Activity-Based Photoacoustic Probes for Detection of Disease Biomarkers beyond Oncology.

The earliest activity-based photoacoustic (PA) probes were developed as diagnostic agents for cancer. Since this seminal work over a decade ago that specifically targeted matrix metalloproteinase-2, PA instrumentation, dye platforms, and probe designs have advanced considerably, allowing for the detection of an impressive list of cancer types. However, beyond imaging for oncology purposes, the ability to selectively visualize a given disease biomarker, which can range from aberrant enzymatic activity to the overproduction of reactive small molecules, is also being exploited to study a myriad of noncancerous disease states.

(Un)frozen foundations: A study of permafrost construction practices in Russia, Alaska, and Canada.

The Arctic is rapidly warming posing a significant threat to underlying permafrost. Permafrost degradation has already resulted in extensive damage to the Arctic's built infrastructure, putting communities and industries at risk. Projected climate warming will further reduce the capacity of permafrost to support infrastructure, thereby requiring a rethinking of construction and development of permafrost regions in the future.

Functional and Symmetry Outcomes After Forehead Flap Reconstruction of Medial Peri-Ocular Defects.

Background: Orbital defects have a profound impact on orbital function and symmetry of the face and are difficult to reconstruct given the complexity of this area. The paramedian forehead flap (PMFF) has not been well studied in reconstruction of orbital defects.

Methods: Retrospective review of patients who underwent reconstruction of periorbital defects with PMFF between 2016 and 2021.

Caught by Connections: The Mediating Roles of Social and Community Support after Interpersonal Violence.

The purpose of the present study was to examine the potential mediating roles of different sources of social support and sense of community on the relationship between interpersonal violence and mental health outcomes, negative posttraumatic cognitions, and posttraumatic growth. Participants (n = 459) completed an online survey. Interpersonal violence had a significant, direct effect on all posttraumatic outcomes.

Scavenger Receptor Class B Member 1 Independent Uptake of Transthyretin by Cultured Hepatocytes Is Regulated by High Density Lipoprotein.

Thyroid hormone (thyroxine, T4) is essential for the normal function of all cell types and is carried in serum bound to several proteins including transthyretin. Recently, evidence has emerged of alternate pathways for hormone entry into cells that are dependent on hormone binding proteins. Transthyretin and transthyretin bound T4 are endocytosed by placental trophoblasts through the high-density lipoprotein receptor, Scavenger Receptor Class B Type 1 (SR-B1).

Transthyretin uptake in placental cells is regulated by the high-density lipoprotein receptor, scavenger receptor class B member 1.

Transfer of thyroid hormone into cells is critical for normal physiology and transplacental transfer of maternal thyroid hormones is essential for normal fetal growth and development. Free thyroid hormone is known to enter cells through specific cell surface transport proteins, and for many years this uptake of unbound thyroid hormones was assumed to be the only relevant mechanism. Recently, evidence has emerged of alternate pathways for hormone entry into cells that are dependent on hormone binding proteins.

Traversing barriers - How thyroid hormones pass placental, blood-brain and blood-cerebrospinal fluid barriers.

Thyroid hormone is essential for normal human fetal growth and brain development. As the fetal thyroid does not secrete thyroid hormones until about 18 weeks gestation, early fetal brain development depends on passage of maternal hormone across the placenta into the fetal circulation. To reach the fetal brain, maternally derived and endogenously produced thyroid hormone has to cross the blood-brain and blood-cerebrospinal fluid barriers.

Review: Effects of maternal micronutrient supplementation on placental function.

Pregnancy is a physiological challenge that may require additional nutritional support. Suboptimal micronutrient intakes and micronutrient deficiencies during pregnancy are a global problem, often leading to poor maternal and child outcomes. Micronutrient supplementation is commonly recommended during pregnancy to support and enhance maternal metabolism.

External cephalic version in premature rupture of membranes: a systematic review.

Background: External cephalic version (ECV) increases the likelihood of a vaginal delivery in patients with breech presentation. Our objective was to determine the rate of cephalic vaginal delivery in women undergoing ECV after PROM.

Methods: We performed a systematic review of all case reports, case series and clinical trials of patients undergoing an ECV after PROM ≥ 24 weeks.

Factors related to caregiving for individuals with spinal cord injury compared to caregiving for individuals with other neurologic conditions.

Context/objective: To compare outcomes among caregivers of adults with spinal cord injuries (SCIs) to caregivers of adults with other neurological conditions, and determine if caregiving for SCI is associated with poor health status and chronic conditions.

Design: Secondary data analysis of 2009/2010 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System survey.

Participants: Informal caregivers of adults with neurological conditions.

Development of a biomimetic hand exotendon device (BiomHED) for restoration of functional hand movement post-stroke.

Significant functional impairment of the hand is common among stroke survivors and restoration of hand function should be prioritized during post-stroke rehabilitation. The goal of this study was to develop a novel biomimetic device to assist patients in producing complex hand movements with a limited number of actuators. The Biomimetic Hand Exoskeleton Device (BiomHED) is actuated by exotendons that mimic the geometry of the major tendons of the hand.

Activation and intermuscular coherence of distal arm muscles during proximal muscle contraction.

In the human upper extremity (UE), unintended effects of proximal muscle activation on muscles controlling the hand could be an important aspect of motor control due to the necessary coordination of distal and proximal segments during functional activities. This study aimed to elucidate the effects of concurrent activation of elbow muscles on the coordination between hand muscles performing a grip task. Eleven healthy subjects performed precision grip tasks while a constant extension or flexion moment was applied to their elbow joints, inducing a sustained submaximal contraction of elbow muscles to counter the applied torque.

Biomimetic hand exotendon device (BiomHED) for functional hand rehabilitation in stroke.

Significant functional impairment of the hand is commonly observed among stroke survivors. In order to restore the functional use of the affected hand, we developed a biomimetic device that assists in generating functional movements of the hand. The device is actuated by exotendons that replicate the kinetic functional of the hand muscle-tendons, therefore it can reproduce the spatial finger joint coordination patterns of the functional manual tasks (e.

Transthyretin-thyroid hormone internalization by trophoblasts.

Normal fetal neurological development depends on a regulated supply of maternal thyroid hormone (TH). We have previously demonstrated that transthyretin (TTR) a TH binding protein, is synthesized, secreted and internalized by trophoblast cells and may provide a route for the transfer of TH from mother to fetus. Our objective was to determine if a member of the low-density lipoprotein receptor family mediates TTR or TTR-TH internalization.

Transthyretin and the human placenta.

Since its discovery, transthyretin (TTR) has been regarded as an important hepatically derived protein carrier of thyroid hormones and retinol in blood. However, in more recent years it has been shown that TTR has other important functions. TTR is abundant in cerebrospinal fluid, where it may be involved in transport of thyroid hormones into the brain.

Trichomonosis in free-ranging Eurasian collared doves (Streptopelia decaocto) and African collared dove hybrids (Streptopelia risoria) in the Caribbean and description of ITS-1 region genotypes.

We report the first documented occurrence of an outbreak of trichomonosis in a free-ranging small flock of Eurasian collared doves (Streptopelia decaocto) and African collared dove hybrids (Streptopelia risoria) in the Caribbean. In total, 18 birds were examined, including six African collared dove x Eurasian collared dove hybrids and 12 Eurasian collared doves. The affected age class consisted of adults.

Secretion and transfer of the thyroid hormone binding protein transthyretin by human placenta.

Context: The thyroid hormone and retinol binding protein transthyretin (TTR) is synthesised by human trophoblasts. Polarised JEG-3 choriocarcinoma cells grown in bicameral chambers secrete TTR predominantly apically but also basally and these cells and human trophoblasts also take up TTR suggesting that there may be a placental TTR shuttle that participates in materno-fetal transfer of thyroid hormones and retinol.

Objectives And Methods: Our objective was to investigate TTR secretion into the maternal and fetal circuits of the ex vivo dually perfused placental lobule to confirm that placenta secretes TTR into the fetal circulation.

Expression and uptake of the thyroxine-binding protein transthyretin is regulated by oxygen in primary trophoblast placental cells.

Transplacental delivery of maternal thyroid hormones to the fetus, in particular thyroxine (T₄), is critical in ensuring normal fetal neurological development. The fetus relies on maternal T₄ till around 16 weeks gestation, but mechanisms of placental T₄ transport are not yet fully elucidated. Placenta produces, secretes and takes up the thyroid hormone-binding protein transthyretin (TTR).

Ontogenic changes in placental transthyretin.

Objectives: Before secretion of fetal thyroid hormone at around 16 weeks gestation normal fetal development depends on a constant supply of maternal thyroid hormone (TH), particularly thyroxine (T(4)). The detailed mechanisms of transplacental delivery of TH are still uncertain. The TH binding protein, transthyretin (TTR), is produced and secreted by placenta and may play a role in this process.

8-(4-chlorophenylthio)-guanosine-3',5'-cyclic monophosphate-Na stimulates human alveolar fluid clearance by releasing external Na+ self-inhibition of epithelial Na+ channels.

Salt absorption via alveolar epithelial Na(+) channels (ENaC) is a critical step for maintaining an airspace free of flooding. Previously, we found that 8-(4-chlorophenylthio)-guanosine-3',5'-cyclic monophosphate-Na (CPT-cGMP) activated native and heterologous ENaC. To investigate the potential pharmacological relevance, we applied this compound intratracheally to human lungs and found that ex vivo alveolar fluid clearance was increased significantly.

Delivery of maternal thyroid hormones to the fetus.

Thyroid hormones (THs) play an essential role in ensuring normal fetal development, particularly that of the central nervous system. Before 16 weeks gestation, the fetus relies solely on transplacental delivery of maternal T(4), and clinical studies suggest that even mild maternal thyroid hormone deficiency adversely affects the intellectual function of offspring. Maternofetal TH transfer is regulated by trophoblast cell membrane transporters, which mediate influx and efflux of THs, placental deiodinases D3 and D2, which control intraplacental TH levels, and TH-binding proteins (transthyretin), which provide transport roles in the placenta.

Effect of oxygen concentrations on sodium iodide symporter expression and iodide uptake and hCG expression in human choriocarcinoma BeWo cells.

Normal human fetal development requires an adequate supply of thyroid hormone from conception. Until about 16 wk gestation this is supplied entirely by placental transfer of maternal hormone. Subsequently, the fetal thyroid synthesizes thyroid hormones, requiring a supply of maternal iodide.

Thyroid hormones and fetal neurological development.

The development of fetal thyroid function is dependent on the embryogenesis, differentiation, and maturation of the thyroid gland. This is coupled with evolution of the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis and thyroid hormone metabolism, resulting in the regulation of thyroid hormone action, production, and secretion. Throughout gestation there is a steady supply of maternal thyroxine (T(4)) which has been observed in embryonic circulation as early as 4 weeks post-implantation.

Oxygen concentration regulates expression and uptake of transthyretin, a thyroxine binding protein, in JEG-3 choriocarcinoma cells.

Maternal thyroid hormone is provided to the fetus before the onset of fetal thyroid function (at about 16 weeks) and is essential for normal neurologic development. Mechanisms of transport are uncertain but transthyretin (TTR), a thyroxine binding protein produced by the placenta may be involved. Placental oxygen concentrations in early pregnancy are low, about 1% early in the first trimester and rising to 8% over the next 12 weeks.