Software tools of the Computis European project to process mass spectrometry images.

Among the needs usually expressed by teams using mass spectrometry imaging, one that often arises is that for user-friendly software able to manage huge data volumes quickly and to provide efficient assistance for the interpretation of data. To answer this need, the Computis European project developed several complementary software tools to process mass spectrometry imaging data. Data Cube Explorer provides a simple spatial and spectral exploration for matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionisation-time of flight (MALDI-ToF) and time of flight-secondary-ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) data. SpectViewer offers visualisation functions, assistance to the interpretation of data, classification functionalities, peak list extraction to interrogate biological database and image overlay, and it can process data issued from MALDI-ToF, ToF-SIMS and desorption electrospray ionisation (DESI) equipment. EasyReg2D is able to register two images, in American Standard Code for Information Interchange (ASCII) format, issued from different technologies. The collaboration between the teams was hampered by the multiplicity of equipment and data formats, so the project also developed a common data format (imzML) to facilitate the exchange of experimental data and their interpretation by the different software tools. The BioMap platform for visualisation and exploration of MALDI-ToF and DESI images was adapted to parse imzML files, enabling its access to all project partners and, more globally, to a larger community of users. Considering the huge advantages brought by the imzML standard format, a specific editor (vBrowser) for imzML files and converters from proprietary formats to imzML were developed to enable the use of the imzML format by a broad scientific community. This initiative paves the way toward the development of a large panel of software tools able to process mass spectrometry imaging datasets in the future.

Follow-up of a new arthroscopic technique for implantation of matrix-encapsulated autologous chondrocytes in the knee.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical and sequential imaging follow-up results at a mean of 36 months after an arthroscopic technique for implantation of matrix-encapsulated autologous chondrocytes for the treatment of articular cartilage lesions on the femoral condyles. METHODS: Ten patients underwent arthroscopic implantation of autologous chondrocytes seeded onto a bioabsorbable scaffold. The patients were evaluated clinically using a visual analog scale (VAS) for pain and International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC), Lysholm, and Tegner scores. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) T2-mapping and magnetic resonance observation of cartilage repair tissue (MOCART) evaluations were also performed. Second-look arthroscopic evaluation using the International Cartilage Repair Society (ICRS) grading classification was performed at 12 months. RESULTS: Compared with their preoperative values, at 36 months mean values ± standard deviation for the VAS scale for pain were 6.0 ± 1.5 to 0.3 ± 0.4. Improvement in clinical scores between preoperative values and 36-month follow-up values in subjective IKDC scores was 46.9 ± 18.5 to 77.2 ± 12.8; in Lysholm scores, it was 51.8 ± 25.1 to 87.9 ± 6.5, and in the Tegner activity scale it was 2.9 ± 1.7 to 5.9 ± 1.9. Mean T2 mapping and MOCART scores improved over time to 38.1 ± 4.4 ms and 72.5 ± 10, respectively. Mean ICRS score by second-look arthroscopy at 1 year was 10.4 ± 0.1. CONCLUSIONS: All clinical scores improved over time compared with the preoperative values. Clinical results are comparable with MRI T2 mapping and ICRS evaluations, suggesting that this arthroscopic technique for cell-based cartilage repair is efficacious and reproducible at a mean of 36 months of follow-up. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, therapeutic case series.

Effects of dialogic reading for comprehension (LuDiCa) on the social interaction of autistic adolescents and their peers.

BACKGROUND: In today's contemporary world, relationships take a prominent role in the lives of adolescents. However, challenges related to mutual understanding and a lack of inclusive environments can often lead to autistic teens feeling excluded. OBJECTIVE: In order to assess the impact of naturalistic interventions on interpersonal relationships, we conducted an experimental test utilizing Dialogic Reading for Comprehension (LuDiCa) in online reading circles with groups comprising both autistic and neurotypical adolescents. Our focus was on exploring its relevance for enhancing social interaction, particularly in terms of conversational acts, sharing experiences, initiations, and questions. METHODS: Five autistic and five neurotypical students between 11 and 15 years old from a public school in Brasilia, Federal District, participated. We paired groups A and B (made up of trios of teenagers) and groups C and D (made up of pairs) in a multiple baseline design per reading group, in which all groups went through the baseline conditions (BL), intervention (LuDiCa) and maintenance. RESULTS: LuDiCa increased the frequency of conversational acts of both autistic participants and neurotypical peers. In addition, the intervention favored initiations, questions, and sharing experiences, through the shared activity of reading and talking about a work of fiction. Participants rated the intervention in relation to the platform, the book, the reading facilitator, and interaction with peers. We discuss the potential of the facilitator's role in favoring interactions and the potential of LuDiCa as a joint activity for the engagement of adolescents. We also include suggestions for future research focused on the online context and discuss some limitations of the LuDiCa intervention. CONCLUSION: In summary, our study offers initial experimental evidence demonstrating the positive impact of LuDiCa on social interaction behaviors among both autistic and neurotypical adolescents within an inclusive setting.

Polydioxanone Bioactive Sutures-Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 (Argireline): An Intelligent System for Controlled Release in Facial Harmonization.

Introduction: We propose a new facial lifting protocol using polydioxanone (PDO) threads embedded in acetyl hexapeptide-8 (Argireline [Arg]). We assume that Arg reinforces the effects of PDO threads, as it is a mimetic of botulinum toxin. Because the PDO suture is hydrolyzable, this assumption is analyzed by instrumental analysis. Objective: To demonstrate the capacity of the PDO suture as a system for the controlled release of acetyl hexapeptide-8 to apply in deep wrinkles of the upper third. Materials and Methods: Three segments of 1-cm long 21G PDO threads immersed in 1 mL of Arg. PDO threads were observed under an optical, electron microscope at 24, 48, and 72 h later. They were also weighed before and after being soaked in Arg, and employing ultraviolet (UV)-visible spectroscopy, the release rate of Arg from the PDO suture was measured. Finally, was insert the thread PDO-Arg following a protocol designed especially for deep static wrinkles in the upper third. Results: The electronic weighing revealed that the PDO thread enjoys capillarity by the peptide, doubling its weight every 24 h. UV spectra revealed that PDO thread is a well-controlled release system for Arg, allowing its sustained release for 1 h. Optical and electronic photomicrographs confirm the swelling of the PDO thread by absorbing Arg by its capillarity, but this hydrophilicity does not lead to its premature physical degradation. Conclusions: The PDO thread system with Arg is an intelligent bioactive system useful in facial harmonization. It recommend conduct clinical trial to verify his superior lifting effect.

A modern pulse of ultrafast exhumation and diachronous crustal melting in the Nanga Parbat Massif.

We combine monazite petrochronology with thermal modeling to evaluate the relative roles of crustal melting, surface denudation, and tectonics in facilitating ultrafast exhumation of the Nanga Parbat Massif in the western Himalayan syntaxis. Our results reveal diachronous melting histories between samples and a pulse of ultrafast exhumation (9 to 13 mm/year) that began ~1 Ma and was preceded by several million years of slower, but still rapid, exhumation (2 to 5 mm/year). Recent studies show that an exhumation pulse of similar timing and magnitude occurred in the eastern Himalayan syntaxis. A synchronous exhumation pulse in both Himalayan syntaxes suggests that neither erosion by rivers and/or glaciers nor a pulse of crustal melting was a primary trigger for accelerated exhumation. Rather, our results, combined with those of recent studies in the eastern syntaxis, imply that larger-scale tectonic processes impose the dominant control on the current tempo of rapid exhumation in the Himalayan syntaxes.

Innovative Paradigm in Aesthetics Medicine: Proposal for Diagnostic Morphological Geometric by Thirds, Semiology in Clinical Applied to Aging Facial.

The diagnosis of aging based on the morphogeometric changes experienced by the face, measured by the application of facial stratigraphic semiology by thirds, could become a novel approach that guarantees an efficient replacement of aged tissues through minimally invasive aesthetic medicine strategies. Facial aging should be analyzed by thirds, because not all thirds grow old at the same time. Owing to this is necessary go giving solve the aging problems each one of them, by means of therapies of the facial restructuring into sequential treatment appointments, with the purpose of being go giving time to the tissues rearrangement of the face, so that it is perceived as a subtle progressive reversal of aging and so generate a comfortable social acceptance of the resulting changes of said facial rejuvenation. This article intends to present the practical approach of the concepts and guidelines illustrated in the routine aesthetic diagnosis, the anatomical changes in the various tissue layers that are externally appreciated, but detailing them under a regional approach (upper, middle, and lower thirds). Our paradigm seeks that as professionals of aesthetic and regenerative medicine we identify facial aging not only as the obvious wrinkles and other changes in the skin, but that we diagnose according to the proposed parameters, so that when considering the rejuvenation treatment, we identify which are facial tissues that have changed due to aging and must therefore be restored to harmonize the face according to the ideal forms and proportions that must prevail (morphometry).

Effects of dialogic reading for comprehension (LuDiCa) on the social interaction of autistic adolescents and their peers

Abstract Background In today's contemporary world, relationships take a prominent role in the lives of adolescents. However, challenges related to mutual understanding and a lack of inclusive environments can often lead to autistic teens feeling excluded. Objective In order to assess the impact of naturalistic interventions on interpersonal relationships, we conducted an experimental test utilizing Dialogic Reading for Comprehension (LuDiCa) in online reading circles with groups comprising both autistic and neurotypical adolescents. Our focus was on exploring its relevance for enhancing social interaction, particularly in terms of conversational acts, sharing experiences, initiations, and questions. Methods Five autistic and five neurotypical students between 11 and 15 years old from a public school in Brasilia, Federal District, participated. We paired groups A and B (made up of trios of teenagers) and groups C and D (made up of pairs) in a multiple baseline design per reading group, in which all groups went through the baseline conditions (BL), intervention (LuDiCa) and maintenance. Results LuDiCa increased the frequency of conversational acts of both autistic participants and neurotypical peers. In addition, the intervention favored initiations, questions, and sharing experiences, through the shared activity of reading and talking about a work of fiction. Participants rated the intervention in relation to the platform, the book, the reading facilitator, and interaction with peers. We discuss the potential of the facilitator's role in favoring interactions and the potential of LuDiCa as a joint activity for the engagement of adolescents. We also include suggestions for future research focused on the online context and discuss some limitations of the LuDiCa intervention. Conclusion In summary, our study offers initial experimental evidence demonstrating the positive impact of LuDiCa on social interaction behaviors among both autistic and neurotypical adolescents within an inclusive setting.

In Vitro Degradation of Polydioxanone Lifting Threads in Hyaluronic Acid.

Recently, some clinicians have proposed implanting polydioxanone (PDO) threads imbibed in hyaluronic acid (HA), arguing that this may reinforce the lifting effects. However, this is controversial because PDO sutures are hydrophilic and the presence of HA could increase the rate of hydrolysis. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the degradation of PDO lifting threads in HA through ultramicroscopy. It was a qualitative research and preclinical trial. Three, 1-cm-long, segments of 23-G PDO threads were immersed in 1.5-mL non-crosslinked HA in previously labeled, sterile microcentrifuge tubes. These were observed by ultramicroscopy at 4× and 10× after 24, 48, and 72 h. Microphotographs taken after 24 h show structural changes in the fibers, presenting an increase in interlaminar spaces and dilution of violet pigmentation. At 48 h, degradation continues. PDO hygroscopy is observed as aqueous content between the peripheral layers and the central core of the thread. At 72 h, as the pigment is released, larger empty spaces are observed in the central column of the thread, and there is disorganization of the peripheral fibrils with fraying all along the fiber. HA induces rapid biodegradation of the PDO thread by hydrolysis beginning 24 h after contact of the thread with the biomaterial. The non-crosslinked HA is a powerful catalyzing agent for hydrolytic degradation of the PDO thread, because this thread is highly hydrophilic. Clinically, embedding PDO threads in HA accelerates biodegradation of the suture.

Microscopic and clinical evidence of the degradation of polydioxanone lifting threads in the presence of hyaluronic acid: a case report. / Evidencia clínica y microscópica de la degradación de hilos de dermosustentación de polidioxanona en presencia de ácido hialurónico: reporte de caso.

We present the case of a female patient with complications from superficial implantation of polydioxanone spiculated threads in the facial middle third. The manifestations were edema, ecchymosis, superficial palpation of the thread and skin plication. For the treatment we propose a novel protocol of clinical degradation of polydioxanone threads, using hyaluronic acid injecting it into the implantation area of the polydioxanone threads. Non-cross linked hyaluronic acid was infiltrated along the path of the thread. The follow-up at seven, 21 and 45 days showed decreased edema, folds and skin irregularities due to wire traction and attenuation of secondary rhytides. A sample of the thread in hyaluronic acid was observed in a laminar flow campaign evidencing degradation at 72 hours. Administering hyaluronic acid was effective in inducing clinical biodegradation of the thread suggesting that non-crosslinked hyaluronic acid is a powerful catalyst for the hydrolytic degradation of polydioxanone.

Se expone el caso de una paciente remitida por complicaciones posteriores a la implantación superficial en el tercio medio facial de hilos de polidioxanona espiculados. Presentaba edema, equimosis, palpación superficial del hilo y plicación dérmica. Para el tratamiento planteamos un novedoso protocolo de degradación clínica de hilos de polidioxanona, empleando ácido hialurónico inyectándolo en el área de su implantación. Se infiltró ácido hialurónico no reticulado en el trayecto a lo largo del recorrido del hilo. El seguimiento a los siete, 21 y 45 días evidenció disminución del edema, de los pliegues e irregularidades dérmicas por la tracción del hilo y atenuación de rítides secundarias. Una muestra del hilo en ácido hialurónico fue observado en campana de flujo laminar evidenciándose degradación a las 72 horas. Administrar ácido hialurónico fue efectivo para inducir la biodegradación clínica del hilo. La hipótesis derivada sugiere que el ácido hialurónico no reticulado es un poderoso catalizador de la degradación hidrolítica de la polidioxanona.

Rapid detection of salmonellosis due to Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium in Peruvian commercially bred cavies, using indigenous wild bacteriophages.

INTRODUCTION: The salmonelloses are among the commonest, most widespread human zoonotic infections. They have generated international networks to attempt their control, since they cause a spectrum of ailments, ranging from inapparent carrier states to full-blown, severe, sometimes deadly diarrheal and systemic disease. Rapid diagnosis is needed for a number of reasons. The aim of this study was to standardize and validate a phage amplification test for the identification of salmonellosis to be applied to infections of Cavia porcellus. METHODS: Native bacteriophages were isolated from infected cavies and environmental residues from commercial cavy-breeding facilities. Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium ATCC 14028 was used to detect, isolate and propagate the bacteriophages, and to standardize a phage amplification assay to detect S. Typhimurium from rectal swabs of cavies. The phage amplification assay was tested using 2 antiviral agents, MgSO4·7H2O (MAS) and pomegranate rind extract (PRE) plus ferrous sulfate (PRE-FeSO4). RESULTS: The final assay format chosen used PRE-FeSO4 and allowed detection of S. Typhimurium in 90 min from culture, 5 h from clinical samples, with a limit of detection at 103 pfu; sensitivity was 98.2%, specificity 98%, negative predictive value (NPV) 96.1%, and positive predictive value (PPV) 99.1%. CONCLUSION: Bacteriophage amplification is therefore an appropriate, fast procedure for detection of this pathogen in clinical samples.

Use of three-dimensional digital image correlation to evaluate mechanical response of prosthetic systems.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: The need of comfortable and safe prosthetic systems is an important challenge for both prosthetists and engineers. The aim of this technical note is to demonstrate the use of three-dimensional digital image correlation to evaluate mechanical response of two prosthetic systems under real patient dynamic loads. TECHNIQUE: This note describes the use of three-dimensional digital image correlation method to obtain full-field strain and displacement measurements on the surface of two lower limb prostheses for Chopart amputation. It outlines key points of the measurement protocol and illustrates the analysis of critical regions using data obtained on specific points of interest. DISCUSSION: The results show that the use of three-dimensional digital image correlation can be a tool for the prosthetist to optimize the prosthesis considering features related to the material and design, in order to bear with real patient-specific load conditions. Clinical relevance Three-dimensional digital image correlation can support decision-making on new designs and materials for prosthetics based on quantitative data. Better understanding of mechanical response could also assist prescription for appropriate prosthetic systems.

Prenatal stress caused by movement restriction induces changes in the development of skull bone in CF-1 mice progeny / El estrés prenatal causado por restricción de movimiento induce cambios en la anatomía ósea de cráneo en la progenie de ratones CF-1

Prenatal stress is associated with changes in body weight and size, and with disorders of the skeletal bone development process. However, there is a lack of documentation on the impact of prenatal stress on skull bone anatomy during the gestation period. Therefore, this research focuses on the short-term effects of prenatal stress on the skull bone anatomy of CF-1 mice on the day of birth. Methodology: Gestating females were divided at random into two groups (control and stressed). The experimental group was subjected to the stress of movement restriction during the final week of gestation. Upon birth the body weight of the progeny was evaluated (control group, n=34; stressed group, n=29). They were then cleaned and stained with alizarin red in order to evaluate the length, width and suture spaces of the skull bone anatomy from superior and inferior views. Results: Gestational stress significantly altered the skull bone anatomy (p<0.05) of the offspring at birth in comparison with the control group. Conclusion: Prenatal stress alters the skull bone anatomy of the CF-1 mouse at birth.

El estrés prenatal se ha asociado con alteraciones en el peso y tamaño corporal, además de trastornos en el proceso de osificación del esqueleto en desarrollo. Sin embargo, existen escasos antecedentes acerca del impacto del estrés prenatal sobre la anatomía ósea craneal durante el periodo de gestación. Por lo tanto, la presente investigación estudió los efectos a corto plazo del estrés prenatal sobre la anatomía ósea craneal del ratón CF-1 en el día de nacimiento. Las hembras gestantes fueron divididas aleatoriamente en dos grupos (control y estresado), el grupo experimental fue sometido a estrés por restricción de movimiento durante la última semana de gestación. Al nacimiento se evaluó el peso corporal de la progenie (grupo control n:34; grupo estresado n:29), para posteriormente diafanizar y teñir con alizarina roja, evaluando dimensiones longitudinales, anchos y espacios suturales de la anatomía de los huesos de cráneo por la vista superior e inferior. El estrés gestacional alteró significativamente la anatomía de los huesos de cabeza ósea (p<0,05) de las crías en el momento del nacimiento con respecto a los controles. El estrés prenatal altera la anatomía de los huesos craneales del ratón CF-1 evaluado al nacer.

Implementation of WHO guidelines on management of severe malnutrition in hospitals in Africa.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the problems, benefits, feasibility, and sustainability of implementation of WHO guidelines on management of severe malnutrition. METHODS: A postal survey invited staff from 12 African hospitals to participate in the study. Five hospitals were evaluated and two were selected to take part in the study: a district hospital in South Africa and a mission hospital in Ghana. At an initial visit, an experienced paediatrician reviewed the situation in the hospitals and introduced the principles of the guidelines through a participatory approach. During a second visit about six months later, the paediatrician reviewed the feasibility and sustainability of the introduced changes and helped find solutions to problems. At a final visit after one year, the paediatrician reassessed the overall situation. FINDINGS: Malnutrition management practices improved at both hospitals. Measures against hypoglycaemia, hypothermia, and infection were strengthened. Early, frequent feeding was established as a routine practice. Some micronutrients for inclusion in the diet were not locally available and needed to be imported. Problems were encountered with monitoring of weight gain and introducing a rehydration solution for malnutrition. CONCLUSION: Implementation of the main principles of the WHO guidelines on severe malnutrition was feasible, affordable, and sustainable at two African hospitals. The guidelines could be improved by including suggestions on how to adapt specific recommendations to local situations. The guidelines are well supported by experience and published reports, but more information is needed about some components and their impact on mortality.