Glioblastoma with primitive neuronal component: A case report and considerations of fluorescence-guided surgery

Background: Glioblastoma with primitive neuronal components (GB/PNC) is an extremely rare type of glioblastoma characterized by presenting histological and cytogenetic features of both entities. The mixed nature of these tumors limits the imaging diagnosis and supposes a therapeutic dilemma. Case Description: We present the case of a 77-year-old female with a GB/PNC who is treated with surgery and adjuvant radiochemotherapy according to the STUPP protocol, where an abnormal uptake of 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) is evident during surgery in probable relation to the mixed nature of GB/PNC. Conclusion: GB/PNC is extremely rare tumors. Given its low prevalence, there are no studies that refer to the macroscopic characteristics of the tumor as well as evidence of the effectiveness of adjuvant treatment. Fluorescence-guided resection with 5-ALA is the surgical treatment of choice in surgery for high-grade gliomas; however, in GB/PNC, it may not be as useful since PNC may have less fluorescent marker uptake and be more dimly visualized when excited by light using the surgical microscope

Effluents from the copper electrorefining as a secondary source of antimony: Role of mass transfer on the recovery by electrodeposition

The limited availability of antimony has increased the need for exploiting alternative sources to its direct extraction from stibnite deposits. Furthermore, introducing recovery techniques in industries where antimony is released in wastewaters leads to more responsible production routes. In this work, electrodeposition is employed to recover the antimony present in a secondary waste effluent of the copper electrorefining that is highly concentrated in hydrochloric acid. The electrochemical characterization of the system was conducted by voltammetry to identify a range of suitable operating conditions for the potentiostatic and galvanostatic electro-recovery of antimony. In potentiostatic mode, the progress of the secondary electrode reactions of hydrogen and chlorine evolution at potentials more cathodic than −0.38 V vs. Ag/AgCl causes the detachment and redissolution of the deposited antimony. Operating under galvanostatic control, similar effects were observed when the limiting current density is exceeded. Current efficiency and specific energy consumption values above 50 % and below 65 kW·h·kg−1, were achieved below the limiting current density (1.265 mA·cm−2). The operational range where electrodeposition of antimony is accelerated at increasing current densities can be broadened at intensified hydrodynamic conditions and higher concentrations of antimony. The detrimental effect of the hydrogen evolution reaction on the recovery of antimony decreases at high HCl concentrations

Voltammetric and electrodeposition study for the recovery of antimony from effluents generated in the copper electrorefining process

Antimony is a metalloid with limited availability as a primary resource, but it is commonly found as an impurity in effluents generated in the copper metallurgy. Thus, the development of clean and selective processes to recover antimony from these wastewaters would improve the sustainability of the copper production. In this work, an emulated effluent of the copper electrorefining industry that contains antimony and hydrochloric acid was characterized by means of voltammetric and electrodeposition tests using two different cell configurations: a static cell, and a dynamic cell with a rotating disk electrode (RDE). Voltammograms were obtained at varying hydrochloric acid and antimony concentrations, inversion potentials, scan rates and RDE rotation rates. Two main conclusions were drawn: (a) the deposition of antimony is a mass transfer-controlled process; and (b) an increase in hydrochloric acid concentration improves the deposition of antimony. The diffusion coefficient of antimony species was obtained applying the Randles-ˇ Sevˇcík and the Levich equations; both of them providing very similar values (5.29 ± 0.20 ⋅ 10− 6 cm2 s − 1). The effective electrodeposition of antimony from highly concentrated hydrochloric acid solutions was demonstrated. The surface examination of the electrodes revealed that compact and adherent deposits of antimony could be obtained under operating conditions that minimize the hydrogen evolution reaction in both potentiostatic and galvanostatic modes. Intensified convective regimes by using the RDE improve the supply of dissolved antimony towards the electrode surface, thus leading to a notorious increase in current density and, consequently, in the rate of antimony deposition

Matter effects in neutrino visible decay at future long-baseline experiments

Neutrino visible decay in the presence of matter is re-evaluated. We study these effects in two future long-baseline experiments where matter effects are relevant: DUNE (1300 km) and a hypothetical beam aimed towards ANDES (7650 km). We find that matter effects are negligible for the visible component of neutrino decay at DUNE, being much more relevant at ANDES. We perform a detailed simulation of DUNE, considering $\nu_\mu$ disappearance and $\nu_e$ appearance channels, for both FHC and RHC modes. The sensitivity to the decay constant $\alpha_3$ can be as low as $2\times10^{-6}$ eV$^2$ at 90% C.L., depending on the neutrino masses and type of coupling. We also show the impact of neutrino decay in the determination of $\theta_{23}$ and $\delta_{\rm CP}$, and find that the best-fit value of $\theta_{23}$ can move from a true value at the lower octant towards the higher octant.Comment: 18 pages; v2: Minor changes, version accepted for publication in EPJ

Embedded bleeding detector into a PMMA applicator for electron intraoperative radiotherapy

Purpose: The aim of this work is to present a ready to industrialize low-cost and easy-to-install bleeding detector for use in intraoperative electron radiation therapy (IOERT). The detector works in stand-alone mode and is embedded into a translucent polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) applicator avoiding any contact with the patient, which represent a novelty compared to previous designs. The use of this detector will prevent dose misadministration during irradiation in the event of accumulation of fluids in the applicator. Methods: The detector is based on capacitive sensor and wireless power-supply electronics. Both sensor and electronics have been embedded in the applicator, so that any contact with the patient would be avoided. Since access to the tumor can be done through different trajectories, the detector has been calibrated for different tilting angles. Results: The result of the calibration provides us with a fit curve that allows the interpolation of the results at any angle. Comparison of estimated fluid height vs real height gives an error of 1 mm for tilting angles less than 10º and 2 mm for tilting angles greater than 15º. This accuracy is better than the one required by clinic. Conclusions: The performance of the bleeding detector was evaluated in situ. No interference was observed between the detector and the beam. In addition, a user-friendly mobile application has been developed to help the surgical team making decisions before and during irradiation. The measurement provided by the mobile application was stable during the irradiation process

Tracking homogeneous reactions during electrodialysis of organic acids via EIS

[EN] Organic acids are highly valuable platform chemicals that can be obtained from bioresources and subsequently transformed into a wide spectrum of profitable consumer goods. After their synthesis, organic acids need to be separated from other by-products and conveniently upconcentrated. Based on the ionic nature of organic acids, electromembrane processes are viable technologies for their recovery. Transport of weak acids through ion- exchange membranes is a complex process influenced by multiple phenomena, i.e. concentration polarization, water dissociation and counterion-membrane interactions. In the present study, the transport of two different organic acids (citric and oxalic acid) through anion-exchange membranes is investigated by means of using linear sweep voltammetry, chronopotentiometry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Results have shown that, at pH values where multivalent acid anions predominate in solution, a first limiting current density is registered in the current-voltage curves, followed by an increase in membrane resistance. A further increase in current leads to a second limiting current density and a steeper increase in membrane resistance associated with an intensified ion depletion. A strong correlation between polarization curves and electrochemical impedance measurements reveals that such increase in resistance is prompted by generation of Hþ and OH? ions and the concomitant onset of homogeneous reactions in very thin solution layers. The generation of Hþ and OH? ions is tracked by a Gerischer arc in the impedance spectra. As the polarization level increases, the subsequent reaction of multivalent anions into lower-charge acid anions involves the evolution of additional Gerischer arcs. Furthermore, the lower conductivity of the reaction products correlates with the increased system resistance. The characteristic times of these reactions are in the order of milliseconds, thus being only directly accessible with the use of frequency response analysis techniques, such as EIS.M.C. Marti-Calatayud acknowledges the support of Generalitat Valenciana through the funding APOSTD/2017/059.Martí Calatayud, MC.; Evdochenko, E.; Bär, J.; García Gabaldón, M.; Wessling, M.; Pérez-Herranz, V. (2020). Tracking homogeneous reactions during electrodialysis of organic acids via EIS. Journal of Membrane Science. 595:1-10. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.memsci.2019.117592S110595Kiss, A. A., Lange, J.-P., Schuur, B., Brilman, D. W. F., van der Ham, A. G. J., & Kersten, S. R. A. (2016). Separation technology–Making a difference in biorefineries. Biomass and Bioenergy, 95, 296-309. doi:10.1016/j.biombioe.2016.05.021Abels, C., Carstensen, F., & Wessling, M. (2013). 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Current-voltage characteristic of anion-exchange membrane in monosodium phosphate solution. Modelling and experiment. Journal of Membrane Science, 542, 177-185. doi:10.1016/j.memsci.2017.08.002Martí-Calatayud, M., García-Gabaldón, M., & Pérez-Herranz, V. (2018). Mass Transfer Phenomena during Electrodialysis of Multivalent Ions: Chemical Equilibria and Overlimiting Currents. Applied Sciences, 8(9), 1566. doi:10.3390/app8091566Melnikova, E. D., Pismenskaya, N. D., Bazinet, L., Mikhaylin, S., & Nikonenko, V. V. (2018). Effect of ampholyte nature on current-voltage characteristic of anion-exchange membrane. Electrochimica Acta, 285, 185-191. doi:10.1016/j.electacta.2018.07.186Femmer, R., Mani, A., & Wessling, M. (2015). Ion transport through electrolyte/polyelectrolyte multi-layers. Scientific Reports, 5(1). doi:10.1038/srep11583Belloň, T., Polezhaev, P., Vobecká, L., Svoboda, M., & Slouka, Z. (2019). 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Safety, Fear and Neuromuscular Responses after a Resisted Knee Extension Performed to Failure in Patients with Severe Haemophilia

Background: low–moderate intensity strength training to failure increases strength and muscle hypertrophy in healthy people. However, no study assessed the safety and neuromuscular response of training to failure in people with severe haemophilia (PWH). The purpose of the study was to analyse neuromuscular responses, fear of movement, and possible adverse effects in PWH, after knee extensions to failure. Methods: twelve severe PWH in prophylactic treatment performed knee extensions until failure at an intensity of five on the Borg CR10 scale. Normalised values of amplitude (nRMS) and neuromuscular fatigue were determined using surface electromyography for the rectus femoris, vastus medialis, and vastus lateralis. After the exercise, participants were asked about their perceived change in fear of movement, and to report any possible adverse effects. Results: Patients reported no adverse effects or increased fear. The nRMS was maximal for all the muscles before failure, the median frequency decreased, and wavelet index increased during the repetitions. The vastus lateralis demonstrated a higher maximum nRMS threshold and earlier fatigue, albeit with a lower and more progressive overall fatigue. Conclusions: severe PWH with adequate prophylactic treatment can perform knee extensions to task failure using a moderate intensity, without increasing fear of movement, or adverse effects

EMG, Rate of Perceived Exertion, Pain, Tolerability and Possible Adverse Effects of a Knee Extensor Exercise with Progressive Elastic Resistance in Patients with Severe Haemophilia

In people with haemophilia (PWH), elastic band training is considered an optimal option, even though the literature is scarce. The aim was to evaluate normalized electromyographic amplitude (nEMG), rate of perceived exertion (RPE), pain, tolerability, and possible adverse effects during the knee extension exercise using multiple elastic resistance intensities in PWH. During a single session, 14 severe PWH undergoing prophylactic treatment performed knee extensions without resistance and with different intensity levels of elastic resistance. nEMG was measured for the knee extensors and participants rated their RPE, tolerability and pain intensity after each condition. Patients had to report the possible adverse effects after the session. In most of the cases, an nEMG increase is only evidenced after increasing the resistance by two to three levels. Significant associations were found between RPE and the nEMG (ρ = 0.61), as well as between the elastic resistance level and nEMG (ρ = 0.69) and RPE (ρ = 0.71). All conditions were generally tolerated, without increased pain, and no adverse effects were reported. A wide variety of elastic resistance intensities during the knee extension are safe, tolerated, and do not increase knee pain in the majority of severe PWH undergoing prophylactic treatment

The initial experience of electronic brachytherapy for the treatment of non-melanoma skin cancer

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Millions of people are diagnosed with non-melanoma skin cancers (NMSC) worldwide each year. While surgical approaches are the standard treatment, some patients are appropriate candidates for radiation therapy for NMSC. High dose rate (HDR) brachytherapy using surface applicators has shown efficacy in the treatment of NMSC and shortens the radiation treatment schedule by using a condensed hypofractionated approach. An electronic brachytherapy (EBT) system permits treatment of NMSC without the use of a radioactive isotope.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Data were collected retrospectively from patients treated from July 2009 through March 2010. Pre-treatment biopsy was performed to confirm a malignant cutaneous diagnosis. A CT scan was performed to assess lesion depth for treatment planning, and an appropriate size of surface applicator was selected to provide an acceptable margin. An HDR EBT system delivered a dose of 40.0 Gy in eight fractions twice weekly with 48 hours between fractions, prescribed to a depth of 3-7 mm. Treatment feasibility, acute safety, efficacy outcomes, and cosmetic results were assessed.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Thirty-seven patients (mean age 72.5 years) with 44 cutaneous malignancies were treated. Of 44 lesions treated, 39 (89%) were T1, 1 (2%) Tis, 1 (2%) T2, and 3 (7%) lesions were recurrent. Lesion locations included the nose for 16 lesions (36.4%), ear 5 (11%), scalp 5 (11%), face 14 (32%), and an extremity for 4 (9%). Median follow-up was 4.1 months. No severe toxicities occurred. Cosmesis ratings were good to excellent for 100% of the lesions at follow-up.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>The early outcomes of EBT for the treatment of NMSC appear to show acceptable acute safety and favorable cosmetic outcomes. Using a hypofractionated approach, EBT provides a convenient treatment schedule.</p