Prior Removal Research Articles

PD40-09 ASSOCIATION BETWEEN PRIOR NEPHRECTOMY AND EFFICACY OF IMMUNE CHECKPOINT INHIBITOR THERAPY IN METASTATIC RENAL CELL CARCINOMA - A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND META-ANALYSIS

You have accessJournal of UrologyKidney Cancer: Advanced (including Drug Therapy) II (PD40)1 Sep 2021PD40-09 ASSOCIATION BETWEEN PRIOR NEPHRECTOMY AND EFFICACY OF IMMUNE CHECKPOINT INHIBITOR THERAPY IN METASTATIC RENAL CELL CARCINOMA - A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND META-ANALYSIS Raj Satkunasivam, Jonathan Christopher Guzman, Zachary Klaassen, Mary Hall, Amy Luckenbaugh, Aaron Laviana, Antonio DeRosa, Kathrynn Beckermann, Brian Rini, and Christopher J.D. Wallis Raj SatkunasivamRaj Satkunasivam More articles by this author , Jonathan Christopher GuzmanJonathan Christopher Guzman More articles by this author , Zachary KlaassenZachary Klaassen More articles by this author , Mary HallMary Hall More articles by this author , Amy LuckenbaughAmy Luckenbaugh More articles by this author , Aaron LavianaAaron Laviana More articles by this author , Antonio DeRosaAntonio DeRosa More articles by this author , Kathrynn BeckermannKathrynn Beckermann More articles by this author , Brian RiniBrian Rini More articles by this author , and Christopher J.D. WallisChristopher J.D. Wallis More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1097/JU.0000000000002050.09AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookLinked InTwitterEmail Abstract INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Immune checkpoint-inhibitor (ICI)-based therapy is the standard of care for first-line treatment of metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC). It is unclear whether prior removal of the primary tumor influences the efficacy of these treatments. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies of first-line ICI in mRCC to determine whether the efficacy of ICI-therapy, compared to sunitinib, is altered based on receipt of prior nephrectomy. METHODS: We systematically reviewed studies indexed in MEDLINE (PubMed), Embase, and Scopus and conference abstracts from relevant medical societies as of August 2020 to identify randomized clinical trials assessing first-line immunotherapy-based regimes in mRCC. Studies were included if overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) outcomes were reported with data stratified by nephrectomy status. We pooled hazard ratios (HRs) stratified by nephrectomy status and performed random effects meta-analysis to assess the null hypothesis of no difference in the survival advantage of immunotherapy-based regimes based on nephrectomy status, while accounting for study level correlations. RESULTS: Among 6 randomized clinical trials involving 5,121 patients, 3,968 (77%) had undergone prior nephrectomy. We found an overall survival benefit for immunotherapy-based regimes, compared to sunitinib, among both patients who had undergone nephrectomy (HR 0.75, 95% CI 0.63-0.88) and those who had not (HR 0.74, 95% CI 0.59-0.92), without evidence of difference based on nephrectomy history (p=0.70; I2=36%). Results assessing PFS were similar (p=0.45, I2=0%). CONCLUSIONS: These clinical data suggest that prior nephrectomy does not affect the efficacy of ICI-based regimens in mRCC relative to sunitinib. Source of Funding: Internal © 2021 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 206Issue Supplement 3September 2021Page: e677-e677 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2021 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.MetricsAuthor Information Raj Satkunasivam More articles by this author Jonathan Christopher Guzman More articles by this author Zachary Klaassen More articles by this author Mary Hall More articles by this author Amy Luckenbaugh More articles by this author Aaron Laviana More articles by this author Antonio DeRosa More articles by this author Kathrynn Beckermann More articles by this author Brian Rini More articles by this author Christopher J.D. Wallis More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement Loading ...

Selective copper recovery from ammoniacal waste streams using a systematic biosorption process

Cu–NH3 bearing effluents arise from electroplating and metal extraction industries, requiring innovative and sustainable Cu recovery technologies to reduce their adverse environmental impact. CO32− and Zn are often co-occurring, and thus, selective Cu recovery from these complex liquid streams is required for economic viability. This study assessed 23 sustainable biosorbents classified as tannin-rich, lignin-rich, chitosan/chitin, dead biomass, macroalgae or biochar for their Cu adsorption capacity and selectivity in a complex NH3-bearing bioleachate. Under a preliminary screen with 12 mM Cu in 1 M ammoniacal solution, most biosorbents showed optimal Cu adsorption at pH 11, with pinecone remarkably showing high removal efficiencies (up to 68%) at all tested pH values. Further refinements on select biosorbents with pH, contact time, and presence of NH3, Zn and CO32− showed again that pinecone has a high maximum adsorption capacity (1.07 mmol g−1), worked over pH 5–12 and was Cu-selective with 3.97 selectivity quotient (KCu/Zn). Importantly, pinecone performance was maintained in a real Cu/NH3/Zn/CO32− bioleachate, with 69.4% Cu removal efficiency. Unlike synthetic adsorbents, pinecones require no pre-treatment, which together with its abundance, selectivity, and efficiency without the need for prior NH3 removal, makes it a competitive and sustainable Cu biosorbent for complex Cu–NH3 bearing streams. Overall, this study demonstrated the potential of integrating bioleaching and biosorption as a clean Cu recovery technology utilizing only sustainable resources (i.e., bio-lixiviant and biosorbents). This presents a closed-loop approach to Cu extraction and recovery from wastes, thus effectively addressing elemental sustainability.

Implant removal associated complications after ESIN osteosynthesis in pediatric fractures

PurposeESIN (elastic stable intramedullary nailing) is considered the gold standard for various pediatric fractures. The aim of this study was to analyze the incidence and type of complications during or after TEN (titanium elastic nail) removal.MethodsA retrospective data analysis was performed. Metal removal associated complications and preoperative extraosseous length/outlet angle of TENs as possible causes of complications were assessed.ResultsThe complication rate in 384 TEN removals was 3.1% (n = 12). One major complication (rupture of M. extensor pollicis brevis) was documented. One refracture at the forearm occurred, however, remodeling prior TEN removal was completed. Ten minor complications were temporary or without irreversible restrictions (3 infections, 5 scaring/granuloma, 2 temporary paraesthesia).In 38 cases (16 forearms, 10 femora, 9 humeri, 3 lower legs), intra-operative fluoroscopy had to be used to locate the implants. In patients with forearm fractures, extraosseous implant length was relatively shorter than in cases without fluoroscopy (p = 0.01), but outlet angle of TENs was not significantly different in these two groups (28.5° vs 25.6°). In patients with femur fractures, extraosseous implant length and outlet angle were tendentially shorter, respectively, lower, but this did not reach statistical significance.ConclusionRemoval of TENs after ESIN is a safe procedure with a low complication rate. Technically inaccurate TEN implantation makes removal more difficult and complicated. To prevent an untimely removal and patient discomfort, nail ends must be exactly positioned and cut. Intraoperative complications may be minimized with removal of TENs before signs of overgrowth.EvidenceLevel III, retrospective.

Solvent-Based Elimination of Organic Matter from Marine-Collected Plastics

The physical-chemical characterization of plastic litter from the marine environment requires the prior removal of the biofouling attached to their surface without causing any degradation in the polymer. The absence of a standardized protocol for digesting biofouling and organic matter of both macro and microplastic samples extracted from seawater has been the main motivation for this research work, which aims to evaluate the effectiveness of different solvents (hydrogen peroxide, ethanol, a commercial enzymatic detergent, and potassium hydroxide) for the digestion of organic matter and biofouling in different samples recovered from the Spanish Atlantic and Mediterranean coast. Moreover, the potential effect of those solvents on the physical-chemical structure of polymers, four virgin plastic reference materials (low-density polyethylene, polyamide, poly(ethylene terephthalate) and polystyrene) without any type of prior degradation has been characterized in terms of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and optical microscopy. Results indicate that the hydrogen peroxide at 15% concentration applied for one week at 40 °C is the most effective solvent for organic matter and biofouling removal, without causing any apparent damage on the structure of plastic samples analyzed.

Cold-Renneted Milk Powders for Cheese Production: Impact of Casein/Whey Protein Ratio and Heat on the Gelling Behavior of Reconstituted Rennet Gels and on the Survival Rate of Integrated Lactic Acid Bacteria.

The idea was to develop powders for fresh/hard cheese or quark production comprising milk proteins in optimal composition and functional properties for manufacturing each of those cheese types. The aim was to avoid whey protein drainage by their prior removal or by their heat-induced structural integration in the curd. The pre-renneted powders already contain additives such as starter cultures and calcium chloride to instantaneously form homogeneous curds upon reconstitution. The impact of the casein/whey protein ratio (86:14 by ultrafiltration and 98:2 by microfiltration) and upfront heat treatment (80 °C/30 min) on the gelling behavior of reconstituted rennet gels and on the survival rate of integrated Lactobacillus paracasei ssp. paracasei F19 was investigated. The assessment criteria for the rennet gelation were curd firming rate, gel strength, and whey drainage. Furthermore, the amount of integrated whey proteins and the resulting cheese yield were evaluated. It could be shown that heating had a positive effect on the viable cell count of the bacteria after spray drying and on the gelation behavior of the reconstituted ultrafiltration concentrates. The curd firming rate and the gel strength could be increased to higher values than the reconstituted microfiltration concentrate at 25% total solids.

Vaccination Failure in Eradication and Control Programs for Bovine Viral Diarrhea Infection.

Vaccination against bovine viral diarrhea (BVD) is one of the key elements to protect cattle herds from this economically important disorder. Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) is a pestivirus infecting animals at all ages with significant impact on reproductive, digestive, and respiratory systems. Financial burden caused by this pathogen prompts many farmers to introduce vaccination as the control and prophylactic measure especially when persistently infected (PI) individuals, being the main source of the virus in the herd, are removed after test-and-cull approach. The aim of the study was to compare the serological response in cattle herds where new PI calves were identified without prior removal of PI animals or despite their removal and after the introduction of whole herd vaccination against BVDV infection. Overall seroprevalence in 5 vaccinated herds was 91.7 and 83.3% using ELISA and virus neutralization test, respectively. Despite high titers for both vaccine and field strains of BVDV in analyzed herds the analysis of comparative strength of neutralization indicated that 41.4% of positive samples did not have a predominant titer against one specific subtype of BVDV. In 3 herds BVDV-1b subtype was identified while in 2 others it was BVDV-1d, while the vaccine used was based on BVDV-1a which was never identified in Poland so far. To increase the success of the BVDV eradication program, a careful approach is suggested when planning herd vaccination. Comparison of existing field strains and their similarity with vaccine strains at antigenic and genetic levels can be a useful approach to increase the effectiveness of vaccination and efficient protection of fetuses from persistent infection.

Selective fungal bioprecipitation of cobalt and nickel for multiple-product metal recovery.

SummaryThere are a need for novel, economical and efficient metal processing technologies to improve critical metal sustainability, particularly for cobalt and nickel which have extensive applications in low‐carbon energy technologies. Fungal metal biorecovery processes show potential in this regard and the products of recovery are also industrially significant. Here we present a basis for selective biorecovery of Co and Ni oxalates and phosphates using reactive spent Aspergillus niger culture filtrate containing mycogenic oxalate and phosphate solubilized from struvite. Selective precipitation of oxalates was achieved by adjusting phosphate‐laden filtrates to pH 2.5 prior to precipitation. Co recovery at pH 2.5 was high with a maximum of ~96% achieved, while ~60% Ni recovery was achieved, yielding microscale polyhedral biominerals. Co and Ni phosphates were precipitated at pH 7.5, following prior oxalate removal, resulting in near‐total Co recovery (>99%), while Ni phosphate yields were also high with a recovery maximum of 83.0%.

Electrochemical Study on the Reduction of Si and Ti from molten TiO2–SiO2–Al2O3–MgO–CaO Slag

The reduction process during the electrochemical production of titanium via the electrolysis of molten TiO2–SiO2–Al2O3–MgO–CaO slags has been investigated. A laboratory scale, electrolytic cell was designed to study the effect of TiO2 concentration at ultra-high temperatures. Galvanostatic and potentiostatic experiments were performed and results were consistent with thermodynamic predictions using FactSage. We demonstrate the direct production of Si-Ti alloys from the molten oxide mixture. The reduction of Si and Ti ions from the melt on a molybdenum electrode is a complex process that combines electron transfer and chemical phenomena. For the concentrations studied, the extraction of pure metallic Ti directly from ironmaking slag is unlikely without the prior removal of SiO2 or other chemical modifications to the system.

Sustainable process to co-synthesize nano carbon dots, nano hydroxyapatite and nano β-dicalcium diphosphate from the fish scale

The conventional protocols for the extraction of biological hydroxyapatite employ the prior removal of organic material using severe chemical treatment, which quite often limit the purity and crystalline properties of synthesized hydroxyapatite. The present study describes a process to co-synthesize four high value nano products from scale of Labeo rohita, viz. nano carbon dots, nano hydroxyapatite, nano β-dicalcium diphosphate and nano carbon dot—hydroxyapatite composite. In the process, the organic matter in fish scale is converted to nano carbon dots by a hydrothermal process using acetic acid (1:1) and the mineral residue precipitated was converted to hydroxyapatite, following a sintering protocol. The acetic acid not only functioned as a medium to release the mineral—organic linkage but also acted as a base to hydrolyze the collagenous proteins linked with calcium phosphate in the fish scales. The hydrolyzed collagenous protein was in turn transformed into fluorescent nano carbon dots. β-Dicalcium diphosphate was seen attached over carbon dots, which was separated by crystallization followed by high temperature sintering. Hydroxyapatite: carbon dot composite was synthesized through a hydrothermal method. The spectral and morphological studies of the composite showed strong interaction between carbon dot and hydroxyapatite. All the synthesized materials were characterized using ultraviolet visible spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, powder X-ray diffraction, atomic force microscope, transmission electron microscope and electrochemical impedance techniques. The study proposes a sustainable method for the complete utilization of fish scale by converting into high value nano products.

Renal transplantation against a positive crossmatch due to HLA-DP donor-specific antibodies without prior antibody removal – Case report

Background: Antibodies directed against donor mismatched Human Leucocyte Antigens (HLA) are known to cause antibody-mediated rejection and affect the graft survival of transplanted organs. The influence of donor-directed antibodies against the products of HLA class I and II genes in renal transplantation are well described for class I (HLA-A, B and C), but still not clear for class II notably HLA DP. The clinical effects of donor-specific antibodies (DSA) directed against HLA-DP are still controversial.Methods: We report the outcome of kidney transplants in three highly sensitised individuals with significant sensitisation with donor-directed HLA-DP antibody. These recipients were on the waiting list for 6, 14 and 4 years, respectively and had kidney transplants from donors after brain death (DBD) with positive B cell flow cytometry crossmatch (FCXM). Two cases received induction therapy with a depleting antibody (Thymoglobulin®) while the third received Alemtuzumab followed by standard immunosuppression.Results: The clinical course of these three patients were different. The first patient developed transplant glomerulopathy, but the graft is still functioning with eGFR 29 mL/min/1.73 m2. The second patient did not have any adverse event with eGFR 26 mL/min/1.73 m2, while the third patient had severe antibody-mediated rejection (AMR), which was treated successfully with eGFR 32 mL/min/1.73 m2.Conclusion: Patients waiting for a deceased allograft with HLA-DP DSA and a positive FCXM can be transplanted successfully with depleting antibody or Alemtuzumab induction without prior antibody removal followed by standard immunosuppression.

Characteristic and antioxidant activity of Cladophora glomerata ethanolic extract as affected by prior chlorophyll removal and drying methods

Impact of prior chlorophyll removal (PCR) and drying methods (freeze- and oven-drying) on characteristics and antioxidant activities of the ethanolic extracts (EEs) from Cladophora (C.) glomerata, freshwater macroalgae, were investigated. The extraction yields were found in the range of 7.18%–13.15% with total phenolic (TPC) and total chlorophyll (TCC) contents of 19.40–25.69 mg GAE/g dry extract and 3.58–7.94 mg/g dry extract, respectively. Yield, TPC and TCC decreased when dechlorophyllization was implemented before extraction, regardless of drying method (p ≤ .05). Increase in L* value with coincidental decrease in ΔE* value was observed in the EE with PCR. Freeze-dried EE with PCR (FEE-PCR) showed greater antioxidant efficiencies (both in vitro and oxidation model systems) than that oven-dried EE with PCR (p ≤ .05). Liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS) analysis indicated that quercetin-3-O-glucoside was the most abundant phenolic compounds identified in the FEE-PCR. Therefore, freeze drying in combination with PCR was effective preparation method to maximize antioxidant activity and improve color of EE. Practical applications Lipid oxidation is one of important reactions affected on the deterioration of food quality and safety. Many antioxidants have been widely used to retard lipid oxidation. Due to their health hazard of synthetic antioxidants, the search for safer ingredients with potent antioxidant activity resources is attracted interest. Phenolic compounds, the bioactive substances distributed in aquatic plants, have been known as antioxidant with health benefit. However, chlorophyll associated algal extract influenced on color and bioactivity of phenolic compound, which limits its utility. Moreover, drying technologies also have an impact on a stability of active components in algal sample. To maximize the utility of alga, the appropriate pretreatments by chlorophyll removal along with effective drying method could be a better choice for preservation of bioactive compounds. As a consequence, a wider application can be achieved. The corresponding extracts could therefore be used as an alternative natural antioxidant for food applications, instead of synthetics in a future.

Aminopeptidase A contributes to biochemical, anatomical and cognitive defects in Alzheimer\u2019s disease (AD) mouse model and is increased at early stage in sporadic AD brain

One of the main components of senile plaques in Alzheimer’s disease (AD)-affected brain is the Aβ peptide species harboring a pyroglutamate at position three pE3-Aβ. Several studies indicated that pE3-Aβ is toxic, prone to aggregation and serves as a seed of Aβ aggregation. The cyclisation of the glutamate residue is produced by glutaminyl cyclase, the pharmacological and genetic reductions of which significantly alleviate AD-related anatomical lesions and cognitive defects in mice models. The cyclisation of the glutamate in position 3 requires prior removal of the Aβ N-terminal aspartyl residue to allow subsequent biotransformation. The enzyme responsible for this rate-limiting catalytic step and its relevance as a putative trigger of AD pathology remained yet to be established. Here, we identify aminopeptidase A as the main exopeptidase involved in the N-terminal truncation of Aβ and document its key contribution to AD-related anatomical and behavioral defects. First, we show by mass spectrometry that human recombinant aminopeptidase A (APA) truncates synthetic Aβ1-40 to yield Aβ2-40. We demonstrate that the pharmacological blockade of APA with its selective inhibitor RB150 restores the density of mature spines and significantly reduced filopodia-like processes in hippocampal organotypic slices cultures virally transduced with the Swedish mutated Aβ-precursor protein (βAPP). Pharmacological reduction of APA activity and lowering of its expression by shRNA affect pE3-42Aβ- and Aβ1-42-positive plaques and expressions in 3xTg-AD mice brains. Further, we show that both APA inhibitors and shRNA partly alleviate learning and memory deficits observed in 3xTg-AD mice. Importantly, we demonstrate that, concomitantly to the occurrence of pE3-42Aβ-positive plaques, APA activity is augmented at early Braak stages in sporadic AD brains. Overall, our data indicate that APA is a key enzyme involved in Aβ N-terminal truncation and suggest the potential benefit of targeting this proteolytic activity to interfere with AD pathology.

The risk of child removal by child protective services among pregnant women in medication-assisted treatment for opioid use disorder

ABSTRACT For parenting women with substance use disorders, enrolling in medication-assisted treatment often means being involved with child protective services. This study examines the impact of biopsychosocial factors on treatment outcomes for opioid-dependent pregnant women in methadone treatment, linking these outcomes with removal of a child by child protective services. This study evaluates factors associated with a client’s success in treatment, using adherence to treatment as a predictor to assess which factors led to any removal of the child from out-of-home care. Results indicated that biopsychosocial factors were correlated with treatment outcomes, particularly if the mother had a prior removal of a child due to a substantiated child abuse case. This research adds to our understanding of factors related to treatment outcomes for pregnant women and informs treatment delivery models that effectively address the complex needs of this vulnerable population.

Radiographic periapical healing associated with root-treated teeth accessed through existing crowns: a historical controlled cohort study.

The aim of this study was to determine the periapical healing rate and complications arising from non-surgical root canal treatment (NSRCT) conducted through the existing and retained restoration, compared to that conducted after removal of restoration (direct or indirect) with subsequent placement of a new crown. Two-hundred-and-forty-five teeth met the inclusion criteria and were followed up for 2 years. One-hundred-and-six teeth had NSRCT completed through existing cast restorations, and 57 and 82 had the existing crowns and direct restorations removed (respectively) and received a new crown after NSRCT. Periapical healing was assessed radiographically using strict (complete healing) and loose (complete and incomplete healing) criteria. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to investigate the effect of prior restoration removal on periapical healing following NSRCT, adjusting for potential confounding (p < 0.05). There was no significant (p > 0.05) difference in the periapical healing rates amongst teeth accessed through existing crowns (72%, 90%) versus those where crowns (79%, 93%) or direct restorations (77%, 90%) were removed for NSRCT. The findings were adjusted for the significant influencing factor: size of pre-operative radiolucency (p < 0.05). Of the 109 teeth that were initially accessed through existing crowns, 9 (8%) displayed porcelain fracture or crown de-cementation. Performing root canal treatment through an existing full coverage restoration did not compromise periapical healing and was associated with a low incidence of associated complications. Crown removal before NSRCT is not mandatory for periapical healing but requires a judicious pre-assessment of current and future marginal and restorative integrity.

Actinomyces in explanted transvaginal mesh: commensal or pathogen?

There is a paucity of information in the literature regarding the clinical impact and treatment of histologically positive actinomycosis explanted vaginal mesh. We aimed to report the prevalence and independent predicators of Actinomyces presence in explanted meshes on histology and to compare the clinical course in those with and without Actinomyces. Our hypothesis is that Actinomyces may act as a commensal rather than a pathogen when identified in extracted transvaginal meshes. A single-center retrospective review of explanted vaginal mesh removed between 2013 and 2018 was undertaken and compared Actinomyces-positive and -negative cohorts on histology. Uni- and multivariate logistic regression analysis evaluated possible risk factors for positive Actinomyces including patient demographics, smoking, diabetes, hormone replacement therapy (vaginal/systemic), hysterectomy in primary surgery, rate and indication for prior mesh removal. The rate of symptom resolution or need for subsequent mesh excisions is compared between the two cohorts. Actinomycosis was identified in 11% (31/278) of explanted mesh. After multivariant analysis, only voiding dysfunction as an indication for mesh removal was statistically significantly associated with Actinomyces-negative histology (14 vs 0%, p < 0.001). At median review of 17months, symptom resolution (87% vs 83% p = 0.68) and need for subsequent mesh removal (13% vs 19%, p = 0.37) following index mesh excision were similar between the groups. Actinomyces in explanted transvaginal mesh frequently acts as a commensal in those who are infection free. In this cohort, individualized care including conservative surveillance without antibiotics or full explantation is reasonable.

Galectin-1 and platelet factor 4 (CXCL4) induce complementary platelet responses in vitro

Galectin-1 (gal-1) is a carbohydrate-binding lectin with important functions in angiogenesis, immune response, hemostasis and inflammation. Comparable functions are exerted by platelet factor 4 (CXCL4), a chemokine stored in the α-granules of platelets. Previously, gal-1 was found to activate platelets through integrin αIIbβ3. Both gal-1 and CXCL4 have high affinities for polysaccharides, and thus may mutually influence their functions. The aim of this study was to investigate a possible synergism of gal-1 and CXCL4 in platelet activation. Platelets were treated with increasing concentrations of gal-1, CXCL4 or both, and aggregation, integrin activation, P-selectin and phosphatidyl serine (PS) exposure were determined by light transmission aggregometry and by flow cytometry. To investigate the influence of cell surface sialic acid, platelets were treated with neuraminidase prior to stimulation. Gal-1 and CXCL4 were found to colocalize on the platelet surface. Stimulation with gal-1 led to integrin αIIbβ3 activation and to robust platelet aggregation, while CXCL4 weakly triggered aggregation and primarily induced P-selectin expression. Co-incubation of gal-1 and CXCL4 potentiated platelet aggregation compared with gal-1 alone. Whereas neither gal-1 and CXCL4 induced PS-exposure on platelets, prior removal of surface sialic acid strongly potentiated PS exposure. In addition, neuraminidase treatment increased the binding of gal-1 to platelets and lowered the activation threshold for gal-1. However, CXCL4 did not affect binding of gal-1 to platelets. Taken together, stimulation of platelets with gal-1 and CXCL4 led to distinct and complementary activation profiles, with additive rather than synergistic effects.

Anisotropic silicon nanowire arrays fabricated by colloidal lithography.

The combination of metal-assisted chemical etching (MACE) and colloidal lithography allows for the affordable, large-scale and high-throughput synthesis of silicon nanowire (SiNW) arrays. However, many geometric parameters of these arrays are coupled and cannot be addressed individually using colloidal lithography. Despite recent advancements towards higher flexibility, SiNWs fabricated via colloidal lithography and MACE usually have circular, isotropic cross-sections inherited from the spherical templates. Here we report a facile technique to synthesize anisotropic SiNWs with tunable cross-sections via colloidal lithography and MACE. Metal films with an elliptical nanohole array can form from shadows of colloidal particles during thermal evaporation of the metal at tilted angles. The aspect ratio of these anisotropic holes can be conveniently controlled via the deposition angle. Consecutive MACE using these patterned substrates with or without prior removal of the templating spheres results in arrays of anisotropic SiNWs with either elliptical or crescent-shaped cross-sections, respectively. As a consequence of the anisotropy, long SiNWs with elliptical cross-sections preferentially collapse along their short axis, leading to a controlled bundling process and the creation of anisotropic surface topographies. These results demonstrate that a rich library of SiNW shapes and mesostructures can be prepared using simple spherical colloidal particles as masks.

MINIMALLY INVASIVE TREATMENT OF CARIOUS LESIONS IN PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY

Dificuldades no atendimento odontológico das crianças, devido à necessidade de controle do comportamento e de suporte familiar adequado, além de peculiaridades relativas à anatomia dos dentes decíduos, suscitam o uso de técnicas de mínima intervenção para o controle da cárie dentária. Logo, o objetivo do presente trabalho foi realizar uma revisão bibliográfica sobre o tratamento minimamente invasivo de lesões de cárie em dentes decíduos, abordando as características, indicações e limitações de diferentes técnicas dentro desse conceito. O controle de biofilme sem selamento dentário é uma abordagem na qual nenhum tipo de material restaurador é colocado para selar as cavidades, sendo instituída a higiene bucal de modo eficiente como estratégia para paralisar as lesões de cárie. O selamento da lesão sem remoção de tecido cariado prevê a utilização de selantes resinosos ou coroas metálicas diretamente sobre as cavidades, sem remoção prévia de tecido cariado. Já a remoção seletiva de cárie seguida de restauração é a técnica mais aceita e utilizada em odontopediatria, sendo atualmente considerado o padrão ouro, em detrimento da remoção total de tecido cariado. Apesar de a mínima intervenção ser bem aceita pelas crianças, sua aceitabilidade pelos responsáveis e odontopediatras ainda é questionável. Verificou-se que todas essas técnicas se apresentam como alternativas eficazes para o tratamento minimamente invasivo em odontopediatria. Entretanto, é fundamental o entendimento, participação e comprometimento dos familiares, tendo em vista que o controle do biofilme e da dieta possuem papel fundamental para garantir o sucesso desses tratamentos.

Occult Growing Teratoma as the Cause of Protracted Symptoms in a Patient with Anti-NMDA-Receptor Encephalitis and Prior Ovarian Teratoma Removal: Implications for Continued Monitoring and Treatment.

Occult Growing Teratoma as the Cause of Protracted Symptoms in a Patient with Anti-NMDA-Receptor Encephalitis and Prior Ovarian Teratoma Removal: Implications for Continued Monitoring and Treatment.

Free wheat flour lipids decrease air-liquid interface stability in sponge cake batter

The impact of free wheat flour lipids on air-liquid interface stability during sponge cake making was investigated. Therefore, the molecular population at the air-liquid interface in batters prepared with flour of which part of the lipids had been either relocated or removed prior to batter preparation was determined. Surface-active molecules were isolated from batter using a foam separation protocol. Diluted batter was whipped and the resulting foam was used as model system for the air-liquid interface in sponge cake batter. Relocating flour lipids prior to batter making enabled them to adsorb at the air-liquid interface in the foam. This limited the degree of protein adsorption at the air-liquid interface, but it did not impact the composition of the adsorbed protein population. Removing flour lipids prior to batter making resulted in foam containing relatively higher levels of lipids mainly originating from egg yolk. Prior removal of flour lipids impacted neither foam protein content nor foam protein composition. The resultant molecular population improved air-liquid interface stability in sponge cake batter. Thus, free wheat flour lipids and wheat flour lipids set free by solvent treatment decrease air-liquid interface stability in sponge cake batter mainly because they limit protein adsorption and, as such, interfere with the protein-dominated interface.