Extensive Treatments Research Articles

Super greens for super hearts: a smoothie approach to increase plasma lutein.

AbstractIntroductionCoronary artery disease (CAD) is one of the major causes of death worldwide. Despite extensive treatments, many patients still exhibit low-grade systemic inflammation which increases risk of new cardiovascular events. Currently, there is no standard anti-inflammatory strategy to treat CAD.Lutein is an antioxidant abundant in the Mediterranean diet which is known to be cardioprotective. We have previously shown that plasma lutein is inversely correlated to inflammation levels in CAD patients and that it exerts direct anti-inflammatory effects on patients’ immune cells ex vivo. We have also demonstrated that consuming spinach in the form of smoothie can maximize lutein liberation in vitro. The present study is a feasibility study in preparation for a cross-over intervention study in CAD patients. It aimed to compare the efficacy and practicality of raising plasma lutein using lutein-rich smoothies or lutein supplements.Materials and methods7 healthy participants were advised to consume 1) 85 g spinach in smoothies ≥ 5 days/week or 2) 10 mg lutein supplements daily in a cross-over design in two separate 8-week interventions while keeping their usual diets. A 6-week washout period during which their normal diet was maintained separates the two intervention periods. Training on smoothie making was provided. Adherence was recorded daily, and the practicality was ranked in surveys fortnightly. Plasma was collected on 11 occasions. Plasma carotenoids (lutein, β-cryptoxanthin, lycopene, α-carotene and β-carotene) were quantified by HPLC.ResultsBoth interventions received the two highest scores in terms of taste, ease of use and time consumption. Plasma lutein was increased by both interventions while no change was found in other plasma carotenoids. The lutein-raising effect was higher in supplements compared to smoothies. The smoothies raised plasma lutein levels on an average of 117 %, 143 %, 167 % and 142% from baseline after 2, 4, 6 and 8 weeks of consumption respectively (Pfor trend = 0.003). The lutein supplements increased plasma lutein on an average of 519 %, 637 %, 672 % and 715 % from baseline after 2, 4, 6 and 8 weeks respectively (Pfor trend = 0.002). Lutein returned to baseline levels for all participants 4 and 6 weeks after the smoothies and 8 and 10 weeks after the supplements.DiscussionBoth methods are effective in increasing plasma lutein in healthy humans. Although the supplements exert higher lutein-raising effects compared to the smoothies, further testing on subjects with CAD is required to determine if the observed effects lead to inflammation reduction with clinical significance.

Evaluation of Conservation Effects Assessment Project Grazing Lands conservation practices on the Cienega Creek watershed in southeast Arizona with AGWA/RHEM modeling tools

The Automated Geospatial Watershed Assessment Tool (AGWA) and the Rangeland Hydrology Erosion Model (RHEM) were used to evaluate conservation practices on the Cienega Creek watershed (CCW) that were implemented under the Conservation Effects Assessment Project (CEAP) on Grazing Lands. CEAP on Grazing Lands is a multi-agency effort to quantify the environmental effects of conservation practices and programs, and develop the science base for managing rangelands for environmental quality using conservation practices (Spaeth et al. 2013). The evaluation was performed on the CCW and the Empire Ranch, located in southeastern Arizona, where numerous conservation practices have been implemented to achieve their management goals of maintaining desired plant communities and watershed processes. To assess the effects of the conservation practices on long-term soil and water loss, RHEM was applied to the entire CCW using National Resources Inventory (NRI) data. Four analysis periods were selected based on climatic contrasts, conservation spending, and availability of NRI sample points. The CCW results showed that the simulations using RHEM parameters derived from NRI data could be used to demonstrate the impact of climate on vegetation condition and sediment yield. A subsection, dubbed “select treatment areas,” of the CCW, which received extensive treatments with brush removal, prescribed burns, and stock ponds, was assessed using remotely sensed data. The select treatment areas were modeled over three different periods, representing preconservation spending, postconservation spending, and later postconservation spending. Remote sensing was capable of detecting and estimating the changes in vegetation cover from brush removal and prescribed burns. Simulations of sediment yield using pre- and posttreatment data indicated a modest reduction in sediment yield. Simulations in the select treatment areas indicated mechanical brush treatments were typically more effective than prescribed burns for improving watershed condition as estimated by reductions in sediment yield, but were more costly to implement. Stock ponds had a larger impact on sediment yield than the land treatments. The assessment demonstrated the utility of remotely sensed estimates of plant growth form and cover for model inputs to estimate changes in runoff and sediment yield with changing cover conditions over large areas.

CBMS-02 CROSSTALK WITH ASTROCYTES ESTABLISHES TUMOR EDGE IN GLIOBLASTOMA

Clinical outcomes for patients with glioblastoma (GBM) are extremely poor due to inevitable tumor recurrence even after extensive treatments. These recurrences are thought to manifest from cells located within the tumor edge. Despite this, the precise molecular mechanism governing GBM spatial phenotypic heterogeneity (e.g. edge vs. core) and subsequent tumor recurrence remains poorly elucidated. Here, using patient-derived GBM core and edge tissues, we analyzed transcriptional and metabolic signatures in an effort to determine how GBM facilitates the edge phenotype and its associated recurrence-initiating cells (RICs). In so doing, we unexpectedly identified CD38 as an essential protein in the formation of the edge phenotype and found a CD38-driven interaction between edge GBM cells and neighboring astrocytes that communally develops a GBM edge that is unresectable by surgery and retains RICs. These findings have profound implications for future clinical therapies and provide new mechanistic insights into both tumor progression and recurrence.

Short-Term Responses of Aquatic and Terrestrial Biodiversity to Riparian Restoration Measures Designed to Control the Invasive Arundo donax L.

Invasive species are among the top five causes of biodiversity loss worldwide. Arundo donax has progressively colonized the riparian zones of Mediterranean rivers with detrimental effects on terrestrial and aquatic biodiversity, being catalogued as one of the 100 worst invasive species. In order to control this invasive species and restore native riparian vegetation, different methods have been traditionally used, depending on the environmental, economic and social context. Here, the effect of repeated above-ground removal of A. donax on aquatic and terrestrial communities was assessed by testing two different frequencies of mowing (monthly-intensive and quarterly-extensive), combined with the plantation of native species. Specifically, it was evaluated if riparian vegetation, birds and aquatic macroinvertebrates showed significant responses throughout time and between restoration treatments based on 4-year annual biomonitoring data (2015–2018). Changes in taxonomic diversity and ecological quality indices for the different biological communities were tested using mixed-effect models (LMEs). Similarly, comparisons between restored and reference sites were also performed. LMEs were also applied to assess how riparian variables were related to bird and aquatic macroinvertebrate indices. NMDS and MGLM-Mvabund analyses were performed to detect significant post-treatment differences in taxa composition compared to the initial state and reference sites. During this short-term assessment, increases in riparian and aquatic macroinvertebrate richness and quality indices were found, as well as significant decreases in A. donax height, density and cover, without significant differences between restoration treatments. However, differential effects between extensive (positive-neutral effect) and intensive treatments (neutral-negative effect) were detected for bird richness, density and abundance. After three years of restoration actions, restored sites are still far from reference values in terms of taxa composition, species richness and ecological quality, especially for riparian vegetation and birds. Given the high cost and the great efforts required for restoration, extensive repeated mowing, together with native species plantation, are only recommended on river reaches not fully invaded by A. donax and with a high ecological interest.

Anti-GD2 antibodies in treatment of high-risk Neuroblastoma: present and perspectives

Neuroblastoma is the most frequent extra-cranial pediatric solid tumor, occurring in young children, 90% being less than 5 years at diagnosis. It remains a therapeutic challenge since survival of high-risk neuroblastoma patients that represent around 50% of the patients is around 50% in spite of extensive combined treatments. Immunotherapy based on the use of antibodies directed to GD2, a ganglioside strongly expressed by almost all neuroblastoma cells, has been developed during the last decade. In SIOPEN studies have shown that dinatuximab beta (Qarziba®) is effective on refractory/relapsed patients and improves survival when administered in the first line maintenance treatment. Other strategies are currently explored using combination with chemotherapy at relapse and evaluating the benefits of an earlier administration during the induction treatment. In addition, more selective antibodies are also developed to decrease toxicity, especially neuropathic pain that is one of the major toxic effect.

The Long-Term Persistence of Borrelia burgdorferi Antigens and DNA in the Tissues of a Patient with Lyme Disease.

Whether Borrelia burgdorferi, the causative agent of Lyme disease, can persist for long periods in the human body has been a controversial question. The objective of this study was to see if we could find B. burgdorferi in a Lyme disease patient after a long clinical course and after long-term antibiotic treatment. Therefore, we investigated the potential presence of B. burgdorferi antigens and DNA in human autopsy tissues from a well-documented serum-, PCR-, and culture-positive Lyme disease patient, a 53-year-old female from northern Westchester County in the lower Hudson Valley Region of New York State, who had received extensive antibiotic treatments during extensive antibiotic treatments over the course of her 16-year-long illness. We also asked what form the organism might take, with special interest in the recently found antibiotic-resistant aggregate form, biofilm. We also examined the host tissues for the presence of inflammatory markers such as CD3+ T lymphocytes. Autopsy tissue sections of the brain, heart, kidney, and liver were analyzed by histological and immunohistochemical methods (IHC), confocal microscopy, fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH), polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and whole-genome sequencing (WGS)/metagenomics. We found significant pathological changes, including borrelial spirochetal clusters, in all of the organs using IHC combined with confocal microscopy. The aggregates contained a well-established biofilm marker, alginate, on their surfaces, suggesting they are true biofilm. We found B. burgdorferi DNA by FISH, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and an independent verification by WGS/metagenomics, which resulted in the detection of B. burgdorferi sensu stricto specific DNA sequences. IHC analyses showed significant numbers of infiltrating CD3+ T lymphocytes present next to B. burgdorferi biofilms. In summary, we provide several lines of evidence that suggest that B. burgdorferi can persist in the human body, not only in the spirochetal but also in the antibiotic-resistant biofilm form, even after long-term antibiotic treatment. The presence of infiltrating lymphocytes in the vicinity of B. burgdorferi biofilms suggests that the organism in biofilm form might trigger chronic inflammation.

Comparison of Oxidative Status of Human Milk, Human Milk Fortifiers and Preterm Infant Formulas.

Preterm and low birth weight infants require specific nutrition to overcome the accumulated growth deficit, and to prevent morbidities related to postnatal growth failure. In order to guarantee an adequate nutrient-intake, mother’s own milk, when available, or donor human milk, are usually fortified with additional nutrients, in particular proteins. Fortification with processed ingredients may result in additional intake in oxidative compounds, deriving from extensive heat treatments, that are applied during processing. The aim of the present work was to compare the in vitro antioxidant activity and oxidative compound content conveyed by different preterm infant foods and fortifiers, namely raw and pasteurized human milk, two different preterm infant formulas, three bovine milk-based fortifiers and two experimental donkey milk-based fortifiers. Univariate and multivariate statistical analyses revealed significant differences between the different products. The use of human milk minimizes the intake of dietary oxidative compound in comparison to infant formulas, irrespective of pasteurization or fortification, especially as far as malondialdehyde content is concerned. The addition of fortifiers to human milk increases its antioxidant capacity, and the choice of the protein source (hydrolysed vs. whole proteins) differently impacted the resulting total antioxidant capacity of the diet.

P4590Temporal trends of the characteristics, management, and clinical outcomes of patients with acute coronary syndrome and multi-vessel disease - the ACSIS registry

Abstract Introduction Multi-vessel coronary artery disease (MVD) is common among patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and is associated with worse outcomes compared with single-vessel disease. Multiple studies focused particularly on patients with ACS and MVD and their results were incorporated into guidelines' recommendations. Objectives To examine temporal trends in clinical characteristics, treatment and outcomes of patients presenting with ACS and MVD. Methods Time- dependent analysis of patients enrolled in the biennial ACS Israeli Surveys (ACSIS) between 2000 and 2016 according to three time periods: early (2004–2006; n=2,111), mid (2008–2010; n=2,049), and late (2013–2016; n=2,010). MVD was defined as >50% stenosis in ≥2 separate major coronary territories at the index ACS. Clinical outcomes were 30-day MACE (death, unstable angina, myocardial infarction, stroke, stent thrombosis, urgent revascularization) and 30-days and 1-year mortality. Results Overall 6,170/15,000 patients (41.1%) had MVD (age 64.5±12.1, males 80%). Patients admitted in the later periods were older with a higher prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors and their treatment (i.e. statins, and hypoglycemic drugs) prior to admission. The rate of CABG has decreased and of MV percutaneous coronary intervention and guideline recommended medical treatment has increased with time. At 30 days, the rates of mortality, MACE and re-infarction have decreased (Figure). A trend of reduction in 1-year mortality was observed with time, yet it did not reach statistical significance (early=9.3%, mid=7.8%, late=7.7%, P=0.13). A multivariate adjusted analysis demonstrated that the mid and late periods were associated with significantly reduced risk for 30-day MACE (OR=0.65 [0.54–0.77] and 0.54 [0.45–0.65], respectively). Figure 1. Temporal trends in 30-day outcomes of patients with ACS and MVD Conclusions During the last decade, the burden of cardiovascular risk factors among ACS patients with MVD has increased, more extensive invasive and medical treatments were provided and significant improvements in 30-day outcomes were observed. Acknowledgement/Funding None

Development of botanical composition of grassland affected by the different exploitation intensity

Article Details: Received: 2019-04-08 | Accepted: 2019-06-03 | Available online: 2019-09-30 https://doi.org/10.15414/afz.2019.22.03.101-109 The aim of the work was to analyze the influence of different intensity of grassland exploitation on the development of floristic composition. The experiment was carried out in 2017 and 2018 in the Žirany village (SW Slovakia) characterized by a mild climate with an average annual temperature of 9 °C. Before the experiment was established, the grassland was used for sheep grazing and dominated by Lollium perenne L. The monitoring period was 2017 and 2018. The experimental crops were mown 2× (variant 4), 3× (variant 3) and 4× (variant 2). We established also control variant (variant 1) which was not mowed and fertilized, as well. The floristic composition was evaluated before each cut. It follows from the results obtained at the beginning of the monitoring in 2017, grass species (Lollium perenne L., Poa trivalis L., Poa pratensis L.) predominantly prevailed and they maintained their dominant position during the whole vegetation period in 2017. Furthermore, other meadow herbs (Achillea millefolium L., Cerastium arvense L.) were found in higher proportion. Legumes were found in a lesser extent. In 2018, we reduced the proportion in the botanical groups of other meadow herbs and leguminous plants. Conversely, grasses increased their share compared to 2017. The cover has been reduced mainly in variant 3 (3× mowed) and variant 2 (2× mowed). Keywords: floristic composition, mowing management, grasses, legumes, other meadow herbs, permanent grassland References BOVAL, M. and DIXON, R. (2012) The importance of grasslands for animal production and other functions: A review on management and methodological progress in the tropics. In Animal, vol. 6, no. 5, pp. 748–762. doi: https://doi.org/10.1017/S1751731112000304 BRITAŇAK, N. et al. (2013) Production capacity of a mountain meadow in Slovakia. In Michalik, D. L., et. al. (eds.) Proceedings of the 22nd International Grassland Congress – Revitalising Grassland to Suitain our Communities, 2013 Sept 15–19, Sydney, pp. 1520–1521. ECONOMIC and social development program 2014–2020 Village Žirany [online]. Retrived 2019-01-09 from http://www.zirany.eu/documents/1427100129phsr-zirany2014.pdf (In Slovak). EZE, S., PALMER, S. M. and CHAPMAN, P. J. (2018) Soil organic carbon stock in grasslands: Effects of inorganic fertilizers, liming and grazing in different climate settings. In Journal of Environmental Management, vol. 223. GAISLER, J., PAVLŮ, V. and PAVLŮ, L. (2011) Effect of different extensive management treatments on the plant diversity of an upland meadow without forage utilisation. In Grassl. Sci. Eur., vol. 16, pp. 577–579. GIBSON D. J. (2009) Grasses and grassland ecology. New York: Oxford University Press. 305 p. JANCOVIC, J. and VOZAR, Ľ. (2014) Use of grasslands (In Slovak) In SKLADANKA, J. et. al. Fodder crops. Brno: MU. 368 p. (In Czech). KLAPP, E. (1971) Wiesen und Wieden. Berlin: Paul Parey. 520 p. KLIMES, L., JONGEPIEROVA, I., and JONGEPIER, J.W. (2000) The effect of mowing on previously abandoned meadow: a ten year experiment. Praha: Přiroda.. KOHOUTEK, A. et al. (2009) Selected indicators of productive and extraproductional management of grasslands in the Czech Republic. In Grassl. Sci. Eur., vol. 14, pp. 11–24. KRAJCOVIC, V. (2004) Integration of mountain farming landscape systems. In Use of permanent grassland in mountain and agriculturally disadvantaged areas (Publication on the occasion of Slovakia´s accession to the European Union). Banska Bystrica: VUTPHP, pp. 56–133 (In Slovak). MICHAUD, A. et al. (2012) Identification of the environmental factors which drive the botanical and functional composition of permanent grasslands. In J. Agric. Sci., vol. 150, pp. 219–236. MORAVEC, J. et. al. (1994) Phytocoenology. Praha: Academia. 403 p. (In Czech). O‘MARA F. P. (2012) The role of grasslands in food security and climate change. In Annals of Botany, vol. 110, no. 6, pp. 1263–1270. doi: https://doi.org/10.1093/aob/mcs209 POLLAK, S., JANCOVA and LIESKOVSKÝ, M. (2013). Alternative energy utilization options grasslands: proceedings of research papers. Piesťany: Plant production research centre in Piesťany. 218 p. (In Slovak). REGAL, V. 1956. Microskopic method for evaluation of grass quality. Proceeding CS AZV, Plant production, no. 6 (In Czech). SMITH, N. A. C., WILLEMS, J. H. and BOBBINK, R. (2008) Longterm after-effect of fertilisation on the restoration of calcareous grasslands. In Appl. Veg. Sci., vol. 11, pp. 279–286. STÝBNAROVA, M. and DUFEK, A. (2016) Changes of botanical composition of permanent grassland four years after the cessation of different fertilization with compost and slurry. In Cattle Research, 2016, vol. 58, no. 211.

Masquelet Technique for Hindfoot Fusion of Gustilo IIIA Open Ankle Dislocation with Complete Talar Extrusion and Loss

Category:Hindfoot, Trauma, AnkleIntroduction/Purpose:Complete talar extrusion is a rare injury resulting from high-energy trauma, with dissociation of the talus from surrounding bony and soft-tissue structures. Complications after complete talar extrusion include infection, osteonecrosis, posttraumatic osteoarthritis, and leg-length discrepancy. There is a lack of consensus on the optimal treatment algorithm for complete talar extrusion, due in part to high complication rates associated with injury and treatment. Thus, we report a staged treatment method utilizing the Masquelet Technique with temporary cement spacer, followed by bone grafting with use of femoral shaft autograft and bulk cancellous allograft.Methods:44-year-old male status post high-speed motorcycle collision presented with left ankle Gustilo IIIC open fracture dislocation with complete talar extrusion and loss, concomitant ipsilateral tibial plateau fracture and metatarsal shaft fractures. Twelve weeks post-injury, after multiple staged debridements, external fixation and extensive wound vac treatments, removal of the left leg multi-planar external fixator was performed with left distal tibial, fibular, navicular and calcaneal articular and subchondral bone debridement in preparation for Masquelet procedure and pantalar fusion. Open reduction and realignment of left ankle and foot with intramedullary fixation with hindfoot fusion nail was performed, with placement of antibiotic cement spacer for development of secondary reactive periosteal membrane. After nine weeks, intramedullary bone reaming aspiration tool was utilized for removal of left femur intramedullary bone marrow for autograft. Hindfoot pantalar fusion was performed using ipsilateral femoral shaft autograft and bulk cancellous allograft in place of antibiotic spacer.Results:Patient went on successfully to fusion and had one transfixation screw removed during the course of his recovery. Patient was also treated using a long leg ankle foot orthosis brace as a stress shielding device during heavy labor. Patient returned back to work and heavy labor as a landscaper and has had no residual pain. At 24 months postoperative, patient achieved an AOFAS ankle-hindfoot score of 83/100 (good).Conclusion:To our knowledge, this is the first case of complete talar extrusion treated with a Masquelet procedure with ipsilateral femoral shaft autograft and bulk cancellous allograft. While chronic pain is reported in as many as 75% of patients post- complete talar extrusion, and infection rates as high as 88%, our patient reports no residual pain and did not experience a postoperative infection. This technique represents a reasonable approach and warrants consideration for the treatment of this rare, complex injury.

Looking to the future of depression: instant diagnosis and medication-free treatment.

Daniel Mansson is a clinical psychologist, cofounder and CEO of Flow. As a clinical psychologist at Sarpsborg DPS, a psychiatric clinic in Norway, Daniel performed extensive investigations and treatments for patients with conditions including depression and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. In 2012, Daniel met Erik Rehn, where they both worked in the research department of computational biology at KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm. In January 2016, with combined backgrounds in clinical psychology, computer networks, computational neuroscience and electrical engineering, they launched Flow. The mission was simple: to find new ways to treat mental health issues with the help of science and technology. Based in Malmo, Sweden, Daniel is the driving force behind Flow and spearheads the research, innovation and business development.

Mesh removal and reconstruction with posterior components separation technique for delayed mesh infection developed 10 years after abdominal incisional hernia repair: a rare case report

BackgroundVery few literatures can be found reporting cases and treatment strategies of late-onset mesh infection after abdominal incisional hernia reconstruction. Here, we report a rare case of delayed mesh infection developed 10 years after abdominal incisional hernia repair, which was successfully treated by mesh removal and reconstruction with posterior components separation technique.Case presentationA 66-year-old man, who underwent reconstruction of abdominal incisional hernia by retroperitoneal Composix mesh application 10 years prior, developed 12 × 6.0 × 2.5 cm subcutaneous abscess followed by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)-related mesh infection. The operation was performed excising the abscess wall without damaging peritoneum, and huge intermuscular defect was successfully reconstructed by posterior components separation technique application.ConclusionsAn early decision of excising contaminated mesh would be preferable to extensive conservative treatments when mesh infection is suspected. Components separation technique application can be of great help when designing reconstruction of huge intramuscular defect after removal of infected mesh.

Identification of Differentially Expressed Proteins from Smokeless Tobacco Addicted Patients Suffering from Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the eight most common malignancy worldwide with an incidence rate of 40% in south-east Asia. Lack of effective diagnostic tools at early stage and disease recurrence despite extensive treatments are main reasons for high mortality and low survival rates. The aim of current study was to identify differentially expressed proteins to explore potential candidate biomarkers having diagnostic significance. We performed comparative proteomic analysis of paired protein samples (cancerous buccal mucosa and adjacent normal tissue) from OSCC patients using a combination of two dimensional gel electrophoresis and Mass spectrometric analysis. On the basis of spot intensity, seventeen proteins were found to be consistently differentially expressed among most of the samples which were identified through mass spectrometry. For validation of identified proteins, expression level of stratifin was determined using immuno-histochemistry and Western blot analysis. All identified proteins were analyzed by STRING to explore their interaction. Among uniquely identified proteins in this study, at least two candidate markers (Ig Kappa chain C region and Isoform 2 of fructose bisphosphate aldolase A) were found to be novel with respect to OSCC which can be explored further. Results presented in current study are likely to contribute in understanding the involvement of these molecules in carcinogenesis apart from their plausible role as diagnostic/prognostic markers.

Valproic acid-induced amphiregulin secretion confers resistance to temozolomide treatment in human glioma cells

BackgroundGlioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most severe type of primary brain tumor with a high mortality rate. Although extensive treatments for GBM, including resection, irradiation, chemotherapy and immunotherapy, have been tried, the prognosis is still poor. Temozolomide (TMZ), an alkylating agent, is a front-line chemotherapeutic drug for the clinical treatment of GBM; however, its effects are very limited because of the chemoresistance. Valproic acid (VPA), an antiepileptic agent with histone deacetylase inhibitor activity, has been shown to have synergistic effects with TMZ against GBM. The mechanism of action of VPA on TMZ combination therapy is still unclear. Accumulating evidence has shown that secreted proteins are responsible for the cross talking among cells in the tumor microenvironment, which may play a critical role in the regulation of drug responses.MethodsTo understand the effect of VPA on secreted proteins in GBM cells, we first used the antibody array to analyze the cell culture supernatant from VPA-treated and untreated GBM cells. The results were further confirmed by lentivirus-mediated knockdown and exogenous recombinant administration.ResultsOur results showed that amphiregulin (AR) was highly secreted in VPA-treated cells. Knockdown of AR can sensitize GBM cells to TMZ. Furthermore, pretreatment of exogenous recombinant AR significantly increased EGFR activation and conferred resistance to TMZ. To further verify the effect of AR on TMZ resistance, cells pre-treated with AR neutralizing antibody markedly increased sensitivity to TMZ. In addition, we also observed that the expression of AR was positively correlated with the resistance of TMZ in different GBM cell lines.ConclusionsThe present study aimed to identify the secreted proteins that contribute to the modulation of drug response. Understanding the full set of secreted proteins present in glial cells might help reveal potential therapeutic opportunities. The results indicated that AR may potentially serve as biomarker and therapeutic approach for chemotherapy regimens in GBM.

<p>Intraductal meibomian gland probing: background, patient selection, procedure, and perspectives</p>

Obstructive meibomian gland dysfunction is the most common cause of dry eye. Its conventional treatment has focused on using heat and pressure with anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial therapies but has often been a frequent, frustrating experience for patient and physician. New evidence from Meibomian gland intraductal probing suggests fixed intraductal strictures and obstruction correlating to periductal fibrosis first described in 1997. The use of intraductal probing has been reported, by this author and in at least ten independent peer-reviewed academic papers from around the world, to consistently lead to statistically significant improvement in signs and symptoms of gland dysfunction including cases refractory to other extensive treatments. This review will focus on the background of meibomian gland intraductal probing as well as patient selection, procedure, and perspectives.

Socioeconomic differences in oral health outcomes among adults in the Netherlands

The aim of the present study was to describe the oral health situation of the adult Dutch population in terms of caries experience and the need for periodontal treatment. The research consisted of a clinical dental examination and a questionnaire on oral health and was carried out among 25- to 74-year-olds living in Den Bosch, distinguished according to age and educational level. The group with a low socioeconomic status (SES) had more teeth affected by caries, had undergone less extensive dental treatments and were more in need of periodontal treatment than the high SES group. On this basis, it can be concluded that socioeconomic statuswas also negatively correlated to several oral health indicators in 2013. One has to consider whether the picture sketched by this study matches Dutch society's expectations.

Novel DNA Biosensor for Direct Determination of Carrageenan

A novel disposable electrochemical biosensor based on immobilized calf thymus double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) on the carbon-based screen-printed electrode (SPE) is developed for rapid biorecognition of carrageenan by using methylene blue (MB) redox indicator. The biosensor protocol for the detection of carrageenan is based on the concept of competitive binding of positively charged MB to the negatively charged dsDNA and carrageenan. The decrement in the MB cathodic peak current (ipc) signal as a result of the released MB from the immobilized dsDNA, and attracted to the carrageenan can be monitored via differential pulse voltammetry (DPV). The biosensor showed high sensitivity and selectivity to carrageenan at low concentration without interference from other polyanions such as alginate, gum arabic and starch. Calibration of the biosensor with carrageenan exhibited an excellent linear dependence from 1–10 mg L−1 (R2 = 0.98) with a detection limit of 0.08 mg L−1. The DNA-based carrageenan biosensor showed satisfactory reproducibility with 5.6–6.9% (n = 3) relative standard deviations (RSD), and possessing several advantages such as simplicity, fast and direct application to real sample analysis without any prior extensive sample treatments, particularly for seaweeds and food analyses.

Acid hydrolysis behavior of insoluble protein-rich fraction extracted from Chlorella protothecoides

Microalgae are valuable sources of proteins due to their ability to accumulate high levels of nitrogen in their cells’ interior. Similar to plant-derived proteins though, many microalgae proteins are not structural but storage proteins and consequently have low aqueous solubility limiting their use in food, pharmaceutical or personal care applications. Since a number of studies had previously shown that solubility limitations of proteins may be overcome by fragmentation into smaller, soluble polypeptides, it was postulated that acid-induced hydrolysis may lead to extracts with improved functional properties. To test this hypothesis, proteins extracted from Chlorella protothecoides were treated with hydrochloric acid (HCl) at varying acid concentrations (0, 0.05, 0.5, 2 and 6 M) for 0, 1, 2, 4 and 6 h, and hydrolysates were then characterized by a variety of techniques including optical microscopy, gel electrophoresis, ζ-potential, and surface hydrophobicity measurements. Results revealed an unusual resistance of insoluble microalgae protein-rich fractions to acid hydrolysis. Solubility remained low at about 22–25 % after 6 h of hydrolysis with 0.05 M HCl, and only increased to 57% after extensive treatments with 6 M HCl for 6 h, and even then, some larger protein particles were still present in the hydrolysates. Correspondingly, results of measurements of ζ-potentials and hydrophobicity of hydrolysates were indicative of having mixtures of both fragmented polypeptides and unhydrolyzed protein aggregates present at all times. Our results are of importance to researchers currently investigating the further use of insoluble proteins extracted from plant or microbial sources.

High-yield synthesis, characterization, self-assembly of extremely thin gold nanosheets in sugar based deep eutectic solvents and their high electrocatalytic activity

A natural deep eutectic solvent (NADES) composed of simple sugars and water was used as a green, simple and cost-effective solvent for the synthesis of ultra-thin and large gold nanosheets with hexagonal and triangular shapes in the presence of Gum Arabic (GA) as a safe, nontoxic and eco-friendly stabilizer. Characterization of the synthesized gold nanosheets by the atomic force microscopy showed an average thickness of 10 ± 1 nm. The synthesis was performed perfectly efficient at room temperature without the need for any extensive treatments. Self-assembly of gold nanosheets at the liquid/liquid interface of the organic/water phase was introduced as a simple procedure to approach the formation of gold nanofilms. In this procedure ethanol was used as an inducer. Characterization of the monolayer of gold nanosheets at the interface showed that the gold nanosheets form a closed packed array with very good uniformity over a macroscopic sized area. Molecular dynamic simulation of toluene/gold nanosheets/water system confirmed that gold nanosheets have the potential to construct self-assembled structures at the water/toluene interface. A composite electrode constructed by modification of carbon ionic liquid electrode (CILE) with gold nanosheets showed a great electrocatalytic activity toward a number of biological and environmental molecules such as cysteine, epinephrine, ascorbic acid, arsenic, and hydrazine. These electrochemical results can be attributed to the extremely small thickness, high surface area and sharp edges of the synthesized gold nanosheets.

Asymmetric flow field flow fractionation for the investigation of caseins cross-linked by microbial transglutaminase

The cross-linking of caseins with microbial transglutaminase (mTGase) was investigated using asymmetric flow field flow fractionation in combination with static and dynamic light scattering detections (AF4-MALS-DLS). This approach allows determining molar mass, molecular size, scaling properties, and apparent densities of casein aggregates prior to and after enzymatic treatment. The results show that, as a consequence of non-covalent interactions, casein molecules associate to form elongated aggregates with a molar mass (Mw) ranging from approx. 4 × 105 to 1.2 × 106 g mol−1, and a mean radius of gyration (Rg,z) of approx. 16 nm. Upon enzymatic treatment with mTGase, casein aggregates become more compact as Mw increases but Rg decreases with ongoing cross-linking reaction. In contrast, the hydrodynamic radius (Rh) distribution determined by online DLS is rather unaffected by enzymatic cross-linking, indicating that mTGase cross-links casein molecules mainly within distinct aggregates. Furthermore, extensive enzymatic treatments with mTGase change the molecular shapes of casein aggregates towards more compact and denser spherical structures.