Abstract: We present a 41-year-old man with a hemionychodystrophy of the first toe, appearing as a longitudinal thickening of the nail plate, overcurved and with holes in its thickened free margin, thus leading to the clinical diagnosis of onychomatricoma. Complete excision showed typical nail plate of onychomatricoma and, underlying it, curvy disorganized neural-looking fascicles without atypia and with diffuse positivity for S100, interpreted as subungual neurofibroma (NF). Subungual NF is a very rare tumor, with only 12 previous cases reported. Its diagnosis is based on histopathology, as the tumor presents waves or whorls of disorganized neural-looking cells positive for S100. Regarding onychomatricoma, it is characterized by typical glove finger digitations (which were present in our case) and an underlying stroma composed by a cellular superficial layer (this layer expresses CD34 but not CD99) and a more sclerotic and deeper area. As we did not find information on S100 expression in the stroma of onychomatricoma, we have stained 4 typical cases, and all were negative with S100 and positive with CD34, as expected. In conclusion, as "subungual NF" is so rare and, in our case, seems to collide with a typical onychomatricoma, we recommend adding S100 staining to properly characterize tumors involving nail plate, to detect underlying neural tumors, as has happened in our case. Correspondence: Mar Llamas-Velasco, MD, Hospital Universitario de La Princesa, C/Diego de León, 62, Madrid CP28006, Spain (e-mail: mar.llamasvelasco@gmail.com). The authors declare no conflicts of interest. Copyright © 2019 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.
http://bit.ly/2Bkm95C
Τετάρτη 6 Φεβρουαρίου 2019
Spontaneous Hair Repigmentation in an 80-Year-Old Man: A Case of Melanoma-Associated Hair Repigmentation and Review of the Literature
Abstract: Spontaneous hair repigmentation of physiologically white or gray hair is a rare occurrence that may be associated with melanoma in elderly individuals. We present the first case of this phenomenon in a man. A gray-haired, 80-year-old man presented to dermatology clinic with a 3-cm lock of black hair on his vertex scalp that developed over 1 year. Punch biopsies showed an increase in junctional dendritic melanocytes with rare pagetoid cells and extension along the follicular outer root sheath epithelium and interfollicular epidermis, associated with prominent dendritic melanocytic hyperplasia and pigment-containing melanocytes within the hair bulbs. Although the findings on the biopsies were not diagnostic of melanoma in situ, an irregular interfollicular distribution of melanocytes was concerning for an adjacent atypical process. A complete excision was performed and revealed melanoma in situ, lentigo maligna type. Rare reports describe spontaneous hair repigmentation as a harbinger of lentigo maligna in women. Repigmentation can occur in the setting of proliferation of malignant pigment-producing melanocytes or by paracrine stimulation of benign bulbar melanocytes through receptor tyrosine kinase KIT activation. Presence of prominent dendritic melanocytic hyperplasia and pigment-containing melanocytes within the hair bulbs in our patient's biopsies was suggestive of paracrine or physiologic stimulation of bulbar melanocytes. Given the importance of early melanoma detection and the low visibility of the scalp, this report raises awareness of an extraordinary presentation of lentigo maligna and exemplifies the importance of close clinicopathologic correlation to ensure optimal clinical management and patient outcome. Correspondence: Shabnam Momtahen, MD, Assistant Professor of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, One Medical Center Drive, Lebanon, NH 03756 (e-mail: shabnam.momtahen@hitchcock.org). The authors declare no conflicts of interest. Copyright © 2019 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.
http://bit.ly/2TvGImJ
http://bit.ly/2TvGImJ
A Unique and Rare Case of Extramammary Paget Disease With Concomitant Herpes Simplex
Abstract: We describe a rare and unique case of extramammary Paget disease in the genitals with concomitant histological features of herpes virus infection. This is a very rare and interesting association that has only been reported in 1 article in the literature so far. Correspondence: Valencia Long, MBBS, Department of Dermatology, National Skin Centre, 1 Mandalay Road Singapore 308205, Singapore (e-mail: valencialong@gmail.com). The authors declare no conflicts of interest. Copyright © 2019 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.
http://bit.ly/2TASBYG
http://bit.ly/2TASBYG
Enhancement in combustion, performance, and emission characteristics of a diesel engine fueled with diesel, biodiesel, and its blends by using nanoadditive
Abstract
This article presents the results of investigations carried out to evaluate the improvement in combustion, performance, and emission characteristics of a diesel engine fueled with neat petro-diesel (PD), soybean biodiesel (SB), and 50% SB blended PD (PD50SB) by using carbon nanotube (CNT) as an additive. The acid–alkaline-based transesterification process with sodium hydroxide (NaOH) as a catalyst was applied to derive the methyl ester of SB. A mass fraction of 100 ppm CNT nanoparticle was blended with base fuels by using an ultrasonicator and the physiochemical properties were measured based on EN standards. The measured physiochemical properties are in good agreement with standard limits. The experimental evaluations were carried out under varying brake mean effective pressure (BMEP) conditions in a single-cylinder, four-stroke, and natural aspirated research diesel engine at a constant speed of 1500 rpm. The results reveal that the SB and its blend promote shorter ignition delay period (IDP) that is resulting in lower in-cylinder pressure (ICP) and net heat release rate (NHR) compared to PD. The SB and its blend increase the brake specific fuel consumption (BSFC), and reduce the brake specific energy consumption (BSEC) and exhaust gas temperature (EGT), due to lower heating value, and efficient combustion, respectively. As far as the emission characteristics are concerned, the SB and its blend promote lower magnitude of hydrocarbon (HC), carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO2), and smoke emissions compared to PD except for oxides of nitrogen (NOx) emission. The CNT nanoparticle inclusion with base fuels significantly improves the combustion, performance, and emissions level irrespective of engine load conditions.
http://bit.ly/2TB7JoS
Green sol–gel synthesis of novel nanoporous copper aluminosilicate for the eradication of pathogenic microbes in drinking water and wastewater treatment
Abstract
We used a green sol–gel synthesis method to fabricate a novel nanoporous copper aluminosilicate (CAS) material. Nanoporous CAS was characterized using X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), field emission transmission and scanning electron microscopies (FE-TEM/FE-SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and optical analyses. The CAS was also evaluated for use as a promising disinfectant for the inactivation of waterborne pathogens. The antimicrobial action and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of this CAS disinfectant were determined against eight microorganisms (Escherichia coli, Salmonella enterica, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Listeria monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, Candida albicans, and Aspergillus niger). An antimicrobial susceptibility testing of CAS was measured. Results of disc diffusion method pointed out that the diameters of the zone using well diffusion were wider than disc diffusion methods, and the findings also showed that the MIC of the CAS disinfectant against E. coli, S. enterica, and P. aeruginosa was 100 mg/L within 20 min of contact time. Meanwhile, the MIC of the CAS disinfectant was 100 mg/L within 40 min of contact time for the other strains. The efficacy of antimicrobial action (100%) reached within 20 to 40 min against all tested microbes. Herein, the antimicrobial susceptibility testing of CAS disinfectant showed no toxicity for human and bacterial cells. It can be concluded that nanoporous CAS is a promising, economically, and worthy weapon for water disinfection.
http://bit.ly/2SedJHj
Contamination status and potential release of trace metals in a mangrove forest sediment in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Abstract
Can Gio district is located in the coastal area of Ho Chi Minh City, southern Vietnam. Discharge of wastewater from Ho Chi Minh City and neighboring provinces to the rivers of Can Gio has led to concerns about the accumulation of trace metals (As, Cu, Cr, Ni, Pb, and Zn) in the coastal sediments. The main objective of this study was to assess the distribution of As, Cu, Cr, Ni, Pb, and Zn in surface and core sediments and to evaluate the contamination status in relation to local background values, as well as the potential release of these selected trace metals from sediments to the water environment. Sediment characteristization, including determination of fine fraction, pH, organic matter, and major elements (Al, Fe, Ca, K, Mg, and S), was carried out to investigate which parameters affect the trace metal enrichment. Fine fraction and Al contents were found to be the controlling proxies affecting the distribution of trace metals while other sediment characteristics did not show any clear influence on trace metals' distribution. Although As concentrations in the sediments were much higher compared to its reference value in other areas, the enrichment factor based on local background values suggests minor contamination of this element as well as for Cr, Cu, and Pb. Risk assessment suggested a medium to very high risk of Mn, Zn, and Ni under acidification. Of importance is also that trace metals in sediments were not easily mobilized by organic complexation based on their low extractabilities by ammonium-EDTA extraction.
http://bit.ly/2HXKzrz
Microbiological dynamics of red complex bacteria following full-mouth air polishing in periodontally healthy subjects—a randomized clinical pilot study
Abstract
Objectives
Suppression of periodontal pathogens in the oral cavity of periodontally healthy individuals may lower the risk for periodontal or periimplant diseases. Therefore, the present study aimed to analyze the effect of supragingival debridement (SD) with adjunctive full mouth glycine powder air polishing (FM-GPAP) on the prevalence of periodontal pathogens in periodontally healthy individuals.
Materials and Methods
Eighty-seven systemically and periodontally healthy intraoral carriers of red complex bacteria, i.e., Porphyromonas gingivalis, Tannerella forsythia, and Treponema denticola or other periodontal pathogens including Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Prevotella intermedia, and Eikenella corrodens were enrolled into the study and randomly assigned to receive SD with adjunctive FM-GPAP (test, n = 42) or SD alone (control, n = 45). In the first observation period, microbiological samples were obtained prior to, and 2, 5, and 9 days following intervention. If one of these periodontal pathogens could still not be identified, additional microbial sampling was performed after 6 and 12 weeks.
Results
The prevalence of red complex bacteria was significantly reduced in the test compared to the control group following treatment (p = 0.004) and at day 9 (p = 0.031). Intragroup comparison showed a significant (test, p < 0.001; control, p ≤ 0.01) reduction in the mean prevalence in both groups from BL through day 9 with an additional significant intergroup difference (p = 0.048) at day 9. However, the initial strong reduction returned to baseline values after 6 and 12 weeks.
Conclusion
In periodontally healthy carriers of periodontal pathogens, FM-GPAP as an adjunct to SD transiently enhances the suppression of red complex bacteria.
Clinical relevance
Whether the enhanced suppression of red complex bacteria by adjunctive FM-GPAP prevents the development of periodontitis in periodontally healthy carriers requires further investigations.
http://bit.ly/2Sg7Pp6
Correlation of magnetic resonance imaging grades with cytokine levels of synovial fluid of patients with temporomandibular joint disorders: a cross-sectional study
Abstract
Objectives
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a standardized method for assisting joint diagnosis. To validate the reliability of different imaging-based grading systems, this study examined (1) the associations between grading systems for osseous change, joint effusion, and the Wilkes classification of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders and (2) the correlation between cytokines in synovial fluid and imaging-based joint scores.
Materials and methods
Twenty-seven patients, who routinely received numeric rating scale (NRS) and MRI assessment before TMJ arthrocentesis, were enrolled. Each joint was evaluated through the grading criteria for severity of osseous change and joint effusion by blinded observers using MRI. ImageJ was employed for classifying joint effusion. Joint synovial fluid, collected through arthrocentesis, was examined for cytokine expression by using a Luminex multiplex assay. All data were analyzed using the Pearson correlation analysis.
Results
The Wilkes classification was strongly correlated with osseous change scores, but not with joint effusion scores. Joint effusion scores significantly correlated with NRS scores, but not with the Wilkes classification and osseous change scores. Compared with osseous change scores, joint effusion scores had a higher correlation with the levels of inflammatory cytokines (interleukin (IL)-8 and soluble IL-6 receptor (sIL-6R)) and with anti-inflammatory cytokines (soluble tumor necrosis factor receptors I and II (sTNF-RI/II)).
Conclusions
In patients with TMJ disorders, MRI grades are strongly correlated with NRS scores and levels of cytokines (IL-8, sIL-6R, and sTNF-RI/II) in the synovial fluid.
Clinical relevance
Joint effusion scoring can be a reliable and valid indicator for pathological assessment of TMJ disorders.
http://bit.ly/2SspiKz
Effect of induction hydroxy and hydrogen along with algal biodiesel blend in a CI engine: a comparison of performance and emission characteristics
Abstract
Gaseous fuel as a combustion enhancer with a pilot fuel offers significant benefits in improving engine efficiency. Hydrogen and hydroxy are the two most common gaseous fuels that have been widely investigated in the CI engine but which one performs best is still inconvenient. In this study, hydrogen and hydroxy were injected with BD40 (v/v) separately in a common diesel engine to compare the performance and emission characteristics of these fuels. Engine performance parameters include brake thermal efficiency (BTE) and brake-specific energy consumption (BSEC), and exhaust emissions include hydrocarbon (HC), CO, CO2, NOx, and smoke opacity. The induction of both hydroxy and hydrogen with BD40 has a positive effect on engine performance and emissions except NOx when compared to neat diesel fuel and BD40. The BTE of hydroxy-rich BD40 increased by 7.2% while BSEC reduced by 7.6% as compared to BD40 with hydrogen. The CO, HC, and smoke opacity of hydroxy-operated engine was found to be better than hydrogen-inducted engine. The NOx emission increased with the induction of both gaseous fuels and hydroxy-enriched BD40 produced 12.5% more emission than hydrogen-operated BD40 engine. Thus, more concisely, hydroxy-operated biodiesel engine performed better than hydrogen engine in terms of BTE, BSEC, CO, HC, and smoke opacity.
http://bit.ly/2I9roev
Histological and immunohistochemical evaluation of the effect of tartrazine on the cerebellum, submandibular glands, and kidneys of adult male albino rats
Abstract
Tartrazine is one of the most widely used food additives. The present investigation was carried out on 40 adult male albino rats. They were divided into four groups of ten animals for each. Group I was considered as a control group. Group II was treated with tartrazine daily in a dose 7.5 mg/kg body weight by oral gavage for 30 days. Group III was received 15 mg/kg body weight of tartrazine for the same period. Group IV was administered tartrazine in a dose 100 mg/kg body weight for the whole duration of the experiment. At the end of experiment, samples from the cerebellum, submandibular salivary glands, and kidneys were fixed in neutral buffered formalin 10% and prepared routinely for paraffin sectioning and staining for histopathological and immunohistochemical investigations of proliferating cell nuclear antigen "PCNA" and glial fibrillar acidic protein "GFAP". Tartrazine-treated groups revealed histopathological degenerative changes in the obtained organs. In group II, the cerebellum showed subcortical edema, congestion of the blood vessels, cytoplasmic vacuolations, and pyknosis of the nuclei in the gray matter neurons. Concerning the submandibular glands, they expressed cytoplasmic vacuolations and pyknosis of the nuclei of the acinar cells, congestion of the interacinar blood capillaries, and degenerative changes in the striated duct. The kidneys appeared with interstitial hemorrhage and dilatation of the glomerular capillaries. The PCT and DCT showed ill-defined cell boundaries. The collecting tubules in the renal medulla appeared with flattened epithelial cells. The severity of these changes increases by increasing the dose of tartrazine in group III and reach to the highest level in group IV. The immunoexpression of the GFAP in the cerebellum of the experimental groups was intense compared to the control group. The immunoreactivity of PCNA in the nuclei of the acinar and ductal cells of the submandibular gland and the cells of the renal cortex and medulla was strong in the tartrazine-treated groups compared to the control group. The current study concluded that the tartrazine had serious effect on the cerebellum, submandibular glands, and kidneys that adversely affect the functions of these organs.
http://bit.ly/2Bogj3n
Characterization of iron-metabolizing communities in soils contaminated by acid mine drainage from an abandoned coal mine in Southwest China
Abstract
Acid mine discharge (AMD) has been demonstrated to have significant impacts on microbial community composition in the surrounding soil environment. However, their effect on adjacent soil has not been extensively studied. In this study, microbial community composition of 20 AMD-contaminated soil samples collected from an abandoned coal mine along an AMD creek was characterized using high-throughput sequencing. All samples were characterized as extremely low in pH (< 3) and relatively enriched in HCl-extractable Fe species. The dominant phylotypes were belonging to genera Ochrobactrum, Acidiphilium, Staphylococcus, Brevibacterium, and Corynebacterium. Canonical correspondence analysis results revealed that the HCl-extractable Fe(III) had a strong impact on the soil microbial assemblage. Co-occurrence network analysis revealed that Aquicella, Acidobacteriaceae, Ochrobactrum, Enhydrobacter, Sphingomonas, and Legionellales were actively correlated with other taxa. As expected, most of the abundant taxa have been reported as acidophilic Fe-metabolizing bacteria. Hence, a co-occurring sub-network and a phylogenetic tree related to microbial taxa responsible for Fe metabolism were constructed and described. The biotic interaction showed that Dechloromonas exhibited densely connections with Fe(III)-reducing bacteria of Comamonas, Burkholderia, Shewanella, Stenotrophomonas, Acidithiobacillus, and Pseudomonas. These results demonstrated that Fe-metabolizing bacteria could have an important role in the Fe biogeochemical cycling.
http://bit.ly/2TAHrmG
Metal distribution in sediments of a drinking water reservoir: influence of reservoir morphometry and hydrodynamics
Abstract
Metal(loid)s in the reservoir sediment tend to be released into the water column when encountering disturbances and thus pose threats to the aquatic system. In this study, sediment and pore water samples collected from eight cross sections in the Biliu River Reservoir (Dalian, China) were analyzed to determine the spatial distributions of six metal(loid)s and their associations with reservoir morphometry and hydrodynamics. The results show that total metal concentrations of the sediments are higher at the sites with greater water depths and are influenced by the reservoir morphometry. Mn is of great concern with respect to its increasing total concentration from the upstream sites to the dam sites. According to the improved BCR sequential extraction procedure, the acid-soluble fraction of Mn increases along the thalweg to the dam, implying the soluble Mn2+ in the upstream hypolimnion, and sediment is possible to be transported longitudinally by water currents. For Fe, Mn, Pb, Cu, and Zn, the reducible fraction accounts for more than 15% of the total metal concentration, which suggests that Fe–Mn (hydr)oxides could be important in scavenging these metals. High Mn concentrations in pore waters close to the dam, with an average value of more than 40 mg/L, give rise to significant Mn diffusive flux up to 296.1 mg/m2/day.
http://bit.ly/2t7tGjA
Assessment of air pollution and health hazard associated with sawmill and municipal waste burning in Abeokuta Metropolis, Nigeria
Abstract
Indiscriminate disposal and open burning of sawmill and municipal solid wastes constitute hazards to the quality of the immediate environment and human health. This study assessed the levels of pollutants emitted by burning sawmill and municipal wastes, and their potential hazards. Nine selected sawmills and 6 municipal solid-waste dumps in Abeokuta metropolis were investigated. During waste burning, the concentrations of NO2, SO2, CO, H2S, NH3 and VOC were monitored in replicates at the dumpsites, 10 m, 20 m and the nearest houses using portable samplers (Aeroqual and Multi-RAE). Mean, ANOVA, correlation and regression statistical tools were used to analyse air quality data; air quality index (AQI) was employed to classify the hazard rating of the gaseous pollutants. Nearest neighbour analysis in ArcGIS 10.0 was used to investigate dumpsites location pattern within the city. The concentrations (mg/m3) of sampled parameters from source to nearest house (NH) at the dumpsites ranged as follows: < 0.002–0.175 (NO2), < 0.002–0.235 (SO2), 0.065–0.425 (H2S), 13.98–47.40 (CO), 6.74–170.41 (NH3) and 31.13–820.03 (VOC) in wet and dry seasons. The mean concentrations of NO2, SO2 and VOC were below permissible limits at most locations while CO values were higher at all dumpsite. Significant variations (p < 0.05) were observed in the concentrations of the monitored parameters except NO2 values (SMW) in dry season. AQI rated NO2 and SO2 concentrations as "good" at all sites while CO emission ranged from unhealthy to hazardous across the dumpsites. In conclusion, the present locations of SMW and MSW dumps in the city degrade environmental quality and are unsafe for human health.
http://bit.ly/2SCnNcy
Dechlorination and conversion mechanism of trichlorobenzene as a model compound of chlorine-containing wastes by different base-catalyzed combinations
Abstract
Chlorine-containing organic waste (COWs) is a big threat for the waste incineration because of the dioxin generation and equipment corrosion. Recently, dechlorination and detoxification of COWs is emergent in order to lower the environmental risk and treatment costs. In this study, base-catalyzed decomposition processes with different hydroxides, hydrogen donors, and catalysts were conducted for pre-treatment of COWs to reduce organic chlorine content, with the TCB as a model compound and industrial rectification residues for verification. Results showed that maximum chlorine retention efficiency (CRE) of four alkalis followed the order of KOH > NaOH–KOH > NaOH > Mg(OH)2, which were 98.3%, 93.4%, 97.2%, and 1.5%, respectively, and could be expressed as an apparent first-order reaction. The differences were resulted from the varying ionic potentials of the metal cations. Hydrogen donors (glycol, glycerol, paraffin oil, and PEG 200) acted as effective dechlorination regents follow the order of PEG > glycol > paraffin oil > glycerol. In addition, Fe, Ni, Cu, and activated carbon catalysts increased the CRE by 68.9% to 92.4%, 91.9%, 89.2%, and 73.3%, respectively. Residue analysis through X-ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy revealed that KCl, sodium oxalate, and phenol were the main products and a plausible stepwise dechlorination pathway was proposed. The effectiveness of three optimized combinations including NaOH/PEG, KOH/PEG, and NaOH–KOH/PEG (with the Fe catalyst) was confirmed by using them for dechlorinating rectification residues, and they restrained 98.2%, 91.2%, and 94.6% of the chlorine, respectively. The organochlorine content decreased from 19.2 to 1.8% within 180 min, while inorganic chorine content increased from 1.5 to 18.9%, indicating the potential for COWs dechlorination.
http://bit.ly/2Dcp7cH
Bioaccumulation of dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethanes (DDTs) in carp in a water/sediment microcosm: important role of sediment particulate matter and bioturbation
Abstract
Sediments are reservoirs and sources of DDTs to the aquatic ecosystem. However, the role of sediment particulate matter and benthic organisms in transferring DDTs remains unclear. In this study, microcosms were built up with different groups to simulate a freshwater system with DDT-contaminated sediment and organisms. The impacts of different exposure routes (water and sediment) on the changes of DDT and its metabolites (DDD and DDE) in carp (Cyprinus carpio) were investigated. The bioturbation of Tubifex tubifex (Oligochaeta, Tubificidae) was investigated to understand the fate and transfer of DDTs in aquatic environment. For the sediment treatment, the concentrations of o,p'-DDT in carp were significantly higher than those of p,p'-DDT, and the metallothionein (MT) content decreased. The bioaccumulation of DDTs in carp via sediment particulate matter was significantly higher/faster than that via overlying water. T. tubifex and sediment particulate matter accelerate DDT bioaccumulation in carp. Selective enrichment of the (+)-o,p'-DDT and (+)-o,p'-DDD was found in carp. These results help to reduce uncertainty in ecological and health risk assessments and to better understand the risk of DDTs in the environment.
http://bit.ly/2SCnJtk
Can lithium disilicate ceramic crowns be fabricated on the basis of CBCT data?
Abstract
Objectives
Evaluating the fit of CAD/CAM lithium disilicate ceramic crowns fabricated on basis of direct and indirect digitalization of impressions by CBCT or of dental casts.
Material and methods
A metal model with a molar chamfer preparation was digitized (n = 12 per group) in four ways: IOS—direct digitalization using an Intra-Oral scanner (CS3600), cone-beam computed tomography scan (CBCT 1)—indirect digitalization of impression (CBCT-CS9300), CBCT 2—indirect digitalization of impression (CBCT-CS8100), and Extra-Oral scanner (EOS)—indirect digitalization of gypsum-cast (CeramillMap400). Accuracy of 3D datasets was evaluated in relation to a reference dataset by best-fit superimposition. Marginal fit of lithium disilicate crowns after grinding was evaluated by replica technique. Significant differences were detected for 3D accuracy by Mann–Whitney U and for fit of crowns by One-way ANOVA followed by Scheffe's post hoc (p = 0.05).
Results
3D analysis revealed mean positive and negative deviations for the groups IOS (− 0.011 ± 0.007 mm/0.010 ± 0.003 mm), CBCT 1 (− 0.046 ± 0.008 mm/0.093 ± 0.004 mm), CBCT 2 (− 0.049 ± 0.030 mm/0.072 ± 0.015 mm), and EOS (− 0.023 ± 0.007 mm/0.028 ± 0.007 mm). Marginal fit presented the results IOS (0.056 ± 0.022 mm), CBCT 1 (0.096 ± 0.034 mm), CBCT 2 (0.068 ± 0,026 mm), and EOS (0.051 ± 0.017 mm).
Conclusions
The marginal fit of EOS and IOS, IOS and CBCT 2, and CBCT 2 and CBCT 1 showed statistical differences. The marginal fit of CBCT 1 and CBCT 2 is within the range of clinical acceptance; however, it is significant inferior to EOS and IOS.
Clinical relevance
The use of a CBCT enables clinicians to digitize conventional impressions. Despite presenting results within clinical acceptable levels, the CBCT base method seems to be inferior to Intra-Oral scans or to scanning gypsum models regarding the resulting accuracy and fit.
http://bit.ly/2t67Hts
The Role of Sub-mental Ultrasonography in Diagnosing Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Its Correlation With Subjective Scales
Conditions: Obstructive Sleep Apnea; Diagnostic Imaging; Ultrasound
Intervention: Diagnostic Test: Sub-mental ultrasonography
Sponsor: Bartin State Hospital
Recruiting
http://bit.ly/2TAvJZ4
Intervention: Diagnostic Test: Sub-mental ultrasonography
Sponsor: Bartin State Hospital
Recruiting
http://bit.ly/2TAvJZ4
Team-based Ergonomics Educational Model for Workplace WELLNESS Improvement: A Pilot Study
Conditions: MSDs; Muscle Pain
Intervention: Behavioral: stretching exercises
Sponsor: Milton S. Hershey Medical Center
Not yet recruiting
http://bit.ly/2BkSYzy
Intervention: Behavioral: stretching exercises
Sponsor: Milton S. Hershey Medical Center
Not yet recruiting
http://bit.ly/2BkSYzy
Validation of Smartphone App for Head and Neck Cancer Control and Patient Support
Condition: Head Neck Cancer
Intervention: Other: Virtual Coach
Sponsors: Vibrent Health; Stanford University; Johns Hopkins University; Massachusetts General Hospital
Not yet recruiting
http://bit.ly/2Tzwm5r
Intervention: Other: Virtual Coach
Sponsors: Vibrent Health; Stanford University; Johns Hopkins University; Massachusetts General Hospital
Not yet recruiting
http://bit.ly/2Tzwm5r
A Study of pING-hHER3FL Vaccine in Cancer Patients WITH ADVANCED MALIGNANCIES
Condition: Advanced Cancer
Intervention: Biological: pING-hHER3FL
Sponsor: Herbert Lyerly
Not yet recruiting
http://bit.ly/2BkSRnC
Intervention: Biological: pING-hHER3FL
Sponsor: Herbert Lyerly
Not yet recruiting
http://bit.ly/2BkSRnC
Ischemic stroke in giant-cell arteritis: French retrospective study
Publication date: Available online 5 February 2019
Source: Journal of Autoimmunity
Author(s): Aaron Pariente, Alexis Guédon, Sonia Alamowitch, Sara Thietart, Fabrice Carrat, Stephen Delorme, Jean Capron, Carlotta Cacciatore, Michael Soussan, Azeddine Dellal, Olivier Fain, Arsene Mekinian
Abstract
Acute cerebrovascular ischemic events are a rare and severe complication of giant cell arteritis (GCA). We aimed to determine the prevalence of GCA-related stroke, the overall survival and the relapse-free survival in patients with GCA.
A multicentric retrospective analysis was performed on 129 patients with GCA diagnosed between September 2010 and October 2018 in two University Hospitals. Among 129 GCA patients, 18 (16%) presented an acute ischemic cerebrovascular event. Patients with stroke were older (83 [67–96] years versus 76 [58–96]; p = 0.014) and more frequently males (61% versus 30%; p = 0.014) than those without stroke. The frequency of anterior ischemic optic neuropathy was higher in patients with stroke (n = 6, 33%) than patients without stroke (n = 12, 11%)(p = 0.02). Overall survival was significantly decreased in GCA patients with stroke (4.4 months), comparatively to patients without stroke (221.7 months; log rank test = 0.006). The 3-years relapse-free survival was decreased in patients with stroke (8.42 versus78.0 months; log rank = 0.0001), as well as the time with sustained remission (78 versus 139 months; log rank test = 0.0004). This study shows the prevalence and risk factors of ischemic stroke in GCA.
http://bit.ly/2Tzw4LT
Working memory theory remains stuck: Reply to Hanley and Young
Publication date: Available online 6 February 2019
Source: Cortex
Author(s): Candice C. Morey
http://bit.ly/2t64Xwa
Insular networks and intercognition in the wild
Publication date: Available online 6 February 2019
Source: Cortex
Author(s): Agustín Ibáñez
http://bit.ly/2HUdHzR
Human motor cortical organization is influenced by handedness
Publication date: Available online 5 February 2019
Source: Cortex
Author(s): Chiara Nicolini, Diana Harasym, Claudia V. Turco, Aimee J. Nelson
Abstract
Although there is some evidence that handedness is associated with structural and functional differences in the motor cortex, findings remain inconclusive. Here, we evaluated whether handedness influences the location, size and overlap of the cortical representations of upper limb muscles across hemispheres in right-versus left-handed individuals. Using transcranial magnetic stimulation, the cortical representations of abductor pollicis brevis, flexor carpi radialis and biceps brachii muscles were mapped bilaterally with a 6 by 5 grid space. Results indicate that right-handers had more lateral and posterior representations in the non-dominant hemisphere as well as greater overall cortical territory compared to left-handers. Right- and left-handers did not differ in the extent of overlap between muscle representations. Our findings suggest that human motor cortical organization of upper limb muscles is indeed influenced by handedness, specifically with regard to the location of non-dominant cortical muscle representations and the size of cortical territory dedicated to upper limb muscle representations.
http://bit.ly/2taBi5c
Year-round film mulching system with monitored fertilization management improve grain yield and water and nitrogen use efficiencies of winter wheat in the dryland of the Loess Plateau, China
Abstract
Year-round film mulching in winter wheat field facilitates rainwater storage in summer fallow period and reduces water evaporation in growing reason, and then increases water use efficiency in the dryland of the Loess Plateau, China. Optimized fertilization further promotes fertilizer utilization efficiencies. In this study, plastic film mulching was extended from plant growth season to summer fallow, and fertilizers were applied by monitoring soil nutrient availability. Field trials were conducted in the dryland of the Loess Plateau over 4 years by using four types of cultivation to investigate the effects of year-round plastic film mulching with monitored fertilization on utilization efficiencies of rainwater and nitrogen (N), and winter wheat yield. The four types of cultivation were farmer practice (FP), ridge-furrow with plastic film mulching system plus conventional fertilization(RPCF), ridge-furrow with plastic film mulching system plus monitored fertilization (RPFM), and flat soil surface with plastic film mulching system plus monitored fertilization (FPFM). Our results indicate that the average yield of winter wheat in RPFM and FPFM treatments was 4491 kg ha−1. Compared with FP treatment, the combined effects of monitored fertilization and film mulching(RPFM and FPFM treatments) could increase grain yield in the range of 24.7 to 42.1%. The film mulching extended to the fallow season increased the water storage in 2 m depth of soil profile, and the amount of soil water storage in the summer fallow period increased by 27 to 30% in FPFM treatment than FP treatment. After 4-year consecutive planting of wheat, the accumulation of nitrate-N in 2 m soil reached 277 kg·ha−1 in the FP treatment, which is 87.7% higher than of the level at the beginning of the experiment. Seventy-five percent of nitrate-N was distributed in the soil layer of 0–120 cm. In addition, the residual nitrate-N showed downward leaching with rainfall during the experiment. The RPFM and FPFM treatments reduced the apparent loss and residual levels of soil N, whereas increased its apparent mineralization compared with FP treatment. The FPFM treatment exhibited a greater utilization of residual nitrate-N from previous years and showed a higher amount of the mineralized N from soil organic matter, therefore leading to a relatively high apparent utilization rate of N (56.7%). Considering both grain yield production and utilization efficiencies of water and N, FPFM with year-round mulching was the most effective cultivation measure for winter wheat in the Loess Plateau.
http://bit.ly/2UJi0j6
Development of a spatial web tool to identify hotspots of environmental burdens in Wallonia (Belgium)
Abstract
In response to the Walloon Environment and Health Program, the Scientific Institute of Public Services (ISSeP) developed an integrated approach of environmental exposure assessment in the Walloon region, Belgium. The study presents an index-based approach to estimate the multiple environmental burdens at regional level and detailed local resolution. Indicators are based on environmental measurements of pollutants in ambient air and soil, and on stressors for citizens related to noise and radon. These indicators were mapped as proportions to obtain an accurate comparison between spatial units. In order to indicate the need for intervention, environmental indicators are calculated as the proportion of areas where the level of detrimental environmental factors exceeds threshold values from WHO guidelines and Walloon legal threshold values. In parallel, a spatial web tool based on GIS was developed to enable a flexible and weighted combination of the normalized indicators by computing the resulting composite index online. This interactive web tool designed for policy makers and experts eases the spatial analysis of results in order to identify geographic areas where hotspot exposures are a potential risk to human health. The next steps of this work aim to integrate more environmental indicators (stressors and benefits) and some sociodemographic and health indicators in order to detect vulnerable populations. A holistic assessment is essential to inform environmental justice debates and to ensure a health conducive equal environment. Finally, this environmental health tool will support decision makers focus resources and programs to improve the environmental health of Walloons living in areas disproportionately burdened by multiple sources of pollution.
http://bit.ly/2GdUGqr
Health risk assessment of heavy metals in Cyprinus carpio (Cyprinidae) from the upper Mekong River
Abstract
The purposes of this research are to quantify the concentration of heavy metals (Zn, Cu, As, Pb, Cd, and Hg) in the water and fish tissues of common carp (Cyprinus carpio) in the upper Mekong River and to thereby elucidate the potential dietary health risks from fish consumption of local residents. Surface water and fish tissues (gill, muscle, liver, and intestine) from four representative sample areas (influence by a cascade of four dams) along the river were analyzed for heavy metal concentrations. Results revealed that the levels of heavy metals in fish were tissue-dependent. The highest Cu and As levels were found in the liver; the highest Zn and Pb levels occurred in the intestine, and the highest Hg level was found in the muscle. The total target hazard quotient (THQ) value for residents is > 1 for long-term fish consumption, and local residents are, therefore, exposed to a significant health risk. Results from the current study provide an overall understanding of the spatial and tissue distribution of heavy metals in water and fish body along the upper Mekong River under the influence of cascade dams and highlight the potential health risk of As for the local residents of long-term fish consumption.
http://bit.ly/2BoUhgL
Confirmatory Tests for the Diagnosis of Primary Aldosteronism: A Systematic Review and Meta‐analysis
Abstract
Objective
Saline infusion test (SIT), captopril challenge test (CCT), fludrocortisone suppression test (FST) and oral sodium loading test (SLT) are recommended by the Endocrine Society's clinical practice guidelines to diagnose primary aldosteronism, but which one is the best remains controversial. We aimed to summarize the available comparative data and evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of these four tests.
Design
We searched PubMed, Embase and the Cochrane Library for relevant studies published between January 1980 and January 2018.
Patients
Eligible studies reported on the accuracy of one or more of the four confirmatory tests in patients suspected of PA.
Measurements
Two reviewers independently conducted the data extraction of all selected studies, which consisted of study characteristics and data to estimate the summary receiver operating characteristic (SROC) curve and the corresponding summary area under the curve (SAUC), pooled sensitivity and specificity, diagnostic odds ratios (DOR) with 95% confidence interval (CI).
Results
We identified 26 articles including 3686 patients. 15 articles evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of CCT, 10 of SIT, 1 of FST, and none of SLT. For CCT, the SAUC was 0.9207, and the pooled sensitivity and specificity were 0.87 (95%CI 0.84‐0.89) and 0.84 (95%CI 0.81‐0.86), respectively. For SIT, the SAUC was 0.9232, and the pooled sensitivity and specificity were 0.85 (95%CI 0.82‐0.87) and 0.87 (95%CI 0.85‐0.89), respectively. For FST, the pooled sensitivity and specificity were 0.87 (95%CI 0.66‐0.97) and 0.95 (95%CI 0.82‐0.99), respectively. Overall, we found no significant differences in the diagnostic accuracy of CCT and SIT.
Conclusions
CCT and SIT exhibit high and comparable accuracy for diagnosing PA. CCT may be a more feasible alternative as it is safe and much easier to perform.
This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
http://bit.ly/2t9U8cq
Growth Hormone Therapy and Short Stature‐Related Distress: A Randomized Placebo‐Controlled Trial
Summary
Context
Growth hormone (GH) treatment of short healthy children is based on the belief that short stature is associated with psychosocial problems and a diminished quality of life.
Objective
To determine the impact of GH therapy on psychosocial well‐being and the ability of psychological metrics to define short stature‐related distress.
Methods
Sixty prepubertal boys with idiopathic short stature (age: 10.0±1.4yrs, height‐SDS: ‐2.38±0.3) were enrolled in this four‐year intervention study [one‐year double‐blinded, randomized, placebo‐controlled (GH/placebo‐2:1) and three‐year open‐labeled GH‐therapy]. Explicit (conscious/voluntary) psychological metrics [Pediatric Quality‐of‐Life Inventory (PedsQL), Silhouette Apperception Test (SAT), Rosenberg Self‐Esteem Scale (RSES), Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL)] and implicit (unconscious/involuntary) psychological metrics [Single‐Category Implicit‐Association‐Test for height (SC‐IAT‐H), Height Perception Picture Test (HPPT)]. Psychosocial evaluations were performed at study entry, after one and four years.
Results
At study entry, PedsQL of boys with idiopathic short stature was lower than Israeli norms (P=.001). After one‐year blinded‐intervention only the GH‐treated boys improved their actual and anticipated adult height perception (SAT, P<.001 and P=.022) with reduced short stature‐related distress (SC‐IAT‐H, P<.001). At study end, RSES and SC‐IAT‐H improved significantly (P<.001), with no change in PedsQL and CBCL.
Conclusions
Our finding of improved psychosocial functioning only in the GH‐treated boys after one‐year blinded intervention suggests that it was the GH therapy, rather than being enrolled in a clinical trial, which contributed to the outcome. Long‐term open‐labeled GH‐treatment significantly improved height perception and self‐esteem. Future studies are needed to fully assess the relevance of complementing the routinely used explicit self‐report measures with the implicit measures.
This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
http://bit.ly/2HUGFQa
Τρίτη 5 Φεβρουαρίου 2019
Variables that predict response of nevus of ota to lasers
Summary
Nevus of ota is a dermal melanocytosis common among Asian patients, mottled, blue‐gray macule that is usually located unilaterally within the distribution of the first and second branches of the trigeminal nerve and almost always responds well to treatment with Q‐switched lasers (eg, ruby, alexandrite, and Nd: YAG). In spite of the plethora of science behind laser‐tissue interactions, the objective evaluation of nevus of ota response to laser is not on firm footing and most studies report subjective percentile scoring improvement. A knowledge of the variations in morphology of nevus of ota can help predict an optimal dose response and help to counsel patients appropriately.
http://bit.ly/2DfEIYM
Evaluating the Strength of the Association Between Industry Payments and Prescribing Practices in Oncology
AbstractBackground.Financial relationships between physicians and the pharmaceutical industry are common, but factors that may determine whether such relationships result in physician practice changes are unknown.Materials and Methods.We evaluated physician use of orally administered cancer drugs for four cancers: prostate (abiraterone, enzalutamide), renal cell (axitinib, everolimus, pazopanib, sorafenib, sunitinib), lung (afatinib, erlotinib), and chronic myeloid leukemia (CML; dasatinib, imatinib, nilotinib). Separate physician cohorts were defined for each cancer type by prescribing history. The primary exposure was the number of calendar years during 2013–2015 in which a physician received payments from the manufacturer of one of the studied drugs; the outcome was relative prescribing of that drug in 2015, compared with the other drugs for that cancer. We evaluated whether practice setting at a National Cancer Institute (NCI)‐designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, receipt of payments for purposes other than education or research (compensation payments), maximum annual dollar value received, and institutional conflict‐of‐interest policies were associated with the strength of the payment‐prescribing association. We used modified Poisson regression to control confounding by other physician characteristics.Results.Physicians who received payments for a drug in all 3 years had increased prescribing of that drug (compared with 0 years), for renal cell (relative risk [RR] 1.81, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.58–2.07), CML (RR 1.22, 95% CI 1.08–1.39), and lung (RR 1.69, 95% CI 1.58–1.82), but not prostate (RR 0.97, 95% CI 0.93–1.02). Physicians who received compensation payments or >$100 annually had increased prescribing compared with those who did not, but NCI setting and institutional conflict‐of‐interest policies were not consistently associated with the direction of prescribing change.Conclusion.The association between industry payments and cancer drug prescribing was greatest among physicians who received payments consistently (within each calendar year). Receipt of payments for compensation purposes, such as for consulting or travel, and higher dollar value of payments were also associated with increased prescribing.Implications for Practice.Financial payments from pharmaceutical companies are common among oncologists. It is known from prior work that oncologists tend to prescribe more of the drugs made by companies that have given them money. By combining records of industry gifts with prescribing records, this study identifies the consistency of payments over time, the dollar value of payments, and payments for compensation as factors that may strengthen the association between receiving payments and increased prescribing of that company's drug.
http://bit.ly/2DahkvU
Effects of cerium oxide nanoparticles on bacterial growth and behaviors: induction of biofilm formation and stress response
Abstract
In this paper, the effects of cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeO2 NPs) on the group bacterial behaviors were elaborated. After 36-h cultivation, the biofilm biomass was enhanced by the sub-lethal concentrations of 0.5 and 2 mg/L CeO2 NP exposure. Meanwhile, the promoted production of total amino acids in microbes further resulted in the increased surface hydrophobicity and percentage aggregation. To resist the CeO2 NPs stress, the biofilm exhibited a double-layer microstructure, with the protein (PRO) and living cells occupying the bottom, the polysaccharide (PS), and dead cells dominating the top. The bacterial diversity was highly suppressed and Citrobacter and Pseudomonas from the phylum of γ-Proteobacteria strongly dominated the biofilm, indicating the selective and enriched effects of CeO2 NPs on resistant bacteria. The stimulated inherent resistance of biofilm was reflected by the reduced adenosine triphosphate (ATP) content after 4 h exposure. The increased levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the treatments of 8 h CeO2 NP exposure led to the upregulated quorum sensing signals of acylated homoserine lactone (AHL) and autoinducer 2 (AI-2), beneficial to mitigating the environmental disturbance of CeO2 NPs. These results provide evidences for the accelerating effects of CeO2 NPs on biofilm formation through oxidative stress, which expand the understanding of the ecological effects of CeO2 NPs.
http://bit.ly/2HThqNS
11C‐Metomidate PET/CT is a useful adjunct for lateralisation of primary aldosteronism in routine clinical practice
Abstract
Objective
To describe clinical practice experience of 11C‐Metomidate PET/CT as an adjunct to adrenal vein sampling (AVS) in the lateralization of aldosterone producing adenomas (APA) in primary aldosteronism (PA).
Context
Accurate lateralisation of aldosterone producing adenomas in the setting of primary aldosteronism (PA) offers the potential for surgical cure and improved long‐term cardiovascular outcomes. Challenges associated with adrenal vein sampling, the current gold‐standard lateralization modality, mean that only a small proportion of potentially eligible patients currently make it through to surgery. This has prompted consideration of alternative strategies for lateralisation, including the application of novel molecular PET tracers such as 11C‐Metomidate.
Design
Clinical Service Evaluation / Retrospective audit.
Patients
Fifteen individuals with a confirmed diagnosis of PA, undergoing lateralization with 11C Metomidate PET/CT prior to final clinical decision on surgical versus medical management.
Measurements
All patients underwent screening aldosterone renin ratio (ARR), followed by confirmatory testing with the seated saline infusion test, according to Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guidelines. Adrenal glands were imaged using dedicated adrenal CT. 11C‐Metomidate PET/CT was undertaken due to equivocal or failed AVS. Management outcomes were assessed by longitudinal measurement of blood pressure, ARR, number of hypertensive medications following adrenalectomy or institution of medical therapy.
Results
We describe the individual lateralisation and clinical outcomes for 15 patients with PA.
Conclusion
11C‐Metomidate PET/CT in conjunction with adrenal CT and AVS provided useful information which aided clinical decision making for PA within a multidisciplinary hypertension clinic.
This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
http://bit.ly/2TwQcOv
Building a Renewed ImaGe After Head & Neck Cancer Treatment (BRIGHT) 2.0
Condition: Head and Neck Cancer
Interventions: Behavioral: BRIGHT; Behavioral: Active Control
Sponsor: Medical University of South Carolina
Not yet recruiting
http://bit.ly/2SxFpX2
Interventions: Behavioral: BRIGHT; Behavioral: Active Control
Sponsor: Medical University of South Carolina
Not yet recruiting
http://bit.ly/2SxFpX2
Diagnostic Significance of FDG PET/CT Dynamic Imaging in Detecting Metastatic Lymph Nodes With Papillary Thyroid Cancer.
Conditions: Positron-Emission Tomography; Lymph Node Metastases; Thyroid Cancer
Interventions: Diagnostic Test: 18F-FDG PET/CT dynamic scan; Diagnostic Test: B-ultrasonography
Sponsor: Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University
Recruiting
http://bit.ly/2Gr9wJl
Interventions: Diagnostic Test: 18F-FDG PET/CT dynamic scan; Diagnostic Test: B-ultrasonography
Sponsor: Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University
Recruiting
http://bit.ly/2Gr9wJl
Paclitaxel (Albumin Bound),Bleomycin And Cisplatin Or Carboplatin for Recurrent Or Metastatic Squamous Cell Carcinoma Of The Head And Neck
Condition: Squamous Cell Carcinoma Of The Head And Neck
Intervention: Drug: PaclitaxelPaclitaxel (Albumin Bound),Bleomycin combined with Cisplatin or Carboplatin
Sponsor: Sun Yat-sen University
Not yet recruiting
http://bit.ly/2SuYMQH
Intervention: Drug: PaclitaxelPaclitaxel (Albumin Bound),Bleomycin combined with Cisplatin or Carboplatin
Sponsor: Sun Yat-sen University
Not yet recruiting
http://bit.ly/2SuYMQH
Weekly Plasma EBV DNA for Non-metastatic Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma
Condition: Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma
Intervention:
Sponsor: The University of Hong Kong
Recruiting
http://bit.ly/2Gr9fGj
Intervention:
Sponsor: The University of Hong Kong
Recruiting
http://bit.ly/2Gr9fGj
A Study to Assess the Safety, Tolerability and Pharmacokinetics of AZD9977 in Japanese Healthy Participants With Single and Multiple Ascending Dose Administration
Condition: Heart Failure
Interventions: Drug: AZD9977; Drug: Placebo
Sponsors: AstraZeneca; Parexel
Recruiting
http://bit.ly/2Sza1HE
Interventions: Drug: AZD9977; Drug: Placebo
Sponsors: AstraZeneca; Parexel
Recruiting
http://bit.ly/2Sza1HE
Pembrolizumab for Unresectable or Metastatic Melanoma in Patients Older than 85 Years of Age
Background: Programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1) inhibitors (pembrolizumab and nivolumab) have been approved for the treatment of advanced melanoma. Over the past decades, patients older than 85 years represent an expanding group of patients in developed countries. In France, 25% of melanomas are diagnosed in patients older than 75 years. Objective: To perform a monocentric retrospective study of patients older than 85 years and treated with pembrolizumab for unresectable or metastatic melanoma in order to evaluate tolerance and potential benefits of this immunotherapy. Methods: Medical records of patients treated with the PD-1 inhibitor pembrolizumab between January 2015 and January 2018 were reviewed. Results: Nine patients (6 women and 3 men) older than 85 years were included in the study. The mean age was 89.6 (85–97) years at inclusion. All patients were PS 0 or 1. The mean number of infusions was 4 (1–12). However, most patients were not able to tolerate the 4-infusion schedule. One patient refused the second infusion for personal reasons. Seven patients had grade 3 or 4 treatment-related adverse events. Conclusion: These results indicate that pembrolizumab treatment in patients older than 85 years may induce responses but is associated with a high risk of toxicity and impaired autonomy.
Dermatology
http://bit.ly/2GbJRoW
Dermatology
http://bit.ly/2GbJRoW
Removal efficiency of As(V) and Sb(III) in contaminated neutral drainage by Fe-loaded biochar
Abstract
Performance of raw and two Fe-loaded biochars, produced either by evaporation (E-product, 26.9% Fe) or precipitation (P-product, 12.6% Fe), was evaluated in batch and column testing for As(V) and Sb(III) removal from contaminated neutral drainage (CND). Batch testing results showed that sorption capacity of the E-product tripled for As(V) and quintupled for Sb(III), whereas for the P-product, it doubled for both contaminants, relative to the raw biochar. Moreover, As(V) removal by the E-product reached 90% in less than 8 h, for initial concentrations up to 50 mg/L. In column testing, the E-product efficiently treated the influent [pH 6; 1 mg/L As(V)] for more than 286 days. The pH of the final effluent was within the legally allowed limits (6–9.5) while less than 0.3 mg/L Fe leached out. Based on these findings, Fe-loaded biochar by evaporation (E-product) seems promising for As(V) treatment in CND.
http://bit.ly/2Gp0sEM
Association of Eu(III) and Cm(III) onto an extremely halophilic archaeon
Abstract
In addition to geological, geochemical, and geophysical aspects, also, microbial aspects have to be taken into account when considering the final storage of high-level radioactive waste in a deep geological repository. Rock salt is a potential host rock formation for such a repository. One indigenous microorganism, that is, common in rock salt, is the halophilic archaeon Halobacterium noricense DSM15987T, which was used in our study to investigate its interactions with the trivalent actinide curium and its inactive analogue europium as a function of time and concentration. Time-resolved laser-induced fluorescence spectroscopy was applied to characterize formed species in the micromolar europium concentration range. An extended evaluation of the data with parallel factor analysis revealed the association of Eu(III) to a phosphate compound released by the cells (F2/F1 ratio, 2.50) and a solid phosphate species (F2/F1 ratio, 1.80). The association with an aqueous phosphate species and a solid phosphate species was proven with site-selective TRLFS. Experiments with Cm(III) in the nanomolar concentration range showed a time- and pCH+-dependent species distribution. These species were characterized by red-shifted emission maxima, 600–602 nm, in comparison to the free Cm(III) aqueous ion, 593.8 nm. After 24 h, 40% of the luminescence intensity was measured on the cells corresponding to 0.18 μg Cm(III)/gDBM. Our results demonstrate that Halobacterium noricense DSM15987T interacts with Eu(III) by the formation of phosphate species, whereas for Cm(III), a complexation with carboxylic functional groups was also observed.
http://bit.ly/2SoZ4sn
In situ evaluation of the NO x removal efficiency of photocatalytic pavements: statistical analysis of the relevance of exposure time and environmental variables
Abstract
In the recent past, the NOx removal efficiency of photocatalytic materials has been subject of many studies with promising results. However, many of these studies involve laboratory tests carried out under standardized climatic exposure conditions, often not representative of the real-world environment. With the aim to bridge this gap, selected photocatalytic materials have been applied to different substrates in outdoor demonstrator platforms at pilot scale as part of the project LIFE-PHOTOSCALING. The paper presents the results of in situ measurements of NOx removal efficiency of the materials, performed during 17 months. Statistical models accounting for the influence of exposure time and relevant environmental variables are derived. They suggest that photocatalytic emulsions on the tested asphalt experience a significant loss of activity over time irrespective of climatic conditions. The efficiency of photocatalytic slurries on asphalt and of concrete tiles, with the photocatalyst applied on surface or in bulk, mainly depends on substrate humidity.
http://bit.ly/2Gp7PMH
Estimating CDKN2A mutation carrier probability among global familial melanoma cases using GenoMELPREDICT
Publication date: Available online 5 February 2019
Source: Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology
Author(s): Nicholas J. Taylor, Nandita Mitra, Lu Qian, Marie-Françoise Avril, D. Timothy Bishop, Brigitte Bressac-de Paillerets, William Bruno, Donato Calista, Francisco Cuellar, Anne E. Cust, Florence Demenais, David E. Elder, Anne-Marie Gerdes, Paola Ghiorzo, Alisa M. Goldstein, Thais C. Grazziotin, Nelleke A. Gruis, Johan Hansson, Mark Harland, Nicholas K. Hayward
Abstract
Background
Although rare in the general population, highly penetrant germline mutations in CDKN2A are responsible for 5-40% of melanoma cases reported in melanoma-prone families. We sought to determine whether MELPREDICT was generalizable to a global series of melanoma families and whether performance improvements can be achieved.
Methods
2,116 familial melanoma cases were ascertained by the international GenoMEL Consortium. We recapitulated the MELPREDICT model within our data (GenoMELPREDICT) to assess performance improvements by adding phenotypic risk factors and history of pancreatic cancer. We report areas under the curve (AUC) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) along with net reclassification indices (NRI) as performance metrics.
Results
MELPREDICT performed well (AUC=0.752; 95%CI: 0.730, 0.775), and GenoMELPREDICT performance was similar (AUC=0.748; 95% CI: 0.726, 0.771). Adding a reported history of pancreatic cancer yielded discriminatory improvement (p<0.0001) in GenoMELPREDICT (AUC=0.772; 95%CI: 0.750, 0.793; NRI=0.40). Including phenotypic risk factors did not improve performance.
Conclusion
The MELPREDICT model functioned well in a global dataset of familial melanoma cases. Adding pancreatic cancer history improved model prediction. GenoMELPREDICT is a simple tool for predicting CDKN2A mutational status among melanoma patients from melanoma-prone families and can aid in counselling these patients towards genetic testing or cancer risk counselling.
http://bit.ly/2BmJbc3
Coffee, tea, caffeine, and risk of non-melanoma skin cancer in a Chinese population: The Singapore Chinese Health Study
Publication date: Available online 5 February 2019
Source: Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology
Author(s): Choon Chiat Oh, Aizhen Jin, Jian-Min Yuan, Woon-Puay Koh
Abstract
Background
While epidemiological studies in populations of European-descent suggest possible chemo-protective effect of caffeine against non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC), data in Asian populations are lacking.
Objectives
We examined the relations between coffee, tea and caffeine consumption, and NMSC risk among Chinese in Singapore.
Methods
We used data from the Singapore Chinese Health Study, a prospective cohort of 63,257 men and women aged 45–74 years at recruitment from 1993 to 1998. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using multivariable Cox proportional hazard models.
Results
Coffee drinking was associated with reduced NMSC risk in a dose-dependent manner (P trend<0.0001); compared with those who drank coffee less than weekly, in those who drank ≥3 cups/day, HRs (95% CIs) were 0.54 (0.31-0.93) for risk of basal cell carcinoma, and 0.33 (0.13-0.84) for risk of squamous cell carcinoma. Compared with non-drinkers, daily drinkers of black tea also had reduced NMSC risk (HR=0.70; 95% CI=0.52-0.94). Caffeine intake reduced NMSC risk in a stepwise manner (P trend=0.0025); subjects with caffeine intake ≥400 mg/day had the lowest risk (HR=0.59; 95% CI=0.34-1.04).
Conclusion
Consumption of caffeinated drinks such as coffee and black tea may reduce the risk of NMSC among Chinese.
http://bit.ly/2TwUPIB
Incidence and Risk of Photosensitivity with Targeted Anticancer Therapies
Publication date: Available online 5 February 2019
Source: Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology
Author(s): K.T. Ciccolini, J. Kim, S.P. Chaudhari, A.Skripnik Lucas, B. Benhuri, J. Duran, S. Wu, M. Lacouture
http://bit.ly/2Bjnolw
Determining patient preferences and willingness to pay related to scar length and appearance following skin cancer treatment on the face and trunk: A multi-center discrete choice experiment
Publication date: Available online 5 February 2019
Source: Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology
Author(s): Nicholas Golda, William Black, Vishal Patel, Donald Neal, Jeremy Etzkorn
http://bit.ly/2TsINzW
The Hydroxychloroquine–Interferon Gamma Release Assay Question: TB or not TB?
Publication date: Available online 5 February 2019
Source: Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology
Author(s): Warren R. Heymann
http://bit.ly/2BlnlFX
Recommendations for the definition, evaluation, and treatment of nail psoriasis in adult patients with no or mild skin psoriasis: a dermatologist and nail expert group consensus
Publication date: Available online 5 February 2019
Source: Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology
Author(s): Dimitrios Rigopoulos, Robert Baran, Soumiya Chiheb, Carlton Ralph Daniel, Nilton Di Chiacchio, Stamatis Gregoriou, Chander Grover, Eckart Haneke, Matilde Iorizzo, Marcel Pasch, Bianca Maria Piraccini, Phoebe Rich, Bertrand Richert, Natalia Rompoti, Adam I. Rubin, Archana Singal, Michela Starace, Antonella Tosti, Ioanna Triantafyllopoulou, Martin Zaiac
Abstract
Nail involvement in psoriasis is common, and the severity of it does not always parallel the intensity of cutaneous disease.
We created a consensus group, of which the aim was to provide practical recommendations for the treatment of nail psoriasis in patients without skin psoriasis, or with mild skin lesions with no indication for a systemic treatment. This collaborative process was conducted by an international panel of dermatologists with special expertise in nail disorders, using a formal consensus methodology.
During this process, the panel strived to establish an agreement regarding the definition of nail psoriasis, the severity of nail psoriasis, and treatment response. Treatment recommendations are provided regarding nail psoriasis severity and matrix or bed involvement. "Few-nail" disease was considered as nail psoriasis affecting 3 or less nails. In the case of matrix involvement only, intralesional steroid injections were considered the treatment of choice. Topical steroids alone or in combination with topical vitamin D analogues were suggested for nail psoriasis limited to the nail bed. For the systemic treatment of nail psoriasis acitretin, methotrexate, cyclosporine, small molecules, and biologics can be employed.
http://bit.ly/2TsJkBW
Pigments in American Tattoo Inks and their Propensity to Elicit Allergic Contact Dermatitis
Publication date: Available online 5 February 2019
Source: Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology
Author(s): Walter Liszewski, Erin M. Warshaw
Abstract
Background
Tattoos have become increasingly common in the United States. Historically, tattoo inks were comprised of metallic pigments which had the potential to cause allergic contact dermatitis. Data have been lacking on the current use of these pigments in tattoo ink.
Objective
Identify pigments currently used in tattoo inks manufactured in or sold by wholesalers in the United States and investigate cases of allergic contact dermatitis to these pigments.
Methods
Using specific keywords, an internet search was performed. Pigment information listed in tattoo product inserts was collated and evaluated.
Results
1,416 unique inks were surveyed. The average bottle of ink contained 3.0 pigments. A total of 44 distinct pigments were identified, of which 10 contained metallic pigments including iron, barium, zinc, copper, molybdenum, and titanium. The remaining 34 pigments contained carbon, azo, diketopyrrolopyrrole, quinacridone, anthraquinone, dioxazine, or quinophthalone dyes. A literature search revealed that 11 of the 44 (25%) pigments had been suspected to cause contact dermatitis. Five were confirmed by patch testing.
Conclusions
These findings highlight the diversity of pigments currently used in tattoos. Relatively few inks contained metallic pigments to which allergic contact dermatitis has historically been attributed. Patch test clinicians should be aware of these new pigments.
http://bit.ly/2BkRSDD
Early Detection of Acral Melanoma: A Review of Clinical, Dermoscopic, Histopathologic, and Molecular Characteristics
Publication date: Available online 5 February 2019
Source: Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology
Author(s): Claudia C. Darmawan, Gwanghyun Jo, Sara E. Montenegro, Yoonjin Kwak, Lee Cheol, Kwang Hyun Cho, Je-Ho Mun
Abstract
Acral lentiginous melanoma is a distinct subtype of melanoma on acral skin. Patient presentation at later stages as well as delayed diagnosis by physicians contribute to a worse associated prognosis and survival rate. Despite our progress on understanding the key features of this disease, the diagnosis of early stage acral melanoma is still challenging. It is essential to integrate clinical, dermoscopic, and histological findings in the diagnosis of acral lentiginous melanoma. In addition, molecular studies can be helpful. In this review, we summarized our current understanding of this disease entity from articles that have been published between 1969 and 2018. We outline clinical and dermoscopic features as well as pathologic and molecular findings of acral melanoma and present an algorithm for diagnosis. Understanding and integrating these characteristics may assist clinicians in the early detection of acral melanomas.
http://bit.ly/2TsIAg8
Intralesional sodium stibogluconate under inhaled anesthesia for the treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis in children: A retrospective cohort
Publication date: Available online 5 February 2019
Source: Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology
Author(s): Yael Renert-Yuval, Claes D. Enk, Sari Murad, Valerie Yofe, David Gozal, Vered Molho-Pessach
http://bit.ly/2BmZe9R
Liposuction-like Sclerotherapy Technique: a Deep Approach to Superficial Lymphatic Malformation
Publication date: Available online 5 February 2019
Source: Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology
Author(s): Huaijie Wang, Xinkui Guo, Qiang Liu, Na Liu, Xin He, Yuping Peng, Hongfen Lv, Xiaoqian Zhou, Ya Gao
http://bit.ly/2TspeHQ
L-α-Phosphatidylcholine attenuates mercury-induced hepato-renal damage through suppressing oxidative stress and inflammation
Abstract
The potential ameliorative effects of L-α-phosphatidylcholine (PC) against mercuric chloride (HgCl2)-induced hematological and hepato-renal damage were investigated. Rats were randomly allocated into four groups (n = 12): control, PC (100 mg/kg bwt, intragastrically every other day for 30 consecutive days), HgCl2 (5 mg/kg bwt, intragastrically daily), and PC plus HgCl2. Hematological and hepato-renal dysfunctions were evaluated biochemically and histopathologically. Hepatic and renal oxidative/antioxidative indices were evaluated. The expression of proinflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-6) was also detected by ELISA. HgCl2 significantly increased serum aminotransferases (ALT, AST), urea, and creatinine levels that are indicative of hepato-renal damage. HgCl2 also induced a significant accumulation of malondialdehyde (+ 195%) with depletion of glutathione (− 43%) levels in the liver and renal tissues. The apparent hepato-renal oxidative damage was associated with obvious organ dysfunction that was confirmed by impairments in the liver and kidney histoarchitecture. Furthermore, HgCl2 significantly attenuated the expression of proinflammatory cytokines named tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6). Conversely, PC treatment attenuated these effects, which improved the hematological and serum biochemical alternations, reduced the oxidative stress and proinflammatory cytokine levels, and ameliorated the intensity of the histopathological alterations in livers and kidneys of HgCl2-treated rats. It could be concluded that PC displayed potential anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities against HgCl2-induced hepato-renal damage via suppression of proinflammatory cytokines and declining oxidative stress.
http://bit.ly/2Gtz1to
Electron microscopy and tomography reveal that sodium 2‐naphthalene sulfonate incorporated into perming solutions swells and tilts trichocyte intermediate filaments causing straightening of curly Japanese human hair
Abstract
Objective
A new hair‐care process has been specifically developed for the straightening of curved Japanese woman's hair [1]. The process included sodium 2‐naphthalene sulfonate (SNS) in the reduction and oxidation steps of a conventional perming process. Our objective was to develop an understanding of how this process caused hair straightening by measuring the changes to morphology and ultrastructure between, untreated, conventionally permed and SNS permed hair. Untreated and SNS permed Merino wool fibres were used to confirm structural changes.
Methods
Japanese hair samples were measured for single fibre curvature before and after perming treatments. A silver staining method was developed to stain hair fibres without changing fibre curvature so that transmission electron microscopy could be used to measure changes in the lateral dimensions of all structural components from the cellular to protein filament level. Electron tomography determined intermediate filament slopes and slope changes after SNS perming relative to the central longitudinal axis of the fibre.
Results
SNS perming was found to cause greater lateral swelling than conventional perming of: the paracortical cells of wool; the cuticle, the cuticular cell membrane complex and the macrofibrillar centre‐to‐centre distance of hair; and of the intermediate filaments in wool and hair. In curved hair, SNS perming caused the intermediate filaments of the helical macrofibrils to simultaneously swell and to tilt further, resulting in the slight longitudinal contraction of the macrofibrils. The overall swelling and tilting was greatest in the helical macrofibrils of Type B cortical cells predominately located in the convex fibre half. The presence of a higher percentage of helical macrofibrils in the convex fibre half than in the concave fibre half caused a contraction differential between the two halves leading to straighten of the curved fibre. A mechanical model was proposed to explain how SNS perming straightened curly hair.
Conclusion
The effects of conventional and SNS perming on the morphological and ultrastructural components of curved Japanese hair and high‐curl Merino wool fibres has given clear insights into understanding the mechanism of fibre curvature change.
This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
http://bit.ly/2RCz5sN
Validation of a predictive method for sunscreen formula evaluation using gene expression analysis in a Chinese reconstructed full‐thickness skin model
Abstract
Objective
The present study aimed to establish a predictive in vitro method for assessing the photoprotective properties of sunscreens using a reconstructed full‐thickness skin model.
Materials And Methods
A full‐thickness skin model reconstructed with human fibroblasts and keratinocytes isolated from Chinese skin was exposed to daily UV radiation (DUVR). We examined the transcriptomic response, identifying genes for which expression was modulated by DUVR in a dose‐dependent manner. We then validated the methodology for efficacy evaluation of different sunscreens formulas.
Results
The reconstructed skin model was histologically consistent with human skin, and upon DUVR exposure, the constituent fibroblasts and keratinocytes exhibited transcriptomic alterations in pathways associated with oxidative stress, inflammation and extracellular matrix remodeling. When used to evaluate sunscreen protection on the model, the observed level of protection from UV‐induced gene expression was consistent with the corresponding protection factors determined clinically and allowed for statistical ranking of sunscreen efficacy.
Conclusions
Within the present study we show that quantification of gene modulation within the reconstructed skin model is a biologically‐relevant approach with sensitivity and predictability to evaluate photoprotection products.
This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
http://bit.ly/2WJCUA8
Could Isotretinoin flare Hidradentis suppurativa? A Case Series
Summary
We report eight cases of patients with severe acne who were treated with Isotretinoin and developed painful nodules in their axillae and groin consistent with Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS). The pathogenesis of HS is still not completely understood; recent research from a study in 2011 of biopsies from HS lesions showed a reduction or absence of sebaceous glands compared to normal skin in HS patients and the author suggested this contributes to the pathogenesis of the disease. Interestingly the main effect of Isotretinoin is to decrease the size and action of sebaceous glands; so hypothetically, as Isotretinoin acts by reducing the sebaceous glands further it could potentially aggravate the condition. Our experience has instilled caution in our prescribing of Isotretinoin; patients are questioned about symptoms of HS prior to and during treatment, particularly patients with acne conglobata.
This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
http://bit.ly/2UFJy8L
Activation of endoplasmic reticulum stress in rat brain following low-intensity microwave exposure
Abstract
The present study was designed to explore the effects of low-intensity microwave radiation on endoplasmic reticulum stress and unfolded protein response. Experiments were performed on male Wistar rats exposed to microwave radiation for 30 days at 900 MHz, 1800 MHz, and 2450 MHz frequencies on four groups of animal: sham-exposed group, 900 MHz exposed (SAR 5.84 × 10−4 W/kg), 1800 MHz exposed (SAR 5.94 × 10−4 W/kg), and 2450 MHz exposed (SAR 6.7 × 10−4 W/kg) groups. Expressions of mRNA were estimated at the end of exposure in rat brain by real-time quantitative PCR. Microwave exposure at 900, 1800, and 2450 MHz with respective SAR values as mentioned above significantly (< 0.05) altered mRNA expression of transcription factors ATF4, CHOP, and XBP1 in accordance with increasing microwave frequency. The result of the present study reveals that low-intensity microwave exposure at frequencies 900, 1800, and 2450 MHz induces endoplasmic reticulum stress and unfolded protein response.
http://bit.ly/2GozHAr
Drivers of carbon emissions in Turkey: considering asymmetric impacts
Abstract
This study investigates the impacts of income, (renewable and non-renewable) energy consumption, trade, and financial development on carbon dioxide emissions in Turkey for the 1965–2015 period by employing the non-linear autoregressive distributed lag method. Results show that non-renewable and renewable energy consumption, and trade openness have asymmetric impacts on pollution in long-run, while only renewable energy consumption has asymmetric impact on emissions in short-run. Results further reveal that the Environmental Kuznets Curve hypothesis is not valid in Turkey. Moreover, both financial development and trade positively affect emissions. Additionally, in long-run, positive shocks in renewable and non-renewable energy consumption increase emissions, but the impact of renewable energy consumption is infinitesimally small compared to the impact of non-renewable energy consumption. However, negative shocks in renewable energy consumption increase emissions, whereas negative developments in non-renewable energy consumption decrease emissions. Further, in short-run, positive developments in renewable energy consumption decrease emissions, and negative developments in non-renewable energy consumption have the same influence on emissions. In accordance with the findings, some policy suggestions are proposed.
http://bit.ly/2SwuFYU
Removal of phenanthrene and pyrene from contaminated sandy soil using hydrogen peroxide oxidation catalyzed by basic oxygen furnace slag
Abstract
Soil contamination with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) is a serious problem in Northeast China, especially in the steel industrial area. The objective of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of using basic oxygen furnace (BOF) slag to activate the Fenton-like remediation of PAH-contaminated soil to achieve the objectives of "waste control by waste" and "resource recycling" in Chinese steel industry. The effects of BOF slag dosages, H2O2 concentrations, and exothermicity-driven evaporation were evaluated with respect to the removal efficiencies of phenanthrene (Phe) and pyrene (Pyr). Results indicated that PAH oxidation was proportional to the BOF slag dosages and was increased exponentially with H2O2 concentrations. Evaporation due to increasing temperature caused by exothermic reaction played an important role in total soil PAH losses. The sequential Fenton-like oxidation with a 3-times application of 15% H2O2 and the same BOF slag repeatedly used were able to remove 65.87% of Phe and 58.33% of Pyr, respectively. Soluble iron oxides containing in BOF slag were reduced, while amorphous iron oxide concentration remained stable during the repeated Fenton-like process. Column study mimics real field applications showing high removal efficiencies of Phe (36.05–83.20%) and Pyr (21.79–68.06%) in 30-cm depth of soil profile. The tests on soluble heavy metal concentrations after the reactions with high slag dosage or high H2O2 concentration confirmed that BOF slag would not cause heavy metal contamination. Consequently, BOF slag may provide an efficient way for enhancing the Fenton-like based remediation of heavily PAH-polluted soil with little risk on collateral heavy metal contamination. However, an external gas collection and purification equipment would be essential to eliminate the evaporated PAHs.
http://bit.ly/2GncEG9
Seasonal variation in metal concentration in various tissues of the European chub ( Squalius cephalus L.)
Abstract
Due to the increasing industrialization, metals are discharged into all spheres of the environment, in particular, in river courses, which leads to the need for constant monitoring. Metals do not degrade into harmless end products; they are very persistent and have high potential for accumulation in biota. Metals in the fish body are accumulated in different amounts in the tissue specific matter. In relation to the biotic conditions and fish metabolism, the load of food, or the stage of the reproductive cycle, the seasonal variation of metal levels can be expected. Because of that, the objective of our present study was to analyze 15 metals and metalloids in liver, gills, muscle, and gonads of European chub (Squalius cephalus) throughout the 4 seasons, autumn, winter, spring, and summer. The specimens were collected from two rivers, Pestan and Beljanica at the Kolubara basin, and their concentrations were determined with inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). Specimens from both rivers have shown similarities in metal accumulation like the highest accumulation of majority of elements in gills, lowest accumulation of majority of elements in muscle (except for Hg), and higher accumulation of some elements in summer (Cu, Fe, Zn). In addition, Cu and Fe showed affinity for liver, while Ba, Cr, Sr, and Zn were specific for gills. Also, Al, B, Fe, Ni, and Pb did not show significant differences in concentrations among different seasons in all investigated tissues.
http://bit.ly/2SsjujX
Farmers’ knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of pesticide use in apple farms of northern Iran: impact on safety behavior
Abstract
Farmers' knowledge of pesticide use as well as their attitudes and perceptions concerning risks and safety play a crucial role in safe spraying operations in farms, but little is known for the inter-relationships among these variables and their impact on safety behavior. This study examined the levels of knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of pesticide use among apple farmers (n = 200) of Meshkinshahr County, Iran. All farmers used fungicides in their farms. On a scale from 1 to 5, the mean scores of knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions were 3.66 ± 0.77, 3.36 ± 0.59, and 4.37 ± 0.42, respectively, implying a moderate level of knowledge of pesticide use and attitudes towards pesticides, but positive perceptions of pesticides among respondents. Contact with extension agents, education level, reading pesticide labels, and household literate members showed positive association (P < 0.01) with knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of pesticide use, while contact with other farmers was negatively associated (P < 0.01) with these variables. Farming experience showed positive association (P < 0.01) with knowledge of pesticide use, while age showed negative association (P < 0.01) with attitudes towards pesticides. Poisoning experience was negatively associated with both attitudes and perceptions (P < 0.01), but not with knowledge. Farmers' knowledge of pesticide use (total effect 0.62) was the most important variable affecting pesticide use behavior of apple farmers followed by attitudes (total effect 0.50) and perceptions (total effect 0.42). Also, knowledge impacted attitudes towards pesticide use (accounting for 71% of the variability in farmers' attitudes), while attitudes in turn impacted perceptions (accounting for 69% of the variability in farmers' perceptions). Findings specify inter-relationships between farmers' knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions and the impact of those variables on safety behavior concerning pesticide use. Increasing farmers' knowledge of pesticide use and modifying attitudes and perceptions concerning pesticides are necessary for improving safety behavior of farmers in the use of pesticides.
http://bit.ly/2TynNYm
ESSIMAGE: a tool for the assessment of the agroecological performance of agricultural production systems
Abstract
Over the last few years, intensive agriculture has often been denounced as a source of negative effects, particularly at the environmental and health level (overexploitation of natural resources, degradation of their quality, appearance and development of several diseases, etc.). Reducing the excessive use of agricultural inputs for the protection of the environment and the preservation of human and animal health is a social requirement nowadays. Investing in more sustainable agricultural models which make it possible to reduce, or even eliminate the risks, has become urgent. A possible solution may be to resort to agroecological systems. In order to be sustainable, these new systems must be performant at the agronomic, economic, social, and environmental levels. There is a multitude of tools for assessing the sustainability of agricultural systems. These tools are inappropriate for organic and agroecological systems, and do not make it possible to measure the agroecological transition performance of farms (Trabelsi et al. Environ Sci Pollut Res 23:139–156, 2016; Trabelsi 2017). This research project aims to design a decision support tool in order to help farms throughout the agroecological transition process, to assess the performance of this transition, and to put forward improvement scenarios. Contrary to other assessment methods, ESSIMAGE (Evaluation and Simulation of Agroecological Systems) is based on both pressure and impact indicators, and takes the specificities of agricultural production systems into account. It is a dynamic tool which not only makes it possible to assess farm performance at the present moment but also to consider the future by putting forward possible alternative improvement scenarios and by simulating their consequences at a later stage. ESSIMAGE is based on the interaction of two elements: agro-environmental, social, and economic indicators, and the GIS (Geographic Information System) software. This tool has been tested as part of a CASDAR "Post-MAET Gimone" ( agriculture.gouv.fr/ministere/mobilisation-collective-pour-lagroecologie. ) project on the subject of "Collective mobilization for agroecology" by using farm data, most of the farms having been involved in an agro-environmental measure for the progressive reduction of phytosanitary treatments since 2008. It has made it possible to compare the agroecological performances of these farms with an optimal situation, as well as with each other. Considering the research objectives and the approaches discussed, this study is an original step in the development of agricultural management strategies in favor of agroecology.
http://bit.ly/2BilwJS
Effect of bifenthrin on oxidative stress parameters in the liver, kidneys, and lungs of rats
Abstract
Oxidative stress inducing potential of bifenthrin was evaluated in the liver, kidney, and lung of rats following its repeated oral administration for 20 and 30 days. Bifenthrin-treated rats showed a significant lipid peroxidation in all three tissues. By 20th day of treatment, there was a significant decrease in superoxide dismutase activity of the liver, catalase and glutathione peroxidase activity of the liver and lung, and glutathione S-transferase activity of the kidney and lung. By 30th day of exposure, the activities of these enzymes were significantly decreased in all three tissues. The highest oxidative stress, indicated by lipid peroxidation and alteration in antioxidant enzymes, is produced in the liver followed by the kidney and lung. In conclusion, bifenthrin has a potential to induce severe oxidative stress in the liver, kidney, and lung. The extent of oxidative stress is increased with the duration of exposure.
http://bit.ly/2TynD3c
Web-based Korean maximum residue limit evaluation tools: an applied example of maximum residue limit evaluation for trichlorfon in fishery products
Abstract
To ensure public safety against veterinary drug residues in food products from animal sources, maximum residue limits (MRLs) should be established by scientific evidence and a transparent estimation process. The Joint Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)/World Health Organization (WHO) Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) developed an Excel workbook-based tool for MRLs evaluation in 2003. In this study, we developed a web-based tool for MRL evaluation, called Korean MRL evaluation tools (KMET). While KMET used algorithms of JECFA workbook, it added some databases (e.g., Korean food consumption database) and provided additional functions (e.g., selection of target marker residue). Web-based KMET enabled regulatory policy makers to update the database. All input data and output results related to MRL evaluation based on residue depletion and food consumption datasets were archived and provided overall processes from the initial depletion data entry to MRL establishment with user-friendly interface. Our results demonstrated the stepwise processes whereby MRL for trichlorfon in the muscle of Paralichthys olivaceus was established with functional descriptions of KMET. MRL for trichlorfon derived from KMET was proposed and notified by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety in 2018.
http://bit.ly/2Bmy4jw
Pyrolyzed municipal sewage sludge ensured safe grain production while reduced C emissions in a paddy soil under rice and wheat rotation
Abstract
Safe recycling of the growing amounts of municipal sewage sludge containing toxic metals had been critically challenged with the fast urbanization. In this study, we investigated soil amendment of municipal wastewater treatment (MSS) converted biochar for its recycling in agricultural soils. In a field experiment, unpyrolyzed (USS) and pyrolyzed municipal sewage sludge (PSS) was amended at 20 t ha−1 on dry base to a rice paddy before rice plantation, with a control without amendment. Grain yield and emission of non-CO2 potent greenhouse gases were examined as well as topsoil metal mobility and plant uptake determined throughout a rice-wheat rotation year. Compared to USS treatment, addition of PSS caused a significantly increased grain yield of rice by 35% but no change in grain yield of wheat following the rice season. No distinct difference was observed in grain concentration of major nutrients of N, P, and K between USS and PSS treatments. Compared to USS treatment, PSS treatment reduced CH4 emissions by 91.6% from soil and by 78.5% from ecosystem during rice-growing season. Whereas, PSS treatment led to a reduction of ecosystem N2O emissions by 70.8% relative to USS treatment during wheat-growing season. While both USS and PSS treatments slightly but insignificantly increased soil total content of heavy metals, PSS treatment reduced CaCl2-extractable Cd pool by 33~40% over USS treatment. Grain contents of Cd and Pb and Cd/Zn were markedly reduced under PSS over USS, without exceeding the Chinese state guideline limit. Carbon emission intensity was considerably (by over 20%) reduced for soil and ecosystem but unchanged for wheat soil, under PSS over USS. Thus, soil amendment of pyrolyzed sewage sludge could be a measure for climate smart soil and for safe grain production in rice agriculture. It deserves further study if repeated amendment could exert sustainable impacts on soil health and food security in the paddy.
http://bit.ly/2Tyns82
T‐cell responses against 4‐tertiarybutylphenol‐exposed pigmented cells in a patient with occupational vitiligo
Abstract
Several case studies on contact/occupational vitiligo after skin contact with 4‐tertiairybutylphenol (4‐TBP) have been reported. Biochemical and cellular effects of 4‐TBP on melanocytes have been shown in vitro, but immunological analyses explaining the immunising ability of 4‐TBP leading to wide‐spread vitiligo lesions beyond areas of primary contact are still lacking. We report here the presence of a systemic T‐cell response to 4‐TBP‐exposed pigmented cells in a patient with chemically‐induced vitiligo.
This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
http://bit.ly/2HRKqpf
Photobiomodulation can alter mRNA levels cell death-related
Abstract
Photobiomodulation (PBM) by low-level laser has demonstrated excellent results for inflammatory treatments, promoting repair of injured tissues. Knowledge regarding the molecular mechanisms involved in this process has been increasing, but its effect on cell death/survival-related gene expression after laser irradiation with different doses is not well understood. So, it is important to know these effects in order to guarantee the safety of therapeutic protocols based on PBM. This study aimed to investigate the mRNA levels of genes related to proteins involved in cell death/survival pathways of healthy tissues from talocrural joint of mice after PBM. Mice were divided into three groups: control, PBM at 3 J cm−2, and PBM at 30 J cm−2. Laser irradiation was performed on talocrural joint during four consecutive days. Morphological analyses, immunocytochemistry, FasL, Fas, Bax, Apaf1, Caspase9, Caspase3, Caspase6, Bcl2 mRNA levels, and DNA fragmentation were performed to verify cell death induction after laser irradiation. PBM can increase mRNA levels of almost genes pro-apoptotic. On the other hand, mRNA level of anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 gene was not significantly altered. Bcl-2/Bax ratio (indicator of protective molecular response) was decreased after PBM at 30 J cm−2, trending to DNA fragmentation. Results obtained in this study indicate that PBM by low-level infrared laser alters mRNA relative levels of genes involved in cell death pathways. However, these molecular alterations were not able to cause DNA fragmentation in cells in talocrural joint tissues, indicating that infrared laser was not enough to cause cell death.
http://bit.ly/2WGGJGu
A cellular blue nevus with pigmented epithelioid melanocytoma‐like pattern on the ipsilateral upper arm associated with a congenital plaque‐type blue nevus on the hand
A 36‐year‐old man presented with a subcutaneous nodule on the right upper arm. A small nodule had developed 8 years earlier, and grew in size, accompanied by a tingling sensation and numbness. In addition, he had a bluish irregular patch on the right hand since birth, which crossed from the palm to the dorsal hand. Skin biopsies from the hand showed heavily pigmented melanocyte proliferation in the dermis with perieccrine, perivascular, and perineural involvement, and a diagnosis of congenital plaque‐type blue nevus was made. The tumor on the arm was located closely along the median nerve, and was observed as a large black pedunculated round tumor. Histopathologically, the tumor on the arm consisted of densely packed tissue with nevoid cells without atypia in the larger nodular part, and heavily pigmented spindle and epithelioid melanocytes in the slender stalk area, which was diagnosed as cellular blue nevus with pigmented epithelioid melanocytoma‐like pattern. Next‐generation sequencing revealed GNAQ mutations in the hand lesion, and in the lesions on the arm. This case suggests that the areas of skin following the same neural distribution of a congenital plaque‐type blue nevus on the extremities should be followed‐up for secondary changes.
This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
http://bit.ly/2Slzvsf
Differential Distribution of the Epigenetic Marker 5‐hydroxymethylcytosine Occurs in Hair Follicle Stem Cells during Bulge Activation
Background
Hair follicle cycling is dependent upon activation and differentiation of an epithelial subpopulation of cells with stem‐like characteristics. These cells express cytokeratin 15 (CK15) and are sequestered within a specialized niche termed the follicular bulge. The pathways that mediate bulge activation are poorly understood, although growing evidence suggests a role for epigenetic events.
Methods
Here we investigated murine and human hair follicles to determine whether a recently described epigenetic hydroxymethylation marker, 5‐hmC, known to mediate cell growth and differentiation, may play a role in bulge activation.
Results
We found the bulge region of murine hair follicles to demonstrate variable 5‐hmC distribution within the nuclei of CK15‐positive stem cells during early anagen, a pattern that was not associated with resting stem cells of telogen follicles which did not express 5‐hmC. Moreover, during phases of early anagen that were induced in an organ culture model, spatial alterations in bulge stem cell 5‐hmC reactivity, as assessed by dual labeling, were noted.
Conclusions
These preliminary findings suggest that 5‐hmC may play a dynamic role in bulge activation during anagen growth, and provide a foundation for further experimental inquiry into epigenomic regulation of hair follicle stem cells.
This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
http://bit.ly/2GoX78X
Improvement of atopic dermatitis with dupilumab occurs equally well across different anatomic regions: data from phase 3 clinical trials
Abstract
Moderate‐to‐severe atopic dermatitis (AD) can affect different parts of the body, and some adults have more localized AD, such as face and neck involvement. Compared with non‐exposed areas, such as the trunk, exposed areas such as the face, neck, and hands could be more vulnerable to environmental allergens and irritants and can be more refractory to topical therapies. Local adverse effects of topical therapies are more likely to occur on the face and neck. Additional pathologies, such as contact dermatitis, could complicate the clinical picture and response of exposed areas to treatment. Microbial factors (e.g. Malassezia) in specific regions may also influence AD severity on the face and neck.
This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
http://bit.ly/2HU3144
Clearance of molluscum contagiosum virus infection in patients with atopic eczema treated with dupilumab
Abstract
Molluscum contagiosum virus (MCV) infection in the setting of atopic dermatitis (AD), also known as eczema molluscatum, can represent a significant treatment challenge to the dermatologist. We report four patients with severe AD and disseminated MCV infection who experienced clearance of their MCV infection following treatment with dupilumab, a fully human monoclonal antibody against interleukin(IL)‐4 receptor alpha licenced for the treatment of moderate to severe AD.
This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
http://bit.ly/2t5MG1W
TREatment of ATopic eczema (TREAT) Registry Taskforce: consensus on how and when to measure the core dataset for atopic eczema treatment research registries
Summary
Background
Comparative, real‐life and long‐term evidence on the effectiveness and safety of photo‐ and systemic therapy in moderate‐to‐severe atopic eczema (AE) is limited. Such data must come from well‐designed prospective patient registries. Standardisation of data collection is needed for direct comparisons and data pooling.
Objectives
To reach consensus on how and when to measure the previously defined domain items of the TREatment of Atopic eczema (TREAT) Registry Taskforce core dataset for research registries for paediatric and adult AE patients.
Methods
Proposals for the measurement instruments were based on the recommendations of the Harmonising Outcome Measures for Eczema (HOME) initiative, the existing AE database of TREATgermany, expert opinions and systematic reviews of the literature. The proposals were discussed at multiple face‐to‐face consensus meetings, one teleconference and via email. The frequency of follow‐up visits was determined by an expert survey.
Results
A total of 16 experts from 7 countries participated in the 'how to measure' consensus process and 12 external experts were consulted. Consensus was reached for all domain items on how they should be measured by assigning measurement instruments. A minimum follow‐up frequency of initially 4 weeks after commencing treatment, then every 3 months while on treatment and every 6 months while off treatment was defined.
Conclusions
This core dataset for national AE research registries will aid the comparability and pooling of data across centres and country borders and enable international collaboration to assess the long‐term effectiveness and safety of photo‐ and systemic therapy used in patients with AE.
This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
http://bit.ly/2HTws6u
Late ulceration of residual abortive infantile hemangioma: a rare complication
Abstract
Abortive and minimal growth infantile hemangiomas (IH) are present at birth and have a proliferative component of less than 25% of their total surface. Clinically, they appear most frequently as a telangiectatic patch with venules, surrounded by a halo of vasoconstriction. They may be large or small, segmental or focal. On immunohistochemistry, these lesions are Glut‐1 positive.2 Ulcerations are the most frequent complication and occur mostly during the proliferative phase.3‐5 To our knowledge, ulcerations on IH sequelae are not reported.
This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
http://bit.ly/2t4VnJR
Nine percent of biopsy proven lentigo maligna are reclassified as lentigo maligna melanoma after surgery
Abstract
Lentigo maligna (LM) is a melanoma in situ and the incidence is still rising in The Netherlands. LM is mostly located in the face, therefore radical surgical removal, which is the first choice of treatment, can be challenging in this delicate anatomical region. Staged excision is considered a useful alternative. The initial diagnosis of clinically suspicious LM is usually based on just one or a few biopsies, which may lead to reclassification into lentigo maligna melanoma (LMM) based on histological evaluation of the excision specimen.
This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
http://bit.ly/2HRDEzP
化脓性汗腺炎患者的疾病感受和健康结局
Summary
化脓性汗腺炎 (HS) 是一种慢性皮肤病,1% 到 2% 的欧洲人口受到累及。该病由毛囊和汗腺发炎所引起,可导致腋窝内、腹股沟、生殖器和乳房下方的皮肤下面发生有疼痛感并散发难闻气味的肿胀。HS 与抑郁、焦虑和生活质量 (QoL) 下降有关。此前几项研究已经将这些影响与经临床医生评估确定的疾病严重程度建立关联,但目前尚未研究过健康结局(抑郁、焦虑和 QoL)是否与患者对其病症的看法(疾病感受)相关。在由英国一家大型医院的 HS 专科进行的这项研究中,皮肤科医生与心理医生合作,首次确定了疾病感受与健康结局之间的关系。他们尤其想要研究健康结局是否与 HS 的严重程度或患者的疾病感受高度相关。他们使用的数据通过患者自我报告的旨在评估疾病感受 (BIPQ)、抑郁 (PHQ‐2)、焦虑 (GAD‐2) 和生活质量下降 (DLQI) 情况的问卷定期收集,这些问卷由一项名为 IMPARTS(整合身心保健:研究训练与服务)的倡议提出。IMPARTS 现已在一些伦敦医院的几个专科中引入常规临床实践,所收集的数据在获得适当批准和同意后可用于研究目的。本研究包括 211 名年龄 17 至 71 岁的轻度、中度和重度 HS 患者。自我报告显示,抑郁、焦虑和 QoL 下降的水平显著,与疾病严重程度相比,这与疾病感受的相关度更高。作者得出的结论是:常规评估患者对其疾病的感受并采取干预措施以消除负面和无助的看法及情感,可以改善 HS 患者的健康结局。
http://bit.ly/2t9XWu9
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Ειδοποίηση Μελετητή:[ ωτα ] [HTML] Gender, identity and material: Film screening C Brand - 2017 ftypM4V *M4V M4A mp42isom*a┌moovlmvhd...
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Publication date: September 2017 Source: Free Radical Biology and Medicine, Volume 110 Author(s): Lucía Fernández-del-Río, Anish Nag, Elen...
