PS Group Research Articles

Interleukin-17A biomarker as a predictor for detection of early axial spondyloarthritis changes in patients with psoriasis.

Although the pathogenic mechanisms of psoriatic arthritis (PsA) are not completely clarified, evidence suggests that interleukin 17A (IL-17A)-mediated immune responses play a pivotal role in the disease. This is best underscored by the important clinical effectiveness of IL-17A inhibitors in psoriasis treatment. We aim to investigate the predictive value of IL-17A in detecting the early axial spondyloarthropic (SpA) changes in psoriatic patients. The study enrolled 100 patients with psoriasis, classified into group 1, included 62 patients with only psoriatic skin lesions (Ps), and group 2 included 38 patients with PsA, and 100 age and gender matched healthy volunteers. All participants were subjected to general and local clinical examination, laboratory assessment including IL-17A in the serum by means of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and axial joint radiological assessment. Our study included 60 males (60%) and 40 females (40%).The positive radiological findings of early axial SpA changes were found among 30.6% of the Ps group and among 84.2% of the PsA group. There were significant differences between patients with positive magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings of early axial SpA and patients with negative MRI findings in both groups regarding IL-17A levels. There was a significant association between IL-17A level and early axial SpA changes in psoriatic patients with a clear cutoff point (222.5). Our study can imply that IL-17A is a valuable, useful and low-cost biomarker in detecting early axial SpA changes in asymptomatic and nonradiographic axial SpA (nr-axial SpA) psoriatic patients that helps early management and prevent progressive axial involvement and disabilities.

Arthrodesis Tarsometatarsal in Lisfranc Fracture: Comparison of Different Fixing Methods

Category:Midfoot/Forefoot; TraumaIntroduction/Purpose:Lisfranc fractures are rare, but with a high degree of morbidity. Post-traumatic degenerative changes that result in pain and deformity, are common; with arthrodesis being a treatment option. There are several implants for midfoot arthrodesis, but with little literature regarding the best method for achieve bone fusion. We analice the fusion rates, comparing different joint stabilization techniques.Methods:A retrospective descriptive study of 20 patients with post traumatic osteoarthritis of the midfoot was performed, who underwent midfoot arthrodesis, between January 2016 - January 2018. The comparison between arthrodesis techniques with compression plate (CP) vs plates and / or screws (PS) was made. Data analysis was performed with SPSS software.Results:The fusion times were compared between the 2 groups, CP 18.7 (+- 8.01) vs PT 16.86 (+- 11.5) weeks, without significant differences. There were also no significant differences when comparing the discharge times between the 2 groups, CP 8 (+- 1.84) vs PS 9 weeks (+- 2.36) (p = 0.312). However, when comparing the proportion of complications between both groups, the CP group has lesser than the PS group (42.8% vs 83.3%). This difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.95) although there is a tendency for CP to have fewer complications. In addition, the proportion of complications in primary vs. secondary arthrodesis, 25% vs. 75% respectively, was compared, finding statistically significant differences (p = 0.028)Conclusion:At the moment, there is a lack of evidence to recommend the exclusive use of implants. However, when comparing complications between both groups, there would be a tendency that the use of compression plates would have fewer complications. In addition, it could be inferred that in patients with lesions with greater joint destruction, primary arthrodesis is valid as an option.

Silicon nitride chirped spiral Bragg grating with large group delay

As one of the most important optical filtering devices, Bragg gratings have been extensively used in various systems. A long Bragg grating is desired for many applications including frequency selection in semiconductor lasers and dispersion control for ultra-short pulses. As a prominent example, integrated spiral Bragg grating waveguides (SBGWs) have drawn much attention in the years. However, until now, the length of an integrated grating is still limited to a few milli-meters due to total waveguide loss. In this work, we propose and demonstrate a novel long chirped SBGW with waveguide loss as low as 0.05 dB/cm on a silicon nitride (Si3N4) platform. A 13.8 cm SBGW is fabricated, which is the longest on-chip waveguide grating reported so far. The SBGW’s reflection bandwidth is 9.2 nm from 1556.3 nm to 1565.5 nm, and it provides a total of 1440 ps group delay, that is, −156.5 ps/nm of dispersion. The group delay response shows great linearity and temperature stability. This integrated device holds great potential for various applications including in-line dispersion compensation, optical true delay phase array, and microwave photonics.

Effect of Calcium‐Fortified Potato Starch on Cecal Fermentation and Fat Accumulation in Rats

AbstractCalcium‐fortified potato starch (Ca‐PS) is fed to rats for four weeks, and the effects on cecal fermentation and lipid metabolism are evaluated. The relative abundance of Bifidobacterium pseudolongum in rat cecum is higher in the PS and Ca‐PS groups than in the control group. Cecal acetate content is higher in the Ca‐PS group than in the control, high‐amylose cornstarch (HAS), and PS groups, and is positively correlated with the relative abundance of B. pseudolongum. The relative abundance of the Clostridiaceae family is higher in the PS and Ca‐PS groups than in the control and HAS groups, and is positively correlated with the cecal n‐butyrate content and the molar proportion of n‐butyrate in total‐SCFA. Furthermore, the consumption of PS and Ca‐PS reduces the serum and hepatic triglyceride levels and mesenteric adipocyte area in rats. Therefore, Ca‐PS may have beneficial effects that enhance cecal fermentation, especially in terms of cecal acetate production, which further suppresses fat accumulation. This is the first study to report the physiological effects of Ca‐PS.

Maxillary dento-skeletal outcomes after orthopedic forward (class III) and backward (class II) traction in growing subjects.

This retrospective study investigated the treatment effects produced by two orthopedic appliances, an extraoral orthopedic traction on Stephenson plate (SP) in skeletal Class II malocclusion and Delaire Facial Mask (FM) in skeletal Class III malocclusion. FM Group comprised 25 patients (13 males; 12 females, mean age 9.3 years, CS 1-2) undergoing Delaire Facial Mask therapy (mean treatment duration 1.5 years ± 1.2, 700-800 gr per side). SP Group comprised 24 patients (9 males; 15 females, mean age 10.5 years ± 1.9, CS 1-3) treated with extraoral orthopedic traction on Stephenson plate (mean treatment duration 1.6 years ± 0.8, 700-900 gr per side). For all subjects lateral cephalograms before (T0) and after (T1) therapy were obtained and traced. Descriptive statistics, t-test and Shapiro-Wilks test were calculated for each variable. A mesial movement of the maxillary bone of 2.4 mm in the FM group and a distal movement in the PS group (0.4 mm) was found. SNA° was reduced 1.4° after SP and increased 0.7° after FM. The overjet decreased by 4 mm after SP, while it grew after FM by 2.4 mm, as well as molars relationships (4.5 vs. 0.8 mm). Facemask induced greater skeletal movements than extraoral traction on Stephenson plate. PS produced a limited downward movement of the whole maxilla together with notable incisors and molars back corrections. Based on our results, it could be speculated that orthopedic mesial traction of maxillary bone may result easier than the distal movement.

Transferência de Função de Estímulo na Resolução de Problemas do Tipo Insight em Ratos

Este estudo investigou o possível papel da formação de classes sobre a transferência de função de estímulos no controle de diferentes respostas de resolução de um problema em Rattus norvegicus. O problema consistia em uma tarefa de empurrar um cubo, subir no cubo e puxar uma corrente. Todos os sujeitos foram treinados nas habilidades de teste. O grupo PS (puxar o spot) passou por um treino de puxar spot, o sujeito NPS1 do grupo NPS (não puxar o spot) foi treinado a focinhar o spot e NPS2 não teve treino adicional. Todos os sujeitos resolveram a tarefa. O treino de puxar o spot não se mostrou crítico para a resolução do problema e não favoreceu o desempenho dos sujeitos (PS1 e PS2) submetidos a esse procedimento. Os dados não sustentam que a resolução de problemas do tipo insight possa ser exclusivamente atribuída à formação de classes entre estímulos e respostas.

Anchor type at upper instrumented vertebra and postoperative shoulder imbalance in patients with Lenke type 1 adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.

To clarify the impact of anchor type at upper instrumented vertebra (UIV) on postoperative shoulder imbalance in patients with Lenke type 1 adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) who underwent posterior spinal fusion. Subjects were 81 patients with Lenke type 1 AIS who underwent posterior spinal fusion between 2004 and 2013. Twenty-five patients agreed to participate in the study. We divided the patients into two groups: Hook group (15 patients with hooks at UIV who underwent surgery between 2004 and 2011) and PS group (ten patients with pedicle screws at UIV who underwent surgery between 2012 and 2013). To evaluate shoulder balance, first thoracic vertebra tilt angle (T1 tilt), clavicle angle (CA), and radiographic shoulder height (RSH) were measured. There were no significant differences in preoperative T1 tilt, CA, or RSH between the both groups. The postoperative 1-week, 2-year, and most recently observed T1 tilts were significantly smaller in the Hook group than in the PS group. There were no significant differences in postoperative 1-week, 2-year, and most recently observed CAs between the two groups. Although there were no significant differences in 1-week postoperative RSH between the groups, the 2-year postoperative RSH was significantly smaller in the Hook group than in the PS group. The most recently observed RSH tended to be smaller in the Hook group than in the PS group, but the difference was not significant. In the PS group, poor shoulder balance remained over the long term. The hooks at UIV adjusted postoperative shoulder balance.

The Inflammasome Signaling Proteins ASC and IL-18 as Biomarkers of Psoriasis

Inflammasome activation in the innate immune response plays a role in the pathogenesis of psoriasis largely due to the increased levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines. However, the precise role of inflammasomes in psoriasis (Ps) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is largely undefined. To establish the reliability of inflammasome signaling proteins as diagnostics and predictive biomarkers of clinical severity in this disease population, serum from healthy donors and patients with Ps/PsA were analyzed for the protein expression of caspase-1, apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a caspase-recruitment domain (ASC), interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-18 levels to determine cut-off points, positive and negative predictive values, and receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curves. Our data revealed that ASC and IL-18 proteins were significantly higher in the Ps group when compared to healthy controls. The area under the curve (AUC) for ASC was 0.9224 with a cut-off point of 321.8 pg/ml, while IL-18 had an AUC of 0.7818 and a cut-off point of 232.1 pg/ml. In addition, levels of IL-18 had a statistically significant linear correlation with that of ASC with an adjusted R squared of 0.2566, indicating that approximately 25% of IL-18 levels could be explained by ASC levels in serum. Our findings indicate that ASC and IL-18 play a significant role in the inflammatory response associated with the pathology of Ps. These inflammasome proteins appear to be key biomarkers in determining diagnoses in this patient population.

ROS-responsive capsules engineered from EGCG-Zinc networks improve therapeutic angiogenesis in mouse limb ischemia

The successful treatment of limb ischemia requires that promote angiogenesis along with microenvironment improvement. Zinc ions have been reported to stimulate angiogenesis, but application was limited to the toxicity concerns. We hypothesized that zinc based metal-EGCG capsule (EGCG/Zn Ps) can achieve sustained release Zn2+ resulting in reduced toxicity and improve angiogenesis as well as the improvement of microenvironment by ROS scavenging of EGCG. The surface morphology, zeta potential, infrared absorbance peaks and zinc ion release profile of the EGCG/Zn Ps were measured. In vitro, EGCG/Zn showed significantly antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and induced cell migration effect. In addition, EGCG/Zn Ps enabled the sustained release of zinc ions, which reduced cytotoxicity and enhanced the secretion of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in vitro and in vivo. In mouse models of limb ischemia, EGCG/Zn Ps promoted angiogenesis and cell proliferation in ischemic tissues. Moreover, EGCG/Zn Ps group exhibited the most significant recovery of limb ischemic score, limb temperature and blood flow than other groups. In conclusion, EGCG/Zn Ps is a safe and promising approach to combine the merit of Zn2+ and EGCG, thus enabling the direct application to limb ischemia.

Estimated influence of a novel biocompatible dialysis membrane on vascular events in dialysis patients with diabetic nephropathy: a prospective randomized controlled pilot study

BackgroundPolysulfone (PS) dialyzers are most frequently used worldwide for chronic renal failure patients and they are produced by several manufacturers. Despite using the same materials, differences in biocompatibility among PS dialyzers have been reported. TORAYLIGHT NV (NV) is a PS dialyzer that was reported to have superior biocompatibility compared with other PS membranes (conventional PS membranes). Therefore, we examined whether biocompatibility of PS membranes would affect the occurrence of cardiovascular events in hemodialysis patients with diabetic nephropathy (DN).MethodsFifty hemodialysis patients with DN were enrolled. They were randomly divided into NV and PS groups and then followed up for 3 years. The number of patients who developed cardiovascular events and clinical data including laboratory tests and blood pressure was recorded.ResultsThere were 13 and 14 patients who developed cardiovascular events during the 3-year follow-up of the NV and PS groups, respectively. There was no significant difference between the groups. There were no significant differences in most of the clinical data between the two groups. However, serum pentosidine concentrations in the PS group significantly increased throughout this study, while those in the NV group did not change. Additionally, the width of the systolic blood pressure drop, which was shown to be the difference between before and after dialysis session, in the PS group showed no change, while that in the NV group tended to decrease.ConclusionsThe superiority of using NV membrane compared with conventional PS membranes in reducing cardiovascular events in hemodialysis patients with DN remains unclear. However, our results suggested that PS membranes with superior biocompatibility would slow the progression of atherosclerosis and reduce the occurrence of intradialytic hypotension.Trial registrationThis study was retrospectively registered with the Clinical Trials Registry at the University Hospital Medical Information Network (UMIN-CTR) on March 17, 2017 (registration ID, UMIN 000026339). https://upload.umin.ac.jp/cgi-open-bin/ctr/ctr.cgi?function=brows&action=brows&recptno=R000030259&type=summary&language=J

Bone Regeneration Capability of 3D Printed Ceramic Scaffolds.

In this study, we evaluated the bone regenerative capability of a customizable hydroxyapatite (HA) and tricalcium phosphate (TCP) scaffold using a digital light processing (DLP)-type 3D printing system. Twelve healthy adult male beagle dogs were the study subjects. A total of 48 defects were created, with two defects on each side of the mandible in all the dogs. The defect sites in the negative control group (sixteen defects) were left untreated (the NS group), whereas those in the positive control group (sixteen defects) were filled with a particle-type substitute (the PS group). The defect sites in the experimental groups (sixteen defects) were filled with a 3D printed substitute (the 3DS group). Six dogs each were exterminated after healing periods of 4 and 8 weeks. Radiological and histomorphometrical evaluations were then performed. None of the groups showed any specific problems. In radiological evaluation, there was a significant difference in the amount of new bone formation after 4 weeks (p < 0.05) between the PS and 3DS groups. For both of the evaluations, the difference in the total amount of bone after 8 weeks was statistically significant (p < 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in new bone between the PS and 3DS groups in both evaluations after 8 weeks (p > 0.05). The proposed HA/TCP scaffold without polymers, obtained using the DLP-type 3D printing system, can be applied for bone regeneration. The 3D printing of a HA/TCP scaffold without polymers can be used for fabricating customized bone grafting substitutes.

4,5‐Bis(diphenylthiophosphinoyl)‐1,2,3‐triazolate interaction with gold nanoparticles and flat surfaces to form self‐assembled monolayers

The interaction of the 4,5‐bis(diphenylthiophosphinoyl)‐1,2,3‐triazolate (SPTz−) with different gold surfaces was investigated (nanoparticles, an electrode, and flat sheets). Studies on binding affinity of this dithiophosphin‐triazolate on a gold electrode were performed by cyclic voltammetry (CV). Voltammograms exhibit two reductive desorption and only one oxidative readsorption, indicating that once reabsorbed, the molecule achieves a unique conformation. The morphology and average size of modified gold nanoparticles were studied by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) (av. diameter of 5.9 ± 1.8 nm). Further characterization was made by UV‐visible (UV‐vis) spectroscopy showing surface plasmon resonance (SPR) at about 580 nm. The bonding configurations of SPTz− on gold have also been investigated by comparing the FT‐IR and FT‐Raman spectra. The 31P{1H} NMR spectrum of capped nanoparticles exhibited two sharp signals at 30.3 and 29.6 ppm and a very broad signal at 72.7 ppm. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) showed SPTz− can accomplish a strong interaction with gold nanoparticles through bonds involving a sulfur atom and a nitrogen from the triazole ring with a free terminal PS group, forming self‐assembled monolayers (SAM). This may allow subsequent functionalization through free S/N atoms of the formed SAMs. The SPTz− packing led to a reduction in packing density that permits large spaces between adsorbed headgroups and the inclusion of carbon and oxygen impurities from small molecules; nevertheless, oxidized sulfur or nitrogen species were not detected, indicating the chemical stability of the obtained SAMs.

Perioperative complications of abdominal surgery in smokers

PurposeThis study examined the association between smoking and perioperative complications of laparoscopic abdominal surgery and whether these complications were reduced with ≥ 4 weeks of preoperative smoking cessation.MethodsA total of 555 patients who underwent gastric and colorectal cancer surgeries under general anesthesia were divided into the following groups retrospectively: 290 individuals without smoking history (NS group), 144 previous smokers (stopped smoking more than 8 weeks before surgery, PS group), and 121 current smokers (CS group) divided to two groups according to preoperative smoking cessation for < 4 (CS1, n = 76) and 4–8 weeks (CS2, n = 45).ResultsWhen compared with the NS group, postoperative hospitalization duration was significantly longer in the CS1 group (p < 0.01), whereas differences between the CS2 or PS groups and NS group were not significant. The total number of postoperative complications was higher in all groups of smoking than in NS group, independent on preoperative smoking cessation; however, suture failure was significantly more frequent only in CS1 group. Although pack-years did not significantly affect complication rates in smokers, duration of smoking cessation time in PS group was a negative predictor of postoperative complications.ConclusionProviding more than 4 weeks of smoking cessation before gastrointestinal surgery can reduce the duration of hospitalization and rate of suture failure.

Comparative study of cruciate retaining vs posterior stabilized prosthesis in total knee replacement

Introduction: Although being debated for many years, the superiority of Posterior Cruciate-Retaining (CR) Total knee Arthroplasty (TKA) and Posterior Cruciate - Stabilizing (PS) TKA remains controversial. The primary objective of this study was to compare functional outcome in patients who underwent primary total knee arthroplasty surgery using posterior stabilized and cruciate retaining implants. Material and method: Sixty diseased osteoarthritis knees in 42 patients were included in the study, with 30 cases (Knees) operated with CR prosthesis and 30 cases (Knees) with PS Prosthesis. The two groups were then compared using disease specific functional scores; 2011 knee society score. Pain, range of motion, any flexion, varus, valgus deformity, instability at knee joint was assessed preroperatively and postoperatively. Functional outcome (e.g. walking, climbing stairs) was assessed. Result: Postperative objective knee score and range of motion was significantly better in PS group than CR group, with significant p value. No significant difference in functional outcome between both the groups was seen. Conclusion: No significant difference in the functional outcome is seen between both the groups. Keywords: Posterior cruciate stabilizing, posterior cruciate retaining, total knee arthroplasty

Impact of performance status on response and survival among patients receiving checkpoint inhibitors for advanced solid tumors.

12028 Background: Clinical trials leading to the approval of immune checkpoint inhibition (ICI) have almost exclusively been performed in patients with good performance status (ECOG PS of 0-1). However, ICI remains an attractive option for patients with advanced tumors and poor performance status, considering their overall tolerability. While use of ICI in patients with poor PS (ECOG PS of 2 or greater) has been rapidly adopted, whether these patients derive the same benefits as expected in the studied populations is largely unknown. We therefore performed an institutional retrospective analysis of all patients treated with palliative single agent anti-PD1 or anti-PDL1 to determine response and survival for those with poor performance status. Methods: We retrospectively identified patients with advanced solid tumor malignancies who were treated with ICI monotherapy with palliative intent at our institution between 2015-2019. The primary objective was to compare overall survival (OS) for patients with good PS (ECOG PS 0-1) with those with poor PS (ECOG PS 2 or 3-4). The log-rank test compared the survival among patients with different ECOG PS. In addition, we used a proportional hazards model to assess association between ECOG PS and the OS with adjustment for age, gender, and smoking status. A secondary objective was to compare overall response rates (ORR) of the three ECOG PS groups which were evaluated with a binary rate model. Results: We identified 266 patients treated with ICI, 87 with NSCLC, 34 with melanoma, 33 with RCC, 24 with bladder cancer, 22 with head/neck cancer, and the rest with other histologies. 187 (70%) were ECOG PS 0-1, 62 (23%) were ECOG PS 2, and 17 (7%) were ECOG PS 3-4. 89 of these patients (33%) were still alive at time of last follow-up. Across all tumor types, patients with ECOG PS 0-1 had superior survival compared to ECOG PS 2 (median survival 12.4 months vs 4.6 months, HR 0.41, p &lt; 0.001). Median survival for ECOG PS 3-4 was lower at 2.3 months. The ORR for ECOG PS 0-1 (23%) was significantly higher to that of ECOG PS 2 (6%, p = 0.02). ORR for ECOG PS 3-4 was 12%. Conclusions: Despite the appeal of ICI for patients with advanced malignancy and poor performance status, outcomes were poor. Survival and objective response rates for patients with ECOG PS 2 and higher were significantly worse than those with ECOG PS 0-1. ICI treatment comes with cost, including potentially forgoing early hospice referral or optimal support at the end of life. Prospective trials defining the activity and role of ICI in poor PS are urgently needed.

Comparison of parasacral transcutaneous electrical stimulation and transcutaneous posterior tibial nerve stimulation in women with overactive bladder syndrome: A randomized clinical trial

ObjectiveTo compare the effects of parasacral transcutaneous electrical stimulation with the effects of transcutaneous posterior tibial nerve stimulation in women with overactive bladder syndrome (OAB). StudydesignA randomized clinical trial was performed with 50 women aged 40–76 years with symptoms of OAB, divided into two groups: the parasacral transcutaneous electrical stimulation (PS) group and the transcutaneous posterior tibial nerve stimulation (PTN) group. Both groups underwent the same protocol, at home, for 6 weeks, applying electrical stimulation three times per week. The tools used for evaluation were the King’s Health Questionnaire (KHQ), the Overactive Bladder-Validated 8-question Awareness Tool (OAB-V8) and the Incontinence Severity Index (ISI). Statistical analysis was undertaken using independent t-test, Mann–Whitney test, Chi-squared test and generalized estimating equations. ResultsAfter 6 weeks of treatment, OAB-V8 showed a significant improvement in the PTN group compared with the PS group (Mann–Whitney test, p = 0.019). Post-intervention, no between-group differences were seen in terms of KHQ domains, average KHQ symptom scale and proportions of categories of ISI. All variables showed a significant effect of time after 6 weeks of treatment for both groups (p < 0.005). ConclusionBoth forms of transcutaneous electrical stimulation seem to be effective and safe for home treatment of women with OAB.

Coherently controllable terahertz plasmon-induced transparency using a coupled Fano-Lorentzian metasurface.

Metamaterials have been engineered to achieve electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT)-like behavior, analogous to those in quantum optical systems. These meta-devices are opening new paradigms in terahertz communication, ultra-sensitive sensing and EIT-like anti-reflection. The controlled coupling between a sub-radiant and a super-radiant particle in the unit cells of these metamaterial can enable multiple narrow plasmon induced transparency (PIT) windows over a broad band, with considerable group delay of electromagnetic field (slow light effect). Phase coherence between these PIT windows is highly desired for next-generation multichannel communication network. Herein, we numerically and experimentally validate a controllable frequency hopping mechanism between "slow light" windows in the terahertz (THz) regime. The effective media are composed of plasmonic "molecules" in which an asymmetric split-ring resonator (ASRR) or Fano resonator is displaced on the side of a cut-wire (Lorentz oscillator). Two metasurfaces where ASRR is on opposite side of the cut-wire are investigated. In these two cases, the proximity of the cut-wire to the gap on the ASRR having asymmetry is different. On one side, when the gap is nearer to the cut wire, displacing the ASRR along the cut-wire, produces only one narrow transparency window at 0.8 THz, corresponding to 20 ps group delay. When the ASRR is positioned on the opposite side, such that the gap is further, two transparency windows are observed when the ASRR is displaced along the cut-wire. That is, the transparency window hops from 0.8 THz to 1.2 THz. This corresponds to an increase from 20 to 30 ps in slow light effect. Numerical simulations suggest these single or multiple PIT windows occur if the couplings between the plasmonic modes in the different arrangements are either in-phase or out-of-phase, respectively.

Average rate of lung function decline in adults with cystic fibrosis in the United Kingdom: Data from the UK CF registry

BackgroundRate of change in lung function is used as a measure of disease progression and a predictor of mortality in individuals with cystic fibrosis (CF). The aim of this study was to determine the national rate of decline in percent predicted Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 second (ppFEV1) in adults in the UK accounting for age, sex and pancreatic status. MethodsData on ppFEV1 for adults with CF, excluding those post lung transplantation, was extracted from the UK CF registry between 2015 and 2017. Multilevel modelling was conducted to calculate the annual rate of change in ppFEV1 accounting for age, sex and pancreatic status. ResultsOverall annual ppFEV1 decline was -1.52% (95% CI: -1.66 to -1.38%) and -0.55% (95% CI: -0.86 to -0.23%) in pancreatic insufficient (PI) and sufficient (PS) adults respectively. In PI individuals, females had a greater rate of decline in ppFEV1. There were differences between age groups. The fastest rate of decline was observed in the 18–28 years group, declining -1.76% (95% CI: -2.06 to -1.46) and -1.61% (95% CI: -1.91 to -1.31) per year in PI females and males respectively. The pattern between the sexes and age categories was more inconsistent in the PS group. ConclusionsThe average annual rates of decline in lung function in adults with CF in the UK are similar to reports from other large international cohorts. Pancreatic status has a marked impact on average rate of decline. Younger adults, especially females, have a faster rate of decline and need close monitoring.

Overexpression of T-bet, GATA-3 and TGF-ß Induces IFN-γ, IL-4/13A, and IL-17A Expression in Atlantic Salmon.

The overexpression of GATA-3, T-bet and TGF-ß may theoretically induce IL-4/A, IFN-γ and IL-17A expression, respectively. Whether this also applies to fish is not yet known. The plasmid vectors encoding reporter gene (RFP)-tagged T-bet, GATA-3 and TGF-ß were used as overexpression tools, transfected into cells or injected intramuscularly to monitor the expression of IFN-γ, IL-4/13A and IL-17A. In addition, the fish were either experimentally challenged with Vibrio anguillarum (VA group) or Piscirickettsia salmonis (PS group). The reporter gene (RFP) inserted upstream of the GATA-3, T-bet and TGF-ß genes, was observed in muscle cell nuclei and in inflammatory cells after intramuscular (i.m.) injection. PS group: following the injection of GATA-3 and T-bet-encoding plasmids, the expression of GATA-3 and T-bet was high at the injection site. The spleen expression of IFN-γ, following the injection of a T-bet-encoding plasmid, was significantly higher on day 2. VA group: The T-bet and GATA-3-overexpressing fish expressed high T-bet and GATA-3 mRNA levels in the muscles and on day 4 post-challenge. The expression of TGF-ß in the muscles of fish injected with TGF-ß-encoding plasmids was significantly higher on days 7 (8 days pre-challenge) and 19 (4 days after challenge). The protective effects of the overexpression of T-bet, GATA-3 and TGF-ß on both bacterial infections were negligible.

Parasternal Intercostal Block Complementation Contributes to Postoperative Pain Relief in Modified Radical Mastectomy Employing Pectoral Nerve Block I and Serratus-Intercostal Block: A Randomized Trial.

PurposePectoral nerve block I (PECS I) and serratus-intercostal plane block (SIPB) can anesthetize the majority mammary region, while parasternal intercostal block (PSI) targets the internal area during breast resection surgery. The aim of this study was to determine whether including PSI with PECS I and SIPB is more effective compared to PECS I and SIPB alone.Patients and MethodsSixty-two adult females undergoing unilateral modified radical mastectomy (MRM) were randomly assigned to receive either PECS I and SIPB (PS group, n=31) or a combination of PECS I, SIPB, and PSI (PSP group, n=31). The outcomes were measured with a numerical rating scale (NRS) score, and in terms of opioid consumption and anesthesia-related complications within 48 h after surgery.ResultsAlthough there were no differences in the NRS scores between the two groups during the inactive periods, the combination of three nerve blocks significantly reduced the NRS scores during movement. In addition, morphine equivalent consumption was lower in the PSP group compared to the PS group. Postoperative adverse events were similar in both groups in terms of regional anesthesia-related complications.ConclusionThe combination of PECS I block, SIPB, and PSI block provides superior pain relief and postoperative recovery for patients undergoing MRM.