Structures of Organic Additives Modified Magnetite Nanoparticles

Magnetite (Fe3O4) nanoparticles and magnetite-based inorganic–organic hybrids are attracting increasing attention in biomedicine, as thermoseeds for hyperthermia and contrast media in magnetic resonance imaging. Controlling the size of Fe3O4 thermoseeds is important, as particle size affects their heat generation under alternative magnetic fields. Fe3O4 is easily synthesized via aqueous processes. We previously demonstrated that adding organic polymers during synthesis affected the size and crystallinity of the resulting Fe3O4. However, the relationship of the chemical structure of the low-molecular-weight organic additive of its effect on the product has not been elucidated. In this study, organic compounds containing varying functional groups and surface charges were added to the precursor solution of Fe3O4. Crystalline Fe3O4 formed in the presence of neutral acetone, cationic ethylenediamine, and anionic acetic acid. These nanoparticles had slightly smaller particle sizes than those prepared in the absence of additives. The presence of oxalic acid and tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane inhibited Fe3O4 nucleation, instead yielding lepidocrosite- or akaganeite-type FeOOH. These differences were attributed to the ability to form complexes between iron ions and the organic additives. The saturation magnetizations of the products were consistent with Fe3O4. This indicated that the crystal phase of the iron oxide products differed, even when prepared in the presence of organic additives of the same functional group. It is concluded that state of ion-organic molecule complex in the solutions is a key factor governing nanostructure of the resultant iron oxide

Prostaglandin E2 Reverses Aberrant Production of an Inflammatory Chemokine by Microglia from Sandhoff Disease Model Mice through the cAMP-PKA Pathway

Background: Sandhoff disease (SD) is a neurodegenerative lysosomal b-hexosaminidase (Hex) deficiency involving excessive accumulation of undegraded substrates, including terminal GlcNAc-oligosaccharides and GM2 ganglioside. Microglia-mediated neuroinflammation contributes to the pathogenesis and progression of SD. Our previous study demonstrated that MIP-1a, a putative pathogenic factor for SD, is up-regulated in microglial cells derived from SD model mice (SD-Mg) through activation of Akt and JNK. Methodology/Principal Findings: In this study, we first demonstrated that prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), which is one of the lipid mediators derived from arachidonic acid and is known to suppress activation of microglia, reduced the aberrant MIP-1a production by SD-Mg to the same level as by WT-Mg. PGE2 also attenuated the activation of Akt and JNK. The inhibition of MIP-1a production and the activation of Akt and JNK occurred through the EP2 and 4/cAMP/PKA signaling pathway in the murine microglia derived from SD model mice. Conclusions/Significance: We propose that PGE2 plays a role as a negative regulator of MIP-1a production in th

Lumbar hernia diagnosed after laparoscopic hiatal hernia surgery

The presence of a new lumbar swelling or pain in the postoperative period following laparoscopic surgery should raise the suspicion of a lumbar hernia. Cross‐sectional imaging can be used to establish an early diagnosis to enable successful management

Frequency of D222G and Q223R Hemagglutinin Mutants of Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 Influenza Virus in Japan between 2009 and 2010

BACKGROUND: In April 2009, a novel swine-derived influenza A virus (H1N1pdm) emerged and rapidly spread around the world, including Japan. It has been suggested that the virus can bind to both 2,3- and 2,6-linked sialic acid receptors in infected mammals, in contrast to contemporary seasonal H1N1 viruses, which have a predilection for 2,6-linked sialic acid. METHODS/RESULTS: To elucidate the existence and transmissibility of α2,3 sialic acid-specific viruses in H1N1pdm, amino acid substitutions within viral hemagglutinin molecules were investigated, especially D187E, D222G, and Q223R, which are related to a shift from human to avian receptor specificity. Samples from individuals infected during the first and second waves of the outbreak in Japan were examined using a high-throughput sequencing approach. In May 2009, three specimens from mild cases showed D222G and/or Q223R substitutions in a minor subpopulation of viruses infecting these individuals. However, the substitutions almost disappeared in the samples from five mild cases in December 2010. The D187E substitution was not widespread in specimens, even in May 2009. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that α2,3 sialic acid-specific viruses, including G222 and R223, existed in humans as a minor population in the early phase of the pandemic, and that D222 and Q223 became more dominant through human-to-human transmission during the first and second waves of the epidemic. These results are consistent with the low substitution rates identified in seasonal H1N1 viruses in 2008

Prevalence and Socio-behavioral Influence of Early Childhood Caries, ECC, and Feeding Habits among 6-36 Months Old Children in Uganda and Tanzania.

Early childhood caries (ECC) is a serious problem that has remained unexplored in sub-Saharan Africa. This study aimed to identify possible socio-behavioral correlates of ECC focusing 6-36 months old children and their caretakers.\ud Cross sectional studies were conducted in a high fluoride rural area, Manyara, Tanzania and a low fluoride urban area, Kampala, Uganda. Totals of 1221 and 816 child - caretaker pairs attending health care facilities for growth monitoring were recruited in Manyara and Kampala, respectively. All caretakers completed face to face interviews at the health care facility. Children underwent oral clinical examination whereby ECC and Enamel hypoplasia were recorded using the dmft (WHO 1997) and the DDE index (FDI 1992). The prevalence of ECC was 3.7% in Manyara and 17.6% in Kampala. According to multiple logistic regression analyses, received oral health information from health worker was the strongest determinant of ECC in Manyara, adjusted OR 0.3, 95% CI 0.09 - 0.93. In Kampala, visible plaque, high sugar intake and presence of enamel hypoplasia associated with ECC, adjusted ORs 2.8 (95% CI 1.61- 4.95), 3.0 (95% CI 1.39 - 6.34) and 2.3 (95% CI 1.36 - 3.95). Oral health education aimed at caretakers of 6-36 months, including health care workers' information regarding the detrimental consequences for oral health of frequent sugar consumption and poor oral hygiene is important for prevention of ECC in Tanzania and Uganda

Nanometer Sized Silver Particles Embedded Silica Particles—Spray Method

Spherical shaped, nanometer to micro meter sized silica particles were prepared in a homogeneous nature by spray technique. Silver nanoparticles were produced over the surface of the silica grains in a harmonized manner. The size of silver and silica particles was effectively controlled by the precursors and catalysts. The electrostatic repulsion among the silica spheres and the electro static attraction between silica spheres and silver particles make the synchronized structure of the synthesized particles and the morphological images are revealed by transmission electron microscope. The silver ions are reduced by sodium borohydride. Infra red spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis confirm the formation of silver–silica composite particles. Thermal stability of the prepared particles obtained from thermal analysis ensures its higher temperature applications. The resultant silver embedded silica particles can be easily suspended in diverse solvents and would be useful for variety of applications

Compressive stenosis of the inferior vena cava due to localized ascites after living-donor liver transplantation.

A 54-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital following the diagnosis of decompensated liver cirrhosis with hepatitis C. She underwent living-donor liver transplantation, performed using the left hepatic lobe with the middle hepatic vein donated by her husband. After the transplantation, the patient suffered from massive ascites with liver dysfunction. Computed tomography demonstrated stenosis of the suprahepatic inferior vena cava (IVC) with focal collection of fluid. A second laparotomy was performed 19 days after the transplantation. When the encapsulated localized ascites on both sides of the IVC was opened, the ascites was flushed away. Subsequently, the grafted liver was easily mobilized and it was placed in the natural position without any tension, and the pressure gradient of the IVC was improved. Herein, we report a very rare case of compression stenosis of the IVC resulting in Budd-Chiari syndrome caused by localized encapsulated ascites