567 research outputs found

    Lichtgesteuerter bioelektrochemischer Sensor basierend auf CdSe/ZnS-Quantum Dots

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    Diese Studie beschäftigt sich mit der Untersuchung der Sauerstoffsensitivität von QD-Elektroden auf Basis von CdSe/ZnS-Nanopartikeln. Das Verhalten des sauerstoffabhängigen Photostroms wurde dabei in Abhängigkeit des pH-Wertes und des Potentials untersucht. Auf Grundlage dieser Sauerstoffabhängigkeit wurde die Enzymaktivität von GOD über Photostrommessungen evaluiert. Für die Konstruktion eines photobioelektrochemischen Sensors, der durch Beleuchtung der entsprechenden Elektrodenfläche ausgelesen werden kann, wurden Multischichten auf die CdSe/ZnS-modifizierten Elektroden aufgetragen. Die Layer-by-Layer Deposition von GOD mit Hilfe des Polyelektrolyten PAH zeigte, dass eine Sensorkonstruktion möglich ist. Die Sensoreigenschaften dieser Elektroden werden drastisch durch die Menge an immobilisiertem Enzym auf der Quantum Dot-Schicht beeinflusst. Durch die Präparation von vier Bilayern [GOD/PAH]4 an CdSe/ ZnS Elektroden kann ein schnell ansprechbarer Sensor für Konzentrationen zwischen 0.1 – 5 mM Glukose hergestellt werden. Dies eröffnet neue Möglichkeiten für die Multianalytdetektion mit nichtstrukturierten Sensorelektroden, lokalisierten Enzymen und räumlich aufgelöster Auslesung durch Licht.This study reports on the oxygen sensitivity of quantum dot electrodes modified with CdSe/ZnS nanocrystals. The photocurrent behaviour is analysed in dependence on pH and applied potential by potentiostatic and potentiodynamic measurements. On the basis of the influence of the oxygen content in solution on the photocurrent generation the enzymatic activity of GOD is evaluated in solution. In order to construct a photobioelectrochemical sensor which can be read out by illuminating the respective electrode area multilayers were build up on the CdSe/ZnS-modified electrodes. The layer-by-layer deposition of GOD by means of the polyelectrolyte PAH show that a sensor construction is possible. The sensing properties of such kind of electrodes are drastically influenced by the amount and density of the enzyme on top of the quantum dot layer. By depositing 4 bilayers [GOD/ PAH]4 on the CdSe/ZnS electrode a fast responding sensor for the concentration range 0.1mM-5mM glucose can be prepared. This opens the door to a multianalyte detection with a non-structured sensing electrode, localized enzymes and spatial read-out by light

    Can the Relationship between Doctors and Drug Companies Ever Be a Healthy One?

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    Emma D'Arcy and Ray Moynihan debate whether doctors and drug companies can form healthy alliances or whether these will always be prone to the corrupting influence of drug company money

    Extent of hypoattenuation on CT angiography source images in Basilar Artery occlusion: prognostic value in the Basilar Artery International Cooperation Study

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    <p><b>Background and Purpose:</b> The posterior circulation Acute Stroke Prognosis Early CT Score (pc-ASPECTS) quantifies the extent of early ischemic changes in the posterior circulation with a 10-point grading system. We hypothesized that pc-ASPECTS applied to CT angiography source images predicts functional outcome of patients in the Basilar Artery International Cooperation Study (BASICS).</p> <p><b>Methods:</b> BASICS was a prospective, observational registry of consecutive patients with acute symptomatic basilar artery occlusion. Functional outcome was assessed at 1 month. We applied pc-ASPECTS to CT angiography source images of patients with CT angiography for confirmation of basilar artery occlusion. We calculated unadjusted and adjusted risk ratios (RRs) of pc-ASPECTS dichotomized at ≥8 versus <8. Primary outcome measure was favorable outcome (modified Rankin Scale scores 0–3). Secondary outcome measures were mortality and functional independence (modified Rankin Scale scores 0–2).</p> <p><b>Results:</b> Of 158 patients included, 78 patients had a CT angiography source images pc-ASPECTS ≥8. Patients with a pc-ASPECTS ≥8 more often had a favorable outcome than patients with a pc-ASPECTS <8 (crude RR, 1.7; 95% CI, 0.98–3.0). After adjustment for age, baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score, and thrombolysis, pc-ASPECTS ≥8 was not related to favorable outcome (RR, 1.3; 95% CI, 0.8–2.2), but it was related to reduced mortality (RR, 0.7; 95% CI, 0.5–0.98) and functional independence (RR, 2.0; 95% CI, 1.1–3.8). In post hoc analysis, pc-ASPECTS dichotomized at ≥6 versus <6 predicted a favorable outcome (adjusted RR, 3.1; 95% CI, 1.2–7.5).</p> <p><b>Conclusions:</b> pc-ASPECTS on CT angiography source images independently predicted death and functional independence at 1 month in the CT angiography subgroup of patients in the BASICS registry.</p&gt

    Taking care of volunteers in a stroke trial: A new assisted-management strategy

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    Background and purpose: Providing participants with evidence-based care for secondary prevention is an ethical and scientific priority for trials in stroke therapy. The optimal strategy, however, is uncertain. We report the performance of a new approach for delivering preventive care to trial participants. Methods: Participants were enrolled in the Insulin Resistance Intervention after Stroke trial, which examined the insulin sensitiser, pioglitazone versus placebo for prevention of stroke and myocardial infarction after ischaemic stroke or transient ischaemic attack. Preventive care was the responsibility of the participants\u27 personal healthcare providers, but investigators monitored care and provided feedback annually. We studied achievement of 8 prevention goals at baseline and 3 annual visits, with a focus on 3 priority goals: blood pressure \u3c140/90 mm Hg, lowdensity lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol \u3c2.59 mmol/L and antithrombotic therapy. Results: The proportion of participants achieving the priority goals was highest for antithrombotic use (96-99% in each year) and similar for blood pressure (66-72% in each year) and LDL (68-70% in each year). All 3 priority goals were achieved by 47-52% of participants in any given year. However, only 22% of participants achieved all 3 goals in each year. Conclusions: A strategy of monitoring care and providing feedback was associated with high average yearly achievement of 3 priority secondary prevention goals, but the majority of trial participants did not persist in being at goal over time

    Activation of caspase-1 by the NLRP3 inflammasome regulates the NADPH oxidase NOX2 to control phagosome function

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    Phagocytosis is a fundamental cellular process that is pivotal for immunity as it coordinates microbial killing, innate immune activation and antigen presentation. An essential step in this process is phagosome acidification, which regulates a number of functions of these organelles that allow them to participate in processes essential to both innate and adaptive immunity. Here we report that acidification of phagosomes containing Gram-positive bacteria is regulated by the NLRP3-inflammasome and caspase-1. Active caspase-1 accumulates on phagosomes and acts locally to control the pH by modulating buffering by the NADPH oxidase NOX2. These data provide insight into a mechanism by which innate immune signals can modify cellular defenses and establish a new function for the NLRP3-inflammasome and caspase-1 in host defense

    A randomised controlled trial of antiplatelet therapy in combination with Rt-PA thrombolysis in ischemic stroke: rationale and design of the ARTIS-Trial

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    <p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Thrombolysis with intravenous rt-PA is currently the only approved acute therapy for ischemic stroke. Re-occlusion after initial recanalization occurs in up to 34% in patients treated with rt-PA, probably caused by platelet activation. In acute myocardial infarction, the combination of thrombolysis and antiplatelet therapy leads to a greater reduction of mortality compared to thrombolysis alone. In patients with acute ischemic stroke, several studies showed that patients already on antiplatelet treatment prior to thrombolysis had an equal or even better outcome compared to patients without prior antiplatelet treatment, despite an increased risk of intracerebral bleeding. Based on the fear of intracerebral haemorrhage, current international guidelines recommend postponing antiplatelet therapy until 24 hours after thrombolysis. Remarkably, prior use of antiplatelet therapy is not a contra-indication for thrombolysis. We hypothesize that antiplatelet therapy in combination with rt-PA thrombolysis will improve outcome by enhancing fibrinolysis and preventing re-occlusion.</p> <p>Methods/Design</p> <p>ARTIS is a randomised multi-center controlled trial with blind endpoint assessment. Our objective is to investigate whether immediate addition of aspirin to rt-PA thrombolysis improves functional outcome in ischemic stroke. Patients with acute ischemic stroke eligible for rt-PA thrombolysis are randomised to receive 300 mg aspirin within 1.5 hours after start of thrombolysis or standard care, consisting of antiplatelet therapy after 24 hours. Primary outcome is poor functional health at 3 months follow-up (modified Rankin Scale 3 - 6).</p> <p>Discussion</p> <p>This is the first clinical trial investigating the combination of rt-PA and acute aspirin by means of a simple and cheap adjustment of current antiplatelet regimen. We expect the net benefit of improved functional outcome will overcome the possible slightly increased risk of intracerebral haemorrhage.</p> <p>Trial registration</p> <p>The Netherlands National Trial Register NTR822. The condensed rationale of the ARTIS-Trial has already been published in Cerebrovascular Diseases.</p

    Education of dentists in China

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    China is geographically located in the east of Asia and its population exceeds 1.3 billion. An understanding of dental education in China is thus of interest. However, as there is little published information on this topic, this paper provides information about China regarding its dental history, dental school system including curriculum and dental licensure. High school graduates take a nationwide entrance examination to apply for dental school, of which there are more than 50 in China. A five year dental education leads to the BDS degree. Dental school graduates must then pass the nationwide licensure examination to practise dentistry. Currently, there are not adequate numbers of dentists to provide the necessary oral health care for people living outside metropolitan areas
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