•Raman spectroscopy on nuclear and membrane regions of single human neuroblastoma cells.•Measurements are performed after irradiation by clinically relevant X-ray doses.•The acquired spectra are ...analyzed by PCA and interval-PCA methods.•The most relevant effects are evidenced in the spectra from the cell nucleus region.•Potential markers of an apoptotic process could be singled out for some X- ray doses.
Raman micro-spectroscopy was performed in vitro on nuclear and membrane regions of single SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cells after irradiation by graded X-ray doses (2, 4, 6, 8 Gy). The acquired spectra were analyzed by principal component analysis (PCA) and interval-PCA (i-PCA) methods. Biochemical changes occurring in the different regions of single cells as a consequence of the radiation exposure were observed in cells fixed immediately after the irradiation. The most relevant effects arose from the analysis of the spectra from the cell nucleus region. The observed changes were discussed in terms of the modifications in the cell cycle, resulting in an increase in the DNA-related signal, a protein rearrangement and changes in lipid and carbohydrates profiles within the nucleus. Potential markers of an apoptotic process in cell population irradiated with 6 and 8-Gy X-ray doses could have been singled out. No significant effects were found in spectra from cells fixed 24 h after the irradiation, thus suggesting the occurrence of repairing processes of the X-ray induced damage.
Etruria contained one of the great early urban civilisations in the Italian peninsula during the first millennium BC, much studied from a cultural, humanities-based, perspective, but relatively ...little with scientific data, and rarely in combination. We have addressed the unusual location of twenty inhumations found in the sacred heart of the Etruscan city of Tarquinia, focusing on six of these as illustrative, contrasting with the typical contemporary cremations found in cemeteries on the edge of the city. The cultural evidence suggests that the six skeletons were also distinctive in their ritualization and memorialisation. Focusing on the six, as a representative sample, the scientific evidence of osteoarchaeology, isotopic compositions, and ancient DNA has established that these appear to show mobility, diversity and violence through an integrated bioarchaeological approach. The combination of multiple lines of evidence makes major strides towards a deeper understanding of the role of these extraordinary individuals in the life of the early city of Etruria.
Particulate matter, a.k.a. particle pollution, is a complex mixture of small particles and liquid droplets that are present in the air. Once inhaled, these particles can affect the heart and lungs ...and cause serious health problems. A recent study, based on geographically referenced datasets of pollutant emissions has shown that non-exhaust related pollution is at present dominant and increasing. Emissions from paved roads are poorly estimated due to the lack of knowledge about the resuspension process. Recent literature works have attempted to provide a reliable framework for the estimation of emission factors. Estimations are obtained by linear regression with a single-valued discriminant for the acceptance/rejection of the experimental dataset based on the evaluation of the r-squared coefficient. In this paper, we explore alternative methods to evaluate the "quality" of the data and consequently discriminate whether a given sample can be accepted to provide estimation of the emission factors. Uncertainties are characterised both in the data and in the statistical model. Measurements are expressed with interval-valued datapoints to include the experiment precision directly within the estimation process. Alternative fitting techniques that avoid the use a single-valued discriminant are also explored for an inclusive estimation of the emission factors.
Obstruction and perforation due to colorectal cancer represent challenging matters in terms of diagnosis, life-saving strategies, obstruction resolution and oncologic challenge. The outcomes of these ...different resections when performed in acute clinical situations remain substantially unexplored. Case report: 65 years old diabetic and obese female, with abdominal pain accompanied by the absence of channeling of flatus and bowel movements as well as countless vomiting of low intestinal content, wich is why its refer to the emergency of the IAHULA, Merida Venezuela. Physical examination: tachycardic, tachypneic, with, HR: 130 TA: 90/60, FR: 28m oxygen saturation 89%. Abdomen distended, diminished hydro aerial sounds, painful on palpation, with voluntary muscular defense. An emergency laparotomy show: general fecal peritonitis, perforations of the transverse colon, stenosing sigmoid tumor. For this reason, phase 1 damage control surgery was performed by transversectomy + placement of proximal and distal threads, requiring phase II in an intensive care unit, ventilatory support and vasopressor drugs. Phase III was planned in 48 to 72 hours for probable complete left colectomy, however, the patient died after 18 hours of postoperative. Discussion: damage control surgery has been considered an appropriate approach to the treatment of critically ill patients with severe intra-abdominal sepsis. Conclusion: Abdominal sepsis and a septic shock are both possible as a critical scenarios in patients with perforation and obstruction of the colon secondary tumors and carcinomas, for that reason it is important to know which patient can be selected to a damage control surgery in orden to improve the morbimortality.
Using the high-resolution performance of the fragment separator FRS at GSI we have discovered 60 new neutron-rich isotopes in the atomic number range of 60 <= Z <= 78 . The new isotopes were ...unambiguously identified in reactions with a U 238 beam impinging on a Be target at 1 GeV/nucleon. The production cross-section for the new isotopes have been measured down to the pico-barn level and compared with predictions of different model calculations. For elements above hafnium fragmentation is the dominant reaction mechanism which creates the new isotopes, whereas fission plays a dominant role for the production of the new isotopes up to thulium.
The current study examined whether alexithymia is involved in colon cancer as has been found in breast and uterine cancer research. The TAS-20 was administered before examination to patients who ...underwent colon cancer screening. Histological data were obtained from the biopsies. Gender, age, education, smoking and drinking habits, and personal and family histories of neoplastic colonic disease were controlled for in the analysis. Both adenoma and adenocarcinoma patients had higher TAS-20 scores than negative cases, and both high and intermediate levels of alexithymia were implicated. Difficulty identifying feelings and externally oriented thinking were the most prominent facets related to the disease process.
Informal seed systems, such as farmer-to-farmer exchanges and farmer self-saved seed, are critical components of resource poor farming systems. This local seed production and distribution facilitates ...maintenance of crop bio-diversity by preserving in situ locally adapted cultivars and by broadening the genetic base of production with multiple cultivars adapted to specific production systems and micro-climates. They also enhance seed and food security during periods of instability or natural disaster, including changing environmental conditions. A rich diversity of underutilized crop species function within these informal seed systems in Southeast Asia, yet current efforts to conserve, improve, and disseminate indigenous species are failing. A strategy was developed and tested linking an innovative seed bank, local farmers and non-commercial seed traders, with developing markets, supported by accessible information made available through a local outreach network. Impacts included identification of key seed traders and farmers functioning within targeted regions of high species diversity, inventories of important indigenous crop species, documentation of specific indigenous knowledge surrounding the culture of key crops, and expanded exchange and distribution of locally adapted underutilized species. This project paves the way for potential longer term benefits including formation of seed bank-farmer linkages that allow non-commercial seed producers to access new cultivars, hybrids and high-value seed resources not available from traditional sources, development of value chains around key indigenous species, and regional distribution of important seed resources to less developed neighbor nations.
Frontal osteomas are benign neoformations, which often remain asymptomatic throughout a patient’s life or develop a cosmetic disfigurement. Diagnosis is usually by chance, and can result from various ...stimuli, such as accidental or surgical trauma, acne scars, and skin tumors, however in the absence of currently known triggering factors. Case report: 85 years female patient who reports the onset of the current disease 20 years prior to the first medical consult, characterized by a progressive frontal tumor growth that was self-detected, with an aesthetical awkwardness and progressive headache. At the frontal region she had an impressive increase in volume is evidence emerging from the external cortical of the frontal bone, non-mobile consistency, adhered to deep planes. For this reason, a simple tomographic study was performed and shows a probable osteoid osteoma. The patient was taken to the operation room, performed a transverse incision in the line of implantation of the scalp, division through planes and soft tissues until reaching a bone lesion at the expense of the external table of the left frontal region, and was completely resected. The histological results of the biopsy reports an osteoid osteoma. Discussion: despite the increasing use of endoscopic procedures, open approach via coronal incision remains the gold standard for frontal sinus osteoma with lower recurrence rates. Conclusion: Osteoid osteomas are a relatively frequent benign bone tumors that have a slow growth and are usually asymptomatic, however with the past of the years can develop headache and cosmetic uncomforted.
Informal seed systems provide access to locally-adapted indigenous crops and constitute an essential component of sustainable production for resource-poor farmers in Southeast Asia. Research ...conducted with five ethno-linguistic groups in 12 villages in northern Thailand and Cambodia focuses on strengthening the indigenous informal vegetable seed system, including the conservation of knowledge surrounding that system. Through targeted village surveys and using photo card sorts to standardize responses across languages, our methodology documents and characterizes seed system species, pathways, and “germplasm gatekeepers” for indigenous annual and perennial vegetable crops important to northern Thailand hilltribe and Khmer communities. Additionally, farmer-innovated seed preservation and storage methodologies are documented, and farmer-saved seeds are tested using a village-based photovoltaic-powered growth chamber to determine baseline seed viability and vigor under local conditions. At the culmination of research in village clusters, seed and information exchange events occur that facilitate the inter-village exchange, preservation and dissemination of important genetic resources and best practices for seed saving and storage methodologies identified during the farmer community surveys. This research, which was completed in eight northern Thai villages and in four Cambodian villages, helped to build important linkages between under-represented Southeast Asia farmers of diverse ethnicities, a local innovative seed bank (ECHO Asia Impact Center), and a local university extension training system.
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