8 research outputs found
Influence of Different Types of Small-Size Defects on Propagation of Macro-cracks in Brittle Materials
Acute renal failure due to phenazopyridine (Pyridium®) overdose: case report and review of the literature
Dielectrical, optical, and structural characterization of TiO2/PVA nanocomposite films for dielectric applications
In this study, titanium dioxide/poly(vinyl) alcohol (TiO2/PVA) nanocomposite thin films were prepared by a simple spin-coating method for dielectric applications. Structural, morphological, optical, and dielectric properties of samples were analyzed by XRD, SEM, AFM, UV-VIS, and dielectric measurements. The effect of TiO2 nanoparticles on these properties was investigated. It was found that TiO2 nanoparticles lead to increase the crystallinity of nanocomposites. As TiO2 content in the composite structure increases, while average transmittance values decrease, reflectance values increase. The dielectric parameters such as real and imaginary part of complex permittivity which are related to the stored energy and the dissipation (or loss) of energy were significantly affected by the presence of TiO2 nanoparticles. In addition, alternating current (A.C.) conductivity increased with increasing applied frequency. The A.C. conductivity also confirmed that all the samples exhibited the insulator behavior and obeyed the universal power law
Evaluating and predicting blast-induced ground vibration in open-cast mine using ANN: a case study in Vietnam
Screening for Barrett’s Oesophagus: Are We Ready for it?
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The targeted approach adopted for Barrett's oesophagus (BO) screening is sub-optimal considering the large proportion of BO cases that are currently missed. We reviewed the literature highlighting recent technological advancements in efforts to counteract this challenge. We also provided insights into strategies that can improve the outcomes from current BO screening practises. RECENT FINDINGS: The standard method for BO detection, endoscopy, is invasive and expensive and therefore inappropriate for mass screening. On the other hand, endoscopy is more cost-effective for screening a high-risk population. A consensus has however not been reached on who should be screened. Risk prediction algorithms have been tested as an enrichment pre-screening tool reporting modest AUC's but require more prospective evaluation studies. Less invasive endoscopy methods like trans-nasal endoscopy, oesophageal capsule endsocopy and non-endoscopic cell collection devices like the Cytosponge coupled with biomarker analysis have shown promise in BO detection with randomised clinical trial evidence. SUMMARY: A three-tier precision cancer programme whereby risk prediction algorithms and non-endoscopic minimally invasive cell collection devices are used to triage test a wider pool of individuals may improve the detection rate of current screening practises with minimal cost implications
Distribution of glucose-6-phosphatase activity in normal, hyperplastic, and preneoplastic rat liver
A review of clinical and molecular prognostic factors in osteosarcoma
Traditional prognostic determinants in osteosarcoma
have included demographics (age, sex), tumour
size, site, stage, and the response to chemotherapy. Many of
these are determined using varying techniques and units of
measurement, which can make comparison between studies
diYcult. The absence of survival diVerence between limb
sparing surgery and amputation has been repeatedly demonstrated
in primary disease, and even in the setting of
pathological fracture. On the other hand, there is still some
controversy over the existence of increased local recurrence
for limb-sparing surgery, and the implications of this. Commonly
used prognostic determinants such as metastases,
and response to chemotherapy enable a high degree of
prognostic accuracy but usually at a late stage in the course
of disease. Leading on from this, there is a need to uncover
molecular pathways with speciWc inXuence over osteosarcoma
progression to facilitate earlier treatment changes.
Some important pathways are already being deWned, for
example the association of CXCR4 with metastases on presentation,
the likelihood of doxorubicin resistance with positive
P-glycoprotein, and the reduced survival prediction of
over expressed survivin. It is anticipated that the future of
osteosarcoma treatment will involve treatment tailored to
the molecular proWle of tumours at diagnosis, adjuvant therapy
directed towards dysfunctional molecular pathways
rather than the use of cytotoxics, and a more standardised
approach to the measurement of clinical prognostic factors
Osteosarcoma Development and Stem Cell Differentiation
Osteosarcoma is the most common nonhematologic malignancy of bone in children and adults. The peak incidence occurs in the second decade of life, with a smaller peak after age 50. Osteosarcoma typically arises around the growth plate of long bones. Most osteosarcoma tumors are of high grade and tend to develop pulmonary metastases. Despite clinical improvements, patients with metastatic or recurrent diseases have a poor prognosis. Here, we reviewed the current understanding of human osteosarcoma, with an emphasis on potential links between defective osteogenic differentiation and bone tumorigenesis. Existing data indicate osteosarcoma tumors display a broad range of genetic and molecular alterations, including the gains, losses, or arrangements of chromosomal regions, inactivation of tumor suppressor genes, and the deregulation of major signaling pathways. However, except for p53 and/or RB mutations, most alterations are not constantly detected in the majority of osteosarcoma tumors. With a rapid expansion of our knowledge about stem cell biology, emerging evidence suggests osteosarcoma should be regarded as a differentiation disease caused by genetic and epigenetic changes that interrupt osteoblast differentiation from mesenchymal stem cells. Understanding the molecular pathogenesis of human osteosarcoma could ultimately lead to the development of diagnostic and prognostic markers, as well as targeted therapeutics for osteosarcoma patients