A new approach to deep tissue imaging is presented based on 8 nm CdTe semiconductor quantum dots (QDs). The characteristic 800 nm emission was found to be efficiently excited
via
two-photon ...absorption of 900 nm photons. The fact that both excitation and emission wavelengths lie within the biological window allows for high resolution fluorescence imaging at depths close to 2 mm. These penetration depths have been used to obtain the first deep tissue multiphoton excited fluorescence image based on CdTe-QDs. Due to the large thermal sensitivity of CdTe-QDs, one may envisage, in the near future, their use in high resolution deep-tissue thermal imaging.
Large CdTe quantum dots working within the biological window have been used for deep-tissue fluorescence imaging.
OBJECTIVETo determine the effectiveness of music therapy on anxiety and pain in critical polytraumatised patients admitted to the resuscitation unit of a tertiary level hospital in Spain. MATERIAL ...AND METHODRandomised clinical trial conducted in a tertiary level hospital, from June 2016 to May 2018. The study sample was 60 patients, 30 belonging to the intervention group (IG), and 30 to the control group (CG). The IG were given a 30-minute music session and heart rate (HR) and blood pressure (BP) were measured. The VAS (Visual Analogue Scale) was applied for anxiety and pain before and after each session. The same measures and scales were applied in the CG who did not receive a music session. The music session comprised 3 parts: the first was standard music selected by music therapists; the second was personalised, chosen by the patient and the third was a new standard. The intervention took place in a booth with headphones. RESULTSSignificant changes in anxiety levels (P<.01) were detected in the group of patients undergoing the intervention, measured with the VAS scale for anxiety, and pain levels (P<.01), measured with the VAS scale for pain. No significant differences were found in the physiological parameters of HR and BP. CONCLUSIONThe use of music in critical polytraumatised patients reduces anxiety and pain levels, increasing the patient's well-being and improving the quality of care. Music therapy, therefore, is considered beneficial as a complementary measure in critical care units. It would be worthwhile to continue studies in this and other hospital areas.
In this work we report on the ability of Er/Yb co-doped NaYF4 nano-crystals and CdTe Quantum Dots as two-photon excited fluorescent nano-thermometers. The basic physical phenomena causing the thermal ...sensitivity of the two-photon excited emission bands have been discussed and the maximum thermal resolution achievable in each case has been estimated. The practical application of both systems for thermal sensing at the micro-scale in biological systems is demonstrated. In particular, they have been used to evaluate the thermal loading induced by tightly focused laser beams in both living cells and fluids.
► Two-photon-excited optical probes capable of thermal sensing are introduced. ► The physics at the basis of thermal sensing is identified for each case. ► Optical nano-thermometers are used to determine laser induced heating in cells and fluids.
Extensive mud volcanism, mud diapirism and carbonate chimneys related to hydrocarbon-rich fluid venting are observed throughout the Spanish–Portuguese margin of the Gulf of Cádiz. All the mud ...volcanoes and diapirs addressed in this paper lie in the region of olistostrome/accretionary complex units which were emplaced in the Late Miocene in response to NW-directed convergence between the African and Eurasian plates. The study area was investigated by multibeam echo-sounder, high and ultra-high resolution seismic profiling, dredging and coring. The structures observed on multibeam bathymetry, at water depths between 500 and 1300 m, are dominated by elongate mud ridges, mud cones, mud volcanoes and crater-like collapse structures ranging in relief from 50 to 300 m and size from 0.8 to 2 km in diameter. The main morphotectonic features, named the Guadalquivir Diapiric Ridge (GDR) and the Cádiz Diapiric Ridge (CDR), are longitudinally shaped diapirs which trend NE–SW and consist of lower–middle Miocene plastic marly clays. The GDR field and the TASYO field, which consist of mud volcanoes and extensive fluid venting related to diapiric ridge development, are described in this paper. The GDR field is characterised by numerous, single, sub-circular mud volcanoes and mud cones. The single mud volcanoes are cone-shaped features with relatively gentle slopes of 3°–6°, consisting of several generations of mud breccia deposition with indications of gas-saturation, degassing structures and the presence of H
2S. The mud cones have asymmetric profiles with steep slopes of up to 25° and contain large surficial deposits of hydrocarbon-derived carbonate chimneys and slabs. The TASYO field is characterised by an extensive concentration of small, sub-circular depressions, oval and multi-cone mud volcanoes and large sediment slides. Mud volcanoes in this area are characterised by moderate slopes (8°–12°), have bathymetric relief ranging from 100 to 190 m and consist of sulphide-rich mud breccia, calcite chimneys, carbonate crusts and chemosynthetic fauna (Pogonophora tube worms). We propose that all these hydrocarbon seepage structures are related to lateral compressional stress generated at the front of the olistostromic/accretionary wedge. This stress results in the uplifting and squeezing plastic marly clay deposits. Additionally, the compressional stress at the toe of the olistostrome forms overpressurised compartments which provide avenues for hydrocarbon-enriched fluids to migrate.
Abstract Introduction Persistence of inappropriately high serum levels of fibroblast growth factor-23 (FGF23), a recently discovered phosphaturic hormone, has been reported to play an important role ...in the pathogenesis of posttransplant hypophosphatemia. The aim of the present study was to evaluate FGF23 in the early posttransplant period and study the complex associations between FGF23, parathyroid hormone (PTH), 1,25(OH)2 vitamin D, and phosphate in transplant patients. Materials and methods We performed a cross-sectional observational study of 42 adult kidney recipients in the early posttransplant period (<6 months). Fasting serum samples and 24-hour urine samples were collected during a routine follow-up outpatient visit. Serum creatinine, calcium, phosphate, magnesium and urinary creatinine, calcium, magnesium, and phosphate were measured using standard assays. We also studied concentrations of 25 hydroxyvitamin D, 1,25(OH)2 vitamin D, intact PTH, and circulating FGF23. Results Median values for the different parameters studied were as follows: 9.9 ± 0.6 mg/dL, phosphatemia 3.3 ± 0.7 mg/dL, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR; 41.1 ± 14.0 mL/min, phosphate reabsorption rate 68.4% ± 10.7%, PTH 94.5 ng/L (53.8–199.5), calcitriol 33.0 pg/mL (24.0–44.1), calcidiol 27.3 ng/mL (17.0–38.0), FGF23 139 pg/mL (88–221), and calciuria 62.5 mg/d (40.3–101.3). The variables significantly associated with serum FGF23 levels were phosphate reabsorption rate ( r = .493; P = .001), calcitriol ( r = .399; P = .009), eGFR ( r = .557; P < .001), PTH (0.349; P = .024). Conclusions Elevated serum levels of FGF23 could explain the deficiency of calcitriol and elevated renal phosphorus wasting in the early posttransplant period. All treatments that can lead to increased serum phosphate levels (eg, oral medication or calcitriol) should be carefully evaluated, since increased phosphatemia could further stimulate secretion of FGF23 and prolong high phosphorus loss.
Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate the distribution of UGT1A9 promoter region T-275A and C-2152T single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in stable transplant patients and to investigate ...the impact of these SNPs on mycophenolic acid (MPA) pharmacokinetics. Methods In total, 133 Caucasian renal transplant recipients were studied. Also a complete 12-hour pharmacokinetic profile was recorded for 15 transplant patients who had the polymorphism and for 15 controls who were randomly chosen since they received the same type and dosage of mycophenolate, same posttransplant time and similar renal function. Results The T-275A promoter mutation was detected in 12.03% of patients and the C-2152T in 9.77%. All patients with the mutation C-2152T had associated the mutation T-275A. Patients who carried either the T-275A or the C-2152T polymorphism (or both) experienced more admissions owing to gastrointestinal side effects ( P < .05). The pharmacokinetics studies showed that carriers of T-275A and/or C-2152T displayed a smaller area under-concentration time curve (AUC): 57.8 ± 4.3 vs 78.9 ± 10.8 mg/L⁎ h ( P < .03). Conclusion It seemed that carriers of T-275A and C-2152T SNPs of the UGT1A9 gene promoter region in the late posttransplant recipient group, showed a greater incidence of gastrointestinal side effects and a lower MPA exposure.
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