Transfer of multi-DNA patches by colloidal stamping

Patchy particles have received great attention due to their ability to develop directional and selective interactions and serve as building units for the self-assembly of innovative colloidal molecules and crystalline structures. Although synthesizing particles with multiple dissimilar patches is still highly challenging and lacks efficient methods, these building blocks would open paths towards a broader range of ordered materials with inherent properties. Herein, we describe a new approach to pattern functional DNA patches at the surface of particles, by the use of colloidal stamps. DNA inks are transferred only at the contact zones between the target particles and the stamps thanks to selective strand-displacement reactions. The produced DNA-patchy particles are ideal candidates to act as advanced precision/designer building blocks to self-assemble the next generation of colloidal materials.

Screening of Egyptian toddlers for autism spectrum disorder using an Arabic validated version of M-CHAT; report of a community-based study (Stage I)

BACKGROUND

Although there is a recommendation that toddlers be screened for Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) during their 18- and 24-month well-care child visits, diagnosis often occurs well after the child turns 4 years old. Such delayed diagnosis hinders the implementation of early intervention thus worsens the long-term prognosis of ASD.

OBJECTIVE

The current community-based study in its stage I aimed at early screening of Egyptian toddlers for ASD using an Arabic validated version of Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (M-CHAT).

METHODOLOGY

A cross-sectional community-based descriptive study was carried out enrolling 5546 Egyptian toddlers. They were randomly recruited from those attending Primary Health Care Units in six Egyptian governorates with a fair representation of the urban, semi-urban, and rural Egyptian populations. An Arabic validated version of M-CHAT was used as a screening tool for ASD.

RESULTS

The current study revealed failure of M-CHAT (suspected to have ASD and needs further evaluation) in 1320 out of the enrolled 5546 Egyptian toddlers (23.8%).

CONCLUSION

M-CHAT as a screening tool for ASD has flagged a considerable percent of the enrolled toddlers that necessitates referral for further evaluation (stage II) to settle the diagnosis of ASD in the true positive cases. Perfecting the delicate balance between sensitivity and specificity for ASD screening tools is crucial in order not to miss early detection of ASD cases and at the same time, to avoid over-diagnosis with subsequent abuse of the limited healthcare resources in developing countries.

Effects of cigarette smoke on Toll-like receptor (TLR) activation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) macrophages

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterized by an abnormal innate immune response. We have investigated the changes in the innate immune response of COPD alveolar macrophages exposed to both cigarette smoke and Toll-like receptor (TLR) stimulation. COPD and control alveolar macrophages were exposed to cigarette smoke extract (CSE) followed by TLR-2, -4 and -5 ligands [Pam3CSK4, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and phase I flagellin (FliC), respectively] or non-typeable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHi). CSE exposure suppressed TLR-induced tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10 and regulated on activation, normal T cell expressed and secreted (RANTES) production in both COPD and control alveolar macrophages, but had no effect on interleukin 8 (CXCL8) production. Similarly, CSE suppressed NTHi-induced TNF-α but not NTHi-induced CXCL8 production in COPD alveolar macrophages. Gene expression analysis showed that CSE suppressed LPS-induced TNF-α transcription but not CXCL8 transcription in COPD alveolar macrophages. The dampening effect of CSE on LPS-induced cytokine production was associated with a reduction in p38, extracellular signal regulated kinase (ERK) and p65 activation. In conclusion, CSE caused a reduced innate immune response in COPD alveolar macrophages, with the exception of persistent CXCL8 production. This could be a mechanism by which alveolar macrophages promote neutrophil chemotaxis under conditions of oxidative stress and bacterial exposure.

Contrasting perspectives on work: an exploratory qualitative study based on the concept of adaptation

Objectives. Objectives of this study were (a) to compare contrasting work experiences of five persons as alternative ways individuals select and use occupational opportunities available in their environments, and (b) to examine the adaptive significance of work in their Lives.

Method. Five students in a graduate course on work and play as occupations each developed a work narrative for an adult of their choice that included how that person came to choose particular kinds of work, described the person’s current work experience, and examined the adaptive significance of work in the person’s Life. Data were gathered through observations in the persons’ work settings and through open-ended interviews. Comparative analysis of the five work narratives was completed by students and faculty members as a group.

Results. Work narratives of a fast-food restaurant manager, a Life-flight nurse, a tennis teaching pro, a financial analyst, and a manufacturer’s representative for oil field equipment illustrate contrasting perspectives on work as “escaping from seclusion,” “establishing Life work,” “enacting a family tradition, ” “getting stuck, ”and “rebuilding a Life. ” The participants who modified or combined occupational opportunities in creative ways generally found their work more rewarding than those who accepted available work opportunities as unalterable “givens.”

Conclusions. The adaptive significance of work for these persons had both short-term benefits, including intrinsic enjoyment of its activities and extrinsic benefits, such as social recognition and income, and long-term benefits of contributions to identity and contributions to purposes Larger than oneself.

Intersubject variability in plasma theophylline levels after oral and intravenous administration in Jordanian patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Plasma theophylline concentrations were determined in 151 Jordanian patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Mean plasma levels after oral administration were below the therapeutic range and significantly lower than after intravenous administration. Plasma levels in patients with congestive heart failure (CHF) were higher than in patients with no CHF. Trough plasma theophylline concentrations after intravenous administration in patients less than 18 years of age were significantly lower than in those aged 18-60 years. The overall results are in agreement with observations made in other ethnic groups.