Nanotheranostics, which combines optical multiplexed disease detection with therapeutic monitoring in a single modality, has the potential to propel the field of nanomedicine toward genuine ...personalized medicine. Currently employed mainstream modalities using gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) in diagnosis and treatment are limited by a lack of specificity and potential issues associated with systemic toxicity. Light‐mediated nanotheranostics offers a relatively non‐invasive alternative for cancer diagnosis and treatment by using AuNPs of specific shapes and sizes that absorb near infrared (NIR) light, inducing plasmon resonance for enhanced tumor detection and generating localized heat for tumor ablation. Over the last decade, significant progress has been made in the field of nanotheranostics, however the main biological and translational barriers to nanotheranostics leading to a new paradigm in anti‐cancer nanomedicine stem from the molecular complexities of cancer and an incomplete mechanistic understanding of utilization of Au‐NPs in living systems. This work provides a comprehensive overview on the biological, physical and translational barriers facing the development of nanotheranostics. It will also summarise the recent advances in engineering specific AuNPs, their unique characteristics and, importantly, tunability to achieve the desired optical/photothermal properties.
Nanotheranostics, which combines optical multiplexed disease detection with therapeutic monitoring in a single modality, has the potential to propel the field of nanomedicine toward genuine personalized medicine. A comprehensive overview of the recent advances in engineering gold nanoconstructs for nanotheranostics is provided. Their unique characteristics, required tunability to achieve the desired optical/photothermal properties and potential translational barriers faced are discussed.
The development of new effective cancer treatment methods has attracted much attention, mainly due to the limited efficacy and considerable side effects of currently used cancer treatment methods ...such as radiation therapy and chemotherapy. Photothermal therapy based on the use of plasmonically resonant metallic nanoparticles has emerged as a promising technique to eradicate cancer cells selectively. In this method, plasmonic nanoparticles are first preferentially uptaken by a tumor and then selectively heated by exposure to laser radiation with a specific plasmonic resonant wavelength, to destroy the tumor whilst minimizing damage to adjacent normal tissue. However, several parameters can limit the effectiveness of photothermal therapy, resulting in insufficient heating and potentially leading to cancer recurrence. One of these parameters is the patient's pain sensation during the treatment, if this is performed without use of anesthetic. Pain can restrict the level of applicable laser radiation, cause an interruption to the treatment course and, as such, affect its efficacy, as well as leading to a negative patient experience and consequential general population hesitancy to this type of therapy. Since having a comfortable and painless procedure is one of the important treatment goals in the clinic, along with its high effectiveness, and due to the relatively low number of studies devoted to this specific topic, we have compiled this review. Moreover, non-invasive and painless methods for temperature measurement during photothermal therapy (PTT), such as Raman spectroscopy and nanothermometry, will be discussed in the following. Here, we firstly outline the physical phenomena underlying the photothermal therapy, and then discuss studies devoted to photothermal cancer treatment concerning pain management and pathways for improved efficiency of photothermal therapy whilst minimizing pain experienced by the patient.
Honey authentication is a complex process which traditionally requires costly and time-consuming analytical techniques not readily available to the producers. This study aimed to develop non-invasive ...sensor methods coupled with a multivariate data analysis to detect the type and percentage of exogenous sugar adulteration in UK honeys. Through-container spatial offset Raman spectroscopy (SORS) was employed on 17 different types of natural honeys produced in the UK over a season. These samples were then spiked with rice and sugar beet syrups at the levels of 10%, 20%, 30%, and 50% w/w. The data acquired were used to construct prediction models for 14 types of honey with similar Raman fingerprints using different algorithms, namely PLS-DA, XGBoost, and Random Forest, with the aim to detect the level of adulteration per type of sugar syrup. The best-performing algorithm for classification was Random Forest, with only 1% of the pure honeys misclassified as adulterated and <3.5% of adulterated honey samples misclassified as pure. Random Forest was further employed to create a classification model which successfully classified samples according to the type of adulterant (rice or sugar beet) and the adulteration level. In addition, SORS spectra were collected from 27 samples of heather honey (24 Calluna vulgaris and 3 Erica cinerea) produced in the UK and corresponding subsamples spiked with high fructose sugar cane syrup, and an exploratory data analysis with PCA and a classification with Random Forest were performed, both showing clear separation between the pure and adulterated samples at medium (40%) and high (60%) adulteration levels and a 90% success at low adulteration levels (20%). The results of this study demonstrate the potential of SORS in combination with machine learning to be applied for the authentication of honey samples and the detection of exogenous sugars in the form of sugar syrups. A major advantage of the SORS technique is that it is a rapid, non-invasive method deployable in the field with potential application at all stages of the supply chain.
Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are known to have increased cardiovascular risk but there are few data on the risk of pediatric kidney transplant recipients. We aimed to assess the impact ...of pre- and post-transplant overweight on allograft function and to characterize the evolution of several cardiovascular risk variables over time and their impact.
A retrospective analysis of the records of 23 children/adolescents followed at a tertiary center after kidney transplant was conducted. Data on anthropometry and cardiometabolic variables were analyzed before transplant, six and 12 months after the transplant, and at the last follow-up visit. The impact of the variables on allograft function (glomerular filtration rate (GFR)) was estimated by creatinine-based revised Schwartz formula (Cr-eGFR) and was evaluated using nonparametric tests. Results: The 23 patients included in the study had a median age of 6.3 (4.4-10.1) years. Both systolic and diastolic BP z-score values significantly decreased between BMI groups 1.2 (-0.2 - 2.3) vs. 0.3 (-0.4 - 0.6), p=0.027 and 0.8 (-0.4 - 1.3) vs. 0.1 (-0.6 - 0.7), p=0.028, pre-transplant and at the final evaluation, respectively. During follow-up, GFR values decreased (Cr-GFR: 68.9 (57.7-76.8) vs. 58.6 (48.9-72.9), p=0.033 at 6-months and at the end, respectively). Significant negative correlations between triglycerides and cystatin C-based eGFR (ρ=-0.47, p=0.028) and Cr-Cys-eGFR (ρ=-0.45, p=0.043) at the end of the study were found.
Our study showed a high number of overweight children undergoing kidney transplant. A negative correlation between triglycerides and GFR was found, which highlights the importance of managing nutritional status and regular blood lipids evaluation after kidney transplant.
In conservation, science semiconductors occur as the constituent matter of the so-called semiconductor pigments, produced following the Industrial Revolution and extensively used by modern painters. ...With recent research highlighting the occurrence of various degradation phenomena in semiconductor paints, it is clear that their detection by conventional optical fluorescence imaging and microscopy is limited by the complexity of historical painting materials. Here, we illustrate and prove the capabilities of time-resolved photoluminescence (TRPL) microscopy, equipped with both spectral and lifetime sensitivity at timescales ranging from nanoseconds to hundreds of microseconds, for the analysis of cross-sections of paint layers made of luminescent semiconductor pigments. The method is sensitive to heterogeneities within micro-samples and provides valuable information for the interpretation of the nature of the emissions in samples. A case study is presented on micro samples from a painting by Henri Matisse and serves to demonstrate how TRPL can be used to identify the semiconductor pigments zinc white and cadmium yellow, and to inform future investigations of the degradation of a cadmium yellow paint.
Oral ulcerations after respiratory symptoms Sara Mosca; Mafalda Moreira; Susana Lira ...
Journal of pediatric and neonatal individualized medicine,
04/2022, Letnik:
11, Številka:
1
Journal Article
Recenzirano
Odprti dostop
Mycoplasma pneumoniae (M. pneumoniae) is frequently associated with respiratory infections in pediatric patients, but can also cause mucosal and cutaneous lesions. It has a wide spectrum of ...manifestations, including Kawasaki disease, erythema multiforme, Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), toxic epidermal necrolysis and M. pneumoniae-induced rash and mucositis (MIRM). This last condition was described as a new entity with mucosal findings consistent with SJS, but without or with sparse cutaneous involvement, preceded by a recognized M. pneumoniae infection. The main objective was to describe two possible presentations of this MIRM in order to raise awareness of the diagnostic criteria and proper clinical approach. Authors report the cases of two adolescents with mucosal but no cutaneous involvement that had laboratory confirmation of M. pneumoniae infection, either with DNA protein chain reaction or serum enzyme immunoassay. The therapeutic approach included azithromycin course and supportive care, with noticeable clinical improvement and favorable prognosis. These cases corroborate clinical and diagnostic features previously described, which include a predominance of two or more mucosal sites (mainly oral and ocular), relatively sparse cutaneous involvement and evidence of an atypical infection. An accurate diagnosis is of utmost importance for the correct management and prognosis.
In conservation science, the identification of painting materials is fundamental for the study of artists’ palettes, for dating and for understanding on-going degradation phenomena. For these ...purposes, the study of stratigraphic micro-samples provides unique information on the complex heterogeneity of the pictorial artworks. In this context, we propose a combined-microscopy approach based on the application of time-resolved photoluminescence (TRPL) micro-imaging and micro-Raman spectroscopy. The TRPL device is based on pulsed laser excitation (excitation wavelength = 355 nm, 1 ns pulse width) and time-gated detection, and it is suitable for the detection of photoluminescent emissions with lifetime from few nanoseconds to hundreds of microseconds. In this work, the technique is beneficially applied for identifying different luminescent semiconductor and mineral pigments, on the basis of their spectral and decay kinetic emission properties. The spatial heterogeneities, detected in the micro-sample, are investigated with Raman spectroscopy (785-nm in CW mode) for a further identification of the paint composition on basis of the molecular vibrations associated with the crystal structure. The effectiveness and limits of the proposed combined method is discussed through analysis of a corpus of stratigraphic micro-samples from Russian Avant-garde modern paintings. In the selected samples, the method allows the identification of modern inorganic pigments such as cadmium-based pigments, zinc white, titanium white, chrome yellow, ultramarine and cinnabar.
Dyslipidemias or dyslipoproteinemias are quantitative changes in total cholesterol concentration, respective fractions, or triglycerides in the plasma. Evidence supported that dyslipidemia in ...childhood is associated with atherosclerosis in adulthood, and early identification and treatment potentially reduce cardiovascular risk in adulthood, which is the principal cause of morbidity and mortality in developed countries. Dyslipidemias can result from primary lipoprotein metabolism changes due to different genetic causes (primary dyslipidemias) or as a consequence of exogenous factors or other pathologies (secondary dyslipidemias). Therefore, the combined dyslipidemias result from the association of important epigenetic and environmental influences with risk factors for cardiovascular disease. The criterion for lipid metabolism screening at young ages is not widely accepted and possibly follows a universal or directed screening strategy. Additionally, little is known about its long-term effects or possible risk-benefit despite the growing tendency to start pharmacological therapy. Therefore, this study aimed to review the available bibliography on dyslipidemia in pediatric age to present a practical and structured approach to dyslipidemia that focuses on screening, risk stratification for atherosclerotic disease, and therapeutic approach.
ABSTRACT Introduction: Rituximab (RTX) is a therapeutic option in pediatric difficult-to-treat idiopathic nephrotic syndrome (NS). We aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of RTX use in these ...patients. Method: A retrospective study of all patients with idiopathic NS treated with RTX was conducted in a pediatric nephrology division of a tertiary hospital. Demographic, anthropometric, clinical and analytical data were collected prior to treatment and at 6, 12, and 24 months. Results: Sixteen patients were included (11 males), with a median (25th–75th percentile, P25–P75) age at diagnosis of 2 (2.0–2.8) years. Fifteen were steroid-sensitive and 1 was steroid-resistant and sensitive to cyclosporine. The median age at administration of RTX was 10 (6.3–14.0) years. Throughout a median follow-up time of 2.5 (1.0–3.0) years, 6 (37.5%) patients achieved partial remission and 7 (43.8%) had no relapses and were not taking any immunosuppressants at the 24-month follow-up visit. Regarding complications, 1 patient presented persistent hypogammaglobulinemia. Compared with the 12-month period before RTX, there was a decrease in the median number of relapses at 6 and 12 months 3 (3.0–4.0) vs 0 (0–0.8) and 0.50 (0–1.0), respectively; p = 0.001 and in the daily steroids dose (mg/kg/day) at 6, 12, and 24 months 0.29 (0.15–0.67)vs 0.10 (0.07–0.13); p = 0.001, 0.12 (0.05–0.22); p = 0.005 and 0.07(0.04–0.18); p = 0.021, respectively. There was also a reduction in the median BMI z score at 24 months 2.11 (0.45–3.70) vs. 2.93 (2.01–3.98); p = 0.049. Conclusion: Our results confirm the efficacy and safety of RTX use in pediatric idiopathic NS and highlight its’ potential cardiometabolic benefits.
Resumo Introdução: Rituximabe (RTX) é uma opção terapêutica na síndrome nefrótica (SN) idiopática pediátrica de difícil tratamento. Visamos avaliar eficácia e segurança do uso de RTX nestes pacientes. Método: Realizou-se estudo retrospectivo de todos os pacientes com SN idiopática tratados com RTX, em uma unidade de nefrologia pediátrica de um hospital terciário. Dados demográficos, antropométricos, clínicos e analíticos foram coletados antes do tratamento e aos 6, 12 e 24 meses. Resultados: Incluímos 16 pacientes (11 do sexo masculino), com idade mediana (percentil 25–75, P25–P75) de 2 (2,0–2,8) anos ao diagnóstico. Quinze eram sensíveis a esteroides, e 1 resistente a esteroides e sensível à ciclosporina.A idade mediana na administração do RTX foi 10 (6,3–14,0) anos. Durante um tempo mediano de acompanhamento de 2,5(1,0–3,0) anos, 6 (37,5%) pacientes alcançaram remissão parcial e 7 (43,8%) não tiveram recidivas e não estavam tomando imunossupressor no acompanhamento aos 24 meses. Quanto às complicações,1 paciente apresentou hipogamaglobulinemia persistente. Comparado ao período de12 meses anterior ao RTX, houve diminuição no número mediano de recidivas em 6 e 12 meses 3 (3,0–4,0) vs 0 (0–0,8) e 0,50 (0–1,0), respectivamente; p = 0,001 e na dose diária de esteroides (mg/kg/dia) aos 6, 12 e 24 meses 0,29 (0,15–0,67) >vs 0,10 (0,07–0,13); p = 0,001, 0,12 (0,05–0,22); p = 0,005 e 0,07 (0,04–0,18); p = 0,021, respectivamente. Houve também redução na mediana do escore z do IMC aos 24 meses 2,11 (0,45–3,70) vs 2,93 (2,01–3,98);p = 0,049. Conclusões: Nossos resultados confirmam a eficácia e segurança do uso de RTX em SN idiopática pediátrica, destacando seus potenciais benefícios cardiometabólicos.
The increasing prevalence of overweight and obesity is a worldwide problem, with several well-known consequences that might start to develop early in life during childhood. The present research based ...on data from children that have been followed since birth in a previously established cohort study (Generation XXI, Porto, Portugal), taking advantage of State-of-the-Art (SoA) data science techniques and methods, including Neural Architecture Search (NAS), explainable Artificial Intelligence (XAI), and Deep Learning (DL), aimed to explore the hidden value of data, namely on electrocardiogram (ECG) records performed during follow-up visits. The combination of these techniques allowed us to clarify subtle cardiovascular changes already present at 10 years of age, which are evident from ECG analysis and probably induced by the presence of obesity. The proposed novel combination of new methodologies and techniques is discussed, as well as their applicability in other health domains.
PDF
