A methodology for characterising nanoparticle size and shape using nanopores.

The discovery and characterisation of nanomaterials represents a multidisciplinary problem. Their properties and applications within biological, physical and medicinal sciences depend on their size, shape, concentration and surface charge. No single technology can currently measure all characteristics. Here we combine resistive pulse sensing with predictive logistic regression models, termed RPS-LRM, to rapidly characterise a nanomaterial's size, aspect ratio, shape and concentration when mixtures of nanorods and nanospheres are present in the same solution. We demonstrate that RPS-LRM can be applied to the characterisation of nanoparticles over a wide size range, and varying aspect ratios, and can distinguish between nanorods over nanospheres when they possess an aspect ratio grater then two. The RPS-LRM can rapidly measure the ratios of nanospheres to nanorods in solution within mixtures, regardless of their relative sizes and ratios i.e. many large nanospherical particles do not interfere with the characterisation of smaller nanorods. This was done with a 91% correct classification of nanospherical particles and 72% correct classification of nanorods even when the fraction of nanorods in solution is as low as 20%. The methodology here will enable the classification of nanomedicines, new nanomaterials and biological analytes in solution.

Evidence-based guideline update: pharmacologic treatment for episodic migraine prevention in adults: report of the Quality Standards Subcommittee of the American Academy of Neurology and the American Headache Society.

OBJECTIVE: To provide updated evidence-based recommendations for the preventive treatment of migraine headache. The clinical question addressed was: What pharmacologic therapies are proven effective for migraine prevention? METHODS: The authors analyzed published studies from June 1999 to May 2009 using a structured review process to classify the evidence relative to the efficacy of various medications available in the United States for migraine prevention. RESULTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS: The author panel reviewed 284 abstracts, which ultimately yielded 29 Class I or Class II articles that are reviewed herein. Divalproex sodium, sodium valproate, topiramate, metoprolol, propranolol, and timolol are effective for migraine prevention and should be offered to patients with migraine to reduce migraine attack frequency and severity (Level A). Frovatriptan is effective for prevention of menstrual migraine (Level A). Lamotrigine is ineffective for migraine prevention (Level A).

Evidence-based guideline update: NSAIDs and other complementary treatments for episodic migraine prevention in adults: report of the Quality Standards Subcommittee of the American Academy of Neurology and the American Headache Society.

OBJECTIVE: To provide updated evidence-based recommendations for the preventive treatment of migraine headache. The clinical question addressed was: Are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or other complementary treatments effective for migraine prevention? METHODS: The authors analyzed published studies from June 1999 to May 2009 using a structured review process to classify the evidence relative to the efficacy of various medications for migraine prevention. RESULTS: The author panel reviewed 284 abstracts, which ultimately yielded 49 Class I or Class II articles on migraine prevention; of these 49, 15 were classified as involving nontraditional therapies, NSAIDs, and other complementary therapies that are reviewed herein. RECOMMENDATIONS: Petasites (butterbur) is effective for migraine prevention and should be offered to patients with migraine to reduce the frequency and severity of migraine attacks (Level A). Fenoprofen, ibuprofen, ketoprofen, naproxen, naproxen sodium, MIG-99 (feverfew), magnesium, riboflavin, and subcutaneous histamine are probably effective for migraine prevention (Level B). Treatments considered possibly effective are cyproheptadine, Co-Q10, estrogen, mefenamic acid, and flurbiprofen (Level C). Data are conflicting or inadequate to support or refute use of aspirin, indomethacin, omega-3, or hyperbaric oxygen for migraine prevention. Montelukast is established as probably ineffective for migraine prevention (Level B).

Anatomic study of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve with respect to the ilioinguinal surgical dissection.

OBJECTIVE: To report on the anatomic variations of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve with respect to the ilioinguinal surgical dissection. DESIGN: Cadaveric anatomic study. PATIENTS/PARTICIPANTS: Sixty-eight ilioinguinal dissections performed in fifty cadavers. INTERVENTION: The lateral femoral cutaneous nerve was identified, and certain location variables were recorded. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: The distance in millimeters from the medial edge of the anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS), whether the nerve was lateral or medial to the ASIS, and the layer in which the nerve crossed the dissection. RESULTS: In seven dissections, the nerve was twenty-one to twenty-five millimeters medial to the ASIS; in ten dissections, the nerve was twenty-six to thirty millimeters from the ASIS; and in fourteen dissections, the nerve was more than thirty millimeters medial to the superior border of the ASIS. The average medial distance from the ASIS was 20.4 millimeters, with a range of three to forty-six millimeters. In no specimen did the nerve pass lateral to the ASIS. The lateral femoral cutaneous nerve was found to lie anterior to the iliopsoas muscle in all specimens. CONCLUSION: The course of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve is highly variable; the nerve was most commonly found at ten to fifteen millimeters from the ASIS and as far medially as forty-six millimeters. When using the illioinguinal surgical approach, if the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve is not encountered immediately adjacent to the ASIS, dissection up to five centimeters medial to the ASIS may be necessary to locate the nerve.

Glutathione mixed disulfide inhibitors of the human placental NADP-linked 15-hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase.

Six glutathione-containing inhibitors of the human NADP-linked 15-hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase have been isolated from placental homogenates. Glutathione disulfide is one of these inhibitors. Although the structures of the other five have not been fully elucidated, all are disulfides. Studies with these compounds and with other mixed disulfides have shown that the glutathione mixed disulfides of beta-mercaptopyruvate, mercaptoacetate, and beta-mercaptolactate are more effective inhibitors of the enzyme than are the glutathione-containing mixed disulfides isolated from placental homogenates. beta-Mercaptolactate is particularly noteworthy because of its low Ki (0.13 microM). The results reported here suggest that the activity of the prostaglandin dehydrogenase may be influenced in vivo by various glutathione mixed disulfides.