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1.
Microsyst Nanoeng ; 9: 3, 2023.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36597510

ABSTRACT

The COVID-19 pandemic has posed enormous challenges for existing diagnostic tools to detect and monitor pathogens. Therefore, there is a need to develop point-of-care (POC) devices to perform fast, accurate, and accessible diagnostic methods to detect infections and monitor immune responses. Devices most amenable to miniaturization and suitable for POC applications are biosensors based on electrochemical detection. We have developed an impedimetric immunosensor based on an interdigitated microelectrode array (IMA) to detect and monitor SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in human serum. Conjugation chemistry was applied to functionalize and covalently immobilize the spike protein (S-protein) of SARS-CoV-2 on the surface of the IMA to serve as the recognition layer and specifically bind anti-spike antibodies. Antibodies bound to the S-proteins in the recognition layer result in an increase in capacitance and a consequent change in the impedance of the system. The impedimetric immunosensor is label-free and uses non-Faradaic impedance with low nonperturbing AC voltage for detection. The sensitivity of a capacitive immunosensor can be enhanced by simply tuning the ionic strength of the sample solution. The device exhibits an LOD of 0.4 BAU/ml, as determined from the standard curve using WHO IS for anti-SARS-CoV-2 immunoglobulins; this LOD is similar to the corresponding LODs reported for all validated and established commercial assays, which range from 0.41 to 4.81 BAU/ml. The proof-of-concept biosensor has been demonstrated to detect anti-spike antibodies in sera from patients infected with COVID-19 within 1 h. Photolithographically microfabricated interdigitated microelectrode array sensor chips & label-free impedimetric detection of COVID-19 antibody.

2.
Ann Oncol ; 34(2): 163-172, 2023 02.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36400384

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Neoadjuvant therapy is recommended for locally advanced esophageal cancer, but the optimal strategy remains unclear. We aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT) versus neoadjuvant chemotherapy (nCT) followed by minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE) for locally advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Eligible patients staged as cT3-4aN0-1M0 ESCC were randomly assigned (1 : 1) to the nCRT or nCT group stratified by age, cN stage, and centers. The chemotherapy, based on paclitaxel and cisplatin, was administered to both groups, while concurrent radiotherapy was added for the nCRT group; then MIE was carried out. The primary endpoint was 3-year overall survival. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03001596). RESULTS: A total of 264 patients were eligible for the intention-to-treat analysis. By 30 November 2021, 121 deaths had occurred. The median follow-up was 43.9 months (interquartile range 36.6-49.3 months). The overall survival in the intention-to-treat population was comparable between the nCRT and nCT strategies [hazard ratio (HR) 0.82, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.58-1.18; P = 0.28], with a 3-year survival rate of 64.1% (95% CI 56.4% to 72.9%) versus 54.9% (95% CI 47.0% to 64.2%), respectively. There were also no differences in progression-free survival (HR 0.83, 95% CI 0.59-1.16; P = 0.27) and recurrence-free survival (HR 1.07, 95% CI 0.71-1.60; P = 0.75), although the pathological complete response in the nCRT group (31/112, 27.7%) was significantly higher than that in the nCT group (3/104, 2.9%; P < 0.001). Besides, a trend of lower risk of recurrence was observed in the nCRT group (P = 0.063), while the recurrence pattern was similar (P = 0.802). CONCLUSIONS: NCRT followed by MIE was not associated with significantly better overall survival than nCT among patients with cT3-4aN0-1M0 ESCC. The results underscore the pending issue of the best strategy of neoadjuvant therapy for locally advanced bulky ESCC.


Subject(s)
Esophageal Neoplasms , Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma , Humans , Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma/therapy , Neoadjuvant Therapy/methods , Esophageal Neoplasms/drug therapy , Esophagectomy , Prospective Studies , Chemoradiotherapy/methods , Retrospective Studies
3.
Biosensors (Basel) ; 14(1)2023 Dec 22.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38248383

ABSTRACT

Label-free electrochemical biosensors have many desirable characteristics in terms of miniaturization, scalability, digitization, and other attributes associated with point-of-care (POC) applications. In the era of COVID-19 and pandemic preparedness, further development of such biosensors will be immensely beneficial for rapid testing and disease management. Label-free electrochemical biosensors often employ [Fe(CN)6]-3/4 redox probes to detect low-concentration target analytes as they dramatically enhance sensitivity. However, such Faradaic-based sensors are reported to experience baseline signal drift, which compromises the performance of these devices. Here, we describe the use of a mecaptohexanoic (MHA) self-assembled monolayer (SAM) modified Au-interdigitated electrode arrays (IDA) to investigate the origin of the baseline signal drift, developed a protocol to resolve the issue, and presented insights into the underlying mechanism on the working of label-free electrochemical biosensors. Using this protocol, we demonstrate the application of MHA SAM-modified Au-IDA for POC analysis of human serum samples. We describe the use of a label-free electrochemical biosensor based on covalently conjugated SARS-CoV-2 spike protein for POC detection of COVID-19 antibodies. The test requires a short incubation time (10 min), and has a sensitivity of 35.4/decade (35.4%/10 ng mL-1) and LOD of 21 ng/mL. Negligible cross reactivity to seasonal human coronavirus or other endogenous antibodies was observed. Our studies also show that Faradaic biosensors are ~17 times more sensitive than non-Faradaic biosensors. We believe the work presented here contributes to the fundamental understanding of the underlying mechanisms of baseline signal drift and will be applicable to future development of electrochemical biosensors for POC applications.


Subject(s)
Biosensing Techniques , COVID-19 , Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus , Humans , COVID-19/diagnosis , Immunoassay , Point-of-Care Systems , SARS-CoV-2 , Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized , Electrodes , Gold
4.
Biosens Bioelectron X ; 11: 100176, 2022 Sep.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35692737

ABSTRACT

A novel test strategy is proposed with dual-modality detection techniques for COVID-19 antibody detection. The full-length S protein of SARS-CoV-2 was chemically immobilized on a glass surface to capture anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG in patient serum and was detected through either Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) or fluorescence imaging with labeled secondary antibodies. Gold nanoparticles conjugated with protein G were used as the probe and the bound GNP-G was detected through EIS measurements. Anti-human-IgG conjugated with the fluorescent tag Alexa Fluor 488 was used as the probe for fluorescence imaging. Clinical SARS-CoV-2 IgG positive serum and negative controls were used to validate both modalities. For fluorescence-based detection, a high sensitivity was noticed with a quantification range of 0.01-0.1 A.U.C. and a LOD of 0.004 A.U.C. This study demonstrates the possibility of utilizing different measurement techniques in conjunction for improved COVID-19 serology testing.

5.
Zhonghua Nei Ke Za Zhi ; 61(2): 200-204, 2022 Feb 01.
Article in Chinese | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35090256

ABSTRACT

To analyze the clinical characteristics of patients with antisynthetase syndrome (ASS) and positive anti-Ro52 antibody. The clinical data of 203 ASS patients admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from 2017 to 2020 were analyzed retrospectively. Demographics, clinical manifestations, laboratory results, treatment and outcome were collected including data of 18 patients with rapidly progressive interstitial lung disease (RP-ILD). In total, the majority were women (148,72.9%). The average onset age was (51.9±13.3) years. There were 163 (80.3%) patients with positive anti-Ro52 antibody. The positivity in women (77.3% vs. 55.0%, P=0.004) was higher, and the median time from disease onset to diagnosis [4.5 (2.0, 24.0) months vs. 2.0 (1.0, 12.0) months, P=0.024] was longer in patients with positive anti-Ro52 antibody than those negative. Compared with negative patients, patients with positive anti-Ro52 antibody had a higher incidence of interstitial lung disease (ILD) (96.9% vs. 65.0%, P<0.001), arthritis (33.7% vs. 17.5%, P=0.046), and arthralgia (39.3% vs. 20.0%, P=0.022). Higher rate of positve antinuclear antibody (ANA) (85.3% vs. 55.0%, P<0.001), lower rate of positive anti-Jo-1 antibody (32.5% vs. 50.0%, P=0.039), lower albumin level [(34.6±5.2) g/L vs. (37.3±4.7) g/L,P=0.004] and lower lymphocyte counts [(1.4±0.8) ×109/L vs. (1.8±0.8) ×109/L, P=0.014] were more common in patients with positive anti-Ro52 antibody. The presence of anti-Ro52 antibody is associated with a particular phenotype of ASS, leading to common ILD, involvement of joints, high ANA positivity, low albumin and low lymphocyte counts.


Subject(s)
Lung Diseases, Interstitial , Myositis , Adult , Aged , Antibodies, Antinuclear , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Myositis/epidemiology , Retrospective Studies
6.
Article in English | WPRIM (Western Pacific) | ID: wpr-978187

ABSTRACT

Introduction@#Bullous pemphigoid (BP) is an acquired autoimmune subepidermal bullous disease characterized by linear depo- sition of IgG and C3 along the basement membrane. It rarely occurs in childhood, especially in adolescence, with only 14 cases identified in literature. Treatment of choice is systemic corticosteroids but other treatment options such as anti-inflammatory antibacterials and methotrexate are available.@*Case report@#A 16-year-old Filipino girl presented with a three-month history of generalized vesicles and bullae. Nikolsky and Asboe-Hansen signs were negative. Histopathology and direct immunofluorescence were consistent with BP. ELISA to BP180 au- toantibody levels was elevated at 135 IU (normal <9 IU). Complete blood count showed leukocytosis with increase in neutrophils. Chest x-ray revealed pulmonary tuberculosis. The patient was given quadruple anti-Koch’s medication (pyrazinamide, rifampi- cin, ethambutol, isoniazid), prednisone, oral erythromycin and topical clobetasol propionate. Complete remission was attained at 10 months and is sustained at the time of writing.@*Conclusion@#To establish a definitive diagnosis and appropriate management, BP requires clinical, histopathologic, and immuno- logical correlation. Childhood BP has good prognosis and rapid treatment response, with rare relapses.


Subject(s)
Pemphigoid, Bullous
7.
Ing Rech Biomed ; 42(5): 334-344, 2021 Oct.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34934476

ABSTRACT

Active learning is an effective solution to interactively select a limited number of informative examples and use them to train a learning algorithm that can achieve its optimal performance for specific tasks. It is suitable for medical image applications in which unlabeled data are abundant but manual annotation could be very time-consuming and expensive. However, designing an effective active learning strategy for informative example selection is a challenging task, due to the intrinsic presence of noise in medical images, the large number of images, and the variety of imaging modalities. In this study, a novel low-rank modeling-based multi-label active learning (LRMMAL) method is developed to address these challenges and select informative examples for training a classifier to achieve the optimal performance. The proposed method independently quantifies image noise and integrates it with other measures to guide a pool-based sampling process to determine the most informative examples for training a classifier. In addition, an automatic adaptive cross entropy-based parameter determination scheme is proposed for further optimizing the example sampling strategy. Experimental results on varied medical image datasets and comparisons with other state-of-the-art multi-label active learning methods illustrate the superior performance of the proposed method.

9.
ACS Appl Mater Interfaces ; 13(40): 47418-47439, 2021 Oct 13.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34608803

ABSTRACT

We present a potential solution to the problem of extraction of photogenerated holes from CdS nanocrystals and nanowires. The nanosheet form of C3N5 is a low-band-gap (Eg = 2.03 eV), azo-linked graphenic carbon nitride framework formed by the polymerization of melem hydrazine (MHP). C3N5 nanosheets were either wrapped around CdS nanorods (NRs) following the synthesis of pristine chalcogenide or intercalated among them by an in situ synthesis protocol to form two kinds of heterostructures, CdS-MHP and CdS-MHPINS, respectively. CdS-MHP improved the photocatalytic degradation rate of 4-nitrophenol by nearly an order of magnitude in comparison to bare CdS NRs. CdS-MHP also enhanced the sunlight-driven photocatalytic activity of bare CdS NWs for the decolorization of rhodamine B (RhB) by a remarkable 300% through the improved extraction and utilization of photogenerated holes due to surface passivation. More interestingly, CdS-MHP provided reaction pathway control over RhB degradation. In the absence of scavengers, CdS-MHP degraded RhB through the N-deethylation pathway. When either hole scavenger or electron scavenger was added to the RhB solution, the photocatalytic activity of CdS-MHP remained mostly unchanged, while the degradation mechanism shifted to the chromophore cleavage (cycloreversion) pathway. We investigated the optoelectronic properties of CdS-C3N5 heterojunctions using density functional theory (DFT) simulations, finite difference time domain (FDTD) simulations, time-resolved terahertz spectroscopy (TRTS), and photoconductivity measurements. TRTS indicated high carrier mobilities >450 cm2 V-1 s-1 and carrier relaxation times >60 ps for CdS-MHP, while CdS-MHPINS exhibited much lower mobilities <150 cm2 V-1 s-1 and short carrier relaxation times <20 ps. Hysteresis in the photoconductive J-V characteristics of CdS NWs disappeared in CdS-MHP, confirming surface passivation. Dispersion-corrected DFT simulations indicated a delocalized HOMO and a LUMO localized on C3N5 in CdS-MHP. C3N5, with its extended π-conjugation and low band gap, can function as a shuttle to extract carriers and excitons in nanostructured heterojunctions, and enhance performance in optoelectronic devices. Our results demonstrate how carrier dynamics in core-shell heterostructures can be manipulated to achieve control over the reaction mechanism in photocatalysis.

11.
Mol Ther Oncolytics ; 22: 114-128, 2021 Sep 24.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34514093

ABSTRACT

Temozolomide (TMZ) resistance is an important cause of clinical treatment failure and poor prognosis in gliomas. Increasing evidence indicates that cancer-derived exosomes contribute to chemoresistance; however, the specific contribution of glioma-derived exosomes remains unclear. The aim of this study was to explore the role and underlying mechanisms of exosomal macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) on TMZ resistance in gliomas. We first demonstrated that MIF was upregulated in the exosomes of TMZ-resistant cells, engendering the transfer of TMZ resistance to sensitive cells. Our results indicated that exosomal MIF conferred TMZ resistance to sensitive cells through the enhancement of cell proliferation and the repression of cell apoptosis upon TMZ exposure. MIF knockdown enhanced TMZ sensitivity in resistant glioma cells by upregulating Metalloproteinase Inhibitor 3 (TIMP3) and subsequently suppressing the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Additionally, exosomal MIF promoted tumor growth and TMZ resistance of glioma cells in vivo, while IOS-1 (MIF inhibitor) promotes glioma TMZ sensitive in vivo. Taken together, our study demonstrated that exosome-mediated transfer of MIF enhanced TMZ resistance in glioma through downregulating TIMP3 and further activating the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, highlighting a prognostic biomarker and promising therapeutic target for TMZ treatment in gliomas.

12.
Clin Exp Dermatol ; 46(2): 328-337, 2021 Mar.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32939795

ABSTRACT

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) may cause eruptions resembling cutaneous autoimmune diseases. There are six cases of immunotherapy-associated subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus (SCLE) in the literature. We present details of five patients referred to the Skin Toxicity Program at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute/Brigham and Women's Cancer Center who developed de novo immunotherapy-associated SCLE-like eruptions, along with clinicopathological correlation and highlight potential mechanistic features and important diagnostic points. Two patients were maintained on topical corticosteroids, antihistamines and photoprotection. One had complete clearance and two had improvement with addition of hydroxychloroquine. Four patients continued their immunotherapy uninterrupted, while one had immunotherapy suspended for a month before restarting at full dose. Histopathologically, this series illustrates the temporal evolution of ICI-induced immune cutaneous reactions with SCLE subtype. Looking beyond the universally present lichenoid infiltrate, features of evolving SCLE were evident. We hypothesize that programmed death-1 blockade may induce immunological recognition of previously immunologically tolerated drug antigens, leading to epitope spreading and the SCLE phenotype.


Subject(s)
Exanthema/pathology , Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors/adverse effects , Lupus Erythematosus, Cutaneous/chemically induced , Lupus Erythematosus, Cutaneous/pathology , Neoplasm Metastasis/drug therapy , Administration, Topical , Adrenal Cortex Hormones/administration & dosage , Adrenal Cortex Hormones/therapeutic use , Aged , Antimalarials/administration & dosage , Antimalarials/therapeutic use , Combined Modality Therapy , Female , Histamine Antagonists/administration & dosage , Histamine Antagonists/therapeutic use , Humans , Hydroxychloroquine/administration & dosage , Hydroxychloroquine/therapeutic use , Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors/therapeutic use , Immunotherapy/adverse effects , Lupus Erythematosus, Cutaneous/diagnosis , Male , Middle Aged , Retrospective Studies , Sun Protection Factor , Treatment Outcome , Withholding Treatment
13.
Nanotechnology ; 32(37)2021 Jun 21.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32619996

ABSTRACT

Cu2O is a promising earth-abundant semiconductor photocathode for sunlight-driven water splitting. Characterization results are presented to show how the photocurrent density (Jph), onset potential (Eonset), band edges, carrier density (NA), and interfacial charge transfer resistance (Rct) are affected by the morphology and method used to deposit Cu2O on a copper foil. Mesoscopic and planar morphologies exhibit large differences in the values ofNAandRct. However, these differences are not observed to translate to other photocatalytic properties of Cu2O. Mesoscopic and planar morphologies exhibit similar bandgap (e.g.) and flat band potential (Efb) values of 1.93 ± 0.04 eV and 0.48 ± 0.06 eV respectively.Eonsetof 0.48 ± 0.04 eV obtained for these systems is close to theEfbindicating negligible water reduction overpotential. Electrochemically deposited planar Cu2O provides the highest photocurrent density of 5.0 mA cm-2at 0 V vs reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE) of all the morphologies studied. The photocurrent densities observed in this study are among the highest reported values for bare Cu2O photocathodes.

14.
Health Sciences Journal ; : 115-121, 2021.
Article in English | WPRIM (Western Pacific) | ID: wpr-960806

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION@#The occurrence of malignant tumors associated with leprosy has been observed, with lymphoma being the most commonly associated non-epithelial malignant tumor and may be due to the depressed immunologic surveillance. The converse where leprosy manifests in a lymphoma patient undergoing chemotherapy has also been mentioned in a few articles.@*CASE SUMMARY@#A 49-year-old female was diagnosed to have peripheral T-cell lymphoma after an initial presentation of enlarged lymph nodes, generalized asymptomatic papules and plaques on the trunk, and pancytopenia. Two weeks after initiation of chemotherapy with cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, prednisolone (CHOP), her skin lesions progressed to become violaceous to slightly hyperpigmented. Further query revealed a year-long history of hypoesthesia of the lower extremities. Histopathologic examination revealed nodular histiolymphocytic infltrates surrounding blood vessels, adnexal structures, and nerves, consistent with lepromatous leprosy. Fite-Faraco stain was positive. Due to lymphoma-related pancytopenia, the patient was given monthly rifampicin, ofoxacin and minocycline (ROM) chemotherapy, alternatively. Erythema nodosum leprosum reaction developed for which clofazimine was given, resulting in improvement.@*CONCLUSION@#Leprosy is a great mimicker and dermatologists need to be adept at diagnosing skin conditions in immunocompromised patients, especially since disease course and manifestation may be modifed in this subset of patients. Leprosy must be considered when granulomatous lesions arise in lymphoma patients before ascribing them to the underlying disease. Management may also be challenging due to the comorbidities, which may limit treatment options. Careful history, clinical clues, histopathologic correlation, and prudent therapeutic approach are important tools in addressing these cases.

16.
Health Sciences Journal ; : 26-29, 2020.
Article in English | WPRIM (Western Pacific) | ID: wpr-876157

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION@#Interdigital pilonidal sinus is an acquired condition secondary to penetration of hair fragments into the skin of the web spaces of the hands commonly observed in hairdressers, and occasionally, among pet groomers. Local literature reports or guidelines to ensure practice of protective measures for this population of workers are currently lacking.@*CASE SUMMARY@#A 24-year old pet groomer consulted due to occasional white hair strands emerging from two openings in the third interdigital space of his dominant hand. Histopathologic examination of the sinus tract showed an acanthotic, hyperplastic epidermis with scale crust, and nodular dermal infiltrates composed of epithelioid histiocytes, plasma cells, lymphocytes, and eosinophils. Transepidermal extrusion of polarizable hair cortical material was also evident establishing the diagnosis of an interdigital pilonidal sinus. Sinusectomy and debridement with healing by secondary intention resulted in an optimal wound closure and full motion of the affected hand after one week and minimal scarring with no recurrence after seven months.@*CONCLUSION@#Surgical excision followed by proper wound care is essential to avoid recurrence. In conclusion, since interdigital pilonidal disease is a rare condition, awareness among physicians would lead to accurate diagnosis, optimal treatment, and proper patient education.


Subject(s)
Occupational Diseases , Grooming , Extremities , Pilonidal Sinus
17.
Zhonghua Yi Xue Za Zhi ; 99(48): 3814-3818, 2019 Dec 24.
Article in Chinese | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-31874520

ABSTRACT

Objective: To investigate the effects of miR-106a-5p on the proliferation and migration of vascular endothelial cells, and the possible target gene of miR-106a-5p in endothelial cells. Methods: Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) were cultured in vitro, and the expression of mir-106a-5p in HUVECs was detected by real-time fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) and wound healing assays were used to detected the proliferation and migration of HUVECs respectively.Dual luciferase repoter assay was used to identify the possible target gene of miR-106a-5p--STAT3. Results: mir-106a-5p inhibited the proliferation function of HUVECs (F=13.62, P<0.01). And mir-106a-5p expressed the migration of HUVEC,the closure rate in the mimic group was reduced after 12 h and 24 h of scratching (49.93/31.31) (χ(2)=8.240, P<0.05), (78.87/44.80) (χ(2)=10.50, P<0.01). The direct target gene of mir-106a-5p was STAT3, and miR-106a-5p regulated the expression of STAT3 through post-transcriptionally controlling. Conclusion: mir-106a-5p could inhibit proliferation and migration of HUVEC, and the possible target gene was STAT3.


Subject(s)
Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells , Humans , MicroRNAs , Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction , STAT3 Transcription Factor , Umbilical Veins
18.
PLoS Negl Trop Dis ; 13(4): e0007318, 2019 04.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-31017900

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Leprosy, caused by Mycobacterium leprae, affects over 200,000 people annually worldwide and remains endemic in the ethnically diverse, mountainous and underdeveloped southwestern provinces of China. Delayed diagnosis of leprosy persists in China, thus, additional knowledge to support early diagnosis, especially early diagnosis of paucibacillary (PB) patients, based on the host immune responses induced by specific M. leprae antigens is needed. The current study aimed to investigate leprosy patients and controls in Southwest China by comparing supernatants after stimulation with specific M. leprae antigens in an overnight whole-blood assay (WBA) to determine whether host markers induced by specific M. leprae antigens improve the diagnosis or discrimination of PB patients with leprosy. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Leprosy patients [13 multibacillary (MB) patients and 7 PB patients] and nonleprosy controls [21 healthy household contacts (HHCs), 20 endemic controls (ECs) and 19 tuberculosis (TB) patients] were enrolled in this study. The supernatant levels of ten host markers stimulated by specific M. leprae antigens were evaluated by overnight WBA and multiplex Luminex assays. The diagnostic value in PB patients and ECs and the discriminatory value between PB patients and HHCs or TB patients were evaluated by receiver operator characteristics (ROC) analysis. ML2044-stimulated CXCL8/IL-8 achieved the highest sensitivity of 100%, with a specificity of 73.68%, for PB diagnosis. Compared to single markers, a 3-marker combination model that included ML2044-induced CXCL8/IL-8, CCL4/MIP-1 beta, and IL-6 improved the diagnostic specificity to 94.7% for PB patients. ML2044-stimulated IL-4 and CXCL8/IL-8 achieved the highest sensitivity (85.71% and 100%) and the highest specificity (95.24% and 84.21%) for discriminating PB patients from HHCs and TB patients, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that the host markers induced by specific M. leprae antigens in an overnight WBA increase diagnostic and discriminatory value in PB patients with leprosy, with a particularly strong association with interleukin 8.


Subject(s)
Antigens, Bacterial/immunology , Blood/immunology , Immunity, Innate , Immunoassay/methods , Leprosy, Paucibacillary/diagnosis , Leprosy, Paucibacillary/immunology , Mycobacterium leprae/immunology , Adult , China , Cytokines/analysis , Diagnostic Tests, Routine/methods , Female , Humans , Male , ROC Curve , Sensitivity and Specificity , Young Adult
19.
Health Sciences Journal ; : 72-78, 2019.
Article | WPRIM (Western Pacific) | ID: wpr-793258

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: There is a consistent increase in the interest and demand for non-invasive modalities toimprove facial skin laxity and rhytides. Monopolar radiofrequency is one of such non-invasive modalities.This systematic review aimed to determine the efficacy and safety of monopolar radiofrequency inimproving facial rhytides and skin laxity.METHODS: Clinical studies that assessed the efficacy of monopolar radiofrequency to address clinicallyobservable facial rhytides and skin laxity were included. Outcome measures included improvementin rhytides and skin laxity as documented by patient satisfaction scores, and investigator and third-personobserver ratings based on clinical photographs and clinical scales.RESULTS: Three studies involving 29 participants were included in this review. All studies reported 25-50% improvement in facial rhytides and skin laxity. Participants from the three studies were satisfiedwith the results. Transient erythema was reported in several patients.CONCLUSION: Monopolar radiofrequency appears to be beneficial and safe for patients with facialrhytides and skin laxity. However, the evidence is inconclusive due to problems in the methodologicalquality of each trial and the heterogeneity of the studies included in this review.


Subject(s)
Humans
20.
Nanomaterials (Basel) ; 8(10)2018 Oct 02.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30279353

ABSTRACT

The availability of robust superhydrophobic materials with the ability to withstand harsh environments are in high demand for many applications. In this study, we have presented a simple method to fabricate superhydrophobic materials from TiO2 nanotube arrays (TNTAs) and investigated the resilience of the materials when they are subjected to harsh conditions such as intense cavitation upon ultrasonication, corrosion in saline water, water-jet impact, and abrasion. The TNTAs were prepared by anodization of Ti foil in buffered aqueous electrolyte containing fluoride ions. The hydrophilic TNTAs were functionalized with octadecylphosphonic acid (ODPA) or 1H, 1H', 2H, 2H'-perfluorodecyl phosphonic acid (PFDPA) to form a self-assembled monolayer on the TNTA surface to produce superhydrophobic ODPA@TNTA or PFDPA@TNTA surfaces. The superhydrophobic ODPA@TNTA and PFDPA@TNTA have contact angles of 156.0° ± 1.5° and 168° ± 1.5°, and contact angle hysteresis of 3.0° and 0.8°, respectively. The superhydrophobic ODPA@TNTA and PFDPA@TNTA were subjected to ultrasonication, corrosion in saline water, and water-jet impact and abrasion, and the resilience of the systems was characterized by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), contact angle (CA) measurements, diffuse reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (DRIFTS), and field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). The results presented here show that superhydrophobic ODPA@TNTA and PFDPA@TNTA are robust and resilient under the harsh conditions studied in this work, and indicate the potential of these materials to be deployed in practical applications.

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