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Pediatric Rheumatology Online Journal Jan 2024Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) Associated Uveitis (JIA-U) remains one of the most serious complications of JIA in children. Historically, pediatric JIA is diagnosed... (Observational Study)
Observational Study
BACKGROUND
Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) Associated Uveitis (JIA-U) remains one of the most serious complications of JIA in children. Historically, pediatric JIA is diagnosed by an Optometrist or Ophthalmologist; however, barriers to scheduling increase wait times that may delay diagnosis and treatment. The purpose of this study was to evaluate laser flare photometry (LFP) use to diagnose JIA-U in the Pediatric Rheumatology clinic for patients with JIA.
METHODS
This prospective, observational study assessed pediatric patients diagnosed with JIA without a previous history of uveitis between January 2020 and September 2022. All patients underwent at least one evaluation of both eyes using a Kowa FM-600 laser flare photometer during a routine Rheumatology appointment, as well as a standard slit lamp examination (SLE) by optometry or ophthalmology during routine clinical care. Data collected at patient visits included demographics, JIA characteristics, treatment, LFP readings, and anterior chamber (AC) cell grade score utilizing the SUN grading system. Data were summarized using descriptive analyses and the uveitis false positive rate was calculated.
RESULTS
The study cohort included 58 pediatric patients diagnosed with JIA. The mean age was 8.4 years (1.2-16.3 years) at diagnosis and 11.9 (4.8-16.5 years) at enrollment. The mean duration of disease at time of enrollment was 42 months (range; 0-157 months). Participants were predominantly female (n = 43, 74.1%) and white/Caucasian race (n = 37, 63.8%). The most common JIA subtypes included persistent oligoarticular JIA (n = 19, 32.8%), and RF negative polyarticular JIA (n = 12, 20.7%). There were 12 ANA positive patients (20.7%). At enrollment, 16 patients (27.6%) were not on medications, with 20 (34.5%) on methotrexate, 20 (34.5%) on adalimumab, 6 (10.3%) on tocilizumab, and 5 (8.6%) on etanercept. During the study period, no eye exams detected active uveitis based on SLE with a SUN grade over 0. However, of the 135 LFP readings, 131 (97.0%) were normal, yielding a false positive rate of 3% (95% CI: 0.8%, 7.4%).
CONCLUSIONS
LFP is a non-invasive tool that can be utilized in the pediatric rheumatology clinic to evaluate for JIA-U. There is a low false positive rate of LFP when compared with standard slit lamp exam.
Topics: Humans; Child; Female; Male; Arthritis, Juvenile; Prospective Studies; Rheumatology; Uveitis; Photometry; Lasers
PubMed: 38279120
DOI: 10.1186/s12969-024-00961-9 -
Sensors (Basel, Switzerland) Jan 2024Aerosols play a crucial role in the surface radiative budget by absorbing and scattering both shortwave and longwave radiation. While most aerosol types exhibit a...
Aerosols play a crucial role in the surface radiative budget by absorbing and scattering both shortwave and longwave radiation. While most aerosol types exhibit a relatively minor longwave radiative forcing when compared to their shortwave counterparts, dust aerosols stand out for their substantial longwave radiative forcing. In this study, radiometers, a sun photometer, a microwave radiometer and the parameterization scheme for clear-sky radiation estimation were integrated to investigate the radiative properties of aerosols. During an event in Xianghe, North China Plain, from 25 April to 27 April 2018, both the composition (anthropogenic aerosol and dust) and the aerosol optical depth (AOD, ranging from 0.3 to 1.5) changed considerably. A notable shortwave aerosol radiative effect (SARE) was revealed by the integrated system (reaching its peak at -131.27 W·m on 26 April 2018), which was primarily attributed to a reduction in direct irradiance caused by anthropogenic aerosols. The SARE became relatively consistent over the three days as the AODs approached similar levels. Conversely, the longwave aerosol radiative effect (LARE) on the dust days ranged from 8.94 to 32.93 W·m, significantly surpassing the values measured during the days of anthropogenic aerosol pollution, which ranged from 0.35 to 28.67 W·m, despite lower AOD values. The LARE increased with a higher AOD and a lower Ångström exponent (AE), with a lower AE having a more pronounced impact on the LARE than a higher AOD. It was estimated that, on a daily basis, the LARE will offset approximately 25% of the SARE during dust events and during periods of heavy anthropogenic pollution.
PubMed: 38257489
DOI: 10.3390/s24020397 -
International Journal of Molecular... Jan 2024Mass photometry (MP) is a fast and simple analysis method for the determination of the proportions of subpopulations in an AAV sample. It is label-free and requires...
Mass photometry (MP) is a fast and simple analysis method for the determination of the proportions of subpopulations in an AAV sample. It is label-free and requires minimal sample volumes between 5-10 µL, which makes it a promising candidate over orthogonal techniques such as analytical ultracentrifugation (AUC), cryo-transmission electron microscopy (Cryo-TEM) or charge-detection mass spectrometry (CDMS). However, these methods are limited in their application to purified samples only. Here we developed a purification step based on single-domain monospecific antibody fragments immobilised on either a poly(styrene-divinylbenzene) resin or on magnetic beads prior to MP analysis that allows the quantification of empty, partially filled, full and overfull AAV vectors in crude cell extracts. This is aimed at identifying potentially promising harvest conditions that yield large numbers of filled AAV vectors during the early stages of the viral vector development platform, e.g., the type of transfection reagent used. Furthermore, we provide a direct comparison of the automated and manual handling of the mass photometer with respect to the quantities of AAV subspecies, molar mass of the capsid and payload, and highlight the differences between the "buffer-free" sample measurement and the "buffer-dilution" mode. In addition, we provide information on which candidates to use for calibration and demonstrate the limitations of the mass photometer with respect to the estimation of the capsid titer.
Topics: Cell Extracts; Dependovirus; Biotechnology; Calibration; Capsid Proteins; Photometry; Single-Domain Antibodies
PubMed: 38255912
DOI: 10.3390/ijms25020838 -
Animals : An Open Access Journal From... Dec 2023The objective of the present study was to determine the effects that the reproductive season has on the motility, kinematics, morphology, and sperm morphometry of...
The objective of the present study was to determine the effects that the reproductive season has on the motility, kinematics, morphology, and sperm morphometry of Brahman bulls evaluated with a commercial CASA system. The experiment was carried out at the Costa Rica Institute of Technology from March to August 2021. A total of eight Brahman bulls were used. A total of 28 ejaculates were collected in the pre-mating period (PMP), during it (DMP), and after it (AMP) using an electroejaculator. The sperm concentration was measured with the Accuread photometer. The motility was measured using a Spermtrack counting chamber. The analyses were performed with the CASA-Mot ISASv1 system. The morphology was analyzed using a microscope with a negative phase contrast objective. Morphometry was evaluated with the CASA-Morph. The sperm concentration did not present differences between the PMP and AMP; however, it was significantly higher than DMP ( > 0.05). Regarding the progressiveness variables, linearity on forward progression (LIN), straightness (STR), and wobble (WOB) were higher ( < 0.05) DMP. A kinematic principal component analysis grouped all the variables into three factors and an effect on the reproductive period was found ( < 0.05) in the parameters of the head and middle part of the sperm, such as width and perimeter, which were greater in the PMP. The length of the sperm head in the PMP and DMP did not show differences; however, both were larger ( < 0.05) than AMP. The insertion distance of the middle piece of the sperm was significantly greater than DMP. Finally, the PMP contained cells with a larger insertion angle ( < 0.05) than AMP. These findings are important to understand the implications of reproductive status on sperm quality and to consider them in andrological evaluations.
PubMed: 38200863
DOI: 10.3390/ani14010132 -
Medycyna Pracy Dec 2023The study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of filtering facepiece respirators (FFRs) in reducing odour nuisances in agricultural work environment. Additionally, an...
BACKGROUND
The study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of filtering facepiece respirators (FFRs) in reducing odour nuisances in agricultural work environment. Additionally, an assessment was conducted on the microbiological contamination of FFRs and the functionality of Time4Mask application in enhancing workplace safety.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
Two types of FFRs were used for the study: with absorbing properties and reference ones. The research was carried out in 6 livestock rooms during a 1-week period in early spring (February-March 2021) on a farm in central Poland. The microclimate conditions (thermoanemometer), and particulate matter concentrations (laser photometer) were assessed. Additionally, the odour content in the studied rooms and the breathing zone of FFR users (gas chromatography with mass spectrometry) were evaluated. The number of microorganisms on the respirators was determined (cultivation method), followed by their identification (biochemical tests, taxonomic keys). Breakthrough curves were determined for both FFR types to assess absorption capabilities.
RESULTS
The average temperature in the livestock rooms was about 13°C, relative humidity - 53%, air flow velocity - 0.21 m/s, and particulate matter concentration - 0.216 mg/m. A significant variety of odorants was found in the environment and the breathing zone under the FFRs. Bacterial counts ranged between 2.4 × 10 and 2.6 × 10 CFU/cm, fungi between 3.2 × 10 and 5.4 × 10 CFU/cm, xerophilic fungi from 4.4 × 10 to 4.0 × 10 CFU/cm, mannitol-positive staphylococci between 1.6 × 10 and 1.0 × 10 CFU/cm, and haemolytic staphylococci from 2.2 × 10 to 4.5 × 10 CFU/cm, depending on the respirator type. Respirators were colonized by bacteria from the genera: , , actinobacteria sp., and fungi: , , , , and . Respirators with absorbing properties had over 8-times longer breakthrough time than reference ones.
CONCLUSIONS
Respirators with activated carbon effectively improved work comfort when exposed to odours. Due to growth of microorganisms in the respirator materials, periodic replacement is necessary. It is crucial to provide workers with information about the safe-use time of respirators, considering environmental conditions. This is achievable using modern IT tools like Time4Mask application. Med Pr Work Health Saf. 2023;76(5):363-75.
Topics: Humans; Air Pollutants, Occupational; Occupational Exposure; Odorants; Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry; Particulate Matter; Ventilators, Mechanical; Fungi; Bacteria; Respiratory Protective Devices
PubMed: 38104337
DOI: 10.13075/mp.5893.01441 -
Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine 2024Ascorbic acid (AA) is an antioxidant that might be beneficial for adjunctive treatment of sepsis in horses. The optimal dose and effects on oxidative status are unknown.
BACKGROUND
Ascorbic acid (AA) is an antioxidant that might be beneficial for adjunctive treatment of sepsis in horses. The optimal dose and effects on oxidative status are unknown.
HYPOTHESIS
Ascorbic acid administration will increase plasma AA concentrations and decrease determinants of reactive oxygen metabolites (dROM), basal and stimulant-induced intraerythrocytic reactive oxygen species (ROS) concentrations, and stimulant-induced neutrophil ROS production, and increase plasma antioxidant capacity (PAC) in a dose-dependent manner.
ANIMALS
Eight healthy horses.
METHODS
Randomized placebo-controlled crossover study. Each horse received 4 single-dose IV treatments including AA at 25, 50, and 100 mg/kg and saline (placebo) with each treatment separated by ≥1 week. Blood was collected at baseline, 2 and 6 hours for assessment of plasma dROM and PAC via photometer, intraerythrocytic ROS by flow cytometry, and stimulant-induced neutrophil ROS by a fluorometric assay. Plasma AA concentrations were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography/electrochemical detection.
RESULTS
Ascorbic acid at 100 mg/kg resulted in decreased dROM 2 hours after treatment (P = .03, 95% CI 5.51-121.2, point estimate 63.3). There was no effect of AA on basal or stimulant-induced intraerythrocytic ROS (P = .88, 95% CI -0.156 to 0.081, point estimate -0.037; P = .93, 95% CI -0.123 to 0.112, point estimate -0.006, respectively), basal or stimulant-induced neutrophil ROS (P ≥ .12, 95% CI -644.9 to 56.2, point estimate -294.4), or PAC (P ≥ .64, 95% CI -1567 to 463.4, point estimate -552.0) at any dose or timepoint. Plasma AA concentrations increased in a dose-dependent manner.
CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE
High-dose administration of AA might provide antioxidant benefits in horses.
Topics: Horses; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Antioxidants; Reactive Oxygen Species; Cross-Over Studies; Oxidative Stress; Vitamins; Oxygen; Administration, Intravenous
PubMed: 37948618
DOI: 10.1111/jvim.16934 -
The Science of the Total Environment Jan 2024We propose a simple technique for microplastic detection based on their interaction with a hydrophilic and anionic fluorescent dye 1,3,6,8 pyrene tetrasulfonate (PTSA)....
We propose a simple technique for microplastic detection based on their interaction with a hydrophilic and anionic fluorescent dye 1,3,6,8 pyrene tetrasulfonate (PTSA). Synthetic microfibers derived from surgical face masks (an abundantly generated plastic waste post COVID) were considered as model microplastics. The interactions between microfibers and the dye were studied as a function of physiological parameters (pH, contact time and temperature), external agents, dye dosage and polymer variants. A pocket-sized photometer (by Lovibond Tintometer group) was employed for the detection and further validated using advanced equipment set-ups (fluorescence microscope, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and benchtop spectrofluorometer). Risk assessment studies were conducted on Artemia salina as a model organism. As a risk mitigation strategy, dye recovery followed by sunlight mediated degradation were performed. The detection study was performed in real water samples collected from fresh, estuarine and seawater samples spiked with microfibers. As an outcome, an optimized standard operational conditions were determined for the effective detection of synthetic microfibers. The data obtained could have scientific and industrial impact, in particular for experts working in the broad arena of clean water, who are specifically interested in developing cost-effective solutions for effective detection and biomonitoring of emerging pollutants.
Topics: Plastics; Water; Spectrometry, Fluorescence; Water Pollutants, Chemical; Microplastics; Staining and Labeling; Environmental Monitoring
PubMed: 37944615
DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.168144 -
Anais Da Academia Brasileira de Ciencias 2023Aerosols have implications to climate and biogeochemical cycles in the global oceans. At sites under indirect influence of dust emitted by the Patagonian semi-desert, a...
Aerosols have implications to climate and biogeochemical cycles in the global oceans. At sites under indirect influence of dust emitted by the Patagonian semi-desert, a debate exists on the potential fertilization effects of iron enriched aerossol. Considering this subject we conducted measurements of aerosols optical properties using a Microtops II sun photometer to access aerosol size distributions and other intrinsic properties oversea from Atlantic Southern mid-latitudes to Antarctica. Oceanographic cruises were developed between December 2010 to April 2011 and October 2011 to April 2012, in the context of the Brazilian Antarctic Program, and between November 2011 to December 2011. This survey was taken as part of the Global Maritime Aerosol Network (MAN/NASA). Our data of AOD (500 nm) along the South American coast depicts a steady decrease southwards following the decreased latitudinal continental extent. However, the influence of the aerosols blown from Patagonia semi-desert region was clear from latitude 53⁰S to 64⁰S. The predominance of aerosol fine mode was observed in Central Atlantic and close to the Drake Passage. An unexpected aerosol coarse mode predominance was found close to the Antarctic Peninsula. We attribute that to a possible weathering of rock outcrops due to the strong westerly winds in that region.
Topics: Humans; Seasons; Environmental Monitoring; Climate; Weather; Aerosols; Air Pollutants
PubMed: 37937655
DOI: 10.1590/0001-3765202320210816 -
ACS Omega Oct 2023To clarify the coal structure, spatial distribution, and controlling factors of the 2# coal seam in Jiaozuo mining, the drilling coal samples were collected to observe...
To clarify the coal structure, spatial distribution, and controlling factors of the 2# coal seam in Jiaozuo mining, the drilling coal samples were collected to observe the coal type and coal structure. The coal macerals were identified by a MPVSP microscope photometer, and the spatial characteristics of the coal structure were obtained through interpreting deep lateral resistivity logging, natural gamma ray logging, density logging, and acoustic logging curves. The influence of coal properties, burial depth, geological stress, and faults on the coal structure were discussed correspondingly. The results exhibit that granulitic-mylonite coal was most developed in the 2# coal seam, followed by primary coal and cataclastic coal; the coal type was dominated by semibright coal, followed by clarain and semidull coal. Granulitic-mylonite, cataclastic, and primary coals were the main components of clarain, semibright coal, and semidull coal, respectively. Higher vitrinite and organic matter contents were conducive to the development of granulitic-mylonite. The coal structure combinations were spatially varied, and the granulitic-mylonite combinations were the most common. Granulitic-mylonite coal was developed in the east and south parts of the study area, and the coal structure was fragmented with a greater burial depth and larger thickness. The geological stress is the fundamental cause of coal structure damage as well as the cutting of faults.
PubMed: 37901576
DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c04643 -
Journal of Medicine and Life Jul 2023Breast carcinoma ranks as the second most common cancer among women worldwide. Despite significant therapeutic advancements, approximately 25% of breast carcinoma cases...
Breast carcinoma ranks as the second most common cancer among women worldwide. Despite significant therapeutic advancements, approximately 25% of breast carcinoma cases have resistance to current treatment modalities, posing a significant challenge for patient management. This study aimed to investigate the role of Sam68 mRNA and its protein in promoting oncogenesis and breast cancer progression. Sam68 protein levels were assessed in tissue samples using an Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay kit from Sun Long Biotech. Whole RNA was isolated from malignant breast tissue samples obtained from patients. The RNA concentration was determined using an Eppendorf photometer, yielding an average concentration of 62.1±10.07 ng/µl. The purity of the isolated RNA was evaluated by measuring the A260/A280 ratio (1.9±0.07) and the A260/A230 ratio (1.7±0.3). The results indicated a significant upregulation of Sam68 mRNA expression in breast cancer tissues, supporting the findings from previous studies and indicating the correlation between altered Sam68 expression and the development of breast carcinoma, highlighting the potential significance of Sam68 in the pathogenesis of the disease. Estimating Sam68 in the blood may serve as a potential biomarker for assessing the malignant grade and metastatic spread of breast carcinoma cells.
Topics: Humans; Female; Breast Neoplasms; Cell Line, Tumor; Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing; RNA, Messenger; RNA
PubMed: 37900073
DOI: 10.25122/jml-2022-0229