Morphine versus oxycodone in pancreatic cancer pain: a randomized controlled study.

Objective: According to experimental findings, oxycodone (OX) could have some advantages over morphine (MO) in clinical models of visceral pain. It was hypothesized that OX could have some advantages over MO in terms of efficacy and dose escalation in pancreatic cancer pain. Methods: Sixty patients with pancreatic cancer with a pain intensity rating of 4/10 who required opioids were included in the study. Patients were randomized to receive 30mg/d of sustained release oral MO or sustained release oral OX (20mg/d). Opioid doses were increased according to the clinical needs. Daily doses of opioids, pain and symptom intensity were recorded at admission (T0) and at weekly intervals for the subsequent 4 weeks (T1, T2, T3, and T4), with an extension at 8 weeks (T8). Opioid escalation index (OEI) as percentage (OEI %) and in mg (OEI mg) was calculated. Results: Nineteen and 20 patients in groups OX and MO, respectively, were followed for the entire period of study (T4). No differences between groups were found in age (P=0.400), Karnofsky (P=0.667), or escalation indexes at T4 and T8 (OEImg, P=0.945 and OEI %, P=0.295). No statistical differences in pain and symptoms intensity between the groups were observed. Conclusion: OX and MO provided similar analgesia and adverse effects with similar escalating doses in patients with pancreatic cancer pain, resembling observations reported in the general cancer pain population. The experimental hypothesis that OX would be superior to MO in the clinical model of pancreatic cancer pain was not confirmed. © 2010 by Lippincott Williams & Wilkins

Photo Thermal Effect Graphene Detector Featuring 105 Gbit s-1 NRZ and 120 Gbit s-1 PAM4 Direct Detection

The challenge of next generation datacom and telecom communication is to increase the available bandwidth while reducing the size, cost and power consumption of photonic integrated circuits. Silicon (Si) photonics has emerged as a viable solution to reach these objectives. Graphene, a single-atom thick layer of carbon5, has been recently proposed to be integrated with Si photonics because of its very high mobility, fast carrier dynamics and ultra-broadband optical properties. Here, we focus on graphene photodetectors for high speed datacom and telecom applications. High speed graphene photodetectors have been demonstrated so far, however the most are based on the photo-bolometric (PB) or photo-conductive (PC) effect. These devices are characterized by large dark current, in the order of milli-Amperes , which is an impairment in photo-receivers design, Photo-thermo-electric (PTE) effect has been identified as an alternative phenomenon for light detection. The main advantages of PTE-based photodetectors are the optical power to voltage conversion, zero-bias operation and ultra-fast response. Graphene PTE-based photodetectors have been reported in literature, however high-speed optical signal detection has not been shown. Here, we report on an optimized graphene PTE-based photodetector with flat frequency response up to 65 GHz. Thanks to the optimized design we demonstrate a system test leading to direct detection of 105 Gbit s-1 non-return to zero (NRZ) and 120 Gbit s-1 4-level pulse amplitude modulation (PAM) optical signal

Precarious, Always-On and Flexible: A Case Study of Academics as Information Workers

The higher education landscape has changed in the last decades. The neoliberal restructuring of universities has led to transformations such as reducing public expenditure, allocating resources based on competition and quasi-market disciplines. These structural transformations have also an effect on the working conditions, practices and relations of subjects within universities. Questions that need to be addressed: How do different working contexts and conditions in the academia shape feelings of autonomy, flexibility and reputation on the one hand and precariousness, overwork and dissatisfaction on the other? What are the broader political realities and potentials in terms of solidarity, participation and democracy at universities? I address these questions based on a theoretical analysis and qualitative interviews with precariously employed academics

Fibronectin localization and fibrillization are affected by the presence of serum in culture media

In vitro models of fibrotic phenomena are often based on the fibroblast-myofibroblast transition as the contraction-triggering cellular event. There are, however, multiple sources of concern regarding the appropriateness of such models; a first and widely investigated issue is the often inappropriate nature of the interactions between mesenchymal cells and surrounding/underlying matrix/substrate. A second set of problems concerns the composition of the fluid phase, which includes both dispersed/dissolved paracrine messengers and matrix elements. In this study, we have focused on the effects that serum may generate. We have observed that A) serum causes high variability in the expression of typical markers of myofibroblast differentiation (ED-A fibronectin and α-Smooth Muscle Actin) upon treatment with TGF-β1; this is probably due to intrinsic variability of cytokine concentrations in different batches of serum. B) the fibrillization of endogenous fibronectin is partially hampered and its localization changed from ventral (on the substrate) to dorsal (upper surface); the latter morphology appears to be largely overlooked in literature, even though it may have a significant role in terms of mechanotransductive signaling. This quite dramatic change possibly occurs as a result of competition with serum proteins, although our data seem to rule out a direct role of serum fibronectin

Development of a novel liquid/liquid extraction and ultra-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry method for the assessment of thiols in South African Sauvignon Blanc wines

Background and Aims: The thiol compounds, 3-mercaptohexan-1-ol (3MH) and 3-mercaptohexyl acetate (3MHA), are important, pleasant volatile thiols conferring fruity notes in wines. The analytical determination of these thiols in wine remains problematic due to their trace concentration and instability. The main aim of this study was to develop a liquid/liquid extraction and ultra-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) method for the determination of 3MH and 3MHA concentration in Sauvignon Blanc wines. Methods and Results: A novel sample preparation based on a liquid/liquid extraction was developed. Thiols were quantified by UPLC-MS/MS after derivatisation with o-phthaldialdehyde. Good results were obtained with the method in terms of limit of detection and of quantification, accuracy and repeatability. Average concentration of 3MH in 18 South African wines was 1320 and of 3MHA 313ng/L. Conclusions: The analytical method described enables the liquid/liquid extraction of 3MH and 3MHA from wine, separates them by liquid chromatography and detects them by MS/MS at a concentration lower than that of their sensory threshold. Significance of the Study: The determination of the concentration of 3MH and 3MHA in Sauvignon Blanc wines could enable wine producers to predict the sensory attributes of the wine

Brain Structure and Degeneration Staging in Friedreich Ataxia: Magnetic Resonance Imaging Volumetrics from the ENIGMA-Ataxia Working Group

open48siThe method harmonization and multisite data analysis elements of this work were supported by the NIH BD2K (Big Data to Knowledge) program (grant U54 EB020403) and the Australian National Health and Medical Research Council (fellowship 1106533, grant 1184403).Objective: Friedreich ataxia (FRDA) is an inherited neurological disease defined by progressive movement incoordination. We undertook a comprehensive characterization of the spatial profile and progressive evolution of structural brain abnormalities in people with FRDA. Methods: A coordinated international analysis of regional brain volume using magnetic resonance imaging data charted the whole-brain profile, interindividual variability, and temporal staging of structural brain differences in 248 individuals with FRDA and 262 healthy controls. Results: The brainstem, dentate nucleus region, and superior and inferior cerebellar peduncles showed the greatest reductions in volume relative to controls (Cohen d = 1.5–2.6). Cerebellar gray matter alterations were most pronounced in lobules I–VI (d = 0.8), whereas cerebral differences occurred most prominently in precentral gyri (d = 0.6) and corticospinal tracts (d = 1.4). Earlier onset age predicted less volume in the motor cerebellum (rmax = 0.35) and peduncles (rmax = 0.36). Disease duration and severity correlated with volume deficits in the dentate nucleus region, brainstem, and superior/inferior cerebellar peduncles (rmax = −0.49); subgrouping showed these to be robust and early features of FRDA, and strong candidates for further biomarker validation. Cerebral white matter abnormalities, particularly in corticospinal pathways, emerge as intermediate disease features. Cerebellar and cerebral gray matter loss, principally targeting motor and sensory systems, preferentially manifests later in the disease course. Interpretation: FRDA is defined by an evolving spatial profile of neuroanatomical changes beyond primary pathology in the cerebellum and spinal cord, in line with its progressive clinical course. The design, interpretation, and generalization of research studies and clinical trials must consider neuroanatomical staging and associated interindividual variability in brain measures. ANN NEUROL 2021;90:570–583.openHarding I.H.; Chopra S.; Arrigoni F.; Boesch S.; Brunetti A.; Cocozza S.; Corben L.A.; Deistung A.; Delatycki M.; Diciotti S.; Dogan I.; Evangelisti S.; Franca M.C.; Goricke S.L.; Georgiou-Karistianis N.; Gramegna L.L.; Henry P.-G.; Hernandez-Castillo C.R.; Hutter D.; Jahanshad N.; Joers J.M.; Lenglet C.; Lodi R.; Manners D.N.; Martinez A.R.M.; Martinuzzi A.; Marzi C.; Mascalchi M.; Nachbauer W.; Pane C.; Peruzzo D.; Pisharady P.K.; Pontillo G.; Reetz K.; Rezende T.J.R.; Romanzetti S.; Sacca F.; Scherfler C.; Schulz J.B.; Stefani A.; Testa C.; Thomopoulos S.I.; Timmann D.; Tirelli S.; Tonon C.; Vavla M.; Egan G.F.; Thompson P.M.Harding I.H.; Chopra S.; Arrigoni F.; Boesch S.; Brunetti A.; Cocozza S.; Corben L.A.; Deistung A.; Delatycki M.; Diciotti S.; Dogan I.; Evangelisti S.; Franca M.C.; Goricke S.L.; Georgiou-Karistianis N.; Gramegna L.L.; Henry P.-G.; Hernandez-Castillo C.R.; Hutter D.; Jahanshad N.; Joers J.M.; Lenglet C.; Lodi R.; Manners D.N.; Martinez A.R.M.; Martinuzzi A.; Marzi C.; Mascalchi M.; Nachbauer W.; Pane C.; Peruzzo D.; Pisharady P.K.; Pontillo G.; Reetz K.; Rezende T.J.R.; Romanzetti S.; Sacca F.; Scherfler C.; Schulz J.B.; Stefani A.; Testa C.; Thomopoulos S.I.; Timmann D.; Tirelli S.; Tonon C.; Vavla M.; Egan G.F.; Thompson P.M

Immune and hemorheological changes in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

BACKGROUND: Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is a multifactorial disorder that affects various physiological systems including immune and neurological systems. The immune system has been substantially examined in CFS with equivocal results, however, little is known about the role of neutrophils and natural killer (NK) phenotypes in the pathomechanism of this disorder. Additionally the role of erythrocyte rheological characteristics in CFS has not been fully expounded. The objective of this present study was to determine deficiencies in lymphocyte function and erythrocyte rheology in CFS patients. METHODS: Flow cytometric measurements were performed for neutrophil function, lymphocyte numbers, NK phenotypes (CD56(dim)CD16(+ )and CD56(bright)CD16(-)) and NK cytotoxic activity. Erythrocyte aggregation, deformability and fibrinogen levels were also assessed. RESULTS: CFS patients (n = 10) had significant decreases in neutrophil respiratory burst, NK cytotoxic activity and CD56(bright)CD16(- )NK phenotypes in comparison to healthy controls (n = 10). However, hemorheological characteristic, aggregation, deformability, fibrinogen, lymphocyte numbers and CD56(dim)CD16(+ )NK cells were similar between the two groups. CONCLUSION: These results indicate immune dysfunction as potential contributors to the mechanism of CFS, as indicated by decreases in neutrophil respiratory burst, NK cell activity and NK phenotypes. Thus, immune cell function and phenotypes may be important diagnostic markers for CFS. The absence of rheological changes may indicate no abnormalities in erythrocytes of CFS patients