Fullerene-doped polyaniline as new redox nanoprobe and catalyst in electrochemical aptasensor for ultrasensitive detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis MPT64 antigen in human serum

Publication date: July 2017
Source:Biomaterials, Volume 133
Author(s): Lijuan Bai, Yuhan Chen, Yan Bai, Yongjie Chen, Jing Zhou, Ailong Huang
Tuberculosis caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) is still a major threat to global public health. However, the existing methods for MTB detection are usually complicated and time consuming with unsatisfactory sensitivity and specificity. In this work, a relatively simple and ultrasensitive electrochemical aptasensor based on novel signal generation and amplification was constructed for the determination of MTB antigen MPT64. The coil-like fullerene (C60)-doped polyaniline (C60-PAn) nanohybrids with large surface area, abundant active groups and excellent electric performance were synthesized and used both as new redox nanoprobe and catalyst for the generation and amplification of electrochemical signal for the first time. Then gold nanoparticles decorated C60-PAn nanocomposites (GNPs-C60-PAn) were labeled with signal aptamer to form the tracer label. After the sandwich reaction of target MPT64 antigen between capture aptamer and the tracer label, a distinguishing detection signal of C60-PAn would be observed. Moreover, the detection signal could be enormously enhanced towards the efficient electrocatalytic oxidation of ascorbic acid based on C60-PAn, resulting in further improvement of the sensitivity. With the excellent redox and electrocatalytic activity of C60-PAn, a wide detection linear range from 0.02 to 1000 pg/mL was obtained with a detection limit of 20 fg/mL for MPT64. The proposed aptasensor showed high selectivity to target antigen compared with possible interfering substances. More importantly, it also exhibited excellent specificity and sensitivity for MPT64 detection in serum samples of tuberculosis patients, which provided a rapid and efficient detection method for MTB infection.



http://ift.tt/2peUMVS

Bilirubin nanoparticle preconditioning protects against hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury

Publication date: July 2017
Source:Biomaterials, Volume 133
Author(s): Jin Yong Kim, Dong Yun Lee, Sukmo Kang, Wenjun Miao, Hyungjun Kim, Yonghyun Lee, Sangyong Jon
Hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) remains a major concern in liver transplantation and resection, despite continuing efforts to prevent it. Accumulating evidence suggests that bilirubin possesses antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic properties. However, despite obvious potential health benefits of bilirubin, its clinical applications are limited by its poor solubility. We recently developed bilirubin nanoparticles (BRNPs) consisting of polyethylene glycol (PEG)-conjugated bilirubin. Here, we sought to investigate whether BRNPs protect against IRI in the liver by preventing oxidative stress. BRNPs exerted potent antioxidant and anti-apoptotic activity in primary hepatocytes exposed to hydrogen peroxide, a precursor of reactive oxygen species (ROS). In a model of hepatic IRI in mice, BRNP preconditioning exerted profound protective effects against hepatocellular injury by reducing oxidative stress, pro-inflammatory cytokine production, and recruitment of neutrophils. They also preferentially accumulated in IRI-induced inflammatory lesions. Collectively, our findings indicate that BRNP preconditioning provides a simple and safe approach that can be easily monitored in the blood like endogenous bilirubin, and could be a promising strategy to protect against IRI in a clinical setting.



http://ift.tt/2ouxk44

Glucose-sensitive self-healing hydrogel as sacrificial materials to fabricate vascularized constructs

Publication date: July 2017
Source:Biomaterials, Volume 133
Author(s): Ting-Chen Tseng, Fu-Yu Hsieh, Patrick Theato, Yen Wei, Shan-hui Hsu
A major challenge in tissue engineering is the lack of proper vascularization. Although various approaches have been used to build vascular network in a tissue engineering construct, there remain some drawbacks. Herein, a glucose-sensitive self-healing hydrogel are employed as sacrificial materials to fabricate branched tubular channels within a construct. The hydrogel composes of mainly reversibly crosslinked poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate and dithiothreitol with borax as the glucose-sensitive motif. The hydrogel is injectable and mechanically strong after injection. Moreover, it can be rapidly removed by immersion in the cell culture medium. To show the feasibility in building a vascularized tissue construct, the designed branching vascular patterns of the glucose-sensitive hydrogel are extruded and embedded in a non glucose-sensitive hydrogel containing neural stem cells. Vascular endothelial cells seeded in the lumen of the channels by perfusion can line the channel wall and migrate into the non-sacrificial hydrogel after 3 days. In long-term (∼14 days), the endothelial cells form capillary-like structure (vascular network) while neural stem cells form neurosphere-like structure (neural development) in the construct, revealing the morphology of "a vascularized neural tissue". The novel sacrificial materials can create complicated but easily removable structure for building a vascularized tissue construct particularly a neurovascular unit.



http://ift.tt/2ouDP6Z

A facile, rapid and sensitive detection of MRSA using a CRISPR-mediated DNA FISH method, antibody-like dCas9/sgRNA complex

Publication date: 15 September 2017
Source:Biosensors and Bioelectronics, Volume 95
Author(s): Kyeonghye Guk, Joo Oak Keem, Seul Gee Hwang, Hyeran Kim, Taejoon Kang, Eun-Kyung Lim, Juyeon Jung
Rapid and reliable diagnosis of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is crucial for guiding effective patient treatment and preventing the spread of MRSA infections. Nonetheless, further simplification of MRSA detection procedures to shorten detection time and reduce labor relative to that of conventional methods remains a challenge. Here, we have demonstrated a Clustered regularly interspaced palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-mediated DNA-FISH method for the simple, rapid and highly sensitive detection of MRSA; this method uses CRISPR associated protein 9/single-guide RNA (dCas9/sgRNA) complex as a targeting material and SYBR Green I (SG I) as a fluorescent probe. A dCas9/sgRNA-SG I based detection approach has advantages over monoclonal antibody in conventional immunoassay systems due to its ability to interact with the target gene in a sequence-specific manner. The detection limit of MRSA was as low as 10 cfu/ml and was found to be sufficient to effectively detect MRSA. Unlike conventional gene diagnosis methods in which PCR must be accompanied or genes are isolated and analyzed, the target gene can be detected within 30min with high sensitivity without performing a gene separation step by using cell lysates. We showed that the fluorescence signal of the MRSA cell lysate was more than 10-fold higher than that of methicillin-susceptible S. aureus (MSSA). Importantly, the present approach can be applied to any target other than MRSA by simply changing the single-guide RNA (sgRNA) sequence. Because dCas9/sgRNA-SG I based detection approach has proved to be easy, fast, sensitive, and cost-efficient, it can be applied directly at the point of care to detect various pathogens as well as MRSA in this study.



http://ift.tt/2owWeQz

A nanobiosensor composed of Exfoliated Graphene Oxide and Gold Nano-Urchins, for detection of GMO products

Publication date: 15 September 2017
Source:Biosensors and Bioelectronics, Volume 95
Author(s): Zahra Aghili, Navid Nasirizadeh, Adeleh Divsalar, Shahram Shoeibi, Parichehreh Yaghmaei
Genetically Modified Organisms, have been entered our food chain and detection of these organisms in market products are still the main challenge for scientists. Among several developed detection/quantification methods for detection of these organisms, the electrochemical nanobiosensors are the most attended which are combining the advantages of using nanomaterials, electrochemical methods and biosensors. In this research, a novel and sensitive electrochemical nanobiosensor for detection/quantification of these organisms have been developed using nanomaterials; Exfoliated Graphene Oxide and Gold Nano-Urchins for modification of the screen-printed carbon electrode, and also applying a specific DNA probe as well as hematoxylin for electrochemical indicator. Application time period and concentration of the components have been optimized and also several reliable methods have been used to assess the correct assembling of the nanobiosensor e.g. field emission scanning electron microscope, cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The results shown the linear range of the sensor was 40.0–1100.0 femtomolar and the limit of detection calculated as 13.0 femtomolar. Besides, the biosensor had good selectivity towards the target DNA over the non-specific sequences and also it was cost and time-effective and possess ability to be used in real sample environment of extracted DNA of Genetically Modified Organism products. Therefore, the superiority of the aforementioned specification to the other previously published methods was proved adequate.



http://ift.tt/2phlzAI

Development of a two-photon fluorescent turn-on probe with far-red emission for thiophenols and its bioimaging application in living tissues

Publication date: 15 September 2017
Source:Biosensors and Bioelectronics, Volume 95
Author(s): Huiming Shang, Hua Chen, Yonghe Tang, Yanyan Ma, Weiying Lin
Thiophenol is a highly toxic compound which is essential in the field of organic synthesis and drug design. However, the accumulation of thiophenols in the environment may cause serious health problems for human bodies ultimately. Therefore, it is critical to develop efficient methods for visualization of thiophenol species in biological samples. In this work, an innovative two-photon fluorescent turn-on probe FR-TP with far-red emission for thiophenols based on FR-NH2 fluorophore and 2,4-dinitrophenylsulfonyl recognition site was reported. The new probe can be used for thiophenol detection with large far-red fluorescence enhancement (about 155-fold), rapid response (completed within 100s), excellent sensitivity (DL 0.363μM), high selectivity, and lower cellular auto-fluorescence interference. Importantly, the probe FR-TP can be successfully employed to visualize thiophenols not only in the living HeLa cells but also in living liver tissues. In addition, through two-photon tissue imaging, the probe was used to monitor and investigate biological thiophenol poisoning in the animal model of thiophenol inhalation for the first time.



http://ift.tt/2owZBXU

Characterization of a Monoclonal Antibody Specific for the Growth Hormone Secretagogue Receptor

Monoclonal Antibodies in Immunodiagnosis and Immunotherapy , Vol. 0, No. 0.


http://ift.tt/2owofaV

Monoclonal Antibody Against Premembrane Viral Protein of Avian Tembusu Virus

Monoclonal Antibodies in Immunodiagnosis and Immunotherapy , Vol. 0, No. 0.


http://ift.tt/2ph4aIE

IL17A Polymorphism Is Not Associated with Human T-Lymphotropic Virus 1-Associated Myelopathy/Tropical Spastic Paraparesis

Viral Immunology , Vol. 0, No. 0.


http://ift.tt/2oJjUU1

Notch Signaling Regulates Circulating T Helper 22 Cells in Patients with Chronic Hepatitis C

Viral Immunology , Vol. 0, No. 0.


http://ift.tt/2ogNXP2

Advances in Innate Antiviral Immunity

Viral Immunology , Vol. 0, No. 0.


http://ift.tt/2oJlaXn

Transcriptomic Analysis of Host Immune Response in the Skin of Chickens Infected with Marek's Disease Virus

Viral Immunology , Vol. 0, No. 0.


http://ift.tt/2ogVwoJ

The Relationship Between Caffeine Intake and Immunological and Virological Markers of HIV Disease Progression in Miami Adult Studies on HIV Cohort

Viral Immunology , Vol. 0, No. 0.


http://ift.tt/2oJeCIc

PLOD2 in cancer research

Publication date: June 2017
Source:Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy, Volume 90
Author(s): Hongzhi Du, Mao Pang, Xiaoying Hou, Shengtao Yuan, Li Sun
Collagen is not only the most abundant protein providing the scaffold for assembly of the extracellular matrix (ECM), but also considered to be the "highway" for cancer cell migration and invasion depending on the different collagen organizations. The accumulation of stabilized collagen is enhanced by different covalent collagen cross-links, lysyl hydroxylases 2 (encoded by the PLOD2 gene) is the key enzyme mediating the formation of the stabilized collagen cross-link. Interestingly, PLOD2 is overexpressed in different cancers and closely related to a poor prognosis. To the best of our knowledge, only the mechanisms of PLOD2 regulated by HIF-1α, TGF-β and microRNA-26a/b have been elaborated. In addition, several pharmacologic inhibitors of PLOD2 have been confirmed to have an anti-metastasis effect. However, there have been no reviews about PLOD2 in cancer research published thus far. In brief, this review about PLOD2 will describe the function, regulatory mechanism, and the inhibitors of PLOD2 in cancer, suggesting the credible clinical evaluation of a prognostic signature in pathological examination and the possible development of therapeutic strategies targeting PLOD2 in the future.



http://ift.tt/2oJjMnp

Re: “Iodine Content in Milk Alternatives” by Ma et al. (Thyroid 2016;26:1308–1310)

Thyroid , Vol. 0, No. 0.


http://ift.tt/2ogEVBx

Re: “Iodine Content in Milk Alternatives” by Ma et al. (Thyroid 2016;26:1308–1310)

Thyroid , Vol. 0, No. 0.


http://ift.tt/2ogEVBx

Immunological Memory of Group 2 Innate Lymphoid Cells

Publication date: Available online 14 April 2017
Source:Trends in Immunology
Author(s): Itziar Martinez-Gonzalez, Laura Mathä, Catherine A. Steer, Fumio Takei
Immunological memory has long been described as a property of the adaptive immune system that results in potent responses on exposure to an antigen encountered previously. While this definition appears to exclude cells that do not express antigen receptors, recent studies have shown that innate immune cells, including natural killer (NK) cells, macrophages, and, more recently, group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s) can record previous activations and respond more vigorously on reactivation. Here we review the similarities and differences between these forms of memory and the underlying mechanisms. Based on these insights, we propose to revise the definition of immunological memory, as the capacity to remember being previously activated and respond more efficiently on reactivation regardless of antigen specificity.



http://ift.tt/2od93yA

Evolutionary Origins of cGAS-STING Signaling

Publication date: Available online 14 April 2017
Source:Trends in Immunology
Author(s): Shally R. Margolis, Stephen C. Wilson, Russell E. Vance
Detection of foreign nucleic acids is an important strategy for innate immune recognition of pathogens. In vertebrates, pathogen-derived DNA is sensed in the cytosol by cGAS, which produces the cyclic dinucleotide (CDN) second messenger cGAMP to activate the signaling adaptor STING. While induction of antiviral type I interferons (IFNs) is the major outcome of STING activation in vertebrates, it has recently become clear that core components of the cGAS-STING pathway evolved more than 600 million years ago, predating the evolution of type I IFNs. Here we discuss the evolutionary origins of the cGAS-STING pathway, and consider the possibility that the ancestral functions of STING may have included activation of antibacterial immunity.



http://ift.tt/2phfS5K

Complement C3-Targeted Therapy: Replacing Long-Held Assertions with Evidence-Based Discovery

Publication date: Available online 14 April 2017
Source:Trends in Immunology
Author(s): Dimitrios C. Mastellos, Edimara S. Reis, Daniel Ricklin, Richard J. Smith, John D. Lambris
Complement dysregulation underlies several inflammatory disorders, and terminal complement inhibition has thus far afforded significant clinical gains. Nonetheless, emerging pathologies, fueled by complement imbalance and therapy-skewing genetic variance, underscore the need for more comprehensive, disease-tailored interventions. Modulation at the level of C3, a multifaceted orchestrator of the complement cascade, opens up prospects for broader therapeutic efficacy by targeting multiple pathogenic pathways modulated by C3-triggered proinflammatory crosstalk. Notably, C3 intervention is emerging as a viable therapeutic strategy for renal disorders with predominantly complement-driven etiology, such as C3 glomerulopathy (C3G). Using C3G as a paradigm, we argue that concerns about the feasibility of long-term C3 intervention need to be placed into perspective and weighed against actual therapeutic outcomes in prospective clinical trials.



http://ift.tt/2odbK34

Patterns, Receptors, and Signals: Regulation of Phagosome Maturation

Publication date: Available online 14 April 2017
Source:Trends in Immunology
Author(s): Anne-Marie Pauwels, Matthias Trost, Rudi Beyaert, Eik Hoffmann
Recognition of microbial pathogens and dead cells and their phagocytic uptake by specialized immune cells are essential to maintain host homeostasis. Phagosomes undergo fusion and fission events with endosomal and lysosomal compartments, a process called 'phagosome maturation', which leads to the degradation of the phagosomal content. However, many phagocytic cells also act as antigen-presenting cells and must balance degradation and peptide preservation. Emerging evidence indicates that receptor engagement by phagosomal cargo, as well as inflammatory mediators and cellular activation affect many aspects of phagosome maturation. Unsurprisingly, pathogens have developed strategies to hijack this machinery, thereby interfering with host immunity. Here, we highlight progress in this field, summarize findings on the impact of immune signals, and discuss consequences for pathogen elimination.



http://ift.tt/2phkmJY

Evaluating the Sources and Functions of Gradiency in Phoneme Categorization: An Individual Differences Approach.

Author: Kapnoula, Efthymia C.; Winn, Matthew B.; Kong, Eun Jong; Edwards, Jan; McMurray, Bob

DOI: 10.1037/xhp0000410

Publication Date: POST AUTHOR CORRECTIONS, 13 April 2017

http://ift.tt/2ogDZwZ

Investigating the Relationship Between Media Multitasking and Processes Involved in Task-Switching.

Author: Alzahabi, Reem; Becker, Mark W.; Hambrick, David Z.

DOI: 10.1037/xhp0000412

Publication Date: POST AUTHOR CORRECTIONS, 13 April 2017

http://ift.tt/2pgW9TL

Redundant Encoding Strengthens Segmentation and Grouping in Visual Displays of Data.

Author: Nothelfer, Christine; Gleicher, Michael; Franconeri, Steven

DOI: 10.1037/xhp0000314

Publication Date: POST AUTHOR CORRECTIONS, 13 April 2017

http://ift.tt/2ogGuiY

Reading Sentences of Uniform Word Length: Evidence for the Adaptation of the Preferred Saccade Length During Reading.

Author: Cutter, Michael G.; Drieghe, Denis; Liversedge, Simon P.

DOI: 10.1037/xhp0000416

Publication Date: POST AUTHOR CORRECTIONS, 13 April 2017

http://ift.tt/2ogLzHV

Individual Differences in Working Memory Capacity Predict Learned Control Over Attentional Capture.

Author: Robison, Matthew K.; Unsworth, Nash

DOI: 10.1037/xhp0000419

Publication Date: POST AUTHOR CORRECTIONS, 13 April 2017

http://ift.tt/2ph3eUF

Caloric Primary Rewards Systematically Alter Time Perception.

Author: Fung, Bowen J.; Murawski, Carsten; Bode, Stefan

DOI: 10.1037/xhp0000418

Publication Date: POST AUTHOR CORRECTIONS, 13 April 2017

http://ift.tt/2ogkxAC

Cueing Cognitive Flexibility: Item-Specific Learning of Switch Readiness.

Author: Chiu, Yu-Chin; Egner, Tobias

DOI: 10.1037/xhp0000420

Publication Date: POST AUTHOR CORRECTIONS, 13 April 2017

http://ift.tt/2pgZfqS

The Inversion, Part-Whole, and Composite Effects Reflect Distinct Perceptual Mechanisms With Varied Relationships to Face Recognition.

Author: Rezlescu, Constantin; Susilo, Tirta; Wilmer, Jeremy B.; Caramazza, Alfonso

DOI: 10.1037/xhp0000400

Publication Date: POST AUTHOR CORRECTIONS, 13 April 2017

http://ift.tt/2ogITu9

Impact of major life events on breast-cancer-specific mortality: A case fatality study on 8000 breast cancer patients

Publication date: June 2017
Source:Cancer Epidemiology, Volume 48
Author(s): Sanna Heikkinen, Joonas Miettinen, Eero Pukkala, Markku Koskenvuo, Nea Malila, Janne Pitkäniemi
BackgroundIt has been suggested that long-term activation of the body's stress–response system and subsequent overexposure to stress hormones may be associated with increased morbidity. However, evidence on the impact of major life events on mortality from breast cancer (BC) remains inconclusive. The main aim of this study is to investigate whether major negatively or positively experienced life events before or after diagnosis have an effect on BC-specific mortality in women who have survived with BC for at least 2 years.MethodsWe conducted a case fatality study with data on life events from a self-administered survey and data on BC from the Finnish Cancer Registry. Cox models were fitted to estimate BC mortality hazard ratios (MRs) between those who have undergone major life events and those who haven't.ResultsNone of the pre-diagnostic negative life events had any effect on BC-specific mortality. Regarding post-diagnostic events, the effect was greatest in women with moderate scores of events. As for event-specific scores, increased BC mortality was observed with spouse unemployment, relationship problems, and death of a close friend. By contrast, falling in love and positive developments in hobbies were shown to be associated with lower BC mortality (MRs 0.67, 95%CI: 0.49–0.92 and 0.74, 95%CI: 0.57–0.96, respectively). In an analysis restricted to recently diagnosed cases (2007), also death of a child and of a mother was associated with increased BC mortality.ConclusionsSome major life events regarding close personal relationships may play a role in BC-specific mortality, with certain negative life events increasing BC mortality and positive events decreasing it. The observed favorable associations between positive developments in romantic relationships and hobbies and BC mortality are likely to reflect the importance of social interaction and support.



http://ift.tt/2oJeecP

Inside front cover

Publication date: 1 July 2017
Source:Talanta, Volume 169





http://ift.tt/2oJ4wXK

Combining phagomagnetic separation with immunoassay for specific, fast and sensitive detection of Staphylococcus aureus

Publication date: 1 August 2017
Source:Talanta, Volume 170
Author(s): Chenghui Yan, Yun Zhang, Hang Yang, Junping Yu, Hongping Wei
A Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus)-specific lytic bacteriophage P-S. aureus-9, isolated from an environmental water sample, was assembled on magnetic beads for capturing S. aureus from samples through magnetic separation. Horseradish Peroxidase (HRP) labeled immunoglobulin (IgG) antibodies were used to detect the captured S. aureus by reacting with protein A on S. aureus followed by colorimetric signals, which were generated from the catalytic reaction between HRP and the substrate 3,3′,5,5′-Tetramethylbenzidine (TMB). Under optimal conditions, the calibration curve was linear from 1.0×10⁴ to 1.0×10⁶CFUmL⁻¹. The limit of detection (LOD) for the assay was 2.47×10³CFUmL⁻¹ and 8.86×10³CFUmL⁻¹ of S. aureus in PBS and apple juice, respectively. Moreover, the whole assay revealed outstanding specificity towards S. aureus, without any interference of common pathogenic bacteria, and can be completed within 90min without any pre-enrichment. As far as known, it was the first time to detect S. aureus based on the double site recognition of bacteriophage and mammal IgG. The novel approach has shown good potentials for a rapid, specific, cheap and simple detection of S. aureus in food samples.

Graphical abstract

http://ift.tt/2ogBSJs

An exploiting of cost-effective direct current conductivity detector in gas diffusion flow injection system

Publication date: 1 August 2017
Source:Talanta, Volume 170
Author(s): Wasin Somboot, Jaroon Jakmunee, Tinakorn Kanyanee
In this work, a homemade direct current (DC) conductivity detector as an alternative cost-effective detection device has been fabricated and investigated to use in flow analysis system. Under the selected appropriate conditions of flow system, the electrolysis of a carrier stream at the conductivity detector was negligible and provides well-defined signal. The cost-effective DC conductivity detector was demonstrated to couple with gas diffusion flow injection system for determination of dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) in water. The method is based on the conversion of DIC (dissolved CO2, HCO3^- and CO3^2-) presented in the injected sample to carbon dioxide in an acidic donor stream and then CO2 gas diffuses through a hydrophobic porous membrane to an acceptor stream. As a result, the change of conductivity signal was observed corresponding to DIC concentration. A linear calibration range of DIC in 1.0–10mmolL⁻¹, with limit of detection of 70µmolL⁻¹, repeatability of <3% RSD and 15 injections h⁻¹ sample throughput can be obtained. This method was applied for DIC determination in natural water.

Graphical abstract

http://ift.tt/2ogkNja

Sensitive determination of endogenous hydroxyl radical in live cell by a BODIPY based fluorescent probe

Publication date: 1 August 2017
Source:Talanta, Volume 170
Author(s): Kepeng Lei, Mingtai Sun, Libo Du, Xiaojie Zhang, Huan Yu, Suhua Wang, Tasawar Hayat, Ahmed Alsaedi
The sensitive and selective fluorescence probe for hydroxyl radical analysis is of significance because hydroxyl radical plays key roles in many physiological and pathological processes. In this work, a novel organic fluorescence molecular probe OHP for hydroxyl radical is synthesized by a two-step route. The probe employs 4-bora-3a,4a-diaza-s-indacene (difluoroboron dipyrromethene, BODIPY) as the fluorophore and possesses relatively high fluorescence quantum yields (77.14%). Hydroxyl radical can rapidly react with the probe and quench the fluorescence in a good linear relationship (R²=0.9967). The limit of detection is determined to be as low as 11nM. In addition, it has been demonstrated that the probe has a good stability against pH and light illumination, low cytotoxicity and high biocompatibility. Cell culture experimental results show that the probe OHP is sensitive and selective for imaging and tracking endogenous hydroxyl radical in live cells.

Graphical abstract

http://ift.tt/2ogrBgz

Editorial Board

Publication date: 1 July 2017
Source:Talanta, Volume 169





http://ift.tt/2ogv92c

A star-shaped poly(2-methyl-2-oxazoline)-based antifouling coating: Application in investigation of the interaction between acetaminophen and bovine serum albumin by frontal analysis capillary electrophoresis

Publication date: 1 August 2017
Source:Talanta, Volume 170
Author(s): Haiqin Du, Chong Zhang, Ke Mao, Yanmei Wang
In this work, an antifouling capillary modified with star-shaped poly(2-methyl-2-oxazoline)-based copolymer was used to study the interaction between acetaminophen (APAP) and bovine serum albumin (BSA) by frontal analysis capillary electrophoresis (FACE). The star-shaped copolymer, poly(ethylene imine)-graft-poly(2-methyl-2-oxazoline) (PEI-g-PMOXA), was immobilized onto the fused-silica capillary inner wall via dopamine-assisted co-deposition strategy, yielding a PEI-g-PMOXA/polydopamine (PDA)-coated antifouling capillary, i.e., an antifouling capillary coated with the PEI-g-PMOXA/PDA co-deposited film. Electroosmotic flow (EOF) mobility of the PEI-g-PMOXA/PDA-coated capillary was almost zero in a wide pH range (3.0–10.0), while the EOF mobility of bare capillary was much larger and increased significantly with pH increasing. When the PEI-g-PMOXA/PDA-coated capillary was exploited to separate a protein mixture including cytochrome c, lysozyme, ribonuclease A and α-chymotrypsinogen A, the theoretical plate numbers were of five orders of magnitude which were about ten-fold higher over those obtained with bare capillary; in addition, the RSD values of migration time were mostly less than 0.7% (30 consecutive runs) which were much smaller than those of bare capillary (c.a. 5.7%). The protein-resistant PEI-g-PMOXA/PDA-coated capillary was then used to investigate the interaction between APAP and BSA by FACE, the binding constant and number of binding sites at 25°C and pH 7.4 (Tris/HCl buffer of 25mM) were 1.39×10⁴M⁻¹ and 1.08, respectively, which were comparable to the results determined by fluorescence spectroscopic measurement (3.18×10⁴M⁻¹ and 1.19, respectively).

Graphical abstract

http://ift.tt/2oJ3nj3

A novel magnetic/photoluminescence bifunctional nanohybrid for the determination of trypsin

Publication date: 1 August 2017
Source:Talanta, Volume 170
Author(s): Tingting Xia, Qiang Ma, Tianyu Hu, Xingguang Su
In this work, we have designed a novel kind of nanohybrid with magnetic and photoluminescence (PL) property for trypsin detection. The modified magnetic Fe3O4 nanoparticles (MNPs) with polydopamine (PDA) and human serum albumin (HSA) were prepared through a one step self-polymerization under mild condition. The polydopamine (PDA) coating on MNPs can improve the biocompatibility of the MNP-PDA-HAS composite due to its hydrophilicity and multifunctional groups. When MNP-PDA-HSA composite was added into the Anti-HSA modified CdTe QDs (anti-HSA-QDs), HSA on the MNP-PDA-HSA composite was captured by the site of anti-HSA-QDs to form MNP-PDA-HSA/anti-HSA-QDs nanohybrid. Therefore, the photoluminescence of QDs can be quenched by Fe3O4 nanoparticles due to the electron transfer. In the presence of trypsin, the protein (anti-HSA) was digested by trypsin and QDs was separated from the nanohybrid surface. As a result, the photoluminescence intensity of QDs was recovered. The magnetic/luminescent bifunctional nanohybrid displayed excellent analytical performance for the detection of trypsin in the range of 0.5–30μg/mL with a low detection limit of 0.25μg/mL.

Graphical abstract

http://ift.tt/2oJ3n2x

Polyhydric polymer-functionalized fluorescent probe with enhanced aqueous solubility and specific ion recognition: A test strips-based fluorimetric strategy for the rapid and visual detection of Fe3+ ions

Publication date: 1 August 2017
Source:Talanta, Volume 170
Author(s): Zhiqiang Duan, Chunxian Zhang, Yuchun Qiao, Fengjuan Liu, Deyan Wang, Mengfan Wu, Ke Wang, Xiaoxia Lv, Xiangmu Kong, Hua Wang
A polyhydric polymer-functionalized probe with enhanced aqueous solubility was designed initially by coupling 1-pyrenecarboxyaldehyde (Pyr) onto poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) via the one-step condensation reaction. Polyhydric PVA polymer chains could facilitate the Pyr fluorophore with largely improved aqueous solubility and especially strong cyan fluorescence. Importantly, the fluorescence of the PVA-Pyr probes could thereby be quenched specifically by Fe³⁺ ions through the strong PVA-Fe³⁺ interaction triggering the polymeric probe aggregation. Furthermore, a test strips-based fluorimetric method was developed with the stable and uniform probe distribution by taking advantage of the unique film-forming ability and the depression capacity of "coffee-stain" effects of PVA matrix. The as-developed test strips could allow for the rapid and visual detections of Fe³⁺ ions simply by a dipping way, showing a linear concentration range of 5.00–300μM, with the detection limit of 0.73μM. Moreover, the proposed method was applied to the evaluation of Fe³⁺ ions in natural water samples, showing the analysis performances better or comparable to those of current detection techniques. This test strips-based fluorimetric strategy promises the extensive applications for the rapid on-site monitoring of Fe³⁺ ions in environmental water and the outdoor finding of the potential iron mines.

Graphical abstract

http://ift.tt/2oJ21ol

Qualitative analysis of the impact of Oral Potentially Malignant Disorders on daily life activities

by Jyothi Tadakamadla, Santhosh Kumar, Ratilal Lalloo, Newell W. Johnson

Objective

To evaluate the impact of Oral Potentially Malignant Disorders (OPMD) on daily life activities.

Materials and methods

Patients diagnosed with Oral Leukoplakia, Oral submucous fibrosis and Oral Lichen Planus attending the Oral Medicine clinic of Panineeya Institute of Dental Sciences & Research Centre, Hyderabad, India were invited to participate. Eighteen interviews and three focus groups were conducted in a non-clinical setting. Voice recordings were transcribed and translated from Telugu to English. Data coding was performed using the NVivo software.

Results

Sample size for this qualitative study comprised 32 patients. Four main themes emerged: (1) difficulties with diagnosis and knowledge about the condition, (2) physical impairment and functional limitations, (3) psychological and social wellbeing and (4) effects of treatment on daily life. In a majority of the patients, most of the interview time was spent discussing physical impairment and functional limitations. Patients also reported their mouth condition having a debilitating effect on their psychological well-being and social interactions.

Conclusions

'Physical impairment and functional limitations' was the most important theme for many of the patients. However, the impacts of OPMD also extended beyond physical impairment and functional limitations to aspects of daily living, notably psychological and social wellbeing.

http://ift.tt/2piZ6Ar

Ocular Motor Manifestations of Multiple Sclerosis.

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a demyelinating disease of the central nervous system leading to disability, especially in young patients. Acute or chronic lesions of MS within the brainstem and the cerebellum frequently result in ocular motor disorders. Evidence Acquisition: This review encompasses the spectrum of ocular motor disorders in patients with MS emphasizing prevalence, examination findings, diagnostic features, functional consequences, classification of MS course, and management of these disturbances of ocular motility. Results: Ocular motor manifestations of MS can occur acutely in relapse or chronically, the latter as a consequence of previous relapses or as a chronic course of the disease. The most frequent and specific acute ocular motor manifestation is uni- or bilateral internuclear ophthalmoplegia (INO). The most frequent chronic manifestations include INO and cerebellar ocular motor disorders such as gaze-evoked nystagmus, saccadic hypermetria, and lack of vestibulo-ocular reflex inhibition. The most disabling syndrome is pendular nystagmus. Conclusions: The high prevalence of ocular motor manifestations emphasizes the importance of neuro-ophthalmological examination among patients with MS. Because chronic manifestations may cause minimal or no symptoms, a systematic investigation of the most common manifestations should be performed in daily practice. Appropriate treatment may improve visual outcome in some of these ocular motor disorders. (C) 2017 by North American Neuro-Ophthalmology Society

http://ift.tt/2oAkEtZ

Neuromyelitis Optica: Deciphering a Complex Immune-Mediated Astrocytopathy.

No abstract available

http://ift.tt/2pkddpk

Block ionomer micellar nanoparticles from double hydrophilic copolymers, classifications and promises for delivery of cancer chemotherapeutics

Publication date: Available online 14 April 2017
Source:European Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences
Author(s): S.S. Abolmaali, A.M. Tamaddon, M. Salmanpour, S. Mohammadi, R. Dinarvand
A class of double hydrophilic copolymers comprising ionic and nonionic water-soluble blocks, which are also called block ionomers, represent an interesting type of polymer assembly forming stable, homogeneous core-corona dispersions. They exhibit the solution behavior of normal polyelectrolytes, whereas assembly into micelle, vesicle or disk morphology happens by an external stimulus (pH, temperature or ionic strength) or complex formation with metal ions, ionic surfactants, polyelectrolytes, etc. Temperature, pH, redox or salt sensitivity affords a unique opportunity to control the triggered release of payloads accommodated through electrostatic interaction, coordination or chemical conjugation. Moreover, the non-ionic block provides the surface passivation, prolongation of the blood circulation and tumor accumulation, supporting targeted delivery of chemotherapeutic agents based on pathophysiology of tumor microenvironment. Potentiation of antitumor activity, sensitization of the resistant tumors, increased tolerated dose and translation into clinical practice are among their most intriguing characteristics. Their high functionality has been suggested for co-delivery of multiple agents for reversal of chemo-resistance as well as simultaneous therapy and diagnostics. Nevertheless, some stability concerns may be raised due to the polymer disassembly beyond a critical concentration of pH, salt and polyion concentration that can be modulated by introducing crosslinks between the polymer chains (Nano-networks).

Graphical abstract

http://ift.tt/2nNT2Tx

Prophylactic dissection of level V in primary mucosal SCC in the clinically N positive neck: A systematic review

Objective

To review the evidence for level V dissection in the management of previously untreated mucosal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the head and neck presenting with nodal metastasis when level V is clinically uninvolved.

Data Source

The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) were used to conduct a systematic review of the current literature, including all English language articles published after 1990. A literature search was performed on November 29, 2015, of Medline, EMBASE, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), and the Cochrane Library.

Review Methods

The search yielded a total of 270 papers. Strict inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied, leaving 20 eligible papers. Overall prevalence was calculated using random effect meta-analysis.

Results

The overall prevalence of level V occult disease in the node (N)-positive neck, irrespective of subsite, was 2.56% (95% confidence interval 1.29–3.84) (2,368 patients and 2,533 necks). The prevalence of occult level V metastasis was up to 7.7% for oral cavity and 8.3% for oropharyngeal tumors. Five studies reported regional recurrence rates over variable time periods. There is exceedingly limited data on outcomes, such as spinal accessory nerve function, quality of life, and perioperative complications.

Conclusion

Mucosal head and neck SCC presenting with nodal metastasis but with level V clinically uninvolved has a low prevalence of occult level V disease. Routine dissection of level V does not appear to be warranted; however, a definitive conclusion is unable to be drawn due to limited data on morbidity and oncological outcomes. Laryngoscope, 2017

http://ift.tt/2ow995o

Branchial cleft cyst: An unusual site for the cervical metastasis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma

Publication date: Available online 14 April 2017
Source:Auris Nasus Larynx
Author(s): Yu-Chang Liao, Mohamad Adel, Li-Yu Lee, Kai-Ping Chang
ObjectiveCancers found in the resected branchial cleft cyst are rare clinically but usually impose substantive diagnostic and treatment challenges for clinicians.MethodsA 31-year-old man presented with a lateral neck mass that was suspected to be an inflammatory branchial cleft cyst. After excision, the pathologic specimen revealed a benign cystic appearance with a focus of undifferentiated carcinoma. Serologic tests for Epstein–Barr virus were negative. A positron emission tomography scan and upper aerodigestive tract endoscopies were negative for any other suspicious lesion.ResultsThe patient underwent random biopsies of the nasopharynx, tongue base, and hypopharynx and bil tonsillectomy. Pathologic examination of the nasopharyngeal biopsies showed the presence of undifferentiated carcinoma. The cancerous part of the branchial cleft cyst and this nasopharyngeal specimen were positive for the latent membrane protein-1 and EBV-encoded RNAs of Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) and confirmed our diagnosis.ConclusionThis is the first report of a NPC metastasizing to a branchial cleft cyst. Molecular diagnostic techniques facilitate the definite diagnosis that enabled us to refine treatment plans and offered the patient a favorable outcome.



http://ift.tt/2pkF48F

Prophylactic dissection of level V in primary mucosal SCC in the clinically N positive neck: A systematic review

Objective

To review the evidence for level V dissection in the management of previously untreated mucosal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the head and neck presenting with nodal metastasis when level V is clinically uninvolved.

Data Source

The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) were used to conduct a systematic review of the current literature, including all English language articles published after 1990. A literature search was performed on November 29, 2015, of Medline, EMBASE, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), and the Cochrane Library.

Review Methods

The search yielded a total of 270 papers. Strict inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied, leaving 20 eligible papers. Overall prevalence was calculated using random effect meta-analysis.

Results

The overall prevalence of level V occult disease in the node (N)-positive neck, irrespective of subsite, was 2.56% (95% confidence interval 1.29–3.84) (2,368 patients and 2,533 necks). The prevalence of occult level V metastasis was up to 7.7% for oral cavity and 8.3% for oropharyngeal tumors. Five studies reported regional recurrence rates over variable time periods. There is exceedingly limited data on outcomes, such as spinal accessory nerve function, quality of life, and perioperative complications.

Conclusion

Mucosal head and neck SCC presenting with nodal metastasis but with level V clinically uninvolved has a low prevalence of occult level V disease. Routine dissection of level V does not appear to be warranted; however, a definitive conclusion is unable to be drawn due to limited data on morbidity and oncological outcomes. Laryngoscope, 2017

http://ift.tt/2ow995o

Mapping electrochemical activity in solid oxide fuel cells

Publication date: Available online 14 April 2017
Source:Materials Today
Author(s): T.M.M. Heenan, D.J.L. Brett, P.R. Shearing




http://ift.tt/2owaWXZ

Spotlight on vitamin D receptor, lipid metabolism and mitochondria: Some preliminary emerging issues

Publication date: Available online 13 April 2017
Source:Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology
Author(s): Francesca Silvagno, Gianpiero Pescarmona
Transcriptional control and modulation of calcium fluxes underpin the differentiating properties of vitamin D (1,25(OH)2D3). In the latest years however few studies have pointed out the relevance of the mitochondrial effects of the hormone. It is now time to focus on the metabolic results of vitamin D receptor (VDR) action in mitochondria, which can explain the pleiotropic effects of 1,25(OH)2D3 and may elucidate few contrasting aspects of its activity. The perturbation of lipid metabolism described in VDR knockout mice and vitamin D deficient animals can be revisited based on the newly identified mechanism of action of 1,25(OH)2D3 in mitochondria. From the same point of view, the controversial role of 1,25(OH)2D3 in adipogenesis can be better interpreted.



http://ift.tt/2nNLal1

E4BP4 mediates glucocorticoid-regulated adipogenesis through COX2

Publication date: Available online 14 April 2017
Source:Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology
Author(s): Yang Yang, Hongkui Wei, Tongxing Song, Anle Cai, Yuanfei Zhou, Jie Peng, Siwen Jiang, Jian Peng
Adipogenesis is mediated by glucocorticoids via transcriptional regulation of glucocorticoid receptor (GR) target genes. However, the mechanism by which GR participates in adipogenesis has hitherto been poorly characterized. In this study, E4 promoter-binding protein 4 (E4BP4) was found to have a critical role in adipogenic differentiation of preadipocytes. Gain-of-function and loss-of-function studies revealed that E4BP4 acts as a positive regulator of adipogenesis in 3T3-L1 cells. E4BP4 was markedly induced by glucocorticoid (dexamethasone) via GR and cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) during adipogenesis. Knockdown of E4BP4 abolished dexamethasone-induced adipogenesis, and overexpression of E4BP4 partially accounted for the actions of dexamethasone in adipogenic differentiation. Promoter deletion analysis confirmed that E4BP4 transcriptionally represses COX2 promoter activity, whereas COX2 overexpression reversed the acceleration of E4BP4 in adipogenesis. Thus, E4BP4 acts as a key pro-adipogenic transcription factor by trans-repressing COX2 in glucocorticoid-associated adipocyte differentiation.



http://ift.tt/2nNEi7i

Risk factors for free flap failure: a retrospective analysis of 881 free flaps for head and neck defect reconstruction

The aim of this study was to identify the risk factors for free flap failure after head and neck reconstructive surgery. The data of 881 consecutive patients who underwent free flap surgery at the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology, between January 2013 and November 2016, were reviewed retrospectively. All surgeries were performed by a single head and neck surgical team. Patient demographic and surgical data that may have an influence on free flap outcomes were recorded.

http://ift.tt/2ocYprH

25-Hydroxyvitamin-D3 serum modulation after use of sunbeds compliant with European Union standards: A randomized open observational controlled trial

Regular use of sunbed exposure has been reported to increase 25-hydroxyvitamin-D3 [25(OH)D] serum levels. However, the influence of sunbeds compliant with the recent European Union standard EN-60335-2-27 on 25(OH)D serum levels is unknown.

http://ift.tt/2oIY7f3

Pigmented epithelioid melanocytoma (animal type melanoma): An institutional experience

Pigmented epithelioid melanocytoma (PEM) is an uncommon, recently described entity with unknown biologic behavior. There is a high rate of regional metastases, but limited evidence of distant metastases or disease-related death.

http://ift.tt/2oIP1il

Long-term safety and tolerability of apremilast in patients with psoriasis: Pooled safety analysis for ≥156 weeks from 2 phase 3, randomized, controlled trials (ESTEEM 1 and 2)

Randomized, controlled trials demonstrated efficacy and safety of apremilast for moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.

http://ift.tt/2pgtoH7

The role of cannabinoids in dermatology

Twenty-eight states currently allow for comprehensive public medical cannabis programs, and this number continues to grow.1 Approximately 1 in 10 adult cannabis users in the United States use it for medical purposes.2 Numerous studies have investigated its uses for chronic pain, spasticity, anorexia, and nausea. In recent years, researchers have also investigated its use for the treatment of dermatologic conditions including pruritus, inflammatory skin disease, and skin cancer.

http://ift.tt/2ogkLrq

Lacrimal Sac Pneumatocele Following Blunt Nasal Trauma.

Pneumatocele of the lacrimal sac is an uncommon entity and has been rarely reported in literature. The valvular function of the Hasner's valve at the lower end of nasolacrimal duct is presumed to prevent the retrograde reflux of air into the lacrimal sac with increased intranasal pressure as in valsalva maneuver. Loss of this valvular function as noted with persistent positive airway pressure ventilation can cause retrograde air reflux into lacrimal sac. The authors report a case of lacrimal sac pneumatocele which developed following blunt nasal trauma involving the bony nasolacrimal duct. (C) 2017 by The American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Inc., All rights reserved.

http://ift.tt/2pgLLvA

Inflammatory myopathy associated with myasthenia gravis with and without thymic pathology: Report of four cases and literature review

Publication date: Available online 13 April 2017
Source:Autoimmunity Reviews
Author(s): Ernestina Santos, Ester Coutinho, Ana Martins da Silva, António Marinho, Carlos Vasconcelos, Ricardo Taipa, Manuel Melo Pires, Guilherme Gonçalves, Carlos Lopes, Maria Isabel Leite
Introductionthe association of myasthenia gravis (MG) and inflammatory myopathy is rare and often only one of the diseases is diagnosed. Thymus pathology may be in the origin of such disease association.Methodswe described four patients with both MG and inflammatory myopathy.Resultsthese cases correspond to 2.3% of our MG cohort. Case 1: MG, polymyositis and thymolipoma; case 2: MG and necrotizing myopathy without thymic pathology on a background of scleroderma, Raynaud's phenomenon, esophageal dysmotility, sclerodactyly, telangiectasia (CREST); case 3: MG and dermatomyositis without thymic pathology; case 4: MG and dermatomyositis with type C thymoma.Discussionthe recognition of these neuromuscular co-morbidities contributes to (i) understanding their pathogenic mechanisms, (ii) developing better management approaches and (iii) further improving disease outcomes.



http://ift.tt/2pjXx5k

Rituximab for immunologic renal disease: What the nephrologist needs to know

Publication date: Available online 13 April 2017
Source:Autoimmunity Reviews
Author(s): Andreas Kronbichler, Martin Windpessl, Herwig Pieringer, David R.W. Jayne
Rituximab (RTX), a chimeric, monoclonal anti-CD20 antibody, is increasingly used in immune-mediated renal diseases. While licensed in the induction treatment of ANCA-associated vasculitis, it represents one of the most commonly prescribed off-label drugs. Much of the information regarding its safety has been drawn from experience in hematology and rheumatology. Ample evidence illustrates the safety of RTX, however, rare but serious adverse events have emerged that include progressive multifocal leucoencephalopathy and hepatitis B reactivation. Moderate to severe hypogammaglobulinemia and late-onset neutropenia following RTX therapy confer an increased infectious risk and factors predicting these side effects (i.e. a genetic basis) need to be identified. Nephrologists initiating RTX need to bear in mind that long-term risks and optimal dosing for many renal indications remain unclear. Special considerations must be given when RTX is used in women of childbearing age. We summarize practical aspects concerning the use of RTX. This review will provide nephrologists with information to guide their use of RTX alerting them to safety risks and the need for patient counselling.



http://ift.tt/2pglaP8

Targeting synovial neoangiogenesis in rheumatoid arthritis

Publication date: Available online 14 April 2017
Source:Autoimmunity Reviews
Author(s): Agathe Leblond, Yannick Allanore, Jérôme Avouac
In Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), neoangiogenesis is an early and crucial event to promote the development of the hyperplasic proliferative pathologic synovium. Endothelial cells are critical for the formation of new blood vessels since they highly contribute to angiogenesis and vasculogenesis. Current therapies in RA target the inflammatory consequences of autoimmune activation and despite major improvements these last years still refractory patients or incomplete responders may be seen raising the point of the need to identify complementary additive and innovative therapies. This review resumes the mechanisms of synovial neoangiogenesis in RA, including recent insights on the implication of vasculogenesis, and the regulation of synovial neoangiogenesis by angiogenic and inflammatory mediators. In line with the recent development of vascular-targeted therapies used in cancer and beyond, we also discuss possible therapeutic implications in RA, in particular the combination of targeted immunotherapies with anti-angiogenic molecules.



http://ift.tt/2pkf0e1

Reproducibility of scapular muscle activity in isokinetic shoulder flexion and extension

Publication date: Available online 13 April 2017
Source:Journal of Electromyography and Kinesiology
Author(s): Monique Wochatz, Sophie Rabe, Martin Wolter, Tilman Engel, Steffen Mueller, Frank Mayer
Repetitive overhead movements have been identified as a main risk factor to develop shoulder complaints with scapular muscle activity being altered. Reliable assessment of muscle activity is essential to differentiate between symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the intra- and inter-session reliability of scapular muscle activity during maximal isokinetic shoulder flexion and extension. Eleven asymptomatic adults performed maximum effort isokinetic shoulder flexion and extension (concentric and eccentric at 60°/sec) in a test-retest design. Muscle activity of the upper and lower trapezius and serratus anterior was assessed by sEMG. Root Mean Square was calculated for whole ROM and single movement phases of absolute and normalized muscle activity. Absolute (Bland-Altman analysis (Bias, LoA), Minimal detectable change (MDC)) and relative reliability parameters (Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), coefficient of variation (CV)/test-retest variability (TRV)) were utilized for the evaluation of reproducibility. Intra-session reliability revealed ICCs between 0.56-0.98, averaged CVs of 18% and average MDCs of 81mV. Inter-session reliability resulted in ICCs between 0.13-0.93, averaged TRVs of 21%, average MDCs of 15% and systematic and random error between -8±60% and 12±36%. Scapular muscle activity assessed in overhead movements can be measured reliably under maximum load conditions, though variability is dependent on the movement phase. Measurement variability does not exceed magnitudes of altered scapular muscle activities as reported in previous studies. Therefore, maximum load application is a promising approach for the evaluation of changes in scapular control related to pathologies.



http://ift.tt/2pkjKjO

Inflammatory myopathy associated with myasthenia gravis with and without thymic pathology: Report of four cases and literature review

Publication date: Available online 13 April 2017
Source:Autoimmunity Reviews
Author(s): Ernestina Santos, Ester Coutinho, Ana Martins da Silva, António Marinho, Carlos Vasconcelos, Ricardo Taipa, Manuel Melo Pires, Guilherme Gonçalves, Carlos Lopes, Maria Isabel Leite
Introductionthe association of myasthenia gravis (MG) and inflammatory myopathy is rare and often only one of the diseases is diagnosed. Thymus pathology may be in the origin of such disease association.Methodswe described four patients with both MG and inflammatory myopathy.Resultsthese cases correspond to 2.3% of our MG cohort. Case 1: MG, polymyositis and thymolipoma; case 2: MG and necrotizing myopathy without thymic pathology on a background of scleroderma, Raynaud's phenomenon, esophageal dysmotility, sclerodactyly, telangiectasia (CREST); case 3: MG and dermatomyositis without thymic pathology; case 4: MG and dermatomyositis with type C thymoma.Discussionthe recognition of these neuromuscular co-morbidities contributes to (i) understanding their pathogenic mechanisms, (ii) developing better management approaches and (iii) further improving disease outcomes.



http://ift.tt/2pjXx5k

Rituximab for immunologic renal disease: What the nephrologist needs to know

Publication date: Available online 13 April 2017
Source:Autoimmunity Reviews
Author(s): Andreas Kronbichler, Martin Windpessl, Herwig Pieringer, David R.W. Jayne
Rituximab (RTX), a chimeric, monoclonal anti-CD20 antibody, is increasingly used in immune-mediated renal diseases. While licensed in the induction treatment of ANCA-associated vasculitis, it represents one of the most commonly prescribed off-label drugs. Much of the information regarding its safety has been drawn from experience in hematology and rheumatology. Ample evidence illustrates the safety of RTX, however, rare but serious adverse events have emerged that include progressive multifocal leucoencephalopathy and hepatitis B reactivation. Moderate to severe hypogammaglobulinemia and late-onset neutropenia following RTX therapy confer an increased infectious risk and factors predicting these side effects (i.e. a genetic basis) need to be identified. Nephrologists initiating RTX need to bear in mind that long-term risks and optimal dosing for many renal indications remain unclear. Special considerations must be given when RTX is used in women of childbearing age. We summarize practical aspects concerning the use of RTX. This review will provide nephrologists with information to guide their use of RTX alerting them to safety risks and the need for patient counselling.



http://ift.tt/2pglaP8

Targeting synovial neoangiogenesis in rheumatoid arthritis

Publication date: Available online 14 April 2017
Source:Autoimmunity Reviews
Author(s): Agathe Leblond, Yannick Allanore, Jérôme Avouac
In Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), neoangiogenesis is an early and crucial event to promote the development of the hyperplasic proliferative pathologic synovium. Endothelial cells are critical for the formation of new blood vessels since they highly contribute to angiogenesis and vasculogenesis. Current therapies in RA target the inflammatory consequences of autoimmune activation and despite major improvements these last years still refractory patients or incomplete responders may be seen raising the point of the need to identify complementary additive and innovative therapies. This review resumes the mechanisms of synovial neoangiogenesis in RA, including recent insights on the implication of vasculogenesis, and the regulation of synovial neoangiogenesis by angiogenic and inflammatory mediators. In line with the recent development of vascular-targeted therapies used in cancer and beyond, we also discuss possible therapeutic implications in RA, in particular the combination of targeted immunotherapies with anti-angiogenic molecules.



http://ift.tt/2pkf0e1

Laryngeal function-preserving operation for T4a laryngeal cancer with vocal cord paralysis — A case report

For locally advanced laryngeal cancers, the standard treatment of choice is chemoradiotherapy if organ function needs to be conserved. Surgical treatment with larynx preservation is conducted only for limited cases. For locally advanced laryngeal cancers such as those with vocal cord fixation and/or cricoid cartilage destruction, there is no apparent standardized organ-preserving surgery keeping the essential laryngeal functions, viz. the airway, deglutition and articulation, uncompromized.Recently, our surgical team saw a patient with T4a advanced laryngeal cancer with vocal cord fixation who aspired to maintain his laryngeal function.

http://ift.tt/2pk8fbV

Bilateral spontaneous symptomatic temporomandibular joint herniation into the external auditory canal: A case report and literature review

Spontaneous temporomandibular joint (TMJ) herniation is the entity of protrusion of the retrodiscal contents of the TMJ into the external auditory canal (EAC) through a persistent Huschke's foramen. There have been a number of reports of spontaneous TMJ herniation, but there are no reports of bilateral symptomatic TMJ herniation. We report a case of a 70-year-old man who complained of a crunching sound in both ears during mastication. Examination showed bulging from the anterosuperior wall of the EAC on each side when the patient opened his mouth, which pushed the tympanic membrane medially.

http://ift.tt/2pgwpHm

Laryngeal function-preserving operation for T4a laryngeal cancer with vocal cord paralysis — A case report

For locally advanced laryngeal cancers, the standard treatment of choice is chemoradiotherapy if organ function needs to be conserved. Surgical treatment with larynx preservation is conducted only for limited cases. For locally advanced laryngeal cancers such as those with vocal cord fixation and/or cricoid cartilage destruction, there is no apparent standardized organ-preserving surgery keeping the essential laryngeal functions, viz. the airway, deglutition and articulation, uncompromized.Recently, our surgical team saw a patient with T4a advanced laryngeal cancer with vocal cord fixation who aspired to maintain his laryngeal function.

http://ift.tt/2pk8fbV

Bilateral spontaneous symptomatic temporomandibular joint herniation into the external auditory canal: A case report and literature review

Spontaneous temporomandibular joint (TMJ) herniation is the entity of protrusion of the retrodiscal contents of the TMJ into the external auditory canal (EAC) through a persistent Huschke's foramen. There have been a number of reports of spontaneous TMJ herniation, but there are no reports of bilateral symptomatic TMJ herniation. We report a case of a 70-year-old man who complained of a crunching sound in both ears during mastication. Examination showed bulging from the anterosuperior wall of the EAC on each side when the patient opened his mouth, which pushed the tympanic membrane medially.

http://ift.tt/2pgwpHm

Clinical experiences of Ultrasound-guided transversus thoracic muscle plane block for children

The transversus thoracic muscle plane (TTP) block has been reported to be able to block multiple anterior branches of intercostal nerves (Th2-6) in the internal mammary region [1]. Therefore, there were some publications for clinical setting [2,3,4]. However, there were no papers of TTP block for children. We reported two cases using the TTP block for children. Case 1 was a 7-year-old girl (120cm, 27kg) with no complications who underwent a funnel chest. To provide good perioperative pain management, we recommended her to receive an epidural anesthesia before a general anesthesia.

http://ift.tt/2pggrNu

Neural mechanisms of individual differences in temporal discounting of monetary and primary rewards in adolescents

Publication date: June 2017
Source:NeuroImage, Volume 153
Author(s): Erik de Water, Gabry W. Mies, Bernd Figner, Yuliya Yoncheva, Wouter van den Bos, F. Xavier Castellanos, Antonius H.N. Cillessen, Anouk Scheres
Adolescents are generally characterized as impulsive. However, impulsivity is a multi-dimensional construct that involves multiple component processes. Which of these components contribute to adolescent impulsivity is currently unclear. This study focused on the neural mechanisms underlying individual differences in distinct components of temporal discounting (TD), i.e., the preference for smaller immediate rewards over larger delayed rewards. Participants were 58 adolescents (12–16 years-old) who performed an fMRI TD task with both monetary and snack rewards. Using mixed-effects modeling, we determined participants' average impatience, and further decomposed TD choices into: 1) amount sensitivity (unique contribution of the magnitude of the immediate reward); and 2) delay sensitivity (unique contribution of delay duration). Adolescents' average impatience was positively correlated with frontoparietal and ventral striatal activity during delayed reward choices, and with ventromedial prefrontal cortex activity during immediate reward choices. Adolescents' amount sensitivity was positively associated with ventral striatal and dorsal anterior cingulate cortex activity during immediate reward choices. Delay sensitivity was positively correlated with inferior parietal cortex activity during delayed reward choices. As expected, snacks were discounted more steeply than money, and TD of both reward types was associated with overlapping activation in the inferior parietal cortex. Exploring whether testosterone or estradiol were associated with TD and its neural correlates revealed no significant associations. These findings indicate that distinct components contribute uniquely to TD choice and that individual differences in amount sensitivity are uniquely associated with activation of reward valuation areas, while individual differences in delay sensitivity are uniquely associated with activation of cognitive control areas.



http://ift.tt/2oIBjMA

Autophagy in hemorrhagic stroke: mechanisms and clinical implications

Publication date: Available online 13 April 2017
Source:Progress in Neurobiology
Author(s): Haiying Li, Jiang Wu, Haitao Shen, Xiyang Yao, Chenglin Liu, S Pianta, J Han, CV Borlongan, Gang Chen
Accumulating evidence advances the critical role of autophagy in brain pathology after stroke. Investigations employing autophagy induction or inhibition using pharmacological tools or autophagy-related gene knockout mice have recently revealed the biological significance of intact and functional autophagy in stroke. Most of the reported cases attest to a pro-survival role for autophagy in stroke, by facilitating removal of damaged proteins and organelles, which can be recycled for energy generation and cellular defenses. However, these observations are difficult to reconcile with equally compelling evidence demonstrating stroke-induced upregulation of brain cell death index that parallels enhanced autophagy. This begs the question of whether drug-induced autophagy during stroke culminates in improved or worsened pathological outcomes. A corollary fascinating hypothesis, but presents as a tricky conundrum, involves the effects of autophagy on cell death and inflammation, which are two main culprits in the disease progression of stroke-induced brain injury. Evidence has extended the roles of autophagy in inflammation via cytokine regulation in an unconventional secretion manner or by targeting inflammasomes for degradation. Moreover, in the recently concluded Vancouver Autophagy Symposium (VAS) held in 2014, the potential of selective autophagy for clinical treatment has been recognized. The role of autophagy in ischemic stroke has been reviewed previously in detail. Here, we evaluate the strength of laboratory and clinical evidence by providing a comprehensive summary of the literature on autophagy, and thereafter we offer our perspectives on exploiting autophagy as a drug target for cerebral ischemia, especially in hemorrhagic stroke.



http://ift.tt/2pgt1w7

Photo-activated elimination of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans in planktonic culture: comparison of photodynamic therapy versus photothermal therapy method

Publication date: Available online 14 April 2017
Source:Photodiagnosis and Photodynamic Therapy
Author(s): Reza Fekrazad, Farzaneh Khoei, Abbas Bahador, Neda Hakimiha
BackgroundPeriodontal pathogens are the main factors responsible for periodontal diseases and considering the limitations of conventional mechanical debridement, new treatment approaches are under investigation. This study was designed to evaluate and compare the antibacterial effects of two different systems of photodynamic and photothermal therapy on Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans as the main pathogen involved in aggressive Periodontitis.MethodsCultures of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans were exposed to 662nm laser in presence of Radachlorin^® photosensitizer (photodynamic group) or 810nm laser in presence of EmunDo^® photosensitizer (photothermal group), then bacterial suspension of each well in the study groups were diluted and subcultured on the surface of Muller-Hinton agar plates. subsequently the number of colony forming units per milliliter of the wells were determined and checked by analysis of variance and Tukey test (p<0.05).ResultsAggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans suspensions showed significant reduction in both groups of photodynamic and photothermal therapy with no priority.ConclusionBased on the results of this study, photodynamic and photothermal therapy can be proposed as a new promising approaches for bacterial elimination in periodontal diseases.



http://ift.tt/2pjLMf8

Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy on Streptococcus mutans is altered by glucose in the presence of methylene blue and red LED

Publication date: Available online 13 April 2017
Source:Photodiagnosis and Photodynamic Therapy
Author(s): Cintia R. Lima Leal, Letícia H. Alvarenga, Tamires Oliveira-Silva, Ilka T. Kato, Bianca Godoy-Miranda, Sandra K. Bussadori, Martha S. Ribeiro, Renato A. Prates
BackgroundDental caries are multifactorial disease and progressively produces tooth destruction as result from bacterial colonization of enamel surface, especially Streptococcus mutans. The objective of this work was to investigate the role of glucose in antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) on S. mutans.MethodsS. mutans ATCC 25175 were cultured on microaerophilia at 37°C for 48h, and we tested aPDT in the presence of 50mM glucose. Bacterial suspension was used to investigate aPDT with 100μM methylene blue (MB) under LED emitting radiation at ʎ=660nm and parameters as following (P=473 mW; I=166.8 mW/cm², and doses of 5, 10 and 20J/cm²). A seventy-two hours biofilm was grown on 96 flat buttoned well-plate and irradiation was performed from 10 to 80J/cm² at similar conditions.ResultsThere was no dark toxicity nor bacterial death regarding LED irradiation on suspension and on biofilm. Nevertheless, aPDT presented expressive bacterial inactivation following 1 and 2min of irradiation on cell suspension. On the other hand, there was no inactivation in the presence of glucose under the same conditions. Biofilm was completely inactivated by MB-mediated aPDT after 6min of irradiation. However, the presence of glucose delayed the complete inactivation of the biofilm.ConclusionThe presence of glucose in the suspension drastically delayed the effect of aPDT on S. mutans and this effect is pronounced in bacterial suspension than on biofilm.



http://ift.tt/2pge8Kc

Functional reorganization after hemispherectomy in humans and animal models: what can we learn about the brain’s resilience to extensive unilateral lesions?

Publication date: Available online 13 April 2017
Source:Brain Research Bulletin
Author(s): Luca Sebastianelli, Viviana Versace, Alexandra Taylor, Francesco Brigo, Wolfgang Nothdurfter, Leopold Saltuari, Eugen Trinka, Raffaele Nardone
Hemispherectomy (HS) is an effective surgical procedure aimed at managing otherwise intractable epilepsy in cases of diffuse unihemispheric pathologies. Neurological recovery in subjects treated with HS is not limited to seizure reduction, rather, sensory-motor and behavioral improvement is often observed. This outcome highlights the considerable capability of the brain to react to such an extensive lesion, by functionally reorganizing and rewiring the cerebral cortex, especially early in life.In this narrative review, we summarize the animal studies as well as the human neurophysiological and neuroimaging studies dealing with the reorganizational processes that occur after HS. These topics are of particular interest in understanding mechanisms of functional recovery after brain injury. HS offers the chance to investigate contralesional hemisphere activity in controlling ipsilateral limb movements, and the role of transcallosal interactions, before and after the surgical procedure. These post-injury neuroplastic phenomena actually differ from those observed after less extensive brain damage. Therefore, they illustrate how different lesions could lead the contralesional hemisphere to play the "good" or "bad" role in functional recovery. These issues may have clinical implications and could inform rehabilitation strategies aiming to improve functional recovery following unilateral hemispheric lesions.Future studies, involving large cohorts of hemispherectomized patients, will be necessary in order to obtain a greater understanding of how cerebral reorganization can contribute to residual sensorimotor, visual and auditory functions.



http://ift.tt/2pjGCQf

Affinity interactions drive post-implantation drug filling, even in the presence of bacterial biofilm

Publication date: Available online 13 April 2017
Source:Acta Biomaterialia
Author(s): Erika L. Cyphert, Sean T. Zuckerman, Horst A. von Recum, Julius N. Korley
Current post-operative standard of care for surgical procedures, including device implantations, dictates prophylactic antimicrobial therapy, but a percentage of patients still develop infections. Systemic antimicrobial therapy needed to treat such infections can lead to downstream tissue toxicities and generate drug-resistant bacteria. To overcome issues associated with systemic drug administration, a polymer incorporating specific drug affinity has been developed with the potential to be filled or refilled with antimicrobials, post-implantation, even in the presence of bacterial biofilm. This polymer can be used as an implant coating or stand-alone drug delivery device, and can be translated to a variety of applications, such as implanted or indwelling medical devices, and/or surgical site infections. The filling of empty affinity-based drug delivery polymer was analyzed in an in vitro filling/refilling model mimicking post-implantation tissue conditions. Filling in the absence of bacteria was compared to filling in the presence of bacterial biofilms of varying maturity to demonstrate proof-of-concept necessary prior to in vivo experiments. Antibiotic filling into biofilm-coated affinity polymers was comparable to drug filling seen in same affinity polymers without biofilm demonstrating that affinity polymers retain ability to fill with antibiotic even in the presence of biofilm. Additionally, post-implantation filled antibiotics showed sustained bactericidal activity in a zone of inhibition assay demonstrating post-implantation capacity to deliver filled antibiotics in a timeframe necessary to eradicate bacteria in biofilms. This work shows affinity polymers can fill high levels of antibiotics post-implantation independent of biofilm presence potentially enabling device rescue, rather than removal, in case of infection.Statement of SignificancePost-operative prophylactic antimicrobial therapy greatly reduces risk of infection, such as on biomedical implants, but does not totally eliminate infections, and the healthcare cost of these remaining infections remains a major concern. Systemic antimicrobial therapy to treat these infections can lead to tissue toxicity and drug-resistant bacteria. In order to treat only those patients who have developed infections, a customizable antimicrobial delivery system made of cyclodextrin-based affinity polymer has been developed that is capable of filling post-implantation and delivering the filled antibiotic in a sustained manner even when the delivery device covered in bacterial biofilm. These observations have the potential to be translated to a wide variety of applications, such as implanted or indwelling medical devices, and/or surgical site infections.

Graphical abstract

http://ift.tt/2pBtCEY

A time for change; the need to modernise breast surgery training. Results of surveys of senior breast trainees and of current consultant practice

Publication date: May 2017
Source:European Journal of Surgical Oncology (EJSO), Volume 43, Issue 5
Author(s): Rajiv Dave, Baek Kim, Fiona Langlands, Gina Weston-Petrides, John Benson, Anne Tansley, Julie Doughty




http://ift.tt/2ovmhb1

Teaching intimate examination in breast using Clinical Teaching Associates – Enhancing the learning environment

Publication date: May 2017
Source:European Journal of Surgical Oncology (EJSO), Volume 43, Issue 5
Author(s): Joanne Moffatt, Anushka Chaudhry, Jessica Taylor, Kevin Jones




http://ift.tt/2pfTERZ

Introduction – Precision Surgery

Publication date: May 2017
Source:European Journal of Surgical Oncology (EJSO), Volume 43, Issue 5





http://ift.tt/2ovh6aR

Local retrospective 5 year audit of breast cancer recurrence in patients post surgery (wide local excision/mastectomy) for Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (low, intermediate & high grade)

Publication date: May 2017
Source:European Journal of Surgical Oncology (EJSO), Volume 43, Issue 5
Author(s): Veronica Rogers, Karen Ives-Smith, Carol-Ann Courtney




http://ift.tt/2pfZ3Z4

Tubular and mucinous breast cancer: Can sentinel node biopsy be safely omitted?

Publication date: May 2017
Source:European Journal of Surgical Oncology (EJSO), Volume 43, Issue 5
Author(s): Elizabeth Morrow, Alison Lannigan, Laszlo Romics




http://ift.tt/2ovttDS

Development and validation of a predictive risk model for acute skin toxicity in patients undergoing breast radiotherapy

Publication date: May 2017
Source:European Journal of Surgical Oncology (EJSO), Volume 43, Issue 5
Author(s): Tim Rattay, Kerstie Johnson, Gillian Barnett, Charlotte Coles, Jenny Chang-Claude, Petra Seibold, R. Paul Symonds, Frederik Wenz, Catharine West, Christopher Talbot




http://ift.tt/2pfMD3C

Prevalence and tumour characteristics of contralateral breast cancer over 5 years in a tertiary-referral cancer centre

Publication date: May 2017
Source:European Journal of Surgical Oncology (EJSO), Volume 43, Issue 5
Author(s): X.T. Tan, L.A. Devane, C.K. Baban, J. Rothwell, D. Evoy, J. Geraghty, A. O'Doherty, C. Quinn, C. D'Arcy, E.W. McDermott, R.S. Prichard




http://ift.tt/2pgatMC

Self-Directed Aftercare: An audit which shows the pilot introduction of Patient Group Recovery Health Needs Assessment clinics being acceptable to our patients and meets the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety five standards

Publication date: May 2017
Source:European Journal of Surgical Oncology (EJSO), Volume 43, Issue 5
Author(s): Eimer McGeown, Annie Treanor, Lucy Montgomery




http://ift.tt/2pfRtxu

Role of the Breast Clinical Nurse Specialist in bilateral risk reduction mastectomy decision–making

Publication date: May 2017
Source:European Journal of Surgical Oncology (EJSO), Volume 43, Issue 5
Author(s): Charlotte Weston, Sarah Adomah, Vanda Ribeiro, Karen Thomas, Nichola Snuggs, Gerald Gui, Ana Agusti, Theresa Wiseman




http://ift.tt/2ovw2G5

Editorial Board

Publication date: May 2017
Source:European Journal of Surgical Oncology (EJSO), Volume 43, Issue 5





http://ift.tt/2pfTFFx

Core biopsy is more sensitive than fine needle aspiration for preoperative axillary staging in invasive breast cancer

Publication date: May 2017
Source:European Journal of Surgical Oncology (EJSO), Volume 43, Issue 5
Author(s): Elizabeth Morrow, Alison Lannigan, Julie Doughty, Laszlo Romics




http://ift.tt/2ovheHx

Clinical evidence supporting genomic tests in early breast cancer: Do all genomic tests provide the same information?

Publication date: May 2017
Source:European Journal of Surgical Oncology (EJSO), Volume 43, Issue 5
Author(s): C. Markopoulos, C. van de Velde, D. Zarca, V. Ozmen, R. Masetti
Breast cancer (BC) has historically been treated as a single disease entity; however, in the last decade, insights into its molecular heterogeneity have underpinned the development/commercialisation of several genomic tools whose goal is to guide patient management in early BC. These include the Oncotype DX^® Breast Recurrence Score™ assay, MammaPrint^®, Prosigna^®, and EndoPredict^®. Although these assays are similar in that they are all multigene assays reflecting risk of recurrence, they differ substantially in the technological platform used to measure gene expression; the number and identity of genes assessed; the patient populations used for development and validation; and the level of evidence supporting clinical utility. They also differ in the amount of evidence demonstrating their impact on treatment decisions and cost effectiveness in different countries. This review discusses these 4 assays, highlighting the clinical evidence that supports each of them, while focussing on the Recurrence Score assay. This assay has the greatest body of evidence supporting its clinical utility and decision impact/effectiveness, and currently is the only one validated as a predictor of response to adjuvant chemotherapy in hormone-receptor positive early BC patients treated with endocrine therapy and to be included as such in international/national BC treatment guidelines. The review also discusses ongoing prospective trials investigating the 4 assays, recent outcome studies, as well as analyses comparing different assays on the same tumour blocks.



http://ift.tt/2ovttnm

A systematic review and meta-analysis of aberrant lymphatic drainage in recurrent breast cancer

Publication date: May 2017
Source:European Journal of Surgical Oncology (EJSO), Volume 43, Issue 5
Author(s): Muneer Ahmed, Rose Baker, Michael Douek, Isabel Rubio




http://ift.tt/2ovyoVv

Promoting breast awareness with female teenagers and the provision of breast health lifestyle advice

Publication date: May 2017
Source:European Journal of Surgical Oncology (EJSO), Volume 43, Issue 5
Author(s): Lucy Montgomery




http://ift.tt/2ovlmqS

Safety of autologous fat banking – A report on the Regenerys Pilot Study: A pilot study to determine the safety and efficacy of autologous tissue banking in breast reconstruction following cancer excision

Publication date: May 2017
Source:European Journal of Surgical Oncology (EJSO), Volume 43, Issue 5
Author(s): Andrew Pieri, David Haddow, Elizabeth Baker, Venkat Ramakrishnan, Elaine Sassoon, Eva Weiler-Mithoff, Pud Bhaskar




http://ift.tt/2pg9Y4V

National Margins Audit – current practice questionnaire

Publication date: May 2017
Source:European Journal of Surgical Oncology (EJSO), Volume 43, Issue 5
Author(s): Sarah Tang, National Margins Audit Collaborative




http://ift.tt/2ovh5nj

Digital procedure specific consent forms (OpInform) compared to handwritten surgical consent forms in breast surgery

Publication date: May 2017
Source:European Journal of Surgical Oncology (EJSO), Volume 43, Issue 5
Author(s): Edward St John, Ara Askari, Dickson Fenn, Mahdi Saleh, Georgina Keogh, Claudia Pisarek, Stephanie Rimmer, Peter Lion, Ara Darzi, Daniel Leff




http://ift.tt/2pg5xXK

1. Outcome following 150 prepectoral implant based breast reconstruction using Braxon® (ADM): UK experience

Publication date: May 2017
Source:European Journal of Surgical Oncology (EJSO), Volume 43, Issue 5
Author(s): Raghavan Vidya, Alison Hunter Smith, Fathi Salem, Neeraj Garg, Amar Dhespande, Pud Bhaskar, Tapan Sircar, Simon Cawthorn




http://ift.tt/2ovucEU

Audit of the routine introduction of Oncotype DX testing in a single breast unit

Publication date: May 2017
Source:European Journal of Surgical Oncology (EJSO), Volume 43, Issue 5
Author(s): Nikki Green, Pippa Leighton, Clare Fowler




http://ift.tt/2pfMzRq

Element variability in lacustrine systems of Terra Nova Bay (Antarctica) and concentration evolution in surface waters

Publication date: August 2017
Source:Chemosphere, Volume 180
Author(s): Isabella Zelano, Mery Malandrino, Agnese Giacomino, Sandro Buoso, Eleonora Conca, Yann Sivry, Marc Benedetti, Ornella Abollino
Major, minor and trace elements were determined in freshwater of lacustrine systems in Terra Nova Bay, along Victoria Land coast, Antarctica, as well as in algae and mosses. The samples were collected during some of the sampling campaigns between 2007 and 2011 (and the one of 2002) within the framework of the Italian National Program of Research in Antarctica (PNRA). Data were processed with chemometric techniques. Results showed that elements typically considered as potential anthropogenic pollutants (e.g. As, Pb, Zn, Cu and Ni) present a strong correlation with the lithogenic elements (e.g. Al, Si, Fe) in all matrices, suggesting that their origin is connected to natural phenomena. Metal concentrations in vegetation samples are in the same range as previously published data. The obtained results were compared with older literature data (since the early '90s) from the same lacustrine systems, in order to present a historical overview of element concentrations. This approach furnishes important information on surface water evolution as a function of time. A considerable variability was observed in metal concentrations but no clear trend was identified. This suggests that their concentration evolution is hardly correlated to specific natural or anthropic phenomena. No evidence of an increase of concentrations over time was apparent. Our results represent new important data about metal concentrations in lacustrine systems in Antarctica, furnishing ranges of values that can be considered as a reference. These data, therefore, could be used to detect or monitor future local and/or global anthropogenic contaminations.



http://ift.tt/2pfPvgF

Effect of calcium- and/or aluminum-incorporation on morphological, structural and photoluminescence properties of electro-spun zinc oxide fibers

Publication date: August 2017
Source:Materials Research Bulletin, Volume 92
Author(s): Saveria Santangelo, Salvatore Patanè, Patrizia Frontera, Fabiola Pantò, Claudia Triolo, Sara Stelitano, Pierluigi Antonucci
Pure and Al- and/or Ca-added ZnO fibers are synthesized by electro-spinning. Their morphological, structural and optical properties are investigated by means of several complementary characterization techniques, focusing attention on optical properties and fiber surface roughness, which are of relevance in many applications. The comparative analysis of the results obtained demonstrates that all the fibers consist of rounded polycrystalline oxide nanoparticles interconnected to each other, with the (dopant-dependent) nanoparticle size controlling their surface roughness. Non-stoichiometry affects all the samples and strongly influences their photoluminescence properties. Calcium segregates in a secondary phase forming calcite. On the contrary, aluminum well disperses within zincite as an isolated impurity, with Al³⁺ ions substituting Zn²⁺ ions in the ZnO lattice. Its content controls the relative exciton-to-defect emission band intensity, as well as the frequency of the main ZnO absorption peak.

Graphical abstract

http://ift.tt/2pjMDfR