Brush Pattern Research Articles

Controlled Arrangement of Neuronal Cells on Surfaces Functionalized with Micropatterned Polymer Brushes.

Conventional in vitro cultures are useful to represent simplistic neuronal behavior; however, the lack of organization results in random neurite spreading. To overcome this problem, control over the directionality of SH-SY5Y cells was attained, utilizing photolithography to pattern the cell-repulsive anionic brush poly(potassium 3-sulfopropyl methacrylate) (PKSPMA) into tracks of 20, 40, 80, and 100 μm width. These data validate the use of PKSPMA brush coatings for a long-term culture of the SH-SY5Y cells, as well as providing a methodology by which the precise deposition of PKSPMA can be utilized to achieve a targeted control over the SH-SY5Y cells. Specifically, the PKSPMA brush patterns prevented cell attachment, allowing the SH-SY5Y cells to grow only on noncoated glass (gaps of 20, 50, 75, and 100 μm width) at different cell densities (5000, 10 000, and 15 000 cells/cm2). This research demonstrates the importance of achieving cell directionality in vitro, while these simplistic models could provide new platforms to study complex neuron–neuron interactions.

Analysis of Relation Between Electroclinical Features and Cerebrospinal Fluid Antibody Titers in Patients With anti-NMDAR Encephalitis.

This study aimed to determine the relation between electroclinical features and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) antibody titers in patients with anti- N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor (anti-NMDAR) encephalitis. Clinical symptoms and electroencephalography (EEG) at different stages were analyzed in 51 hospitalized patients with anti-NMDAR encephalitis. Behavioral changes were the initial symptoms in 90.9% (20/22) of female patients with high (1:10 or 1:32) CSF antibody titers. A greater number of clinical symptoms were observed in the patients with high CSF antibody titers than in those with low (1:1 or 1:3.2) CSF antibody titers (mean 3.11 ± 1.06 vs 1.62 ± 0.65, P = .000). The number of clinical symptoms was greater in the female patients than in the male patients (mean 3.52 ± 0.98 vs 2.69 ± 1.09, P = .000). At the peak stage, worse background activity (BA) in EEG recordings was observed in patients with high CSF antibody titers than in those with low CSF antibody titers (Mann-Whitney U test, P = .001). The peak-stage BA in EEG was worse in female patients than in male patients (Mann-Whitney U test, P = .000). Modified Rankin scale scores were higher in patients with high CSF antibody titers than in those with low CSF antibody titers (mean 2.62 ± 1.42 vs 0.75 ± 0.97, P = .000). Brush patterns and constant chewing were observed primarily in female patients with high CSF antibody titers. Epileptic discharges were located predominately in the frontal regions and were noted to vary. The electroclinical features of patients with anti-NMDAR encephalitis were associated with gender and CSF antibody titers.

Fabricating Reactive Surfaces with Brush-like and Crosslinked Films of Azlactone-Functionalized Block Co-Polymers.

In this paper, fabrication methods that generate novel surfaces using the azlactone-based block co-polymer, poly (glycidyl methacrylate)-block-poly (vinyl dimethyl azlactone) (PGMA-b-PVDMA), are presented. Due to the high reactivity of azlactone groups towards amine, thiol, and hydroxyl groups, PGMA-b-PVDMA surfaces can be modified with secondary molecules to create chemically or biologically functionalized interfaces for a variety of applications. Previous reports of patterned PGMA-b-PVDMA interfaces have used traditional top-down patterning techniques that generate non-uniform films and poorly controlled background chemistries. Here, we describe customized patterning techniques that enable precise deposition of highly uniform PGMA-b-PVDMA films in backgrounds that are chemically inert or that have biomolecule-repellent properties. Importantly, these methods are designed to deposit PGMA-b-PVDMA films in a manner that completely preserves azlactone functionality through each processing step. Patterned films show well-controlled thicknesses that correspond to polymer brushes (~90 nm) or to highly crosslinked structures (~1-10 μm). Brush patterns are generated using either the parylene lift-off or interface directed assembly methods described and are useful for precise modulation of overall chemical surface reactivity by adjusting either the PGMA-b-PVDMA pattern density or the length of the VDMA block. In contrast, the thick, crosslinked PGMA-b-PVDMA patterns are obtained using a customized micro-contact printing technique and offer the benefit of higher loading or capture of secondary material due to higher surface area to volume ratios. Detailed experimental steps, critical film characterizations, and trouble-shooting guides for each fabrication method are discussed.

Facile Fabrication of Hierarchically Thermoresponsive Binary Polymer Pattern for Controlled Cell Adhesion.

A versatile platform allowing capture and detection of normal and dysfunctional cells on the same patterned surface is important for accessing the cellular mechanism, developing diagnostic assays, and implementing therapy. Here, an original and effective method for fabricating binary polymer brushes pattern is developed for controlled cell adhesion. The binary polymer brushes pattern, composed of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAAm) and poly[poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate] (POEGMA) chains, is simply obtained via a combination of surface-initiated photopolymerization and surface-activated free radical polymerization. This method is unique in that it does not utilize any protecting groups or procedures of backfilling with immobilized initiator. It is demonstrated that the precise and well-defined binary polymer patterns with high resolution are fabricated using this facile method. PNIPAAm chains capture and release cells by thermoresponsiveness, while POEGMA chains possess high capability to capture dysfunctional cells specifically, inducing a switch of normal red blood cells (RBCs) arrays to hemolytic RBCs arrays on the pattern with temperature. This novel platform composed of binary polymer brush pattern is smart and versatile, which opens up pathways to potential applications as microsensors, biochips, and bioassays.

THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN MOTHER ROLE OF MEET THE ORAL HYGIENE AND DENTAL CARIES IN PRESCHOOL CHILD IN KINDERGARTEN KUSUMA MULIA XVIII SUMBERBENDO PARE KEDIRI

The mother's role in the meet of oral hygiene is very important to reduce the occurrence of dental caries in preschools children. Preschoolers has low personals hygiene and still in the developmental process. The aimed of this research was to determine the context of the mother's role in the meet of oral hygiene with the incidence of dental caries in preschools children 4 - 6 years old at kindergarten of Kusuma Mulia XVIII Sumberbendo Pare Kediri. The research methods used correlational design with a retrospective approach. Purposive sampling was used to obtain 26 samples of mothers who eligible as inclusion criteria. Measuring tool used a questionnaire to the mother's role in the meet of oral hygiene and observation for occurrence of dental caries in preschool children, then its analyzed by spearman rho. The result of the research showed that (76, 9%) mothers has role in the meet of oral hygiene that was in sufficient category. Whereas (80, 8%) the children had medium category. The results after the calculation using the Spearman rho test indicated for correlation coefisien = -0,515 and p value = 0,007 that means the association between mother's role in the meet of oral hygiene with the incidence of dental caries in preschools children. Reducing the incidence of dental caries is not only depend on the mother's role toward meet of oral hygiene, but also to the other factors such as food, micro-organisms, bad habits of the children in keeping oral dental hygiene and mouth, tooth brushing pattern, the shape of the teeth, and history of children's milk when as a baby which causes the dental caries.

Surfactant-Induced Patterns in Polymer Brushes.

The properties of surfaces with grafted macromolecules are determined by a fine structure of the macromolecular layer, whereas the mixtures of macromolecules with surfactants are very rich in structure types. Using the scaling mean-field theory, we consider the self-assembly in polymer brushes into various patterns induced by interactions with low-molecular surfactants. The interaction energies of the parts of a surfactant molecule with the polymer units are assumed to be greatly different. With increasing the grafting density, the formation of lamellae perpendicular to the grafting plane, a continuous layer with oblong or round pores, or a homogeneous brush is predicted. The driving force of the pattern formation is a gain in the interaction energy of surfactant molecules oriented at the lateral surfaces of lamellae or pores. The process of pore formation in a homogeneous brush caused by a temperature change at definite grafting densities is described as the first-order phase transition. It is accompanied by a stepwise extension of the brush and by orientational ordering of surfactant molecules. The transitions between the other patterns are of the second order. The thickness of lamellae and the distance between pores are approximately twice the surfactant molecule size except for the extremely high grafting densities. The diagrams of brush patterns are presented and discussed.

Fabrication of Micropatterned Self-Oscillating Polymer Brush for Direction Control of Chemical Waves.

The propagation control of chemical waves via a pentagonal patterned structure in a self-oscillating polymer brush composed of N-isopropylacrylamide and a metal catalyst for the Belousov-Zhabotinsky (BZ) reaction is reported. The patterned self-oscillating polymer brush is prepared by combining surface-initiated atom transfer radical polymerization and maskless photolithography. Surface modification is confirmed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, 3D measuring laser microscopy, and fluorescence microscopy. The polymer brush patterns are fabricated with gaps between the pentagonal regions, and investigations on the effect of the gap distance on the BZ reaction reveal that at the appropriate distance, chemical waves propagate across the array from the plane to the corner between the patterns. Unidirectional control is achieved not only in the 1D array, but also in a 2D curved array. This patterned self-oscillating polymer brush is a novel and advantageous approach for creating an autonomous dynamic soft interface.

Delta Brush Pattern Is Not Unique to NMDAR Encephalitis: Evaluation of Two Independent Long-Term EEG Cohorts.

Although its specificity has not previously been investigated in other cohorts, delta brush pattern (DBP) is increasingly reported in the EEGs of patients with anti- N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) encephalitis. We aimed to investigate the DBP in the EEGs of 2 cohorts; patients with change in consciousness for various causes monitored in the intensive care unit (ICU) (n = 106) and patients with mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (MTLE) with or without antineuronal antibodies (n = 76). These patients were investigated for the presence of DBP, defined as an EEG pattern characterized by delta activity at 1 to 3 Hz with superimposed bursts of rhythmic 12- to 30-Hz activity. Two investigators blindfolded for the clinical and immunological data independently analyzed the EEGs for recognition of this pattern. An EEG picture compatible with DBP was observed in 4 patients; only 1 of them (1.3%) belonged to the MTLE group. She did not bear any of the investigated autoantibodies and was seizure-free after epilepsy surgery. In the ICU group, there were 3 additional patients showing DBP with various diagnoses such as hypoxic encephalopathy, brain tumor, stroke, and metabolic derangements. All of them had died in 1-month period. Our results underlined that DBP is not unique to NMDAR encephalitis; it may very rarely occur in MTLE with good prognosis after surgery and second, in ICU patients who have high mortality rate. Therefore, the presence of this pattern should alert the clinician for NMDAR encephalitis but other possible etiologies should not be ignored.

Pricey, high-tech tools promise innovations in hair and skin care

Bad hair brushed away There is a surprising amount of science to a bad hair day. Now, a smart hairbrush hopes to give consumers more insight into their hair care challenges. The brush, called Hair Coach, includes a package of high-tech sensors that can tell you the health of your hair, explains Guive Balooch, global vice president for L’Oreal’s Research & Innovation Technology Incubator, which developed the device. The brush starts with an acoustic sensor, Balooch says. “While you brush, it can detect the friction and the force on the hair, which can tell you the level of damage the hair has,” he explains. It also detects whether hair needs more conditioning because brushing sounds different when the conditioner polymers no longer coat the hair. Other sensors include an accelerometer and gyroscope, which can examine brushing patterns, and a conductivity sensor, which can detect whether hair is dry or wet.

Micrometre and nanometre scale patterning of binary polymer brushes, supported lipid bilayers and proteins.

Binary polymer brush patterns were fabricated via photodeprotection of an aminosilane with a photo-cleavable nitrophenyl protecting group. UV exposure of the silane film through a mask yields micrometre-scale amine-terminated regions that can be derivatised to incorporate a bromine initiator to facilitate polymer brush growth via atom transfer radical polymerisation (ATRP). Atomic force microscopy (AFM) and imaging secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) confirm that relatively thick brushes can be grown with high spatial confinement. Nanometre-scale patterns were formed by using a Lloyd's mirror interferometer to expose the nitrophenyl-protected aminosilane film. In exposed regions, protein-resistant poly(oligo(ethylene glycol)methyl ether methacrylate) (POEGMEMA) brushes were grown by ATRP and used to define channels as narrow as 141 nm into which proteins could be adsorbed. The contrast in the pattern can be inverted by (i) a simple blocking reaction after UV exposure, (ii) a second deprotection step to expose previously intact protecting groups, and (iii) subsequent brush growth via surface ATRP. Alternatively, two-component brush patterns can be formed. Exposure of a nitrophenyl-protected aminosilane layer either through a mask or to an interferogram, enables growth of an initial POEGMEMA brush. Subsequent UV exposure of the previously intact regions allows attachment of ATRP initiator sites and growth of a second poly(cysteine methacrylate) (PCysMA) brush within photolithographically-defined micrometre or nanometre scale regions. POEGMEMA brushes resist deposition of liposomes, but fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) studies confirm that liposomes readily rupture on PCysMA "corrals" defined within POEGMEMA "walls". This leads to the formation of highly mobile supported lipid bilayers that exhibit similar diffusion coefficients to lipid bilayers formed on surfaces such as glass.

Epileptic phenotypes, electroclinical features and clinical characteristics in 17 children with anti-NMDAR encephalitis.

Anti-N-methyl d-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) encephalitis is a rare disorder characterized by seizures, neuropsychiatric symptoms, dyskinesia and autonomic instability. Aim of the present study was to evaluate the seizure phenotypes and electroencephalogram (EEG) features in children with anti-NMDAR encephalitis. Seizure types, electroclinical features and clinical characteristics of 17 children with anti-NMDAR encephalitis were analysed in a retrospective case series from nine centres in Europe. Nearly half (8/17) of the children presented with psychiatric symptoms, whereas in 4/17 patients seizures were the first symptom and in 5/17 both symptoms occurred at the same time. During the following course seizures were reported in 16/17 children. The first EEG detected generalized slowing in 11/17 patients, focal slowing in 3/17 and normal background activity in only 3/17 children. The extreme delta brush (EDB) pattern was detected in 9/17 (53%) patients. In addition to psychiatric symptoms, children with anti-NMDAR encephalitis often show generalized slowing in EEG with or without seizures at initial presentation. EDB is present in half of all children and is potentially a helpful tool for early detection of this immune-mediated disease.

Data-Driven NPR Illustrations of Natural Flows in Chinese Painting.

Introducing motion into existing static paintings is becoming a field that is gaining momentum. This effort facilitates keeping artworks current and translating them to different forms for diverse audiences. Chinese ink paintings and Japanese Sumies are well recognized in Western cultures, yet not easily practiced due to the years of training required. We are motivated to develop an interactive system for artists, non-artists, Asians, and non-Asians to enjoy the unique style of Chinese paintings. In this paper, our focus is on replacing static water flow scenes with animations. We include flow patterns, surface ripples, and water wakes which are challenging not only artistically but also algorithmically. We develop a data-driven system that procedurally computes a flow field based on stroke properties extracted from the painting, and animate water flows artistically and stylishly. Technically, our system first extracts water-flow-portraying strokes using their locations, oscillation frequencies, brush patterns, and ink densities. We construct an initial flow pattern by analyzing stroke structures, ink dispersion densities, and placement densities. We cluster extracted strokes as stroke pattern groups to further convey the spirit of the original painting. Then, the system automatically computes a flow field according to the initial flow patterns, water boundaries, and flow obstacles. Finally, our system dynamically generates and animates extracted stroke pattern groups with the constructed field for controllable smoothness and temporal coherence. The users can interactively place the extracted stroke patterns through our adapted Poisson-based composition onto other paintings for water flow animation. In conclusion, our system can visually transform a static Chinese painting to an interactive walk-through with seamless and vivid stroke-based flow animations in its original dynamic spirits without flickering artifacts.

Sub-Micron Patterning of Polymer Brushes by Controllable Deposition of Polyelectrolyte Monolayers

The controlled deposition of polyelectrolyte macroinitiators for polymer brush growth is investigated. High resolution patterns are created for periodic array gratings towards responsive polymer brush sensors. Further, controlling the segregation of the macroinitiator to the droplet edge by careful manipulation of the constituent solutes leads to sub-micron patterning of polymer brushes.

Crafting positive/negative patterns and nanopillars of polymer brushes by photocatalytic lithography

We demonstrate a convenient and versatile approach based on the photocatalytic lithography to obtain micro- and nanostructures of polymer brushes. Micro-patterns of polymer brushes are obtained through two ways: by the selective photocatalytic degradation of an initiator, self-assembled on the surface (⿿positive⿿ pattern), or by a ⿿negative⿿ pattern obtained, first, degrading an alkylsiloxane monolayer and, then, refilling it with the initiator. In both cases, the patterned initiator monolayer is eventually amplified into polymer brushes with a controlled radical polymerization protocol (ARGET ATRP).The approach described here mimics the conventional photolithography but is free from the disadvantages associated to this technique (i.e. highly energetic light sources, polymeric resists and on purpose-made photomasks). Moreover, the ability to generate nanometer-sized pillars of polymer brushes using remote photocatalysis coupled with nanosphere lithography is demonstrated. Highly monodisperse silica particles with spherical shape (diameter ⿼600nm) are assembled on the surface to be patterned and used as a mask for remote photocatalysis. Our results confirm the great potentialities of TiO2-photocatalytic lithography for patterning of polymer brushes.

EEG Findings May Serve as a Potential Biomarker for Anti-NMDA Receptor Encephalitis.

Objective To determine if an electroencephalographic (EEG) characteristic, beta:delta power ratio (BDPR), is significantly higher for N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor encephalitis (NMDARE) patients than for non-NMDARE patients on presenting EEG. Identification of an additional EEG biomarker with significant specificity for NMDARE (in the absence of frank delta brush) could potentially allow for early identification of at-risk patients. Methods Single center retrospective comparison of NMDARE and non-NMDARE consecutive cases of encephalitis, collated over a 6-year period (from 2008 to 2014). Results None of the 10 NMDARE patients displayed the extreme delta brush pattern on EEG previously described, but the ratio of BDPR was significantly higher for NMDARE patients (P < .005). There was no significant relationship between BDPR and the time of recording from symptom onset. Additional analysis of clinical characteristics also indicated that the patients with NMDARE (median age 19.5 years) were younger than the 5 patients with non-NMDARE (median age 36 years). Encephalopathy, seizure, and psychiatric complaints were the most common diagnoses at time of first health care presentation and did not favor a single etiology, though the latter was present only in the NMDARE population (50% at T0). Prodromal illness featuring headache was more common in the non-NMDARE population. Outcomes, as measured by the Modified Rankin Scale, were globally better in the NMDARE group. Conclusions Patients with NMDARE had a significantly higher BDPR on EEG when compared with non-NMDARE patients even in the absence of extreme delta brush. This suggests that early EEG characteristics may be helpful in distinguishing NMDARE from non-NMDARE.

UV-Triggered Surface-Initiated Polymerization from Colorless Green Tea Polyphenol-Coated Surfaces.

A facile and versatile approach to constructing colorless surface coatings based on green tea polyphenols is reported, which can further act as a photoinitiating layer to initiate radical polymerization. These colorless green tea polyphenol coatings are capable of successfully photografting polymer brushes, and the resulting polymer brush patterns show spatial shape adjustability by masked UV irradiation. Both surface modifications and photografted polymer brushes do not alter the original color of the substrates. This method could be promising for the development of surface modifications.

일부 제조업 근로자들의 구강건강실천과 치아우식 위험도의 관련성에대한 융합적 평가 -CRT&lt;sup&gt;®&lt;/sup&gt; bacteria를 이용하여

In this study, the characteristics and oral health status of manufacturing workers were investigated to confirm the factors affecting their risk of developing dental caries and to prepare basic data for developing oral health promotion programs for such workers. A self-administered questionnaire survey and saliva microorganism examinations (S. mutans and Lactobacillus tests) were conducted from July 1 to August 1, 2014 targeting the manufacturing workers in the Busan and Gyungnam areas, to confirm the factors affecting dental caries development among manufacturing workers. As a result, the risk of dental caries was found to be higher in the workers who worked for 10 hours or longer a day than in those who worked for less than 10 hours a day, and in the smokers than in the non-smokers. A 1-point increase in the brushing pattern score resulted in 0.044 times less risk of dental caries development in the S. mutans test and 0.004 times less risk in the Lactobacillus test Therefore, systematic support is needed to improve the work environment of manufacturing workers, along with continuous oral health education in workplaces.

DNA Polymer Brush Patterning through Photocontrollable Surface-Initiated DNA Hybridization Chain Reaction.

The fabrication of DNA polymer brushes with spatial resolution onto a solid surface is a crucial step for biochip research and related applications, cell-free gene expression study, and even artificial cell fabrication. Here, for the first time, a DNA polymer brush patterning method is reported based on the photoactivation of an ortho-nitrobenzyl linker-embedded DNA hairpin structure and a subsequent surface-initiated DNA hybridization chain reaction (HCR). Inert DNA hairpins are exposed to ultraviolet light irradiation to generate DNA duplexes with two active sticky ends (toeholds) in a programmable manner. These activated DNA duplexes can initiate DNA HCR to generate multifunctional patterned DNA polymer brushes with complex geometrical shapes. Different multifunctional DNA polymer brush patterns can be fabricated on certain areas of the same solid surface using this method. Moreover, the patterned DNA brush surface can be used to capture target molecules in a desired manner.

Impact of Sense of Coherence on Oral Health Behaviors: A Systematic Review.

ObjectivesThe aim of this review was to critically analyze the empirical evidence on the association between Sense of Coherence (SOC) and oral health behaviors through a systematic approach.MethodsA systematic search up to April 2015 was carried out using the following electronic bibliographic databases: PubMed, Ovid MEDLINE; ISI Web of Science; and Ovid PsychInfo. Studies were included if they evaluated the relationship between SOC and oral health behaviors including tooth cleaning, fluoride usage, dietary habits, dental attendance, and smoking. We excluded studies that only assessed the relationship between oral health status and SOC without evaluating oral health behaviors. The New Castle Ottawa (NOS) quality assessment checklist was employed to evaluate the methodological quality of included studies.ResultsThirty-nine potential papers met the preliminary selection criteria and following a full-text review, 9 papers were finally selected for this systematic review. Results provided by the included studies indicated different levels of association between SOC and oral health behaviors. The most frequent behaviors investigated were tooth brushing and dental attendance pattern. The impact of SOC on performing positive oral health behaviors, to some extent, was related to demographic and socio-economic factors. In addition, mothers’ SOC influenced children’s oral health practices.ConclusionsA more favorable oral health behavior was observed among those with a stronger SOC suggesting that the SOC can be a determinant of oral health-related behaviors including tooth brushing frequency, daily smoking, and dental attendance.

Are There Any Specific EEG Findings in Autoimmune Epilepsies?

This study evaluated the EEG findings of patients whose seizures were associated with a possible autoimmune etiology. Our aim was to find clues to distinguish patients with antineuronal antibodies (Ab) through EEG studies. We reviewed our database and identified antineuronal Ab positive epilepsy patients with or without autoimmune encephalitis. These patients had Abs to N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) (n = 5), glycine receptor (GLY-R) (n = 5), contactin-associated protein-like 2 (CASPR-2) (n = 4), uncharacterized voltage-gated potassium channel complex (VGKC) antigens (n = 2), glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) (n = 2), Hu (n = 1), and amphiphysin (n = 1). The control group consisted of 21 seronegative epilepsy or encephalopathy patients with similar clinical features. EEG findings were compared between the groups in a blindfolded design. We did not find any significant difference in EEG findings between antineuronal Ab positive epilepsy patients and seronegative control group. It was remarkable that four seropositive but none of the seronegative patients presented with nonconvulsive status epilepticus (NCSE) or focal motor status epilepticus. Continuous theta and delta rhythms were observed in 5 (71%) seropositive patients with autoimmune encephalitis and 2 (25%) seronegative patients. Eight (40 %) seropositive patients showed a frontal intermittent rhythmic delta activity (FIRDA) pattern as opposed to 5 (24%) seronegative patients. Two patients with NMDAR Ab positivity showed rhythmic delta waves superimposed with beta frequency activity resembling "delta brush" pattern. EEG seems as a limited diagnostic tool in differentiating epilepsy and/or encephalopathy patients with a possible autoimmune etiology from those without. However, antineuronal Abs associated with encephalitis should be considered in the etiology of status epilepticus forms. A possible autoimmune etiology for seizures may be considered in the presence of continuous slow waves, FIRDA, and delta brush pattern in the EEG.