Molecular conformational changes in the collapsing and reswelling processes occurring during the phase transition at the lower critical solution temperature (LCST) of the polymer are not well understood. In this study, we characterized the conformational change of Poly(oligo(Ethylene Glycol) Methyl Ether Methacrylate)-144 (POEGMA-144) synthesized on silica nanoparticles using Raman spectroscopy and zeta potential measurements. Changes in distinct Raman peaks associated with the oligo(Ethylene Glycol) (OEG) side chains (1023, 1320, and 1499 cm) with respect to the methyl methacrylate (MMA) backbone (1608 cm) were observed and investigated under increasing and decreasing temperature profiles (34 °C to 50 °C) to evaluate the polymer collapse and reswelling around its LCST (42 °C).
View Article and Find Full Text PDFObjectives/hypothesis: Cricotracheal resection (CTR) is an effective treatment for refractory idiopathic subglottic stenosis (iSGS) but is associated with persistent dysphonia. Outcomes were measured longitudinally to characterize how patients' voices and self-perceived voice handicaps changed after CTR.
Study Design: Retrospective case-series.
Neural antibodies have emerged as useful biomarkers in suspected autoimmune encephalitis. We reviewed results of neural antibody testing (anti-N-methyl D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR), leucine-rich glioma-inactivated protein (LGI1), contactin-associated protein-like 2 (CASPR2), α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid receptor (AMPAR), γ-aminobutyric acid type B receptor (GABA(B)R), dipeptidyl-peptidase-like protein-6 (DPPX), IgLON family member 5 (IgLON5) and glutamic acid decarboxylase-65 (GAD65)) using cell-based assays (CBAs) and tissue indirect immunofluorescence (TIIF) at our centre. Our findings suggest increased clinical sensitivity of CBA compared to TIIF.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFRespir Med Case Rep
October 2019
is a gram-positive bacillus that is ubiquitously present in the environment, often regarded as a contaminant when isolated in clinical testing. Cases of causing lower respiratory tract infections are sparse, with less than 20 reported in the literature, and even fewer as a cause of massive hemoptysis. The majority of cases occur in the setting of an immunosuppressed patient.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: The reporting of adverse events (AE) remains an important part of quality improvement in thoracic surgery. The best methodology for AE reporting in surgery is unclear. An AE reporting system using an electronic discharge summary with embedded data collection fields, specifying surgical procedure and complications, was developed.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFGlucose regulates energy homeostasis and reproductive function within the hypothalamus. The underlying mechanisms responsible for glucose regulation of GnRH gene transcription were investigated using a novel murine immortalized, adult-derived hypothalamic cell line, mHypoA-GnRH/GFP. Analysis of GnRH mRNA synthesis and secretion following agonist treatment demonstrated that the mHypoA-GnRH/GFP cell line is a representative model of in vivo GnRH neurons.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFEvidence shows that neuropeptide Y (NPY) neurons are involved in mediating the anorexigenic action of leptin via neuronal circuits in the hypothalamus. However, studies have produced limited data on the cellular processes involved and whether hypothalamic NPY neurons are susceptible to cellular leptin resistance. To investigate the direct regulation of NPY secretion by leptin, we used novel NPY-synthesizing, immortalized mHypoA-NPY/green fluorescent protein and mHypoA-59 hypothalamic cell lines derived from adult hypothalamic primary cultures.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: An incomplete major pulmonary fissure can make anatomic lung resection technically more difficult and may increase the risk of complications, such as prolonged postoperative air leak. The objective of this study was to determine if preoperative computed tomography (CT) of the chest could accurately predict the completeness of the major pulmonary fissure observed at the time of surgery.
Methods: From October 2008 to June 2009, patients at a single university institution were enrolled if they underwent surgery for a pulmonary nodule, mass or known cancer.
Objective: The resident component of the Canadian Thoracic Manpower and Education Study (T-MED) was conducted to understand the basic demographic of Canadian thoracic surgery residents, the factors influencing their selection of training programs, current work conditions, training and competencies, and opinions in regard to the manpower needs for the specialty.
Design: A modified Delphi process was used to develop a survey applicable to thoracic surgery residents. In May and June 2009, residents completed the voluntary anonymous Internet-based survey.
Pulmonary carcinoid tumors are rarely associated with symptoms of the carcinoid syndrome, such as flushing and diarrhea. When present, these symptoms virtually always represent extensive hepatic metastases. In this article we describe the presentation, perioperative management, and presumed mechanisms of a patient with a localized pulmonary carcinoid with associated chronic diarrhea that resolved after operation.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: Spontaneous pneumothorax (SP) results from the rupture of blebs or emphysematous bullae. Rapid changes in weather may precipitate this process. The city of Calgary is well suited to examine the effects of weather and specifically the rapid changes in weather associated with a chinook event and the occurrence of SP.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: Accurate staging of patients with lung cancer is imperative in generating an appropriate treatment strategy. This study examined the clinical performance of anterior mediastinotomy in staging patients with suspected left upper lobe non-small cell lung cancer.
Methods: This study was designed as a retrospective cohort.
Objectives: To determine the grades of recommendations and levels of evidence available if the formal practice of evidence-based medicine is applied to general thoracic surgery.
Methods: Three general thoracic surgeons, by consensus, developed a sample of 10 clinically important questions. The first 3 steps of evidence-based medicine (creation of answerable clinical questions, search for best external evidence, and critical appraisal of literature) were performed.
We report a rare case of necrotizing pneumonia, empyema, and septic shock caused by Clostridium perfringens. Population-based laboratory surveillance was subsequently conducted that identified an annual incidence of invasive C. perfringens disease of 0.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: Local invasion of the upper aerodigestive tract by thyroid cancer, although uncommon, is a serious cause of morbidity and mortality. The impact of aerodigestive tract resection on the functional status and quality of life of the patient has not previously been investigated.
Methods: Patients with locally invasive thyroid cancer were included in a prospective surgical protocol.