Gene profiling using a customized NanoString platform can be applied to routine mycosis fungoides (MF) samples, revealing their specific molecular features. This study shows that MF samples carry a ...signature derived from individual molecular features found in consecutive biopsies.
Enterotoxins are a type of toxins that primarily affect the intestines. Understanding their harmful effects is essential for food safety and medical research. Current methods lack high-throughput, ...robust, and translatable models capable of characterizing toxin-specific epithelial damage. Pressing concerns regarding enterotoxin contamination of foods and emerging interest in clinical applications of enterotoxins emphasize the need for new platforms. Here, we demonstrate how Caco-2 tubules can be used to study the effect of enterotoxins on the human intestinal epithelium, reflecting toxins' distinct pathogenic mechanisms. After exposure of the model to toxins nigericin, ochratoxin A, patulin and melittin, we observed dose-dependent reductions in barrier permeability as measured by TEER, which were detected with higher sensitivity than previous studies using conventional models. Combination of LDH release assays and DRAQ7 staining allowed comprehensive evaluation of toxin cytotoxicity, which was only observed after exposure to melittin and ochratoxin A. Furthermore, the study of actin cytoskeleton allowed to assess toxin-induced changes in cell morphology, which were only caused by nigericin. Altogether, our study highlights the potential of our Caco-2 tubular model in becoming a multi-parametric and high-throughput tool to bridge the gap between current enterotoxin research and translatable in vivo models of the human intestinal epithelium.
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have recently emerged as a new class of biomarkers for disease diagnosis and play vital roles in physiological and pathological processes. Here, a novel fiber-optic prototype that ...allows synchronized optical transmittance measurements at different wavelengths has been designed and fabricated for selective and sensitive miRNAs detection based on a ratiometric colorimetric strategy. The proposed measurement method automatically adjusts the output light power through the LEDs, minimizing eventual differences in brightness and potential losses through the optical fiber without the need expensive optical components. The prototype has been validated for the detection of miRNAs identified as biomarkers of bovine mastitis in dairy cattle. Observation of the color changes from red to blue of the AuNP solution, and therefore on the transmittance signal, caused by miRNA-induced gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), aggregation has been used for rapid detection of such genetic biomarker. The equipment designed and constructed is portable, being the main parameters of the measurement managed with a smartphone, and it could be potentially employed with any other biosensor whose detection strategy is based on changes in the distance between AuNPs.
There is a growing interest in the development of sensitive, portable, and low-cost instrumentation for optical chemical (bio)sensing. Such instrumentation can allow real-time decision-making for ...industry, farmers, and researchers. The combination of optical fiber schemes, luminescence spectroscopy techniques, and new materials for sensor immobilization has allowed the growth of optical sensors. This article focuses on the development of low-cost optoelectronic instrumentation and measurement strategies for optical chemical (bio)sensing. Most of the articles in this field have focused on the chemical sensors themselves, although few have covered the design process for optoelectronic instrumentation. This article tries to fill this gap by presenting designs for real applications, as carried out by the authors. We also offer an introduction to the optical devices and optical measurement techniques used in this field to allow a full understanding of the applications.
ObjectivesDetermine the effectiveness and cost of defibrotide in patients with severe hepatic sinusoidal obstruction syndrome following haematopoietic stem cell transplantation in a tertiary ...hospital.MethodsA retrospective observational study. Adults or children treated with defibrotide at a mean dose of 6.8 mg/kg every 6 hours, until the total bilirubin levels are normalised, were included. Main endpoint was complete response, defined as normalised total serum bilirubin levels and resolution of multiple organ failure. Secondary endpoints were survival by 100 days post-transplant, influence of risks factors in effectiveness and cost of treatment.Results51 patients (36 adults and 15 children) received defibrotide; median dose of defibrotide administered was 25.19 mg/kg/day (10.0–100.3). Complete response was achieved in 19 (37.3%) patients. By 100 days post-transplant complete response was achieved in 18 (35.3%) patients and the survival rate was 29 (56.9%) patients. There were no significant differences in effectiveness between adults versus paediatrics and between patients who presented risk factors. The mean cost of treatment per patient was €32 916, mean costs in adults was €104 292 and €17 394 in children.ConclusionRegarding the results of our study, it is convenient to identify the patients who will be able to benefit from this treatment according to clinical conditions, medical history and prognosis. Given the great economic impact of defibrotide, we consider that more cost-effectiveness studies are required.Trial registration numberEPA-OD, number LBM-DEF-2016-01
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