Recent Advancements in Nanoparticle-Based Optical Biosensors for Circulating Cancer Biomarkers

The effectiveness of cancer treatment strongly depends on the early detection of the disease. Currently, the most common diagnostic method, tissue biopsy, takes time and can be damaging to the patient. Circulating cancer biomarkers such as circulating tumor DNA, micro-RNA (miRNA), tumor proteins, exosomes, and circulating tumor cells have repeatedly demonstrated their viability as targets for minimally invasive cancer detection through liquid biopsies. However, among other things, achieving a great sensitivity of detection is still challenging due to the very low concentration of biomarkers in fluid samples. This review will discuss how the recent advances in nanoparticle-based biosensors are overcoming these practical difficulties. This report will be focusing mainly on optical transduction mechanisms of metal nanoparticles (M-NPs), quantum dots (QDs), and upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs).     

Periodontal Parameters and Whole Salivary Cytokine Profiles Among Habitual Gutka Chewers and Non‐Chewers

Background: Whole salivary interleukin (IL)‐1β, IL‐6, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‐8, and MMP‐9 levels among habitual gutka chewers and non‐chewers (controls) have not been investigated. The aim of the present study is to assess clinical periodontal parameters and whole salivary IL‐1β, IL‐6, MMP‐8, and MMP‐9 levels among habitual gutka chewers and controls. Methods: Forty‐five gutka chewers and 45 controls were included. Demographic information regarding age, sex, duration and daily frequency of gutka chewing, duration of gutka placement in the mouth, and daily toothbrushing habits were collected using a questionnaire. Periodontal parameters, including plaque index (PI), bleeding on probing (BOP), probing depth (PD) >3 mm, clinical attachment loss (AL), marginal bone loss (MBL), and number of missing teeth, were recorded. Unstimulated whole saliva samples were collected, and unstimulated whole salivary flow rate (UWSFR) was determined. Levels of IL‐6, IL‐1β, MMP‐8, and MMP‐9 were measured in UWS using an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Results: PI (P <0.01), BOP (P <0.01), PD >3 mm (P <0.01), and clinical AL (P <0.01) were significantly higher in gutka chewers than controls, as were whole salivary IL‐6 (P <0.01), IL‐1β (P <0.01), MMP‐8 (P <0.01), and MMP‐9 (P <0.01) concentrations. There was no significant difference in UWSFR, number of missing teeth, or MBL among habitual gutka chewers and controls. Conclusion: Periodontal inflammatory conditions were worse, and whole salivary IL‐6, IL‐1β, MMP‐8, and MMP‐9 levels were higher among gutka chewers than non‐chewers.     

Les torsions sur testicules cryptorchides

Purpose:

Cryptorchidism is a rather frequent pathology in urology. It is associated with a high risk of infertility and degeneration. It also seems to be associated with a high risk of torsion. This entity is poorly studied in the literature. We studied the cases of torsion on cryptorchid testicles hospitalized at our service, to better characterize this pathology and reduce the rate of orchidectomy.

Methods:

We underwent a retrospective study of all the cases of torsion on a cryptorchid testicle hospitalized in our service of urology between 1999 and 2007.

Results:

The age of patients was between 7 months and 39 years. Torsion touched the right testicle in 53% of the cases. Patients experienced a brutal pain of the inguinal area with an under cutaneous mass inflammatory and a painful and empty homolateral scrotum. In 60% of the cases, the diagnosis was late and an orchidectomy was carried out. In the other cases, a lowering of the testicle was done with the controlateral orchidopexy.

Conclusion:

Even though torsions on a cryptorchid testicle are rare, we should not ignore them. The early diagnosis will make it possible to save and lower the testicle, and track a possible degeneration.     

Effects of intra-session concurrent endurance and strength training sequence on aerobic performance and capacity

Aim: To examine the effects of the sequencing order of individualised intermittent endurance training combined with muscular strengthening on aerobic performance and capacity. Methods: Forty eight male sport students (mean (SD) age 21.4 (1.3) years) were divided into five homogeneous groups according to their maximal aerobic speeds (vV^·O₂MAX). Four groups participated in various training programmes for 12 weeks (two sessions a week) as follows: E (n = 10), running endurance training; S (n = 9), strength circuit training; E+S (n = 10) and S+E (n = 10) combined the two programmes in a different order during the same training session. Group C (n = 9) served as a control. All the subjects were evaluated before (T0) and after (T1) the training period using four tests: (1) a 4 km time trial running test; (2) an incremental track test to estimate vV^·O₂MAX; (3) a time to exhaustion test (t_lim) at 100% vV^·O₂MAX; (4) a maximal cycling laboratory test to assess V^·O₂MAX. Results: Training produced significant improvements in performance and aerobic capacity in the 4 km time trial with interaction effect (p<0.001). The improvements were significantly higher for the E+S group than for the E, S+E, and S groups: 8.6%, 5.7%, 4.7%, and 2.5% for the 4 km test (p<0.05); 10.4%, 8.3%, 8.2%, and 1.6% for vV^·O₂MAX (p<0.01); 13.7%, 10.1%, 11.0%, and 6.4% for V^·O₂MAX (ml/kg^0.75/min) (p<0.05) respectively. Similar significant results were observed for t_lim and the second ventilatory threshold (%V^·O₂MAX). Conclusions: Circuit training immediately after individualised endurance training in the same session (E+S) produced greater improvement in the 4 km time trial and aerobic capacity than the opposite order or each of the training programmes performed separately.     

Catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome. Report of two cases

The antiphospholopid syndrome has been associated with thromboembolic events, thrombocytopenia and fetal loss. Some patients with the antiphospholipid syndrome may develop an acutely catastrophic syndrome characterized by multiple vascular occlusions which often results in death. Most patients dye as a result of a combination of cardiac and pulmonary failure. Although trigger factors are present in a minority, in the majority the condition develops quite suddenly. Precipitating factors include infections and trauma (surgical). Treatment of the condition, once recognized, needs to be heroic. Plasmapheresis seems to be useful in several cases who had not responded to conventional therapy (heparin, steroids, immunosuppressive) directed against immunologically mediated intravascular thrombosis. We report here two cases of fatal catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome and highlight the need for vigilance in the management of patients with antiphospholipid syndrome.     

Palpebral capillary hemangioma and amblyopia. Apropos of 2 cases

Periorbital capillary hemangiomas of childhood can produce visual axis occlusion and anisometropia, resulting in amblyopia. We report our experience performing surgical resection of periorbital capillary hemangiomas. Partial resection of hemangiomas was performed in two infants under five months of age, and permitted clearing of the visual axis. This immediate effect is necessary to prevent amblyopia. Surgical resection should be considered a treatment option for managing periorbital capillary hemangiomas which threaten vision.     

Molecular analysis and prenatal diagnosis of beta-thalassemia: about our experience in central Tunisia

Beta-thalassemia, by its high frequency and its heterogeneity, constitutes a real problem of health in Tunisia. Prenatal diagnosis by DNA analysis represents the only reality for couples at risk. The denaturant gradient (urea and formamide) on polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis has been performed in our laboratory, using psoralen as chemical clamps. This method is simple, reliable, safe, rapid, without radioactivity and has a reasonable cost (chemical clamps). Even if it needs an informatic modelization in other laboratories, this method seems to be adapted to our economic and work conditions and to the molecular heterogeneity of the Tunisian beta-thalassemia. We present the results of an epidemiological molecular study on 75 patients with beta-thalassemia and the results of ten prenatal diagnosis. The molecular lesions codon 39 (C-T) and IVS1 nt2 (T-G) are the most frequent in our study. This technical approach provides genetic counselling for at risk families by offering prenatal diagnosis (reducing as possible the cost and the delay of the result) after prealable family study and identification of the mutation(s).