Purpose: The aims of this study were to investigate the false-negative and false-positive results on magnetic resonance (MR) computer-aided evaluation (CAE) in axillary lymph node (ALN) staging and to evaluate the related factors in patients with invasive breast cancer. Methods: From July 2011 to May 2014, 103 invasive breast cancer patients who underwent preoperative MR-CAE were included. False MR-CAE results in ALN staging were compared in terms of clinicopathologic features, baseline mammography, and breast ultrasonography. Logistic regression analyses were used to evaluate independent factors related to false results. Results: For MR-CAE, the false-negative and false-positive results of ALN metastasis were 6.8% and 33.3%, respectively. On multivariate analysis, spiculated tumor margin (P = 0.016) and positive lymphovascular invasion (P = 0.020) were associated with false-negative results, and circumscribed tumor margin (P = 0.017) and negative lymphovascular invasion (P = 0.036) were associated with false-positive results for ALN metastasis. Conclusions: Tumor margin and lymphovascular invasion are the key factors that affect the false MR-CAE results in ALN staging. Copyright (C) 2016 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.
http://ift.tt/2al7MDx
Σάββατο 23 Ιουλίου 2016
Baseline Cartilage Thickness and Meniscus Extrusion Predict Longitudinal Cartilage Loss by Quantitative Magnetic Resonance Imaging: Data From the Osteoarthritis Initiative.
Objective: This study aimed to assess how meniscus damage and baseline cartilage thickness influence the rate of cartilage loss and knee pain. Methods: Of 4796 participants in the Osteoarthritis Initiative, 86 had baseline and 48-month follow-up quantitative magnetic resonance imaging data for medial compartment cartilage thickness. Baseline meniscus pathology was scored by a musculoskeletal radiologist using Whole-Organ Magnetic Resonance Imaging Score. Findings were correlated with 72-month Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score. Results: Univariate analysis showed cartilage change was not influenced by demographic variables. Multivariable regression revealed that initial cartilage thickness (-1.07 mm at 48 months for every 1 mm decrease at baseline, P
http://ift.tt/2amMEJR
http://ift.tt/2amMEJR
Effectiveness of Adaptive Statistical Iterative Reconstruction for 64-Slice Dual-Energy Computed Tomography Pulmonary Angiography in Patients With a Reduced Iodine Load: Comparison With Standard Computed Tomography Pulmonary Angiography.
Objective: The aim of the study was to assess the effectiveness of the adaptive statistical iterative reconstruction (ASIR) for dual-energy computed tomography pulmonary angiography (DE-CTPA) with a reduced iodine load. Materials and Methods: One hundred forty patients referred for chest CT were randomly divided into a DE-CTPA group with a reduced iodine load or a standard CTPA group. Quantitative and qualitative image qualities of virtual monochromatic spectral (VMS) images with filtered back projection (VMS-FBP) and those with 50% ASIR (VMS-ASIR) in the DE-CTPA group were compared. Image qualities of VMS-ASIR images in the DE-CTPA group and ASIR images in the standard CTPA group were also compared. Results: All quantitative and qualitative indices, except attenuation value of pulmonary artery in the VMS-ASIR subgroup, were superior to those in the VMS-FBP subgroup (all P
http://ift.tt/2al8Eb5
http://ift.tt/2al8Eb5
Focal Liver Lesions Classification and Characterization: What Value Do DWI and ADC Have?.
Objective: The aim of this work was to analyze the value of diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) in the classification/characterization of focal liver lesions (FLLs). Methods: Retrospective study, approved by ethical board, of 100 proven FLLs (20 hemangiomas, 20 focal nodular hyperplasia, 20 dysplastic nodules, 20 hepatocellular carcinomas, and 20 metastases) was performed by 1.5-T MR. For each lesion, 2 readers, blinded of medical history, have evaluated 6 sets of images: set A (T1/T2-weighted images), set B (set A + DWI), set C (set B + apparent diffusion coefficient [ADC] map), set D (set A + dynamic and hepatobiliary phases), set E (set D + DWI), set F (set E + ADC map). Results: In unenhanced images, the evaluation of the ADC improves the accuracy in classification/characterization (+9%/14%, respectively), whereas in enhanced images the accuracy was increased by DWI (+7%/12%, respectively) and ADC (+13%/19%, respectively). Diffusion-weighted imaging does not improve classification/characterization of hemangiomas, may be useful in focal nodular hyperplasia/dysplastic nodules vs metastases/hepatocellular carcinoma differentiation, and increases the classification/characterization of metastases in both unenhanced and enhanced images. Conclusions: Diffusion-weighted imaging may improve classification/characterization of FLLs at unenhanced/enhanced examinations. Copyright (C) 2016 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.
http://ift.tt/2amMS3v
http://ift.tt/2amMS3v
Pulmonary Legionellosis in Oncologic Patients: Findings on Chest CT.
Objective: The purpose of this study was to report the computed tomography (CT) findings of non-pneumophila Legionella pneumonia and to compare these CT findings to those caused by Legionella pneumophila in oncologic patients. Methods: Chest CT scans of 34 oncologic patients with culture-proven Legionella infection (16 L. pneumophila and 18 non-pneumophila Legionella) were retrospectively reviewed. Radiologic checkpoints included consolidation, ground-glass opacities, cavitation, nodules, tree-in-bud opacities, septal thickening, pleural effusions, and adenopathy, as well as the halo, reversed halo, and bulging fissure signs. Results: The most common imaging feature of Legionella pneumonia was consolidation, seen in 94% of patients. Ground-glass opacities were the next most common abnormality. The halo sign was present in 26% of patients, in both immunocompetent and immunosuppressed hosts. Most features occurred with similar frequency between L. pneumophila and non-pneumophila Legionella. Conclusions: Findings in L. pneumophila pneumonia and non-pneumophila Legionella pneumonia are similar but nonspecific. Airspace consolidation is almost always present; the halo sign is not uncommon. Copyright (C) 2016 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.
http://ift.tt/2al7Xid
http://ift.tt/2al7Xid
Can Abdominal Computed Tomography Imaging Help Accurately Identify a Dedifferentiated Component in a Well-Differentiated Liposarcoma?.
Purpose: To assess the ability of computed tomography (CT) to differentiate an atypical lipomatous tumor/well-differentiated liposarcoma (WDLPS) from a WDLPS with a dedifferentiated component (DDLPS) within it. Materials and Methods: Forty-nine untreated patients with abdominal atypical lipomatous tumors/well-differentiated liposarcomas who had undergone contrast-enhanced CT were identified using an institutional database. Three radiologists who were blinded to the pathology findings evaluated all the images independently to determine whether a dedifferentiated component was present within the WDLPS. The CT images were evaluated for fat content (25%); presence of ground-glass density, enhancing and/or necrotic nodules; presence of a capsule surrounding the mass; septations; and presence and pattern of calcifications. A multivariate logistic regression model with generalized estimating equations was used to correlate imaging features with pathology findings. Kappa statistics were calculated to assess agreement between the three radiologists. Results: On the basis of pathological findings, 12 patients had been diagnosed with DDLPS within a WDLPS and 37 had been diagnosed with WDLPS. The presence of an enhancing or a centrally necrotic nodule within the atypical lipomatous tumor was associated with dedifferentiated liposarcoma (P = 0.02 and P = 0.0003, respectively). The three readers showed almost perfect agreement in overall diagnosis ([kappa] r = 0.83; 95% confidence interval, 0.67-0.99). Conclusions: An enhancing or centrally necrotic nodule may be indicative of a dedifferentiated component in well-differentiated liposarcoma. Ground-glass density nodules may not be indicative of dedifferentiation. Copyright (C) 2016 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.
http://ift.tt/2amNd6p
http://ift.tt/2amNd6p
Risk Factors for False-Negative and False-Positive Results of Magnetic Resonance Computer-Aided Evaluation in Axillary Lymph Node Staging.
Purpose: The aims of this study were to investigate the false-negative and false-positive results on magnetic resonance (MR) computer-aided evaluation (CAE) in axillary lymph node (ALN) staging and to evaluate the related factors in patients with invasive breast cancer. Methods: From July 2011 to May 2014, 103 invasive breast cancer patients who underwent preoperative MR-CAE were included. False MR-CAE results in ALN staging were compared in terms of clinicopathologic features, baseline mammography, and breast ultrasonography. Logistic regression analyses were used to evaluate independent factors related to false results. Results: For MR-CAE, the false-negative and false-positive results of ALN metastasis were 6.8% and 33.3%, respectively. On multivariate analysis, spiculated tumor margin (P = 0.016) and positive lymphovascular invasion (P = 0.020) were associated with false-negative results, and circumscribed tumor margin (P = 0.017) and negative lymphovascular invasion (P = 0.036) were associated with false-positive results for ALN metastasis. Conclusions: Tumor margin and lymphovascular invasion are the key factors that affect the false MR-CAE results in ALN staging. Copyright (C) 2016 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.
http://ift.tt/2al7MDx
http://ift.tt/2al7MDx
Baseline Cartilage Thickness and Meniscus Extrusion Predict Longitudinal Cartilage Loss by Quantitative Magnetic Resonance Imaging: Data From the Osteoarthritis Initiative.
Objective: This study aimed to assess how meniscus damage and baseline cartilage thickness influence the rate of cartilage loss and knee pain. Methods: Of 4796 participants in the Osteoarthritis Initiative, 86 had baseline and 48-month follow-up quantitative magnetic resonance imaging data for medial compartment cartilage thickness. Baseline meniscus pathology was scored by a musculoskeletal radiologist using Whole-Organ Magnetic Resonance Imaging Score. Findings were correlated with 72-month Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score. Results: Univariate analysis showed cartilage change was not influenced by demographic variables. Multivariable regression revealed that initial cartilage thickness (-1.07 mm at 48 months for every 1 mm decrease at baseline, P
http://ift.tt/2amMEJR
http://ift.tt/2amMEJR
Effectiveness of Adaptive Statistical Iterative Reconstruction for 64-Slice Dual-Energy Computed Tomography Pulmonary Angiography in Patients With a Reduced Iodine Load: Comparison With Standard Computed Tomography Pulmonary Angiography.
Objective: The aim of the study was to assess the effectiveness of the adaptive statistical iterative reconstruction (ASIR) for dual-energy computed tomography pulmonary angiography (DE-CTPA) with a reduced iodine load. Materials and Methods: One hundred forty patients referred for chest CT were randomly divided into a DE-CTPA group with a reduced iodine load or a standard CTPA group. Quantitative and qualitative image qualities of virtual monochromatic spectral (VMS) images with filtered back projection (VMS-FBP) and those with 50% ASIR (VMS-ASIR) in the DE-CTPA group were compared. Image qualities of VMS-ASIR images in the DE-CTPA group and ASIR images in the standard CTPA group were also compared. Results: All quantitative and qualitative indices, except attenuation value of pulmonary artery in the VMS-ASIR subgroup, were superior to those in the VMS-FBP subgroup (all P
http://ift.tt/2al8Eb5
http://ift.tt/2al8Eb5
Affective Lability Predicts Decreased Habituation in Posttraumatic Stress Symptom Responding During a Single Laboratory Session of Imaginal Exposure
Source:Journal of Anxiety Disorders
Author(s): Courtney E. Dutton, Christal L. Badour, Alyssa C. Jones, Emily R. Mischel, Matthew T. Feldner
Affective lability, or the instability of emotional states, is associated with heightened levels of trauma-related emotional responding and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. However, the impact of affective lability, specifically on habituation to idiographic trauma cues, has yet to be examined among trauma-exposed individuals. The current study examined differential response trajectories to trauma-related imaginal exposure as a function of affective lability. Specifically, 72 women with a history of sexual victimization participated in a laboratory-based study involving a single session of repeated imaginal exposures to idiographic traumatic event cues. As hypothesized, participants higher in affective lability reported less reduction in trauma-cue elicited posttraumatic stress symptoms across exposure trials. Given these results, it will be important to continue to extend these laboratory findings to better understand how elevated affective lability is related to response to trauma-focused exposure therapy among individuals with PTSD or other trauma-related psychopathology (e.g., borderline personality disorder).
http://ift.tt/2a4kvo4
Progress in Our Understanding of the Gut Microbiome: Implications for the Clinician
Abstract
The investigation of the role of the microbial communities of our gastrointestinal tract (microbiota) has accelerated dramatically in recent years thanks to rapid developments in the technologies that allow us to fully enumerate and evaluate the full complement of bacterial species and strains that normally inhabit the gut. Laboratory studies in a range of inventive animal models continue to provide insights into the role of the microbiota in health and to generate plausible hypotheses relating to its potential involvement in the pathogenesis of human disease. Studies of the composition of human gut microbiota continue to accumulate but their interpretation needs to be tempered by an appreciation of the limitations of single-point-in-time studies of fecal samples from small study populations. Nevertheless, clinically important examples of a central role for microbiota-host interactions in disease pathogenesis have emerged and many more have been postulated but await confirmation in appropriately powered and conducted studies.
http://ift.tt/2a45ing
Approach to the Patient with Mild Crohn’s Disease: a 2016 Update
Abstract
Mild Crohn's disease (CD) is classified as those patients who are ambulatory, with <10 % weight loss, are eating and drinking without abdominal mass, tenderness, obstructive symptoms, or fever, and endoscopically they have non-progressive mild findings. Initial evaluation of mild CD should focus on assessment for high-risk features requiring more aggressive therapy. In contrast to moderate-to-severe disease, where therapy is focused on mucosal healing, the management of mild CD is focused on symptom management, while exposing the individual to minimal therapeutic risks. Budesonide is the most commonly used medication for mild CD given its safety profile. Assessment of inflammatory markers, in concert with computed-tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance (MR) enterographies and endoscopic studies, should be considered in clinical remission to ensure that mucosal inflammation is not present. Endoscopic inflammation can precede clinical recurrence. Individuals with mild CD require routine vaccination, monitoring for iron-deficiency anemia and vitamin D deficiency, and colorectal cancer screening when appropriate.
http://ift.tt/2a54zW6
How Variable Is Our Delivery of Information? Approaches to Patient Education About Oral Chemotherapy in the Pediatric Oncology Clinic
In pediatric patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, adherence to oral chemotherapy relies largely on a parent's comprehension of the drug's indication and administration guidelines. We assessed how pediatric oncology providers educate families about oral chemotherapy. We conducted a cross-sectional survey of 68 physicians and nurses from 9 institutions in the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Consortium. The inter-individual approach to patient education is variable and may consist of handouts, treatment calendars, and discussions.
http://ift.tt/2aj4Plj
Les métamorphoses du système de santé
Publication date: Available online 19 May 2016
Source:Médecine & Droit
Author(s): Émilie Quintane Villa
Le cadre normatif intervenu ces dernières années pour rénover et fixer un cadre cohérent au système hospitalier remet en cause la division bipartite entre médecine privée et médecine publique. La tutelle de l'État, consolidée par la loi du 26 janvier 2016 portant modernisation du système de santé (JORF no 0022), brouille les frontières et implique de renouveler la qualification de notre système de santé.The normative framework intervened in recent years to renovate and establish a coherent framework to the hospital system questions the bipartite division between private medicine and public medicine. The state supervision, consolidated by the Law of 26 January 2016 on the modernization of the health system, blurs the boundaries and involves renewing the qualification of our health system.
http://ift.tt/2aktYgU
Proteome analysis of acute kidney injury – Discovery of new predominantly renal candidates for biomarker of kidney disease
Publication date: Available online 22 July 2016
Source:Journal of Proteomics
Author(s): Pamella Araujo Malagrino, Gabriela Venturini, Patrícia Schneider Yogi, Rafael Dariolli, Kallyandra Padilha, Bianca Kiers, Tamiris Carneiro Gois, Karina Helena Morais Cardozo, Valdemir Malecho Carvalho, Jéssica Silva Salgueiro, Adriana Castello Costa Girardi, Silvia M.O. Titan, José Eduardo Krieger, Alexandre Costa Pereira
The main bottleneck in studies aiming to identify novel biomarkers in acute kidney injury (AKI) has been the identification of markers that are organ and process specific. Here, we have used different tissues from a controlled porcine renal ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) model to identify new, predominantly renal biomarker candidates for kidney disease. Urine and serum samples were analyzed in pre-ischemia, ischemia (60min) and 4, 11 and 16h post-reperfusion and renal cortex samples after 24h of reperfusion. Peptides were analyzed on the Q-Exactive™. In renal cortex proteome, we observed an increase in the synthesis of proteins in the ischemic kidney compared to the contralateral, highlighted by transcription factors and epithelial adherens junction proteins. Intersecting the set of proteins up- or down-regulated in the ischemic tissue with both serum and urine proteomes, we identified 6 proteins in the serum that may provide a set of targets for kidney injury. Additionally, we identified 49, being 4 predominantly renal, proteins in urine. As prove of concept, we validated one of the identified biomarkers, dipeptidyl peptidase IV, in a set of patients with diabetic nephropathy. In conclusion, we identified 55 systemic proteins, some of them predominantly renal, candidates for biomarkers of renal disease.Biological significance.The main bottleneck in studies aiming to identify novel biomarkers in acute kidney injury (AKI) has been the identification of markers that are predominantly renal. In fact, putative biomarkers for this condition have also been identified in a number of other clinical scenarios, such as cardiovascular diseases, chronic kidney failure or in patients being treated in intensive care units from a number of conditions. Here we propose a comprehensive, sequential screening procedure able to identify and validate potential biomarkers for kidney disease, using kidney ischemia/reperfusion as a paradigm for a kidney pathological event.
http://ift.tt/2a24kxF
Delivery of Therapeutic siRNA to the CNS Using Cationic and Anionic Liposomes
http://ift.tt/2a4wQMj
HKUST-1 as a Heterogeneous Catalyst for the Synthesis of Vanillin
http://ift.tt/2a4wHIV
A nano-silver enzyme electrode for organophosphorus pesticide detection
Abstract
A nano-silver electrode immobilizing acetylcholinesterase (AChE) for the detection of organophosphorus (OPPs) pesticides is reported. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to characterize the surface structure of two kinds of electrodes fabricated with different sizes of silver powders and the interface between chitosan layer and nano-silver powder layer. Cyclic voltammetry was carried out to characterize the response of silver/chitosan electrode in the absence and in the presence of thiocholine (TCh). It was also used to evaluate the insulativity of the chitosan layer. An amperometric method was performed to measure the response of the electrode to TCh, which is the product of the enzymatic reaction for detecting organophosphorus pesticides indirectly. Although there are many kinds of nanoparticles, silver was chosen for its internal advantage in detecting TCh at low potential without further modification. The result shows nano-silver powder has better performance than usual silver powder, and the limit of detection of paraoxon is 4 ppb under optimized conditions. One percent (w/v) chitosan solution was used as binder for the immobilization of nano-silver powder and AChE, which made it possible for independent electrode fabrication at room temperature, whereas 3% (w/v) chitosan solution was used as insulating compound for controlling the electrode area. Unlike traditional organic insulating ink, chitosan is safe and environmentally friendly, and it is used as insulating material for the first time. The flexible nano-silver/AChE/chitosan electrode was evaluated in Chinese chives and cabbage, and the recoveries of standard addition were 105.11 and 96.41%, respectively. Owing to the antibacterial property of nano-silver and the biocompatibility, safety, and biodegradability of chitosan, the proposed method is safe, facile, environmentally friendly, and has great potential in organophosphorus pesticide detection for food safety.
Graphical Abstract
Current response of nano-silver electrode (a) and silver electrode (b) to thiocholine in 0.02 M PBS + KCl at 0.15 V; addition of thiocholine (0.09 mM) every 50 s (↓); inset: calibration curve of nano-silver (▲) and silver (◆) electrode
http://ift.tt/2a8DL8z
A fluorescent aptasensor based on a DNA pyramid nanostructure for ultrasensitive detection of ochratoxin A
Abstract
Analytical techniques for detection of ochratoxin A (OTA) in food products and blood serum are of great significance. In this study, a fluorescent aptasensor was developed for sensitive and specific detection of OTA, based on a DNA pyramid nanostructure (DPN) and PicoGreen (PG) dye. The designed aptasensor inherits characteristics of DPN, such as high stability and capacity for PG loading. PG, as a fluorescent dye, could bind to double-stranded DNA (dsDNA). In the absence of OTA, the pyramid structure of DPN remains intact, leading to a very strong fluorescence emission. Because of higher affinity of aptamer for its target relative to its complementary strand, upon addition of target, the pyramid structure of DPN is disassembled, leading to a weak fluorescence emission. The presented aptasensor showed high specificity toward OTA with a limit of detection (LOD) as low as 0.135 nM. Besides, the designed sensing strategy was successfully utilized to recognize OTA in serum and grape juice with LODs of 0.184 and 0.149 nM, respectively.
http://ift.tt/2a8Ebfe
Self-aliquoting micro-grooves in combination with laser ablation-ICP-mass spectrometry for the analysis of challenging liquids: quantification of lead in whole blood
Abstract
We present a technique for the fast screening of the lead concentration in whole blood samples using laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS). The whole blood sample is deposited on a polymeric surface and wiped across a set of micro-grooves previously engraved into the surface. The engraving of the micro-grooves was accomplished with the same laser system used for LA-ICP-MS analysis. In each groove, a part of the liquid blood is trapped, and thus, the sample is divided into sub-aliquots. These aliquots dry quasi instantly and are then investigated by means of LA-ICP-MS. For quantification, external calibration against aqueous standard solutions was relied on, with iron as an internal standard to account for varying volumes of the sample aliquots. The 208Pb/57Fe nuclide ratio used for quantification was obtained via a data treatment protocol so far only used in the context of isotope ratio determination involving transient signals. The method presented here was shown to provide reliable results for Recipe ClinChek® Whole Blood Control levels I–III (nos. 8840–8842), with a repeatability of typically 3 % relative standard deviation (n = 6, for Pb at 442 μg L−1). Spiked and non-spiked real whole blood was analysed as well, and the results were compared with those obtained via dilution and sectorfield ICP-MS. A good agreement between both methods was observed. The detection limit (3 s) for lead in whole blood was established to be 10 μg L−1 for the laser ablation method presented here.
Graphical Abstract
Micro-grooves are filled with whole blood, dried, and analyzed by laser ablation ICP-mass spectrometry. Notice that the laser moves in perpendicular direction with regard to the micro-grooves
http://ift.tt/29Vm2y9
Ion sensors based on novel fiber organic electrochemical transistors for lead ion detection
Abstract
Fiber organic electrochemical transistors (FECTs) based on polypyrrole and nanofibers have been prepared for the first time. FECTs exhibited excellent electrical performances, on/off ratios up to 104 and low applied voltages below 2 V. The ion sensitivity behavior of the fiber organic electrochemical transistors was investigated. It exhibited that the transfer curve of FECTs shifted to lower gate voltage with increasing cations concentration, the sensitivity reached to 446 μA/dec in the 10–5–10–2 M Pb2+ concentration range. The ion selective properties of the FECTs have also been systematically studied for the detection of potassium, calcium, aluminum, and lead ions. The devices with different cations showed great difference in response curves. It was suitable for selectively monitoring Pb2+ with respect to other cations. The results indicated FECTs were very effective for electrochemical sensing of lead ion, which opened a promising perspective for wearable electronics in healthcare and biological application.
Graphical Abstract
The schematic diagram of fiber organic electrochemical transistors based on polypyrrole and nanofibers for ion sensing.
http://ift.tt/29VmnRj
Multiplug filtration cleanup method with multi-walled carbon nanotubes for the analysis of malachite green, diethylstilbestrol residues, and their metabolites in aquatic products by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry
Abstract
The food safety supervision in aquatic products has raised public concern in recent years. In this study, a liquid chromatographic–tandem mass spectrometric (LC-MS/MS) method for the simultaneous quantification and identification of four residues of the ever widely used analytes (including malachite green, leucomalachite green, diethylstilbestrol, and dienestrol) in aquaculture samples was developed. For sample preparation, a modified QuEChERS (quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe) method was used, which was initially developed for pesticide residue analysis. For cleanup procedure, low-temperature cleanup method was combined with multiplug filtration cleanup (m-PFC) method based on multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). The volume of water, extraction solvent, cleanup sorbents, and m-PFC procedure were optimized for carp, striped bass, and giant salamander matrices. It was validated by analyzing four residues in each matrix spiked at three concentration levels of 0.5, 5, and 50 μg/kg (n = 5). The method was successfully validated according to the 2002/657/EC guidelines. After optimization, spike recoveries were within 73–106 % and <15 % relative standard deviations (RSDs) for all analytes in the tested matrices. Limits of quantification (LOQs) for the proposed method ranged from 0.10 to 0.50 μg/kg. Matrix-matched calibrations were performed with the coefficients of determination >0.998 between concentration levels of 0.5 and 200 μg/kg. The developed method was successfully applied to the determination of residues in market samples.
Graphical abstract
Flow chart of multi-plug filtration cleanup combined with low-temperature cleanup method
http://ift.tt/29VmkVK
Evaluation of the degradation of acetaminophen by the filamentous fungus Scedosporium dehoogii using carbon-based modified electrodes
Abstract
The nonpathogenic filamentous fungus Scedosporium dehoogii was used for the first time to study the electrochemical biodegradation of acetaminophen (APAP). A carbon fiber microelectrode (CFME) modified by nickel tetrasulfonated phthalocyanine (p-NiTSPc) and a carbon paste electrode (CPE) modified with coffee husks (CH) were prepared to follow the kinetics of APAP biodegradation. The electrochemical response of APAP at both electrodes was studied by cyclic voltammetry and square wave voltammetry. p-NiTSPc-CFME was suitable to measure high concentrations of APAP, whereas CH–CPE gave rise to high current densities but was subject to the passivation phenomenon. p-NiTSPc–CFME was then successfully applied as a sensor to describe the kinetics of APAP biodegradation: this was found to be of first order with a kinetics constant of 0.11 day−1 (at 25 °C) and a half-life of 6.30 days. APAP biodegradation by the fungus did not lead to the formation of p-aminophenol (PAP) and hydroquinone (HQ) that are carcinogenic, mutagenic, and reprotoxic (CMR).
Graphical Abstract
The kinetics of APAP biodegradation, followed by a poly-nickel tetrasulfonated phtalocyanine modified carbon fiber microelectrode
http://ift.tt/29Vm6ha
Improved procedure for dendrimer-based mass calibration in matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time-of-flight-mass spectrometry
Abstract
A procedure is described that results in a substantial increase in signal intensity and in improved accuracy of positive-ion mass calibration when using commercially available kits of monodisperse dendrimers (SpheriCal®) in matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) mass spectrometry (MS). The peak intensities are amplified by an admixture of 2-[(2E)-3-(4-tert-butylphenyl)-2-methylprop-2-enylidene] malononitrile (DCTB) matrix to the kits comprising of 9-nitroanthracene matrix, sodium trifluoroacetate, and four dendrimers. Boosted ion formation then permits lower laser fluence to be used and thus yields enhanced mass resolution. Further, the number of reference peaks is doubled by doping the sample preparation with cesium ions. This results in four [M+Cs]+ ion signals in addition to four [M+Na]+ ion signals provided by the standard kit. Overall, the modified procedure notably reduces the consumption of the expensive calibration standard kits, while it increases mass resolution and enables the use of an advanced calibration algorithm requiring at least six reference peaks.
Graphical abstract
A dendrimer-based mass calibration for MALDI-TOF-MS can be improved by adding a DCTB matrix and doping the sample preparation with Cs+ ions. Having eight rather than just four reference peaks reduces the average mass error of the calibration curve about fivefold.
http://ift.tt/29VmlZH
Highly sensitive detection of M.SssI DNA methyltransferase activity using a personal glucose meter
Abstract
A simple method for highly sensitive and selective detection of M.SssI CpG methyltransferase (M.SssI MTase) activity is developed, leveraging on the portability and ease of use of a personal glucose meter (PGM). Briefly, DNA-invertase conjugates are hybridized with their complementary DNA strands pre-immobilized on magnetic beads. The 5′-CCGG-3′ sequence present in the DNA duplexes serves as the recognition site for both Hpa II restriction enzyme and M.SssI MTase (5′-CG-3′). Hpa II restriction enzyme specifically cleaves at unmethylated 5′-CCGG-3′ sequence, and the invertase that remains on the methylated DNA catalyzes the hydrolysis of sucrose to glucose and fructose. It is found that the amount of glucose is proportional to the M.SssI MTase methylation activity in the range of 0.5 to 80 U/mL with a detection limit of 0.37 U/mL. Due to the specific recognition sequence present in the DNA strands, this method also shows high selectivity for M.SssI MTase. In addition, inhibition studies with 5′-azacytidine demonstrate the capability of inhibition screening using this method.
Graphical abstract
Deteciton of M.SssI DNA methyltransferase activity by a personal glucose meter
http://ift.tt/29Vm8Wr
Molecularly imprinted polymer as efficient sorbent of solid-phase extraction for determination of gonyautoxin 1,4 in seawater followed by high-performance liquid chromatography-fluorescence detection
Abstract
A kind of new molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) was synthesized by bulk polymerization using guanosine as dummy template molecule, α-methacrylic acid as functional monomer and ethylene glycol dimethyl acrylic ester as crosslinker. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed that the MIP had homogenous and uniform-sized cavities. It was confirmed that the MIP had higher binding affinity and selectivity towards gonyautoxins 1,4 (GTX 1,4) than the non-imprinted polymer (NIP) according to the static equilibrium adsorption. An off-line molecularly imprinted solid-phase extraction (MISPE) method followed by high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection (HPLC-FLD) was established for the analysis of GTX 1,4. 0.1 mol/L acetic acid and 95:5 (v:v) methanol/water were optimized as the washing and elution solutions, respectively. The recoveries of spiked cultured seawater samples were satisfactory, as high as 88 %. Using this method, the concentrations of GTX 1,4 from cultured seawater samples of Alexandrium minutum and Alexandrium tamarense were detected to be 1.10 μg/L and 0.99 μg/L, respectively.
Graphical Abstract
The synthesis of molecularly imprinted polymer and molecularly imprinted solid-phase extraction analysis for gonyautoxin 1,4
http://ift.tt/29VmlZO
Response to Own Name in Children: ERP Study of Auditory Social Information Processing
Source:Biological Psychology
Author(s): Alexandra P. Key, Dorita Jones, Sarika U. Peters
Auditory processing is an important component of cognitive development, and names are among the most frequently occurring receptive language stimuli. Although own name processing has been examined in infants and adults, surprisingly little data exist on responses to own name in children. The present ERP study examined spoken name processing in 32 children (M=7.85years) using a passive listening paradigm. Our results demonstrated that children differentiate own and close other's names from unknown names, as reflected by the enhanced parietal P300 response. The responses to own and close other names did not differ between each other. Repeated presentations of an unknown name did not result in the same familiarity as the known names. These results suggest that auditory ERPs to known/unknown names are a feasible means to evaluate complex auditory processing without the need for overt behavioral responses.
http://ift.tt/2a0Wf8G
Use of Rabbit Eyes in Pharmacokinetic Studies of Intraocular Drugs
http://ift.tt/29SdbRj
IJMS, Vol. 17, Pages 1194: Akt Activation Correlates with Snail Expression and Potentially Determines the Recurrence of Prostate Cancer in Patients at Stage T2 after a Radical Prostatectomy
http://ift.tt/29RUc9N
IJMS, Vol. 17, Pages 1195: Comparative Analysis for the Presence of IgG Anti-Aquaporin-1 in Patients with NMO-Spectrum Disorders
http://ift.tt/2aCv9EN
The many faces of paediatric mitochondrial disease on neuroimaging
Abstract
The knowledge about the genetic spectrum underlying paediatric mitochondrial diseases is rapidly growing. As a consequence, the range of neuroimaging findings associated with mitochondrial diseases became extremely broad. This has important implications for radiologists and clinicians involved in the care of these patients. Here, we provide a condensed overview of brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings in children with genetically confirmed mitochondrial diseases. The neuroimaging spectrum ranges from classical Leigh syndrome with symmetrical lesions in basal ganglia and/or brain stem to structural abnormalities including cerebellar hypoplasia and corpus callosum dysgenesis. We highlight that, although some imaging patterns can be suggestive of a genetically defined mitochondrial syndrome, brain MRI-based candidate gene prioritization is only successful in a subset of patients.
http://ift.tt/2ajusEj
Hemivertebrae: a comprehensive review of embryology, imaging, classification, and management
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper was to comprehensively review hemivertebrae in regard to their classification, embryology, etiology, diagnosis, clinical manifestations, and management of this developmental anomaly.
Methods
This subject review of hemivertebrae was composed after conducting a thorough review of the available literature on this topic using PubMed and other standard search engines.
Results
Hemivertebrae are incomplete vertebral column segments that can result in congenital scoliosis and be associated with a range of other structural anomalies. Presentations may differ and based on location and classification, treatments may vary.
Conclusion
Hemivertebrae are structural anomalies of the vertebral column that can potentially disrupt the spine's normal curvature. Their clinical impact depends on factors such as degree of segmentation and concurrence with other structural anomalies. It is hoped that this review will provide the clinician who treats patients with hemivertebrae a resource in better understanding this finding and its subsequent pathological effects.
http://ift.tt/2al8oWp
Toxins, Vol. 8, Pages 226: Biotechnological Trends in Spider and Scorpion Antivenom Development
Spiders and scorpions are notorious for their fearful dispositions and their ability to inject venom into prey and predators, causing symptoms such as necrosis, paralysis, and excruciating pain. Information on venom composition and the toxins present in these species is growing due to an interest in using bioactive toxins from spiders and scorpions for drug discovery purposes and for solving crystal structures of membrane-embedded receptors. Additionally, the identification and isolation of a myriad of spider and scorpion toxins has allowed research within next generation antivenoms to progress at an increasingly faster pace. In this review, the current knowledge of spider and scorpion venoms is presented, followed by a discussion of all published biotechnological efforts within development of spider and scorpion antitoxins based on small molecules, antibodies and fragments thereof, and next generation immunization strategies. The increasing number of discovery and development efforts within this field may point towards an upcoming transition from serum-based antivenoms towards therapeutic solutions based on modern biotechnology.
http://ift.tt/2agobpS
Toxins, Vol. 8, Pages 230: Colubrid Venom Composition: An -Omics Perspective
Snake venoms have been subjected to increasingly sensitive analyses for well over 100 years, but most research has been restricted to front-fanged snakes, which actually represent a relatively small proportion of extant species of advanced snakes. Because rear-fanged snakes are a diverse and distinct radiation of the advanced snakes, understanding venom composition among "colubrids" is critical to understanding the evolution of venom among snakes. Here we review the state of knowledge concerning rear-fanged snake venom composition, emphasizing those toxins for which protein or transcript sequences are available. We have also added new transcriptome-based data on venoms of three species of rear-fanged snakes. Based on this compilation, it is apparent that several components, including cysteine-rich secretory proteins (CRiSPs), C-type lectins (CTLs), CTLs-like proteins and snake venom metalloproteinases (SVMPs), are broadly distributed among "colubrid" venoms, while others, notably three-finger toxins (3FTxs), appear nearly restricted to the Colubridae (sensu stricto). Some putative new toxins, such as snake venom matrix metalloproteinases, are in fact present in several colubrid venoms, while others are only transcribed, at lower levels. This work provides insights into the evolution of these toxin classes, but because only a small number of species have been explored, generalizations are still rather limited. It is likely that new venom protein families await discovery, particularly among those species with highly specialized diets.
http://ift.tt/2agnj4y
Toxins, Vol. 8, Pages 229: Purification and Characterization of a Novel Kazal-Type Trypsin Inhibitor from the Leech of Hirudinaria manillensis
Kazal-type serine proteinase inhibitors are found in a large number of living organisms and play crucial roles in various biological and physiological processes. Although some Kazal-type serine protease inhibitors have been identified in leeches, none has been reported from Hirudinaria manillensis, which is a medically important leech. In this study, a novel Kazal-type trypsin inhibitor was isolated from leech H. manillensis, purified and named as bdellin-HM based on the sequence similarity with bdellin-KL and bdellin B-3. Structural analysis revealed that bdellin-HM was a 17,432.8 Da protein and comprised of 149 amino acid residues with six cysteines forming three intra-molecular disulfide bonds. Bdellin-HM showed similarity with the Kazal-type domain and may belong to the group of "non-classical" Kazal inhibitors according to its CysI-CysII disulfide bridge position. Bdellin-HM had no inhibitory effect on elastase, chymotrypsin, kallikrein, Factor (F) XIIa, FXIa, FXa, thrombin and plasmin, but it showed a potent ability to inhibit trypsin with an inhibition constant (Ki) of (8.12 ± 0.18) × 10−9 M. These results suggest that bdellin-HM from the leech of H. manillensis plays a potent and specific inhibitory role towards trypsin.
http://ift.tt/2a1j9kj
Toxins, Vol. 8, Pages 230: Colubrid Venom Composition: An -Omics Perspective
Snake venoms have been subjected to increasingly sensitive analyses for well over 100 years, but most research has been restricted to front-fanged snakes, which actually represent a relatively small proportion of extant species of advanced snakes. Because rear-fanged snakes are a diverse and distinct radiation of the advanced snakes, understanding venom composition among "colubrids" is critical to understanding the evolution of venom among snakes. Here we review the state of knowledge concerning rear-fanged snake venom composition, emphasizing those toxins for which protein or transcript sequences are available. We have also added new transcriptome-based data on venoms of three species of rear-fanged snakes. Based on this compilation, it is apparent that several components, including cysteine-rich secretory proteins (CRiSPs), C-type lectins (CTLs), CTLs-like proteins and snake venom metalloproteinases (SVMPs), are broadly distributed among "colubrid" venoms, while others, notably three-finger toxins (3FTxs), appear nearly restricted to the Colubridae (sensu stricto). Some putative new toxins, such as snake venom matrix metalloproteinases, are in fact present in several colubrid venoms, while others are only transcribed, at lower levels. This work provides insights into the evolution of these toxin classes, but because only a small number of species have been explored, generalizations are still rather limited. It is likely that new venom protein families await discovery, particularly among those species with highly specialized diets.
http://ift.tt/2agnj4y
Toxins, Vol. 8, Pages 229: Purification and Characterization of a Novel Kazal-Type Trypsin Inhibitor from the Leech of Hirudinaria manillensis
Kazal-type serine proteinase inhibitors are found in a large number of living organisms and play crucial roles in various biological and physiological processes. Although some Kazal-type serine protease inhibitors have been identified in leeches, none has been reported from Hirudinaria manillensis, which is a medically important leech. In this study, a novel Kazal-type trypsin inhibitor was isolated from leech H. manillensis, purified and named as bdellin-HM based on the sequence similarity with bdellin-KL and bdellin B-3. Structural analysis revealed that bdellin-HM was a 17,432.8 Da protein and comprised of 149 amino acid residues with six cysteines forming three intra-molecular disulfide bonds. Bdellin-HM showed similarity with the Kazal-type domain and may belong to the group of "non-classical" Kazal inhibitors according to its CysI-CysII disulfide bridge position. Bdellin-HM had no inhibitory effect on elastase, chymotrypsin, kallikrein, Factor (F) XIIa, FXIa, FXa, thrombin and plasmin, but it showed a potent ability to inhibit trypsin with an inhibition constant (Ki) of (8.12 ± 0.18) × 10−9 M. These results suggest that bdellin-HM from the leech of H. manillensis plays a potent and specific inhibitory role towards trypsin.
http://ift.tt/2a1j9kj
Toxins, Vol. 8, Pages 226: Biotechnological Trends in Spider and Scorpion Antivenom Development
Spiders and scorpions are notorious for their fearful dispositions and their ability to inject venom into prey and predators, causing symptoms such as necrosis, paralysis, and excruciating pain. Information on venom composition and the toxins present in these species is growing due to an interest in using bioactive toxins from spiders and scorpions for drug discovery purposes and for solving crystal structures of membrane-embedded receptors. Additionally, the identification and isolation of a myriad of spider and scorpion toxins has allowed research within next generation antivenoms to progress at an increasingly faster pace. In this review, the current knowledge of spider and scorpion venoms is presented, followed by a discussion of all published biotechnological efforts within development of spider and scorpion antitoxins based on small molecules, antibodies and fragments thereof, and next generation immunization strategies. The increasing number of discovery and development efforts within this field may point towards an upcoming transition from serum-based antivenoms towards therapeutic solutions based on modern biotechnology.
http://ift.tt/2agobpS
Moving from theory to practice: experience of implementing a learning supporting model designed to increase patient involvement and autonomy in care
In implementing new programs of care, such as person-centered care, there is a risk that the focus will be at an organizational level, instead of a level that describes what happens in the personal development...
http://ift.tt/29UWtgH
Identification and molecular characterization of Corynebacterium xerosis isolated from a sheep cutaneous abscess: first case report in Mexico
Corynebacterium xerosis is a commensal organism found in skin and mucous membranes of humans. It is considered an unusual pathogen, and it is rarely found in human and animal clinical ...
http://ift.tt/2a8dBD6
The effect of simulated narratives that leverage EMR data on shared decision-making: a pilot study
Shared decision-making can improve patient satisfaction and outcomes. To participate in shared decision-making, patients need information about the potential risks and benefits of treatment options. Our team h...
http://ift.tt/29UW7Xc
Acute pulmonary melioidosis presenting with multiple bilateral cavitary lesions in a healthy young adult: an authentic case report from Sri Lanka
Melioidosis is an emerging infectious disease in Sri Lanka. This disease usually develops in a host with an immunocompromised state. Acute pulmonary melioidosis commonly presents as a lobar consolidation with ...
http://ift.tt/2a8d97Q
Mutiple keratocystic odontogenic tumors (KCOT) in a patient with Gorlin syndrome: a case report with late presentation and absence of skin manifestations
Gorlin syndrome is a rare autosomal dominant syndrome characterized by multiple basal cell carcinomas, keratocystic odontogenic tumors (KOT) and falx cerebral calcifications, which occur due to mutation in PTC...
http://ift.tt/29UWt0b
Female Mice are Resistant to Fabp1 Gene Ablation-Induced Alterations in Brain Endocannabinoid Levels
Abstract
Although liver fatty acid binding protein (FABP1, L-FABP) is not detectable in the brain, Fabp1 gene ablation (LKO) markedly increases endocannabinoids (EC) in brains of male mice. Since the brain EC system of females differs significantly from that of males, it was important to determine if LKO differently impacted the brain EC system. LKO did not alter brain levels of arachidonic acid (ARA)-containing EC, i.e. arachidonoylethanolamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), but decreased non-ARA-containing N-acylethanolamides (OEA, PEA) and 2-oleoylglycerol (2-OG) that potentiate the actions of AEA and 2-AG. These changes in brain potentiating EC levels were not associated with: (1) a net decrease in levels of brain membrane proteins associated with fatty acid uptake and EC synthesis; (2) a net increase in brain protein levels of cytosolic EC chaperones and enzymes in EC degradation; or (3) increased brain protein levels of EC receptors (CB1, TRVP1). Instead, the reduced or opposite responsiveness of female brain EC levels to loss of FABP1 (LKO) correlated with intrinsically lower FABP1 level in livers of WT females than males. These data show that female mouse brain endocannabinoid levels were unchanged (AEA, 2-AG) or decreased (OEA, PEA, 2-OG) by complete loss of FABP1 (LKO).
http://ift.tt/2ahQNAo
In vivo toxicity and antitumor activity of essential oils extract from agarwood (Aquilaria crassna)
Aquilaria crassna has been used in traditional Asian medicine to treat vomiting, rheumatism, asthma, and cough. Furthermore, earlier studies from our laboratory have revealed that the ...
http://ift.tt/2a5hIfl
Dig1 protects against locomotor and biochemical dysfunctions provoked by Roundup
Plant medicinal extracts may be claimed to prevent or cure chemical intoxications. Few of these are tested for their mechanisms of actions in vivo and for their cellular impacts. In 2011, we demonstrated that ...
http://ift.tt/2ahRw4C
The influence of goutweed (Aegopodium podagraria L.) tincture and metformin on the carbohydrate and lipid metabolism in dexamethasone-treated rats
Diabetes mellitus and metabolic syndrome are the common problems of the modern society. The interest in herbal medicines increases, and often they are used in combination with conventional drugs. Aegopodium podag...
http://ift.tt/2a5hIvY
Effect of vertically aligned carbon nanotube density on the water flux and salt rejection in desalination membranes
In this paper, vertically aligned carbon nanotube (VACNT) membranes of different densities are developed and their performances are investigated. VACNT arrays of densities 5 × 109, 1010, 5 × 1010 and 1011 tubes c...
http://ift.tt/2a0xucu
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Αλέξανδρος Γ. Σφακιανάκης Medicine by Alexandros G. Sfakianakis,Anapafseos 5 Agios Nikolaos 72100 Crete Greece,00302841026182,0030693260717...
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Alimentary Pharmacology &Therapeutics, EarlyView. https://ift.tt/2qECBIJ
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heory of COVID-19 pathogenesis Publication date: November 2020Source: Medical Hypotheses, Volume 144Author(s): Yuichiro J. Suzuki ScienceD...
