Analysis of DNA-Damage Response to ionizing radiation in serum-shock synchronized human fibroblasts.

Many aspects of cellular physiology, including cellular response to genotoxic stress, are related to the circadian rhythmicity induced by the molecular clock. The current study investigated if the cellular response to DNA damage is in relation to endogenous expression levels of the PER2 protein, a key component of the molecular regulatory system that confers rhythmicity in mammalian cells. Human normal fibroblasts (CCD-34Lu) were subjected to serum shock to induce circadian oscillations of the PER2 protein and then irradiated with \u3b3- rays at times corresponding to the trough and peak expression of the PER2 protein. To better examine cellular response to DNA damage, the experiments performed in this study were carried out in non-proliferating CCD-34Lu fibroblasts in order to maintain the cell and circadian cycles separated while they were being exposed to genotoxic stress. Study results demonstrated that clonogenic cell survival, double-strand break repair kinetics, and TP53 protein levels were affected in the cells irradiated at the trough than in those irradiated at peak expression of the PER2 protein

Which is the Right Reference Surface Compression Value for Heat Treated Glass?

The paper correlates the data recorded in Stazione Sperimentale del Vetro, in many years. The aim is to define a correlation between the following parameters in heat treated glass: 1) bending strength tested according EN 1288-3 ; 2) fragmentation tested according relevant Standards [EN 1863-1 2004, EN12150-1 2015, EN 14179-1 2016]; 3) surface compression stress measured with laser Gasp [ASTM C1279 2013]. For heat strengthened glass the fragmentation correlation due to the different crack path ("island" fragments instead of small fragments) is only related to conformity: Y/N. The research is the development of the previous ones [Schiavonato et al. 2005, Mognato et al. 2011] carried out at Stazione Sperimentale Vetro, increasing the experimental data (up to 2017)considering in detail the emissivity of coated glass and extending also to enamelled glass. The correlation between surface compression stress and mechanical strength and fragmentation is relevant for the manufacturer, who may use surface pre-stress measurement as a means of product control

Functional validation of miRNAs targeting genes of DNA double-strand break repair to radiosensitize non-small lung cancer cells

Abstract DNA-Double strand breaks (DSBs) generated by radiation therapy represent the most efficient lesions to kill tumor cells, however, the inherent DSB repair efficiency of tumor cells can cause cellular radioresistance and impact on therapeutic outcome. Genes of DSB repair represent a target for cancer therapy since their down-regulation can impair the repair process making the cells more sensitive to radiation. In this study, we analyzed the combination of ionizing radiation (IR) along with microRNA-mediated targeting of genes involved in DSB repair to sensitize human non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells. MicroRNAs are natural occurring modulators of gene expression and therefore represent an attractive strategy to affect the expression of DSB repair genes. As possible IR-sensitizing targets genes we selected genes of homologous recombination (HR) and non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) pathway (i.e. RAD51, BRCA2, PRKDC, XRCC5, LIG1). We examined these genes to determine whether they may be real targets of selected miRNAs by functional and biological validation. The in vivo effectiveness of miRNA treatments has been examined in cells over-expressing miRNAs and treated with IR. Taken together, our results show that hsa-miR-96-5p and hsa-miR-874-3p can directly regulate the expression of target genes. When these miRNAs are combined with IR can decrease the survival of NSCLC cells to a higher extent than that exerted by radiation alone, and similarly to radiation combined with specific chemical inhibitors of HR and NHEJ repair pathway

Robust and Biocompatible Functionalization of ZnS Nanoparticles by Catechol-Bearing Poly(2-Methyl-2-Oxazoline)s.

Zinc sulfide (ZnS) nanoparticles (NPs) are particularly interesting materials for their electronic and luminescent properties. Unfortunately, their robust and stable functionalization and stabilization, especially in aqueous media, has represented a challenging and not yet completely accomplished task. In this work, we report the synthesis of colloidally stable, photoluminescent and biocompatible core\u2013polymer shell ZnS and ZnS:Tb NPs by employing a water-in-oil miniemulsion (ME) process combined with surface functionalization via catechol-bearing poly-2-methyl-2-oxazoline (PMOXA) of various molar masses. The strong binding of catechol anchors to the metal cations of the ZnS surface, coupled with the high stability of PMOXA against chemical degradation, enable the formation of suspensions presenting excellent colloidal stability. This feature, combined with the assessed photoluminescence and biocompatibility, make these hybrid NPs suitable for optical bioimaging

Fine-needle aspiration cytology in children with superficial lymphadenopathy.

Introduction: In pediatric population Fine-Needle Aspiration Citology (FNAC) is slowly gaining acceptance in clinical management of Superficial Lymphadenopathy (SL). Our experience adds some data about the usefulness of this technique in diagnosing the cause of a SL and therefore guiding further treatment. Patients and Methods: 238 FNAC were performed in 217 patients with SL, observed at our Institution from 2002 to 2006. The neck was the most frequent localization. The results were available within few hours. In cases of granulomatous findings, the samples were processed for microbiological and PCR test, in order to identify Mycobacteria. Results: 174 were reactive lesions, 38 granulomatous lymphadenopathies, 24 malignant lesions, 2 specimens inadequate for diagnosis. Among the 174 reactive SL, 22 required an incisional biopsy after 1 month follow-up. Among the granulomatous lymphadenopathies, 13 children with Cat-Scratch Disease recovered, 25 with Mycobacteria infection underwent surgical excision. For 24 malignant lesions, the diagnosis was confirmed by further biopsy. Two false negative and no false positive were detected (sensitivity 92%, specificity 100%). No complications were encountered. Conclusions: In our experience FNAC, performed by experienced cytopathologist, has revealed to be a fast, safe, non invasive and inexpensive method to achieve diagnosis in persistent SL. The use of FNAC gave us the possibility to select patients for further investigation and/or surgical treatment. Incisional biopsy remains necessary to confirm the diagnosis in case of malignancy or doubtful lesions

Multidisciplinary expertise in the diagnosis of cecal lymphoma

This particular case highlights the importance of a multidisciplinary team expertise in the differential diagnostic process of acute abdominal pain. The case involves a 10-year old Chinese boy who presented with intermittent abdominal pain; the clinical and radiologic picture narrowed the differential diagnosis between an acute appendicitis and an intestinal lymphoma. Diagnosis of a high grade - B lymphoma was made by performing a colonoscopy; this procedure was deemed the best option to obtain a quick diagnosis with low invasiveness

Percutaneous Trans-Thoracic Procedures in Children With Tumors of Thoracic Wall, Mediastinum and Lung. The Experience of a Single Institution

Background While percutaneous trans-thoracic procedures (PTTP) are commonly performed in adults with tumors of thoracic wall, mediastinum and lung, the experience is limited in children, in whom however less invasive methods should be the choice for the diagnosis or the identification of small pulmonary nodules that need to be removed, sparing lung tissue. The results of the PTTP performed by the interventional radiologists in our Pediatric Surgery Department are analyzed. Methods CT-guided biopsies, utilizing a 64-slice CTscanner, with low-radiation dose, were performed applying the coaxial technique with 16-18G needles with a single tissue path. For localization of lung nodules before surgery, two 20G-hook wires were positioned beyond the nodule. CT images after each manipulation of the needles were obtained. US-guided biopsies were performed either with or without coaxial technique through a needle bracket. Younger patients required sedation. All patients underwent a chest radiogram two hours after the procedure and remained under observation for 24 hours. Results From January 2015 to March 2019, 23 procedures were performed in 22 patients (Age:16M- 19Y): 6 patients underwent CT-guided biopsy (4 lung nodules, 2 mediastinal mass); 3 underwent 4 CT-guided hook-wire localization of pulmonary nodules, just before surgery; 13 underwent US-guided biopsy (posterior mediastinum 2; anterior mediastinum 5, thoracic/intrathoracic mass 5). Adequate core biopsies were obtained in all patients, except three, who underwent thoracoscopy/thoracotomy. The hook-wires were successfully positioned in all cases, as confirmed by histology. After the procedure, two patients presented perilesional hemorrhage and one pneumothorax, but they did not required treatment. Conclusion PTTP were successful in most patients, without significant complications. These techniques should be encouraged to avoid diagnostic aggressive surgical approaches in children with cancer. For all cases a multidisciplinary team is essential to discuss the indications and planning the procedures

Bacillus Calmette-Guérin-related cold thigh abscess as an unusual cause of thigh swelling in infants following BCG vaccine administration: a case series

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Introduction</p> <p>Thigh swelling in an infant can be a symptom of a simple benign condition or a life-threatening condition. We observed a cluster of thigh swelling episodes in infants in which the cause was Bacillus Calmette-Guérin-related cold thigh abscess. We report this unusual case series to raise awareness about this diagnosis.</p> <p>Case presentations</p> <p>We performed a retrospective review of five infants (four boys and one girl) who presented with Bacillus Calmette-Guérin-related left thigh abscess. The swelling was noticed by the parents at a mean period of three months prior to presentation. The ages at presentation were five, five, eight and nine months for the boys, and six months for the girl. All of the patients were healthy Saudi infants, and received the Bacillus Calmette-Guérin vaccine at birth. Clinically, all of the patients were well and did not demonstrate signs of systemic infection. All patients underwent needle aspiration, with subsequent incision and drainage in four of the five cases. The cultures obtained from the abscess fluids were the key to establishing the diagnosis. Only three patients (60%) received antituberculosis drugs. Wound healing lasted for a mean period of approximately seven months. Two-year follow-up was unremarkable for all of our patients.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Technical errors continue to be significant in the development of vaccine-related complications. Bacillus Calmette-Guérin-related cold thigh abscess is an extremely rare entity.</p