Does the external remote controller’s reading correspond to the actual lengthening in magnetic-controlled growing rods?

Purpose Magnetic-controlled growing rods (MCGRs) are now routinely used in many centres to treat early-onset scoliosis (EOS). MCGR lengthening is done non-invasively by the external remote controller (ERC). Our experience suggests that there may be a discrepancy between the reported rod lengthening on the ERC and the actual rod lengthening. The aim of this study was to investigate this discrepancy. Methods This was a prospective series. Eleven patients who were already undergoing treatment for EOS using MCGRs were included in this study. Results One hundred and ninety-two sets of ultrasound readings were obtained (96 episodes of rod lengthening on dual-rod constructs) and compared to their ERC readings. Only 15/192 (7.8%) readings were accurate; 27 readings (14.9%) were false positive; and 8 readings (4.2%) were an underestimation while 142 readings (74.0%) were an overestimation by the ERC. Average over-reporting by the ERC was 5.31 times of the actual/ultrasound reading. When comparing interval radiographs with lengthening obtained on ultrasound, there was a discrepancy with an average overestimation of 1.35 times with ultrasound in our series. There was a significant difference between ERC and USS (p = 0.01) and ERC and XR (p = 0.001). However, there was no significant difference between USS and XR (p > 0.99). Conclusion The reading on the ERC does not equate to the actual rod lengthening. The authors would recommend that clinicians using the MCGR for the treatment of early-onset scoliosis include pre- and post-extension imaging (radiographs or ultrasound) to confirm extension lengths at each outpatient extension. In centres with ultrasound facilities, we would suggest that patients should have ultrasound to monitor each lengthening after distraction but also 6-month radiographs

Basic science232. Certolizumab pegol prevents pro-inflammatory alterations in endothelial cell function

Background: Cardiovascular disease is a major comorbidity of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and a leading cause of death. Chronic systemic inflammation involving tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF) could contribute to endothelial activation and atherogenesis. A number of anti-TNF therapies are in current use for the treatment of RA, including certolizumab pegol (CZP), (Cimzia ®; UCB, Belgium). Anti-TNF therapy has been associated with reduced clinical cardiovascular disease risk and ameliorated vascular function in RA patients. However, the specific effects of TNF inhibitors on endothelial cell function are largely unknown. Our aim was to investigate the mechanisms underpinning CZP effects on TNF-activated human endothelial cells. Methods: Human aortic endothelial cells (HAoECs) were cultured in vitro and exposed to a) TNF alone, b) TNF plus CZP, or c) neither agent. Microarray analysis was used to examine the transcriptional profile of cells treated for 6 hrs and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) analysed gene expression at 1, 3, 6 and 24 hrs. NF-κB localization and IκB degradation were investigated using immunocytochemistry, high content analysis and western blotting. Flow cytometry was conducted to detect microparticle release from HAoECs. Results: Transcriptional profiling revealed that while TNF alone had strong effects on endothelial gene expression, TNF and CZP in combination produced a global gene expression pattern similar to untreated control. The two most highly up-regulated genes in response to TNF treatment were adhesion molecules E-selectin and VCAM-1 (q 0.2 compared to control; p > 0.05 compared to TNF alone). The NF-κB pathway was confirmed as a downstream target of TNF-induced HAoEC activation, via nuclear translocation of NF-κB and degradation of IκB, effects which were abolished by treatment with CZP. In addition, flow cytometry detected an increased production of endothelial microparticles in TNF-activated HAoECs, which was prevented by treatment with CZP. Conclusions: We have found at a cellular level that a clinically available TNF inhibitor, CZP reduces the expression of adhesion molecule expression, and prevents TNF-induced activation of the NF-κB pathway. Furthermore, CZP prevents the production of microparticles by activated endothelial cells. This could be central to the prevention of inflammatory environments underlying these conditions and measurement of microparticles has potential as a novel prognostic marker for future cardiovascular events in this patient group. Disclosure statement: Y.A. received a research grant from UCB. I.B. received a research grant from UCB. S.H. received a research grant from UCB. All other authors have declared no conflicts of interes

Nucleosome core protein: asymmetric dissociation of the octamer

The octameric nucleosomal core-histone complex, (H2A)2-(H2B)2-(H3)2-(H4)2, isolated from rat liver, undergoes dissociation during gel exclusion chromatography as a result of dilution occurring in the columns. The elution pattern at pH 7.0 and 4° C showed a sharp leading peak containing all four histones but predominantly H3 and H4, and a trailing peak containing equal amounts of histones H2A and H2B. As column length was increased the area under the leading peak decreased and that under the trailing peak increased. In addition the relative positions of the two peaks varied with column length. From an analysis of the data on increase in elution volume of the leading peak in relation to column length an apparent molecular weight of 86 000 was calculated for the undissociated molecule. Its apparent molecular weight, histone composition and pattern of further dissociation in relation to column length suggest that this species is the hexamer, (H2A-H2B)-(H3)2-(H4)2. At pH 7.0 and 4° C the dissociation of the core complex appears to be as follows: (H2A)2-(H2B)2-(H3)2-(H4)2 -> (H2A-H2B) + (H2A-H2B)-(H3)2-(H4)2 -> 2(H2A-H2B) + (H3)2-(H4)2. This dissociation was accelerated by an increase in temperature or decrease in pH and was accompanied by marked conformational changes as judged by circular dichroism measurements

Nucleosome core protein: Asymmetric dissociation of the octamer

The octameric nucleosomal core-histone complex, (H2A)2-(H2B)2-(H3)2-(H4)2, isolated from rat liver, undergoes dissociation during gel exclusion chromatography as a result of dilution occurring in the columns. The elution pattern at pH 7.0 and 4°C showed a sharp leading peak containing all four histones but predominantly H3 and H4, and a trailing peak containing equal amounts of histones H2A and H2B. As column length was increased the area under the leading peak decreased and that under the trailing peak increased. In addition the relative positions of the two peaks varied with column length. From an analysis of the data on increase in elution volume of the leading peak in relation to column length an apparent molecular weight of 86 000 was calculated for the undissociated molecule. Its apparent molecular weight, histone composition and pattern of further dissociation in relation to column length suggest that this species is the hexamer, (H2A-H2B)-(H3)2-(H4)2. At pH 7.0 and 4°C the dissociation of the core complex appears to be as follows: (H2A)2-(H2B)2-(H3)2-(H4)2 → (H2A-H2B) + (H2A-H2B)-(H3)2-(H4)2 → 2(H2A-H2B) + (H3)2-(H4)2 This dissociation was accelerated by an increase in temperature or decrease in pH and was accompanied by marked conformational changes as judged by circular dichroism measurements

Fabrication and characterization of new PSF/PPSU UF blend membrane for heavy metal rejection

Polysulfone and polyphenylsulfone-blend ultrafiltration membranes of different compositions were prepared by the phase inversion method, with and without hydrophilic additive poly (ethylene glycol) 1,000 (PEG). The membrane morphology was studied using scanning electron microscope, which displayed the asymmetric structure of the membrane. The hydrophilicity of the membranes was measured by contact angle, porosity, water uptake, and permeability studies. The blend membrane showed enhanced permeability, hydrophilicity, and antifouling property as compared to the pristine polymer membrane. The pure water flux of the membrane, which was blended with PEG additive was relatively higher than the blend membranes without the additive. The flux recovery ratio (FRR) was measured to study the antifouling property. The membranes with PEG additive exhibited better antifouling property with maximum FRR of 72.84%. The heavy metal rejection by the membrane was carried out by complexing the metal ions with polyethyleneimine, which exhibited highest rejection of 99.48 and 95.5% of Pb2+ and Cd2+, respectively. © 2015 Balaban Desalination Publications

A novel surfactant molecular design with optimal performance, safety and health aspects for laundry detergent

Surfactants are one of the main ingredients in laundry detergent formulation used to improve the wetting ability of water, loosens and removes oil with the aid of wash action. Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and diethanolamine (DEA) are two examples of chemicals used as surfactants in laundry detergents. Exposure to SLS and DEA has the potential to cause skin and eye irritation. In this study, surfactant candidates were designed by using Computer-aided Molecular Design (CAMD) tools with the integration of safety and health properties. The CAMD start with problem formulation, followed by model development, molecular design, optimization model and performance analysis. The important surfactant properties such as critical micelle concentration (CMC), hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB) and molecular weight (MW) were considered. The safety and health properties of surfactant candidates are assessed using index-based methodology. The surfactant candidates with optimum property functionality, safety and health performance are presented. The potential surfactant candidate, 1-aminomethyl-2,3,4,5,6-pentamethylnonane-1,8-diol is suggested to be implemented into in the laundry detergent formulation as it offers lower CMC (0.00228 mol/L) and minimum safety and health risks (total index score of 6) to consumers