Publication date: December 2017
Source:Journal of Luminescence, Volume 192
Author(s): Thanh Phuong Nguyen, Anh Duy Le, Thi Bich Vu, Quang Vinh Lam
In our work, we focused on the photoluminescence (PL) enhancement of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA)-encapsulated Mn2+-doped zinc sulfide quantum dots (ZnS:Mn2+ QDs) synthesized at 80°C in basic aqueous solutions. The structural, morphological and optical properties were investigated using characterization techniques such as X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), Transmission electron microscope (TEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), UV–vis absorption and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy. According to the results of UV–vis absorption spectra, the optical bandgap of the quantum dots was higher than that of the bulk ZnS due to the quantum confinement effect. The studied result showed that the Mn2+ 4T1 → 6A1 emission intensity at the wavelength of 600nm significantly increased with the increase of Mn2+ doping content and reached its maximum value at the Mn2+ concentration of 4.5%. In addition, the effect of PVA/Zn2+ molar ratio on the PL enhancement of PVA-encapsulated Mn2+-doped ZnS quantum dots also was systematically investigated and explained in this paper. The studied results indicated the energy transfer process from the ZnS host lattice and PVA capping molecules to Mn2+ centers is more efficient at the optimal PVA/Zn2+ molar ratio of 3 × 10−4. Furthermore, a mechanism for the formation of the PVA-encapsulated Mn2+-doped ZnS quantum has also been suggested in this study.
http://ift.tt/2tmVSkK
Τρίτη 27 Ιουνίου 2017
Investigations on photoluminescence enhancement of poly(vinyl alcohol)-encapsulated Mn-doped ZnS quantum dots
Scholar : These new articles for The American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse are available online
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Microcystic Adnexal Carcinoma: A Review of the Literature.
http://ift.tt/2tiSTcG
Detection of High-Risk Histologic Features and Tumor Upstaging of Nonmelanoma Skin Cancers on Debulk Analysis: A Quantitative Systematic Review.
http://ift.tt/2s0qbJP
Mohs Mapping Fidelity: Optimizing Orientation, Accuracy, and Tissue Identification in Mohs Surgery.
http://ift.tt/2tje7ar
Effect of Postoperative Dressing on Excisions Performed on the Leg: A Comparison Between Zinc Oxide Compression Dressing Versus Standard Wound Care.
http://ift.tt/2s02aTf
Spatter formation in selective laser melting process using multi-laser technology
Publication date: 5 October 2017
Source:Materials & Design, Volume 131
Author(s): Mohsen Taheri Andani, Reza Dehghani, Mohammad Reza Karamooz-Ravari, Reza Mirzaeifar, Jun Ni
This study demonstrates the significant role of recoil pressure in selective laser melting (SLM) process using multi-laser technology. High-speed photography is utilized to observe the formation mechanism, and also the behavior of spatter particles during SLM fabrication. A computational image analysis framework is developed to assess the size and the number of induced spatters. The morphology and the composition of spatters and their influence on the surface of the fabricated parts are determined. Unmelted regions, resulting from spatter deposition into the powder or the solidified layer, are found to be a detrimental type of defects on mechanical properties of SLM parts. This is followed by a discussion on demand for developing a meaningful process parameters optimization to enhance the mechanical properties of SLM products.
Graphical abstract
http://ift.tt/2s04DwO
Dual properties of zirconia coated porous titanium for a stiffness enhanced bio-scaffold
Publication date: 15 October 2017
Source:Materials & Design, Volume 132
Author(s): Han Lee, Jiunn-Der Liao, Kundan Sivashanmugan, Bernard Haochih Liu, Si-Ling Weng, Yung-Der Juang, Chih-Kai Yao
Porous titanium (Ti)-based scaffolds are a promising approach for achieving stiffness reduction. To be used as a biomaterial, porous Ti scaffolds (P-Ti) must have suitable wear and corrosion resistance and the generation of either metallic wear debris or Ti ion release should be insignificant throughout a large timescale. The present study combines a porous structure appropriate for cell ingrowth with a physically and chemically stable thin-film coating to create a load-bearing bio-inspired scaffold. The as-designed zirconia-coated P-Ti (Z-P-Ti) was made via a hydrothermal process, followed by a sol-gel method. Mechanical tests were conducted primarily on P-Ti, and chemical stability tests were conducted on Z-P-Ti. The biocompatibility test results correlated with cell mitigation into Z-P-Ti were compared with those for reference surfaces. The results show that Z-P-Ti is load-bearable with an increased surface hardness and roughness. 3T3 cell morphology and viability assessed using the live/dead cell staining protocol show a significant enhancement of cell affinity on the surface of Z-P-Ti. The combination of porous Ti, a load-bearable structure, and biocompatible zirconia coating makes the designed biomaterial promising for many applications, such as vertebral discs.
Graphical abstract
http://ift.tt/2s0nLeb
Twinning-mediated work hardening and texture evolution in CrCoFeMnNi high entropy alloys at cryogenic temperature
Publication date: 5 October 2017
Source:Materials & Design, Volume 131
Author(s): T.K. Liu, Z. Wu, A.D. Stoica, Q. Xie, W. Wu, Y.F. Gao, H. Bei, K. An
The cryogenic plastic deformation of CrCoFeMnNi high entropy alloy is characterized by three distinct stages based on the change of the work hardening rate. Microstructure and bulk texture at different strain levels were studied by electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) and neutron diffraction. Our findings indicate that the deformation twins led to the constant work hardening rate at Stage II and resulted in the appearance of 〈115〉//TA texture component, while the dislocation slip was involved all though the entire plastic deformation. The twinning-mediated tensile plastic deformation at cryogenic temperature finally induced the strong {111}-〈112〉 texture component and minor {001}〈110〉 texture component accompanied with twinning-induced {115}〈552〉 texture component.
Graphical abstract
http://ift.tt/2s0f7MA
Effects of crystal orientations on the cyclic deformation behavior in the low cycle fatigue of a single crystal nickel-base superalloy
Publication date: 5 October 2017
Source:Materials & Design, Volume 131
Author(s): Liu Liu, Jie Meng, Jinlai Liu, Tao Jin, Xudong Sun, Haifeng Zhang
Cyclic stress responses during low cycle fatigue of a Re-bearing Ni-base single crystal superalloy with [001], [011] and [111] orientations have been investigated at 980°C, and attention is paid to the corresponding deformation microstructure to establish a clear microstructure-mechanical relationship. It is found that deformation of the [001] specimens with increased strain amplitude is characterized by cyclic softening at the early stage, while the [011] and [111] specimens exhibit cyclic softening under large strain amplitude and cyclic hardening under small cyclic amplitude. The softening response is related chiefly to the formation of dislocation networks, γ′ degradation and the dislocation recovery process. Moreover, plenty of parallel aligned dislocations in the [011] specimens reduce the probability of dislocation interactions among different slip systems, resulting in cyclic hardening. With respect to the [111] specimens, since a considerable number of dislocations pile up in γ channels, the resistance of the dislocation movement increases and cyclic hardening is resulted. Our results throw light upon microscopic deformation mechanism responsible for the cyclic stress response behaviors of the alloy with various orientations.
Graphical abstract
http://ift.tt/2s0vtF2
The deformation mode and strengthening mechanism of compression in the beetle elytron plate
Publication date: 5 October 2017
Source:Materials & Design, Volume 131
Author(s): Jinxiang Chen, Xiaoming Zhang, Yoji Okabe, Kazuya Saito, Zhensheng Guo, Longcheng Pan
For the development of lightweight biomimetic functional-structural materials, the compressive deformation mode of beetle elytron plates (BEPs) and their strengthening mechanism of high energy absorption were investigated, with the following results: compared with honeycomb plates, the compressive strength and the energy absorption properties of BEPs are significantly increased. This is because in a BEP, the hollow trabeculae with high torsional stiffness cause the deformation behavior to be dominated by compression, generating a convex curve with three half-waves, which is consistent with the deformation of the honeycomb walls. This study reveals not only the compressive deformation mode and the mechanism of high energy absorption in BEPs but also the relationship between the biological prototype of a BEP and its function. The findings show that BEPs represent a significant improvement over honeycomb plates and show potential for widespread application as novel energy-absorbing sandwich structures.
Graphical abstract
http://ift.tt/2s0naJj
Effect of susceptor and mold material on microstructure of in-situ microwave casts of Al-Zn-Mg alloy
Publication date: 5 October 2017
Source:Materials & Design, Volume 131
Author(s): Radha Raman Mishra, Apurbba Kumar Sharma
In-situ microwave casting is a novel technique; it is based on the principles of microwave hybrid heating. The dynamics of the process and the cast quality are significantly influenced by the materials used in the microwave irradiation. In the present work, role of susceptor and mold on exposure time, melting time, mold preheating and cast properties is studied. Physics of the process in the context of exposure time and mold materials is discussed. The aluminum alloy 7039 casts were developed in ambient atmosphere inside an applicator using microwaves at 2.45GHz and 1400W. Charge was hybrid heated using susceptors – SiC and ceramic crucible to melt and cast in-situ in the preplaced alumina and graphite molds. Characterization reveals that grain structures of the casts were influenced by mold preheating and mold material. Finer grains with higher micro-pores were observed in the casts developed in alumina mold with SiC susceptor. The casts contain MgZn2, Mg2Si, Al3Fe and Al8Fe2Si as intermetallics; however, their distribution and size depend upon the cooling pattern of the melt. Microindentation hardness of the casts developed in alumina mold with SiC susceptor was observed to be the highest (146±10HV) among the developed casts.
Graphical abstract
http://ift.tt/2s0vt80
Microstructure and mechanical properties of fibre laser welded medium manganese TRIP steel
Publication date: 5 October 2017
Source:Materials & Design, Volume 131
Author(s): N. Lun, D.C. Saha, A. Macwan, H. Pan, L. Wang, F. Goodwin, Y. Zhou
Fibre laser welds of Fe-0.15C-10Mn-1.5Al medium-Mn transformation induced plasticity (TRIP) steel and its dissimilar combination with high strength low alloy (HSLA) and dual-phase (DP980) steel was assessed with respect to microstructure, microhardness, formability, and tensile properties. The fusion zone (FZ) of the medium-Mn TRIP steel weldment was consist of predominantly martensite with some interdendritic austenite due to high manganese concentration which stabilizes austenite. The FZ of dissimilar combinations to HSLA and DP980 steel consisted of mostly martensite. Microhardness profiles of the medium-Mn TRIP steel showed no indications of detrimental heat-affected zone (HAZ) softening despite the high base metal (BM) hardness (396HV). Laser welds containing medium-Mn TRIP displayed similar FZ hardness values (413–438HV). Failure of medium-Mn TRIP laser welds under uniaxial tension occurred adjacent to the FZ where localized strain accumulated. The tensile results showed consistent failure in the weaker BM of dissimilar joints at high joint efficiency (95–100%) with respect to the weaker material of the joint. Biaxial stretch formability of TRIP-TRIP similar welds was determined to be severely limited by the brittle FZ. Strain accumulation in the BM of HSLA and DP980 steel in dissimilar combinations improved formability of laser welded blanks containing medium-Mn TRIP steel.
http://ift.tt/2s0qDHM
Uniaxial tensile and impact investigation of carbon-fabric/polycarbonate composites with different weave tow widths
Publication date: 5 October 2017
Source:Materials & Design, Volume 131
Author(s): Binbin Yang, Longsheng Lu, Xiaokang Liu, Yingxi Xie, Jingwen Li, Yong Tang
Flexible thermoplastic composites hold great potential in the automobile industry due to their high specific strength and modulus, good recyclability and high productivity. In this work, a novel single-layered ultra-thin (≤0.3mm thick) carbon-fabric/polycarbonate composite was laminated with two thin polycarbonate (PC) films as the matrix and a woven carbon fabric as reinforcement, adopting a balanced plain weave method combined with a hot-press technique. For the carbon fiber (CF) tow, thousands of filaments are packed with high density in a tape shape so that the permeation resistance of the matrix during hot-press increases, especially for a low molding temperature, inducing poor CF-PC bonding. To address this matter, raw CF tows were spread into a fabric prior to weaving. Three spread CF tows, 8, 14, and 20mm in width, were used to investigate the effect of the tow width on the tensile strength and impact properties of the as-prepared composites. The experimental results showed that the 20mm wide tow performed better with respect to normalized tensile strength, shear strength, peak force and penetration energy than the 8 and 14mm tows, which can be attributed to its enhanced impregnation between the CF and PC matrix.
Graphical abstract
http://ift.tt/2tjd3mX
γ′-Rafting mechanisms under complex mechanical stress state in Ni-based single crystalline superalloys
Publication date: 5 October 2017
Source:Materials & Design, Volume 131
Author(s): Vincenzo Caccuri, Jonathan Cormier, Rodrigue Desmorat
The morphological evolution of the γ′ precipitates has been studied in a second generation nickel-based single crystal superalloy during isothermal creep straining at 1093°C under multiaxial stress state. For this purpose, a specific V-shaped specimen has been designed to induce an evolving multiaxial stress state along its thickness. These stress conditions are quantified by the stress triaxiality obtained using viscoplastic finite element simulations. γ channel width and γ′ rafting orientation have been analyzed along the thickness for several triaxiality values, using Rose diagrams and specifically developed image processing tools. The γ′ rafting process is shown to be highly sensitive to the sign and magnitude of the stress triaxiality. Finally, it is shown that the γ/γ′ topological inversion development is faster under compression.
Graphical abstract
http://ift.tt/2tjdayJ
Direct targeting of cancer cells with antibodies: What can we learn from the successes and failure of unconjugated antibodies for lymphoid neoplasias?
Source:Journal of Autoimmunity
Author(s): Josée Golay
Following approval in 1997 of the anti-CD20 antibody rituximab for the treatment of B-NHL and CLL, many other unconjugated IgG1 MAbs have been tested in pre-clinical and clinical trials for the treatment of lymphoid neoplasms. Relatively few have been approved however and these are directed against a limited number of target antigens (CD20, CD52, CCR4, CD38, CD319). We review here the known biological properties of these antibodies and discuss which factors may have led to their success or may, on the contrary, limit their clinical application. Common factors of the approved MAbs is that the target antigen is expressed at relatively high levels on the neoplastic targets and their mechanism of action is mostly immune-mediated. Indeed most of these MAbs induce ADCC and phagocytosis by macrophages, and many also activate complement, leading to target cell lysis. In contrast direct cell death induction is not a common feature but may enhance efficacy in some cases. Interestingly, a key factor for the success of several MAbs appears to be their capacity to skew immunity towards an anti-tumour mode, by inhibiting/depleting suppressor cells and/or activating immune cells within the microenvironment, independently of FcγRs. We also expose here some of the strategies employed by industry to expand the clinical use of these molecules beyond their original indication. Interestingly, due to the central role of lymphocytes in the control of the immune response, several of the antibodies are now successfully used to treat many different autoimmune diseases and have also been formally approved for some of these new indications. There is little doubt that this trend will continue and that the precise mechanisms of therapeutic MAbs will be further dissected and better understood in the context of both tumour immunology and autoimmunity.
http://ift.tt/2tW5HDl
Silymarin protects against renal injury through normalization of lipid metabolism and mitochondrial biogenesis in high fat-fed mice
Publication date: September 2017
Source:Free Radical Biology and Medicine, Volume 110
Author(s): Bin Feng, Ran Meng, Bin Huang, Yan Bi, Shanmei Shen, Dalong Zhu
Obesity is associated with an increased risk of chronic kidney diseases and the conventional treatment with renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) inhibitors is not enough to prevent renal injury and prolong the progression of disease. Recently, silymarin has shown protective effects on renal tissue injury, but the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. The goal of this study was to investigate the potential capacity of silymarin to prevent renal injury during obesity induced by high fat diet (HFD) in mice. In vivo, male C57BL/6 mice received HFD (60% of total calories) for 12 weeks, randomized and treated orally with vehicle saline or silymarin (30mg/kg body weight/d) for 4 weeks. In vitro, human proximal tubular epithelial cells (HK2) were exposed to 300μM palmitic acid (PA) for 36h followed by silymarin administration at different concentrations. The administration of silymarin significantly ameliorated HFD induced glucose metabolic disorders, oxidative stress and pathological alterations in the kidney. Silymarin significantly mitigated renal lipid accumulation, fatty acid β-oxidation and mitochondrial biogenesis in HFD mice and PA treated HK2 cells. Furthermore, silymarin partly restored mitochondrial membrane potential of HK2 cells after PA exposure. In conclusion, silymarin can improve oxidative stress and preserve mitochondrial dysfunction in the kidney, potentially via preventing accumulation of renal lipids and fatty acid β-oxidation.
Graphical abstract
http://ift.tt/2sZbFDv
Vitamin E deficiency during embryogenesis in zebrafish causes lasting metabolic and cognitive impairments despite refeeding adequate diets
Publication date: September 2017
Source:Free Radical Biology and Medicine, Volume 110
Author(s): Melissa McDougall, Jaewoo Choi, Lisa Truong, Robert Tanguay, Maret G. Traber
Vitamin E (α-tocopherol; VitE) is a lipophilic antioxidant required for normal embryonic development in vertebrates, but the long-term effects of embryonic VitE deficiency, and whether they are ameliorated by feeding VitE–adequate diets, remain unknown. We addressed these questions using a zebrafish (Danio rerio) model of developmental VitE deficiency followed by dietary remediation. Adult zebrafish maintained on VitE–deficient (E–) or sufficient (E+) diets were spawned to obtained E– and E+ embryos, respectively, which we evaluated up to 12 days post-fertilization (dpf). The E– group suffered significantly increased morbidity and mortality as well as altered DNA methylation status through 5 dpf when compared to E+ larvae, but upon feeding with a VitE-adequate diet from 5 to 12 dpf both the E– and E+ groups survived and grew normally; the DNA methylation profile also was similar between groups by 12 dpf. However, 12 dpf E– larvae still had behavioral defects. These observations coincided with sustained VitE deficiency in the E– vs. E+ larvae (p < 0.0001), despite adequate dietary supplementation. We also found in E– vs. E+ larvae continued docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) depletion (p < 0.0001) and significantly increased lipid peroxidation. Further, targeted metabolomics analyses revealed persistent dysregulation of the cellular antioxidant network, the CDP-choline pathway, and glucose metabolism. While anaerobic processes were increased, aerobic metabolism was decreased in the E– vs. E+ larvae, indicating mitochondrial damage. Taken together, these outcomes suggest embryonic VitE deficiency causes lasting behavioral impairments due to persistent lipid peroxidation and metabolic perturbations that are not resolved via later dietary VitE supplementation.
Graphical abstract
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The effect of dual-sided breast surgery on breast asymmetry: a retrospective clinical evaluation study
Almost every female shows some degree of breast asymmetry. Complete correction of asymmetry is not achievable; the best a surgeon can deliver is improvement of asymmetry.
http://ift.tt/2sZ9orT
“Isolated long thoracic nerve palsy”: more than meets the eye
Two main hypotheses have been proposed for the pathophysiology of long thoracic nerve (LTN) palsy: nerve compression and nerve inflammation. We hypothesized that critical reinterpretation of electrodiagnostic (EDX) studies and MRIs of patients with a diagnosis of non-traumatic isolated LTN palsy could provide insight into the pathophysiology and potentially, the treatment.
http://ift.tt/2sfAjlV
MRI anatomical preoperative evaluation of the distally-based peroneus brevis muscle flap in reconstructive surgery of the lower limb
The distally-based peroneus brevis muscle flap has proved to be a simple solution for small-to moderate-sized wounds of the lower limb. The length of the muscle belly suitable for coverage is a crucial parameter. In this study we evaluated the capability of 3D-MRI of the lower limb to measure it preoperatively.
http://ift.tt/2sZ4Stx
How Many People Work In Your Operating Room? An Assessment of Factors Associated with Instrument Recounts Within Plastic Surgery
Intra-operative instrument recounts are performed in order to avoid retained foreign surgical items. These additional counts, however, beget risks of their own; including prolonged operative times, exposure to radiation, and increased cost. Our study aimed to identify factors that increase the likelihood of instrument recounts during plastic surgery procedures, and use our findings to guide potential solutions for preventing unnecessary recounts across all surgical fields.
http://ift.tt/2sfBimm
Less Pain, More Gain: Lip Augmentation With Insulin Syringes
No abstract availablehttp://ift.tt/2sYX7Un
755-nm Q-Switched Alexandrite Laser as a Treatment for Melanonychia Caused by Onychomycosis
No abstract availablehttp://ift.tt/2sYLWuV
Development of Basal Cell Carcinoma With Squamous Differentiation During Vismodegib Treatment
No abstract availablehttp://ift.tt/2sf7A0I
Functionality of Patients 75 Years and Older Undergoing Mohs Micrographic Surgery: A Multicenter Study
BACKGROUND: Mohs surgery is indisputably a highly effective treatment for nonmelanoma skin cancers. In the current health care environment, physicians are challenged to provide high quality, efficacious care in a manner that is mindful of the patient's general health and well-being. We have used a functional assessment to evaluate older patients who present for Mohs surgery. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to categorize the functional status, using the Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS) Scale, of patients 75 years and older undergoing Mohs surgery of a nonmelanoma skin cancer and to identify distinguishing characteristics of lower functioning patients. METHODS: Patients 75 years and older undergoing Mohs surgery for nonmelanoma skin cancer at 8 separate geographically diverse sites were included. Patient and tumor characteristics were recorded. Physicians scored subjects on the KPS scale and administered a questionnaire to categorize the symptoms and impact of their skin cancer. RESULTS: A total of 291 subjects completed the study. The average KPS score was 90.1. 93.1% of our subjects had a KPS score of ≥70. Subjects with a KPS scorehttp://ift.tt/2sf7Ahe
A Retrospective Case-Matched Cost Comparison of Surgical Treatment of Melanoma and Nonmelanoma Skin Cancer in the Outpatient Versus Operating Room Setting
BACKGROUND: To date, no study has used authentic billing data in a case–control matched fashion to examine the cost of treating skin cancer in different settings. OBJECTIVE: To compare the cost of surgical treatment of skin cancer in the outpatient versus operating room setting using matched cases based on patient and skin cancer characteristics. METHODS: ICD-9 diagnosis codes for skin cancers were used to find patients who had a malignant excision current procedural terminology code in the operating room setting during 2010 to 2014. Patient and skin cancer characteristics were used to match cases to those treated as an outpatient. A total of 36 cases (18 operating room and 18 outpatient) had the required information and characteristics to be matched and analyzed for cost. Health status was determined using the American Society of Anesthesiologists anesthesia grading scale. RESULTS: No statistically significant differences were found in the age (p > 0.9) or American Society of Anesthesiologists scores (p > 0.6) of the outpatient and operating room cases. The median cost for outpatient cases was $1,745. For operating room cases, the median cost was $11,323. This was a statistically significant difference (phttp://ift.tt/2tVGXuU
Noninvasive RCM for Differentiation of Melanotic Macules From Melanocytic Lesions—Blinded Evaluation of a Series of 42 Pigmented Macules
BACKGROUND: Differentiation of melanotic macules from melanocytic lesions, most importantly of melanoma, is a common problem on clinical-dermoscopic examination. OBJECTIVE: To assess the value of noninvasive reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) in the differential diagnosis of melanotic macules and melanocytic lesions. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Reflectance confocal microscopy images of 42 pigmented macules on mucocutaneous junctions of genitalia and lips, including 31 melanotic macules, 6 nevi, and 5 melanomas, were retrospectively and independently assessed in a blinded manner by one expert observer and 2 less experienced observers together. RESULTS: The authors differentiated 3 subtypes of melanotic macules; 2 subtypes ("solar lentigo type" and regular subtype of "dendritic type" melanotic macules) could be classified with confidence as benign by all RCM investigators, comprising 64% of melanotic macules. The third subtype (irregular subtype of "dendritic type" melanotic macules; 36%) displaying RCM features overlapping with melanoma was difficult to differentiate and should be biopsied not to miss a melanoma. The RCM differentiation between melanotic macules and nevi was easily performed. CONCLUSION: RCM has the potential to increase the diagnostic accuracy in the noninvasive differentiation of pigmented macules on mucocutaneous junctions.http://ift.tt/2sfgyLg
Distant Migration After Clandestine Silicone Injections: How Far Is Too Far?
No abstract availablehttp://ift.tt/2sf1f5x
Pulsed CO2 Laser Ablation of Superficial Basal Cell of Limbs and Trunk: A Comparative Randomized Clinical Trial With Cryotherapy and Surgical Ablation
BACKGROUND: Pulsed CO2 laser is a treatment of superficial basal cell carcinoma (sBCC) although robust clinical evidence has not been reported so far. OBJECTIVE: The authors investigated efficacy, safety, time to wound healing, cosmetic outcome, patient satisfaction, and cost-effectiveness ratio of pulsed CO2 laser in comparison to cryotherapy and surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: BCCs of the trunk and extremities were randomized to one of the treatments. After 90 days, efficacy and cosmetic outcome were assessed. Patients recorded the time to complete healing of the wound and scored their overall satisfaction. RESULTS: Two hundred forty patients were randomized. After 3 months, complete remission (CR) rate with pulsed CO2 laser was 78.8%. This was significantly lower than surgery, whereas the CR rate with cryotherapy was not significantly different. Cosmetic result was better with surgery. High satisfaction was reported by 65.0% of patients treated with CO2 ablation. Time of wound healing was significantly shorter with CO2 laser. CONCLUSION: In comparison to cryotherapy, pulsed CO2 laser showed no statistically significant difference in efficacy, cosmetic outcome, and patient satisfaction. Time to healing was shorter; the cost and cost-effectiveness ratio were similar. Surgery had the greatest efficacy rate. The main limitation of this study was the short duration of follow-up (3 months).http://ift.tt/2sfbtTi
Multiple Apocrine Hidrocystomas Successfully Treated With Cryotherapy
No abstract availablehttp://ift.tt/2sfe2ou
Effectiveness and Safety of Surgical Excision in the Treatment of Digital Mucoid Cysts
BACKGROUND: Digital mucoid cysts have a tendency for recurrence after operative intervention. Several procedures are in use. OBJECTIVE: Retrospective evaluation for effectiveness, safety and patient satisfaction by using a questionnaire after treatment for digital mucoid cysts with targeted surgical excision and closure by flap-design. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All patients treated with surgical excision for digital mucoid cysts at the Dermatology Department of the Ludwigshafen City Hospital between 2007 and 2011 were evaluated using a specially designed questionnaire. RESULTS: We evaluated 31 patients. The patient group consisted of 65% women, the median age was 61 years. Seventy-eight percent of patients with nail involvement had a marked improvement or complete resolution of this complaint after surgery. A few complications (e.g., redness, pain or hematoma) were observed after treatment, but no patients required oral antibiotics. Patient evaluation of cosmetic outcome revealed high satisfaction with the procedure, nevertheless recurrence of the digital mucoid cysts was observed in 22.5% of all cases. CONCLUSION: Surgical excision in treatment of digital mucoid cysts was shown to be effective and safe. However, possible advantages and disadvantages of this treatment option should be discussed with the patients before a decision on the kind of therapy is reached.http://ift.tt/2sfiOSI
Splash Safety During Dermatologic Procedures Among US Dermatology Residents
BACKGROUND: Dermatologists are at potential risk of acquiring infections from contamination of the mucous membranes by blood and body fluids. However, there are little data on splash safety during procedural dermatology. OBJECTIVE: To determine dermatology resident perceptions about splash risk during dermatologic procedures and to quantify the rate of protective equipment use. METHODS: An anonymous on-line survey was sent to 108 United States ACGME-approved dermatology residency programs assessing frequency of facial protection during dermatologic procedures, personal history of splash injury, and, if applicable, reasons for not always wearing facial protection. RESULTS: A total of 153 dermatology residents responded. Rates of facial protection varied by procedure, with the highest rates during surgery and the lowest during local anesthetic injection. Over 54% of respondents reported suffering facial splash while not wearing facial protection during a procedure. In contrast, 88.9% of respondents correctly answered that there is a small risk of acquiring infection from mucosal splash. Residency program recommendations for facial protection seem to vary by procedure. CONCLUSION: The authors' results demonstrate that although facial splash is a common injury, facial protection rates and protective recommendations vary significantly by procedure. These data support the recommendation for enhanced facial protection guidelines during procedural dermatology.http://ift.tt/2sfmJir
Needling-Assisted Drug Delivery: Enhanced Response to Ingenol Mebutate After Microneedling
No abstract availablehttp://ift.tt/2sfsH31
Cryolipolysis for Reduction of Arm Fat: Safety and Efficacy of a Prototype CoolCup Applicator With Flat Contour
BACKGROUND: Cryolipolysis of the arms has been shown to be an effective but somewhat time-consuming process. OBJECTIVE: The study evaluated safety and efficacy of a contoured cup cryolipolysis applicator for reduction of arm fat. The prototype was designed to maximize tissue contact with the cooling surface to improve comfort, while reducing treatment time by 25 minutes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Both arms were treated using a prototype device that delivered treatment in 35 minutes at −11°C. Photographic and ultrasound documentation was captured at baseline and 12 weeks post-treatment. Efficacy was assessed by photo review and measurement of fat reduction in ultrasound images. Immediately after 1, 4, and 12 weeks post-treatment, clinical assessments were performed to evaluate treatment areas and sensory alterations. RESULTS: Thirty women were enrolled and completed treatments to both arms. Ultrasound measurements found mean fat layer reduction of 3.2 mm with an SD of 2.7 mm. Blinded independent photo review found 85.2% correct identification of baseline photographs by at least 2/3 of reviewers. There were no unanticipated adverse device effects. Four study subjects experienced numbness in the treatment area beyond the 12-week visit that subsequently resolved without intervention. CONCLUSION: These data suggest that the CoolCup prototype applicator provides rapid, safe, and effective arm treatment.http://ift.tt/2sfiMu4
Successful Treatment of Angiolymphoid Hyperplasia With Eosinophilia With Arterial Ligation and Pulsed Dye Laser
No abstract availablehttp://ift.tt/2sfpyAb
Early Experience in 100 Consecutive Patients With Injection Adipocytolysis for Neck Contouring With ATX-101 (Deoxycholic Acid)
BACKGROUND: Deoxycholic acid (DCA) is approved for improvement in the appearance of moderate to severe convexity or fullness associated with submental fat. OBJECTIVE: To assess early treatment experience with DCA injection in a clinical practice setting. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this single-center, prospective, single-arm, observational study, 100 consecutive patients seeking to decrease submental fullness received subcutaneous DCA (2 mg/cm2) injections in the submental area (maximum of 6 sessions at ≥1 month intervals). Treatment response was assessed 1 and 5 to 7 weeks posttreatment using the clinician-reported submental fat rating scale (CR-SMFRS) and retrospective independent photograph review by 2 physicians. RESULTS: Overall, 100 patients had 152 treatment sessions (58, 33, 8, and 1 patients had 1, 2, 3, and 4 sessions, respectively). CR-SMFRS score improved by ≥1 point from baseline in 88 (88%) patients; of these, 46, 33, 8, and 1 patients had 1, 2, 3, and 4 sessions, respectively. Local edema, numbness, and tenderness were reported for a mean (SD) of 7.7 (5.3), 28.5 (11.4), and 3.5 (3.5) days, respectively. Two patients experienced marginal mandibular nerve paresis. CONCLUSION: Deoxycholic acid injection, a minimally invasive procedure for neck contouring, was effective and generally well tolerated in the private practice setting.http://ift.tt/2sfwixT
A Novel Method of Processing Single Sections Too Large to Fit on One Glass Slide in Mohs Micrographic Surgery
No abstract availablehttp://ift.tt/2sfiL9u
IncobotulinumtoxinA for Aesthetic Indications: A Systematic Review of Prospective Comparative Trials
BACKGROUND: IncobotulinumtoxinA is a botulinum toxin type A (BoNTA) indicated for temporary improvement in the appearance of upper facial lines with well-established efficacy and safety profiles. Whether incobotulinumtoxinA and other BoNTAs are equipotent is subject of debate. OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy of incobotulinumtoxinA and other BoNTAs for aesthetic applications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: PubMed and Embase were systematically searched for prospective clinical trials comparing incobotulinumtoxinA with onabotulinumtoxinA, abobotulinumtoxinA, or placebo for aesthetic applications. RESULTS: Fifteen articles met the selection criteria. Two studies found that incobotulinumtoxinA was noninferior or equivalent to onabotulinumtoxinA for the treatment of glabellar frown lines (GFLs). Eight studies found no difference in efficacy between incobotulinumtoxinA and other BoNTAs. One study suggested differences in response rates at certain time points between incobotulinumtoxinA and onabotulinumtoxinA for GFLs, and one suggested differences for dynamic horizontal forehead lines but not for GFLs or lateral periorbital lines, but both had study design issues limiting the ability to draw conclusions. Finally, 3 placebo-controlled studies demonstrated the efficacy of incobotulinumtoxinA for treating GFLs and upper facial lines. CONCLUSION: The weight of the evidence from comparative clinical trials indicates that incobotulinumtoxinA, onabotulinumtoxinA, and abobotulinumtoxinA have similar efficacy for aesthetic applications.http://ift.tt/2seYJvP
Scholar : These new articles for Canadian Journal of Remote Sensing are available online
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PG2, a botanically derived drug extracted from Astragalus membranaceus, promotes proliferation and immunosuppression of umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells
Publication date: 31 July 2017
Source:Journal of Ethnopharmacology, Volume 207
Author(s): Yu-Hua Chao, Kang-Hsi Wu, Chiao-Wen Lin, Shun-Fa Yang, Wan-Ru Chao, Ching-Tien Peng, Han-Ping Wu
Ethnopharmacological relevanceAstragalus membranaceus is used to manage the deficiency of vital energy in traditional Chinese medicine and confirmed to have many biological functions. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) possess immunosuppressive effects, and are widely used for regenerative medicine and immune disorders.Aims of studyThis study investigated the effects of Astragalus polysaccharides (APS) on umbilical cord-derived MSCs (UCMSCs), including morphology, surface marker expression, proliferation, differentiation, and in-vitro and in-vivo immunosuppressive capacities.Materials and methodsMSCs isolated from umbilical cords were used. PG2 injection, a botanically derived drug containing a mixture of APS, was added into the culture medium to prepare PG2-treated UCMSCs. The morphology, surface marker expression, proliferation, and differentiation of UCMSCs were determined. The in-vitro immunosuppressive effects of UCMSCs were examined by peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) proliferation assay. The in-vivo effects were evaluated by circulatory inflammation-associated cytokine levels in mice with septic peritonitis induced by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) operation.ResultsCompared with control UCMSCs, UCMSCs had higher population doublings when exposed to PG2-containing medium (P = 0.003). The reduction rates of PBMC proliferation after phytohemagglutinin stimulation increased significantly when UCMSCs were treated with PG2 (P = 0.004). The serum levels of inflammation-associated cytokines, including TNF-α, IL-6, MCP-1, IFN-γ, and IL-1β, were significantly lower at 6h after CLP in the mice receiving PG2-treated UCMSCs.ConclusionsOur results demonstrated that PG2 can enhance UCMSC proliferation and their in-vitro and in-vivo immunosuppressive effects. Consequently, UCMSCs can be obtained in earlier passages to avoid senescence, and sufficient cells can be acquired faster for clinical use. With stronger immunosuppressive effects, UCMSCs may treat immune disorders more effectively. Further studies are warranted.
Graphical abstract
http://ift.tt/2sjYHOH
Relevance of DNA damage repair in the management of prostate cancer
Source:Current Problems in Cancer
Author(s): Patricia Banks, Wen Xu, Declan Murphy, Paul James, Shahneen Sandhu
Recent insights into the genomic aberrations that underlie and drive prostate cancer have redoubled efforts to molecularly stratify treatments based on predictive markers. Approximately 23% of patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer exhibit somatic and/or germline aberrations in genes implicated in DNA repair, such as BRCA2, BRCA1, ATM, CHEK2 and PALB2, as well as mismatch repair (MMR) genes. At least 10% of men with advanced disease have germline mutations in DNA repair genes (DRG). The increased prevalence of DRG defects in metastatic disease in contrast to localized, primary tumors suggests a possible role in carcinogenesis, disease progression and potentially accounts for a more aggressive phenotype. Germline BRCA2-mutant prostate cancer is more likely to present with more advanced disease, higher Gleason score, and exhibit poorer survival than non-carriers. Very little is currently known about the clinicopathological features of prostate cancer associated with rarer DRG variants. It is currently unknown whether germline carriers of DRG mutations would benefit from additional screening strategies or more intensive treatment for localized prostate cancer. Defective DNA repair may have profound therapeutic implications for advanced disease, conferring tumor-specific vulnerability to PARP inhibitors, platinum chemotherapy and/or immunotherapy that can be exploited for clinical benefit. Pertinent issues regarding cancer risk, screening recommendations and risk reduction strategies for carriers of poorly characterized DRG variants remains to be defined. We review the prevalence and potential clinical implications of perturbations in the DNA damage repair pathway in prostate cancer. The broader promise and challenge of implementing this knowledge into clinical practice is also discussed.
http://ift.tt/2tijo1l
Balance
Publication date: July–August 2017
Source:Revista Española de Medicina Nuclear e Imagen Molecular, Volume 36, Issue 4
Author(s): J.C. Alonso Farto
http://ift.tt/2sOAYcS
Multifunctional nanodiamonds in regenerative medicine: Recent advances and future directions
Publication date: 10 September 2017
Source:Journal of Controlled Release, Volume 261
Author(s): Jonathan Whitlow, Settimio Pacelli, Arghya Paul
With recent advances in the field of nanomedicine, many new strategies have emerged for diagnosing and treating diseases. At the forefront of this multidisciplinary research, carbon nanomaterials have demonstrated unprecedented potential for a variety of regenerative medicine applications including novel drug delivery platforms that facilitate the localized and sustained release of therapeutics. Nanodiamonds (NDs) are a unique class of carbon nanoparticles that are gaining increasing attention for their biocompatibility, highly functional surfaces, optical properties, and robust physical properties. Their remarkable features have established NDs as an invaluable regenerative medicine platform, with a broad range of clinically relevant applications ranging from targeted delivery systems for insoluble drugs, bioactive substrates for stem cells, and fluorescent probes for long-term tracking of cells and biomolecules in vitro and in vivo. This review introduces the synthesis techniques and the various routes of surface functionalization that allow for precise control over the properties of NDs. It also provides an in-depth overview of the current progress made toward the use of NDs in the fields of drug delivery, tissue engineering, and bioimaging. Their future outlook in regenerative medicine including the current clinical significance of NDs, as well as the challenges that must be overcome to successfully translate the reviewed technologies from research platforms to clinical therapies will also be discussed.
Graphical abstract
http://ift.tt/2tV9Iry
Rationale of Using Dynamic Imaging for Characterization of Suspicious Lung Masses into Benign or Malignant on Contrast Enhanced Multi Detector Computed Tomography
Journal of Clinical Imaging Science 2017 7(1):24-24
Objectives: To assess the utility of dynamic imaging namely, wash-in and wash-out characteristics through multidetector contrast-enhanced computed tomography in differentiating benign and malignant pulmonary masses. Materials and Methods: Seventy-three patients who were suspected to have malignant pulmonary mass on the basis of clinical symptoms and chest radiograph were included in the study. All the patients underwent multidetector computed tomography scanning, and three series of images were obtained for each patient-noncontrast, early enhanced, and 15 min delayed enhanced scans. Computed tomography (CT) findings were assessed in terms of washin, absolute, and relative percentage washout of contrast. Biopsy of the mass was done and sent for histopathological evaluation. Sensitivity, specificity, and area under curve for diagnosing malignancy in the lung masses were calculated by considering both the wash-in and wash-out characteristics at dynamic CT and plotting the receiver operating curve after the final diagnosis which was obtained by histopathological evaluation. Results: Threshold net enhancement (washin) value of >22.5 HU had sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic accuracy of 88.5%, 57.1%, and 82%, respectively, in predicting malignancy. Threshold relative percentage washout of <16.235% had 98.1%, 85.7%, and 94% sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic accuracy, respectively, and threshold absolute percentage washout of <42.72% had 98.1%, 95.2%, and 95% sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic accuracy, respectively, in predicting malignancy. Conclusion: Threshold net enhancement (washin), absolute and relative washout percentages can be used to predict malignancy with very high diagnostic yield, and possibly obviate the need of invasive procedures for diagnosis of bronchogenic carcinoma.
http://ift.tt/2ufzJ49
Nucleolytic degradation of 3′-ending overhangs is essential for DNA-end resection in RecA-loading deficient recB mutants of Escherichia coli
Source:DNA Repair
Author(s): Siniša Ivanković, Dušica Vujaklija, Damir Đermić
Degradation of a 5′-ending strand is the hallmark of the universal process of DNA double strand break (DSB) resection, which results in creation of the central recombination intermediate, a 3′-ending overhang. Here we show that in Escherichia coli recB1080/recB1067 mutants, which are devoid of RecBCD's nuclease and RecA loading activities, degradation of the unwound 3' tail is as essential as is degradation of its 5'-ending complement. Namely, a synergistic action of ExoI, ExoVII, SbcCD and ExoX single-strand specific exonucleases (ssExos) of 3′-5′ polarity was essential for preserving cell viability, DNA repair and homologous recombination in the recB1080/recB1067 mutants, to the same extent as the redundant action of 5′-tail trimming ssExos RecJ and ExoVII. recB1080 derivatives lacking 3′-5′ ssExos also showed a strong induction of the SOS response and greatly increased SOS-dependent mutagenesis. Furthermore, we show that ExoI and ExoVII ssExos act synergistically in suppressing illegitimate recombination in the recB1080 mutant but not in a wt strain, while working in concert with the RecQ helicase. Remarkably, 3′-5′ ssExos show synergism with RecQ helicase in the recB1080 mutant in all the assays tested. The effect of inactivation of 3′-5′ ssExos in the recB1080/recB1067 mutants was much stronger than in wt, recD, and recB strains. These results demonstrate that the presence of a long, reactive 3' overhang can be as toxic for a cell as its complete absence, i.e. it may prevent DSB repair. Our results indicate that coupling of helicase and RecA-loading activity during dsDNA-end resection is crucial in avoiding the deleterious effects of a long and stabile 3′ tail in E. coli.
http://ift.tt/2ti4s3n
Scholar : These new articles for Arid Land Research and Management are available online
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Experience of the implementation of rapid on site evaluation in ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration biopsy of thyroid nodules
Publication date: Available online 27 June 2017
Source:Current Problems in Diagnostic Radiology
Author(s): Flor Marina Medina Chamorro, José Abella Calle, Juliana Escobar Stein, Lina Merchancano, Andrés Mauricio Mendoza Briñez, Andrés Arturo Pulido Wilches
ObjectiveTo evaluate the impact of the implementation of the rapid onsite evaluation (ROSE) technique in ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) of thyroid nodules.Materials and methodsWe conducted an observational and retrospective study approved by the Institutional Ethics Committee as an investigation without risk. Between January 2012 and December 2015, 892 FNAB procedures were performed under ultrasound guidance. In our study, we included 522 procedures from 473 patients that were taken as part of an investigation of the thyroid nodule (average age 56 ± 14; 84% were women). We compared the percentage of unsatisfactory samples in the procedures performed with and without the use of the ROSE technique, the cytology adequacy agreement with the cytopathology and we also assessed the relationship with the number of years of experience of the radiologist.ResultsThe ROSE technique led to a decrease of 30.5% of unsatisfactory samples. By 2014, more than half of the procedures were performed with the ROSE technique and the percentage of unsatisfactory samples decreased progressively each year. The technical implementation of ROSE improved the results of all radiologists, however those radiologists with the least number of years of experience showed the greatest benefits from the implementation of the ROSE technique. The concordance between the ROSE technique and the cytopathology report was good (Cohen′s Kappa of 0.75).ConclusionIn our experience, the implementation of the ROSE technique has helped to reduce the percentage of unsatisfactory samples, which improves the quality and safety of patient care.
http://ift.tt/2uf7bIg
Myasthenia gravis: An emerging toxicity of immune checkpoint inhibitors
Source:European Journal of Cancer, Volume 82
Author(s): D. Makarious, K. Horwood, J.I.G. Coward
The advent of immunotherapy has heralded a number of significant advances in the treatment of particular malignancies associated with poor prognosis (melanoma, non-small-cell lung, renal and head/neck cancers). The success witnessed with therapeutic agents targeting cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4, programmed cell death protein 1 and programmed cell death ligand 1 immune checkpoints has inevitably led to an explosion in their clinical application and the subsequent recognition of specific toxicity profiles distinct from those long recognised with chemotherapy. Consequently, as the utility of such therapies broaden, understanding the nature, timing and management of these immune-related adverse events (irAEs) becomes increasingly significant. Although neurological irAEs are considered relatively rare in comparison with hepatitis, colitis, pneumonitis and endocrinopathies, one emerging side-effect is myasthenia gravis (MG). Among the 23 reported cases of immune checkpoint inhibitor-associated MG, 72.7% were de novo presentations, 18.2% were exacerbations of pre-existing MG and 9.1% were exacerbations of subclinical MG. The average onset of symptoms was within 6 weeks (range 2–12 weeks) of treatment initiation. In addition, there was no consistent association with elevated acetylcholine antibody titres and the development of immune checkpoint inhibitor-related MG. Significantly, there was a 30.4% MG-specific-related mortality, which further emphasises the importance of early recognition and robust treatment of this toxicity. In addition to a review of the existing literature, we present a new case of pembrolizumab-induced MG and provide insights into the underlying mechanisms of action of this phenomenon.
http://ift.tt/2sOinxE
Proliferation index of different Gleason pattern 4 histomorphologies and associated pattern 3 adenocarcinoma of the prostate
Publication date: Available online 27 June 2017
Source:Human Pathology
Author(s): Liying Fu, Michael Hwang, Adebowale J. Adeniran, Peter A. Humphrey
Gleason grade is one of the most powerful prognostic indicators for adenocarcinoma of the prostate. A higher proliferation index of prostatic adenocarcinoma has been demonstrated in numerous studies to be significantly associated with more aggressive behavior. To date, the proliferation index of the different Gleason pattern 4 histomorphologies, including cribriform, fused glands, and poorly-formed glands, has not been determined. The aim of this investigation was to quantitate and compare the proliferation index, as assessed by Ki67 labeling index, of different Gleason pattern 4 histomorphologies. We also analyzed the Ki67 labeling index of Gleason pattern 3 adenocarcinoma associated with and without cribriform adenocarcinoma. Amongst Gleason pattern 4 morphologies, cribriform adenocarcinoma exhibited a higher mean proliferation index at 5.3% compared to fused gland adenocarcinoma at 3.9% (P = .03) and poorly-formed glands at 3.6% (P < .01). The mean Ki67 labeling index for Gleason pattern 3 associated with cribriform adenocarcinoma was higher at 4.1% compared to pure Gleason pattern 3 at 2.2% (P < .01) and Gleason pattern 3 associated with non-cribriform pattern 4 adenocarcinoma at 2.9% (P = .02). This higher proliferation index of Gleason pattern 3 adenocarcinoma associated with cribriform pattern 4 adenocarcinoma indicates that not all Gleason pattern 3 cells are identical and that cribriform adenocarcinoma may influence or be related to associated Gleason pattern 3. Gleason pattern 4 adenocarcinoma of the prostate with cribriform growth has a higher proliferation index than other grade 4 histomorphologies, consistent with the more clinically aggressive nature of cribriform adenocarcinoma of the prostate.
http://ift.tt/2seLviP
Cloning, expression and functional characterization of a D-superfamily conotoxin Lt28.1 with previously undescribed cysteine pattern
Source:Peptides
Author(s): Jianbo Lu, Kejun Zhang, Shuo Wang, Ting Sun, Shuo Yu, Qiuyun Dai, Zhuguo Liu
As a class of peptides with 10 cysteine residues (-C-CC-C-CC-C-C-C-C-), D-superfamily conotoxins (D-conotoxins) can specifically act on nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs). According to the conserved signal peptides of D-conotoxins, seven D-conotoxin precursor sequences with a previously undescribed Cys arrangement (-C-C-C-CC-C-C-C-C-C-) were identified by PCR-RACE methodology in the present study. The alignment of sequences revealed that signal peptide regions were same as D-VxXXA from Conus vexillum, and their mature peptides were almost different from the D-conotoxins. Analyses of the evolutionary tree demonstrated that they had low homology to those reported conotoxins with 10 cysteine residues (less than 35%) and lied in a separate branch in the evolutionary tree. Furthermore, a previously undescribed D-superfamily conotoxin Lt28.1 was further expressed in Pichiapastoris and then functionally characterized. The results showed that the recombinant Lt28.1 targeted α9α10 nAChRs but not other nAChRs subtypes. These findings defined a new branch of D-superfamily and expanded our knowledge of targets and potential application of D-conotoxins.
http://ift.tt/2tU1C2D
Advanced treatment of saline municipal wastewater by Ruppia maritima: A data set
Publication date: August 2017
Source:Data in Brief, Volume 13
Author(s): Mehdi Ahmadi, Hamed Saki, Afshin Takdastan, Mehri Dinarvand, Sahand Jorfi, Bahman Ramavandi
Saline municipal wastewater treatment is a challenging environmental issue in coastal cities, due to the discharge of saline water into the sewers. The present research article focuses on the phytoremediation of high saline municipal wastewater by Ruppia maritime, a widespread plant which can be found in saline medium such as traditional fish ponds, estuaries, tidal flats, salt pans, coastal paddy fields, coastal lagoons, marsh pools, and mangrove salt marshes in Khuzestan province, Iran. The experimental data was obtained using a pilot plant constructed in Chobeineh wastewater treatment plant in Ahvaz city, fed by activated sludge effluent in 3 levels of electrical conductivity (EC) (10, 15, 20mscm−1), during 45 days of the experiment. Chemical oxygen demand (COD), total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP) and total suspended solids (TSS) were daily monitored in blank and pilot study. The COD removal decreased from 83.26% to 72.39% by increasing the EC level from 10 to 20mscm−1, respectively. The experimental data will practically be an appropriate source of information for environmental engineers to design a natural treatment scenario for saline wastewater treatment.
http://ift.tt/2tTEtx5
Data on the time of integration of the human mitochondrial pseudogenes (NUMTs) into the nuclear genome
Publication date: August 2017
Source:Data in Brief, Volume 13
Author(s): Konstantin Gunbin, Leonid Peshkin, Konstantin Popadin, Sofia Annis, Rebecca R. Ackermann, Konstantin Khrapko
The data and methods presented in this article are supplementing the research article "Integration of mtDNA pseudogenes into the nuclear genome coincides with speciation of the human genus. A hypothesis", DOI: 10.1016/j.mito.2016.12.001 (Gunbin et al., 2017) [1]. Mitochondrial DNA is known to get inserted into nuclear DNA to form NUMTs, i.e. nuclear DNA pseudogenes of the mtDNA. We present here the sequences of selected NUMTs, in which time of integration can be determined with sufficient precision. We report their chromosomal positions , their position within the great ape mtDNA phylogeny, and their times of integration into the nuclear genome. The methods used to generate the data and to control their quality are also presented. The dataset is made publicly available to enable critical or extended analyzes.
http://ift.tt/2tkBnVW
Action of three bioavailable antioxidants in orbital fibroblasts from patients with Graves’ orbitopathy (GO): a new frontier for GO treatment?
Abstract
Objective
Oxidative stress is involved in the pathogenesis of Graves' orbitopathy (GO) and an antioxidant approach has been advocated for GO treatment. Here, we investigated the action of three antioxidants in orbital fibroblasts, namely, vitamin C, N-acetyl-l-cysteine, and melatonin.
Methods
Primary cultures of orbital fibroblasts from six GO patients and six control subjects were established. Cells were treated with H2O2 to induce oxidative stress. Cell vitality assays were performed to determine the non-cytotoxic dose of each antioxidant. The following assays were performed: glutathione disulfide (GSSG), as a measure of oxidative stress, cell proliferation, hyaluronic acid (HA), TNFα, IFNγ, and IL1β.
Results
H2O2 induced oxidative stress (augmented GSSG), increased cell proliferation as well as cytokine release, but did not affect HA release. All of the three antioxidant substances reduced H2O2-dependent oxidative stress. Vitamin C reduced proliferation in GO, but not in control fibroblasts. N-acetyl-l-cysteine reduced proliferation and IFNγ in GO, and HA and IL1β in both GO and control fibroblasts. Melatonin reduced IL1β and HA in GO and control fibroblasts, and IFNγ only in GO fibroblasts.
Conclusions
Our study provides evidence in support of an antioxidant role of vitamin C, N-acetyl-l-cysteine and melatonin in orbital fibroblasts. Some of the effects of these compounds are exclusive to GO fibroblasts, whereas some other are observed also in control fibroblasts. Our observations provide a basis for a possible clinical use of these substances in patients with GO.
http://ift.tt/2siVJdf
Uptake of PAHs by cabbage root and leaf in vegetable plots near a large coking manufacturer and associations with PAHs in cabbage core
Abstract
Samples of ambient air (including gaseous and particulate phases), dust fall, surface soil, rhizosphere soil, core (edible part), outer leaf, and root of cabbage from eight vegetable plots near a large coking manufacturer were collected during the harvest period. Concentrations, compositions, and distributions of parent PAHs in different samples were determined. Our results indicated that most of the parent PAHs in air occurred in the gaseous phase, dominated by low molecular weight (LMW) species with two to three rings. Specific isomeric ratios and principal component analysis were employed to preliminarily identify the local sources of parent PAHs emitted. The main emission sources of parent PAHs could be apportioned as a mixture of coal combustion, coking production, and traffic tailing gas. PAH components with two to four rings were prevailing in dust fall, surface soil, and rhizosphere soil. Concentrations of PAHs in surface soil exhibited a significant positive correlation with topsoil TOC fractions. Compositional profiles in outer leaf and core of cabbage, dominated by LMW species, were similar to those in the local air. Overall, the order of parent PAH concentration in cabbage was outer leaf > root > core. Partial correlation analysis and multivariate linear stepwise regression revealed that PAH concentrations in cabbage core were closely associated with PAHs present both in root and in outer leaf, namely, affected by adsorption, then absorption, and translocation of PAHs from rhizosphere soil and ambient air, respectively.
http://ift.tt/2rYLfA9
Carbon-dioxide biofixation and phycoremediation of municipal wastewater using Chlorella vulgaris and Scenedesmus obliquus
Abstract
The pure cultures of microalgae Chlorella vulgaris ATCC 13482 and Scenedesmus obliquus FACHB 417 were grown in municipal wastewater in 7-L airlift bubble column photobioreactor supplied with 5% CO2/air (v/v). Batch experiments were conducted at 25 °C with 14-h light/10-h dark cycle for a period of 10 days. The CO2 capture efficiencies for both the microalgae were monitored in terms of their respective biomass productivities, carbon contents, and CO2 consumption rates. In the present study, the initial concentration of ammonia (43.7 mg L−1) was decreased to 2.9 and 3.7 mg L−1 by C. vulgaris and S. obliquus, respectively. And, the initial concentration of phosphate (18.5 mg L−1) was decreased to 1.1 and 1.6 mg L−1 by C. vulgaris and S. obliquus, respectively. CO2 biofixation rates by C. vulgaris and S. obliquus, cultivated in municipal wastewater, were calculated to be 140.91 and 129.82 mg L−1 day−1, respectively. The findings from the present study highlight the use of microalgae for wastewater treatment along with CO2 uptake and biomass utilization for pilot scale production of biodiesel, biogas, feed supplements for animals, etc., thus minimizing the production costs.
http://ift.tt/2thh0IK
Ecological risk assessment of heavy metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in sediments of rivers Niger and Benue confluence, Lokoja, Central Nigeria
Abstract
The concentrations of six heavy metals (HMs) and 16 US EPA priority polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in sediment samples of the confluence of rivers Niger and Benue were investigated. The ecological risk assessment of the contaminants was carried out. The results showed that the sediment samples were heavily polluted with iron and moderately polluted with Cd while other metals posed no pollution problem when compared with USEPA sediment quality guidelines. Only six out of the 16 priority PAHs were detected in the samples, and source apportionment of the PAHs indicated that they are of pyrogenic origin. The ∑PAHs in the samples were lower than many of similar studies and were of no pollution risk. The ecological risk assessment result of the heavy metals showed that the sediments were of considerable risk due majorly to Cd levels. The HM concentration results statistically showed significant difference between seasons at probability value (P < .05). Data analysis by PCA classified the metals into three different components according to sources. The levels of HMS and PAHs detected in the sediments were correlated for source identification, and the correlation showed that the majority of the pollutants were mainly from anthropogenic sources. There is increasing level of anthropogenic activities at the vicinity of the confluence due to urbanization which may call for periodic monitoring of the sediment quality.
http://ift.tt/2rYEyhB
Effect of tea saponin on phytoremediation of Cd and pyrene in contaminated soils by Lolium multiflorum
Abstract
Tea saponin (TS), a kind of green biosurfactant produced by plants, was added into the Cd–pyrene co-contaminated soils to evaluate its influence on phytoremediation of Cd and pyrene by Lolium multiflorum. The results showed that the accumulation of pyrene in L. multiflorum was significantly promoted by the TS. Compared with no TS treatments (PL and ML), the aboveground concentrations of pyrene in TS treatments (PLT and MLT) increased by 135 and 30%, respectively, and the underground concentrations of pyrene in TS treatments (PLT and MLT) increased by 40 and 25%. The concentrations of Cd in the aboveground and underground parts in single contaminated treatments were all significantly more than those in co-contaminated treatments, while the situation of pyrene was quite the reverse. Besides, the addition of TS enhanced activities of dehydrogenase and polyphenol oxidase in soils and increased the biomass of L. multiflorum. The micromorphology of L. multiflorum was not affected by TS. The study suggests that the use of L. multiflorum with TS is an alternative technology for remediation of Cd–pyrene co-contaminated soils.
http://ift.tt/2thJYsa
The use of ultrasound-assisted anaerobic compost tea washing to remove poly-chlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs), dibenzo-furans (PCDFs) from highly contaminated field soils
Abstract
The remediation of dioxin-contaminated soil of a specific coastal area previously employed for the manufacture of pentachlorophenol (PCP) in southern Taiwan's Tainan City has attracted much attention of researchers there. This work addresses the possibility of providing an effective and environmentally friendly option for removing PCDD/Fs from soil in that field. Soil screening/sieving was first conducted to assess particle distribution. Fine sand was observed to be the major component of the soil, accounting for more than 60% of the total mass. A combination of ultrasonification and mechanical double-blade agitation was used to facilitate the washing of the soil using the biosurfactant anaerobic compost tea. More than 85 and 95% of total removal efficiencies were achieved for moderately and highly contaminated soils after 6 and 10 washing cycles, respectively, under ambient temperature, a soil/liquid ratio 1:2.5, 700 rpm, and over a relatively short duration. These results were achieved through the collision and penetration effects of this combined treatment as well as PCDD/F partitioning between the particles and anaerobic compost tea. This study represents the first to report the use of anaerobic compost tea solvent to wash soil highly contaminated by dioxin. It was concluded that anaerobic compost tea, rich in non-toxic bio-surfactants (e.g., alcohols, humic acids), can be used to improve bioavailability and bioactivity of the soil making bio-attenuation and full remediation more efficient.
http://ift.tt/2rYlrEE
Impact of O 3 or O 3 /H 2 O 2 treatment via a membrane contacting system on the composition and characteristics of the natural organic matter of surface waters
Abstract
The present study aims to evaluate changes in the structure-composition of natural organic matter (NOM) that occur after the application of bubbleless ozonation or peroxone treatment of surface waters. The oxidation experiments (using 0.5–2 mg O3/mg DOC, or 2:1 O3:H2O2 molar ratio) were performed in a continuous mode, using a tubular ceramic membrane contactor. Fluorescence spectroscopy (emission-excitation matrix) and liquid chromatography-organic carbon detection (LC-OCD) were mainly used for the detailed DOC characterization. In brief, the application of single ozonation resulted to high reduction of humic-like peak fluorescence intensities (50–85%) and also to the formation of two new peaks in the region of protein-like components. The co-addition of H2O2 did not present the anticipated increase in the reduction of fluorescence intensity; however, it resulted to the further oxidation of protein-like fluorophores. LC-OCD measurements confirmed the decrease of average molecular weight of NOM during ozone treatment, due to the gradual degradation of biopolymers (14–23%) and humic substances (11–17%) towards building blocks and low molecular weight (LMW) neutrals. Advanced oxidation process (AOP) treatment by the mixture O3/H2O2 resulted in the simultaneous decrease of building blocks and LMW neutral concentrations. Conventional batch ozonation and AOP experiments were conducted using ozone-saturated solutions to investigate the effect of different contacting patterns. The results revealed that the different reaction pathways followed during bubbleless and conventional batch experiments may also influence the formation of NOM oxidation intermediates.
http://ift.tt/2thsJXG
Underlying mechanisms and effects of hydrated lime and selenium application on cadmium uptake by rice ( Oryza sativa L.) seedlings
Abstract
A pot experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of selenium (Se) and hydrated lime (Lime), applied alone or simultaneously (Se+Lime), on growth and cadmium (Cd) uptake and translocation in rice seedlings grown in an acid soil with three levels of Cd (slight, mild, and moderate contamination). In the soil with 0.41 mg kg−1 Cd (slight Cd contamination), Se addition alone significantly decreased Cd accumulation in the root and shoot by 35.3 and 40.1%, respectively, but this tendency weakened when Cd level in the soil increased. However, Se+Lime treatment effectively reduced Cd accumulation in rice seedlings in the soil with higher Cd levels. The results also showed that Se application alone strongly increased Cd concentration in the iron plaque under slight Cd contamination, which was suggested as the main reason underlying the inhibition of Cd accumulation in rice seedlings. Se+Lime treatment also increased the ability of the iron plaques to restrict Cd uptake by rice seedlings across all Cd levels and dramatically decreased the available Cd concentration in the soil. These results suggest that Se application alone would be useful in the soil with low levels of Cd, and the effect would be enhanced when Se application is combined with hydrated lime at higher Cd levels.
http://ift.tt/2rYw0ay
Dynamics of the Oral Microbiota as a Tool to Estimate Time Since Death
Abstract
Oral cavity harbors one of the most diverse microbiomes in the human body. It has been shown to be the second most complex in the body after the gastro- intestinal tract. Upon death, the indigenous microorganisms lead the decomposition of the carcass. Therefore, oral cavity and gastro-intestinal tract microbiomes, play a key role in human decomposition. The aim of the present study is to monitor the microbiome of decaying bodies on a daily basis and to identify signature bacterial taxa, that can improve postmortem interval estimation.
Three donated individuals (one male and two females) to the University of Tennessee Forensic Anthropology Center for the W. M. Bass Donated Skeletal Collection were studied. Oral swab samples were daily taken throughout the different stages of cadaveric putrefaction. DNA was extracted and analyzed by next generation sequencing techniques.
The three cadavers showed similar overall successional changes along decomposition process. Firmicutes and Actinobacteria are the predominant phyla in the fresh stage. Tenericutes presence corresponds to bloat stage. Firmicutes is the predominant phyla in advanced decay, being that Firmicutes community a different one from the predominant Firmicutes of the fresh stage.
This study depicts the thanatomicrobiome successional changes in the oral cavity, and highlights its potential use in forensic cases as a quantitative and objective approach to estimate PMI, from an ecological rationale.
This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
http://ift.tt/2rYjh7L
LEI0258 microsatellite variability and its association with humoral and cell mediated immune responses in broiler chickens
Source:Molecular Immunology, Volume 90
Author(s): Atefeh Esmailnejad, Gholamreza Nikbakht Brujeni, Maryam Badavam
Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) has a profound influence on disease resistance or susceptibility, productivity and important economic traits in chicken. Association of the MHC with a wide range of immune responses makes it a valuable predictive factor for the disease pathogenesis and outcome. The tandem repeat LEI0258 is a genetic marker which is located within the B locus of chicken MHC and strongly associated with serologically defined haplotypes. LEI0258 microsatellite marker was applied to investigate the MHC polymorphism in Ross 308 broiler chicken (N=104). Association of LEI0258 alleles with humoral and cell mediated immune responses to Newcastle disease (ND), Infectious bursal disease (IBD) and Avian influenza (AI) vaccines were also examined. LEI0258 polymorphism was determined by PCR-based fragment analysis, and association of LEI0258 alleles with immune responses were evaluated using multivariate regression analysis and GLM procedures. A total of seven alleles ranging from 195 to 448bp were found, including two novel alleles (263 and 362bp) that were unique in Ross 308 broiler population. Association study revealed a significant influence of MHC alleles on humoral and cellular immune responses in Ross population (P<0.05). Alleles 385 and 448bp were associated with increased peripheral blood lymphocyte proliferation response. Alleles 300, 362 and 448bp had a positive effect on immune responses to Infectious bursal disease vaccine, and allele 263bp was significantly correlated with elevated antibody titer against Newcastle disease vaccine. Results obtained from this study confirmed the important role of MHC as a candidate gene marker for immune responses that could be used in genetic improvement of disease-resistant traits and resource conservation in broiler population.
http://ift.tt/2ueTKYJ
Activating transcription factor 3 protects mice against pseudomonas aeruginosa-induced acute lung injury by interacting with lipopolysaccharide binding protein
Source:Molecular Immunology, Volume 90
Author(s): Yunfeng Zhao, Xiulin Wu, Lanlan Qian, Liang Guo, Jiangrong Liao, Xueling Wu
Excessive inflammatory response is critical event in the pathogenesis of acute lung injury (ALI). Previous study has shown that activating transcription factor 3 (ATF3) plays a role in downregulate inflammatory responses including ventilation-induced ALI. We hypothesized that ATF3 have a protective effect in ALI induced by pseudomonas aeruginosa. PA was intra-tracheally administrated to ATF3 knock-out (KO) mice to establish ALI model. Inflammatory factors, BALF protein, lung wet to dry ratio, lung injury score and mortality were determined. The activation of NF-κB was detected by western blot and Co-immunoprecipitation (Co-ip) was used to determinate the binding of ATF3 to LBP. Peritoneal macrophages were isolated from ATF3 KO mice and stimulated by PA. PA increased the expression of ATF3 in the lung tissues in ATF3 wild type (WT) mice. ATF3 deficiency significantly increased the concentration of TNFα, IL-6 and IL-1β in the supernatant of peritoneal macrophages, lung tissue and BALF after PA stimulation and also enhanced the activity of NF-κB. ATF3 deficiency also enhanced the BALF protein concentration and increased the lung wet to dry ratio. The lung injury score and mortality were higher in ATF3 KO mice treated with PA. Moreover, ATF3 was demonstrated to bind to LBP These finding suggest ATF3 protect mice against ALI induced by PA partly due to the binding to LBP.
http://ift.tt/2thrR5b
Single-dose high-dose-rate brachytherapy compared to two and three fractions for locally advanced prostate cancer
Source:Radiotherapy and Oncology
Author(s): Peter Hoskin, Ana Rojas, Peter Ostler, Robert Hughes, Roberto Alonzi, Gerry Lowe
BackgroundSingle-dose high-dose-rate brachytherapy (HDR-BT), in a Phase-II study, was compared to two or three fractions in intermediate and high-risk localized prostate cancer.Patients and methods293 patients received 1×19Gy or 1×20Gy (A=49), 2×13Gy (B=138), or 3×10.5Gy (C=106) and assessed with prospective measures of serum PSA, late genitourinary (GU) and gastrointestinal (GI) morbidity using RTOG scales and the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS).ResultsMedian follow-up is 49, 63 and 108months (A, B and C, respectively). At 4years biochemical relapse free survival was 94% (A), 93% (B) and 91% (C) (p=0.54). Risk-category was the only significant independent predictor of relapse (p<0.0001). Kaplan–Meier 4-year-estimates of GU-3 were 2% (A and B) and 11% (C). GI-3 was 0% (A and B) and 1% (C). No GU or GI grade-4 events were observed. IPSS≥20 was 11% (A), 9% (B) and 16% (C) (p=0.9). Prevalence of GU-3 was ≤4% in the 3 groups at all times; GI-3 was low or non-existent. Prevalence of catheter use was ≤6% in all groups.ConclusionsA single dose of 19–20Gy achieves similar rates of late morbidity and biochemical control compared to 2 and 3 fractions.
http://ift.tt/2uekt7N
European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) recommendations for planning and delivery of high-dose, high precision radiotherapy for lung cancer
Source:Radiotherapy and Oncology
Author(s): Dirk De Ruysscher, Corinne Faivre-Finn, Ditte Moeller, Ursula Nestle, Coen W. Hurkmans, Cécile Le Péchoux, José Belderbos, Matthias Guckenberger, Suresh Senan
PurposeTo update literature-based recommendations for techniques used in high-precision thoracic radiotherapy for lung cancer, in both routine practice and clinical trials.MethodsA literature search was performed to identify published articles that were considered clinically relevant and practical to use. Recommendations were categorised under the following headings: patient positioning and immobilisation, Tumour and nodal changes, CT and FDG-PET imaging, target volumes definition, radiotherapy treatment planning and treatment delivery. An adapted grading of evidence from the Infectious Disease Society of America, and for models the TRIPOD criteria, were used.ResultsRecommendations were identified for each of the above categories.ConclusionRecommendations for the clinical implementation of high-precision conformal radiotherapy and stereotactic body radiotherapy for lung tumours were identified from the literature. Techniques that were considered investigational at present are highlighted.
http://ift.tt/2tgY9wS
Radiation and PD-1 inhibition: Favorable outcomes after brain-directed radiation
Source:Radiotherapy and Oncology
Author(s): Luke R.G. Pike, Andrew Bang, Patrick Ott, Tracy Balboni, Allison Taylor, Paul Catalano, Bhupendra Rawal, Alexander Spektor, Monica Krishnan, Daniel Cagney, Brian Alexander, Ayal A Aizer, Elizabeth Buchbinder, Mark Awad, Leena Gandhi, F. Stephen Hodi, Jonathan D Schoenfeld
Background and purposePatients with metastatic melanoma, renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) are increasingly treated with immune checkpoint blockade targeting the programed death (PD)-1 receptor, often with palliative radiation therapy. Outcome data are limited in this population.Material and methodsWe retrospectively reviewed consecutive patients with metastatic NSCLC, melanoma, and RCC who received radiation and anti-PD-1 therapy at four centers.ResultsWe identified 137 patients who received radiation and PD-1 inhibition. Median survival from first PD-1 therapy was 192, 394, and 121days for NSCLC, melanoma, and RCC patients. Among 59 patients who received radiation following the start of PD-1 blockade, 25 continued to receive PD-1 inhibition for a median of 179days and survived for a median of 238 additional days. Median survival following first course of radiation for brain metastases was 634days. Melanoma patients received brain directed radiation relatively less frequently following the start of PD-1 inhibitor treatment.ConclusionsIncorporation of palliative radiation does not preclude favorable outcomes in patients treated with PD-1 inhibitors; patients irradiated after the start of PD-1 inhibition can remain on therapy and demonstrate prolonged survival. Of note, patients irradiated for brain metastases demonstrate favorable outcomes compared with historical controls.
http://ift.tt/2tgD2uW
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Summary Insulinomas are rare neuroendocrine tumours that classically present with fasting hypoglycaemia. This case report discusses an un...
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