Clinical, ultrasound and molecular biomarkers for early prediction of large for gestational age infants in nulliparous women: an international prospective cohort study

Objective: To develop a prediction model for term infants born large for gestational age (LGA) by customised birthweight centiles. Methods: International prospective cohort of nulliparous women with singleton pregnancy recruited to the Screening for Pregnancy Endpoints (SCOPE) study. LGA was defined as birthweight above the 90th customised centile, including adjustment for parity, ethnicity, maternal height and weight, fetal gender and gestational age. Clinical risk factors, ultrasound parameters and biomarkers at 14–16 or 19–21 weeks were combined into a prediction model for LGA infants at term using stepwise logistic regression in a training dataset. Prediction performance was assessed in a validation dataset using area under the Receiver Operating Characteristics curve (AUC) and detection rate at fixed false positive rates. Results: The prevalence of LGA at term was 8.8% (n = 491/5628). Clinical and ultrasound factors selected in the prediction model for LGA infants were maternal birthweight, gestational weight gain between 14–16 and 19–21 weeks, and fetal abdominal circumference, head circumference and uterine artery Doppler resistance index at 19–21 weeks (AUC 0.67; 95%CI 0.63–0.71). Sensitivity of this model was 24% and 49% for a fixed false positive rate of 10% and 25%, respectively. The addition of biomarkers resulted in selection of random glucose, LDL-cholesterol, vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-1 (VEGFR1) and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), but with minimal improvement in model performance (AUC 0.69; 95%CI 0.65–0.73). Sensitivity of the full model was 26% and 50% for a fixed false positive rate of 10% and 25%, respectively. Conclusion: Prediction of LGA infants at term has limited diagnostic performance before 22 weeks but may have a role in contingency screening in later pregnancy

Investigating the use of a hybrid plasmonic–photonic nanoresonator for optical trapping using finite-difference time-domain method

We investigate the use of a hybrid nanoresonator comprising a photonic crystal (PhC) cavity coupled to a plasmonic bowtie nanoantenna (BNA) for the optical trapping of nanoparticles in water. Using finite difference time-domain simulations, we show that this structure can confine light to an extremely small volume of ~30,000 nm3 (~30 zl) in the BNA gap whilst maintaining a high quality factor (5400–7700). The optical intensity inside the BNA gap is enhanced by a factor larger than 40 compared to when the BNA is not present above the PhC cavity. Such a device has potential applications in optical manipulation, creating high precision optical traps with an intensity gradient over a distance much smaller than the diffraction limit, potentially allowing objects to be confined to much smaller volumes and making it ideal for optical trapping of Rayleigh particles (particles much smaller than the wavelength of light)

Hybrid photonic-plasmonic platform for highthroughput single-molecule studies

We present the design and numerical characterization of a hybrid photonicplasmonic nanoresonator comprised of a 2D photonic crystal (PhC) cavity, a gold bowtie nanoantenna (BNA) and a silicon dioxide, SiO2, spacer. This device is designed to serve as the building block of a multicomponent platform capable of running multiple single-molecule experiments such as optical trapping and sample interrogation simultaneously. The thickness and structure of the spacer layer are adjusted to maximize the energy in the externally accessible hot-spot in the BNA gap. Suitability of the device for photonic integration is demonstrated by exciting it through a PhC waveguide

Folic acid supplementation reduces plasma homocysteine in postmenopausal women

Plasma homocysteine, which is increased after menopause, can be a risk factor for cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis. The purpose of the present study was to determine the effect of folic acid supplementation on plasma homocysteine in postmenopausal women. The study was performed as a randomized placebo controlled trial on 48 healthy postmenopausal women (aged 50�70 years) and plasma homocysteine of all women was measured. In the case group, folic acid, and in the control group, placebo was prescribed. The second plasma homocysteine was measured 16�17 weeks later and was compared in the two groups. There was no significant difference between the two groups according to age, BMI, parity, duration of menopause and the first plasma homocysteine level. Plasma homocysteine level was significantly lower in the case group than control group 16 weeks after folic acid administration (10.33 ± 3.51 μmol/l vs 13.21 ± 3.11 μmol/l, p=0.004). There was no significant correlation between plasma homocysteine level and BMI and parity. However, there was a weak-moderate positive correlation between plasma homocysteine and age (p<0.05, r=0.33), and there was a significant but weak correlation between plasma homocysteine and duration of menopause (p=0.05, r=0.28). © 2016 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group

Coupling mechanisms and field confinement in a hybrid plasmonic-photonic crystal resonator for enhanced optical trapping

We present a structure combing a photonic crystal cavity with a plasmonic bowtie nanoantenna producing spectral confinement and field enhancement for optical trapping. We will discuss coupling mechanisms and field enhancements in relation to spectral detuning, cavity design, structure geometry and excitation field

Investigating the use of a hybrid plasmonic-photonic nanoresonator for optical trapping using Finite-Difference Time Domain method

We investigate the use of a hybrid photonic-plasmonic nanoresonator for optical trapping of nanoparticles. The device comprises a photonic crystal (PhC) cavity coupled to a plasmonic bow tie nanoantenna (BNA) with a silicon dioxide (SiO2) layer separating the two. Using the Finite-Difference in the Time-Domain (FDTD) approach, we show that this structure can confine the light to an extremely small volume of ~ 30 nm^3 in the BNA gap whilst maintaining a high quality factor (5,400 - 7,700). This device has potential applications in optical manipulation, enabling the creation of subwavelength optical traps with an intensity gradient over a distance much smaller than the diffraction limit, allowing trapping of nanoparticles with dimensions much smaller than the light wavelengt

The Flame Retardancy of Polyethylene Composites: From Fundamental Concepts to Nanocomposites

Polyethylene (PE) is one the most used plastics worldwide for a wide range of applications due to its good mechanical and chemical resistance, low density, cost efficiency, ease of processability, non-reactivity, low toxicity, good electric insulation, and good functionality. However, its high flammability and rapid flame spread pose dangers for certain applications. Therefore, different flame-retardant (FR) additives are incorporated into PE to increase its flame retardancy. In this review article, research papers from the past 10 years on the flame retardancy of PE systems are comprehensively reviewed and classified based on the additive sources. The FR additives are classified in well-known FR families, including phosphorous, melamine, nitrogen, inorganic hydroxides, boron, and silicon. The mechanism of fire retardance in each family is pinpointed. In addition to the efficiency of each FR in increasing the flame retardancy, its impact on the mechanical properties of the PE system is also discussed. Most of the FRs can decrease the heat release rate (HRR) of the PE products and simultaneously maintains the mechanical properties in appropriate ratios. Based on the literature, inorganic hydroxide seems to be used more in PE systems compared to other families. Finally, the role of nanotechnology for more efficient FR-PE systems is discussed and recommendations are given on implementing strategies that could help incorporate flame retardancy in the circular economy model

Effects of Three Different Modes of Resistance Training on Appetite Hormones in Males With Obesity

International audiencePurpose: This study explored the effect of three different modes of resistance training on appetite hormones [leptin, ghrelin, cholecystokinin (CCK), glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), and peptide tyrosine-tyrosine (PYY)], cardiometabolic and anthropometric measures in males with obesity.Methods: Forty-four males with obesity (age: 27.5 +/- 9.4 yrs.; mean weight: 93.2 +/- 2.2 kg, body mass index: 32.9 +/- 1.2 kg/m(2)) were randomized to traditional resistance training (TRT, n = 11), circuit resistance training (CRT, n = 11), interval resistance training (IRT, n = 11) or control (C, n = 11) groups. All resistance training groups received 50 min of supervised training per session, three days per week, for 12 weeks. Measurements were taken at baseline and after 12 weeks of training.Results: Plasma levels of leptin, ghrelin, CCK, and PYY decreased significantly in all three different modalities of resistance training groups when compared to the control group (p &lt; 0.05). GLP-1 increased significantly in both CRT and IRT groups compared to TRT and C groups (p &lt; 0.05). Glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide decreased significantly in CRT and IRT groups compared to the C group (p &lt; 0.05). Adiponectin levels increased significantly in all resistance training groups compared to the C group (p &lt; 0.05).Conclusion: Overall, CRT and IRT protocols had the greatest impact on appetite hormones compared to individuals who engaged in TRT or did not exercise (C)

The Flame Retardancy of Polyethylene Composites: From Fundamental Concepts to Nanocomposites

10.3390/molecules25215157Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)252