Directional Emission of Fluorescent Dye-Doped Dielectric Nanogratings for Lighting Applications.

By structuring a luminescent dielectric interface as a relief diffraction grating with nanoscale features, it is possible to control the intensity and direction of the emitted light. The composite structure of the grating is based on a fluorescent dye (Lumogen F RED 305) dispersed in a polymeric matrix (poly(methyl methacrylate)). Measurements demonstrate a significant enhancement of the emitted light for specific directions and wavelengths when the grating interface is compared to nonstructured thin films made of the same material. In particular, the maximum enhancement of photoluminescence for a given pump wavelength is obtained at an angle of incidence that is close to the Rayleigh anomaly condition for the first-order diffracted waves. In this condition, the maximum extinction of incident light is observed. Upon excitation with coherent and monochromatic sources, photoluminescence plots show that the Rayleigh anomalies confine the angular interval of the emitted light. Being the anomalies  directly related to the pitch of the diffraction grating, the system can be thus implemented as an optical device whose directional emission can be designed for specific applications. The exploitation of nanoimprinting techniques for the fabrication of the luminescent grating enables production of the device on large areas, paving the way for low-cost lighting and solar applications.

Rheumatoid myositis leading to acute lower extremity compartment syndrome: a case-based review.

Muscle pain and weakness in a rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patient has a broad differential, and myositis should be considered early in the disease course as serious limb and life-threatening sequelae may occur. A 55-year-old woman with a past medical history of methotrexate-controlled RA presented with right leg pain for 4 days. The patient suffered sensory loss in the right foot and decreased strength in the toes. Lab tests revealed elevated creatine kinase, ESR, and anti-rheumatoid factor antibody titers. CT scan revealed myositis of posterior compartment muscles. Progressive edema, pain, and neuromuscular deficits persisted despite steroid and antibiotic therapy, so the patient was taken for urgent fasciotomy for acute compartment syndrome. The muscle biopsy showed diffuse mononuclear cell infiltration as well as perivascular and perineural involvement consistent with rheumatoid myositis (RM). The patient did well post-op on a prednisone taper. This case underlines the systemic nature of RA and exemplifies the severity of inflammation that may lead to grave consequences such as compartment syndrome. The histopathology is diagnostic when there is evidence of mononuclear cell infiltration; however, this is not entirely specific. Early, aggressive therapy with immunosuppressives is warranted in such patients. RM has not, to our knowledge, been recorded to cause acute compartment syndrome. Clinicians should be aware of this uncommon manifestation of RA keeping the various presentations of rheumatoid disease in mind when faced with these patients.

Secretion of beta-human chorionic gonadotropin by non-small cell lung cancer: a case report.

INTRODUCTION: We describe a case of non-small cell lung cancer that was found to stain positive for beta-human chorionic gonadotropin on immunohistochemistry. Only a few case reports have described lung cancers that secrete beta-human chorionic gonadotropin. CASE PRESENTATION: A 68-year-old Caucasian man presented with symptoms of weakness, fatigue and weight loss for the past two months. On examination, he was found to have generalized lymphadenopathy, and radiologic workup revealed numerous metastases in the lungs, liver and kidneys. Biopsy of the supraclavicular lymph node revealed metastatic large cell lung cancer with beta-human chorionic gonadotropin hormone positivity. The serum beta-human chorionic gonadotropin level was 11,286 mIU/ml (upper limit of normal, 0.5 mIU/ml in non-pregnant females). He was diagnosed with stage 4 lung non-small cell lung cancer. The patient refused chemotherapy. He was discharged home with hospice care. CONCLUSION: The markedly elevated serum values of beta-human chorionic gonadotropin initially prompted the medical team to investigate germinal tumors. In the presence of a negative testicular ultrasound, workup was performed to find an extratesticular source of the tumor. Finally, the diagnosis was made with a tissue biopsy. This case illustrates that atypical markers can be seen in many cancers, emphasizing the role of immunohistochemistry and tissue biopsy in establishing the diagnosis.