4 research outputs found
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The use of cyclododecane in Swiss archaeological contexts
This paper is published in the book ‘Subliming Surfaces: Volatile Binding Media in Heritage Conservation’, ed. Christina Rozeik (University of Cambridge Museums, 2018), pp. 21-27.Cyclododecane (CDD) has been used since 2004 by the Archaeological Service of the Canton of Bern, Switzerland in a wide range of situations. This article summarises various practical experiences from our institution in the field as well as in the laboratory. Experiences during excavations in Basel led to the development of the ‘sandwich technique’ for block-lifting fragile artefacts, described in this paper. The long-term storage of Roman painted wall plaster lifted with CDD brought compatibility problems to light, in 14 particular with ethyl silicate. Investigating the potential contamination by CDD of samples for C dating has also been a topic of concern, as has the residue question, which has been addressed in two graduate-level projects through FTIR, GC–MS and gravimetric methods. Health and safety issues were investigated with exposure measurements that reproduced work scenarios, for example in a trench or under a fume hood depending on the application method. Finally, a flow chart for decision-making is provided as a tool to help determine whether CDD is suitable for block-lifting, especially when further treatment is required
Steroidogenic enzyme profile in an androgen-secreting adrenocortical oncocytoma associated with hirsustism
International audienceHirsutism induced by hyperandrogenism can be associated with polycystic ovary syndrome, 21-hydroxylase (OH) deficiency or androgen-secreting tumors, including ovarian and adrenal tumors. Adrenal androgen-secreting tumors are frequently malignant. Adrenal oncocytomas represent rare causes of hyperandrogenism. The aim of the study was to investigate steroidogenic enzyme expression and steroid secretion in an androgen-secreting adrenal oncocytoma in a young woman presenting with hirsutism. Hyperandrogenism was diagnosed on the basis of elevated plasma Δ4-androstenedione and testosterone levels. Pelvic ultrasound was normal, CT scanning revealed a right adrenal mass. Androgens were assessed in adrenal and ovarian vein samples and proved a right adrenal origin. Adrenalectomy normalized androgen levels and the adrenal tumor was diagnosed as an oncocytoma. Real time-PCR, immunohistochemistry and cell culture studies were performed on tumor explants to investigate the steroid secretion profile. Among enzymes required for cortisol synthesis, 17α-OH and 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 2 (3β-HSD2) were highly expressed whereas 21-OH and 11β-OH were weakly produced at the mRNA and/or protein levels. Enzymes involved in testosterone production, 17β-HSD5 and 17β-HSD3, were also detected. ACTH receptor was present in the tissue. Cortisol, Δ4-androstenedione and testosterone secretions by cultured cells were increased by ACTH. These results provide the first demonstration, to our knowledge, of abnormal expression profile of steroidogenic enzymes in an adrenocortical oncocytoma. Our results also indicate that Δ4-androstenedione hypersecretion resulted from high 17α-OH and 3β-HSD2 expression in combination with low expression of 21-OH and 11β-OH. Testosterone production was ascribed to occurrence of 17β-HSD5 and 17β-HSD3. Finally, our results indicate that androgen secretion was stimulated by ACTH
Diffuse Sclerosing Variant of Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma Is Associated With Aggressive Histopathological Features and a Poor Outcome: Results of a Large Multicentric Study
Diffuse sclerosing variant (DSV) is a rare and aggressive subtype of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC)
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Subliming Surfaces: volatile binding media in heritage conservation
This book brings together 22 papers and posters that were presented at the conference ‘Subliming Surfaces: Volatile Binding Media in Heritage Conservation’ in Cambridge, April 2015