Clinical experience of an adhesive bone conduction hearing system in children with congenital single-sided deafness.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate the effects of an adhesive bone conduction device (aBCD) in children with congenital single-sided deafness (SSD). Specifically, we examined whether the aBCD elicits improvement in the speech perception ability of children with congenital SSD and whether using this device would adversely affect the horizontal localisation abilities of these children. METHODS: Thirteen school-aged children with SSD and seven children with Normal Hearing (NH) were included in this study. Speech perception in noise was measured using the Mandarin Speech Test Materials and sound localisation performance was evaluated using broadband noise stimuli (0.5-20 kHz), randomly played from seven loudspeakers at different stimulus levels (65-, 70-, and 75-dB SPL). RESULTS: All children with SSD showed inferior speech perception and sound localisation performance compared with children with NH. The aBCD use remarkably improved the speech perception abilities of these children under quiet and noise conditions; however, their sound localisation abilities neither improved nor deteriorated. CONCLUSION: This study reveals the effectiveness and safety of a non-surgical aBCD in paediatric patients with SSD. Our results provide a theoretical basis for early hearing intervention with an aBCD in children with congenital SSD who are temporarily unable to undergo ear surgery. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 3.

Comparison of the SMLM technique and the MSSR algorithm in confocal microscopy for super-resolved imaging of cellulose fibres.

Nowadays, the use of super-resolution microscopy (SRM) is increasing globally due to its potential application in several fields of life sciences. However, a detailed and comprehensive guide is necessary for understanding a single-frame image's resolution limit. This study was performed to provide information about the structural organisation of isolated cellulose fibres from garlic and agave wastes through fluorophore-based techniques and image analysis algorithms. Confocal microscopy provided overall information on the cellulose fibres' microstructure, while techniques such as total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy facilitated the study of the plant fibres' surface structures at a sub-micrometric scale. Furthermore, SIM and single-molecule localisation microscopy (SMLM) using the PALM reconstruction wizard can resolve the network of cellulose fibres at the nanometric level. In contrast, the mean shift super-resolution (MSSR) algorithm successfully determined nanometric structures from confocal microscopy images. Atomic force microscopy was used as a microscopy technique for measuring the size of the fibres. Similar fibre sizes to those evaluated with SIM and SMLM were found using the MSSR algorithm and AFM. However, the MSSR algorithm must be cautiously applied because the selection of thresholding parameters still depends on human visual perception. Therefore, this contribution provides a comparative study of SRM techniques and MSSR algorithm using cellulose fibres as reference material to evaluate the performance of a mathematical algorithm for image processing of bioimages at a nanometric scale. In addition, this work could act as a simple guide for improving the lateral resolution of single-frame fluorescence bioimages when SRM facilities are unavailable.

Molecular Characterisation of Soybean Osmotins and Their Involvement in Drought Stress Response.

Osmotins are multifunctional proteins belonging to the thaumatin-like family related to plant stress responses. To better understand the functions of soybean osmotins in drought stress response, the current study presents the characterisation of four previously described proteins and a novel putative soybean osmotin (GmOLPa-like). Gene and protein structure as well as gene expression analyses were conducted on different tissues and developmental stages of two soybean cultivars with varying dehydration sensitivities (BR16 and EMB48 are highly and slightly sensitive, respectively). The analysed osmotin sequences share the conserved amino acid signature and 3D structure of the thaumatin-like family. Some differences were observed in the conserved regions of protein sequences and in the electrostatic surface potential. P21-like present the most similar electrostatic potential to osmotins previously characterised as promoters of drought tolerance in Nicotiana tabacum and Solanum nigrum. Gene expression analysis indicated that soybean osmotins were differentially expressed in different organs (leaves and roots), developmental stages (R1 and V3), and cultivars in response to dehydration. In addition, under dehydration conditions, the highest level of gene expression was detected for GmOLPa-like and P21-like osmotins in the leaves and roots, respectively, of the less drought sensitive cultivar. Altogether, the results suggest an involvement of these genes in drought stress tolerance.

Location and course of the mandibular canal in dentate patients: morphometric study using cone-beam computed tomography.

BACKGROUND: The morphometric characteristics of the mandibular canal (MC) may vary according to the characteristics of the population studied. Correct location of the MC is fundamental for the indication and planning of different dental treatments, and it is therefore essential to have clinical parameters indicating its approximate location. The aim of this study was to describe the location and course of the MC by morphometric relations in the mandibular body, from the mental foramen to distal of the first molar, in dentate adult patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analysed 55 cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) of male and female patients, aged over 18 years and with fully dentate to the first molar. In each CBCT we selected five coronal sections (A-E) of the mandibular body at different levels using the teeth as references. We determined different morphometric measurements in each section to relate the MC with the corticals of the mandibular body (m1, m2, m3, m4), their orientation to lingual (F) and the thickness of the mandibular corticals (B1, B2 and B3). RESULTS: The distance between the MC and the alveolar crests was greater in males than in females in all the sections. In general, in all the hemiarches, the MC courses away from the vestibular cortical of the mandible (and in some cases significantly towards the lingual cortical) from anterior to posterior in the mandibular body. In the left hemiarch of dentate females the MC describes a descent in the molar zone within the mandibular body. Any intervention in the mandible must be carried out with extreme caution to avoid damaging the vasculo-nervous bundle which passes through the MC. CONCLUSIONS: Cone-beam computed tomography is the best tool currently available for the planning and execution of surgical procedures, and is the only tool in clinical use which allows the precise course of the MC to be identified.

UHF Partial Discharge Location in PowerTransformers via Solution of the MaxwellEquations in a Computational Environment.

This paper presents an algorithm for the localisation of partial discharge (PD) sourcesin power transformers based on the electromagnetic waves radiated by a PD pulse. The proposedalgorithm is more accurate than existing methods, since it considers the effects of the reflection,refractions and diffractions undergone by the ultra-high frequency (UHF) signal within the equipmenttank. The proposed method uses computational simulations of the electromagnetic waves generatedby PD, and obtains the time delay of the signal between each point in the 3D space and the UHFsensors. The calculated signals can be compared with the signals measured in the field, so thatthe position of the PD source can be located based on the best correlation between the simulatedpropagation delay and the measured data. The equations used in the proposed method are definedas a 3D optimisation problem, so that the binary particle swarm optimisation algorithm can be used.To test and demonstrate the proposed algorithm, computational simulations were performed. Thesolutions were sufficient to identify not only the occurrence of defects, but also the winding and theregion (top, centre or base) in which the defect occurred. In all cases, an accuracy of greater than15 cm was obtained for the location, in a 180 MVA three-phase transformer.

An in silico pipeline to filter the Toxoplasma gondii proteome for proteins that could traffic to the host cell nucleus and influence host cell epigenetic regulation

Toxoplasma gondii uses epigenetic mechanisms to regulate both endogenous and host cell gene expression. To identify genes with putative epigenetic functions, we developed an in silico pipeline to interrogate the T. gondii proteome of 8313 proteins. Step 1 employs PredictNLS and NucPred to identify genes predicted to target eukaryotic nuclei. Step 2 uses GOLink to identify proteins of epigenetic function based on Gene Ontology terms. This resulted in 611 putative nuclear localised proteins with predicted epigenetic functions. Step 3 filtered for secretory proteins using SignalP, SecretomeP, and experimental data. This identified 57 of the 611 putative epigenetic proteins as likely to be secreted. The pipeline is freely available online, uses open access tools and software with user-friendly Perl scripts to automate and manage the results, and is readily adaptable to undertake any such in silico search for genes contributing to particular functions.

Radioguided localisation of non-palpable lesions of the breast in Costa Rica: review of results of our first 800 patients in private practice.

BACKGROUND: Surgical treatment of non-palpable breast lesions is controversial. At the European Institute of Oncology in Milan, Italy, Prof Umberto Veronesi introduced a new technique called the radioguided occult lesion localisation (ROLL) in 1996 to replace conventional methods and their disadvantages (Zurrida S, Galimberti V, and Monti S et al (1998) Radioguided localization of occult breast lesionsBreast7 11-13 https://doi.org/10.1016/S0960-9776(98)90044-3). Given the success experienced in that institution, the method became the technique of choice for the early diagnosis of breast cancer. In this paper, we will examine the technical aspects of ROLL and the results from a large series of patients treated in our private practice in Costa Rica. METHODS: We analysed the first 816 patients with different non-palpable breast lesions detected by ultrasound or mammography within our private practice in Costa Rica. In 774 patients, technetium 99m labelled with human serum albumin (7-10 MBq) in 0.2 ml of saline solution was injected into the lesion under mammographic or ultrasound guidance. The excisional biopsy was done by means of a gamma-probe and complete excision of the lesion was verified by X-ray on the specimen in lesions that were visible by mammography and ultrasound 4 months after surgery. In the remaining 42 patients, the localisation of the lesion was carried out by wire. RESULTS: The tracer was correctly positioned in the first attempt in 772/816 (94.6%) of cases and in the second attempt in two other cases. In 42/816 (5.1%) cases, the localisation of the lesion had to be performed with the traditional method. X-rays showed that the lesion was entirely removed in 770/772 (99.74%) of cases. CONCLUSION: The ROLL is a simple and excellent option for the removal of hidden breast lesions in clinical practice. It offers the advantage of making resections safer and with tumour-free margins, in addition to reducing the number of reinterventions. Since it makes it possible to specify to the pathologist the exact site where the lesion is located, we can guarantee a better diagnosis. The rate of success with the use of this technique corresponds to the available scientific data, so we conclude that it is a procedure that we can routinely perform in private practice in Costa Rica.

[Lower limb peripheral arterial disease in 268 patients in Guadeloupe]. / L'artériopathie oblitérante des membres inférieurs d'origine athéromateuse en Guadeloupe : à propos de 268 patients.

UNLABELLED: Peripheral arterial disease of the lower limbs is a serious condition because of its local and general prognosis. OBJECTIVES: To identify the localization of peripheral arterial disease, associated risk factors, topography and features of the disease in Guadeloupe. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A descriptive non-interventional study was performed in Guadeloupe located in French West Indies from March to June 2014. Data for all patients, who underwent Doppler ultrasound of the lower limb in a vascular outpatient clinic and in the University Hospital in Guadeloupe for known or suspected peripheral arterial disease were included. RESULTS: The study included 268 patients. Localizations were: infrapopliteal (n=227 patients), popliteal (n=148), femoral (n=185) and aorto-iliac (n=115). Smoking was associated with aorto-iliac (16 patients; P<0.05) and femoral (27 patients; P<0.05) localizations. Diabetes was associated with infrapopliteal localizations (133 patients; P<0.05), and high blood pressure was associated with infrapopliteal, popliteal and femoral localizations. Mean age was 73.1±10.8 years; half of patients (51 %) were women. Peripheral arterial disease was known for 52 % of the population; 147 patients were asymptomatic. Associated factors were high blood pressure (88 %), diabetes (63 %), dyslipidemia (45 %), and smoking (7 %). Ischemic heart disease was found in 14 % of patients, cerebrovascular disease in 18 % and all three localizations in 4 %. A history of amputation, bypass or endovascular treatment was found in 11 %, 20 % and 32 % of patients respectively. CONCLUSION: In our population, an infrapopliteal site was more often found than a proximal site. Distal localization was associated with diabetes, and proximal localization with smoking. Cardiovascular risk factors exhibited an atypical pattern with a large majority of patients (88 %) having high blood pressure, two-thirds diabetes, but with very few (7 %) smokers. Peripheral arterial disease was more often associated with a history of stroke than with ischemic heart disease.

Characterisation of the membrane transport of pilocarpine in cell suspension cultures of Pilocarpus microphyllus.

Pilocarpine is an alkaloid obtained from the leaves of Pilocarpus genus, with important pharmaceutical applications. Previous reports have investigated the production of pilocarpine by Pilocarpus microphyllus cell cultures and tried to establish the alkaloid biosynthetic route. However, the site of pilocarpine accumulation inside of the cell and its exchange to the medium culture is still unknown. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the intracellular accumulation of pilocarpine and characterise its transport across membranes in cell suspension cultures of P. microphyllus. Histochemical analysis and toxicity assays indicated that pilocarpine is most likely stored in the vacuoles probably to avoid cell toxicity. Assays with exogenous pilocarpine supplementation to the culture medium showed that the alkaloid is promptly uptaken but it is rapidly metabolised. Treatment with specific ABC protein transporter inhibitors and substances that disturb the activity of secondary active transporters suppressed pilocarpine uptake and release suggesting that both proteins may participate in the traffic of pilocarpine to inside and outside of the cells. As bafilomicin A1, a specific V-type ATPase inhibitor, had little effect and NH4Cl (induces membrane proton gradient dissipation) had moderate effect, while cyclosporin A and nifedipine (ABC proteins inhibitors) strongly inhibited the transport of pilocarpine, it is believed that ABC proteins play a major role in the alkaloid transport across membranes but it is not the exclusive one. Kinetic studies supported these results.

Resultado del tratamiento quirúrgico de la estenosis lumbar degenerativa en el adulto mayor / Résultats du traitement chirurgical de la sténose lombaire dégénérative chez les personnes âgées / Results of surgical treatment of degenerative lumbar stenosis in the older adult

Introducción: la estenosis lumbar degenerativa en pacientes adultos mayores constituye un grave problema de salud actual. El tratamiento quirúrgico parece ser el de mejor resultado, pero presenta la disyuntiva de si a todos los pacientes que padezcan esta enfermedad se les debe tratar con igual técnica. Objetivos: mostrar los resultados obtenidos en el tratamiento quirúrgico de la estenosis lumbar degenerativa en pacientes mayores de 65 años. Métodos: se realizó un estudio descriptivo prospectivo en pacientes mayores de 65 años con diagnóstico de estenosis lumbar degenerativa, en el Centro de investigaciones en Longevidad, Envejecimiento y Salud, entre el 1 de enero de 2009 y el 1 de enero de 2011 (ambos incluidos). La serie quedó constituida por 28 pacientes. Las variables estudiadas fueron: edad, sexo, sintomatología, localización, principales condiciones comorbidas, clasificación radiográfica y por resonancia magnética. Se seleccionó la técnica quirúrgica empleada atendiendo al área anatómica estenosada. Se empleó el índice de Oswestry y la escala Visual Analógica de dolor como instrumentos evaluadores. Resultados: predominó el sexo masculino (67,6 por ciento), la localización en dos niveles vertebrales, y las condiciones comorbidas cardiovasculares. El síntoma predominante mostró valores semejantes entre el dolor lumbar, el irradiado y la claudicación. El índice de Oswestry y la Escala Visual Analógica del dolor mostraron significativa mejoría en el posquirúrgico. Se obtuvo un 89,2 porciento de buenos resultados. Conclusiones: el empleo de laminectomía para las estenosis centrales y recalibraje para las de receso lateral parece ser adecuada(AU)

Introduction: degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis is a serious health problem in the older adults at present. The surgical treatment seems to attain better results, but the controversy is whether all the patients suffering the disease can be treated with this procedure or not. Objectives: to show the results of the surgical treatment of degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis in over 65 years-old patients. Methods: a prospective and descriptive study was carried out in patients aged over 65 years and diagnosed with degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis in the Center of Research on Old Age, Aging and Health from January 1st 2009 to January 1st, 2011. The series was finally made up of 28 patients. The study variables were age, sex, symptoms, location, main comorbid conditions, and classification according to radiographies and to magnetic resonance. The choice of the surgical technique depended on the stenosed anatomical area. The Oswestry Disability Index and the Analogue Visual Scale of pain were the evaluation instruments. Results: males (67.6 percent), the location of disease at two vertebral levels and comorbid cardiovascular conditions prevailed. The predominant symptom showed similar values among lumbar pain, the irradiated pain and claudication. Oswestry Disability Index and the Analog Visual Scale of pain showed the significant improvement of patient in the postsurgical period. Good results reached 89.2 perent. Conclusions: laminectomy for central stenosis and regaging for the lateral recess seem to be adequate(AU)

Introduction: des nos jours, la sténose lombaire dégénérative constitue un sérieux problème de santé chez les personnes âgées. La chirurgie paraît être le traitement le plus prometteur, mais une question se pose, est-ce que tous les patients atteints de cette maladie doivent être traités par la même technique? Objectif: le but de cette étude est de montrer les résultats obtenus avec le traitement chirurgical de la sténose lombaire dégénérative chez les personnes âgées de plus de 65 ans. Méthode: une étude descriptive prospective de patients âgés de plus de 65 ans, diagnostiqués de sténose lombaire dégénérative, a été réalisée au Centre de recherches sur la longévité, le vieillissement et la santé entre le 1e janvier 2009 et le 1e janvier 2011. La série a été conformée de 28 patients. Les variables en étude comprennent âge, sexe, symptomatologie, localisation, comorbidité, classification radiographique et RM. La technique chirurgicale a été déterminée en accord avec la localisation de la sténose; l'index d'Oswestry et l'Échelle visuelle analogique (EVA) de la douleur ont été utilisés comme instruments d'évaluation. Résultats: dans l'étude, quelques variables ont prédominé (67.6 pourcent du sexe masculin, localisation à deux niveaux vertébraux, comorbidité cardiovasculaire, irradiation de la douleur lombaire, et claudication). L'index d'Oswestry et l'Échelle visuelle analogique de la douleur ont montré une amélioration significative dans le post-chirurgical. En général, on a obtenu de très bons résultats (89.2 pourcent). Conclusions: Dans le cas de la sténose centrale et de la sténose latérale, la laminectomie et le récalibrage respectivement semblent être appropriées(AU)

Distinct subcellular localization of tRNA-derived fragments in the infective metacyclic forms of Trypanosoma cruzi

Small non-coding RNAs derived from transfer RNAs have been identified as a broadly conserved prokaryotic and eukaryotic response to stress. Their presence coincides with changes in developmental state associated with gene expression regulation. In the epimastigote form of Trypanosoma cruzi, tRNA fragments localize to posterior cytoplasmic granules. In the infective metacyclic form of the parasite, we found tRNA-derived fragments to be abundant and evenly distributed within the cytoplasm. The fragments were not associated with polysomes, suggesting that the tRNA-derived fragments may not be directly involved in translation control in metacyclics.