TLC-NOSF dressings as a first-line local treatment of chronic wounds: a systematic review of clinical evidence.

OBJECTIVE: Several national and international guidelines recommend lipidocolloid technology with a nano-oligosaccharide factor (TLC-NOSF) dressings (UrgoStart dressing range, Laboratoires Urgo, France) for treating patients with chronic wounds. However, these dressings are still often reported as second-line options, potentially leading to loss of opportunity for patients and additional costs for payers. This review aimed to explore the reported wound healing and patient outcomes as well as the related costs when the dressings were used as first-line treatment in patients with different types of chronic wounds. METHOD: A systematic review of the literature was conducted. Databases (MEDLINE, Embase, Emcare, and Google Scholar) were searched up to 1 February 2024, without any language or time period limitations. Studies were eligible if the evaluated dressings had been used as a first-line treatment for chronic wounds, that is, as an integral part of the standard of care (SoC) at the patient's first presentation and/or in recent wounds. The main evaluation criteria included: wound healing rate; time to reach wound closure; change in patients' quality of life (QoL); and associated costs. The quality of evidence of the included studies was appraised using well-recognised risk-of-bias tools suitable for different study designs. A narrative synthesis describes the findings in three sections depending on the type of comparison. This report followed the principles of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. RESULTS: A total of 17 studies published between 2017 and 2024 met the eligibility criteria. A comparative analysis between TLC-NOSF dressings and standard dressings, both of which were used as first-line treatment, was reported in nine studies. A comparative analysis between the use of TLC-NOSF dressings as first-line and second-line treatments was reported in eight studies, and five studies reported a systematic use of the TLC-NOSF dressing as first-line treatment without a control group. Overall, the included studies had a relatively low risk of bias for the respective types of evidence. Data of 10,191 patients of both sexes and different age groups with a total of 10,203 wounds (diabetic foot ulcers, leg ulcers, pressure injuries, and other types of chronic wounds) were included in the analysis: 7775 treated with the evaluated dressing and 2428 treated with a comparator dressing. The data suggested that using TLC-NOSF as a first-line treatment for chronic wounds consistently resulted in significantly higher healing rates, shorter healing times, and cost savings compared with standard dressings used under similar conditions. Real-life evidence confirmed the results obtained in clinical trials and economic models, within similar ranges, regardless of the settings involved or of the characteristics of the patients and wounds treated. The wound healing rates ranged around 70-80% by week 20/24 and time-to-heal was reported on average around seven weeks, with slightly longer times reported in wounds with a more severe prognosis. Furthermore, the dressings were shown to improve patient QoL, and were well tolerated and accepted, supporting a wider adoption approach. CONCLUSION: The results of this review are aligned with the current guidelines recommending the use of TLC-NOSF dressings in the treatment of patients with chronic wounds. They support its wider implementation as a first-line treatment and as an integral part of SoC for these wounds in the daily practice of all centres involved in their management.

TLC-bioautography-guided identification and assessment of the antibacterial compounds from Feijoa sellowiana.

INTRODUCTION: A rapid procedure was developed for the targeted isolation and assessment of antibacterial compounds from plant-based materials. The effectiveness of this method was demonstrated using Feijoa sellowiana fruit peels. OBJECTIVE: The objectives of this study are as follows: develop an efficient procedure utilizing direct thin-layer chromatography (TLC)-bioautography to facilitate the targeting, identification, and purification of antibacterial compounds from plant extracts and delineate a method based on TLC-bioautography to determine the minimum effective dose (MED), alongside a colorimetric broth microdilution aided by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) for evaluating the isolated active compounds. METHODOLOGY: Active compounds were targeted using TLC-bioautography against Staphylococcus aureus, and the identification was achieved through liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) combined with Compound Discoverer. Purification was carried out using a customized separation method. The structure was confirmed using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. The MED, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) were determined by two enhanced antibacterial assays. RESULTS: The main antibacterial compound identified was flavone. A TLC-bioautography-based antibacterial assay and a colorimetric broth microdilution assisted by HPLC were described as the enhanced antibacterial assay protocols. The MED, MIC, and MBC of flavone against S. aureus were found to be 4.2-5.2 µg/cm2, 225-275 µg/mL, and 550-650 µg/mL, respectively. Similarly, the MED, MIC, and MBC against Escherichia coli were determined to be 5.2-6.1 µg/cm2, 325-375 µg/mL, and 375-425 µg/mL, respectively. CONCLUSION: This study proposed an enhanced bioassay-guided separation technique for the isolation of antibacterial compounds from plants, along with two improved methods for assessing the antibacterial efficacy of insoluble or colored compounds.

Antibacterial and Antioxidant Activities of Hydroalcoholic and Phenolic Extracts from Ternstroemia dentisepala and T. lineata Leaves.

Traditional Mexican medicine commonly uses infusions of Ternstroemia spp. to treat insomnia, injuries, and infections. The antibacterial activities of Ternstroemia dentisepala and Ternstroemia lineata were evaluated for the first time against a panel of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria that have implications for human health, including Enterococcus faecalis, Streptococcus agalactiae, Streptococcus pyogenes, Salmonella typhi, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Vibrio parahaemolyticus. Furthermore, the scavenging potential of the hydroalcoholic (HAEs) and total phenolic extracts (TPEs) from the leaves of both plants by a 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) assay (ABTS•+) was determined. Also, the total phenolic contents of the HAEs using the Folin-Ciocalteu reagent were assayed. T. dentisepala HAE and TPE were active against all bacterial strains tested, with a minimum inhibitory concentration between 1.0 and 6.0 mg/mL, with the last one being the most active. However, the T. lineata extracts only demonstrated effectiveness against S. typhi and P. aeruginosa. The TPEs from T. dentisepala and T. lineata improved the activity by approximately 30% in all bacteria tested in comparison with the HAEs. The T. dentisepala HAE had a higher total phenolic content than the T. lineata extract, which was consistent with its ABTS•+-scavenging activity. The two HAEs had different chemical profiles, mostly because of the types and amounts of phenolic compounds they contained. These profiles were obtained using thin-layer chromatography (TLC), high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) experiments.

The Effects of a Cultivar and Production System on the Qualitative and Quantitative Composition of Bioactive Compounds in Spring Wheat (Triticum sp.).

Spelt Triticum aestivum L. subsp. spelta (cv. Wirtas), einkorn Triticum monococcum L. (cv. Samopsza) and emmer Triticum dicoccum Schrank (Schuebl) (cv. Plaskurka biala and Plaskurka ciemna) spring wheat cultivars were analyzed and compared to common wheat Triticum aestivum L. subsp. aestivum (cv. Harenda, Kandela, Mandaryna, Serenada, Goplana, Kamelia, Nimfa, Rusalka, Struna, Zadra) cultivated in an organic production system. Moreover, the performance of four common wheat cultivars (cv. Harenda, Kandela, Mandaryna, Serenada) grown in organic, conventional and integrated production systems were compared. The UHPLC-DAD-MS and TLC-DPPH• analyses of specific substances (phenolic acids and alkylresorcinols) were evaluated to ascertain the potential of spring wheat cultivars for promoting human health and suitability for cultivation in an organic production system. The highest yield was observed for the T. aestivum L. subsp. aestivum (modern hull-less) cv. Nimfa (4.45 t/ha), which also demonstrated the lowest resistance to Fusarium spp. infection. Among the contemporary hull-less cultivars, cv. Mandaryna and cv. Harenda exhibited the highest resistance to this pathogen (2.4% and 3.7% of grains infected by Fusarium, respectively), while simultaneously displaying the highest organic phenolic acid content (900.92 and 984.55 µg/g of the grain) and the highest antioxidant potential. It is noteworthy that the cereal hulls of T. monococcum L. (old hulled) (cv. Samopsza) exhibited a markedly elevated content of phenolic acids (approximately 4000 µg/g of the grain). This may have contributed to the reduced incidence of Fusarium infection (9.3% of grains infected) observed in the grains of this cultivar. Furthermore, the hulls proved to be a rich source of phenolics with high antioxidant activity, which is beneficial for human and animal health.

Sustainable solutions for direct TLC enantioseparation with in-home thought-out, prepared/modified chiral stationary phases.

TLC is used globally, yet less attention has been paid to TLC (in enantioseparation) despite its advantages. The present paper describes/reviews successfully practiced direct approaches of 'chiral additive in achiral stationary phase' (as an application of in-home thought out, prepared, tested, and modified chiral stationary phase), 'pre-mixing of chiral reagent with the enantiomeric mixture' (an approach using both achiral phases during chromatographic separation) and 'chiral additive in mobile phase', and chiral ligand exchange for enantioseparation of DL-amino acids, their derivatives, and some active pharmaceutical ingredients. It provided efficient enantioseparation, quantitative determination, and isolation of native forms via in-situ formation of non-covalent diastereomeric pair. The mechanism of enantioseparation in these approaches has been discussed along with the isolation and establishment of the structure of diastereomers. This may help chemists gain useful insights into fields outside their specialization and the experts get brief accounts of recent key developments, providing solutions for sustainable development of less expensive methods for control of enantiomeric purity and isolation of native enantiomers.

Assessment of the Lipophilicity of Indole Derivatives of Betulin and Their Toxicity in a Zebrafish Model.

There are scientific studies indicating that the attachment of an indole moiety to the triterpene scaffold can lead to increased anticancer potential. Lipophilicity is one of the factors that may influence biological properties and is therefore an important parameter to determine for newly obtained compounds as drug candidates. In the present study, previously synthesized 3 and/or 28-indole-betulin derivatives were evaluated for lipophilicity by reversed-phase thin-layer chromatography. The experimental values of lipophilicity (logPTLC) were then subjected to correlation analysis with theoretical values of logP, as well as for selected physicochemical and pharmacokinetic parameters and anticancer activity. A toxicity test using zebrafish embryos and larvae was also conducted. High correlation was observed between the experimental and theoretical values of lipophilicity. We presented correlation equations and statistical parameters describing the relationships between logPTLC and several physicochemical and ADME parameters. We also revealed the lack of correlation between the experimental values of lipophilicity and anticancer activity. Moreover, experiments on zebrafish have confirmed no toxicity of the tested compounds, which was consistent with the results of the in silico toxicity analysis. The results demonstrated, using the example of indole derivatives of betulin, the utility of lipophilicity values in the context of predicting the biological activity of new compounds.

Investigating the antioxidant and anticancer potential of Daucus spp. extracts against human prostate cancer cell line C4-2, and lung cancer cell line A549.

The study evaluated 297 carrot germplasm lines, focusing on 52 cultivars to explore their therapeutic potential and address challenges related to the accessibility and affordability of nutraceuticals and health promoting foods. The investigation explores the application of DNA barcoding using the ITS region for precise species identification, highlighting genetic diversity among the examined cultivars. Through ITS sequence-based analysis and phylogenetic examination, six diverse Daucus spp. genotypes were differentiated and classified into distinct groups, indicating the presence of vast genetic variation. Evaluation of antioxidant activities using the DPPH radical scavenging assay revealed varying degrees of scavenging ability among genotypes with SKAU-C-15, SKAU-C-17, and SKAU-C-16 exhibiting the highest activity, suggesting their potential for antioxidant-rich products. Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) bioautography confirmed the presence of bioactive compounds in carrot extracts responsible for their antioxidant properties. In cell culture studies, specific carrot genotype extracts demonstrated potential anti-proliferative and anti-invasive effects on recurrent prostate cancer cell line - C4-2 (SKAU-C-30, SKAU-C-10, and SKAU-C-42) and non-small cell lung cancer cell line - A549 (SKAU-C-18 and SKAU-C-11) cancer cells, as indicated by MTT assay, wound healing assay, and Colony Forming Unit assay. These findings suggest the promising therapeutic potential of carrot genotypes for developing anti-cancer functional foods, nutraceuticals and health supplements.Therefore, the study contributes to the nutrition security, paving the way for advancements in functional foods and health applications, particularly in cancer treatment and prevention.

Impact of Program-Erase Operation Intervals at Different Temperatures on 3D Charge-Trapping Triple-Level-Cell NAND Flash Memory Reliability.

Three-dimensional charge-trapping (CT) NAND flash memory has attracted extensive attention owing to its unique merits, including huge storage capacities, large memory densities, and low bit cost. The reliability property is becoming an important factor for NAND flash memory with multi-level-cell (MLC) modes like triple-level-cell (TLC) or quad-level-cell (QLC), which is seriously affected by the intervals between program (P) and erase (E) operations during P/E cycles. In this work, the impacts of the intervals between P&E cycling under different temperatures and P/E cycles were systematically characterized. The results are further analyzed in terms of program disturb (PD), read disturb (RD), and data retention (DR). It was found that fail bit counts (FBCs) during the high temperature (HT) PD process are much smaller than those of the room temperature (RT) PD process. Moreover, upshift error and downshift error dominate the HT PD and RT PD processes, respectively. To improve the memory reliability of 3D CT TLC NAND, different intervals between P&E operations should be adopted considering the operating temperatures. These results could provide potential insights to optimize the lifetime of NAND flash-based memory systems.

Analysis of Lipophilicity and Pharmacokinetic Parameters of Dipyridothiazine Dimers with Anticancer Potency.

Lipophilicity is an essential parameter of a compound that determines the solubility and pharmacokinetic properties that determine the transport of the drug to the molecular target. Dimers of dipyridothiazines are diazaphenothiazine derivatives exhibiting diverse anticancer potential in vitro, which is related to their affinity for histone deacetylase. In this study, the lipophilicity of 16 isomeric dipyridothiazine dimers was investigated theoretically and experimentally by reversed-phase thin-layer chromatography (RP-TLC) in an acetone-TRIS buffer (pH = 7.4). The relative lipophilicity parameter RM0 and specific hydrophobic surface area b were significantly intercorrelated, showing congeneric classes of dimers. The parameter RM0 was transformed into parameter logPTLC by use of the calibration curve. Molecular descriptors, ADMET parameters and probable molecular targets were determined in silico for analysis of the pharmacokinetic profile of the tested compounds showing anticancer activity. The analyzed compounds were tested in the context of Lipinski's rule of five, Ghose's rule and Veber's rule, confirming their bioavailability.

A case series of emphysematous pyelonephritis in COVID-positive patients.

Emphysematous pyelonephritis (EPN) is a rare infectious disease affecting the renal and perirenal tissues, wherein gas formation occurs in the renal parenchyma, perinephric tissues, or collecting systems. It can be life threatening with mortality rates upto 60%. Here, we report a case series of EPN during the COVID pandemic with COVID test-positive patients who were diagnosed based on clinical signs, symptoms, and CT scans. One patient was conservatively managed, one underwent nephrectomy, and the others were treated with percutaneous drainage and pigtailing. Despite being critically ill, all the patients recovered uneventfully. Owning to the rarity of the lesion and variations in the clinical spectrum, the diagnosis of EPN is challenging. EPN requires early diagnosis and prompt management. The interventional technique depends on the clinical status of the patient and the severity of the lesion. Although the threshold of intervention is low in normal clinical practice, in covid patients, we tried to manage patients conservatively and intervened only when unavoidable.

Impact of primary dressings on healing of venous leg ulcers: a French cohort study from the healthcare insurance database.

OBJECTIVE: Multicomponent bandages (MCBs) are recommended by the French Authority for Health (Haute Autorité de Santé) as first-line treatment for venous leg ulcers (VLUs). A first analysis of the data collected from the French administrative healthcare database (Système National des Données de Santé (SNDS)) on 25,255 patients with a VLU supported superiority of MCBs versus short stretch bandages when considering the healing outcomes and costs associated with closure of these wounds. The aim of this study was to assess how beneficial the primary dressing (technology lipido-colloid nano-oligosaccharide factor (TLC NOSF) or control dressing group (CDG)) could be, when used in combination with MCBs in the treatment of VLUs. METHOD: Data from the SNDS were collected for patients meeting the following inclusion criteria: treatment for a VLU with MCBs and with the same dressing type (TLC-NOSF or CDG) during the whole treatment period. Healing outcomes were documented on the global cohorts and propensity score-matched cohorts. The mean healthcare cost and the ecological impact were calculated for those patients healed within the study period. RESULTS: In total, 12,507 patients met the criteria for treatment with both MCBs and TLC-NOSF dressings (n=1134) versus MCBs and CDG (n=11,373); with 1134 and 2268 patients per group following propensity score matching. Healing outcomes were favourable for the TLC-NOSF group in the global cohort and were enhanced in the propensity score-matched cohorts. At every point of the analysis, the adjusted healing rates were significantly higher in the TLC-NOSF group than in the CDG group (p<0.001). In the propensity score-matched cohorts (n=3402), the healing rate at three months was 52% in the TLC-NOSF group versus 37% in the CDG group (p<0.001). The median healing time was 87 days versus 125.5 days in the TLC-NOSF and CDG groups, respectively (p<0.0001). TLC-NOSF dressings significantly reduced the average treatment cost per healed ulcer (€2099) by 23.7% compared with dressings without TLC-NOSF (€2751) (p<0.001), as well as the resources used. CONCLUSION: This SNDS analysis confirms, in the largest real-life study performed in VLU management, the superiority of the TLC-NOSF dressings versus those not impregnated with the NOSF compound. Better clinical outcomes associated with cost savings and a positive ecological impact support the combination of MCBs and TLC-NOSF dressings and should be considered as an optimal standard of care for the global management of VLUs. These outcomes reinforce the current positions of the international guidelines on the use of NOSF impregnated dressings (UrgoStart range; Laboratoires Urgo, France) in this pathology.

Study on the Rapid Limit Test for Six Sulfonamide Residues in Food Based on the TLC-SERS Method.

Sulfonamides are not only widely applied in clinics but also highly valued in animal husbandry. Recently, it has become common for sulfonamide residues to exceed the standard limits in food, which can affect human health. Current regulations limit these residues. Therefore, we constructed a new limit test method to rapidly determine the levels of sulfonamide residues. Six sulfonamides were detected using the latest method called TLC-SERS, namely, sulfamethasone (A), sulfamethazine (B), sulfadoxine (C), sulfamethoxydiazine (D), sulfamethoxazole (E), and sulfathiazole (F). The optimal conditions for SERS detection were investigated for these six drugs, and the separation effects of different TLC spreaders on them were compared. Then, we successfully established a separation system using dichloromethane-methanol-ammonia in a ratio of 5:1:0.25 (v/v/v), which provided good separation effects on the six drugs. The residues were preliminarily separated via TLC. A silver sol solution was added to the spot on the silica gel G plate at the corresponding specific shift values, and SERS detection was performed. The sample solution was placed on the spot under a 532 nm laser, and the SERS spectrum was collected and analyzed for the six sulfonamides. The results showed obvious variations in the SERS spectrum among the six sulfonamides, with the LODs being 12.5, 6.4, 6.3, 7.1, 18.8, and 6.2 ng/mL from A to F, respectively, and an RSD of <3.0%. Within 48 h, the SERS signal for each sulfonamide drug was kept stable, with an RSD of <3.0%. The detection results of 20 samples using the TLC-SERS method were consistent with those obtained by UPLC-MS/MS. The established TLC-SERS method is simple and fast, providing a useful reference for the rapid detection of residue limits in food.

Phytochemical profiling and antioxidant evaluation of Rhododendron arboreum Sm leaf and flower: integrative analysis using advanced analytical techniques.

OBJECTIVE: This study investigates the biological activities of Rhododendron arboreum Sm from the eastern Himalayas, addressing a literature gap on its properties. It explores the plant's phytochemical, antioxidant, and medicinal characteristics. SIGNIFICANCE: Evaluating methanolic extracts of R. arboreum offers valuable insights into its bioactive potential. Comprehensive GC-MS analysis identified a diverse array of compounds, highlighting the plant's chemical composition. METHODS: Methanolic leaf and flower extracts underwent sequential extraction and phytochemical profiling using column chromatography, TLC, and GC-MS analysis. Spectral studies aided compound identification, and antioxidant activity was assessed via spectrophotometric assays. RESULTS: Column chromatography separated methanol leaf and flower extracts into 17 and 24 distinct fractions, respectively. TLC analysis showed specific Rf values for leaf (0.58, 0.65, 0.75, 0.8, 0.86, 0.9) and flower samples (0.91, 0.38, 0.48, 0.51, 0.56, 0.6, 0.65, 0.75, 0.85, 0.96). GC-MS analysis revealed a variety of organic functional groups, including aliphatic hydrocarbons, aromatic compounds, heterocyclic molecules, phenolic compounds, steroids, terpenoids, alcohols, esters, and other bioactive compounds. FTIR spectra identified functional groups such as hydroxyls, primary amines, alkanes, and alkynes. NMR data indicated a complex molecular composition with diverse proton environments. Leaf extracts demonstrated superior antioxidant activity compared to flower extracts in DPPH, ABTS, hydrogen peroxide scavenging, lipid peroxidation inhibition, and FRAP assays. CONCLUSION: The study identifies diverse phytochemicals in R.arboreum extracts and highlights their potential applications in pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, and functional foods, owing to the superior antioxidant activity of leaf extracts compared to flowers.

High Performance Thin Layer Chromatography (HPTLC) Analysis of Anti-Asthmatic Combination Therapy in Pharmaceutical Formulation: Assessment of the Method's Greenness and Blueness.

A cost-effective, selective, sensitive, and operational TLC-densitometric approach has been adapted for the concurrent assay of Hydroxyzine Hydrochloride (HYX), Ephedrine Hydrochloride (EPH), and Theophylline (THP) in their pure powder and pharmaceutical forms. In the innovative TLC-densitometric approach, HYX, EPH, and THP were efficaciously separated and quantified on a 60F254 silica gel stationary phase with chloroform-ammonium acetate buffer (9.5:0.5, v/v) adjusted to pH 6.5 using ammonia solution as a mobile liquid system and UV detection at 220 nm. The novel TLC method validation has been performed in line with the international conference for harmonization (ICH) standards and has been effectively used for the estimation of the researched medicines in their pharmaceutical formulations without intervention from excipients. Additionally, parameters affecting the chromatographic analysis have been investigated. The new TLC approach's functionality and greenness were appraised using three modern and automated tools, namely the Blue Applicability Grade Index (BAGI), the Analytical Greenness metric (AGREE), and the Green Analytical Procedure Index (GAPI) tools. In short, the greenness characteristics were not achieved as a result of using mandatory, non-ecofriendly solvents such as ammonia and chloroform. On the contrary, the applicability and usefulness of the novel TLC approach were attained via concurrent estimation for the three drugs using simple and straightforward procedures. Moreover, the novel TLC method outperforms previously published HPLC ones in terms of the short run time per sample and moderate pH value for the liquid system. According to the conclusions of comparisons with previously recorded TLC methods, our novel HPTLC method has the highest AGREE score, so it is the greenest HPTLC strategy. Moreover, its functionality and applicability are very appropriate because of the simultaneous assessment of three drugs in one TLC run. Furthermore, no tedious and complicated extraction and evaporation processes are prerequisites.

Development and Assessment of a Rubric for Evaluating Teaching Portfolios Developed by Teaching and Learning Curriculum (TLC) Program Participants.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the validation and reliability assessment of a rubric designed to assess the participants' teaching portfolios and identify teaching excellence among teaching and learning curriculum (TLC) program participants. METHODS: Following focus groups with program leadership at a single TLC program, an initial rubric was developed, consisting of criteria mapped to 5 domains, to be rated on a 4-point scale. The rubric was then redistributed to the TLC program leadership and external stakeholders for evaluation of face and content validity. The rubric was piloted using teaching portfolios from 3 cycles of the program. Cronbach αwas used to measure internal consistency and a 2-way random-effects model was used to assess the inter-rater reliability. RESULTS: A total of 18 portfolios were independently evaluated by 4 raters. The overall mean Cronbach α for internal consistency was 0.90 and ranged from 0.65 to 0.84 by domain. The overall mean intraclass correlation coefficient for inter-rater reliability was 0.95 and ranged from 0.57 to 0.91 by domain. CONCLUSION: The rubric evaluates characteristics of teaching portfolios important to internal and external stakeholders and had good to excellent internal consistency and inter-rater reliability. It can be adapted and applied by TLC programs to identify teaching excellence.

Size-matching in lung transplantation by computed tomography for end-stage interstitial disease: a retrospective analysis.

Background: Size matching between donors and recipients is a major issue in lung transplantation (LTx), especially in patients with restrictive lung disease (RLD). This study aims to evaluate computed tomography (CT) as an additional method for defining the total lung capacity (TLC) in patients with end-stage interstitial disease awaiting LTx. Methods: Clinical data and CT scans from patients who underwent a first LTx from January 2014 to July 2018 in Bichat Hospital, Paris, were prospectively included in a database. CT TLC (ctTLC) was retrospectively calculated after semi-automatic contouring of the parenchyma and compared with measured TLC (mTLC) and predicted TLC (pTLC) values. Results: The study group included 89 patients (male:female =68:21; mean age, 59.5±10.0 years). The time between pulmonary function tests (PFTs) and CT scan was 162±270 days [median, 67 days; interquartile range (IQR), 0-233 days]. ctTLC was inferior to mTLC and pTLC (respectively 2,979±1,001 mL, 3,530±1,077 and 6,381±955 mL, P<0.001). The relative difference between CT lung volume (ctLV) and measured lung volume (mLV) was higher on the left than on the right side (25.4% vs. 16.3%, respectively, P=0.11). After exclusion of two outliers, we found a significant correlation between ctTLC and mTLC (r=0.762, P<0.001). Conclusions: CT volume is a feasible method to assess TLC in patients with end-stage interstitial disease awaiting LTx. This study highlights potential size-mismatch for graft selection before LTx and opens the perspective of a prospective trial evaluating impact of size-matching by donor-recipient (D-R) ctTLC ratio on postoperative outcomes.

Natural wax recovery from Musa acuminata biomass using organic solvents.

The main aim of this study is to experimentally investigate the yield of extraction and the presence of wax in the extracted yield from Musaacuminata (banana) biomass based on various functional groups that are present in natural wax. Extraction of natural wax from Musaacuminata (banana) biomass has been done by using the Soxhlet apparatus method in the presence of both polar (ethyl acetate and ethanol) and non-polar (toluene and hexane) solvents. The extracted yield has been found as 3.58% from hexane, 5.16% from toluene, 7.03% from ethyl acetate, and 10.26% from ethanol. The wax was also found in the extracted yield only in the case of nonpolar solvents (toluene and hexane). The novelty of this work is that Musaacuminata (banana) waste biomass has been utilized to recover the natural wax using nonpolar solvents and also compared with that of polar solvents to check the scope of wax extraction using polar solvents. Also, statistical analysis has been performed of the extracted yield using both solvents. Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) methods have been used to determine the various hydrocarbon chains present in the extracted yield which is similar to that of natural wax.

Efferent projections of Nps-expressing neurons in the parabrachial region.

In the brain, connectivity determines function. Neurons in the parabrachial nucleus (PB) relay diverse information to widespread brain regions, but the connections and functions of PB neurons that express Nps (neuropeptide S, NPS) remain mysterious. Here, we use Cre-dependent anterograde tracing and whole-brain analysis to map their output connections. While many other PB neurons project ascending axons through the central tegmental tract, NPS axons reach the forebrain via distinct periventricular and ventral pathways. Along the periventricular pathway, NPS axons target the tectal longitudinal column and periaqueductal gray, then continue rostrally to target the paraventricular nucleus of the thalamus. Along the ventral pathway, NPS axons blanket much of the hypothalamus but avoid the ventromedial and mammillary nuclei. They also project prominently to the ventral bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, A13 cell group, and magnocellular subparafasciular nucleus. In the hindbrain, NPS axons have fewer descending projections, targeting primarily the superior salivatory nucleus, nucleus of the lateral lemniscus, and periolivary region. Combined with what is known already about NPS and its receptor, the output pattern of Nps-expressing neurons in the PB region predicts roles in threat response and circadian behavior.

Automated identification of pesticide mixtures via machine learning analysis of TLC-SERS spectra.

Identification of components in pesticide mixtures has been a major challenge in spectral analysis. In this paper, we assembled monolayer Ag nanoparticles on Thin-layer chromatography (TLC) plates to prepare TLC-Ag substrates with mixture separation and surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) detection. Spectral scans were performed along the longitudinal direction of the TLC-Ag substrate to generate SERS spectra of all target analytes on the TLC plate. Convolutional neural network classification and spectral angle similarity machine learning algorithms were used to identify pesticide information from the TLC-SERS spectra. It was shown that the proposed automated spectral analysis method successfully classified five categories, including four pesticides (thiram, triadimefon, benzimidazole, thiamethoxam) as well as a blank TLC-Ag data control. The location of each pesticide on the TLC plate was determined by the intersection of the information curves of the two algorithms with 100 % accuracy. Therefore, this method is expected to help regulators understand the residues of mixed pesticides in agricultural products and reduce the potential risk of agricultural products to human health and the environment.