Nb and Ti-13 Nb powders were used for improving the surface of Ti6Al4 V alloy.The deposition of the powders was carried out at various laser powers.The scanning electron microscopy（SEM）-EDS and optical microscopy we...Nb and Ti-13 Nb powders were used for improving the surface of Ti6Al4 V alloy.The deposition of the powders was carried out at various laser powers.The scanning electron microscopy（SEM）-EDS and optical microscopy were used for characterization.X-ray diffractometer（XRD） was used for analyzing the elemental composition and phase constituents.The hardness,wear and corrosion properties were achieved.The corrosion and the wear behaviours of the deposited layers were studied in a Hanks solution（simulated body fluid,SBF）.The microstructures of Nb coatings reveal the presence of orthorhombic,dendritic α″ and metastable β-Nb phases which produce uneven hardness with an average of HV 364.For Ti-13 Nb coatings,martensitic α′ and metastable β-Nb phases with an average hardness of HV 423 were observed.The resistance of wear on dry sliding of Ti-13 Nb coating is attributed to the increase in hardness.Experimental results indicate that deposition of Nb and Ti-13 Nb on Ti6Al4 V grossly reduces the mass fractions of Al and V in all coatings.In SBF,Nb reinforcement produces the best coating that reveals the best wear and corrosion resistances as compared with the substrate.Hence,this coating will perform best for orthopaedic implant material enhancement.展开更多
Here we report a femtosecond laser direct writing(a precise 3D printing also known as two-photon polymerization lithography) of hybrid organic-inorganic SZ2080^(TM)pre-polymer without using any photo-initiator and app...Here we report a femtosecond laser direct writing(a precise 3D printing also known as two-photon polymerization lithography) of hybrid organic-inorganic SZ2080^(TM)pre-polymer without using any photo-initiator and applying ~100 fs oscillator operating at 517 nm wavelength and 76 MHz repetition rate. The proof of concept was experimentally demonstrated and benchmarking 3D woodpile nanostructures, micro-scaffolds, free-form micro-object “Benchy” and bulk micro-cubes are successfully produced. The essential novelty underlies the fact that non-amplified laser systems delivering just 40-500 p J individual pulses are sufficient for inducing localized cross-linking reactions within hundreds of nanometers in cross sections. And it is opposed to the prejudice that higher pulse energies and lower repetition rates of amplified lasers are necessary for structuring non-photosensitized polymers. The experimental work is of high importance for fundamental understanding of laser enabled nanoscale 3D additive manufacturing and widens technology’ s field of applications where the avoidance of photo-initiator is preferable or is even a necessity, such as micro-optics, nano-photonics, and biomedicine.展开更多
The current study is directed to the rapidly developing field of inorganic material 3D object production at nano-/micro scale.The fabrication method includes laser lithography of hybrid organic-inorganic materials wit...The current study is directed to the rapidly developing field of inorganic material 3D object production at nano-/micro scale.The fabrication method includes laser lithography of hybrid organic-inorganic materials with subsequent heat treatment leading to a variety of crystalline phases in 3D structures.In this work,it was examined a series of organometallic polymer precursors with different silicon(Si)and zirconium(Zr)molar ratios,ranging from 9:1 to 5:5,prepared via sol-gel method.All mixtures were examined for perspective to be used in 3D laser manufacturing by fabricating nano-and micro-feature sized structures.Their spatial downscaling and surface morphology were evaluated depending on chemical composition and crystallographic phase.The appearance of a crystalline phase was proven using single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis,which revealed a lower crystallization temperature for microstructures compared to bulk materials.Fabricated 3D objects retained a complex geometry without any distortion after heat treatment up to 1400℃.Under the proper conditions,a wide variety of crystalline phases as well as zircon(ZrSiO_(4)-a highly stable material)can be observed.In addition,the highest new record of achieved resolution below 60 nm has been reached.The proposed preparation protocol can be used to manufacture micro/nano-devices with high precision and resistance to high temperature and aggressive environment.展开更多
Laser elktacytometry is a technique widely used for measuring the deformability of red blood cells(erythrocytes)in blood samples in vitro.In ektacytometer,a flow of highly diluted suspension of erythrocytes in variabl...Laser elktacytometry is a technique widely used for measuring the deformability of red blood cells(erythrocytes)in blood samples in vitro.In ektacytometer,a flow of highly diluted suspension of erythrocytes in variable shear stress conditions is iluninated with a laser beam to obtain a diffraction pattern.The diffraction pattern provides information about the shapes(shear induced elongations)of the cells under investigation.This paper is dedicated to developing the technique of laser ektacytometry s0 that it would enable one to measure the distrilbution of the erythrocytes in deformability.We discuss the problem of calibration of laser elktacytometer and test a novel data processing algorithm allowing to determine the parameters of the distribution of ery-throcytes deformability.Experimentally,we examined 12 specimens of blood of rats under the action of 4 shear stresses.Analysis of the data shows that in conditions of a limited range of digitizing the diffraction patterns,the measurement errors for the mean deformability,deform-ability scatter and the skewness of erythrocytes distribution in deformability by our method are respectively 15%,20%and 20%.展开更多
Aim: The present study evaluated the magnitude of temperature changes in the tooth during cavitation produced by an Er,Cr:YSGG laser. Methods: The root canal of a single extracted maxillary canine was enlarged to a si...Aim: The present study evaluated the magnitude of temperature changes in the tooth during cavitation produced by an Er,Cr:YSGG laser. Methods: The root canal of a single extracted maxillary canine was enlarged to a size 30/.02 file. Four thermocouples were attached to the tooth: one to the surface of the root and three inserted into the canal at 3, 9, and 15 mm from the apical foramen, respectively. The tooth was placed in a plastic container at room temperature around 25°C. The tooth was processed as follows. In the EDTA condition, the tooth was irrigated with 17% EDTA;in the NaOCl condition, the tooth was irrigated with 3% NaOCl;and to analyse the effect of different thicknesses of dentin, the tooth was irrigated with tap water. In all conditions, the irrigants were activated at 2 W for 120 seconds. Results: The mean temperature was 25.2°C to 27.1°C and the temperature ranged from 25.0°C to 29.6°C. The temperature elevation measured during cavitation generated by the laser didnot exceed 5°C. Conclusions: The magnitude of the temperature changes in the root canal and at the surface of the tooth did not exceed 5°C when laser-driven irrigation was used to produce cavitation in the root canal.展开更多
Amyloid fibrils are deposited in various tissues in the body, and are linked to the putative causes of serious diseases such as amyloidosis. Although the conditions of the disease would be expected to improve if the f...Amyloid fibrils are deposited in various tissues in the body, and are linked to the putative causes of serious diseases such as amyloidosis. Although the conditions of the disease would be expected to improve if the fibril structure could be destroyed, the aggregated structure is stable under physiological conditions. Recently, we found that the amyloid fibrils of lysozyme could be refolded into their active form by using a mid-infrared free-electron laser (MIR-FEL) tuned to the amide I band (corresponding to the C=O stretch vibration), with the MIR-FEL having specific oscillation characteristics of a picosecond pulse structure, a tunable wavelength within mid-infrared frequencies, and high photon density. In the study, we tested the usability of the FEL for dissociation of aggregates of pathological amyloid fibrils by using a short peptide of human thyroid hormone. The fibrils (after being placed on a glass slide) were irradiated using the FEL tuned to the amide I band (1644 cm?1), and those in situ were analyzed by Congo-Red assay, scanning-electron microscopy, and transmission-electron microscopy. All of the results obtained using these microscopic analyses indicated that the amyloid fibril formation was considerably decreased by FEL irradiation. Moreover, upon irradiation, a strong fibril peak at the amide I band in the infrared spectrum was transformed into a broad peak. These results imply that the β-sheet-rich structure of the amyloid fibrils changed into non-ordered or unspecified structures after the FEL irradiation. This FEL irradiation system, combined with various analytical methods, shows promise for the dissociation of amyloid aggregates.展开更多
Amyloid fibrils are widely recognized as a cause of serious amyloidosis such as Alzheimer’s disease. Although dissociation of amyloid fibril aggregates is expected to lead to a decrease in the toxicity of the fibrils...Amyloid fibrils are widely recognized as a cause of serious amyloidosis such as Alzheimer’s disease. Although dissociation of amyloid fibril aggregates is expected to lead to a decrease in the toxicity of the fibrils in cells, the fibril structure is robust under physiological conditions. We have irradiated amyloid fibrils with a free-electron laser (FEL) tuned to mid-infrared frequencies to induce dissociation of the aggregates into monomer forms. We have previously succeeded in dissociating fibril structures of a short peptide of the thyroid hormone by tuning the oscillation frequency to the amide I band, but the detailed structural changes of the peptide have not yet been determined at a high spatial resolution. Synchrotron-radiation infrared microscopy (SR-IRM) is a powerful tool for in situ analysis of minute structural changes of various materials, and in this study, the feasibility of SR-IRM for analyzing the microscopic conformational changes of amyloid fibrils after FEL irradiation was investigated. Reflection spectra of the amyloid fibril surface showed that the amide I peaks shifted to higher wave numbers after the FEL irradiation, indicating that the initial β-sheet-rich structure transformed into a mixture of non-ordered and turn-like peptide conformations. This result demonstrates that conformational changes of the fibril structure after the FEL irradiation can be observed at a high spatial resolution using SR-IRM analysis and the FEL irradiation system can be useful for dissociation of amyloid aggregates.展开更多
This study investigates the optical properties of sesame oil from traditional and industrial sources using a custom-designed semiconductor laser spectrometer, UV-Vis spectroscopy, and FTIR spectroscopy. Six samples we...This study investigates the optical properties of sesame oil from traditional and industrial sources using a custom-designed semiconductor laser spectrometer, UV-Vis spectroscopy, and FTIR spectroscopy. Six samples were collected from traditional presses and factories in Khartoum State and White Nile State. The spectrometer, constructed with a 680 nm semiconductor laser and various resistor values, measured the absorbance of sesame oil samples. UV-Vis spectroscopy identified absorbance peaks at 670 nm and 417 nm, corresponding to chlorophyll a and b. FTIR analysis showed nearly identical spectra among the samples, indicating similar chemical compositions. Laser spectrometer analysis revealed specific absorbance values for each sample. The results highlight the feasibility of using a 680 nm semiconductor laser for analyzing sesame oil, providing a cost-effective alternative to other wavelengths. This study demonstrates the potential of integrating traditional methods with modern spectroscopic techniques for the quality assessment of sesame oil.展开更多
Importance: This post-marketing surveillance study was conducted to evaluate real-world information about the efficacy and safety of oral Tinefcon<sup>?</sup> tablets (Sphaeranthus indicus based) in plaque...Importance: This post-marketing surveillance study was conducted to evaluate real-world information about the efficacy and safety of oral Tinefcon<sup>?</sup> tablets (Sphaeranthus indicus based) in plaque psoriasis patients. Materials and Methods: Patients aged at least 18 years and older with clinical diagnosis of plaque psoriasis, were enrolled in this open label, non-comparative, multicenter trial. All eligible subjects received four 700 mg Tinefcon<sup>?</sup> tablets/day for 12 weeks. The primary outcome measure was percent change in Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI) score from baseline to week 12. The secondary outcome measures were Physician Global Assessment (PGA), Nail Psoriasis Severity Index (NAPSI), Psoriatic Arthritis Evaluation and Gene Expression Profiling and Immunohistochemistry. Results: After completion of Tinefcon<sup>?</sup> treatment at 12 weeks, more than half of subjects (52%) achieved PASI 50 response;PASI 75 response was attained in 68 (23%) subjects and PASI 90 response in 22 (7%) subjects. Five subjects with severe psoriasis achieved PASI 90 without receiving any concomitant medication. Reduction in severity as assessed by PGA was observed in more than half of patients with moderate disease. Histopathological evaluation revealed that epidermal thickness was considerably reduced in 66% of subjects. The expression of inflammatory marker S100A9 protein was(meaningfully reduced in 60% patients with non-significant reduction of Keratin 10 protein expression. Gene expression analysis showed increase down regulation of SERPINB4;PI3 and KRT16 genes after a 12-week treatment period in subjects with higher PASI scores. Conclusion: Oral Tinefcon<sup>?</sup> tablets showed good efficacy and had a favorable safety profile in plaque psoriasis patients.展开更多
目的系统评价消化系统癌症术后患者癌症复发恐惧发生率及影响因素。方法计算机检索Cochrane Library、CINAHL Complete、PubMed、Embase、Web of Science、中国生物医学文献数据库、中国知网、万方数据知识服务平台、维普中文科技期刊...目的系统评价消化系统癌症术后患者癌症复发恐惧发生率及影响因素。方法计算机检索Cochrane Library、CINAHL Complete、PubMed、Embase、Web of Science、中国生物医学文献数据库、中国知网、万方数据知识服务平台、维普中文科技期刊数据库等中英文数据库,检索从建库至2024年10月20日公开发表的关于消化系统癌症术后患者癌症复发恐惧发生率及影响因素的相关文献。采用Stata 16.0软件进行系统评价。结果共纳入28篇文献,共计6523例中国消化系统癌症术后患者。消化系统癌症术后患者癌症复发恐惧发生率为47.60%,亚组分析显示,罹患胃癌、肝癌、结直肠癌术后患者癌症复发恐惧发生率分别为32.76%、57.94%、56.73%,差异具有统计学意义(χ^(2)=170.12,P<0.001);在中国东北、华中、华东、华南、华北地区的消化系统癌症术后患者癌症复发恐惧发生率分别为42.00%、60.92%、40.86%、57.88%、51.27%,差异具有统计学意义(χ^(2)=25.19,P<0.001)。消化系统癌症术后患者癌症复发恐惧的主要影响因素包括癌症分期(r=0.22)、积极应对(r=-0.36)、消极应对(r=0.38)、焦虑抑郁(r=0.34)、疾病不确定感(r=0.25)、希望水平(r=-0.20)、自我效能(r=-0.30)、心理弹性(r=-0.45)。结论消化系统癌症术后患者复发恐惧发生率较高,且受不同癌症种类及地域的影响;癌症分期、应对方式、焦虑抑郁、疾病不确定感、希望水平、自我效能、心理弹性是消化系统癌症术后患者复发恐惧的主要影响因素。展开更多
BACKGROUND Pituitary macroadenomas represent a significant challenge in clinical management due to their variable presentations and complex treatment considerations.This manuscript explores the multidisciplinary appro...BACKGROUND Pituitary macroadenomas represent a significant challenge in clinical management due to their variable presentations and complex treatment considerations.This manuscript explores the multidisciplinary approach to understanding and managing pituitary macroadenomas,integrating neurosurgery,endocrinology,radiology,and pathology perspectives.AIM To summarize the literature on pituitary macroadenoma and outline the possible multidisciplinary approach in the diagnosis,management,and rehabilitation of individuals with pituitary adenomas,to add to already preexisting knowledge,in managing these cases enhancing better ocular and systemic outcomes.METHODS A search was conducted on an online publication database(PubMed)using the term“pituitary adenoma”including all results published over twenty years(2004-2024).Results were sorted for relevance,language,and completeness.RESULTS A total of 176 records were returned.The guidelines of the PRISMA 2020 statement were followed in this study.A total of 23 records were excluded due to being out of scope while a further 13 records were duplicates.Another 17 records were not available as full-length articles and were also excluded.The references of each included record was further searched for relevant publications.A total of 141 records were therefore used in this minireview.CONCLUSION Pituitary macroadenomas pose substantial clinical challenges due to their size and potential for significant hormonal and neurological impact,modern therapeutic strategies offer effective management options.Early detection and comprehensive treatment are essential for optimizing patient outcomes and maintaining quality of life.Continued research and advancements in medical technology are likely to further enhance the management and prognosis of this condition in the future.展开更多
BACKGROUND Cytomegalovirus(CMV)is a ubiquitous herpesvirus that can cause significant ocular morbidity,particularly in immunocompromised individuals.AIM To summarize the current understanding of the ophthalmic impact ...BACKGROUND Cytomegalovirus(CMV)is a ubiquitous herpesvirus that can cause significant ocular morbidity,particularly in immunocompromised individuals.AIM To summarize the current understanding of the ophthalmic impact of CMV,with a focus on its epidemiology,clinical manifestations,diagnosis,and management,ocular symptoms of CMV floaters,blurred vision,and loss of peripheral vision,eventually progressing to retinal necrosis and detachment.CMV retinitis(CMVR)is a sight-threatening condition that can lead to retinal detachment,blindness,and even death.METHODS We discuss the pathophysiology of CMVR,including the role of immune suppression and viral reactivation.We also examine the clinical features of CMVR,including its characteristic retinal lesions and associated ocular complications.Diagnostic approaches are reviewed,including polymerase chain reaction and fundus photography.RESULTS We discuss treatment options,including antiviral medications,intravitreal injections,and surgical interventions.Finally,we highlight areas of ongoing research and future directions in managing CMV-related ocular disease.CONCLUSION CMV poses a significant threat to ocular health,particularly in immunocompromised populations such as those with human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome.展开更多
基金financially supported by the National Research Foundation of South AfricaThe National Laser Centre,CSIR,Pretoria,South Africa,is appreciated for laser facilitythe support from Tshwane University of Technology,South Africa
文摘Nb and Ti-13 Nb powders were used for improving the surface of Ti6Al4 V alloy.The deposition of the powders was carried out at various laser powers.The scanning electron microscopy（SEM）-EDS and optical microscopy were used for characterization.X-ray diffractometer（XRD） was used for analyzing the elemental composition and phase constituents.The hardness,wear and corrosion properties were achieved.The corrosion and the wear behaviours of the deposited layers were studied in a Hanks solution（simulated body fluid,SBF）.The microstructures of Nb coatings reveal the presence of orthorhombic,dendritic α″ and metastable β-Nb phases which produce uneven hardness with an average of HV 364.For Ti-13 Nb coatings,martensitic α′ and metastable β-Nb phases with an average hardness of HV 423 were observed.The resistance of wear on dry sliding of Ti-13 Nb coating is attributed to the increase in hardness.Experimental results indicate that deposition of Nb and Ti-13 Nb on Ti6Al4 V grossly reduces the mass fractions of Al and V in all coatings.In SBF,Nb reinforcement produces the best coating that reveals the best wear and corrosion resistances as compared with the substrate.Hence,this coating will perform best for orthopaedic implant material enhancement.
基金Project(S-MIP-20-17) supported by the Research Council of LithuaniaProject(871124) supported by the EU Horizon 2020, Research and Innovation program LASERLAB-EUROPE JRA。
文摘Here we report a femtosecond laser direct writing(a precise 3D printing also known as two-photon polymerization lithography) of hybrid organic-inorganic SZ2080^(TM)pre-polymer without using any photo-initiator and applying ~100 fs oscillator operating at 517 nm wavelength and 76 MHz repetition rate. The proof of concept was experimentally demonstrated and benchmarking 3D woodpile nanostructures, micro-scaffolds, free-form micro-object “Benchy” and bulk micro-cubes are successfully produced. The essential novelty underlies the fact that non-amplified laser systems delivering just 40-500 p J individual pulses are sufficient for inducing localized cross-linking reactions within hundreds of nanometers in cross sections. And it is opposed to the prejudice that higher pulse energies and lower repetition rates of amplified lasers are necessary for structuring non-photosensitized polymers. The experimental work is of high importance for fundamental understanding of laser enabled nanoscale 3D additive manufacturing and widens technology’ s field of applications where the avoidance of photo-initiator is preferable or is even a necessity, such as micro-optics, nano-photonics, and biomedicine.
基金The US AMRDEC grant No.W911NF-16-2-0069“Enhanced Absorption in Stopped-Light Photonic Nanostructures:Applications to Efficient Sensing”EU LASERLAB-EUROPE(grant agreement No.871124Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme)projects are acknowleged for the financial support.D.G.acknowledges the financial support from the European Social Fund(project No 09.3.3-LMT-K712-17-0016)under grant agreement with the Research Council of Lithuania(LMTLT).
文摘The current study is directed to the rapidly developing field of inorganic material 3D object production at nano-/micro scale.The fabrication method includes laser lithography of hybrid organic-inorganic materials with subsequent heat treatment leading to a variety of crystalline phases in 3D structures.In this work,it was examined a series of organometallic polymer precursors with different silicon(Si)and zirconium(Zr)molar ratios,ranging from 9:1 to 5:5,prepared via sol-gel method.All mixtures were examined for perspective to be used in 3D laser manufacturing by fabricating nano-and micro-feature sized structures.Their spatial downscaling and surface morphology were evaluated depending on chemical composition and crystallographic phase.The appearance of a crystalline phase was proven using single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis,which revealed a lower crystallization temperature for microstructures compared to bulk materials.Fabricated 3D objects retained a complex geometry without any distortion after heat treatment up to 1400℃.Under the proper conditions,a wide variety of crystalline phases as well as zircon(ZrSiO_(4)-a highly stable material)can be observed.In addition,the highest new record of achieved resolution below 60 nm has been reached.The proposed preparation protocol can be used to manufacture micro/nano-devices with high precision and resistance to high temperature and aggressive environment.
基金supported by RFBR grants No.13-02-01372 and No.12-02-01329.
文摘Laser elktacytometry is a technique widely used for measuring the deformability of red blood cells(erythrocytes)in blood samples in vitro.In ektacytometer,a flow of highly diluted suspension of erythrocytes in variable shear stress conditions is iluninated with a laser beam to obtain a diffraction pattern.The diffraction pattern provides information about the shapes(shear induced elongations)of the cells under investigation.This paper is dedicated to developing the technique of laser ektacytometry s0 that it would enable one to measure the distrilbution of the erythrocytes in deformability.We discuss the problem of calibration of laser elktacytometer and test a novel data processing algorithm allowing to determine the parameters of the distribution of ery-throcytes deformability.Experimentally,we examined 12 specimens of blood of rats under the action of 4 shear stresses.Analysis of the data shows that in conditions of a limited range of digitizing the diffraction patterns,the measurement errors for the mean deformability,deform-ability scatter and the skewness of erythrocytes distribution in deformability by our method are respectively 15%,20%and 20%.
文摘Aim: The present study evaluated the magnitude of temperature changes in the tooth during cavitation produced by an Er,Cr:YSGG laser. Methods: The root canal of a single extracted maxillary canine was enlarged to a size 30/.02 file. Four thermocouples were attached to the tooth: one to the surface of the root and three inserted into the canal at 3, 9, and 15 mm from the apical foramen, respectively. The tooth was placed in a plastic container at room temperature around 25°C. The tooth was processed as follows. In the EDTA condition, the tooth was irrigated with 17% EDTA;in the NaOCl condition, the tooth was irrigated with 3% NaOCl;and to analyse the effect of different thicknesses of dentin, the tooth was irrigated with tap water. In all conditions, the irrigants were activated at 2 W for 120 seconds. Results: The mean temperature was 25.2°C to 27.1°C and the temperature ranged from 25.0°C to 29.6°C. The temperature elevation measured during cavitation generated by the laser didnot exceed 5°C. Conclusions: The magnitude of the temperature changes in the root canal and at the surface of the tooth did not exceed 5°C when laser-driven irrigation was used to produce cavitation in the root canal.
文摘Amyloid fibrils are deposited in various tissues in the body, and are linked to the putative causes of serious diseases such as amyloidosis. Although the conditions of the disease would be expected to improve if the fibril structure could be destroyed, the aggregated structure is stable under physiological conditions. Recently, we found that the amyloid fibrils of lysozyme could be refolded into their active form by using a mid-infrared free-electron laser (MIR-FEL) tuned to the amide I band (corresponding to the C=O stretch vibration), with the MIR-FEL having specific oscillation characteristics of a picosecond pulse structure, a tunable wavelength within mid-infrared frequencies, and high photon density. In the study, we tested the usability of the FEL for dissociation of aggregates of pathological amyloid fibrils by using a short peptide of human thyroid hormone. The fibrils (after being placed on a glass slide) were irradiated using the FEL tuned to the amide I band (1644 cm?1), and those in situ were analyzed by Congo-Red assay, scanning-electron microscopy, and transmission-electron microscopy. All of the results obtained using these microscopic analyses indicated that the amyloid fibril formation was considerably decreased by FEL irradiation. Moreover, upon irradiation, a strong fibril peak at the amide I band in the infrared spectrum was transformed into a broad peak. These results imply that the β-sheet-rich structure of the amyloid fibrils changed into non-ordered or unspecified structures after the FEL irradiation. This FEL irradiation system, combined with various analytical methods, shows promise for the dissociation of amyloid aggregates.
文摘Amyloid fibrils are widely recognized as a cause of serious amyloidosis such as Alzheimer’s disease. Although dissociation of amyloid fibril aggregates is expected to lead to a decrease in the toxicity of the fibrils in cells, the fibril structure is robust under physiological conditions. We have irradiated amyloid fibrils with a free-electron laser (FEL) tuned to mid-infrared frequencies to induce dissociation of the aggregates into monomer forms. We have previously succeeded in dissociating fibril structures of a short peptide of the thyroid hormone by tuning the oscillation frequency to the amide I band, but the detailed structural changes of the peptide have not yet been determined at a high spatial resolution. Synchrotron-radiation infrared microscopy (SR-IRM) is a powerful tool for in situ analysis of minute structural changes of various materials, and in this study, the feasibility of SR-IRM for analyzing the microscopic conformational changes of amyloid fibrils after FEL irradiation was investigated. Reflection spectra of the amyloid fibril surface showed that the amide I peaks shifted to higher wave numbers after the FEL irradiation, indicating that the initial β-sheet-rich structure transformed into a mixture of non-ordered and turn-like peptide conformations. This result demonstrates that conformational changes of the fibril structure after the FEL irradiation can be observed at a high spatial resolution using SR-IRM analysis and the FEL irradiation system can be useful for dissociation of amyloid aggregates.
文摘This study investigates the optical properties of sesame oil from traditional and industrial sources using a custom-designed semiconductor laser spectrometer, UV-Vis spectroscopy, and FTIR spectroscopy. Six samples were collected from traditional presses and factories in Khartoum State and White Nile State. The spectrometer, constructed with a 680 nm semiconductor laser and various resistor values, measured the absorbance of sesame oil samples. UV-Vis spectroscopy identified absorbance peaks at 670 nm and 417 nm, corresponding to chlorophyll a and b. FTIR analysis showed nearly identical spectra among the samples, indicating similar chemical compositions. Laser spectrometer analysis revealed specific absorbance values for each sample. The results highlight the feasibility of using a 680 nm semiconductor laser for analyzing sesame oil, providing a cost-effective alternative to other wavelengths. This study demonstrates the potential of integrating traditional methods with modern spectroscopic techniques for the quality assessment of sesame oil.
文摘Importance: This post-marketing surveillance study was conducted to evaluate real-world information about the efficacy and safety of oral Tinefcon<sup>?</sup> tablets (Sphaeranthus indicus based) in plaque psoriasis patients. Materials and Methods: Patients aged at least 18 years and older with clinical diagnosis of plaque psoriasis, were enrolled in this open label, non-comparative, multicenter trial. All eligible subjects received four 700 mg Tinefcon<sup>?</sup> tablets/day for 12 weeks. The primary outcome measure was percent change in Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI) score from baseline to week 12. The secondary outcome measures were Physician Global Assessment (PGA), Nail Psoriasis Severity Index (NAPSI), Psoriatic Arthritis Evaluation and Gene Expression Profiling and Immunohistochemistry. Results: After completion of Tinefcon<sup>?</sup> treatment at 12 weeks, more than half of subjects (52%) achieved PASI 50 response;PASI 75 response was attained in 68 (23%) subjects and PASI 90 response in 22 (7%) subjects. Five subjects with severe psoriasis achieved PASI 90 without receiving any concomitant medication. Reduction in severity as assessed by PGA was observed in more than half of patients with moderate disease. Histopathological evaluation revealed that epidermal thickness was considerably reduced in 66% of subjects. The expression of inflammatory marker S100A9 protein was(meaningfully reduced in 60% patients with non-significant reduction of Keratin 10 protein expression. Gene expression analysis showed increase down regulation of SERPINB4;PI3 and KRT16 genes after a 12-week treatment period in subjects with higher PASI scores. Conclusion: Oral Tinefcon<sup>?</sup> tablets showed good efficacy and had a favorable safety profile in plaque psoriasis patients.
文摘BACKGROUND Pituitary macroadenomas represent a significant challenge in clinical management due to their variable presentations and complex treatment considerations.This manuscript explores the multidisciplinary approach to understanding and managing pituitary macroadenomas,integrating neurosurgery,endocrinology,radiology,and pathology perspectives.AIM To summarize the literature on pituitary macroadenoma and outline the possible multidisciplinary approach in the diagnosis,management,and rehabilitation of individuals with pituitary adenomas,to add to already preexisting knowledge,in managing these cases enhancing better ocular and systemic outcomes.METHODS A search was conducted on an online publication database(PubMed)using the term“pituitary adenoma”including all results published over twenty years(2004-2024).Results were sorted for relevance,language,and completeness.RESULTS A total of 176 records were returned.The guidelines of the PRISMA 2020 statement were followed in this study.A total of 23 records were excluded due to being out of scope while a further 13 records were duplicates.Another 17 records were not available as full-length articles and were also excluded.The references of each included record was further searched for relevant publications.A total of 141 records were therefore used in this minireview.CONCLUSION Pituitary macroadenomas pose substantial clinical challenges due to their size and potential for significant hormonal and neurological impact,modern therapeutic strategies offer effective management options.Early detection and comprehensive treatment are essential for optimizing patient outcomes and maintaining quality of life.Continued research and advancements in medical technology are likely to further enhance the management and prognosis of this condition in the future.
文摘BACKGROUND Cytomegalovirus(CMV)is a ubiquitous herpesvirus that can cause significant ocular morbidity,particularly in immunocompromised individuals.AIM To summarize the current understanding of the ophthalmic impact of CMV,with a focus on its epidemiology,clinical manifestations,diagnosis,and management,ocular symptoms of CMV floaters,blurred vision,and loss of peripheral vision,eventually progressing to retinal necrosis and detachment.CMV retinitis(CMVR)is a sight-threatening condition that can lead to retinal detachment,blindness,and even death.METHODS We discuss the pathophysiology of CMVR,including the role of immune suppression and viral reactivation.We also examine the clinical features of CMVR,including its characteristic retinal lesions and associated ocular complications.Diagnostic approaches are reviewed,including polymerase chain reaction and fundus photography.RESULTS We discuss treatment options,including antiviral medications,intravitreal injections,and surgical interventions.Finally,we highlight areas of ongoing research and future directions in managing CMV-related ocular disease.CONCLUSION CMV poses a significant threat to ocular health,particularly in immunocompromised populations such as those with human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome.
