Investigating the safety and efficacy of nerve stimulation for management of groin pain after surgical herniorrhaphy: a systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

Chronic post-operative inguinal pain (CPIP) following inguinal hernia repair has been a major sequela affecting 4000-48000 patients annually. Optimal management of CPIP has been a challenge, and pharmacological management particularly with opioids has shown unsatisfactory results. The main objective of this systematic review is to investigate the safety and efficacy of neuromodulation as an alternative intervention for the management of post-operative inguinal pain.

METHODS

A literature search was conducted by three reviewers to identify all relevant studies on the use of neuromodulatory interventions for treating post-operative inguinal pain. Data on study characteristics, neuromodulatory modalities, and patient's clinical data such as pre/post-interventional pain scores and analgesic requirements were extracted and reported.

RESULTS

A total of 389 patients with 357 (95.9%) males and 15 (4.1%) females were evaluated. The mean age of study participants was 47.9 ± 10.4 years. There were 187 (48.1%) and 202 (51.9%) patients allocated to the control and trial groups, respectively. The most common neuromodulation modality was TENS (4, 36.4%), followed by SCS (3, 27.3%), PNS (3, 27.3%), and acupuncture-assisted (2, 18.2%). The overall mean follow-up duration of the entire cohort was 3.8 months. The mean difference between pre-operative and post-operative VAS scores in the trial groups was 4.65 (95% Confidence Interval [CI], 2.97, 6.33), which was statistically significant (P value < 0.05). Patient-reported outcome measures showed significant responsiveness toward their treatments.

CONCLUSION

Nerve stimulation, in its many forms, is a safe and feasible option for the management of post-operative inguinal pain.

Tomographic phase and attenuation extraction for a sample composed of unknown materials using x-ray propagation-based phase-contrast imaging

Propagation-based phase-contrast x-ray imaging (PB-PCXI) generates image contrast by utilizing sample-imposed phase-shifts. This has proven useful when imaging weakly attenuating samples, as conventional attenuation-based imaging does not always provide adequate contrast. We present a PB-PCXI algorithm capable of extracting the x-ray attenuation  β and refraction  δ, components of the complex refractive index of distinct materials within an unknown sample. The method involves curve fitting an error-function-based model to a phase-retrieved interface in a PB-PCXI tomographic reconstruction, which is obtained when Paganin-type phase retrieval is applied with incorrect values of δ and β. The fit parameters can then be used to calculate true δ and β values for composite materials. This approach requires no a priori sample information, making it broadly applicable. Our PB-PCXI reconstruction is single-distance, requiring only one exposure per tomographic angle, which is important for radiosensitive samples. We apply this approach to a breast-tissue sample, recovering the refraction component  δ, with 0.6-2.4% accuracy compared with theoretical values.

High-Frequency TiO2 Nanotube-Adapted Microwave Coplanar Waveguide Resonator for High-Sensitivity Ultraviolet Detection

Ultraviolet (UV) sensors are a key component in growing applications such as water quality treatment and environmental monitoring, with considerable interest in their miniaturization and enhanced operation. This work presents a passive gold coplanar waveguide split ring resonator integrated with anodic self-organized TiO₂ nanotube (TNT) membranes with a thickness of 20 μm to provide real-time UV detection. The resonator operated as a one-port device to capture the reflection coefficient (S₁₁) signal, with a center frequency of 16 GHz and a notch amplitude of -88 dB. It was experimentally analyzed for its UV sensing capability in the range of 36.5-463 μW/cm². The high-frequency resonator was improved through design choices including the addition of a tapered input transmission line, wire bonding for practical device design, and an interdigitated capacitive ring gap. The high frequency also helped mitigate noise due to water vapor or environmental contaminants. S₁₁ amplitude variation was found through both experiments and modeling to follow a linear trend with UV illumination intensity. The resonator exhibited over 45 ± 2 dB shift in the resonant amplitude under the highest UV illumination conditions, with a sensitivity of 0.084 dB/μW cm^-2 and the potential to sense UV intensity as low as 2.7 μW/cm². The presented device enabled a repeatable and accurate microwave response under UV illumination with very high sensitivity, entirely through the use of passive circuit elements.

Design and validation of a tool to assess the safety principles of working with nanomaterials in nanotechnology laboratories

Introduction: The unique properties of nanomaterials, in addition to their applications in science and technology, can be a threat to human health and the environment. Exposure to these materials may occur in workplaces or research laboratories. It can be said that about half of people with occupational exposure to nanomaterials work in academic environments and laboratories. So, the present study was conducted to design and validate a tool to investigate the principles of working safely with nanomaterials in research laboratories. Materials & Methods: The tool was designed using reports, instructions and articles related to " Methods of working safely with nanomaterials". The validity of the tool was assessed using Lawshe method by calculating CVI and CVR. The reliability of the instrument was evaluated using Cronbach's alpha coefficient and kappa coefficient. Results: The tool was designed in 5 sections: "General Information", "Transportation and Storage of Nanomaterials", "Engineering Controls", "Administrative Controls" and "Personal Protection Equipment". After validation, 5 items did not get the necessary points to stay in the tool and were removed. The Cronbach's alpha value for each section of the tool was more than 0.80, indicating that the was "appropriate". Conclusion: According to the results, it seems that the tool studied in this study is compatible for the designed purpose and is ready to be used as a questionnaire or checklist.

Passive Microwave Biosensor for Real-Time Monitoring of Subsurface Bacterial Growth

A real-time and label-free microstrip sensor capable of detecting and monitoring subsurface growth of Escherichia coli (E. coli) on solid growth media such as Luria-Bertani (LB) agar is presented. The microwave ring resonator was designed to operate at 1.76 GHz to detect variations in the dielectric properties such as permittivity and loss tangent to monitor bacterial growth. The sensor demonstrated high efficiency in monitoring subsurface dynamics of E. coli growth between two layers of LB agar. The resonant amplitude variations (Δ Amplitude (dB)) were recorded for different volumes of E. coli (3 μL and 9 μL) and compared to control without E. coli for 36 hours. The control showed a maximum amplitude variation of 0.037 dB, which was selected as a threshold to distinguish between the presence and absence of E. coli growth. The measured results by sensors were further supported by microscopic images. It is worth noticing that the amplitude variations fit well with the Gompertz growth model. The rate of amplitude change correlating bacteria growth rate was calculated as 0.08 and 0.13 dB/hr. for 3 μL and 9 μL of E. coli, respectively. This work is a proof of concept to demonstrate the capability of microwave sensors to detect and monitor subsurface bacterial growth.

Shedding light on thyroid hormone disorders and Parkinson disease pathology: mechanisms and risk factors

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by loss of dopaminergic neurons. Dopaminergic system is interconnected with the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis. Dopamine (DA) upregulates thyrotropin releasing hormone (TRH) while downregulating thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and thyroid hormones. Moreover, TRH stimulates DA release. PD is associated with impaired regulation of TSH and thyroid hormones (TH) levels, which in turn associate with severity and different subtypes of PD, while levodopa and bromocriptine treatment can interfere with hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis. Thyroid disturbances, including hypothyroidism, Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT), hyperthyroidism and Graves' disease (GD) not only increase the risk of PD but also share some clinical signs with PD. Also, several genes including RASD2, WSB1, MAPT, GIRK2, LRRK2 and gene products like neurotensin and NOX/DUOX affect the risk for both PD and thyroid disease. Hypothyroidism is associated with obesity, hypercholesterolemia, anemia and altered cerebral blood flow which are associated with PD pathology. Herein we provide a comprehensive view on the association between PD and thyroid hormones regulation and dysregulations, hoping to provide new avenues towards targeted treatment of PD. We performed a comprehensive search in literature using Pubmed and Scopus, yielding to a total number of 36 original articles that had addressed the association between thyroid hormone disorders and PD.

Curcumin-gold-polyethylene glycol nanoparticles as a nanosensitizer for photothermal and sonodynamic therapies: In vitro and animal model studies

Photothermal and ultrasound therapies are novel non-invasive strategies for tumor treatment which are equipped with a photosensitizer and sonosensitizer subsequent activation by laser irradiation and ultrasound exposure. In this study, curcumin-gold-polyethylene glycol nanoparticles (Cur-Au NPs-PEG) were synthesized, and the dual role in photothermal (PTT) and sonodynamic (SDT) therapies of melanoma cancer was evaluated. The toxicity effect of Cur-Au NPs-PEG against a mouse malignant melanoma cell line C540 (B16/F10) was firstly inspected in vitro. Cur-Au NPs-PEG provided a hyperthermal microenvironment and generated reactive oxygen species upon PTT and STD, respectively, with representing synergism effects. Studies in vivo in a tumor-bearing animal also demonstrate the superiority of PTT and SDT in destroying melanoma tumor.

Osteopontin siRNA does not confer resistance to toxic effects of parthenolide in Jurkat cells

BACKGROUND

Osteopontin (OPN) plays a critical role in cell proliferation and drug resistance in cancer treatment and hematological malignancies. In T cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia, most initial therapies can induce remission while some patients then relapse and do not respond well to chemotherapy. The sesquiterpene lactone parthenolide (PTL) can induce apoptosis in a variety of cancer cell lines via inhibition of pro-inflammatory transcription factor nuclear factor kappa B and has anti-tumor activity in acute lymphoblastic leukemia treatment.

AIM

To study the role of OPN in conferring in vitro resistance to PTL in Jurkat cells.

METHODS

Jurkat cells were cultured with 8-20 μm PTL for 48 h. Transfection with OPN siRNA was provided. Apoptosis assays were performed with Annexin V-Alexa Fluor-488/PI. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to measure OPN gene expression using the 2-2^-ΔΔCt method.

RESULTS

PTL has cytotoxic and apoptotic effect on Jurkat cells with IC₅₀ values of 16.1 μm, and growth inhibition effect of PTL does not differ significantly in combination with OPN-siRNA. OPN gene expression is not affected by PTL.

CONCLUSIONS

Parthenolide induces apoptosis in Jurkat cells, but inhibition of osteopontin gene expression with siRNA does not reduce apoptotic effect of parthenolide.

The prevalence of human bocavirus in <2-year-old children with acute bronchiolitis

Acute bronchiolitis is one of the most common lower respiratory tract infections in children with less than 2 years of age. Nowadays, molecular methods provide an opportunity to better understand the etiology of bronchiolitis. Several viral agents including Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), Rhinovirus, Parainfluenza and Human bocavirus (HBoV) are responsible for acute bronchiolitis. There are growing studies on the prevalence of HBoV in patients with bronchiolitis. The present systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to determine the pooled prevalence of HBoV in the respiratory samples of children with acute bronchiolitis. A literature search was conducted in the databases of PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science to recruit studies reporting the frequency of HBoV in <2-year-old children with acute bronchiolitis from 2005 to 2019. Only studies that used polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based methods to detect the virus in nasopharyngeal samples were included. A total of 22 studies assessing 6751 cases were analyzed. According to the meta-analysis based on the random-effects model, the overall prevalence of HBoV in children with <2 years old was obtained 13% (95% CI: 0.09-0.17). Additionally, the rates of single (as the sole organism) and mixed (in combination with other viruses) HBoV infections were 4% and 9%, respectively. This study showed a high rate of HBoV detection in children with acute bronchiolitis. This should be considered as part of a diagnostic test panel for respiratory infections in children with bronchiolitis.

Hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn caused by anti-Hr0 in a 27-year-old female with Dc- phenotype: A case report

Anti-Hr₀ (Anti-Rh17) is a rare immune Immunoglobulin G (IgG) to high-frequency Rh antigens that may cause severe and often fatal Hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn (HDFN) in D--, Dc- and DC^w- mothers who have been exposed to red cells of the common Rh phenotype by transfusion or pregnancy. Several pregnant women have been affected by this antibody leading to perinatal death. Therefore, immediate and effective management of these cases is of great importance. We report a case of HDFN in a 27-year-old (G5, P3, L1), woman with Rh Dc- phenotype managed successfully using intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) and simple transfusions.

New synthetic mitral valve model for human prolapsed mitral valve reconstructive surgery for training

The training process of young surgeons is highly desirable in order for them to gain an understanding of the quality of care and patient safety required during cardiac surgeries, however, it may take a few years of practice in order for them to properly develop these skills. Artificial life-like platforms and models are extremely recommended for teaching hands-on and real-world practice in both junior and even experienced medical professionals and surgeons. Suitable and accessible training tools are of significant importance for simulating a particular surgery in order to provide practice opportunities for a specific surgical procedure. In this study, we focussed on the simulation of the human mitral valve prolapse reconstructive surgery. An innovative, artificial, biomimetic model was designed and fabricated made of Cryogel biomaterial developed in our lab that is suitable for the precise practice on the mitral valve prolapse model. The proposed model is mainly made up of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) cryogel, which is designed to resemble the geometric and mechanical properties of a diseased (prolapse) mitral valve. We simulated the constructive prolapsed mitral valve surgery entirely on a synthetic platform. The platform was made available to four certified cardiac surgeon and there were unanimously very positive with no considerable differences in the procedural assessments between them. The proposed model has a similar appearance and texture to that of a diseased mitral valve and holds consistent mechanical properties to those of the real tissue. The offered technology may be used for other cardiothoracic reconstructive surgeries with high precision and consistency.

Consensus on definition and severity grading of lymphatic complications after kidney transplantation

BACKGROUND

The incidence of lymphatic complications after kidney transplantation varies considerably in the literature. This is partly because a universally accepted definition has not been established. This study aimed to propose an acceptable definition and severity grading system for lymphatic complications based on their management strategy.

METHODS

Relevant literature published in MEDLINE and Web of Science was searched systematically. A consensus for definition and a severity grading was then sought between 20 high-volume transplant centres.

RESULTS

Lymphorrhoea/lymphocele was defined in 32 of 87 included studies. Sixty-three articles explained how lymphatic complications were managed, but none graded their severity. The proposed definition of lymphorrhoea was leakage of more than 50 ml fluid (not urine, blood or pus) per day from the drain, or the drain site after removal of the drain, for more than 1 week after kidney transplantation. The proposed definition of lymphocele was a fluid collection of any size near to the transplanted kidney, after urinoma, haematoma and abscess have been excluded. Grade A lymphatic complications have a minor and/or non-invasive impact on the clinical management of the patient; grade B complications require non-surgical intervention; and grade C complications require invasive surgical intervention.

CONCLUSION

A clear definition and severity grading for lymphatic complications after kidney transplantation was agreed. The proposed definitions should allow better comparisons between studies.

A Label-Free, Non-Intrusive, and Rapid Monitoring of Bacterial Growth on Solid Medium Using Microwave Biosensor

Microwave resonator sensors are attractive for their contactless and label-free capability of monitoring bacterial growth in liquid media. This paper outlines a new label-free microwave biosensor based on a pair of planar split ring resonators for non-invasive monitoring of bacterial growth on a solid agar media. The sensor is comprised of two split ring resonators with slightly different resonant frequencies for differential operation. The transmission coefficient (S₂₁) of the sensor is considered as the sensor's response with a designed and measured quality factor above 200 to ensure a high-resolution operation of the biosensor. Two resonant frequencies of 1.95 and 2.11 GHz represent the sensing signal and the reference signal, respectively. The developed sensor demonstrates high performance in monitoring the growth dynamics of Escherichia coli (E. coli) on Luria-Bertani (LB) agar with 4 mm thickness. The sensor's resonant amplitude response demonstrated 0.5 dB variation corresponding to the bacterial growth over 48 hours when bacteria were spread on LB agar starting with initial OD₆₀₀ = 1.5. Moreover, 0.6 dB change in the sensor's response was observed over 96 hours of bacterial growth starting with an initial OD₆₀₀ = 1.17 spotted on LB agar. The measured results fit well to the curves created using Richards' bacterial growth model, showing the strength of the sensor as a potential candidate for use in predictive food microbiology systems.

P4592Total arterial revascularization in severe coronary artery disease: a 25-years single-center experience

Objective

To evaluate very long-term survival of Total Arterial Revascularization (TAR) in patients with severe coronary artery disease (CAD) undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG).

Methods

Between January 1992 and December 2017, 13798 patients aged 70 years or less underwent primary isolated CABG with at least two grafts in our department. Patients receiving TAR were matched by propensity-score analysis to the rest of the population. All pre- and peri-operative data were collected prospectively in our institutional database. Long-term survival was assessed using provincial vital statistics data. The primary outcome was very-long time survival, secondary outcomes were operative mortality and early complications.

Results

Propensity-score matching identified 602 pairs with similar preoperative characteristics. In the matched control group, 65.4% and 30.9% of patients received 1 and 2 arterial grafts, respectively, whereas 3 or more arterial grafts were used in 3.6%. Less distal anastomoses (2.57±0.77 vs 3.39±0.97, p<0.0001) were performed in TAR patients, who therefore had a shorter cross-clamping time (44.2±14.7 vs 52.9±19.6, p<0.0001). Operative mortality was similar (0.5% vs 1.0%, p=0.51) and there was no difference in the rate of mediastinitis (2.5% vs 0.8%, p=0.28)for the TAR and matched control groups, respectively. TAR patients were less likely to receive blood transfusions (34.9% vs 40.7%, p=0.04). The average follow-up was 13.4±6.7 years. Cox-adjusted survival was significantly better in patients receiving TAR compared to the matched population, up to 25 years postoperatively (HR 0.87 [0.86–0.88], p<0.0001, Figure 1).

Figure 1

Conclusion

Total arterial revascularization is not associated with increased perioperative risk of complications and provides long-term survival benefits up to 25 years postoperatively.

Aquatic animal colors and skin temperature: Biology's selection for reducing oceanic dolphin's skin friction drag

There is currently a growing interest in the area of drag reduction. In this work, the thermal effects of body color of some species of aquatics like Orcas and Dusky dolphins are investigated with respect to their swimming routes and geometric and behavioral characteristics. Considering the marine and atmospheric characteristics of these aquatics' routes, a thermal analysis is performed. The surrounding fluxes including the water flux, sun irradiation, and core temperature are considered in an energy balance to determine the skin temperature of the top side of the animal/organism's body. To study the effects of color on the surface temperature of the aquatic species, an experiment is carried out in the water on a flat plate with black and white color. Applying a turbulent analytical solution for heated boundary layers, it will be shown that the black color on the top of the bodies of these marine organisms is very efficient in terms of skin drag reduction. Moreover, to investigate the effects of the temperature on underwater skin friction drag reduction, the turbulent flow is simulated around a flat plate and a 2- dimensional modeled Killer whale at different temperatures. The results show that the top black body color of Orca and Dusky dolphin decreases their skin friction drag by 7%. This study will also provide the reason for this evolution of color scheme of other extremely fast marine animals, such as billfish, whales, and sharks. This method of drag reduction can be considered as one of the effective factors in skin drag reduction of underwater robots.

Identification of chemical compositions in some medicinal plants by GC/MS analysis

Medicinal plantsused in treatment of diseases earlier times, are potential sources of new drugs. In this study, chemical compositions of Echium khuzestanicum, Marrubium anisodan and Echinops cephalotes were identified by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry(GC/MS).M.anisodanand E.cephalotes aerial organs and E.khuzistanicum flowers were extracted by maceration method. According to the results, 46 kinds of chemical compounds found in methanol extract of E.khuzestanicum. There are mucilage, fatty acids, flavonoid and diterpenes in the flower of E.khuzestanicum. Seventy sixkinds of chemical compounds were found in methanol extract of E.cephalotesincludingaldehydes (7.9%), phenols (7.5%), fatty acids (5.8%) and furfural (5.4%)and86 kinds of chemical compounds found in M.anisodan extract. Furfural, steroids, vitamin B and flavonoids are the main compounds of M.anisodan.

Sensitive, Real-time and Non-Intrusive Detection of Concentration and Growth of Pathogenic Bacteria using Microfluidic-Microwave Ring Resonator Biosensor

Infection diagnosis and antibiotic susceptibility testing (AST) are time-consuming and often laborious clinical practices. This paper presents a microwave-microfluidic biosensor for rapid, contactless and non-invasive device for testing the concentration and growth of Escherichia Coli (E. Coli) in medium solutions of different pH to increase the efficacy of clinical microbiology practices. The thin layer interface between the microfluidic channel and the microwave resonator significantly enhanced the detection sensitivity. The microfluidic chip, fabricated using standard soft lithography, was injected with bacterial samples and incorporated with a microwave microstrip ring resonator sensor with an operation frequency of 2.5 GHz and initial quality factor of 83 for detecting the concentration and growth of bacteria. The resonator had a coupling gap area on of 1.5 × 1.5 mm² as of its sensitive region. The presence of different concentrations of bacteria in different pH solutions were detected via screening the changes in resonant amplitude and frequency responses of the microwave system. The sensor device demonstrated near immediate response to changes in the concentration of bacteria and maximum sensitivity of 3.4 MHz compared to a logarithm value of bacteria concentration. The minimum prepared optical transparency of bacteria was tested at an OD₆₀₀ value of 0.003. The sensor’s resonant frequency and amplitude parameters were utilized to monitor bacteria growth during a 500-minute time frame, which demonstrated a stable response with respect to detecting the bacterial proliferation. A highly linear response was demonstrated for detecting bacteria concentration at various pH values. The growth of bacteria analyzed over the resonator showed an exponential growth curve with respect to time and concurred with the lag-log-stationary-death model of cell growth. This biosensor is one step forward to automate the complex AST workflow of clinical microbiology laboratories for rapid and automated detection of bacteria as well as screening the bacteria proliferation in response to antibiotics.

Meta-analysis of the prognostic role of perioperative platelet count in posthepatectomy liver failure and mortality

BACKGROUND

Emerging evidence suggests that the perioperative platelet count (PLT) can predict posthepatectomy liver failure (PHLF). In this systematic review and meta-analysis, the impact of perioperative PLT on PHLF and mortality was evaluated.

METHODS

MEDLINE and Web of Science databases were searched systematically for relevant literature up to January 2018. All studies comparing PHLF or mortality in patients with a low versus high perioperative PLT were included. Study quality was assessed using methodological index for non-randomized studies (MINORS) criteria. Meta-analyses were performed using Mantel-Haenszel tests with a random-effects model, and presented as odds ratios (ORs) with 95 per cent confidence intervals.

RESULTS

Thirteen studies containing 5260 patients were included in the meta-analysis. Two different cut-off values for PLT were used: 150 and 100/nl. Patients with a perioperative PLT below 150/nl had higher PHLF (4 studies, 817 patients; OR 4·79, 95 per cent c.i. 2·89 to 7·94) and mortality (4 studies, 3307 patients; OR 3·78, 1·48 to 9·62) rates than patients with a perioperative PLT of 150/nl or more. Similarly, patients with a PLT below 100/nl had a significantly higher risk of PHLF (4 studies, 949 patients; OR 4·65, 2·60 to 8·31) and higher mortality rates (7 studies, 3487 patients; OR 6·35, 2·99 to 13·47) than patients with a PLT of 100/nl or greater.

CONCLUSION

A low perioperative PLT correlates with higher PHLF and mortality rates after hepatectomy.

Benchmarking of Siemens Linac in Electron Modes: 8-14 MeV Electron Beams

BACKGROUND

Radiation therapy using electron beams is a promising method due to its physical dose distribution. Monte Carlo (MC) code is the best and most accurate technique for forespeaking the distribution of dose in radiation treatment of patients.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We report an MC simulation of a linac head and depth dose on central axis, along with profile calculations. The purpose of the present research is to carefully analyze the application of MC methods for the calculation of dosimetric parameters for electron beams with energies of 8-14 MeV at a Siemens Primus linac. The principal components of the linac head were simulated using MCNPX code for different applicators.

RESULTS

The consequences of measurements and simulations revealed a good agreement. Gamma index values were below 1 for most points, for all energy values and all applicators in percent depth dose and dose profile computations. A number of states exhibited rather large gamma indices; these points were located at the tail of the percent depth dose graph; these points were less used in in radiotherapy. In the dose profile graph, gamma indices of most parts were below 1. The discrepancies between the simulation results and measurements in terms of Z_max, R₉₀, R₈₀ and R₅₀ were insignificant. The results of Monte Carlo simulations showed a good agreement with the measurements.

CONCLUSION

The software can be used for simulating electron modes of a Siemens Primus linac when direct experimental measurements are not feasible.

Immunomodulation in systemic lupus erythematosus: induction of M2 population in monocyte-derived macrophages by pioglitazone

Macrophages have recently gained attention in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) pathogenesis for their role in the anti-inflammatory clearance of apoptotic cells. The M1/M2 polarization of macrophages improves efferocytic capability. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ is proposed to function in the expansion of the M2 subpopulation. Pioglitazone is a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ agonist with a variety of anti-inflammatory effects. In this paper, we investigated the ex vivo alterations of monocyte-derived macrophages of 15 newly diagnosed SLE patients and 10 normal subjects triggered by apoptotic cells among SLE patients following pioglitazone treatment. The phagocytosis capacity of macrophages and M1/M2 polarization (CD86/CD163) was evaluated. The supernatants were also analyzed for the expression of interleukin (IL)-10, IL-12, transforming growth factor β1 and TNF-α. The mRNA expression of IL-1β and mannose receptor C-type 1 were also quantified among treated and non-treated monocyte-derived macrophages. We found that efferocytosis is defective among monocyte-derived macrophages of SLE patients and might be a major underlying mechanism involved in the sustained inflammation. Pioglitazone could enhance alternative activation of monocyte-derived macrophages and consequently immunomodulation in these patients.

An odd very early marjolin's ulcer after minimal hand burn

Marjolin's ulcer refers to any malignant transformation of chronic wounds. Different chronic wounds may be transformed into malignancies, although they usually have a latency period of between 25 to 40 years after the primary injury. We herein present an otherwise healthy man who developed squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) three weeks after burn injury. It is an interesting case because of this acute transformation into SCC, and may be considered as different to the usual presentation of Marjolin's ulcers.

[Computational neuroanatomy and microstructure imaging using magnetic resonance imaging]

BACKGROUND

Current computational neuroanatomy focuses on morphological measurements of the brain using standard magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques. In comparison quantitative MRI (qMRI) typically provides a better tissue contrast and also greatly improves the sensitivity and specificity with respect to the microstructural characteristics of tissue.

OBJECTIVE

Current methodological developments in qMRI are presented, which go beyond morphology because this provides standardized measurements of the microstructure of the brain. The concept of in-vivo histology is introduced, based on biophysical modelling of qMRI data (hMRI) for determination of quantitative histology-like markers of the microstructure.

RESULTS

The qMRI metrics can be used as direct biomarkers of the microstructural mechanisms driving observed morphological findings. The hMRI metrics utilize biophysical models of the MRI signal in order to determine 3‑dimensional maps of histology-like measurements in the white matter.

CONCLUSION

Non-invasive brain tissue characterization using qMRI or hMRI has significant implications for both scientific and clinical applications. Both approaches improve the comparability across sites and time points, facilitate multicenter and longitudinal studies as well as standardized diagnostics. The hMRI is expected to shed new light on the relationship between brain microstructure, function and behavior both in health and disease. In the future hMRI will play an indispensable role in the field of computational neuroanatomy.

Protective effect of crocin and voluntary exercise against oxidative stress in the heart of high-fat diet-induced type 2 diabetic rats

Background Oxidative stress plays a critical role in the pathogenesis and progression of type 2 diabetes and diabetic-associated cardiovascular complications. This study investigated the impact of crocin combined with voluntary exercise on heart oxidative stress indicator in high-fat diet-induced type 2 diabetic rats. Materials and methods Rats were divided into four groups: diabetes, diabetic-crocin, diabetic-voluntary exercise, diabetic-crocin-voluntary exercise. Type 2 diabetes was induced by high-fat diet (4 weeks) and injection of streptozotocin (intraperitoneally, 35 mg/kg). Animals received crocin orally (50 mg/kg); voluntary exercise was performed alone or combined with crocin treatment for 8 weeks. Finally, malondialdehyde (MDA), activity of antioxidant enzymes, superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and catalase (CAT) were measured spectrophotometrically. Results Treatment of diabetic rats with crocin and exercise significantly decreased the levels of MDA (p < 0.001) and increased the activity of SOD, GPx, and CAT compared with the untreated diabetic group. In addition, combination of exercise and crocin amplified their effect on antioxidant levels in the heart tissue of type 2 diabetic rats. Conclusion We suggest that a combination of crocin with voluntary exercise treatment may cause more beneficial effects in antioxidant defense system of heart tissues than the use of crocin or voluntary exercise alone.

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

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).

Morphological variations of the vermiform appendix in Iranian cadavers: a study from developing countries

BACKGROUND

The vermiform appendix is a worm-like tube containing a large amount of lymphoid follicles. In our knowledge, there is a little standard data about the vermiform appendix in Iranian population. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the normal appendix size in Iranian cadavers.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A cross-sectional study was undertaken between June 2014 and July 2015, in the autopsy laboratory, Legal Medicine Organisation, Razavi Khorasan province, Iran. A total of 693 cadavers with the mean age of 40.46 ± 20.99 years were divided into 10 groups. After writing down position of the appendix, the length, diameter and weight of the appendix were measured. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software.

RESULTS

The mean values of the demographic characteristics included - age: 40.46 ± 20.99 years; weight: 63.47 ± 17.84 kg; height: 159.95 ± 28.23 cm. The mean values of the appendix length, diameter, weight and index in the cadavers were 8.52 ± 2.99 cm, 12.17 ± 4.53 mm, 6.43 ± 3.26 g and 0.013 ± 0.01, respectively. The most common position of the appendix was retrocaecal in 71.7% of cases. Significant correlations were evident between the value of demographic data and appendix size (p < 0.05). The diameter (p = 0.002) and index of the appendix (p = 0.003) showed significant difference between males and females.

CONCLUSIONS

Having standard data on the vermiform appendix is useful for clinicians as well as anthropologists. The findings of the present study can provide information about morphologic variations of the appendix in Iranian population.

Aberrant promoter hypermethylation of selected apoptotic genes in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia among North Indian population

Promoter hypermethylation mediates gene silencing in many neoplasms. Acute leukemia has been reported to harbor multiple genes aberrantly silenced by hypermethylation.

AIM

In present study, we investigated the prevalence of hypermethylation of caspase-8 (CASP8), TMS1 and DAPK genes in correlation with clinicopathological factors in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A case-control study has been conducted based on bone marrow and peripheral blood samples from 125 ALL patients and 100 sex-age matched healthy controls. Methylation specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and bisulfite sequencing PCR was performed to analyze the methylation status of these genes. Reverse transcription PCR and real time PCR was carried out to determine changes in the mRNA expression level of the genes due to hypermethylation.

RESULTS

Hypermethylation of the 5´CpG islands of the CASP8, TMS1 and DAPK gene promoters was found in 3.2, 6.4, and 13.6% of 125 childhood ALL samples from north Indian population, respectively. There were significant differences in pattern of hypermethylation of TMS1 (p = 0.045) and DAPK (p &lt; 0.001) between patients and healthy controls. Down-regulation of mRNA expression was found in cases in which CASP8, TMS1 and DAPK were hypermethylated.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study indicated the impact of hypermethylation-mediated inactivation of CASP8, TMS1 and DAPK genes, which is associated with risk of childhood ALL. This abnormality occurs in leukemogenesis and it may be used as a biomarker and for predicting the prognosis of ALL.

Parthenolide reduces gene transcription of prosurvival mediators in U937 cells

In acute myeloid leukemia (AML) the functional abnormalities of osteopontin (OPN), NF-kB, PI3K/AKT/mTOR/PTEN pathway or β-catenin have been considered.

AIM

To analyze the response of U937 cells to parthenolide (PTL) through the involvement of expression of OPN protein, RelB, AKT1, mTOR, PTEN and β-catenin genes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The U937 cells were treated with PTL at concentrations of 4 μM (IC25) or 6 μM (IC50) and with OPN siRNA for MTT assay and colony forming assay. Western blot analysis using antibodies against OPN was performed with lysates of PTL-treated cells. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was performed using primers for OPN siRNA, RelB, AKT1, mTOR, PTEN and β-catenin.

RESULTS

PTL reduces OPN protein level and down-regulates RelB mRNA in U937 cell line. Suppression of OPN with siRNA increases the cytotoxic effects of PTL. Also, mRNA expression of AKT1, mTOR, PTEN, and β-catenin decreases with PTL or OPN siRNA.

CONCLUSION

Sensitivity of U937 cells to PTL can be associated with the reduction in expression of prosurvival mediators.

A high performance supercapacitor based on decoration of MoS2/reduced graphene oxide with NiO nanoparticles

GO and MoS₂ solution in combination with NiO nanoparticles present a high performance supercapacitor and excellent cycling stability.