Red Dots Research Articles

Dermoscopic criteria of discoid lupus erythematosus: An observational cross-sectional study of 28 patients.

Discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE) affects mainly the head and neck and lesions heal with scaring. Early diagnosis of DLE is crucial; dermoscopy may enable early diagnosis and help to assess the prognosis of well-established lesions.To describe the dermoscopic features of DLE and to correlate them with the histological findings, site and duration of DLE.This study included 28 patients diagnosed as DLE based on clinical and histopathological examination. We examined the lesions clinically, dermoscopically and histopathologically. Evaluated dermoscopic variables were based on data in the available literature and on our observations.Whitish scales (89.3%), arborizing blood vessels (85.7%), follicular plugging (82.1%), and pigmentation (82.1%) were the commonest dermoscopic findings. Radial arrangement of arborizing blood vessel in between a radially arranged perifollicular whitish halo (starburst pattern) (39.3%) was noticed for the first time in this study. Rosettes (57.1%) were also seen. There was significant agreement between many dermoscopic and pathological findings with high sensitivity and specificity of many dermoscopic variants in the diagnosis of DLE. Follicular plugging, perifollicular whitish halo, starburst pattern, follicular red dots and rosettes were detected in early stages of the disease but structureless whitish areas and telangiectasia need more time to develop.We examined our patients at the time of presentation only without prospective monitoring and we had a relatively small sample size.Dermoscopy helps in the diagnosis of DLE at different body sites.

Dermoscopic criteria of discoid lupus erythematosus: An observational cross-sectional study of 28 patients.

Discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE) affects mainly the head and neck and lesions heal with scaring. Early diagnosis of DLE is crucial; dermoscopy may enable early diagnosis and help to assess the prognosis of well-established lesions. To describe the dermoscopic features of DLE and to correlate them with the histological findings, site and duration of DLE. This study included 28 patients diagnosed as DLE based on clinical and histopathological examination. We examined the lesions clinically, dermoscopically and histopathologically. Evaluated dermoscopic variables were based on data in the available literature and on our observations. Whitish scales (89.3%), arborizing blood vessels (85.7%), follicular plugging (82.1%), and pigmentation (82.1%) were the commonest dermoscopic findings. Radial arrangement of arborizing blood vessel in between a radially arranged perifollicular whitish halo (starburst pattern) (39.3%) was noticed for the first time in this study. Rosettes (57.1%) were also seen. There was significant agreement between many dermoscopic and pathological findings with high sensitivity and specificity of many dermoscopic variants in the diagnosis of DLE. Follicular plugging, perifollicular whitish halo, starburst pattern, follicular red dots and rosettes were detected in early stages of the disease but structureless whitish areas and telangiectasia need more time to develop. We examined our patients at the time of presentation only without prospective monitoring and we had a relatively small sample size. Dermoscopy helps in the diagnosis of DLE at different body sites.

Efficient, high-CRI white LEDs by combining traditional phosphors with cadmium-free InP/ZnSe red quantum dots

Quantum dots (QDs) offer an interesting alternative for traditional phosphors in on-chip light-emitting diode (LED) configurations. Earlier studies showed that the spectral efficiency of white LEDs with high color rendering index (CRI) values could be considerably improved by replacing red-emitting nitride phosphors with narrowband QDs. However, the red QDs in these studies were cadmium-based, which is a restricted element in the EU and certain other countries. The use of InP-based QDs, the most promising Cd-free alternative, is often presented as an inferior solution because of the broader linewidth of these QDs. However, while narrow emission lines are the key to display applications that require a large color gamut, the spectral efficiency penalty of this broader emission is limited for lighting applications. Here, we report efficient, high-CRI white LEDs with an on-chip color converter coating based on red InP/ZnSe QDs and traditional green/yellow powder phosphors. Using InP/ZnSe QDs with a quantum yield of nearly 80% and a full width at half-maximum of 45 nm, we demonstrate high spectral efficiency for white LEDs with very high CRI values. One of the best experimental results in terms of both luminous efficacy and color rendering performance is a white LED with an efficacy of 132 lm/W, and color rendering indices of R a ≈ 90 , R 9 ≈ 50 for CCT ≈ 4000 K . These experimental results are critically compared with theoretical benchmark values for white LEDs with on-chip downconversion from both phosphors and red Cd-based QDs. The various loss mechanisms in the investigated white LEDs are quantified with an accurate simulation model, and the main impediments to an even higher efficacy are identified as the blue LED wall-plug efficiency and light recycling in the LED package.

Promoting the protonation step on the interface of titanium dioxide for selective photocatalytic reduction of CO2 to CH4 by using red phosphorus quantum dots

Promoting the protonation step on the interface of titanium dioxide for selective photocatalytic reduction of CO2 to CH4 by using red phosphorus quantum dots

666. Molecular Epidemiology of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus in Chile between 1999-2018

BackgroundThe global spread of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is associated with distinct genetic lineages that predominate in specific geographical regions. Available evidence suggests the Chilean-Cordobes clone (ChC), an ST5-SCCmecI lineage, has largely predominated in Chilean hospitals since its first description in the late 1990’s. Although the circulation of other MRSA lineages, including community-associated clones, has been well documented, the dynamics of clonal replacement over time has not been explored. Therefore, we aimed to study the molecular epidemiology and dynamics of clonal replacement using a large collection of clinical MRSA strains recovered from Chile during the last two decades.MethodsWe used whole-genome sequencing (WGS) and core-based phylogenomic analysis to identify genetic lineages and explore their relationship in 798 MRSA isolates obtained between 1999-2018 from two tertiary-care Chilean hospitals. ResultsOverall, the most frequently identified clones were the ST5-SCCmecI ChC (n=476, 60%), followed by ST105-SCCmecII (n=119, 15%), ST72-SCCmecIV (n=74, 9%), and ST8-SCCmecII (n=26, 3%). Phylogenomic reconstruction demonstrated 7 major clades: Clade I (CC30); Clade II (CC22); Clade III (CC97); Clade IV (CC8); Clade V (ST72); Clade VI (CC5/ST225 and ST105) and Clade VII (CC5/ST5-SCCmecI) (Fig. 1). The ChC clone remained the most frequent MRSA lineage throughout the study period (Fig. 2). However, its relative abundance decreased from >90% of isolates in 1999 to ca. 40% in 2018. This decrease began around 2005 and was associated with a progressive expansion of the ST105-SCCmecII and ST72-SCCmecIV lineages (Fig. 2). A Bayesian molecular clock analysis established the most recent common ancestor in 1964 (95% HPD interval=1961.975-1966.218) and corroborated a CC5 expansion event starting in Chile in 1999 (Fig. 3). Interestingly, our analyses revealed two branches within the ST5-SCCmecI lineage: one predominating in 1999-2006, and a more recent branch (related to the ST105-SCCmecII clone) that emerged around 2008. Figure 1. Core genome phylogenomic reconstruction of the 798 MRSA isolates. The seven major clades are represented by colored sections. The Clade I (purple section) was composed of isolates belonging to the CC30. Clade II (cyan section) includes four isolates of CC22. Clade III (red section) is composed of isolates of CC97. Clade IV (blue section) grouped isolates of different ST239 and ST8, belonging to the CC8. Clade V (orange section) includes isolates of ST72. Clade VI (yellow section) includes isolates of ST225 and ST105, both belonging to CC5. Clade VII (green section) is mostly composed of isolates of ST5-SCCmecI. The inner ring shows the ST of the isolates; the external ring shows the staphylococcal chromosomal cassette mec (SCCmec) type.Figure 2. Relative frequency of MRSA clones from 1999 to 2018. The genomes were grouped according to their isolation dates. Most frequent MRSA clones are represented by colored sections.Figure 3. Maximum clade credibility tree from the molecular clock analysis of the 798 MRSA genomes. A Bayesian molecular clock analysis was performed with BEAST using the isolation date of each genome as a calibrator. The colored strip showed the most frequent clones. The red dot shows a major event of divergence in 2008.ConclusionThe ChC clone remains the most prevalent MRSA in Chile. However, our data is consistent with the evolution of this clone and a progressive replacement of with ST105 and ST72 genetic lineages. Disclosures Lorena Diaz, PhD , Nothing to disclose Cesar A. Arias, M.D., MSc, Ph.D., FIDSA, Entasis Therapeutics (Grant/Research Support)MeMed Diagnostics (Grant/Research Support)Merk (Grant/Research Support)

A colorimetric and fluorescent dual-readout probe based on red emission carbon dots for nitrite detection in meat products

Nitrite (NO2–) is widely present in the human environment and accurate, sensitive and selective detecting of nitrite is of vital significance for food safety and water quality. Herein, a novel red emission carbon dots (r-CDs) fluorescent probe was fabricated for dual-mode detection of nitrite, which was capable of both convenient colorimetric analysis and accurate fluorometric detection. When NO2– is added to the rose-red r-CDs solution, NO2– interacts with the amino groups which on the surface of r-CDs to form diazotized substance, resulting in that the colorimetric color of r-CDs solution realizes the transition from rose red to light purple, and the red fluorescence is gradually quenched. The detection limits of colorimetric and fluorescence for NO2– were 0.193 μM and 0.149 μM, respectively. Furthermore, the dual-readout probe revealed satisfactory recovery and reliability when analyzing the concentration of NO2– in ham and bacon samples..

Eye‐tracking task detects early executive function deficits in presymptomatic frontotemporal dementia

AbstractBackgroundAs research moves from understanding the natural history of frontotemporal dementia (FTD) to therapeutic trials, reliable and valid psychological measures are required to assess the efficacy of treatments. Current psychometric tests have only been able to identify subtle changes in genetic FTD around 5 years before the onset of symptoms suggesting more sensitive tasks are required.MethodThe aim of this study was to investigate whether an anti‐saccade eye‐tracking task could detect impaired executive function in a cohort of individuals that are at‐risk of developing genetic FTD. A total of 18 mutation carriers (MCs) and 20 mutation negative control participants completed the task, being instructed to look in the opposite direction to the red dot when it appeared on the screen. There were eight trials in the horizontal direction at 5 and 8 degrees of visual angle (°VA) and four trials in the vertical condition at 5°VA. The number of correct and self‐corrected anti‐saccades was calculated and a linear regression, covarying for sex, was used to assess performance between mutation carriers and controls.ResultOf the 18 mutation carriers, 8 had expansions in chromosome 9 open reading frame 72, 6 had progranulin mutations and 5 had mutations in microtubule‐associated protein tau. The mean age for the mutation carriers group overall was 33.2 years, and 34.3 for the control group. The mutation carriers had significantly fewer correct anti‐saccades than the control group when the stimuli was presented in the vertical direction (MCs: mean = 1.44, SD = 1.29; controls: 2.32, 0.95; p = 0.016). There were no significant differences observed in the number of correct anti‐saccades in the horizontal direction, nor in the number of self‐corrected anti‐saccades made in either direction.ConclusionThis preliminary study suggests that early executive function deficits can be detected presymptomatically in FTD using an anti‐saccade eye‐tracking task. It is possible that tasks like this, using eye‐tracking with very simple instructions, may be able to help assess the efficacy of therapeutic trials in the near future.

Application of computer-generated images to train pattern recognition used in semiquantitative immunohistochemistry scoring.

This study aimed to clarify whether the pattern recognition involved in scoring proliferation fractions can be trained by abstract computerized images of virtual tissues. Twenty computer-generated images with randomly distributed blue or red dots were scored by 12 probands (all co-workers or collaborators of the Institute of Pathology, University of Bonn). Afterward, the probands underwent a training phase during which they received an immediate feedback on the actual rate of positivity after each image. Finally, the initial testing series was rescored. In a second round with 15 different probands, 20 Ki-67 immunohistochemistry images of tonsil tissue were scored, followed by the same training phase with computer-generated images, before the immunohistochemistry slides were scored again. Paired t-tests were used to compare the differences in mean rates pre- and post-training. Concerning computerized images, untrained probands scored the percentages of positive dots with a mean deviation from the true rates of 8.2%. Following training, the same testing series was scored significantly better with a mean deviation of 4.9% (mean improvement 3.3%, p < 0.001). Scoring real immunohistochemistry slides, the training with computerized images also improved correct estimations, albeit to a lesser degree (mean improvement 1%, p = 0.03). Abstract computerized images of virtual tissues may be a useful tool to train and improve the accuracy of pattern recognition involved in semiquantitative scoring of immunohistochemistry slides. As a side results, this study highlights the value of computer-generated images to verify the performance of image-analysis software.

Abstract 11318: Countering the Impact of Covid-19 on Fellow Transesophageal Echocardiogram Education in a Tertiary Academic Program

Introduction: TEE’s are an essential component of cardiology fellowship education. At our institution, COVID peaked twice in 2020. The first peak showed a drop in total fellow TEE’s. To counter this decline, the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and COVID testing patients requiring TEE’s were implemented to maintain patient care and ensure the safety of health personnel. We analyzed the differences in fellow TEE’s during the second COVID wave compared to the first to determine if these interventions prevented a decline in fellow TEE’s. Methods: The monthly number of TEE’s performed by fellows on core TEE rotations was plotted for the year 2019, prior to the COVID pandemic. For the data set, a linear line was fit to account for the variation of studies read over the year. This linear variation was subtracted from the monthly totals to remove seasonal variation. The degree of variation was taken as the standard deviation (SD) for 2019. The 2020 data was processed using the predictions for 2019 and the upper and lower limits of variation were taken as three times the SD of the 2019 data. Results: Using the 2019 TEE data (Figure 1A), the linear seasonal variation line was created and used to account for variations in the 2020 TEE data (Figure 1B). After accounting for seasonal variation, a significant decline is noted, indicated by the red dot, in the number of fellow TEE’s during the month of April, the first peak (Figure 1C). Institutional guidelines for PPE and COVID testing were put in place in June 2020 and December 2020. After implementation, fellow TEE numbers improve back to baseline and remain consistent even through the December peak (Figure 1C). Conclusions: Our data demonstrates the value of PPE and COVID testing prior to TEE’s can help maintain fellow education during a pandemic while ensuring the safety of fellows, faculty, and technicians. COVID brings uncertainty to the healthcare field and these systems will allow for maintenance of both fellow education and patient care.

Abstract 10432: Simultaneous Recording of Skin Sympathetic Nerve Activity and Blood Pressure in Ambulatory Outpatients with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome

Introduction: neuECG is a method to simultaneously record ECG and skin sympathetic nerve activity (SKNA). Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) is known to be associated with increased cardiac sympathetic norepinephrine release. Hypothesis: Average SKNA correlates positively with heart rate (HR) and blood pressure (BP) in POTS patients. Methods: We used Bittium Faros 180 Holter Monitor (sampling rate 1,000 Hz) to record neuECG and SpaceLab OnTrak arterial BP monitor (ABPM) to record BP simultaneously over 24-hr in 20 POTS patients (19 women, 38±12 years old). The Faros signals were high pass filtered at 300 Hz to display the SKNA. The same original signals were bandpass filtered 0.05-150 Hz to display ECG. BP was measured every 30-min when awake (7AM to 9 PM) and hourly at night (9 PM to 7 AM). Results: Fig 1 shows an example of typical recording from a 38-year-old woman. Panel A shows average SKNA (aSKNA) 1-min prior to HR and BP measurement. The overall successful ABPM measurement was 90% with average BP of 126/75 mmHg. B shows bursts of SKNA in daytime (red dot in A), but no bursts at night (blue dot in A). C shows a positive correlation between HR, systolic BP (SBP) diastolic BP (DBP) and mean BP (MBP) with aSKNA. For all patients studied, 16 of 20 showed positive correlation between MBP and aSKNA (r=0.559±0.152, p&lt;0.05 for all) and 15 of 20 showed positive correlation between HR and aSKNA (r=0.511±0.175, p&lt;0.05 for all). The nocturnal aSKNA averaged 0.919±0.059 μV (N=17) and 1.060±0.215 (N=3) (p&lt;0.001) in patients with and without nocturnal dip, respectively. However, the overall 24-hr aSKNA (1.036±0.120 vs 1.044±0.095, μV) was not different between these two groups. Conclusions: aSKNA positively correlated with BP and HR in ambulatory outpatients with POTS. High aSKNA at night was associated with nocturnal non-dipping of BP.

3D-printed bioactive scaffolds for bone regeneration bearing carbon dots for bioimaging purposes

Additive manufacturing, also known as 3D-printing, has been successfully employed to create novel bioactive scaffolds incorporating carbon dots for bioimaging purposes. Fused filament fabrication technique (FFF) was used to print a hybrid poly-lactic acid (PLA)-based filament bearing bioactive material, suited for hydroxyapatite (HAp) development, as well as carbon dots which by virtue of their strong luminescence could support an optical characterization of the composite, thus, its regenerative stages. This technique using FFF biodegradable PLA can be used to create the exact custom-made scaffold depending on the user needs (i.e. shape of a bone fracture), whereas the bioactive material (bioglass® 45S5) assists bone regeneration by HAp development. On the other hand, biocompatible red emissive boron-doped carbon dots could allow for monitoring of the procedure. Scaffolds were tested for their in vitro bioactivity by soaking in simulated body fluid (SBF) solution. In addition, in vitro cytotoxicity testing confirmed the low toxicity of the composite materials used for creating the scaffolds. Degradation of the PLA scaffold initiated immediately providing space for bone regeneration. HAp development was confirmed by scanning electron microscopy - energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDS) and infrared spectroscopy (IR). Ultraviolet visible and photoluminescence spectroscopies were used to evaluate the properties of the carbon dots as well as composite materials. Results indicate that this is a promising technique for confronting asymmetric or irregular-shaped bone fractures with simultaneous monitoring of the healing process through bioimaging.

Red Phosphorescent Carbon Quantum Dot Organic Framework-Based Electroluminescent Light-Emitting Diodes Exceeding 5% External Quantum Efficiency.

Carbon quantum dots (CQDs) have developed into prospective nanomaterials for next-generation lighting and displays due to their intrinsic advantages of high stability, low cost, and environmental friendliness. However, confined by the spin-forbidden nature of triplet state transitions, the highest theoretical value of external quantum efficiency (EQE) of fluorescent CQDs is merely 5%, which fundamentally limits their further application in electroluminescent light-emitting diodes (LEDs). Soluble phosphorescent CQDs offer a means of breaking the shackle to achieve efficient monochromatic electroluminescence, especially red emission, which is a pivotal constituent in full-color displays. Here, the synthesis of red (625 nm) phosphorescent carbon quantum dot organic frameworks (CDOFs) with a quantum yield of up to 42.3% and realization of high-efficiency red phosphorescent electroluminescent LEDs are reported. The LEDs based on the CDOFs exhibited a red emission with a maximum luminance of 1818 cd m-2 and an EQE of 5.6%. This work explores the possibility of a new perspective for developing high-performance CQD-based electroluminescent LEDs.

No Diagnostic Utility of Zero Heparin Control Buffer in Serotonin Release Assay: Findings from a Validation Study

Background: Heparin induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is a rare immune mediated complication that is triggered in a subset of patients temporal to therapeutic heparin exposure. Laboratory testing is based on screening for the presence of serum anti-PF4 antibodies using sensitive solid-phase immunoassays. If antibodies are detected, functional testing to demonstrate the platelet activating properties and heparin dependence of these immune complexes is then performed. Previous studies have reported possible clinical utility in identifying non heparin dependent platelet activating antibodies using a buffer control with zero heparin in the serotonin release functional assay (SRA). These reports suggested a correlation between reactivity in the zero heparin buffer control and pathogenicity of HIT antibodies which may define a subtype of HIT, referred to as autoimmune HIT. We aimed to investigate the utility of zero heparin buffer control as a part of an inhouse validation study of a mass spectrometry-coupled SRA (Mayo-SRA).Methods: Three hundred archived serum samples were tested using anti-PF4 IgG antibody enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA; Immucor Diagnostics, GA, USA). SRA was preformed on all samples using Mayo-SRA and reference 14C SRA methods. Zero heparin control buffer was included in the Mayo-SRA assay. Serotonin release >20% in the low dose heparin (0.1U/mL, LDH) and ELISA optical density (OD) >0.4 were considered positive. Drug interference studies were performed by spiking known SRA-positive samples with increasing concentrations of unfractionated heparin (UFH), low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) or fondaparinux in the LDH and zero heparin SRA. The clinical 4T score was calculated retrospectively calculated for all patients.Results: Of the 300 tested samples, 57 were anti-PF4 ELISA positive. 33 of the 57 samples were positive using the reference 14C SRA method. Whereas 43 samples were positive by Mayo-SRA assay. Three additional samples were positive by Mayo-SRA, but negative by both screening anti-PF4 ELISA and the reference SRA method (Fig- 1A). Lastly, 13 samples were anti-PF4 ELISA positive, but SRA negative by both methods in comparison. Interestingly, 44 of 46 (95%) samples interpreted positive by LDH were also interpreted positive (serotonin release >20%) under zero heparin conditions. These included the 3 samples that were positive by Mayo-SRA but negative by both screening anti-PF4 ELISA and the reference SRA. The overall % serotonin release using zero heparin control was significantly lower (P= 0.003, paired Student T-test) compared to LDH (Fig-1B). In addition, zero heparin followed a similar pattern as LDH, with highest levels at ELISA OD units >2 (Fig-1C).Strikingly, drug interference studies showed artifactual serotonin release in the zero heparin reaction, which was not detected in the absence of spiked drugs. For UFH, serotonin release in zero heparin control occurred at very low spiked concentrations, ≥0.063 U/mL. LMWH and fondaparinux spiking experiments also displayed similar zero heparin serotonin release patterns (Fig-1D). Of note, none of these interferences were detected in UFH spiked SRA-negative samples (data not shown).Conclusion: Contrary to prior results suggesting that less than 50% of LDH SRA positive samples are also positive in the zero heparin SRA, our results show high zero heparin SRA positivity rate of >95%. Zero heparin SRA showed a pattern with highest levels at ELISA OD units >2 suggesting that reactivity in this condition is a function of antibody strength rather than a qualitative difference (i.e. “autoimmune” HIT antibodies vs “non-autoimmune” HIT antibodies). In addition, contamination of patient sera with small amounts of remnant heparin can significantly impact platelet activation in the zero heparin SRA test. Thus, zero heparin SRA positive results may be artifactual and represent residual heparin contained in the patient sample.Figure legend:Fig-1A. Scatter plots of SRA positive samples grouped by 4T scores. Red dots are Mayo-SRA only positive samples. Fig-1B and Fig-1C. Scatter plots of % serotonin release of Mayo-SRA positive samples at LDH (circles) vs. zero heparin buffers (squares), and grouped by ELISA OD values, respectively. Fig-1D. % Serotonin release of known SRA-positive samples spiked with increasing concentrations of UFH, LMWH, or fondaparinux at LDH (white) or zero heparin buffers (red). [Display omitted] DisclosuresPruthi: CSL Behring: Honoraria; Genentech: Honoraria; Bayer Healthcare AG: Honoraria; HEMA Biologics: Honoraria; Instrumentation Laboratory: Honoraria; Merck: Honoraria. Padmanabhan: Veralox Therapeutics: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees.

Cover Feature: Controlling Enzymatic Activity by Modulating the Oligomerization State via Chemical Rescue and Optical Control (ChemBioChem 5/2022)

Switching activity by switching the oligomerization state: The cover feature illustrates the switching of an enzyme's activity by modulating its oligomerization state using light. A photo-sensitive unnatural amino acid (UAA) was incorporated into the oligomerization interface of the enzyme, leading to disassembly of the native hexamer into dimers. This was associated with a loss of activity, symbolized by the red dots at the active sites. Upon light exposure, the UAA was cleaved, which led to hexamer reformation and recovery of activity (green dots at the active sites). More information can be found in the Full Paper by C. Kropp, A. Bruckmann, and P. Babinger.

Late Effects after Treatment in Mantle Cell Lymphoma: No Difference By Intensity of First-Line Regimens with or without Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation

PurposeThe improved survival for mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) patients calls for updated knowledge about long-term adverse effects of treatment. We recently showed that younger MCL patients (≤65 years of age) selected for rituximab-cytarabine containing regimens and a consolidating high-dose chemotherapy with stem cell transplantation (HD-ASCT) had a 42% reduced all-cause mortality compared to patients selected for less intensive regimens with rituximab-bendamustine and/or rituximab-CHOP based treatment without HD-ASCT (non-HD-ASCT) (Blood Advances 2021, PMID: 3371034). The aim here was to describe long-term side-effects and outcome from these different treatment strategies.MethodsWe conducted a population-based cohort study including all Swedish MCL patients diagnosed between 2000 and 2014, and 1:10 matched comparators. First, transplantation-related mortality and acute side effects (within 60 days of HD-ASCT) were described. Next, for the analysis of late effects, we took a landmark approach with follow-up starting at 12 months after diagnosis (i.e., assuming treatment completion). Hazard ratios with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of first hospital visit/admission/death due to a specific disease group (based on ICD chapters) were estimated using Cox regression models, comparing the rates among HD-ASCT and non-HD-ASCT patients to those among the comparators. Additionally, the 5-year cumulative incidence of death due to MCL, other malignancy, cardiovascular disease, or remaining causes was described for both patient treatment groups (HD-ASCT and non-HD-ASCT) and comparators.ResultsA total of 620 MCL patients were included with a median follow-up from diagnosis of 4.1 years (range: 0-15.7). In total, 280 (45%) received HD-ASCT (median age 58, range 32-69) and 340 (55%) R-CHOP/R-Bendamustin and non-HD-ASCT (median age 65, range 22-69). Four out of 280 (1.5%) HD-ASCT treated patients died within 60 days of their transplantation. Acute side effects of transplantation were mainly infections and diseases of the circulatory or digestive systems.In relation to the 6,200 matched comparators (median age 63, range 22-70) the rate of hospital visits/admissions/death after 12 months was significantly higher among MCL patients (irrespective of treatment intensity) for neoplasms (excluding MCL), other blood disorders, infections, respiratory, genitourinary, digestive, and skin disorders (Figure 1A). Patients treated with HD-ASCT did not experience a higher rate of late effects than those treated without HD-ASCT, for any of the disease groups (Figure 1A).The 5-year cumulative incidence of MCL-specific death in HD-ASCT treated patients was 0.23 (95% CI: 0.18-0.30) and 0.32 (95% CI: 0.26-0.38) in non-HD-ASCT treated patients (Figure 1B). Fatal long-term (≥12 months) side effects were rare in HD-ASCT treated patients, and the absolute majority of MCL patients died from their lymphoma and not from a complication.ConclusionsMCL patients have a higher risk of long-term complications than comparators particularly in the disease groups respiratory disorder, blood disorders (other than MCL) and infections. Intensive first-line treatment including HD-ASCT was however associated with a similar rate of long-term side-effects in all disease groups as among patients selected for less intensive treatments and non-HD-ASCT. Hence, given the previously shown favourable long-term survival associated with HD-ASCT, it appears that this treatment should not be avoided based on fear of neither fatal acute side effects nor more long-term side effects. Instead symptomatic lymphoma disease and death from the lymphoma seem to drive the majority of long-term health problems in MCL patients regardless of treatment intensity.Figure 1. A) Hazard ratios for hospital visits/admissions/deaths due to specific disease groups (based on ICD chapters) among MCL patients and comparators, stratified by treatment with consolidative autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT) or (non-ASCT). All models were adjusted for age at diagnosis, sex, calendar year of diagnosis, and Charlson comorbidity index. Grey dots; comparators, blue dots MCL patients (non-ASCT-treated) and red dots MCL patients (ASCT treated) B) Cumulative incidence of death due to MCL, other malignancies, cardiovascular disease (CVD), and other causes among MCL patients without (upper panel) and with (lower panel) ASCT. [Display omitted] DisclosuresEkberg: Jansen-Cilag: Other: part of a research collaboration between Karolinska Institutet and Janssen Pharmaceutica NV for which Karolinska Institutet has received grant support. Smedby: Jansen-Cilag: Other: part of a research collaboration between Karolinska Institutet and Janssen Pharmaceutica NV for which Karolinska Institutet has received grant support. Albertsson-Lindblad: Jansen-Cilag: Other: part of a research collaboration between Karolinska Institutet and Janssen Pharmaceutica NV for which Karolinska Institutet has received grant support. Jerkeman: Jansen-Cilag, AbbVie, Gilead, Celgene: Other: part of a research collaboration between Karolinska Institutet and Janssen Pharmaceutica NV for which Karolinska Institutet has received grant support, Research Funding. Weibull: Jansen-Cilag: Other: part of a research collaboration between Karolinska Institutet and Janssen Pharmaceutica NV for which Karolinska Institutet has received grant support. Glimelius: Jansen-Cilag: Other: part of a research collaboration between Karolinska Institutet and Janssen Pharmaceutica NV for which Karolinska Institutet has received grant support.

Nitrogen, sulfur co-doped red carbon dots for sensitive and selective detection of Sn2+ ions

Carbon dots with both red-emission and red-excitation (R-CDs) have attracted much attention due to their excellent optical property and promising application in various fields. However, most carbon dots (CDs) with red-emission are only excited with short wavelength irradiation, which heavily hinders their further applications. Herein, novel R-CDs are obtained through a hydrothermal synthesis by using p-phenylenediamine and ammonium thiocyanate as precursors. The as-synthesized R-CDs exhibit a strong red emission at 618 nm at a long excitation (598 nm). Moreover, the R-CDs are explored as a selective and sensitive “turn-off” sensor for Sn 2+ detection by the non-radiative recombination of the excitons through effective electron, charge or energy transfer between Sn 2+ and surface functional groups such as hydroxyl, carbonyl, amine, thiophene, and S O, with a detection range from 0 to 90 μM and a detection limit of as low as 17.25 nM. ∙ A novel and facile route to synthesize N and S co-doped R-CDs (N,S-RCDs) with both red-emission and red-excitation was proposed. ∙Lower energy gap would be introduced by generating large sp 2 domains to tune the excitation and emission to longer wavelength. ∙The N,S-RCDs have been explored as a probe of Sn 2+ with high selectivity. ∙The N,S-RCDs sensor of Sn 2+ was much lower than those previously reported comparing with other different fluorescent probes.

Squamous cell carcinoma mimicking a wart

Sir, Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma, a malignant proliferation of the cutaneous epithelium, represents the second most common non-melanoma skin cancer after basal cell carcinoma [1]. Verrucous carcinoma (VC) is a rare, low-grade, well-differentiated squamous cell carcinoma most commonly seen in the mucosa, infrequently reported to occur in the skin, where it is a slow-growing and locally aggressive tumor. It is not uncommon for cutaneous verrucous carcinomas to be mistaken for the more frequent wart (verruca vulgaris) and treated accordingly [2]. The etiopathogenesis of VC is not completely known. One theory mentions the human papillomavirus (HPV) infection; with plantar lesions, the types involved are reported to be 16 and 11 [3]. Histopathological diagnosis is difficult and needs one or more broad and in-depth biopsies. Morbidity results from the local destruction of the skin and soft tissues and, occasionally, from a perineural, muscular, and even bony invasion. Metastasis to regional lymphatic ganglia is rare, found in 5% of cases [4]. VC bears a high risk of local relapse. No matter the treatment employed, the rate of recurrence varies from 30% to 50% and usually is not the result of incomplete surgical interventions. The treatment of choice is complete surgical excision with safety margins [5]. A forty-year-old female patient with no previous history presented herself with a hyperkeratotic lesion on the right foot persistent for two years, which she had been manipulating routinely, which had progressively been increasing in size for the previous year, and which, for the previous three months, had become painful and bleeding. An examination revealed a hyperkeratotic plaque with a hyperpigmented border, hard on palpation, adherent to the deep plane, and with an eroded surface (Fig. 1). Dermoscopy was able to find a papillomatous appearance surrounded by dotted vessels (Fig. 2). This dermoscopic aspect typical of vulgar warts was confusing. Indeed, dermoscopy of the foot wart shows red or black dots in the center of papillomatous structures, which are thrombosed vessels supplying the wart; hence the importance, in our opinion, of the clinical and pathological correlation. For this reason, we performed a skin biopsy; an anatomopathological study found a squamous cell carcinoma of the verrucous type.

Photosynthetic-bacteria-derived red emissive carbon dots with low toxicity for lysosomal imaging

A novel red emissive carbon dots (CDs) derived from photosynthetic bacteria are synthesized successfully via a simple microwave–assisted hydrothermal process. The CDs exhibit good water solubility, biocompatibility, and red photoluminescence emission with an absolute quantum yield of 15.17% in water. More importantly, 5 mg/ml CDs present low toxicity after co–cultured with human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and HeLa cells. Furthermore, the red emissive CDs can clearly image the HUVECs and HeLa cells within 10 min and maintain stable emission for 1 h. It is also proved that the organelle of CD imaging is mainly lysosome. This work provides a new method to prepare long–wavelength fluorescence–emission CDs and explores a new material with potential applications in the biomedical field.

1548 Refining the Usability of a Novel Visual Field Assessment App

Abstract Introduction A validated visual field chart designed as a simpler adjunct to formal perimeters is being developed into an app. The app aims to empower patients with pituitary tumours to independently assess their central 25˚ visual field with intra-app instructions and share their results with their clinician. NHSx marked usability as an assessment criterion for validating health apps. This study aims to explore and improve the usability of the beta-version of the app. Method Qualitative methods were employed through observation and semi-structured interviews. Recruitment was through convenience sampling. Participants experienced the app solely based on the intra-app information. Meanwhile, a researcher observed the process. Then, qualitative feedback was generated through semi-structured interviews. Observational data was coded and quantified. Thematic analysis was employed to identify common themes and/or categories of the qualitative feedback. Results 15 participants between 24-58(mean 33.7, SD 10.8) years were recruited. Observational data revealed that 1/15 adhered to all 3 written instructions; 3/15 utilised the hand span distance guidance provided. Participants’ responses on feedback for improvements were coded and categorised. Suggested additional features for improvement – a run-through introduction to the app, a video example of how to conduct the test, a practice run, an option for audio instruction and an option to change font size and type. Suggested additional instructions were to focus on the black dot and remember what you were seeing with the red dots. Conclusions Qualitative methods identified aspects of the app requiring improvements. Participants feedback will be utilised to improve the app.

Portable Smartphone Platform Based on a Single Dual-Emissive Ratiometric Fluorescent Probe for Visual Detection of Isopropanol in Exhaled Breath.

The components in the exhaled breath have been confirmed to be related to certain diseases, especially studies have shown that isopropanol (IPA) might be closely associated with illnesses such as lung cancer, and are considered as a biomarker. Herein, we designed a portable smartphone platform based on a chemically synthesized ratiometric fluorescent probe for real-time/on-site, sensitive, and quantitative visual detection of IPA in exhaled breath. The fluorescent probe was fabricated by a nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) functional modified onto fluorescent internal standard red carbon dots (RCDs). Whereas, IPA can convert NAD+ into reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) through an enzymatic reaction of secondary alcohol dehydrogenase (S-ADH). The electron transfer from IPA to NAD+ emitted a blue emission of NADH, which displayed consecutive color changes from red to light blue. Under optimum conditions, the fluorescent probe shows sensitive responses to IPA with a detection limit as low as 4.45 nM. Moreover, combined with the smartphone color recognizer application (APP), the ratio of fluorescence intensity response was recorded on a blue channel (B)/red channel (R), which has been employed for the visual quantitative determination of IPA with a detection limit of 8.34 nM and a recovery rate of 90.65-110.09% (RSD ≤ 4.83). The method reported here provides a convenient pathway for real-time/on-site and visual detection of IPA in exhaled air and is expected to extend the application of investigation of potential volatile biomarkers for preliminary monitoring and clinical diagnosis.