Ultra low cost LED based gas sensing

Over the last number of years a movement has taken place where conventional point-to-point grab sampling style sensors have slowly been phased out in favor of in situ autonomous sensors. Autonomous sensors provide a better insight into the monitored parameter delivering more data points in a less manual fashion. Over the next ten years, it’s predicted that gas sensors will become smaller, consume less power and exhibit much improved performance, and be of substantially reduced cost [1]. Optical sensors certainly are in pole position in terms of development having already met many of the criteria. The authors present a low cost (< €1) sensing platform. Two L.E.D’s are setup as a light sensor (emitter,detector), where the light passing from the emitter to detector L.E.D is modulated by a chemically selective colorimetric film, providing an indirect chemical measurement (this sensing setup is visible in Figure 1). Our presented experimental setup has exhibited a limit of detection in the p.p.b region (0.001145 mg/L or 12 ppb) [2], as well as demonstrating a 95% recovery within 30 seconds of contaminant exposure [2] (example exposures visible in Figure 2). This work has been done utilizing a bromophenol blue based dye, which was inkjet printed to created reproducible optical pH sensitive slides. However, the target of the device can be tuned by varying the colorimetric coating composition

Preclinical models of myocardial infarction: from mechanism to translation

Approximately 7 million people are affected by acute myocardial infarction (MI) each year, and despite significant therapeutic and diagnostic advancements, MI remains a leading cause of mortality worldwide. Pre-clinical animal models have significantly advanced our understanding of MI and enable the development of therapeutic strategies to combat this debilitating disease. Notably, some drugs currently used to treat MI and heart failure (HF) in patients had initially been studied in pre-clinical animal models. Despite this, pre-clinical models are limited in their ability to fully recapitulate the complexity of MI in humans. The pre-clinical model must be carefully selected to maximise the translational potential of experimental findings. This review describes current experimental models of MI and considers how they have been used to understand drug mechanisms of action (MOA) and support translational medicine development

Investigating the pathogenesis and biomarker potential of Cathepsin-L and RUNX1 in cardiac disease

Abstract not currently available

Signalling pathways linking cysteine cathepsins to adverse cardiac remodelling

Adverse cardiac remodelling clinically manifests as deleterious changes to heart architecture (size, mass and geometry) and function. These changes, which include alterations to ventricular wall thickness, chamber dilation and poor contractility, are important because they progressively drive patients with cardiac disease towards heart failure and are associated with poor prognosis. Cysteine cathepsins contribute to key signalling pathways involved in adverse cardiac remodelling including synthesis and degradation of the cardiac extracellular matrix (ECM), cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, impaired cardiomyocyte contractility and apoptosis. In this review, we highlight the role of cathepsins in these signalling pathways as well as their translational potential as therapeutic targets in cardiac disease

Consensus on molecular imaging and theranostics in neuroendocrine neoplasms

International audienceAbstract Approximately 20% of patients diagnosed with a phaeochromocytoma or paraganglioma carry a germline mutation in one of the succinate dehydrogenase ( SDHx ) genes ( SDHA , SDHB , SDHC and SDHD ), which encode the four subunits of the SDH enzyme. When a pathogenic SDHx mutation is identified in an affected patient, genetic counselling is proposed for first-degree relatives. Optimal initial evaluation and follow-up of people who are asymptomatic but might carry SDHx mutations have not yet been agreed. Thus, we established an international consensus algorithm of clinical, biochemical and imaging screening at diagnosis and during surveillance for both adults and children. An international panel of 29 experts from 12 countries was assembled, and the Delphi method was used to reach a consensus on 41 statements. This Consensus Statement covers a range of topics, including age of first genetic testing, appropriate biochemical and imaging tests for initial tumour screening and follow-up, screening for rare SDHx -related tumours and management of elderly people who have an SDHx mutation. This Consensus Statement focuses on the management of asymptomatic SDHx mutation carriers and provides clinicians with much-needed guidance. The standardization of practice will enable prospective studies in the near future