Separation technologies play an important role in revealing biological processes at various omic levels, in pharmacological and clinical research. In this context, CE is a strong candidate for analyses of samples with rapidly increasing complexity. Even though CE is well known for its many advantages in this regard, the sensitivity of CE analyses is insufficient for many applications. Accordingly, there are generally three main options for enhancing the sensitivity of CE analyses - using special detection techniques, using sample pre-concentration and derivatisation. Derivatisation is often the method of choice for many laboratories, since it is simple and provides several advantages such as small sample volume demand and the possibility of automation. Although it can be performed in different ways depending on where the reaction takes place, this article reviews one of the simplest and at the same time most useful approaches on-capillary derivatisation. Even if in many cases the use of on-capillary derivatisation alone is enough to improve the detection sensitivity, on other occasions it needs to be employed in combination with the other above-mentioned strategies. After a simple discussion of derivatisation in general, special attention is focused on the on-capillary approach and methodologies available for on-capillary reactant mixing. Its applications in various fields are also described.
- MeSH
- Amino Acids analysis MeSH
- Electrophoresis, Capillary methods MeSH
- Electrolytes chemistry MeSH
- Peptides analysis MeSH
- Carbohydrates analysis MeSH
- Sensitivity and Specificity MeSH
- Sulfhydryl Compounds analysis MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
- Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't MeSH
- Review MeSH
- Publication type
- Meeting Abstract MeSH
Adipokines play a significant role in the pathogenesis of a low-grade inflammation associated with obesity and metabolic syndrome, and in chronic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. Among variety of adipokines, resistin and visfatin are proposed as important pro-inflammatory mediators, which also interfere with the central regulation of insulin sensitivity. Resistin has been initially postulated as a risk factor for insulin resistance, however, the subsequent available data on it have revealed contradictory findings in both humans and rodents. On the other hand, visfatin has been suggested to be a beneficial adipokine with insulin-mimicking/-sensitizing effects, but regulation of visfatin production and its physiological importance in the conditions of obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus are still not completely understood. Despite the opposing effects of resistin and visfatin on the regulation of insulin sensitivity, both adipokines have pro-inflammatory properties. Clinical and experimental studies have shown that the expression and secretion of resistin and visfatin are up-regulated during inflammation and in response to pro-inflammatory cytokines. It has also become increasingly evident that resistin as well as visfatin itself can contribute to the inflammatory processes by triggering cytokine production and NF-kappaB activation. New insight into the role of adipokines makes them attractive targets for novel therapeutic strategies in chronic inflammatory diseases or subclinical inflammation relating to obesity and various metabolic abnormalities.
- MeSH
- Autoimmunity MeSH
- Insulin metabolism MeSH
- Insulin Resistance MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Inflammation Mediators metabolism MeSH
- Nicotinamide Phosphoribosyltransferase metabolism MeSH
- Resistin metabolism MeSH
- Signal Transduction MeSH
- Inflammation immunology metabolism physiopathology MeSH
- Animals MeSH
- Check Tag
- Humans MeSH
- Animals MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
- Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't MeSH
- Review MeSH
Aqueous dispersions of sulfonated polystyrene nanoparticles (average diameter: 30 ± 14 nm) with encapsulated 5,10,15,20-tetraphenylporphyrin (TPP) are promising candidates for antibacterial treatments due to the photogeneration of cytotoxic singlet oxygen species O2(1Δg) under physiological conditions using visible light. The antibacterial effect on gram-negative Escherichia coli was significantly enhanced after the addition of nontoxic potassium iodide (0.001-0.01 M) because photogenerated O2(1Δg) oxidized iodide to I2/I3-, which is another antibacterial species. The improved antibacterial properties were predicted using luminescence measurements of O2(1Δg), transient absorption of TPP triplets and singlet oxygen-sensitized delayed fluorescence (SODF). In contrast to a solution of free photosensitizers, the aqueous dispersion of photoactive nanoparticles did not exhibit any quenching of the excited states after the addition of iodide or any tendency toward aggregation and/or I3--induced photo-aggregation. We also observed a decrease in the lifetime of O2(1Δg) and a significant increase in SODF intensity at higher temperatures, due to the increased oxygen diffusion coefficient in nanoparticles and aqueous surroundings. This effect corresponds with the significantly stronger antibacterial effect of nanoparticles at physiological temperature (37 °C) in comparison with that at room temperature (25 °C).
- MeSH
- Anti-Bacterial Agents pharmacology MeSH
- Time Factors MeSH
- Escherichia coli drug effects MeSH
- Photosensitizing Agents pharmacology MeSH
- Iodides pharmacology MeSH
- Kinetics MeSH
- Luminescence MeSH
- Microbial Sensitivity Tests MeSH
- Nanoparticles chemistry ultrastructure MeSH
- Nanofibers chemistry ultrastructure MeSH
- Temperature * MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
Cíle: Cílem této studie bylo zhodnotit analýzu textury (AT) na snímcích MR před podáním kontrastní látky z hlediska zlepšení přesnosti a rozlišení jemných rozdílů mezi enhancujícími lézemi (EL), neenhancujícími lézemi (NEL) a perzistentními černými dírami (persistant black holes; PBH). Materiál a metodika: Databáze zobrazení MR zahrnovala 90 pacientů, z nichž 30 mělo pouze PBH, 25 mělo pouze EL a 35 nemělo ani EL ani PBH. Tato zobrazení byla zhodnocena pomocí navrhované metody AT. Bylo extrahováno na 300 statistických texturních znaků jako deskriptorů každého ROI/léze. Byly analyzovány rozdíly mezi skupinami lézí a byla změřena plocha pod křivkou (Az) pro každý významný texturní znak. K analýze signifikantních znaků a ke zvýšení síly odlišení byla použita lineární diskriminantní analýza (LDA). Výsledky: Nejméně 14 texturních znaků prokázalo významný rozdíl mezi NEL a EL, NEL a PBH a EL a PBH. Při použití všech významných znaků naznačila LDA slibnou schopnost klasifikace NEL a PBH s hodnotou Az 0,975, která odpovídá senzitivitě 94,3 %, specificitě 96,3 % a přesnosti 95,5 %. U klasifikace EL a NEL (nebo PBH) prokázala LDA diskriminační výkon odpovídající senzitivitě, specificitě a přesnosti 100 % a Az 1. Závěry: AT byla vyhodnocena jako spolehlivá metoda s potenciálem charakterizovat NEL, EL a PBH a jako metoda, kterou mohou lékaři použít k rozlišení NEL, EL a PBH na snímcích MR před podáním kontrastní látky.
Aims: The aim of this study was to evaluate texture analysis (TA) in pre-contrast injection MR images to improve accuracy and to identify subtle differences between enhancing lesions (ELs), non-enhancing lesions (NELs) and persistent black holes (PBHs). Materials and methodology: The MR image database comprised 90 patients; 30 of whom had only PBHs, 25 had only ELs and 35 neither EL or PBH. These were assessed by the proposed TA method. Up to 300 statistical texture features were extracted as descriptors for each ROI/lesion. Differences between the lesion groups were analyzed and evaluations were made for area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (Az) for each significant texture feature. Linear discriminant analysis (LDA) was employed to analyze significant features and increase power of discrimination. Results: At least 14 texture features showed significant difference between NELs and ELs, NELs and PBHs, and ELs and PBHs. By using all significant features, LDA indicated a promising level of performance for classification of NELs and PBHs with Az value of 0.975 that corresponds to sensitivity of 94.3%, specificity of 96.3%, accuracy of 95.5%. In classification of ELs and NELs (or PBH), LDA demonstrated discrimination performance with sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of 100% and Az of 1. Conclusions: TA was determined as a reliable method, with potential for characterization and the method can be applied by physicians to differentiate NELs, ELs and PBH in pre-contrast injection MRI imaging.
- MeSH
- Data Interpretation, Statistical MeSH
- Contrast Media MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging methods MeSH
- Brain diagnostic imaging MeSH
- Neurogenic Inflammation MeSH
- Image Processing, Computer-Assisted * classification MeSH
- ROC Curve MeSH
- Multiple Sclerosis * diagnostic imaging diagnosis MeSH
- Sensitivity and Specificity MeSH
- Check Tag
- Humans MeSH
Introduction: The diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is based on an increase in plasma troponin levels above the 99th percentile of a healthy reference population values. On admission, over 30% of patients with AMI do not have specific symptoms and up to 70% of them may have normal or non-diagnostic ECG recordings. In these patient subgroups cardiac troponin assays may play a critical role in diagnosing AMI. Several diagnostic kits with enhanced analytic sensitivity (high-sensitivity kits) have been developed recently. Aim of study: To compare diagnostic sensitivity of troponin I (cTnI) and high-sensitivity troponin T (hs-cTnT) in the diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction in patients with chest pain. Type of study: Prospective, observational. Patients and methods: We evaluated prospectively 107 consecutive patients [median (interquartile range) age: 64 (55–75) years; 29 women] admitted to intensive cardiac care unit for chest pain, with admission cTnI levels o0.1 mg/l. In all patients, the parameters determined on admission included their levels of cTnI (chemiluminiscence immunoassay with microparticles, Abbott, Architect i2000 analyzer), hs-cTnT (electrochemiluminiscence immunoassay; Roche Cobas e411 analyzer), and myoglobin (immunoturbidimetry). The diagnosis of AMI was established by the attending cardiologist (using the ‘‘universal’’ definition of acute myocardial infarction). The cTnI and hs-cTnT cut-off values for AMI were 0.033 mg/l and 14 ng/l, respectively. Troponin I levels were again determined at 6 and 12 h after admission. Results: A total of 50 patients (46.7%) were diagnosed to have AMI with ST-segment elevation (STEMI), 35 patients (32.7%) developed AMI without STE (non-STEMI), 10 patients (9.3%) experienced a Type 2 AMI, four patients (3.7%) had unstable angina, and eight patients (7.5%) chest pain of non-coronary etiology (most often vertebrogenic pain). The diagnostic sensitivity of admission cTnI and hs-cTnT levels for AMI was 72% and 78%, respectively (p¼0.1814). The correlation between cTnI and hs-cTnT was 0.67 (po0.001; Spearman rank correlation coefficient). The diagnostic sensitivity of admission hs-cTnT and cTnI in STEMI patients was 82% vs. 70%, respectively (p¼0.0771). In non-STEMI patients, similar baseline cTnI and hs-cTnT diagnostic sensitivity was found, 74.3% and 71.4%, respectively (p¼0.91).
- Keywords
- vysoce senzitivní troponin T, diagnostická citlivost, bolest na hrudi, akutní infarkt myokardu,
- MeSH
- Acute Disease MeSH
- Chest Pain diagnosis etiology MeSH
- Electrocardiography utilization MeSH
- Financing, Organized MeSH
- Hospitalization statistics & numerical data MeSH
- Myocardial Infarction diagnosis epidemiology blood MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Sensitivity and Specificity MeSH
- Troponin I MeSH
- Troponin T diagnostic use MeSH
- Check Tag
- Humans MeSH
The aim of this review is to provide a comprehensive analysis of the existing literature pertaining to cytology of extrahepatic bile ducts. A search using the keywords "biliary brush cytology" was conducted in the PubMed database, with a focus on recent articles. The inclusion criteria primarily encompassed publications addressing problematic biliary stenosis. Emphasis was placed on identifying articles that explored innovative or less-utilized examination techniques aimed at enhancing the sensitivity of cytological examination. This review presents a comprehensive overview of the various types of materials used in sampling and the corresponding sampling methods. Additionally, it explores cytological and cytogenetic techniques, such as fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and genetic methods (miRNA, NGS, cfDNA). These techniques possess the potential to improve the accuracy of diagnosing bile duct tumors, although their sensitivity varies. Furthermore, their utilization can facilitate early therapy, which plays a crucial role in patient prognosis. Each examination is always dependent on the quality and quantity of material delivered. A higher sensitivity of these examinations can be achieved by combining biliary cytology and other complementary methods.
- MeSH
- Cytodiagnosis methods MeSH
- In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Bile Duct Neoplasms * diagnosis genetics pathology MeSH
- Prospective Studies MeSH
- Sensitivity and Specificity MeSH
- Bile Ducts, Extrahepatic * pathology MeSH
- Check Tag
- Humans MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
- Review MeSH
Amides of betulinic acid with cystamine were synthesized to investigate their antimicrobial and antitumor activity, and their influence on the cell cycle and cell apoptosis. The former target amide (6) displayed cytotoxicity in CEM cell line after 72 h of treatment (IC50 = 3.0 ± 0.7 μM; TI = 20), and induced apoptosis by caspase-3/7 activation in CEM cells. The latter target amide (9) displayed antimicrobial activity against Streptococcus mutans (MIC 3.125 μM; MBC 3.125 μM) and Bacillus cereus (MIC 25 μM; MBC 25 μM). The achieved results demonstrate enhancing of their biological activity over that of the parent compounds. However, two intermediate compounds (2 and 7) displayed either considerable cytotoxicity (2; 7.5 ± 0.8 μM; TI = 10, against G361) or antimicrobial activity (7; both against Actinomyces odontolycus and Clostridium perfrigens with MIC 12.5 µM and MBC 12.5 µM). The experimental data were compared with the in silico calculated physico-chemical and ADME parameters of the target compounds, including successful intermediates.
- MeSH
- Actinomyces drug effects MeSH
- Amides chemistry pharmacology MeSH
- Anti-Bacterial Agents chemical synthesis chemistry pharmacology MeSH
- Apoptosis drug effects MeSH
- Bacillus cereus drug effects MeSH
- Clostridium drug effects MeSH
- Cystamine chemistry pharmacology MeSH
- Cells, Cultured MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Microbial Sensitivity Tests MeSH
- Molecular Conformation MeSH
- Cell Proliferation drug effects MeSH
- Antineoplastic Agents chemical synthesis chemistry pharmacology MeSH
- Drug Screening Assays, Antitumor MeSH
- Streptococcus mutans drug effects MeSH
- Triterpenes chemistry pharmacology MeSH
- Dose-Response Relationship, Drug MeSH
- Structure-Activity Relationship MeSH
- Check Tag
- Humans MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
- Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't MeSH
