Neoplasms
Intervention:   Drug: Lenvatinib
Sponsor:   Eisai Inc.
Recruiting

https://ift.tt/2KvMKCr

Pembrolizumab After Lung SBRT for Medically Inoperable Early Stage Non-small Cell Lung Cancer

Condition:   Non Small Cell Lung Cancer
Interventions:   Drug: Pembrolizumab;   Radiation: Stereotactic body radiotherapy
Sponsor:   Case Comprehensive Cancer Center
Not yet recruiting

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Imaging γ-Glutamyltranspeptidase for tumor identification and resection guidance via enzyme-triggered fluorescent probe

Publication date: October 2018
Source:Biomaterials, Volume 179
Author(s): Haidong Li, Qichao Yao, Feng Xu, Ning Xu, Ran Duan, Saran Long, Jiangli Fan, Jianjun Du, Jingyun Wang, Xiaojun Peng
Development of high selectivity, accurate targeted and noninvasive fluorescent probe for monitoring specific enzyme activity associated with the tumor is urgent needed for early diagnosis of cancer and clinical fluorescence interventional resection guidance treatment. Owing to the invasion of malignant tumor cells, tumor cells are mixed with normal cells in the actual tumor location, which make it quite difficult for clinician to diagnose early diagnosis of tumor as well as resection of tumor. To overcome aforementioned obstacle, herein, an ingenious enzyme-activated one and two-photon fluorescent probe TCF-GGT was constructed and synthesized including γ-GGT enzyme specific identification site and far-red fluorophore for imaging. Under simulative physiological condition, probe TCF-GGT demonstrated high selectivity, sensitivity (DL 0.014 mU/mL), rapid response (Te 14 min) for the detection of γ-GGT enzyme. By virtue of its biocompatibility, probe was employed for the identification of ovarian cancer cells (A2780 cells) from normal cells (NIH-3T3 cells), particularly in mixed cultivation dish (simulate the actual environment of tumor) through 2D&3D fluorescence imaging with "dual" mark (Nucleic acid labeling used by Hoechst 33342 dye and γ-GGT enzyme labeling used by probe TCF-GGT) for the first time. Probe TCF-GGT could be visualize endogenous γ-GGT activity in HepG-2 cells and zebrafish on the two-photon confocal platform, which is conduce to estimate the inhibitor of γ-GGT enzyme in vivo. Through NaBu (a potential anticancer drug) stimulation, the changes of γ-GGT activity were observed in living MCF-7 cells by using this probe. More importantly, the deep tissue penetration ability of far-red fluorescence allowed the two-photon fluorescent probe TCF-GGT to real-time track γ-GGT activity in tissue slices and tumor xenotransplantation model of mice by the tail vein injection, which showed that this enzyme-triggered fluorogenic probe would be a potential tool for preclinical applications of tumor resection.

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Systematic review of the economic impact of cerebral palsy

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Publication date: September 2018
Source:Research in Developmental Disabilities, Volume 80
Author(s): Utsana Tonmukayakul, Sophy T.F. Shih, Helen Bourke-Taylor, Christine Imms, Dinah Reddihough, Liz Cox, Rob Carter
BackgroundCerebral palsy (CP) and its associated conditions can pose a significant economic burden on families, the health care system and the general economy. The boundary for inclusion of costs in research can vary substantially across studies.AimsTo summarize the evidence for burden of disease for CP including the impacts on the health system, the community and carers.MethodsLiterature was identified from Ovid Medline, Embase, CINHAL, PsyInfo, Econlit, Health Economic Evaluation Database (HEED) and NHS Economic Evaluation Database (NHS EED) in the Cochrane Library. The search was restricted to articles published in English between 1970 and April 2016. All costs were converted to $USD 2016 price.ResultsTwenty-two articles were included. Studies varied from snapshot cost descriptions to more complex lifetime estimates, from prevalence-based to incidence-based studies, and from inclusion to exclusion of non-medical costs. There was a strong positive relationship between CP severity and expenditure. Significant costs were incurred by families and the welfare system to facilitate school and community engagement.ConclusionFacilitating participation for people with CP involves substantial expense. The size, nature and distribution of the economic burden emphasises the importance of finding effective strategies to reduce the risk and severity of CP, together with how it is financed.



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Anthocyanins and their gut metabolites attenuate monocyte adhesion and transendothelial migration through nutrigenomic mechanisms regulating endothelial cell permeability

Publication date: Available online 28 June 2018
Source:Free Radical Biology and Medicine
Author(s): Irena Krga, Radu Tamaian, Sylvie Mercier, Celine Boby, Laurent-Emanuel Monfoulet, Marija Glibetic, Christine Morand, Dragan Milenkovic
Cardioprotective effects of dietary anthocyanins are partly attributed to their ability to maintain endothelial function. However, the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms of action are not fully understood. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of anthocyanins and their gut metabolites, at physiologically-relevant conditions, on endothelial cell (EC) function and decipher the underlying molecular mechanisms of action using integrated omics approaches.Primary EC were treated with a mixture of 0.1μM cyanidin-3-arabinoside, 0.1μM cyanidin-3-galactoside, 0.1μM cyanidin-3-glucoside, 0.1μM delphinidin-3-glucoside, 0.1μM peonidin-3-glucoside and 0.5μM 4-hydroxybenzaldehyde for 3h or a mixture of gut metabolites: 0.2μM protocatechuic, 2μM vanillic, 1μM ferulic and 2μM hippuric acids for 18h. Also, successive exposure of EC to both mixtures was performed to mimic anthocyanin pharmacokinetics following their intake. Inflammatory stress was induced using TNFα and monocytes added to assess adhesion and transmigration. Effects of these mixtures on gene, miRNA expression and their potential interaction with cell signalling were investigated.Anthocyanins and their gut metabolites significantly reduced monocyte adhesion and transendothelial migration. Gene expression analysis, using macroarrays, showed that tested compounds modulated the expression of genes involved in cell-cell adhesion, cytoskeleton organization or focal adhesion. Bioinformatics analyses of gene expression data identified potential transcription factors involved in the observed nutrigenomic effects and signalling proteins regulating their activity. Molecular docking revealed cell signalling proteins to which these bioactives may bind to and potentially affect their activity and the activation of downstream signalling, effects that were in agreement with the results of Western blot analyses. Microarray analysis showed that anthocyanins and their gut metabolites affected miRNA expression in EC, especially those involved in regulation of EC permeability, contributing to the observed changes in EC function.Integration of these results revealed endothelial-protective properties of anthocyanins and their gut metabolites and deciphered new underlying multi-target and multi-layered mode of action.



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Erratum to Gut flora-dependent metabolite trimethylamine-N-oxide accelerates endothelial cell senescence and vascular aging through oxidative stress [Free Radic. Biol. Med. 116C (2018) 88–100]

Publication date: Available online 28 June 2018
Source:Free Radical Biology and Medicine
Author(s): Yilang Ke, Dang Li, Mingming Zhao, Changjie Liu, Jia Liu, Aiping Zeng, Xiaoyun Shi, Si Cheng, Bing Pan, Lemin Zheng, Huashan Hong




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A Cortical Shape-Adaptive Approach to Local Gyrification Index

Publication date: Available online 28 June 2018
Source:Medical Image Analysis
Author(s): Ilwoo Lyu, Sun Hyung Kim, Jessica B. Girault, John H. Gilmore, Martin A. Styner
The amount of cortical folding, or gyrification, is typically measured within local cortical regions covered by an equidistant geodesic or nearest neighborhood-ring kernel. However, without careful design, such a kernel can easily cover multiple sulcal and gyral regions that may not be functionally related. Furthermore, this can result in smoothing out details of cortical folding, which consequently blurs local gyrification measurements. In this paper, we propose a novel kernel shape to locally quantify cortical gyrification within sulcal and gyral regions. We adapt wavefront propagation to generate a spatially varying kernel shape that encodes cortical folding patterns: neighboring gyral crowns, sulcal fundi, and sulcal banks. For that purpose, we perform anisotropic wavefront propagation that runs fast along the gyral crowns and sulcal fundi by solving a static Hamilton-Jacobi partial differential equation. The resulting kernel adaptively elongates along gyral crowns and sulcal fundi, while keeping a uniform shape over flat regions like the sulcal banks. We then measure local gyrification within the proposed spatially varying kernel. The experimental results show that the proposed kernel-based gyrification measure achieves a higher reproducibility than the conventional method in a multi-scan dataset. We further apply the proposed kernel to a brain development study in the early postnatal phase from neonate to 2 years of age. In this study we find that our kernel yields both positive and negative associations of gyrification with age, whereas the conventional method only captures positive associations. In general, our method yields sharper and more detailed statistical maps that associate cortical folding with sex and gestational age.

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Conditioned medium from stimulated macrophages inhibits growth but induces an inflammatory phenotype in breast cancer cells

Publication date: October 2018
Source:Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy, Volume 106
Author(s): Wenzhe Song, Parth Thakor, David A. Vesey, Glenda C. Gobe, Christudas Morais
Disparate roles exist for tumor-associated macrophages in breast cancer growth and progression. The aim of this study was to explore the influence of induced macrophages on the growth of breast cancer cells. THP-1 monocytes were differentiated to macrophages using phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate. The effect of the medium from THP-1 monocytes or macrophage-conditioned medium (MφCM) on MCF-7 (estrogen receptor and progesterone-positive positive) and MDA-MB-231 (MB; triple-negative) breast cancer cells was determined at 24 h, 48 h and 72 h. Assays were conducted for cell viability, apoptosis, proliferation and cell phenotype, and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) for expression of associated genes. MφCM inhibited proliferation of MCF-7 and MB cells in a time-dependent manner and, in particular, decreased viability of MCF-7 cells. MφCM induced a markedly vacuolated phenotype in MCF-7 increased apoptosis in MCF-7 cells, but correlative changes in Bcl-2 or Bax were absent. A multifold and significant reduction in anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 in MB cells was not matched by increased apoptosis. The cell cycle inhibitor CDKN1A was increased in both cell lines, but PCNA decreased only in MB cells. Senescence-associated galactosidase beta-1 (GLB1) mRNA was decreased in MCF-7 cells (48 and 72 h) but increased in MB cells (72 h). Increased expression of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and IL-8 was seen in both cell lines, and increased tumor necrosis factor- α was seen at 24 h for MB and 72 h for MCF-7 indicating increased inflammatory responses of the cancer cells. The two breast cancer celllines had different responses to MφCM, mainly involving inhibition rather than stimulation of growth of the cells, stimulation of senescence (MB cells) and increased inflammatory cytokine expression. The estrogen and progesterone receptor status of the cell lines may determine their response to MφCM. The function of the inflammatory cytokines in breast cancer growth remains to be identified.



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RGD peptide-modified, paclitaxel prodrug-based, dual-drugs loaded, and redox-sensitive lipid-polymer nanoparticles for the enhanced lung cancer therapy

Publication date: October 2018
Source:Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy, Volume 106
Author(s): Guowen Wang, Zuyi Wang, Chuankui Li, Guixin Duan, Kangwu Wang, Qicai Li, Tao Tao
One approach to improve the targeted therapeutic efficiency of lung cancer is to deliver drugs using nano-scaled systems. In this study, RGD peptide-modified, paclitaxel (PTX) prodrug-based, dual-drugs loaded, and redox-sensitive lipid-polymer nanoparticles were developed and the in vitro and in vivo antitumor efficiency was evaluated in lung cancer cells and tumor bearing animal models. RGD-modified PTX and cisplatin (CDDP) loaded LPNs (RGD-ss-PTX/CDDP LPNs) have sizes around 190 nm, and zeta potentials of −35 mV. The half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values were 26.7 and 75.3 μg/mL for drugs loaded LPNs and free drugs combination, which indicates significantly higher antitumor activity of LPNs than free drugs. RGD-ss-PTX/CDDP LPNs also exhibited the best antitumor efficiency in vivo, which inhibited the tumor size of mice from 1486 mm3 to 263 mm3. The results illustrated that the system could successfully load drugs and achieve synergistic combination lung cancer treatment efficiency with lower systemic toxicity compared with free drugs counterparts. The resulting system could be facilitated as a promising targeted nanomedicine for the treatment of lung cancer.

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Angelica sinensis polysaccharide protects rat cardiomyocytes H9c2 from hypoxia-induced injury by down-regulation of microRNA-22

Publication date: October 2018
Source:Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy, Volume 106
Author(s): Hui Pan, Linlin Zhu
BackgroundThe cardioprotective role of Angelica sinensis has been proven in previous studies. However, the effects of Angelica sinensis polysaccharide (ASP, major bioactive component of Angelica sinensis) on myocardial infarction (MI) remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the effects of ASP on hypoxia-induced H9c2 cell injury as well as the underlying mechanisms.MethodsWe constructed in vitro hypoxic model to mimic MI. Cell viability, proliferation and apoptosis were respectively measured by using CCK-8 assay, Western blot analysis, and flow cytometry assay/Western blot analysis, to evaluate cell injury after treatments. The effects of ASP pretreatment on hypoxia-induced injury were explored. Expression of miR-22 after treatments was determined by stem-loop RT-PCR, and whether ASP affected H9c2 cells via miR-22 was studied. Involvements of the PI3K/AKT and JAK1/STAT3 pathways were finally explored.ResultsHypoxia-induced decreases of cell viability and proliferation as well as increase of apoptosis were attenuated by ASP pretreatments. Hypoxia treatment up-regulated miR-22 expression, and the up-regulation was mitigated by ASP pretreatment. Effects of ASP pretreatment on hypoxia-treated H9c2 cells were mitigated by miR-22 overexpression while were augmented by miR-22 inhibition. Phosphorylation levels of PI3K, AKT, JAK1 and STAT3 were increased by ASP through down-regulating miR-22 in hypoxia-treated H9c2 cells.ConclusionASP pretreatment attenuated hypoxia-induced H9c2 cell injury, possibly through down-regulating miR-22 expression. The PI3K/AKT and JAK1/STAT3 pathways were activated by ASP pretreatment via miR-22 in hypoxia-treated cells.

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Application of sesquiterpene lactone: A new promising way for cancer therapy based on anticancer activity

Publication date: October 2018
Source:Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy, Volume 106
Author(s): Ghader babaei, Azadeh Aliarab, Sina Abroon, Yusof Rasmi, Shiva Gholizadeh- Ghaleh Aziz
Cancer is one of the most dangerous diseases that are rapidly increasing globally. After heart disease, it is the second leading cause of death, accounting for seven million deaths each year. Chemotherapy is the use of cytotoxic drugs on cancer cells. But the use of common chemotherapy drugs poses a problem due their high side effects and low efficacy. As a result, efforts are on to find new potent compounds with low side effects. The compounds extracted from plants have been studied in this regard due to their prevalence. Sesquiterpene lactones are a group of natural compounds that were first detected in Asteraceae dark plants. These compounds exercise their effects by reacting with functional groups available on proteins and enzymes, especially the thiol group. Owing to the high side effects as an antitumor synthetic drugs, efforts are being made to find drugs with high efficiency and low side effects. Their high structural ranges have attracted the attention of many researchers as a potential source of new anticancer drugs.



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Enhanced expression of lncRNA TP73-AS1 predicts adverse phenotypes for cholangiocarcinoma and exerts oncogenic properties in vitro and in vivo

Publication date: October 2018
Source:Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy, Volume 106
Author(s): Yue Yao, Yue Sun, Yuehong Jiang, Lijun Qu, Yi Xu
Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is one of the most aggressive malignancies with increasing incidence worldwide. Various evidence documents that abnormally expressed long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play important roles in tumorigenesis and progression. TP73-AS1 is a novel cancer-related lncRNA that contributes to the development of several malignancies. However, its clinical value and potential effects on CCA remains unknown. RT-qPCR was used to measure the expression levels of TP73-AS1 in CCA tissues and paired non-tumor tissues and the association between TP73-AS1 expression and clinicopathological characteristics was analyzed. In addition, the functional roles of TP73-AS1 in CCA were detected both in vitro and in vivo. The results illustrated that TP73-AS1 transcription is enhanced in both CCA tissue samples and cell lines, and this upregulation is closely associated with larger tumor size (p=0.008) and advanced TNM stage (p=0.026) in patients with CCA. For the part of functional assays, silencing of TP73-AS1 could attenuate CCA cell growth both in vitro and in vivo. Additionally, silencing of TP73-AS1 facilitates apoptosis via activating caspase-3 and caspase-9. Importantly, TP73-AS1 expression did not affect HIBEC cell growth and apoptosis. Moreover, TP73-AS1 could also facilitate migration and invasion potential of CCA cells. Collectively, these findings may help to develop a potential therapeutic target for the patients with CCA.

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Anticancer effect of the water extract of a commercial Spirulina (Arthrospira platensis) product on the human lung cancer A549 cell line

Publication date: October 2018
Source:Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy, Volume 106
Author(s): Arkadiusz Czerwonka, Katarzyna Kaławaj, Adrianna Sławińska-Brych, Marta K. Lemieszek, Magdalena Bartnik, Krzysztof K. Wojtanowski, Barbara Zdzisińska, Wojciech Rzeski
Spirulina is a well-described and popular dietary supplement derived from Arthrospira algae. In the present study, the anticancer potential of a water extract of a commercial Spirulina product (SE) against the human non-small-cell lung carcinoma A549 cell line was evaluated. After qualitative analysis, we investigated the effect of SE on cell viability, proliferation, and morphology. Furthermore, the influence of SE on regulation of the cell cycle, induction of apoptosis in lung cancer cells, and expression of cell cycle/apoptosis-related proteins was evaluated. Additionally, we examined the cytotoxic effect of SE on normal human skin fibroblasts (HSF). Our studies revealed that SE significantly reduced cancer cell viability and proliferation, which was accompanied by cell cycle inhibition in the G1 phase, induction of apoptosis, and prominent morphological changes. Moreover, we detected no cytotoxic effect of the tested Spirulina extract on normal skin fibroblasts. Our molecular studies demonstrated that SE reduced the phosphorylation of Akt and Rb proteins, reduced the expression of cyclin D1 and CDK4, and increased the Bax to Bcl-2 ratio in the A549 cells. In conclusion, the results obtained provide evidence of the anti-cancer activity of the commercial Spirulina product against lung cancer cells and strongly support the knowledge of the chemopreventive properties of Spirulina.

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MiRNA-34a reversed TGF-β-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition via suppression of SMAD4 in NPC cells

Publication date: October 2018
Source:Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy, Volume 106
Author(s): Guanhong Huang, Ming-yu Du, Hongming Zhu, Nan Zhang, Zhi-Wei Lu, Lu-Xi Qian, Wenjun Zhang, Xiaokang Tian, Xia He, Li Yin
Epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) is considered a prerequisite for tumor invasion and metastasis in many cancers. However, the mechanisms underlying EMT in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is largely unknown. In this study, we found that transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), which reportedly promotes EMT in multiple cancers, can trigger EMT and increase the invasive and migratory capacities of NPC cells. Conversely, the downregulation of SMAD4, a vital member of the canonical TGF-β pathway, reversed the TGF-β-induced EMT, invasion, and migration. Further experiments revealed that SMAD4 was the target of miRNA-34a, which was downregulated in NPC tissues and suppressed NPC cell metastasis in vivo. miRNA-34a overexpression also antagonized the TGF-β-induced EMT progression, invasion, and migration through SMAD4 inhibition. However, the restoration of SMAD4 expression rescued the inhibitory effects of miRNA-34a on tumorigenesis. All these results confirmed that miRNA-34a suppressed the TGF-β-induced EMT, invasion, and migration of NPC cells by directly targeting SMAD4, which indicated the potential of miR-34a as a therapeutic target against NPC.

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Role of selenium and vitamin C in mitigating oxidative stress induced by fenitrothion in rat liver

Publication date: October 2018
Source:Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy, Volume 106
Author(s): Marija D. Milošević, Milica G. Paunović, Miloš M. Matić, Branka I. Ognjanović, Zorica S. Saičić
Excessive use of organophosphate insecticides, including fenitrothion (FNT) can cause detrimental consequences in non-target organisms. Selenium (Se) and vitamin C (Vit C) possess protective abilities against various toxic compounds due to their antioxidative properties. Accordingly, the aim of the present study was to examine the possible ameliorative effects of Se and Vit C in hepatotoxicity induced by FNT. For the purpose of this study, male Wistar albino rats were divided into control and groups treated with Se (0.5 mg/kg b.w, as Na2SeO3) and Vit C (100 mg/kg b.w), FNT (20 mg/kg b.w) and FNT in cotreatment with Se and Vit C for 30 days. The current data showed a reduction in absolute and relative liver weight after FNT administration. Increased activities of liver enzymes (AST, ALT, ALP, LDH and GGT) indicated liver damage. FNT alone caused significant alterations in biochemical parameters (glucose and total bilirubin). Elevation in LPO level along with decreased activities of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, GSH-Px) and GSH content reflected the presence of oxidative stress. Coadministration of FNT with Se and Vit C exhibited hepatoprotective role confirmed by reduction of oxidative stress levels and restoration in the values of examined parameters. Because of their beneficial effects, Se and Vit C may be used in reducing injuries caused by pesticides.

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Paeoniflorin inhibits Rho kinase activation in joint synovial tissues of rats with collagen-induced rheumatoid arthritis

Publication date: October 2018
Source:Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy, Volume 106
Author(s): Wenjing Zhai, Zhihong Ma, Weijie Wang, Lin Song, Jianfeng Yi
Paeoniflorin (PF) has many effects, such as anti-inflammation, immune-regulation, abirritation, and so on. However, the protective mechanisms of PF on rheumatoid arthritis (RA) was not completely known. Thus, we explored deeply the protective mechanisms in a collagen-induced RA (CIA) rat model. CIA was induced in rats by intradermal injection of bovine type II collagen in complete Freund's adjuvant. Later, the CIA rats received oral administration of PF (50 and 100 mg/kg) once a day from the day 21, with the treatment lasting for 14 days. A variety of indicators were measured for evaluation of anti-rheumatism effect, including paw swelling, arthritis scores, and histopathological changes. And the contents of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in the serum, as well as p-NF-κB p65 and p-MYPT1 in the joint synovial tissues were detected to explore the possible mechanisms. The results demonstrated that PF treatment significantly ameliorated the symptoms in CIA rats, reduced the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and paw swelling, down-regulated the expressions of p-NF-κB p65 and p-MYPT1. The present results revealed that PF could effectively improve collagen-induced RA in rats by inhibiting Rho kinase activation in the joint synovial tissues, in turn down-regulating expression of p-NF-κB p65 and reducing contents of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Moreover, PF may be an effective agent for RA.



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Down-regulated miR-148b increases resistance to CHOP in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma cells by rescuing Ezrin

Publication date: October 2018
Source:Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy, Volume 106
Author(s): Ni Sun, Chen-Yi Wang, Yi-Qun Sun, Ye-Jiao Ruan, Yue-Yue Huang, Tong Su, Xiao-Hai Zhou, He Huang, Wen-Jian Guo, Mu-Qing He, Rong-Xin Yao, Xiao-Ji Lin
BackgroundAberrant microRNA (miRNAs) have recently been proposed as important regulators in acquiring resistance to cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone (CHOP) in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). The purpose of this study was to establish the role of miR-148b in the development of CHOP resistance in DLBCL.MethodsThe expression patterns of miR-148b, HDAC6, and Ezrin were detected in CHOP-resistant clinical specimens and a DLBCL cell line. miR-148b, HDAC6, and Ezrin in DLBCL cells were manipulated by cell transfection to explore the functional correlation between them. Cell viability was determined using a CCK-8 assay.ResultsWe found that miR-148b levels were markedly reduced and that the protein expressions of HDAC6 and Ezrin were increased in DLBCL CHOP-resistant clinical specimens and the cell line CRL2631/CHOP. Indeed, HDAC6 decreased the acetylation of histones H3 and H4 in the miR-148b promoter to inhibit miR-148b expression in DLBCL. Moreover, down-regulated miR-148b encouraged CHOP resistance in CRL2631 cells and miR-148b sensitized CRL2631 cells. We further revealed that Ezrin was negatively regulated by miR-148b and that the knockdown of Ezrin significantly attenuated CHOP resistance in CRL2631 cells induced by miR-148b silencing. MiR-148b also sensitized CRL2631/CHOP cell xenografts to CHOP in mice.ConclusionOur data indicated that the high level of HDAC6 inhibited miR-148b via maintaining the low acetylation of histones H3 and H4 in the miR-148b promoter, thus rescuing Ezrin expression and promoting CHOP resistance in DLBCL.



https://ift.tt/2lGdXV9

Biochemical investigation of gender-specific association between insulin resistance and inflammatory biomarkers in types 2 diabetic patients

Publication date: October 2018
Source:Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy, Volume 106
Author(s): Muhammad Sajid Hamid Akash, Kanwal Rehman, Aamira Liaqat, Muhammad Numan, Qaisar Mahmood, Shagufta Kamal
Inflammatory mediators play a key role in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and development of insulin resistance (IR). The purpose of the present study was to investigate the gender-specific association between serum levels of inflammatory biomarkers and development of IR in type 2 diabetic patients. We recruited 90 study participants and collected their blood samples to measure the serum level of interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), C-reactive protein (CRP), insulin and glucose. We found that the serum levels of IL-6 (< 0.0001), TNF-α (< 0.0001) and CRP (< 0.0001) in type 2 diabetic patients were significantly high as compared to control participants. Moreover, we also found that in female diabetic patients, a significant association was observed between the elevated levels of IL-6 (r = 0.8819, R2 = 0.7778), TNF-α (r = 0.9833, R2 = 0.9669) and CRP (r = 0.9529, R2 = 0.9080) and increased risk of developing IR when compared with that of the serum levels of IL-6 (r = 0.7977, R2 = 0.6364), TNF-α (r = 0.9445, R2 = 0.8920) and CRP (r = 0.9051, R2 = 0.8192) of male diabetic patients. Additionally, we also found that the Body mass index (BMI) of female diabetic patients was strongly correlated (r = 0.9694, R2 = 0.9398) with the increased incidence of IR as compared to that of the BMI (r = 0.9188, R2 = 0.8442) of male diabetic patients. The key findings of present study exhibit that gender differences significantly influence the association of inflammatory biomarkers with the development of IR in T2DM.

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Scholar : These new articles for Critique: Studies in Contemporary Fiction are available online

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Original Articles

Kazuo Ishiguro and the Remains of Empire
Carey Mickalites
Pages: 1-14 | DOI: 10.1080/00111619.2018.1487827


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Mitophagy is activated in brain damage induced by cerebral ischemia and reperfusion via the PINK1/Parkin/p62 signalling pathway

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Publication date: Available online 28 June 2018
Source:Brain Research Bulletin
Author(s): Rui Lan, Ji-Tao Wu, Tao Wu, Yun-Zhi Ma, Bao-Qi Wang, Hai-Zhong Zheng, Ya-Na Li, Yan Wang, Chun-Qing Gu, Yong Zhang
This study examined the course of mitophagy following cerebral ischemia with reperfusion and the role of the PTEN-induced kinase 1 (PINK1)/Parkin/p62 signalling pathway. The middle cerebral artery of male Sprague-Dawley rats was occluded for 90 min and was followed by different time-points of reperfusion. Cerebral infarct areas were detected by 2,3,5-triphenyl tetrazolium chloride staining, while brain damage was observed by haematoxylin and eosin staining. Levels of LC3, Beclin1 and LAMP-1 were estimated by western blots. LC3B location was observed in various cells in the neurovascular unit. In addition, PINK1 accumulation in damaged mitochondria and Parkin/p62 mitochondrial translocation were investigated by double immunofluorescence staining. Finally, the levels of PINK1, Parkin and p62 expression in mitochondrial fractions were estimated by western blots. Cerebral ischemia with different time-points of reperfusion resulted in infarct in the territory of the middle cerebral artery accompanied by overall brain damage. In addition, we found up-regulation of LC3B, Beclin1, and LAMP-1, as well as mitophagy activation after reperfusion, with peak expression of these proteins at 24 h after reperfusion. Electron microscopy and immunofluorescence indicated that LC3B was primarily located in neurons, although lower levels of expression were found in astrocytes and even less in vascular endothelial cells. Moreover, significant increases in PINK1 accumulation in the outer membrane of mitochondria and increased Parkin/p62 mitochondrial translocation were shown at 24 h after reperfusion. These findings suggest that the PINK1/Parkin/p62 signalling pathway was involved in the pathophysiological processes following ischemia and reperfusion.



https://ift.tt/2yWp71y

Radiotherapy dose–volume parameters predict videofluoroscopy-detected dysphagia per DIGEST after IMRT for oropharyngeal cancer: Results of a prospective registry

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Publication date: Available online 28 June 2018
Source:Radiotherapy and Oncology
Author(s): Mona Kamal, Abdallah S.R. Mohamed, Stefania Volpe, Jhankruti Zaveri, Martha Portwood Barrow, G. Brandon Gunn, Stephen Y. Lai, Renata Ferrarotto, Jan S. Lewin, David I. Rosenthal, Amit Jethanandani, Mohamed Ahmed Mohamed Meheissen, Samuel L. Mulder, Carlos E. Cardenas, Clifton D. Fuller, Katherine A. Hutcheson
PurposeOur primary aim was to prospectively validate retrospective dose–response models of chronic radiation-associated dysphagia (RAD) after intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) for oropharyngeal cancer (OPC). The secondary aim was to validate a grade ≥2 cut-point of the published videofluoroscopic dysphagia severity (Dynamic Imaging Grade for Swallowing Toxicity, DIGEST) as radiation dose-dependent.Material and methodsNinety-seven patients enrolled on an IRB-approved prospective registry protocol with stage I–IV OPC underwent pre- and 3–6 month post-RT videofluoroscopy. Dose–volume histograms (DVH) for swallowing regions of interest (ROI) were calculated. Dysphagia severity was graded per DIGEST criteria (dichotomized with grade ≥2 as moderate/severe RAD). Recursive partitioning analysis (RPA) and Bayesian Information Criteria (BIC) were used to identify dose–volume effects associated with moderate/severe RAD.Results31% developed moderate/severe RAD (i.e. DIGEST grade ≥2) at 3–6 months after RT. RPA found DVH-derived dosimetric parameters of geniohyoid/mylohyoid (GHM), superior pharyngeal constrictor (SPC), and supraglottic region were associated with DIGEST grade ≥2 RAD. V61 ≥ 18.57% of GHM demonstrated optimal model performance for prediction of DIGEST grade ≥2.ConclusionThe findings from this prospective longitudinal registry validate prior observations that dose to submental musculature predicts for increased burden of dysphagia after oropharyngeal IMRT. Findings also support dichotomization of DIGEST grade ≥2 as a dose-dependent split for use as an endpoint in trials or predictive dose–response analysis of videofluoroscopy results.



https://ift.tt/2tCNpsc

Violet LED associated to low concentration carbamide peroxide on the dental bleaching: A case report

Publication date: Available online 28 June 2018
Source:Photodiagnosis and Photodynamic Therapy
Author(s): Alessandra Nara de Souza Rastelli, Hércules Bezerra Dias, Emanuelle Teixeira Carrera, Ana Cláudia Pedroso de Barros, Diego Dantas Lopes dos Santos, Vitor Hugo Panhóca, Vanderlei Salvador Bagnato
The use of violet LED was recently introduced as a new alternative technique to perform tooth bleaching, associated or not to bleaching agents. This paper shows a tooth bleaching clinical case report performed in a 26-year-old woman, using a violet LED associated to 10% carbamide peroxide (CP). The tooth bleaching protocol was performed in 3 sessions. Fifteen irradiations using a violet light system (BMW, MMoptics, São Carlos, SP, Brazil) were done during 30 seconds (on) and 60 seconds (off) without bleaching gel, and more 5 irradiations associated to 10% CP. Upper and lower arches were irradiated separately. The total procedure time was 30 min. Subjective and objective color assessments were performed using Vitapan Classical shade guide and VITA Easyshade spectrophotometer, respectively. Dentin sensitivity was measured using a visual analogue scale. The use of violet LED associated to a low concentration carbamide peroxide successfully promoted tooth bleaching and no side effects i.e. dentin sensitivity during and post treatment was observed.

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Multifunctional Nanoparticles for Trimodal Photodynamic Therapy-mediated Photothermal and Chemotherapeutic Effects

Publication date: Available online 28 June 2018
Source:Photodiagnosis and Photodynamic Therapy
Author(s): Vivek Raju, NipunBabu Varukattu, Rejeeth Chandrababu, Sharma Alok, Ponraj Thondhi, Vasanthakumar Alagarsamy, Kannan Soundarapandian
Herein, we posit a biocompatible and pH-switchable integrated nanodelivery of CBP/ICG to the in vitro and in vivo experiments demonstrate that nanoparticles (NPs) have insignificant toxicity and good biocompatibility, and possess excellent tumor targeting efficiency as evidenced by highly efficient tumor ablation under near infrared (NIR) illumination. In addition, we have conjugated folic acid as a targeting ligand for folate receptor-targeted delivery. Particularly, targeted delivery of dual CBP/ICG loaded NPs provide targeted detection and transporting potential to specific receptor-expressing tumors, and then CBP interfering with DNA damage and ICG generates singlet oxygen as well as photothermal heat when irradiated with NIR for simultaneous trimodal PDT/PTT/Chemotherapy. Using an animal model, a dramatic reduction in tumor growth without any evidence of significant long-term toxicity to organs after administration of NPs for trimodal therapy subjecting to NIR illumination. Thus, the in vivo satisfactory antitumor trimodal combined efficacy concurrent with complete tumor eradication and promising potential for advanced clinical phototherapy.

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ALA-PDT suppressing the cell growth by Akt-/Erk-mTOR-p70 s6k pathway in human SZ95 sebocytes in vitro

Publication date: Available online 28 June 2018
Source:Photodiagnosis and Photodynamic Therapy
Author(s): Wenjie Liu, Qianqian Wang, Jiang Tuo, Yufeng Chang, Jiayi Ying, Min Jiang, Christos C. Zouboulis, Leihong Xiang
BackgroundTopical 5-aminolevulinic acid mediated photodynamic therapy (PDT) is known to be an effective method in treating acne vulgaris and other sebaceous gland-related diseases. The therapeutic mechanisms of ALA-PDT still remain undetermined. In this study, we aimed to investigate the upstream of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling cascade after ALA-PDT on cell growth of human SZ95 sebocytes.Material and methodsHuman SZ95 sebocytes were treated with different concentration of 5-ALA PDT. Western blotting was used to detect and analyze the protein expression level of P-Akt (T308)/Akt, P-Akt (S473)/Akt, P-Erk/Erk, P-AMPKα (T172)/AMPK, P-AMPKα1 (S485)/AMPKα2 (S491)/AMPK, P-PRAS40/PRAS40, RagC. Meanwhile, mTOR pathway activator IGF-1 and mTORC1 inhibitor rapamycin were added to observe the interferences of P-p70 S6K/p70 S6K after ALA-PDT.ResultsThe mTOR pathway inhibitor rapamycin enhanced the effect of ALA-PDT in SZ95 cells through decreasing the level of P-p70 s6k. Conversely, mTOR pathway activator IGF-1 reversed it. ALA-PDT reduced the level of P-Akt (T308), P-Erk, P-AMPKα (T172), P-AMPKα1 (S485)/AMPKα2 (S491) and P-PRAS40, and no change was observed in the level of Rag C.ConclusionALA-PDT suppresses the cell growth in SZ95 cells through Akt-/Erk- mTOR -p70 s6k pathway rather than PRAS40-/RagC- mTOR pathway.



https://ift.tt/2tPE5jY

Adsorptive removal of endocrine-disrupting compounds and a pharmaceutical using activated charcoal from aqueous solution: kinetics, equilibrium, and mechanism studies

Abstract

Bisphenol A (BPA), diethyl phthalate (DEP), and carbamazepine (CBZ) have been widely used in chemical and pharmaceutical fields, and their residues are detected in various environments. Therefore, to find a suitable method for removing the compounds from an aqueous solution, an adsorption method by granular activated charcoal (AC) was studied. To investigate the adsorption properties of AC, its kinetics, equilibrium, pH effects, and regeneration of AC were examined. Moreover, its surface properties (i.e., surface area, pore volume, functional groups, and surface charge) were characterized by N2 adsorption and desorption isotherm, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), and zeta potential analyses. Experimental results show that AC has high removal efficiencies for the target compounds at the low initial concentration as well as high estimated adsorption capacities (qm) for DEP, BPA, and CBZ, whose values were 293.4 ± 18.8, 254.9 ± 16.2, and 153.3 ± 1.61 mg/g, respectively. In comparison with other adsorbents based on previously reported results, AC was shown to have generally higher removability for the three compounds than others. Moreover, it was observed that AC's ability to adsorb DEP and BPA was dependent on pH because of hydrolysis and ionization, respectively. Meanwhile, there is no pH effect for CBZ adsorption by AC. After 3 cycles of adsorption/desorption, AC still maintained 92, 100, and 82% of initial adsorption capacities for DEP, BPA, and CBZ, respectively. Therefore, the AC is an effective adsorbent for the removal of endocrine-disrupting chemicals and pharmaceuticals from aqueous solution.



https://ift.tt/2Kwn3BP

Organophosphorus poisoning in animals and enzymatic antidotes

Abstract

Organophosphorus compounds (OPs) are neurotoxic molecules developed as pesticides and chemical warfare nerve agents (CWNAs). Most of them are covalent inhibitors of acetylcholinesterase (AChE), a key enzyme in nervous systems, and are therefore responsible for numerous poisonings around the world. Many animal models have been studied over the years in order to decipher the toxicity of OPs and to provide insights for therapeutic and decontamination purposes. Environmental impact on wild animal species has been analyzed to understand the consequences of OP uses in agriculture. In complement, various laboratory models, from invertebrates to aquatic organisms, rodents and primates, have been chosen to study chronic and acute toxicity as well as neurobehavioral impact, immune response, developmental disruption, and other pathological signs. Several decontamination approaches were developed to counteract the poisoning effects of OPs. Among these, enzyme-based strategies are particularly attractive as they allow efficient external decontamination without toxicity or environmental impact and may be of interest for treatment. Approaches using bioscavengers for prophylaxis, treatment, and external decontamination are emphasized and their potential is discussed in the light of toxicological observations from various animal models. The relevance of animal models, regarding their cholinergic system and the abundance of naturally protecting enzymes, is also discussed for better extrapolation of results to human.



https://ift.tt/2MzvE4e

An anatomically curated fiber clustering white matter atlas for consistent white matter tract parcellation across the lifespan

Publication date: 1 October 2018
Source:NeuroImage, Volume 179
Author(s): Fan Zhang, Ye Wu, Isaiah Norton, Laura Rigolo, Yogesh Rathi, Nikos Makris, Lauren J. O'Donnell
This work presents an anatomically curated white matter atlas to enable consistent white matter tract parcellation across different populations. Leveraging a well-established computational pipeline for fiber clustering, we create a tract-based white matter atlas including information from 100 subjects. A novel anatomical annotation method is proposed that leverages population-based brain anatomical information and expert neuroanatomical knowledge to annotate and categorize the fiber clusters. A total of 256 white matter structures are annotated in the proposed atlas, which provides one of the most comprehensive tract-based white matter atlases covering the entire brain to date. These structures are composed of 58 deep white matter tracts including major long range association and projection tracts, commissural tracts, and tracts related to the brainstem and cerebellar connections, plus 198 short and medium range superficial fiber clusters organized into 16 categories according to the brain lobes they connect. Potential false positive connections are annotated in the atlas to enable their exclusion from analysis or visualization. In addition, the proposed atlas allows for a whole brain white matter parcellation into 800 fiber clusters to enable whole brain connectivity analyses. The atlas and related computational tools are open-source and publicly available.We evaluate the proposed atlas using a testing dataset of 584 diffusion MRI scans from multiple independently acquired populations, across genders, the lifespan (1 day–82 years), and different health conditions (healthy control, neuropsychiatric disorders, and brain tumor patients). Experimental results show successful white matter parcellation across subjects from different populations acquired on multiple scanners, irrespective of age, gender or disease indications. Over 99% of the fiber tracts annotated in the atlas were detected in all subjects on average. One advantage in terms of robustness is that the tract-based pipeline does not require any cortical or subcortical segmentations, which can have limited success in young children and patients with brain tumors or other structural lesions. We believe this is the first demonstration of consistent automated white matter tract parcellation across the full lifespan from birth to advanced age.



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Equilibrium adsorption study of the adsorptive removal of Cd 2+ and Cr 6+ using activated carbon

Abstract

The performance of activated carbon (AC) with respect to characterization, adsorption kinetics, thermodynamics, and isotherms was addressed in this study. The effects of initial concentration, pH, contact time, ion strength, and temperature on removal efficiency were also studied. The adsorption isotherms of Cd2+ and Cr6+ on activated carbon can fit the Langmuir model well, and correlation coefficients were above 0.99, all higher than the Freundlich and Temkin models. The maximum adsorption quantities of Cd2+ and Cr6+ were 19.380 and 19.305 mg g−1 at 25 °C, respectively. The adsorption capacities of Cd2+ and Cr6+ are clearly pH dependent. The kinetics of the removal of Cd2+ and Cr6+ was in agreement with a pseudo-second-order model, and the adsorption efficiency of Cd2+ is higher than that of Cr6+. The thermodynamic results showed that increased temperature is favorable to adsorption. The speciation on activated carbon was mainly residual Cd2+ and Cr6+, and the potential ecological risk of Cd2+ is higher than that of Cr6+. The adsorptions of Cd2+ and Cr6+ on activated carbon were dominated by chelation and ion exchange, respectively.



https://ift.tt/2lINrdy

Scholar : New articles have been published for Journal of Natural History, Volume 52, Issue 25-26

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The following articles have been newly published in the issue Journal of Natural History, Volume 52, Issue 25-26 on Taylor & Francis Online:

Original Articles
Distinctive but functionally convergent song phenotypes characterize two new allopatric species of the Chrysoperla carnea-group in Asia, Chrysoperla shahrudensis sp. nov. and Chrysoperla bolti sp. nov. (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae)
Charles S. Henry, Stephen J. Brooks, James B. Johnson, Atsushi Mochizuki, Alinaghi Mirmoayedi, Peter Duelli
Pages: 1603-1635 | DOI: 10.1080/00222933.2018.1478011

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https://www.tandfonline.com/toc/tnah20/52/25-26

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The effects of recombinant human epidermal growth factor containing ointment on wound healing and post inflammatory hyperpigmentation prevention after fractional ablative skin resurfacing: A split‐face randomized controlled study

Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, EarlyView.


https://ift.tt/2IBrJkR

Highly efficient genome editing using oocyte-specific zcas9 transgenic zebrafish

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Publication date: Available online 28 June 2018
Source:Journal of Genetics and Genomics
Author(s): Yuanyuan Liu, Chong Zhang, Yanjun Zhang, Siyao Lin, De-Li Shi, Ming Shao




https://ift.tt/2MAPY5h

Emerging Roles of Non-Coding RNA Transcription

Publication date: Available online 28 June 2018
Source:Trends in Biochemical Sciences
Author(s): Minna U. Kaikkonen, Karen Adelman
Metazoan genomes are broadly transcribed by RNA polymerase II (RNAPII), but surprisingly few of these RNAs encode proteins. Accordingly, there is great interest in understanding the origins and potential roles of the vast array of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) that are produced. We present here emerging evidence that the act of transcription and the presence of nascent RNA at a locus is often central to function, rather than specific ncRNA sequences or structures. We highlight examples wherein transcription elongation through a regulatory region modulates chromatin structure and/or transcription factor occupancy, and describe how nascent RNA contributes to the local epigenetic landscape through sequence-independent interactions with chromatin regulators. Finally, we discuss current strategies for probing the potential functions of ncRNA transcription.



https://ift.tt/2KvHr2V

Highly sensitive photoelectrochemical sensing of bisphenol A based on zinc phthalocyanine/TiO2 nanorod arrays

Publication date: 1 November 2018
Source:Talanta, Volume 189
Author(s): Zhenzhen Fan, Lifang Fan, Shaomin Shuang, Chuan Dong
A facile and sensitive photoelectrochemical (PEC) sensing platform based on zinc phthalocyanine (ZnPc) sensitized TiO2 nanorodarrays (NRAs) was successfully fabricated for detection of bisphenol A (BPA). The vertically aligned TiO2 NRAs with one-dimensional (1D) nanostructure was synthesized in-situ on fluorine-doped tin oxide-coated glass (FTO) substrate by simple one-step hydrothermal method, and then the TiO2 NRAs/FTO surface was covered with ZnPc. 1D nanostructure of TiO2 NRAs could provide not only more spaces for the load of ZnPc, but direct pathways to reduce the recombination of electron-hole pairs, improving the photocatalytic efficiency. The combination of ZnPc with TiO2 NRAs extended effectively the absorption of TiO2 to visible region and improved greatly the charge transfer ability of TiO2 NRAs. With the addition of BPA, BPA was oxidized by photogenerated holes during PEC reaction so that the photocurrent of the PEC sensing platform increased. BPA could be quantified by measuring the photocurrent change. The developed PEC sensor exhibited outstanding analytical performance with high sensitivity, excellent stability and good reproducibility. A wide linear work range from 0.047 to 52.1 μM was obtained with a low detection limit of 8.6 nM. Meanwhile, the sensor was also used to evaluate the level of BPA in plastic products and food.

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Facile preparation of bright orange fluorescent carbon dots and the constructed biosensing platform for the detection of pH in living cells

Publication date: 1 November 2018
Source:Talanta, Volume 189
Author(s): Yuan-Yuan Ding, Xiao-Juan Gong, Yang Liu, Wen-Jing Lu, Yi-Fang Gao, Ming Xian, Shao-Min Shuang, Chuan Dong
Long wavelength (i.e., orange- to red-light) fluorescence emission and functionality are critically longing for the development and applications of carbon dots (CDs) toward biosensor and bioimaging analysis. Herein, the N-doped carbon dots (N-CDs) with bright orange fluorescence emission at 592 nm were facilely synthesized via p-phenylenediamine as a carbon precursor by microwave method. The as-prepared N-CDs exhibit favorable biocompatibility, excellent water solubility, highly optical stabilities and display sensitive pH response behavior. When the pH is decreased from 9.45 to 2.45, its emission fluorescence intensity will be significantly enhanced. The pKa value of N-CDs is 5.80 and it shows linear response to the physiological pH range of 4.45–7.00. Moreover, the N-CDs also possess high selectivity of hydrogen ions over common metal ions and some bioactive molecules, excellent photostability and reversibility. Based on this, a fluorescence sensing platform is established for the detection of pH in the environment. The N-CDs were successfully used as the fluorescent probe for cellular imaging and applied to monitor pH fluctuations in live cells based on its biocompatibility and cell membrane permeability. It is also anticipated that the N-CDs are potential bio-nano-materials for real-time tracking of the intracellular pH especially under physiological conditions in the disease diagnosis, biosensing and biomedical fields.

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https://ift.tt/2MsaIvG

An automated micro-separation system for the chromatographic removal of uranium matrix for trace element analysis by ICP-OES

Publication date: 1 November 2018
Source:Talanta, Volume 189
Author(s): E. Miller Wylie, Benjamin T. Manard, C. Derrick Quarles, Lisa A. Meyers, Ning Xu
An automated, miniaturized, off-line separation technique is presented here using an Elemental Scientific Inc. microFAST MC system with UTEVA resin to extract the uranium matrix from its trace element impurities in aqueous media. The collected fractions were analyzed for ~ 30 trace elements using inductively coupled plasma – optical emission spectroscopy. Ten replicate samples were processed with a single column resulting in precision ranging from 3.3% to 6.2% relative standard deviation with regards to the trace element recoveries. Accuracy, with respect to trace element concentrations in the U3O8 Certified Reference Material 124-1, resulted in an average of 13.9% relative deviation while accuracy to the Canadian U3O8 reference material, CUP-2, resulted in an average relative deviation of 8.6%. The total separation time of this automated process was reduced to ~ 30 min per sample while employing a 0.5 mL UTEVA chromatographic resin bed and 2.5 mg of uranium.

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Mixed-mode SPE followed by GC-MS analysis to determine water soluble organic compounds in aerosol and historical mortars affected by marine atmosphere: The case of Punta Begoña Galleries (Getxo, North of Spain)

Publication date: 1 November 2018
Source:Talanta, Volume 189
Author(s): Laura Blanco-Zubiaguirre, Asier Cabezas, Jose Antonio Carrero, Luis Ángel Fernández, Maitane Olivares, Kepa Castro, Juan Manuel Madariaga
This work describes the development of an analytical procedure for the determination of short chain dicarboxylic acids (C2-C10) both in aqueous and solid matrices such as aerosols and mortars. The developed and validated methodology was based on the preconcentration of compounds by means of mixed-mode solid phase extraction and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, regardless the analyzed samples. In the case of solid samples, a prior extraction of target compounds using ultrasonic probe-assisted solid-liquid extraction was required. In general terms, the developed procedure rendered good results in terms of accuracy (apparent recoveries in the range 90–130% and 86–98% for marine aerosol and mortar samples, respectively) and repeatability (%RSD < 25%) except for those compounds interacting more strongly with the solid matrix and being more reactive. The method was applied to detect dicarboxylic acids in marine aerosol water samples and in mortars of a 20th century historical building (Punta Begoña Galleries, Getxo) located in a coastal environment (Biscay Gulf, Basque Country, Northern Spain) with industrial activity. According to the results, harbor activities may have effect on the concentrations of dicarboxylic acids found in both matrices since the façade of the building exposed to the industrial harbor (southwest orientation) appears to be more contaminated than the one oriented to the northwest.

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https://ift.tt/2KzsLzu

Development of DNA aptamer-based sensor for electrochemical detection of C-reactive protein

Publication date: 1 November 2018
Source:Talanta, Volume 189
Author(s): Marta Jarczewska, Janusz Rębiś, Łukasz Górski, Elżbieta Malinowska
C-reactive protein (CRP) is a crucial biomarker of cardiovascular diseases and for its detection both optical and electrochemical techniques were applied. This study concerns the application of DNA aptamer as recognition layer for CRP detection. For that purpose aptamer immobilization method on gold surface was selected and the content of receptor layer was optimized to ensure an efficient binding to target protein. The quality of the monolayer was verified by the application of chronocoulometry and atomic force microscopy. Using thiolated aptamers provided the formation of layers of highest density and stability. The square-wave voltammetry experiments performed in the presence of methylene blue redox indicator revealed a linear response of aptasensor towards CRP in the range from 1 to 100 pM. Moreover, a DNA aptamer – based sensor showed good selectivity towards C-reactive protein in comparison to interfering proteins including BSA and IgE. Finally, the analysis of CRP in serum sample was conducted using the developed aptasensor.

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https://ift.tt/2KhJ3Bl

Determination of intracellular metabolites concentrations in Escherichia coli under nutrition stress using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry

Publication date: 1 November 2018
Source:Talanta, Volume 189
Author(s): Fenfen Ji, Yang Shen, Leihan Tang, Zongwei Cai
Cells show a timely and appropriate physiological adjustment on all levels of cellular activities in response to nutrient stress. However, the regulations for cells under different carbon/nitrogen influxes are poorly understood. To unveil a fully metabolic regulatory profile, we applied a mass spectrometry based "bottom-up" approach to investigate the metabolic response of Escherichia coli to nutrient stress. A novel cell sample preparation procedure was developed to decrease the variation and leakage of intracellular metabolites. Volatile ion-pair reagent tributylamine was used to improve the retention and selectivity of charged metabolites on a C18 reversed-phase column. The growth rate and intracellular concentrations of 12 central carbon metabolites were measured systematically under various carbon/nitrogen influxes by manipulating titratable promoters. Fructose-1,6-biphosphate (FBP) concentration as a sensor of carbon influx was positively correlated with the growth rate, whereas α-ketoglutarate (αkg), served as a coordinator of carbon and nitrogen flux showed different dependence on growth rate between carbon limitation and nitrogen limitation. By integrating different behaviors of the metabolites with knowledge from previous reports, a scenario of feedback control under carbon and nitrogen limitations was proposed. Our findings revealed the key role of αkg in the coordination of carbon and nitrogen utilization under nutrition stress and highlighted the great potential of mass spectrometry based approach in deciphering the complex metabolic network.

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Benzothiazole modified rhodol as chemodosimeter for the detection of sulfur mustard simulant

Publication date: 1 November 2018
Source:Talanta, Volume 189
Author(s): Hui Wang, Jianping Guan, Xiang Han, Shu-Wei Chen, Tianbao Li, Yanrong Zhang, Mao-Sen Yuan, Jinyi Wang
In this paper, we introduced a new sensor for detecting sulfur mustard (SM) and its simulant through the functionalization of a rhodol chromophore with benzothiazole, followed by thionation of the spirolactam. The synthesized chemodosimeter (RHBT) exhibited an obvious green-yellow fluorescence enhancement and chromogenic change from colorless to fuchsia in the presence of SM and its simulant stimuli, which is based on the spirothiolactam ring opening of rhodol induced by the synergy of S-alkylation of thiolactam and the excited state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) of rhodol–benzothiazole. Furthermore, the chemodosimeter was successfully demonstrated for the rapid detection of SM and its simulant in solution, soil and air at ambient temperature, indicating its potential application for on-site detection of sulfur mustard.

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Fabrication of a porous hydrangea-like Fe3O4@MnO2 composite for ultra-trace arsenic preconcentration and determination

Publication date: 1 November 2018
Source:Talanta, Volume 189
Author(s): Xin-an Yang, Meng-ting Shi, Di Leng, Wang-bing Zhang
Fe3O4@MnO2 magnetic composite microsphere with hierarchical shells structure has been synthesized through a facile two-step hydrothermal reaction for ultra-trace arsenic enrichment. Scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy images clearly indicated that the as-synthesized material is a porous hydrangea-like morphology, as well as the size of the composite microspheres and the widths of pore are related to the reaction conditions. The N2 adsorption-desorption isotherms demonstrated that the specific surface areas and pore volume of Fe3O4@MnO2 with 8 h hydrothermal synthesis are 121.9260 m2 g-1 and 0.21 cm3 g-1, respectively. The enrichment performance of composites depends on their compositions, and the recovery of As(III) on Fe3O4@MnO2 with Mn/Fe ratio 1:2 was 1–2.3 times of that on other ratios. In comparison with As(V), experimental data indicated that the prepared composites have faster adsorption rate for As(III). In addition, slurry sampling chemical hydride generation technology can effectively remove and reduce the adsorbed As(III) or As(V) to the gaseous product, thus ensuring that the composite is at least repeated over 5 times. Under the optimized conditions, the detection limit of the proposed method was 2.9 ng L-1 and relative standard deviation of 4.8% for 0.1 μg L-1 As(III) was obtained. The linear calibration range was 0.01–1.5 μg L-1. The accuracy of the method was verified through analysis of the certificated reference materials. The proposed method has been applied to the determination of inorganic As in natural water samples.

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Uncharted forest: A technique for exploratory data analysis

Publication date: 1 November 2018
Source:Talanta, Volume 189
Author(s): Casey Kneale, Steven D. Brown
Exploratory data analysis is crucial for developing and understanding classification models from high-dimensional datasets. We explore the utility of a new unsupervised tree ensemble called uncharted forest for visualizing class associations, sample-sample associations, class heterogeneity, and uninformative classes for provenance studies. The uncharted forest algorithm can be used to partition data using random selections of variables and metrics based on statistical spread. After each tree is grown, a tally of the samples that arrive at every terminal node is maintained. Those tallies are stored in single sample association matrix and a likelihood measure for each sample being partitioned with one another can be made. That matrix may be readily viewed as a heat map, and the probabilities can be quantified via new metrics that account for class or cluster membership. We display the advantages and limitations of using this technique by applying it to two classification datasets and three two provenance study datasets. Two of the metrics presented in this paper are also compared with widely used metrics from two algorithms that have variance-based clustering mechanisms.

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Analysing sulphate and chloride in mineral drinking water by flow injection analysis with a single acoustic wave sensor

Publication date: 1 November 2018
Source:Talanta, Volume 189
Author(s): Lígia V.L. Venâncio, Andreia S.F. Farinha, M. Teresa S.R. Gomes
Sulphate is a very hydrophilic anion, and, therefore, difficult to be selectively determined in aqueous solution with a coated sensor. Zinc(II) 2,3,9,10,16,17,23,24-Octatosylaminophthalocyanine was used for the first time as a sensitive coating. Selectivity to sulphate regarding chloride was not enough to ignore its contribution in mineral waters, and, therefore, an analytical protocol was carefully designed to allow the determination of both anions with this sensor. Results displayed on the label of eight commercial bottles of mineral waters are within the confidence interval of the values obtained with the FIA-sensor system, both for chloride and sulphate. However, results for chloride obtained by titrimetry are, in half of the cases, statistically different from the ones obtained by the sensor, and in 7 out of 8 of them more precise. There is an evidence of a systematic error in the chloride titrimetric analysis, consistent with a small overtaking of the equivalence point. Precision of the results obtained by the titrimetric analysis of sulphate were in 6 out of 8 of the analysis less precise than with the sensor, probably due to losses of the barium sulphate precipitate, which is consistent with the occurrence of lower values.

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Trimetallic AuPtPd nanocomposites platform on graphene: Applied to electrochemical detection and breast cancer diagnosis

Publication date: 1 November 2018
Source:Talanta, Volume 189
Author(s): Wenhao Dong, Yipeng Ren, Zhixue Bai, Yi Yang, Zihua Wang, Cong Zhang, Qiang Chen
Recently, great efforts have been made to use biosensors for the early diagnosis of cancer. Specifically, using a biomarker to detect H2O2 in physiological conditions is of great significance for understanding the signal transduction pathways and achieving early cancer diagnosis. In this work, we report an innovative H2O2 sensor that was fabricated by trimetallic AuPtPd nanocomposites platform on reduced graphene oxide (rGO) nanosheets with the modification of the rGO and trimetallic AuPtPd nanoparticles on a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) by physical adsorption. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) were utilized to characterize and identify these unique nanocomposites. In addition, the electrochemical properties of the proposed sensor were evaluated by cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry. Electrochemical research has demonstrated that the AuPtPd/rGO-modified GCE showed excellent electrocatalytic activity towards the reduction of H2O2, including a wider linear range from 0.005 μM to 6.5 mM, a low detection limit of 2 nM, good selectivity and acceptable repeatability. Moreover, the sensor can monitor the release of H2O2 release from living cancer cells. Therefore, this study not only improves simplicity, sensitivity and quantitatively for detection H2O2 in cells at nM level but also provides a foundation for the biological and biomedical applications such as the early diagnosis of cancer.

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Development and validation of a copper ligand-exchange chromatographic method for the estimation of D-lactic acid in Ringer-lactate solution

Publication date: 1 November 2018
Source:Talanta, Volume 189
Author(s): Mohie M.K. Sharaf El-Din, Khalid A.M. Attia, Mohamed W.I. Nassar, Mohamed M.Y. Kaddah
In this study, the chromatographic conditions for separation and determination of L- and D-lactic acid enantiomers by copper ligand exchange chromatography have been examined and optimized statistically using a response surface methodology (RSM). The chromatographic variables: copper sulfate, acetic acid and organic modifier were screened by operating a 2-level full factorial design (FFD). The significant effect of independent chromatographic variables was analyzed using the analysis of variance (ANOVA). Variables proved significant (p < 0.05) were cautiously tuned using RSM with a face-centered central composite design. Moreover, a D-optimality design was employed to minimize the variation in the regression coefficients of the fitted model. The proposed model represented an excellent example of fulfilling the efficiency of factorial designs in optimizing the chromatographic conditions and maximizing the output. The chromatographic separation was achieved on Supelco Astec CLC-D chiral bidentate ligand (5.0 µm, 150.0 × 4.6 mm). The isocratic mobile phase composition was 7 mM anhydrous copper sulfate in 1.0 mM acetic acid containing 4% methanol. A photodiode array detector was used to determine the optimal detection wavelength, which was at 236 nm. A linear calibration curve was obtained in the range of 30.0–3600 µg mL−1 with a high value for the coefficient of determination (R2 ≥ 0.999). The optimized method has been successfully applied to the determination of lactate in the commercial Ringer-lactate solution for injection. The results obtained were in excellent agreement with the label claim with no interference from other additives commonly co-formulated with the drug. Intra- and inter-day precision, detection and quantification limits, as well as percent coefficient of variation, have been estimated according to ICH guidelines for assessment of analytical procedures.

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Single-cell epigenetics – Chromatin modification atlas unveiled by mass cytometry

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Publication date: Available online 28 June 2018
Source:Clinical Immunology
Author(s): Peggie Cheung, Francesco Vallania, Mai Dvorak, Sarah E. Chang, Steven Schaffert, Michele Donato, Aditya Rao, Rong Mao, Paul J. Utz, Purvesh Khatri, Alex J. Kuo
Modifications of histone proteins are fundamental to the regulation of epigenetic phenotypes. Dysregulations of histone modifications have been linked to the pathogenesis of diverse human diseases. However, identifying differential histone modifications in patients with immune-mediated diseases has been challenging, in part due to the lack of a powerful analytic platform to study histone modifications in the complex human immune system. We recently developed a highly multiplexed platform, Epigenetic landscape profiling using cytometry by Time-Of-Flight (EpiTOF), to analyze the global levels of a broad array of histone modifications in single cells using mass cytometry. In this review, we summarize the development of EpiTOF and discuss its potential applications in biomedical research. We anticipate that this platform will provide new insights into the roles of epigenetic regulation in hematopoiesis, immune cell functions and immune system aging, and reveal aberrant epigenetic patterns associated with immune-mediated diseases.



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Study on design and performance of metal-bonded diamond grinding wheels fabricated by selective laser melting (SLM)

Publication date: 15 October 2018
Source:Materials & Design, Volume 156
Author(s): Chenchen Tian, Xuekun Li, Shubo Zhang, Guoqiang Guo, Liping Wang, Yiming Rong
Porous metal-bonded grinding wheels with high porosity and controllable pore shape, size, quantity and distribution are in great demand but hard to realize for traditional process. In this study, the novel method is proposed to fabricate porous metal-bonded grinding wheels based on selective laser melting technology. Three kinds of grinding wheels, including octahedron structure wheel, honeycomb structure wheel and solid structure wheel, are designed and fabricated using this novel method. Additionally, morphological characterization is conducted in terms of porous structure, microstructure and bonding condition. Furthermore, grinding performance is evaluated in terms of grinding force, material removal rate, ground surface roughness and hardness. Experimental results indicate that the SLM-fabricated grinding wheels possess the excellent dressing and self-sharpening ability, good bonding strength, controllable pore structure, high porosity and good comprehensive grinding performance. Compared with electroplated wheel, better machined surface roughness and slighter work hardening can be achieved by the SLM-fabricated wheels based on the similar material removal capacity. Among the SLM-fabricated wheels, octahedron structure wheel possesses the smallest extrusion and friction force, the highest instantaneous cutting force and the slightest work hardening, and solid structure wheel possesses the largest material removal rate.

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Bilayer-rich graphene suspension from electrochemical exfoliation of graphite

Publication date: 15 October 2018
Source:Materials & Design, Volume 156
Author(s): Afkham Mir, Anupam Shukla
The superior electronic properties of graphene change with number of layers, making different layered flakes suitable for different applications. Bilayer has a tunable band gap and is promising material for electronic applications. Liquid phase synthesis methods are scalable, can provide flakes with size suitable for microelectronic fabrication technologies and allow easy, defect-free transfer of flakes to the application substrate. However, these methods yield flakes with different number of layers. Here, we show a modified electrochemical exfoliation of graphite that gives a bilayer-rich graphene suspension. The method first obtains particles of stage-2 graphite intercalation compound. These particles have alternating weak and strong attraction between the two nearest neighboring layers which allowed the tuning of ultrasonic agitation intensity, such that cleavages occurred at weak attraction sites yielding primarily bilayer graphene flakes. Graphene flakes were produced only on ultrasonic cleaving and were done in DMF, a medium favorable for graphene dispersion thus avoiding aggregation of the freshly generated bilayer flakes. In principle, our method can be tuned for the liquid phase synthesis of layer-specific graphene flakes for any given number of layers. The method could therefore provide a general synthesis process for graphene required in different end-use.

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Novel insight into evolution mechanism of second liquid-liquid phase separation in metastable immiscible Cu-Fe alloy

Publication date: 15 October 2018
Source:Materials & Design, Volume 156
Author(s): Shichao Liu, Jinchuan Jie, Bowen Dong, Zhongkai Guo, Tongmin Wang, Tingju Li
The metastable immiscible Cu80Fe20 alloys with different diameters were systematically investigated under conventional solidification. Experimental results indicated that the primary and second liquid-liquid phase separation simultaneously occur during solidification. The average size of primary phase-separated Fe-rich spherulites and the interior morphological pattern of minority Cu-rich phase can be greatly influenced by cooling rate due to the dynamic coupling between thermodynamic and kinetic effects. Moreover, various morphological patterns of minority Cu-rich phase in Fe-rich spherulites were observed, which discloses the dynamic evolution process during self-driven second liquid-liquid phase separation. The Marangoni migration, coalescence and coagulation, and Ostwald ripening are the dynamic mechanisms mainly responsible for various morphological patterns of minority Cu-rich phase after phase separation. Such a clear experimental observation of dynamic microstructure evolution for minority Cu-rich phase provides a strong and visualized evidence for the asynchronous crystallization behavior of primary phase-separated Fe-rich spherulites. Phase field simulation was also performed to reveal the dynamic evolution of minority Cu-rich phase during liquid-liquid phase separation. Besides, the experimental Cu80Fe20 alloys exhibit soft ferromagnetic characteristics possessing relatively low coercivity and high saturated magnetization. This present study provides a new strategy to design immiscible alloy with anticipated microstructure possessing tailored properties and desired functionalities.

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Determining porosity and pore network connectivity of cement-based materials by a modified non-contact electrical resistivity measurement: Experiment and theory

Publication date: 15 October 2018
Source:Materials & Design, Volume 156
Author(s): Rui He, Hongyan Ma, Rezwana B. Hafiz, Chuanqing Fu, Xianyu Jin, Jiahao He
A modified non-contact electrical resistivity measurement is proposed to determine porosity and pore network connectivity of cement-based materials. The porosity of mortar with different water-to-cement ratios was tested by mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP) and the tortuosity was calculated from pore entrapment volume fraction. The relationship between pore structure and resistivity was studied using the three most commonly used theories. It was observed that the multi-phase phenomenological model can indicate the effect of porosity and pore connectivity on the resistivity of cement-based materials. The parameter m in Archie's Law as an index of pore connectivity can be expressed as a variable that varies with the tortuosity. The parameters in the GEM model are closely related to the nature of the material: the parameter M should be related to the composition of the material and the degree of hydration of the cement, and the parameter t is a variable that varies with the pore connectivity. Based on these theories, equations are derived to correlate the porosity and pore network connectivity to the formation factor of cement based materials. The developed approach thus has a potential to be used as a simple and effective tool for pore structure investigation of cement based materials.

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Πέμπτη 28 Ιουνίου 2018

Reply to Letter: Patient-reported outcome measures following rhinoplasty

No abstract available

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Reversible pisa syndrome related to the interaction between lithium and clotiapine: Case report

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Publication date: Available online 28 June 2018
Source:The Kaohsiung Journal of Medical Sciences
Author(s): Sheng-Yun Huang, Min-Wei Huang, Shih-Yen Tseng, Li-Chung Huang




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In vivo identification of novel TGIF2LX target genes in colorectal adenocarcinoma using the cDNA-AFLP method

Publication date: Available online 28 June 2018
Source:Arab Journal of Gastroenterology
Author(s): Gholam Reza Mobini, Arefeh Ghafari, Saeid Amanpour, Roohollah Fateh, Mohammad Hossein Ghahremani, Samad Muhammadnejad, Ahmad Reza Dehpour, Abolfazl Akbari, Seyed Mojtaba Hoseiniharouni, Elham Kazemirad, Manzar Bolhassani, Mansour Heidari
Background and study aimsHomeobox-containing genes are composed of a group of regulatory genes encoding transcription factors involved in the control of developmental processes. The homeodomain proteins could activate or repress the expression of downstream target genes. This study was conducted to in vivo identify the potential target gene(s) of TGIF2LX in colorectal adenocarcinoma.MethodsA human colorectal adenocarcinoma cell line, SW48, was transfected with the recombinant pEGFPN1-TGIF2LX. The cells were injected subcutaneously into the flank of the three groups of 6-week-old female athymic C56BL/6 nude mice (n = 6 per group). The transcript profiles in the developed tumours were investigated using the cDNA amplified fragment length polymorphism (cDNA-AFLP) technique.ResultsThe real-time RT-PCR and DNA sequencing data for the identified genes indicated that the N-terminal domain-interacting receptor 1 (Nir1) gene was suppressed whereas Nir2 and fragile histidine triad (FHIT) genes were upregulated followed by the overexpression of TGIF2LX gene.ConclusionDownregulation of Nir1 and upregulation of Nir2 and FHIT genes due to the overexpression of TGIF2LX suggests that the gene plays an important role as a suppressor in colorectal adenocarcinoma.



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