scholarly journals Quick, Single-Frequency Dielectric Characterization of Blood Samples of Pediatric Cancer Patients by a Cylindrical Capacitor: Pilot Study

Electronics ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 95
Author(s):  
Anooshe Ghanbarzadeh-Daghian ◽  
Mohammad Taghi Ahmadian ◽  
Ashkan Ghanbarzadeh-Dagheyan

In this paper, as an application in biometrics, the electrical capacitance of normal and cancerous blood samples is experimentally determined in order to test the null hypothesis that the electrical capacitance of the two samples differs. The samples taken from healthy donors and patients diagnosed with different types of hematologic cancer are examined by a cylindrical capacitor with blood as its dielectric. The capacitance of these samples is measured at room temperature and a single frequency of 120 Hz, well below the frequency where β -dispersion starts, using a simple LCR meter device. The measurements indicate that the capacitance of the blood increases under applied electric field for a short period of time and asymptotically reaches its steady-state value. The measured values for the healthy group agreed with previous data in the literature. By the use of the unpaired two-tailed T-test, it is found that cancerous blood has higher values of capacitance when compared to normal samples ( p < 0.05 ). The reasons that might lead to such alterations are discussed from a biological perspective. Moreover, based on correlation calculations, a strong negative association is observed between blood capacitance and red blood cell (RBC) count in each group. Furthermore, sensitivity (SE) and specificity (SP) analysis demonstrates that for a threshold value between 15 and 17 for the capacitance value, both SE and SP are 100%. These preliminary findings on capacitance values may pave the way for the development of inexpensive and easy-to-use diagnosis tools for hematologic cancers at medical facilities and for in-home use, especially for children.

2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 677-682
Author(s):  
Zheng-Xin He ◽  
Hui-Hai Zhao ◽  
Fu-Kun Wang

AbstractInvasive candidiasis is a major challenge to clinical medicine today. However, traditional fungal diagnostic techniques and empirical treatments have shown great limitations. Although efforts are necessarily needed in methodology standardization and multicenter validation, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a very promising assay in detecting fungal pathogens. Using a “heat-shock” DNA preparation method, a rapid and simple PCR protocol for quantification of the Candida albicans (C. albicans) ribosomal DNA was established. The PCR assay could detect Candida DNA as low as 10 CFU/mL in samples prepared by the heat-shock protocol, without any cross-reaction with DNA prepared from other Candida spp. and bacterial pathogens. For simulated blood samples, the PCR test sensitivity of whole blood samples was better than that of plasma and blood cells. In the systemic candidiasis murine model, detectable DNA was only observed within 24 h after C. albicans SC5314 injection, which is much shorter than that observed in the kidney.


2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (Supplement_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
E Bouwens ◽  
A Schuurman ◽  
K.M Akkerhuis ◽  
S.J Baart ◽  
K Caliskan ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Activation of the inflammatory response in heart failure (HF) may initially serve as a compensatory mechanism. However, on the longer term, this physiological phenomenon can become disadvantageous. Temporal patterns of inflammatory proteins other than CRP have not yet been investigated in patients with stable HF. Purpose We aimed to evaluate the association of 17 serially measured cytokines and cytokine receptors with clinical outcome in patients with stable heart failure. Methods In 263 patients, 1984 serial, tri-monthly blood samples were collected during a median follow-up of 2.2 (IQR: 1.4–2.5) years. The primary endpoint (PE) composed of cardiovascular mortality, HF-hospitalization, heart transplantation, and LVAD. We selected baseline blood samples in all patients, as well as the two samples closest to the primary endpoint, and the last sample available in event-free patients. Thus, in 567 samples we measured 17 cytokines and cytokine receptors using the Olink Proteomics Cardiovascular III multiplex assay. Associations between biomarkers and PE were investigated by joint modelling. Results Median age was 68 (IQR: 59–76) years, with 72% men, 74% NYHA class I-II and a median ejection fraction of 30% (23–38%). 70 patients reached a PE. After adjustment for clinical characteristics (age, sex, diabetes, atrial fibrillation, NYHA class at baseline, diuretics and systolic blood pressure), 7 biomarkers were associated with the PE (Figure). Interleukin-1 receptor type 1 (IL1RT1) showed the strongest association: HR 2.65 [95% CI: 1.78–4.21]) per standard deviation change in level (NPX) at any point in time during follow-up, followed by Tumor necrosis factor receptor 1 (TNF-R1): 2.25 [1.66–3.08], and C-X-C motif chemokine 16 (CXCL16): 2.18 [1.59–3.04]. After adjustment for baseline N-terminal pro–B-type natriuretic peptide, high-sensitive troponin T and C-reactive protein however, only IL1RT1 and TNF-R1 remained significantly associated with the PE. Conclusion Repeatedly measured levels of several cytokines and cytokine receptors are independently associated with clinical outcome in stable HF patients. These results suggest that repeated measurements of these biomarkers, in addition to established cardiac biomarkers, may contribute to personalized risk assessment and herewith better identify high-risk patients. Figure 1. Associations between levels of cytokines and cytokine receptors and the primary endpoint. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: Other. Main funding source(s): This work was supported by the Jaap Schouten Foundation and the Noordwest Academie.


2021 ◽  
pp. 1-1
Author(s):  
Paris Velez ◽  
Jonathan Munoz-Enano ◽  
Amir Ebrahimi ◽  
Cristian Herrojo ◽  
Ferran Paredes ◽  
...  

1998 ◽  
Vol 80 (1) ◽  
pp. 57-66 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sara L. Herd ◽  
Adrianne E. Hardman ◽  
Leslie H. Boobis ◽  
Caroline J. Cairns

The present study examined the influence of training, followed by a short period of detraining, on postprandial lipaemia. Fourteen normolipidaemic, recreationally active young adults aged 18–31 years participated, in two self-selected groups: three men and five women (BMI 21·7–27·6 kg/m2) completed 13 weeks of running training, after which they refrained from exercise for 9 d; three men and three women (BMI 21·5–25·6 kg/m2) maintained their usual lifestyle. Oral fat tolerance tests were conducted at baseline and again 15 h, 60 h and 9 d after the runners' last training session. Blood samples were drawn after an overnight fast and at intervals for 6 h after consumption of a high-fat meal (1·2 g fat, 1·4 g carbohydrate, 70·6 kJ energy/kg body mass). Heparin was then administered (100 IU/kg) and a further blood sample was drawn for measurement of plasma lipoprotein lipase (EC3.1.1.34; LPL) activity. Endurance fitness improved in runners, relative to controls (maximal O2uptake +3·2 (SE 1·1) ml/kg per minv.− 1·3 (SE 1·2) ml/kg per min; P < 0·05). In the absence of the acute effect of exercise, i.e. 60 h after the last training session, there was no effect of training on either postprandial lipaemia or on post-heparin LPL activity. However, changes during 9 d of detraining in both these variables differed significantly between groups; after 2 d without exercise (60 h test), the runners' lipaemic response was 37% higher than it was the morning after their last training session (15 h test; runnersv.controlsP< 0·05), with a reciprocal decrease in post-heparin LPL activity (P< 0·01). These findings suggest that improved fitness does not necessarily confer an effect on postprandial lipaemia above that attributable to a single session of exercise.


2008 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 9-14 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohd. Agus Nashri Abdullah

Relationship of aceh cattle using displacement-loop regionABSTRACT. The aims of this study were to describe relationship of D-loop of mtDNA Aceh cattle which is useful database for conducting conservation programme. The whole blood samples were collected (8 samples for D-loop analysis) from four locations which were Aceh Besar, Pidie, North Aceh regencies and Banda Aceh city. Out group whole blood samples were collected from two samples from Bali cattles (Bali Island), Madura cattle (Madura Island), Pesisir cattle (West Sumatera) respectively and one sample from PO cattle (West Java). Amplification of D-loop sequences of mtDNA with BIDLF and BIDLR primary have PCR product 980 bp. The Data were analyzed using Squint 1.02 and MEGA 4.0 programme. Result of analysis indicate that Aceh cattle have nearer relationship with zebu and there is items inset of genetik Bali cattle (Bos javanicus) at the end sequences start ke-354 situs up to 483, so that the origin Aceh cattle was from Bos indicus which have hybridization with Bos javanicus.


2018 ◽  
Vol 83 (02) ◽  
pp. 191-197 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xueyin Yuan ◽  
Chao Gao ◽  
Jing Gao

AbstractThe phase transitions involving calcite (CaCO3-I), CaCO3-II, CaCO3-III and CaCO3-IIIb were investigated using a diamond anvil cell and micro-Raman spectroscopy. Based on the results obtained from in situ observations and Raman measurements made with six natural calcite crystals, the phase transition from calcite to CaCO3-II took place between 1.56 and 1.67 GPa under ambient temperature. Under a precise pressure of 1.97 ± 0.03 GPa, three CaCO3 samples were observed to transform from CaCO3-II directly to CaCO3-III, while in the other three samples both CaCO3-III and CaCO3-IIIb crystal structures were detected. Transformation from CaCO3-IIIb to CaCO3-III was completed in a short period in one sample, whereas in the other two samples coexistence of CaCO3-III and CaCO3-IIIb was observed over a wide pressure range from 1.97 to 3.38 GPa, with sluggish transformation from CaCO3-IIIb to CaCO3-III being observed after the samples were preserved under 3.38 GPa for 72 h. Hence, it can be concluded that CaCO3-IIIb is a metastable intermediate phase occurring during the reconstructive transformation from CaCO3-II to CaCO3-III. Splitting of the C–O in-plane bending (ν4) and symmetric stretching (ν1) vibrations and appearance of new lattice vibrations in the Raman spectra of CaCO3-III and CaCO3-IIIb suggest a lowering in crystal symmetry during the transformation from CaCO3-II through CaCO3-IIIb to CaCO3-III, which is in good agreement with the observed sequence of phase symmetries.


2019 ◽  
Vol 27 (4) ◽  
pp. 446-464
Author(s):  
D.A. Yousef

Purpose This study aims to examine the reliability and validity of the learning style construct conceptualized by Honey and Mumford (1986) in educational settings in the United Arab Emirates. Design/methodology/approach Two independent samples from the UAE were used: one comprised 1,463 undergraduate students at the UAE University, and the other comprised 152 undergraduate students at the American University of Ras Al Khaimah. The data were analyzed using Cronbach’s alpha, inter-correlations and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Findings Measured by alpha coefficients, the outcomes suggest that the learning styles questionnaire (LSQ) had moderate internal consistency in both samples. The inter-correlations reveal positive (weak to modest) correlations among the four learning styles for both samples, implying a lack of support for the two bipolar dimensions proposed by Kolb. CFA failed to support the four learning styles described by Honey and Mumford. Research limitations/implications This study used only two samples to test the reliability and validity of the instrument. Second, other statistical tools (e.g. test-retest, item analysis) usually used to determine the reliability and validity of instruments were not used. Furthermore, the study was conducted over a short period; nonetheless, it has various implications for researchers, educators and managers. Originality/value This investigation represents the first attempt to assess the LSQ’s reliability and validity in educational settings in the UAE. The findings contribute to the study of learning styles and instruments testing.


2015 ◽  
Vol 60 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Aysu Değirmenci Döşkaya ◽  
Mert Döşkaya ◽  
Ayşe Caner ◽  
Kadri Gül ◽  
Şebnem Nergiz ◽  
...  

AbstractPlasmodium vivax is the most common cause of malaria worldwide as well as southeastern Turkey. After the implementation of a successful national elimination program that the local malaria cases were not reported in 2011, malaria returned to county of Savur located in southeastern Turkey in summer of 2012. The present study aimed to determine the prevalent P. vivax genotypes isolated from southeastern Turkey. Genetic polymorphism in P. vivax CSP gene was analyzed by PCR-RFLP to assess the ratio of VK210 and VK247 types. Blood samples were obtained from 15 patients who lived in southeastern between 2005-2006. According to the results, VK210 type was detected in 10 samples (66.6%), VK247 type was observed in three samples (20%). Remaining two samples showed mixed infection (13.3%). The results of the present study first time showed the ratio of P. vivax genotypes in southeastern Turkey before the elimination in 2011. The results of the present study will be enable researchers to compare the new isolates with the previously detected ones and design new treatment and/elimination strategies.


1976 ◽  
Vol 68 (3) ◽  
pp. 409-417 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. P. FOSTER ◽  
S. L. JEFFCOATE ◽  
D. B. CRIGHTON ◽  
D. T. HOLLAND

SUMMARY Luteinizing hormone and LH-RH-like immunoreactivity were measured in the jugular venous plasma of Clun Forest ewes at various stages of the oestrous cycle. Blood samples were collected through jugular venous cannulae every 2 h for at least 20 days from three ewes during the breeding season. The ewes were checked twice daily for oestrus using a vasectomized ram. Plasma LH peaks of apparent height 112–192 ng NIH-LH-S17 equivalents/ml were detected at oestrus with basal levels of 2–15 ng/ml during most of the remainder of the 17-day oestrous cycle. Peaks of LH-RH-like immunoreactivity occurred at various times of the cycle. The apparent maximal level of these peaks was 220 pg/ml compared with basal levels of < 10 pg/ml. Further ewes (two for each group) were sampled at 4 min intervals for 12 h, (1) from onset of oestrus, (2) 36–48 h after onset of oestrus or (3) on day 10 of the oestrous cycle. In the ewes sampled at oestrus, peaks of LH-RH-like immunoreactivity were detected before, during and after the preovulatory LH peak. Those detected after the LH peak were unassociated with any further increases in the plasma LH level. In the ewes sampled 36–48 h after onset of oestrus and on day 10 of the cycle, several peaks of LH-RH-like immunoreactivity unassociated with any increases in the LH level were detected. These peaks, and those detected at oestrus, had durations of only one or two samples, and in some cases reached levels of several ng/ml compared with basal levels of < 10 pg/ml. The significance of these results is discussed.


2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (5) ◽  
pp. 645-654
Author(s):  
Juan Carlos Bermúdez-Barrios ◽  
◽  
Hiroyuki Kumagai

Colombia is tectonically active, and several large earthquakes have ruptured the Colombia-Ecuador subduction zone (CESZ) during the last century. Among them, the Colombia-Ecuador earthquake in 1906 (Mw 8.4) and the Tumaco earthquake in 1979 (Mw 8.3) generated destructive tsunamis. Therefore, it is important to characterize the seismic rupture processes and their relation with interplate coupling along the CESZ. We searched for repeating earthquakes by performing waveform similarity analysis. Cross correlation (CC) values were computed between earthquake pairs with hypocenter differences of less than 50 km that were located in the northern CESZ (1°–4°N) and that occurred from June 1993 to February 2018. We used broadband and short-period seismic waveform data from the Servicio Geológico Colombiano (SGC) seismic network. A CC threshold value of 0.90 was used to identify the waveform similarity and select repeating earthquakes. We found repeating earthquakes distributed near the trench and the coast. Our estimated repeating earthquakes near the trench suggest that the interplate coupling in this region is low. This is in clear constrast to the occurrence of a large slip in the 1906 Colombia-Ecuador earthquake along the trench in the southern part of the CESZ, and suggests that rupture modes are different between the northern and southern parts of CESZ near the trench.


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