Condition: Patients With Lung, Breast, Head and Neck, or Pelvic Malignancies
Intervention: Other: Survey
Sponsor: Abramson Cancer Center of the University of Pennsylvania
Recruiting - verified April 2016
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Medicine by Alexandros G.Sfakianakis,Anapafseos 5 Agios Nikolaos,Crete 72100,Greece,tel :00302841026182 & 00306932607174
Δευτέρα 2 Μαΐου 2016
Dose Escalation Versus Standard in Laryngopharyngeal Cancers
Conditions: Malignant Neoplasm of Oropharynx Stage III; Malignant Neoplasm of Larynx Stage III; Malignant Neoplasm of Hypopharynx Stage III; Malignant Neoplasm of Oropharynx Stage IVa; Malignant Neoplasm of Oropharynx Stage IVb; Malignant Neoplasm of Larynx Stage IV; Malignant Neoplasm of Hypopharynx Stage IVa; Malignant Neoplasm of Hypopharynx Stage IVb
Interventions: Radiation: Escalated Dose; Radiation: Standard Dose
Sponsor: Tata Medical Center
Recruiting - verified April 2016
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Interventions: Radiation: Escalated Dose; Radiation: Standard Dose
Sponsor: Tata Medical Center
Recruiting - verified April 2016
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Influence of Folic Acid on Neural Connectivity during Dorsal Root Ganglion Neurogenesis
The vitamin folic acid (FA) is essential for DNA synthesis, repair and methylation, and for methionine synthesis. Although it is necessary for neural development, recent studies suggest a possible link between excess maternal supplemental FA intake and adverse interferences with single-carbon metabolism and neural development. Insufficient FA early in brain development can lead to failure of the neural tube closure, but the consequences of too much intake have not been fully investigated. Plasma FA concentrations can increase greatly with dietary supplementation. To model the development of neural connectivity, we cultured dorsal root ganglia (DRGs) taken from 8-day-old chick embryos in a range of pteroylmonoglutamate (PteGlu, synthetic supplemental FA) concentrations. DRGs were cultured for 36 h, fixed and immunostained to reveal the locations of neural networks with synaptic vesicles. We found a concentration-dependent relationship with significant reduction in neurite length in PteGlu concentrations from 0.25 to 20 μM. The average total of stained synaptic areas surrounding each cultured DRG was significantly reduced as well. To further characterize the effects, we carried out time-lapse imaging of growth cones at terminals of extending neurites. We found that PteGlu reduced the area-changing activity of the growth cone, hindering its exploratory capabilities, along with a tendency to inhibit overall advancement, thus altering the ability to extend and form synapses. Our results show that PteGlu at 250 nM and higher reduces neurite extension and synapse formation in a dose-dependent manner during neurogenesis, and that its effect is mediated through inhibition of growth cone motility.
Cells Tissues Organs
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A randomized trial of videoconference-delivered cognitive behavioral therapy for survivors of breast cancer with self-reported cognitive dysfunction
BACKGROUND
Long-term chemotherapy-related cognitive dysfunction (CRCD) affects a large number of cancer survivors. To the authors' knowledge, to date there is no established treatment for this survivorship problem. The authors herein report results of a small randomized controlled trial of a cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), Memory and Attention Adaptation Training (MAAT), compared with an attention control condition. Both treatments were delivered over a videoconference device.
METHODS
A total of 47 survivors of female breast cancer who reported CRCD were randomized to MAAT or supportive therapy and were assessed at baseline, after treatment, and at 2 months of follow-up. Participants completed self-report measures of cognitive symptoms and quality of life and a brief telephone-based neuropsychological assessment.
RESULTS
MAAT participants made gains in perceived (self-reported) cognitive impairments (P = .02), and neuropsychological processing speed (P = .03) compared with supportive therapy controls. A large MAAT effect size was observed at the 2-month follow-up with regard to anxiety concerning cognitive problems (Cohen's d for standard differences in effect sizes, 0.90) with medium effects noted in general function, fatigue, and anxiety. Survivors rated MAAT and videoconference delivery with high satisfaction.
CONCLUSIONS
MAAT may be an efficacious psychological treatment of CRCD that can be delivered through videoconference technology. This research is important because it helps to identify a treatment option for survivors that also may improve access to survivorship services. Cancer 2016. © 2016 American Cancer Society.
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Photovoltaics with Ferroelectrics: Current Status and Beyond
Ferroelectrics carry a switchable spontaneous electric polarization. This polarization is usually coupled to strain, making ferroelectrics good piezoelectrics. When coupled to magnetism, they become so-called multiferroic systems, a field that has been widely investigated since 2003. While ferroelectrics are birefringent and non-linear optically transparent materials, the coupling of polarization with optical properties has received, since 2009, renewed attention, triggered notably by low-bandgap ferroelectrics suitable for sunlight spectrum absorption and original photovoltaic effects. Consequently, power conversion efficiencies up to 8.1% were recently achieved and values of 19.5% were predicted, making photoferroelectrics promising photovoltaic alternatives. This article aims at providing an up-to-date review on this emerging and rapidly progressing field by highlighting several important issues and parameters, such as the role of domain walls, ways to tune the bandgap, consequences arising from the polarization switchability, and the role of defects and contact electrodes, as well as the downscaling effects. Beyond photovoltaicity, other polarization-related processes are also described, like light-induced deformation (photostriction) or light-assisted chemical reaction (photostriction). It is hoped that this overview will encourage further avenues to be explored and challenged and, as a byproduct, will inspire other research communities in material science, e.g., so-called hybrid halide perovskites.
The conversion of light into electricity in piezoelectrics originates from their intrinsic inversion symmetry breaking. This photovoltaic effect, the underlying microscopic mechanisms, and the influential parameters are reviewed here in ferroelectrics, which are characterized by a switchable spontaneous polarization.
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Three-Dimensional Printing of Multifunctional Nanocomposites: Manufacturing Techniques and Applications
The integration of nanotechnology into three-dimensional printing (3DP) offers huge potential and opportunities for the manufacturing of 3D engineered materials exhibiting optimized properties and multifunctionality. The literature relating to different 3DP techniques used to fabricate 3D structures at the macro- and microscale made of nanocomposite materials is reviewed here. The current state-of-the-art fabrication methods, their main characteristics (e.g., resolutions, advantages, limitations), the process parameters, and materials requirements are discussed. A comprehensive review is carried out on the use of metal- and carbon-based nanomaterials incorporated into polymers or hydrogels for the manufacturing of 3D structures, mostly at the microscale, using different 3D-printing techniques. Several methods, including but not limited to micro-stereolithography, extrusion-based direct-write technologies, inkjet-printing techniques, and popular powder-bed technology, are discussed. Various examples of 3D nanocomposite macro- and microstructures manufactured using different 3D-printing technologies for a wide range of domains such as microelectromechanical systems (MEMS), lab-on-a-chip, microfluidics, engineered materials and composites, microelectronics, tissue engineering, and biosystems are reviewed. Parallel advances on materials and techniques are still required in order to employ the full potential of 3D printing of multifunctional nanocomposites.
Different 3D-printing techniques used to fabricate 3D structures made of nanocomposite materials are reviewed. Various examples of 3D macro- and microstructures manufactured using different 3D-printing technologies for a wide range of domains such as microelectromechanical systems (MEMS), lab-on-a-chip, microfluidics, engineered materials and composites, microelectronics, tissue engineering, and biosystems are discussed.
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Integrating Electronics and Microfluidics on Paper
Paper microfluidics and printed electronics have developed independently, and are incompatible in many aspects. This work demonstrates monolithic integration of microfluidics and electronics on paper. This integration makes it possible to print two- and 3D fluidic, electrofluidic, and electrical components on paper, and to fabricate devices using them.
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A Mitochondrion-Specific Photoactivatable Fluorescence Turn-On AIE-Based Bioprobe for Localization Super-Resolution Microscope
A novel mitochondrion-specific photoactivatable fluorescence turn-on bioprobe, named as o-TPE-ON+, has been designed and readily prepared, operating in a new photoactivatable mechanism of photocyclodehydrogenation. This bioprobe exhibits unique photoactivation behavior in cells, and is applied to super-resolution imaging of mitochondrion and its dynamic investigation in both fixed and live cells under physiological conditions without any external additives.
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Ultrasmall Biocompatible WO3−x Nanodots for Multi-Modality Imaging and Combined Therapy of Cancers
Ultrasmall biocompatible WO3−x nanodots with an outstanding X-ray radiation sensitization effect are prepared, and demonstrated to be applicable for multi-modality tumor imaging through computed tomography and photoacoustic imaging (PAI), and effective cancer treatment combining both photothermal therapy and radiation therapy.
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Layer Engineering of 2D Semiconductor Junctions
A new concept for junction fabrication by connecting multiple regions with varying layer thicknesses, based on the thickness dependence, is demonstrated. This type of junction is only possible in super-thin-layered 2D materials, and exhibits similar characteristics as p–n junctions. Rectification and photovoltaic effects are observed in chemically homogeneous MoSe2 junctions between domains of different thicknesses.
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Over 11% Efficiency in Tandem Polymer Solar Cells Featured by a Low-Band-Gap Polymer with Fine-Tuned Properties
Highly efficient polymer solar cells with tandem structure are fabricated by using two excellent photovoltaic polymers and a high transparent intermediate recombination layer. Power conversion efficiencies over 11% can be realized featured by a low-band-gap polymer with fine-tuned properties.
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Nitrogen-Doped Porous Carbon Nanosheets Templated from g-C3N4 as Metal-Free Electrocatalysts for Efficient Oxygen Reduction Reaction
Nitrogen-doped porous carbon nanosheets (N-CNS) are synthesized by hydrothermal carbon coating of g-C3N4 nanosheets followed by high-temperature treatment in N2. g-C3N4 serves as a template, nitrogen source, and porogen in the synthesis. This approach yields N-CNS with a high nitrogen content and comparable oxygen reduction reaction catalytic activities to commercial Pt/C catalysts in alkaline media.
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Downsized Sheath–Core Conducting Fibers for Weavable Superelastic Wires, Biosensors, Supercapacitors, and Strain Sensors
Hair-like-diameter superelastic conducting fibers, comprising a buckled carbon nanotube sheath on a rubber core, are fabricated, characterized, and deployed as weavable wires, biosensors, supercapacitors, and strain sensors. These downsized sheath–core fibers provide the demonstrated basis for glucose sensors, supercapacitors, and electrical interconnects whose performance is undegraded by giant strain, as well as ultrafast strain sensors that exploit strain-dependent capacitance changes.
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White Electroluminescent Lighting Device Based on a Single Quantum Dot Emitter
Using a single emitter of Cu−Ga−S/ZnS quantum dots, all-solution-processed white electroluminescent lighting device that not only exhibits the record quantities of 1007 cd m−2 in luminance and 1.9% in external quantum efficiency but also possesses satisfactorily high color rendering indices of 83−88 is demonstrated.
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Cloning Nacre's 3D Interlocking Skeleton in Engineering Composites to Achieve Exceptional Mechanical Properties
Ceramic/polymer composite equipped with 3D interlocking skeleton (3D IL) is developed through a simple freeze-casting method, exhibiting exceptionally light-weight, high strength, toughness, and shock resistance. Long-range crack energy dissipation enabled by 3D interlocking structure is considered as the primary reinforcing mechanism for such superior properties. The smart composite design strategy should hold a place in developing future structural engineering materials.
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Sulfur Doping Induces Strong Ferromagnetic Ordering in Graphene: Effect of Concentration and Substitution Mechanism
In this work, imprinting ferromagnetism to graphene structure is reported by substitution of carbon atoms with sulfur. S-doped graphene (4.2 at%) shows strong ferromagnetic properties with saturation magnetization exceeding 5.5 emu g−1 at 2 K, which is among the highest values reported for any sp-based system. Remarkable magnetic response is attributed to delocalization of electrons from sulfur injected into the graphene conduction band.
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12 Jahre Computer-Aided Surgery around the Head
Zusammenfassung
Dank der multidisziplinären Ausrichtung des internationalen CAS-H-Symposiums (Computer-Aided Surgery around the Head) ergaben sich in den letzten Jahren einige Fortschritte in der Medizintechnologie, welche oft von der Industrie übernommen wurden. In Bern konnten viele Entwicklungen und Erfahrungen auf dem Gebiet der computergestützten Chirurgie, gerade durch die fördernde Wirkung des CAS-H-Meetings gemacht werden. Planungs- und Simulationsmethoden in der Mund-, Kiefer- und Gesichtschirurgie sowie der HNO-Heilkunde wurden entwickelt und klinisch getestet. Weitere CAS-H-Symposien sollten in Zukunft folgen, um die Möglichkeiten der computergestützten Chirurgie im Kopfbereich weiter voranzubringen.
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Bacterial zoonoses transmitted by household pets: state-of-the-art and future perspectives for targeted research and policy actions
The close contact between household pets and people offers favourable conditions for bacterial transmission. In this article, the aetiology, prevalence, transmission, impact on human health and preventative measures are summarized for selected bacterial zoonoses transmissible by household pets. Six zoonoses representing distinct transmission routes were selected arbitrarily based on the available information on incidence and severity of pet-associated disease caused by zoonotic bacteria: bite infections and cat scratch disease (physical injuries), psittacosis (inhalation), leptospirosis (contact with urine), and campylobacteriosis and salmonellosis (faecal-oral ingestion). Antimicrobial resistance was also included due to the recent emergence of multidrug-resistant bacteria of zoonotic potential in dogs and cats. There is a general lack of data on pathogen prevalence in the relevant pet population and on the incidence of human infections attributable to pets. In order to address these gaps in knowledge, and to minimize the risk of human infection, actions at several levels are recommended, including: (1) coordinated surveillance of zoonotic pathogens and antimicrobial resistance in household pets, (2) studies to estimate the burden of human disease attributable to pets and to identify risk behaviours facilitating transmission, and (3) education of those in charge of pets, animal caretakers, veterinarians and human medical healthcare practitioners on the potential zoonotic risks associated with exposure to pets. Disease-specific recommendations include incentives to undertake research aimed at the development of new diagnostic tests, veterinary-specific antimicrobial products and vaccines, as well as initiatives to promote best practices in veterinary diagnostic laboratories and prudent antimicrobial usage.
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Mometasone furoate nasal spray: a systematic review
The inflammatory diseases of the nose, rhino-pharynx and paranasal sinuses (allergic and non allergic rhinitis, NARES; rhinosinusitis with/without nasal polyposis, adenoidal hypertrophy with/without middle ear...
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Efficacy and possible mechanisms of topical tranexamic acid in melasma
Summary
Background
Tranexamic acid (TA) has been suggested as an effective treatment for melasma.
Aim
To investigate the effects and mechanism of action of topical TA in the treatment of melasma.
Methods
In this study, 23 participants with melasma applied a 2% TA formulation to the whole face for 12 weeks. Clinical effects were evaluated using the modified Melasma Area and Severity Index (mMASI) and a chromameter. Skin biopsies were obtained from 10 participants to evaluate pigmentation, vascularity and the expression levels of possible paracrine factors contributing to the effect of TA.
Results
Most of the participants had mild melasma, with mMASI of < 5. The mMASI scores significantly improved in 22 of 23 participants after application. The L* values were increased and the a* values were decreased in both lesional and perilesional normal skin. Fontana–Masson staining showed a significant decrease in melanin content in the epidermis. The number of CD31-positive vessels and the expression of the vascular endothelial growth factor both tended to decrease. Endothelin (ET)-1 was found to be downregulated with TA.
Conclusions
Topical TA is effective for melasma. This immunohistochemical study found that suppression of ET-1 could be one of the mechanisms of action of TA on melasma.
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Coalicion de Salud Comunitaria (COSACO): using a Healthy Community Partnership framework to integrate short-term global health experiences into broader community development
Background: There is growing concern that short-term experiences in global health experiences (STEGH), undertaken by healthcare providers, trainees, and volunteers from high income countries in lower and middle income countries, risk harming the community by creating a parallel system of care separate from established community development efforts. At the same time, the inclusion of non-traditional actors in health planning has been the basis of the development of many Healthy Community Partnerships (HCP) being rolled out in Canada and the United States. These partnerships aim to bring all stakeholders with a role to play in health to the table to align efforts, goals and programs towards broad community health goals. Results: This methodology paper reports on the process used in La Romana, Dominican Republic, in applying a modified HCP framework. This project succeeded at bringing visiting STEGH organizations into a coalition with key community partners and supported attempts to embed the work of STEGH within longer-term, established development plans. Conclusions: In presenting the work and process and lessons learned, the hope is that other communities that encounter significant investment from STEGH groups, and will gain the same benefits that were seen in La Romana with regards to improved information exchange, increased cross-communication between silos, and the integration of STEGH into the work of community partners.
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Validation of the qi blood yin yang deficiency questionnaire on chronic fatigue
Background: Chronic fatigue (CF) reflects an imbalance of inter-organ functions or of the four essential physiological components qi, blood (xue), yin, and yang. CF can be subdivided into different patterns. However, there are no diagnostic methods for CF. This study aimed to clinically validate a pattern identification method by identifying correlations between CF and responses to the qi blood yin yang deficiency questionnaire (QBYY-Q). Methods: Participants were recruited between May and June 2014 through the Kyung Hee University Korean Medicine hospital website and via posters and comprised 129 CF patients diagnosed with the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (1994) criteria. Participants who had organic diseases that explained the CF were excluded. A total of 159 participants were asked to complete the QBYY-Q, the fatigue severity scale, and the Chalder fatigue scale. The latter two questionnaires were used to assess convergent validity with the QBYY-Q. Among the 129 CF participants, 70 and 59 had chronic fatigue syndrome and idiopathic chronic fatigue, respectively. Two Korean medical doctors independently assessed participants' qi, blood, yin, and yang deficiency patterns using QBYY deficiency pattern identification guidelines. Based on the results of a preliminary study of the QBYY-Q, we selected 32 reliable items for symptoms corresponding to each deficiency pattern. The items were used to estimate internal consistency and construct validity. Multinomial logistic regression analysis was performed for scores on each deficiency pattern. Results: The data were means and standard deviations or numbers of participants and proportions for continuous and categorical variables, respectively. A statistical significance level of P < 0.05 was assumed. The QBYY-Q showed satisfactory internal consistency. Explanatory factor analysis extracted two factors for each deficiency pattern. The percentages of explained variance for qi, blood, yin, and yang deficiency were 45.1, 58.0, 52.2, and 63.4 %, respectively. Each QBYY-Q deficiency score was positively associated with each corresponding deficiency pattern. Qi deficiency was used as a reference category. Odds ratios of blood, yin, and yang deficiency were 10.97, 10.69, and 14.64, respectively. Conclusion: The QBYY-Q was suitable for estimating the influences of qi, blood, yin, and yang deficiencies in CF.Trial registration This trial was registered with the Korean Clinical Trial Register (KCT0001199)
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Determinants of domestic violence against women in Ghana
Background: The prevalence of domestic violence remains unacceptably high with numerous consequences ranging from psychological to maternal and neonatal mortality and morbidity outcomes in pregnant women. The aim of this study was to identify factors that increased the likelihood of an event of domestic violence as reported by ever married Ghanaian women. Methods: Data from the 2008 Ghana Demographic and Health Survey (GDHS) was analysed using a multivariate logistic model and risk factors were obtained using the forward selection procedure. Results: Of the 1524 ever married women in this study, 33.6 % had ever experienced domestic violence. The risk of ever experiencing domestic violence was 35 % for women who reside in urban areas. Risk of domestic violence was 41 % higher for women whose husbands ever experienced their father beating their mother. Women whose mother ever beat their father were three times more likely to experience domestic violence as compared to women whose mother did not beat their father. The risk of ever experiencing domestic violence was 48 % less likely for women whose husbands had higher than secondary education as compared to women whose husbands never had any formal education. Women whose husbands drink alcohol were 2.5 times more likely to experience domestic violence as compared to women whose husbands do not drink alcohol. Conclusion: Place of residence, alcohol use by husband and family history of violence do increase a woman's risk of ever experiencing domestic violence. Higher than secondary education acted as a protective buffer against domestic violence. Domestic violence against women is still persistent and greater efforts should be channelled into curtailing it by using a multi-stakeholder approach and enforcing stricter punishments to perpetrators.
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Ready, willing, and able: contraceptive use patterns across Europe
An "East-West" divide in contraceptive use patterns has been identified across Europe, with Western European countries characterized by the widespread use of modern contraception, and Central and Eastern European countries characterized by a high prevalence of withdrawal, the rhythm method, or abortion. Building on the Ready-Willing-Able framework, this study aims to gain more insight into the micro and macro-level socioeconomic, cultural, and technological determinants underlying contraceptive use. Data from the Generations and Gender Survey (2004-2011) covering four Western and seven Central and Eastern European countries is used, and multinomial multilevel analyses are performed. Results reveal that individuals who intend to delay parenthood are more likely to use any contraceptive method, whereas holding more traditional values and having a lower socioeconomic status are associated with a higher likelihood of using no or only traditional methods. Regional reproductive rights and gender equality interact in complex ways with these associations. At minimum, our results underline the complexity of the processes underlying the persistent difference in contraceptive use across Europe.
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Sensitivity of water stress in a two-layered sandy grassland soil to variations in groundwater depth and soil hydraulic parameters
Monitoring and modelling tools may improve irrigation strategies in precision agriculture. We used non-invasive soil moisture monitoring, a crop growth and a soil hydrological model to predict soil water content fluctuations and crop yield in a heterogeneous sandy grassland soil under supplementary irrigation. The sensitivity of the soil hydrological model to hydraulic parameters, water stress, crop yield and lower boundary conditions was assessed after integrating models. Free drainage and incremental constant head conditions were implemented in a lower boundary sensitivity analysis. A time-dependent sensitivity analysis of the hydraulic parameters showed that changes in soil water content are mainly affected by the soil saturated hydraulic conductivity K-s and the Mualem-van Genuchten retention curve shape parameters n and alpha. Results further showed that different parameter optimization strategies (two-, three-, four- or six-parameter optimizations) did not affect the calculated water stress and water content as significantly as does the bottom boundary. In this case, a two-parameter scenario, where K-s was optimized for each layer under the condition of a constant groundwater depth at 135-140 cm, performed best. A larger yield reduction, and a larger number and longer duration of stress conditions occurred in the free drainage condition as compared to constant boundary conditions. Numerical results showed that optimal irrigation scheduling using the aforementioned water stress calculations can save up to 12-22 % irrigation water as compared to the current irrigation regime. This resulted in a yield increase of 4.5-6.5 %, simulated by the crop growth model.
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The freedom to lose control: self-regulation difference in heavy versus light media multitaskers
Heavy media multitaskers (HMMs)perform worse on tasks that require self-regulation compared to light media multitaskers (LMMs). This paper investigates whether these individual differences stem from differences in the ability or motivation to self-regulate by manipulating participants' autonomy of attention allocation. In Study I (n=88) media multitasking behavior negatively predicted Stroop task performance, confirming the link between media multitasking frequency and behavioral response inhibition. In Study II (n=85), HMMs were more inhibited than LMMs after multitasking freely but not after their attention was guided externally by the experimenter. These findings suggest that motivation rather than ability to self-regulate drives the observed performance differences.
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Water soluble derivatives of 4-oxo-N-(4-hydroxyphenyl) retinamide: synthesis and biological activity
Abstract
A novel series of 4-oxo-N-(4-hydroxyphenyl) retinamide (4-oxo-4-HPR) derivatives were synthesized with the aim of increasing the poor solubility of the parent compound in biological fluids, while maintaining the cytotoxic activity and the dual mechanism of action. The most promising compound 13a showed antiproliferative/apoptotic activity. The analysis of its mechanism of action revealed that it retained the particular characteristic of 4-oxo-4-HPR which is able to induce cell cycle arrest during the mitotic phase, coupled with the formation of aberrant mitotic spindles.
This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Replacement of the carbonyl group of 4-oxo-4-HPR led to a novel class of water-soluble derivatives that maintained the efficacy and the dual mechanism of action of the parent compound.
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Breaking BRAF(V600E)-drug resistance by stressing mitochondria
Abstract
Until recently, advanced stage melanoma was considered an untreatable disease. However, tangible hope for patients has now become attached to small molecule inhibitors targeting the melanoma oncogene BRAF(V600E) and approaches to unleash the immune system against these tumors. Still, not every patient will be given respite by these treatments, and the ultimate goal of durable disease remission remains elusive. While the barriers to achieving durable responses remain incompletely understood, eventual relapse is likely a consequence of a variable degree of cancer heterogeneity that enables selective outgrowth of treatment resistant tumor clones. However, identification of alternative molecular targets that could be harnessed for combinatorial use hold promise to extend these initial responses, and may afford sustainable treatment.
This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Highly sensitive SERS analysis of the cyclic Arg–Gly–Asp peptide ligands of cells using nanogap antennas
The cyclic RGD (cRGD) peptide ligands of cells have become widely used for treating several cancers. We report a highly sensitive analysis of c(RGDfC) using surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) using single dimer nanogap antennas in aqueous environment. Good agreement between characteristic peaks of the SERS and the Raman spectra of bulk c(RGDfC) with its peptide's constituents were observed. The exhibited blinking of the SERS spectra and synchronization of intensity fluctuations, suggest that the SERS spectra acquired from single dimer nanogap antennas was dominated by the spectrum of single to a few molecules. SERS spectra of c(RGDfC) could be used to detect at the nanoscale, the cells' transmembrane proteins binding to its ligand.
Understanding the interactions of different cancer's cell ligand-receptor constitutes a major challenge for biophotonics research. Using Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) the current study experimentally investigates the extracellular matrix (ECM) ligand: Arg–Gly–Asp (RGD) in its cyclic configuration, using the high spatial resolution provided by a single gold plasmonic nanogap antenna. The SERS spectrum of the polypeptide used in multiple drug delivery systems is presented and analysed in details.
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Multiparametric evaluation of hindlimb ischemia using time-series indocyanine green fluorescence imaging
Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) can further cause lower limb ischemia. Quantitative evaluation of the vascular perfusion in the ischemic limb contributes to diagnosis of PAD and preclinical development of new drug. In vivo time-series indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence imaging can noninvasively monitor blood flow and has a deep tissue penetration. The perfusion rate estimated from the time-series ICG images is not enough for the evaluation of hindlimb ischemia. The information relevant to the vascular density is also important, because angiogenesis is an essential mechanism for post-ischemic recovery. In this paper, a multiparametric evaluation method is proposed for simultaneous estimation of multiple vascular perfusion parameters, including not only the perfusion rate but also the vascular perfusion density and the time-varying ICG concentration in veins. The target method is based on a mathematical model of ICG pharmacokinetics in the mouse hindlimb. The regression analysis performed on the time-series ICG images obtained from a dynamic reflectance fluorescence imaging system. The results demonstrate that the estimated multiple parameters are effective to quantitatively evaluate the vascular perfusion and distinguish hypo-perfused tissues from well-perfused tissues in the mouse hindlimb. The proposed multiparametric evaluation method could be useful for PAD diagnosis.
Perfusion rate, vascular perfusion density and time-varying ICG concentration in veins are estimated simultaneously to quantitatively evaluate and compare the vascular perfusion of the normal and ischemic hindlimbs using time-series ICG imaging, which can monitor blood perfusion in vivo. These parameters may provide more effective information for diagnosis of vascular occlusive disease.
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Feasibility of photoacoustic evaluations on dual-thermal treatment of ex vivo bladder tumors
A variety of thermal therapeutic methods have been investigated to treat bladder tumors but often cause bowel injury and bladder wall perforation due to high treatment dosage and limited clinical margins. The objective of the current study is to develop a dual-thermal modality to deeply coagulate the bladder tumors at low thermal dosage and to evaluate therapeutic outcomes with high contrast photoacoustic imaging (PAI). High intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) is combined with 532 nm laser light to enhance therapeutic depth during thermal treatments on artificial tumor-injected bladder tissue ex vivo. PAI is employed to identify the margins of the tumors pre- and post-treatments. The dual-thermal modality achieves 3- and 1.8-fold higher transient temperature changes and 2.2- and 1.5-fold deeper tissue denaturation than laser and HIFU, respectively. PAI vividly identifies the position of the injected tumor and entails approximately 7.9 times higher image contrast from the coagulated tumor as that from the untreated tumor. Spectroscopic analysis exhibits that both 740 nm and 760 nm attains the maximum photoacoustic amplitudes from the treated areas. The proposed PAI-guided dual-thermal treatments (laser and HIFU) treatments can be a feasible therapeutic modality to treat bladder tumors in a controlled and efficient manner.
This paper introduces the feasible application of photoacoustic imaging (PAI) for laser-integrated high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) treatment on ex vivo bladder tissue injected with artificial tumor. Due to additive thermal effects at low power levels, the proposed thermal treatment coagulates the targeted tissue. PAI ostensibly identifies the locations of both the artificial and the coagulated tumors with high image contrast. The PAI-guided dual thermal treatments can be a feasible therapeutic modality to treat bladder tumors in an effective manner.
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Photosensitized singlet oxygen generation and detection: Recent advances and future perspectives in cancer photodynamic therapy
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) uses photosensitizers and visible light in combination with molecular oxygen to produce reactive oxygen species (ROS) that kill malignant cells by apoptosis and/or necrosis, shut down the tumor microvasculature and stimulate the host immune system. The excited singlet state of oxygen (1O2) is recognized to be the main cytotoxic ROS generated during PDT for the majority of photosensitizers used clinically and for many investigational new agents, so that maximizing its production within tumor cells and tissues can improve the therapeutic response, and several emerging and novel approaches for this are summarized. Quantitative techniques for 1O2 production measurement during photosensitization are also of immense importance of value for both preclinical research and future clinical practice. In this review, emerging strategies for enhanced photosensitized 1O2 generation are introduced, while recent advances in direct detection and imaging of 1O2 luminescence are summarized. In addition, the correlation between cumulative 1O2 luminescence and PDT efficiency will be highlighted. Meanwhile, the validation of 1O2 luminescence dosimetry for PDT application is also considered. This review concludes with a discussion on future demands of 1O2 luminescence detection for PDT dosimetry, with particular emphasis on clinical translation.
In order to establish robust individualized singlet oxygen luminescence dosimetry for cancer photodynamic therapy, the most recent advances and future perspectives on enhanced generation and direct detection of singlet oxygen are discussed, and in addition the correlation between cumulative singlet oxygen luminescence and photodynamic therapy efficiency will be highlighted.
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The Impact of Media Multitasking on the Cognitive and Attitudinal Responses to Television Commercials: The Moderating Role of Type of Advertising Appeal
In two studies, we explored the effect of media multitasking on viewers' cognitive and attitudinal responses to television commercials and the moderating role of advertising appeals. The limited capacity theory of Lang (2001) that integrates both the motivational and cognitive ability aspects of information processing was used as the theoretical framework. The results of Study 1 show that in line with previous findings, media multitasking negatively affects cognitive responses but has an overall positive effect on attitudinal responses to television commercials. The results of Study 2 suggest that this effect on attitudinal responses is only present for commercials that focus on the desirability (compared to the feasibility) of a product. The results indicate that in media multitasking contexts, television commercials that rely primarily on stressing the desirability of a product have both a cognitive and an attitudinal advantage compared to those that rely primarily on stressing the feasibility of a product.
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The impact of media multitasking on the cognitive and attitudinal responses to television commercials: the moderating role of type of advertising appeal
In two studies, we explored the effect of media multitasking on viewers' cognitive and attitudinal responses to television commercials and the moderating role of advertising appeals. The limited capacity theory of Lang (2001) that integrates both the motivational and cognitive ability aspects of information processing was used as the theoretical framework. The results of Study 1 show that in line with previous findings, media multitasking negatively affects cognitive responses but has an overall positive effect on attitudinal responses to television commercials. The results of Study 2 suggest that this effect on attitudinal responses is only present for commercials that focus on the desirability (compared to the feasibility) of a product. The results indicate that in media multitasking contexts, television commercials that rely primarily on stressing the desirability of a product have both a cognitive and an attitudinal advantage compared to those that rely primarily on stressing the feasibility of a product.
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