Yearly Archives: 2015
The “luminous” gold nanorod: direct observation of electron transfer
Photoluminescence (PL), in which photon is emitted after the absorption of another photon, has been important for many technologies. The first observation of visible PL of gold dates back to 1969, when Mooradian studied bulk gold and
A reproductive technology to reduce cancer risk
Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD) is a type of assisted reproductive technology (ART) allowing individuals/ couples to choose which fertilized embryos, created through in vitro fertilization (IVF), are implanted into a woman’s uterus for further gestation. Since its
Scanning Microwave Microscopy: nanoscale imaging of material electrical properties using microwaves
In 1965 Gordon Moore estimated that the number of components on electronic chips would double every 2 years. This prediction has so far been respected. Today’s microprocessors included in our mobile phones and laptops use transistors on
A novel approach to characterizing the type of three-factorial combined toxicity
We carried out an experiment in which outbred white rats were subjected to repeated injections with water solutions of either one of the toxics (Mn, Ni or Cr salts) in doses isoeffective in respect to the lethal
Omega-3 fatty acids ameliorate age-related hearing loss
We have evaluated the effects of a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids on age-related hearing loss using a mouse model. These mice present early hearing loss, the symptoms appearing normally at 4 to 6 months of
A key molecule for embryonic bone development is dysregulated in cancer
Bone is an endocrine organ with important biological functions. The skeleton produces hormones, such as FGF23 and osteocalcin, which regulate an extensive list of normal functions. Some of these functions include glucose metabolism, male fertility, blood cell
Does neuropathic pain restrict the cortical plasticity after spinal cord injury?
Many studies in animals and humans have shown that the brain reacts with some reorganization (called neuro-adaptive processes) to the amputation of limbs and following a spinal cord injury that leaves the patients with severe motor and
Fat content surrounding your heart may cause your arrhythmia to recur
Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) is a metabolically active fat depot surrounding the heart. It is located between the outer wall of myocardium and the visceral pericardium. Its proximity to cardiac structures (i.e. vessels, myocardium) and its shared
Cardiac arrests – a thing of the past?
Over the last 20 years rapid response systems (RRSs) have been introduced in the majority of hospitals around the world. Before they existed, many patients would slowly deteriorate and of those, many would either die or have
Vaccinating pregnant women – a global perspective
The World Health Organization (WHO) influenza vaccine policy recommendations aim to protect vulnerable high-risk groups from severe disease. In a 2012 update of its influenza vaccine position, WHO recommended that countries considering the initiation or expansion of
Producing recombinant proteins for human use
Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cell lines are the most frequently used cell lines in the biopharmaceutical industry for the production of therapeutic recombinant proteins, because they can be easily genetically manipulated, grow quickly, can be easily adapted
Researchers describe “imm-unifying theory” capable of explaining multiple medical problems
About a year ago, investigators at the Shock Trauma Center in Baltimore, MD found that patients who had organ transplants fared quite well after traumatic events. The authors of the manuscript, which was published in the Journal
Human dignity and the physician’s conscience
Human dignity is a term with multiple interpretations. Often it is used in connection with self-determination by viewing autonomy as an expression of dignity. However, human dignity is not only seen as a human capability but also
Antiepileptic property of vitamin B12 in one animal model
Epilepsy –a serious neurological disorder that affects millions of people worldwide– is usually associated with a disturbance of normal activity of the brain, and in most typical form, is accompanied by seizures. Various antiepileptic drugs with different
Excess oxygen worsens actual oxygen supply to the heart muscle in pigs
The use of supplemental oxygen in acute medical care is perceived beneficial by many health care professionals. However, current guidelines limit the excess use of oxygen after successful resuscitation following cardiac arrest. This recommendation is based on
Allergic reaction to drug used to treat pulmonary hypertension
Treprostinil belongs to a category of drugs called prostacyclins, used to treat high blood pressure in the lungs, otherwise known as pulmonary arterial hypertension. It is available in an intravenous, subcutaneous, inhaled and oral form. The most
Long-haul truck drivers share views of safety on the road
From the food we eat to the clothes we buy and everything in between, long-haul truck drivers (LHTDs) are essential to transporting such goods across long distances, and in many cases across several states. On average, LHTDs
Using nanotechnology to outsmart pancreatic cancer
Cancer is a versatile disease and makes use of complex cellular signaling networks to defend itself against a host of treatments. Pancreatic cancer in particular has proven challenging with tenacious resistance to DNA-damaging chemoradiation. Malignant cells disobey
Parasites hidden in feedstuff – pigs also have to watch what they eat!
In many parts of the world, Sunday pork roast is not as delicious as it might sound. The tapeworm with the Latin name Taenia solium is a parasite that causes much suffering mainly in low-income countries where
Rare breast tumor cells in lymph nodes are enough to impact on cancer cure
Early detection of breast cancer leads to essential cure of the vast majority of patients, through surgery and associated therapies. However, severe outcomes can be observed even among disease cases currently categorized as low-risk. Approximately 15% of
