No improvement in long-term survival for epithelial ovarian cancer patients: A population-based study between 1989 and 2014 in the Netherlands

Publication date: January 2018
Source:European Journal of Cancer, Volume 88
Author(s): M. Timmermans, G.S. Sonke, K.K. Van de Vijver, M.A. van der Aa, R.F.P.M. Kruitwagen
AimThis study investigates changes in therapy and long-term survival for patients with epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) in the Netherlands.MethodsAll patients with EOC, including peritoneal and fallopian tube carcinoma, diagnosed in the Netherlands between 1989 and 2014 were selected from the Netherlands Cancer Registry. Changes in therapy were studied and related to overall survival (OS) using multivariable Cox regression models.ResultsA total of 32,540 patients were diagnosed with EOC of whom 22,047 (68%) had advanced stage disease. In early stage, lymph node dissection as part of surgical staging procedures increased over time from 4% in 1989–1993 to 62% in 2009–2014 (P < 0.001). In advanced stage, the number of patients receiving optimal treatment with surgery and chemotherapy increased from 55% in 1989–1993 to 67% in 2009–2014 (P < 0.001). Five-year survival rates improved in both early stage (74% versus 79%) and advanced stage (16% versus 24%) as well as in all patients combined (31% versus 34%). Ten-year survival rates, however, slightly improved in early stage (62% versus 67%) and advanced stage (10% versus 13%) but remained essentially unchanged at 24% for all patients combined.ConclusionDespite intensified treatment and staging procedures, long-term survival for women with EOC has not improved in the last 25 years. The observed improvements in 5-year OS reflect a more prolonged disease control rather than better chances for cure. Furthermore, the apparent better long-term outcome, when early and advanced stage patients are analysed separately, is largely due to improved staging procedures and the ensuing stage migration. These effects disappear in a combined analysis of all patients.



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Effects of genetic and environmental risk for schizophrenia on hippocampal activity and psychosis-like behavior in mice

Publication date: 26 February 2018
Source:Behavioural Brain Research, Volume 339
Author(s): Daniel Scott, Carol A. Tamminga
Schizophrenia is a serious mental illness most notably characterized by psychotic symptoms. In humans, psychotic disorders are associated with specific hippocampal pathology. However, animal model systems for psychosis often lack this pathology, and have been weak in providing a representation of psychosis. We utilized a double-risk model system combining genetic risk with environmental stress. We hypothesized these factors will induce hippocampal subfield pathology consistent with human findings, as well as behavioral phenotypes relevant to psychosis. To address this, we exposed wild-type and transgenic Disc1 dominant negative (Disc1-deficient) mice to maternal deprivation. In adulthood, hippocampal subfields were examined for signs of cellular and behavioral pathology associated with psychosis. Mice exposed to maternal deprivation showed a decrease in dentate gyrus activity, and an increase in CA3/CA1 activity. Furthermore, results demonstrated a differential behavioral effect between maternal deprivation and Disc1 deficiency, with maternal deprivation associated with a hyperactive phenotype and impaired prepulse inhibition, and Disc1 deficiency causing an impairment in fear conditioning. These results suggest distinct consequences of environmental and genetic risk factors contributing to psychosis, with maternal deprivation inducing a state more wholly consistent with schizophrenia psychosis. Further research is needed to determine if this pathology is causally related to a specific behavioral phenotype. The development of a strong inference animal model system for psychosis would satisfy a high medical need in schizophrenia research.



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Predicting Violent Behavior: What Can Neuroscience Add?

Publication date: Available online 25 November 2017
Source:Trends in Cognitive Sciences
Author(s): Russell A. Poldrack, John Monahan, Peter B. Imrey, Valerie Reyna, Marcus E. Raichle, David Faigman, Joshua W. Buckholtz
The ability to accurately predict violence and other forms of serious antisocial behavior would provide important societal benefits, and there is substantial enthusiasm for the potential predictive accuracy of neuroimaging techniques. Here, we review the current status of violence prediction using actuarial and clinical methods, and assess the current state of neuroprediction. We then outline several questions that need to be addressed by future studies of neuroprediction if neuroimaging and other neuroscientific markers are to be successfully translated into public policy.



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Facial Contouring Surgery—Malarplasty

No abstract available

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Review of 494 Consecutive Breast Augmentation Patients: System to Improve Patient Outcomes and Satisfaction

Background: Breast augmentation continues to be one of the most common surgical procedures performed by plastic surgeons. As implant options expand, controlling the numerous variables required for a successful result will prove increasingly challenging. The purpose of this study was to outline specific steps that can be taken during the patient consultation and during surgery to decrease complications and improve overall patient satisfaction and patient outcomes. Methods: A retrospective review of 494 consecutive patients who underwent primary augmentation mammaplasty performed by a single surgeon was undertaken. Surgical outcomes were recorded and compared with previously published results. Patient satisfaction was measured using the BREAST-Q Augmentation Module. Results: Patients were followed for an average of 6 months (range, 0–45 months). Of the 494 patients, 1.3% developed capsular contracture. Other complications included 0.6% asymmetry, 0.4% malposition, 0.2% hematoma, and 0.2% rippling. The median BREAST Q score for the patient's overall satisfaction with outcome was 86%. The median BREAST Q score for patient's satisfaction with the plastic surgeon, medical team, and office staff was 100% in each case. The median score for psychological well-being, physical well-being, and sexual well-being was 100%, 90%, and 88%, respectively. Conclusions: The system outlined in this study showed very low rates of complications and high scores for patient satisfaction. Following a system like this will become increasingly important as breast augmentation continues to become more popular, implant options continue to expand, and social media continues to be used by patients to share surgical experiences.

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Kisspeptin, GnRH, and ERα colocalise with nNOS neurones in prepubertal female sheep

Abstract

Puberty is a process which integrates multiple inputs that ultimately cause an increase in gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) secretion. While kisspeptin neurones play an integral role in GnRH secretion and puberty onset, other systems are also likely important. One potential component is nitric oxide (NO), a gaseous neurotransmitter synthesized by nitric oxide synthase (NOS). In this study, we sought to neuroanatomically characterise neuronal NOS (nNOS) in prepubertal female sheep and determine if oestradiol would exert effects on this system. Luteinising hormone secretion was reduced by oestradiol treatment in prepubertal ovariectomised ewes. Neurones immunoreactive for nNOS were identified in several areas with the greatest number present in the ventrolateral portion of the ventromedial hypothalamus followed by the ventromedial hypothalamus, preoptic area (POA) and arcuate nucleus (ARC). Next, we determined if nNOS neurones contained oestrogen receptor α (ERα) and could potentially communicate oestradiol (E₂) feedback to GnRH neurones. Neuronal nitric oxide synthase neurones contained ERα with the percentage of coexpression (12 to 40%) depending upon the area analyzed. We next investigated if a neuroanatomical relationship existed between nNOS and kisspeptin or nNOS and GnRH neurones. A high percentage of kisspeptin neurones in the POA (79%) and ARC (99%) colocalised with nNOS. Kisspeptin close-contacts were also associated with nNOS neurones. A greater number of close-contacts were observed in the ARC than the POA. A high percentage of POA GnRH neurones (79%) also expressed nNOS, but no GnRH close-contacts were observed onto nNOS neurones. Neither the numbers of nNOS neurones in the POA or hypothalamus nor the percentage of nNOS coexpression with GnRH, kisspeptin or ERα were influenced by oestradiol. These experiments reveal that a neuroanatomical relationship exists between both nNOS and kisspeptin and nNOS and GnRH in prepubertal ewes. Therefore, nNOS may act both directly and indirectly to influence GnRH secretion in prepubertal sheep.

This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

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Nematicidal potential and specific enzyme activity enhancement potential of neem ( Azadirachta indica A. Juss.) aerial parts

Abstract

Nematodes are considered as major plant parasites damaging most of the crops, and neem plant exhibits potential nematicidal and insecticidal properties. This study aimed to check nemato-toxic potential of neem (Azadirachta indica) plant using in vitro and in-planta trials against Meloidogyne incognita. The findings suggested that the neem extracts were lethal to second-stage juvenile (J₂) and egg hatching with simultaneous enhancement in treated tomato plant growth. The egg numbers of M. incognita found less sensitive to the aqueous and alcoholic extracts than those of J₂ as per LC₅₀ values. Complete mortality of J₂s was recorded at 40, 60, and 80% of neem standard extract (SE) dilutions and for undiluted SE of neem. The undiluted SE extract showed 100% inhibition of egg production. The highest reductions in the number of galls/root system, J₂ population, and egg production were observed with 80, 85, and 82% SE as compared control (untreated distilled water). The maximum 250% growth increment was observed in the length of tomato roots supplemented with neem extracts. Resistance-related enzyme [phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL), polyphenol oxidase (PPO), and peroxidase (POX)] activities in tomato plant have been increased significantly by supplementation with neem extracts. It appears that the aerial parts of neem (A. indica) extracts showed significant and sustainable eco-friendly nemato-toxic potential towards M. incognita growth inhibition and eradication using alcoholic extracts compared to aqueous. From this study, it was concluded that the neem aerial parts were useful for the control of M. incognita and could be a possible replacement for synthetic nematicides in crop protection with utilization in enhancement of specific enzyme activity in tomato plants.

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Trace metal accumulation by Ranunculus sceleratus : implications for phytostabilization

Abstract

This study investigated the growth response of Ranunculus sceleratus to pollution and its capacity to accumulate trace metals for its use as a phytoremediator in Lake Maruit, Egypt. Three basins (main basin, fish farm, and southwestern basin) representing the natural distribution of the plant as well as the pollution loads in the lake, were chosen for collecting plant and sediment samples. In each basin ten quadrats (0.5 m × 0.5 m), distributed equally along two sites, were selected for measuring growth parameters, nutrients, and trace metal concentration. The highest biomass of the shoot and root (610 and 236 g m⁻²) was recorded in the main basin and fish farm, respectively. R. sceleratus accumulated high concentrations of Cu and Pb (27.7 and 9.9 mg kg⁻¹), while toxic concentration of Mn (2508.0 mg kg⁻¹) in their roots compared to shoots. The bioaccumulation factor (BF) for the investigated metals was greater than one, and in the decreasing order: Ni (27.1) > Zn (20.0) > Cd (16.4) > Cu (7.7) > Mn (3.9) > Pb (3.6). The translocation factor of all analyzed trace metals was less than one. The ability of R. sceleratus to accumulate Mn, Ni, Cu, and Pb in its roots indicates the potential use of this species for phytostabilization of these metals (mainly Mn) in contaminated water bodies.

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Elemental composition of PM 2.5 in the urban environment of San Juan, Argentina

Abstract

This study contributes to the current knowledge about air pollution in the province of San Juan, Argentina. Sampling was carried out to measure the fine particulate matter in the atmosphere (PM_2.5) of the city of San Juan. PM_2.5 was collected continuously during the winter and spring seasons of 2014 and 2015, and the concentrations of 14 elements (Pb, Ca, K, Cd, Ni, Cr, Mn, V, Cu, Ti, Ba, Co, Sr, and Fe) were determined in PM_2.5 filters using the technique of X-ray fluorescence by synchrotron radiation (SR-XRF). The results revealed that PM_2.5 presented annual and seasonal variations, showing a higher concentration during the winter seasons. In addition, for the elements quantified in the filters, a multivariate analysis (Positive Matrix Factorization) was performed to identify the main sources of emission of these elements in the study area, with a series of components being obtained that corresponded to their compositions, which were assigned physical meanings. The first factor, which was the most important in contribution of the sum of the measured elements (45%), was determined mainly by the elements K, Ti, V, Mn, and Fe, which came predominantly from soil particles. The second factor contributed 30% to the measured species in PM_2.5, with higher Ba and Zn content perhaps being related to emissions from vehicular traffic. Finally, the third factor, in which Pb, Cr, and Ca predominated, may be an indicator of industrial activity and contributed 25% of the sum of the measured elements of PM_2.5. The results of this study provide the first PM composition database in the province, and this can now be used in the development of mitigation and prevention programs.

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How tapeworm infection and consumption of a Cd and Zn hyperaccumulating plant may affect Cu, Fe, and Mn concentrations in an animal—a plant consumer and tapeworm host

Abstract

This study evaluated the effects of a hyperaccumulator plant (Arabidopsis halleri), containing surplus of cadmium (Cd) and zinc (Zn) and being an admixture to the rat feed, on concentrations of copper (Cu), iron (Fe), and manganese (Mn) in the tissues of experimental rats infected/uninfected with the tapeworm (Hymenolepis diminuta). Male Wistar rats were divided into three groups (00, P0, and PT); the P0 and PT animals were fed a standard mixture for rats (ST-1) supplemented with the plant A. halleri at a weekly Zn and Cd dosage of 123 and 1 mg, respectively. Moreover, rats from the group PT were infected with the tapeworm. The group 00 served as control animals fed only ST-1 having no tapeworm infection. Rats were euthanized after 6 weeks, and Cu, Fe, and Mn levels were determined in rat and tapeworm tissues. The results indicated that both the consumption of hyperaccumulator plant and/or presence of tapeworms did have significant effect on Cu, Fe, and Mn concentrations in the host tissues. Concentrations of all the elements were higher in the rat liver and partially kidneys than in the tapeworms, and the concentrations of Cu, Fe, and Mn were affected by the consumption of Cd/Zn hyperaccumulator plants. Particularly, Fe concentrations in all rat tissues were significantly increased by consumption of A. halleri while decreased by the presence of tapeworms. Overall, the consumption of a Cd/Zn hyperaccumulator plant and tapeworm infection cause an imbalance in Cu, Fe, and Mn concentrations in the tissues of a consumer (experimental rats).

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Editorial Board

Publication date: February 2018
Source:Addictive Behaviors, Volume 77





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Patterns of adverse childhood experiences and substance use among young adults: A latent class analysis

Publication date: March 2018
Source:Addictive Behaviors, Volume 78
Author(s): Sunny H. Shin, Shelby Elaine McDonald, David Conley
IntroductionAdverse childhood experiences (ACEs) have been strongly linked with subsequent substance use. The aim of this study was to investigate how different patterns of ACEs influence substance use in young adulthood.MethodsUsing a community sample of young individuals (N=336; ages 18–25), we performed latent class analyses (LCA) to identify homogenous groups of young people with similar patterns of ACEs. Exposure to ACEs incorporates 13 childhood adversities including childhood maltreatment, household dysfunction, and community violence. Multiple linear and logistic regression models were used in an effort to examine the associations between ACEs classes and four young adult outcomes such as alcohol-related problems, current tobacco use, drug dependence symptoms, and psychological distress.ResultsLCA identified four heterogeneous classes of young people distinguished by different patterns of ACEs exposure: Low ACEs (56%), Household Dysfunction/Community Violence (14%), Emotional ACEs (14%), and High/Multiple ACEs (16%). Multiple regression analyses found that compared to those in the Low ACEs class, young adults in the High/Multiple ACEs class reported more alcohol-related problems, current tobacco use, and psychological symptoms, controlling for sociodemographic characteristics and common risk factors for substance use such as peer substance use.ConclusionsOur findings confirm that for many young people, ACEs occur as multiple rather than single experiences. The results of this research suggest that exposure to poly-victimization during childhood is particularly related to substance use during young adulthood.



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Who is watching user-generated alcohol posts on social media?

Publication date: March 2018
Source:Addictive Behaviors, Volume 78
Author(s): Eilin K. Erevik, Ståle Pallesen, Cecilie S. Andreassen, Øystein Vedaa, Torbjørn Torsheim
AimTo examine students' exposure to user-generated alcohol content on social media, and identify characteristics (i.e. demographics, personality traits, alcohol use, alcohol-related cognitions, and social media factors) associated with monthly or more frequent exposure.MethodCollege/university students (N=11,236) in Bergen, Norway, completed a web-survey measuring exposure to alcohol on social media – both frequency and interpretations of alcohol content. The survey included questions regarding demographics, personality, alcohol-related cognitions, and general use of social media and alcohol. Binary logistic regressions were run to identify characteristics associated with monthly or more frequent exposure to alcohol-related posts on social media.ResultsA total of 96.7% had been exposed to alcohol-related posts, exposure to posts with a positive valence of alcohol were more frequently reported than exposure to content with a negative valence of alcohol. Reports of monthly or more frequent exposure to alcohol on social media were associated with a range of characteristics, among these younger age, being native Norwegian, lower extroversion and higher agreeableness and self-monitoring scores, higher alcohol use, stronger descriptive norms for alcohol use among online-friends, and more frequent logins to social media.ConclusionsStudents' potential inflated alcohol norms (originating from social media) should be addressed. The results suggest that exposure may be determined by high alcohol use and membership in demographical groups associated with high alcohol use, an increased attentiveness towards others' behavior, and excessive social media use. Future studies investigating the relationship between alcohol exposure on social media and later alcohol use should control for such factors.



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Tobacco product use and mental health status among young adults

Publication date: February 2018
Source:Addictive Behaviors, Volume 77
Author(s): Jessica L. King, Beth A. Reboussin, John Spangler, Jennifer Cornacchione Ross, Erin L. Sutfin
BackgroundIndividuals with mental health conditions represent a priority population for tobacco control. This population smokes cigarettes at disproportionately higher rates than the general population, but less is known about the relationship between non-cigarette tobacco use and mental health status.MethodIn 2013, 2370 young adults recruited from 11 colleges in North Carolina and Virginia completed an online survey on tobacco use. We compared past 6-month self-reported mental health diagnosis, past 30-day depression score, and past 7-day stress score to past 30-day cigarette, e-cigarette, waterpipe, cigar, and smokeless tobacco use. Models adjusted for age, gender, race, ethnicity, and mother's education. Non-cigarette products were also adjusted for past 30-day cigarette use.ResultsAmong participants, 249 (10.5%) reported a mental health diagnosis, most commonly depression (5.5%), ADHD/ADD (4.5%), and anxiety (0.8%). Those who reported a mental health diagnosis had greater odds of using cigarettes (AOR=1.55; CI=1.01, 2.27). Mean stress score was 16.0 (SD=6.9) of possible 40. Higher stress scale score was associated with increased odds of e-cigarette (AOR=1.03; CI=1.01, 1.05), waterpipe (AOR=1.04; CI=1.01, 1.06), and cigarette (AOR=1.02; CI=1.00, 1.04) use. Mean depression score was 7.2 (SD=5.6) of possible 33. Higher depression scale score was associated with increased odds for e-cigarette (AOR=1.04; CI=1.01, 1.08) and cigarette (AOR=1.03; CI=1.01, 1.06) use.ConclusionFindings in this study provide further evidence of a potential relationship between non-cigarette tobacco products and mental health status. Tobacco control efforts aimed at reducing tobacco use disparities among mental health populations should focus on non-cigarette tobacco products in addition to cigarettes.



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Characteristics of prospectively identified negative alcohol-related events among college students

Publication date: March 2018
Source:Addictive Behaviors, Volume 78
Author(s): Matthew K. Meisel, Shannon R. Kenney, Nancy P. Barnett
BackgroundThroughout the first two years of college, the majority of drinkers experience one or more alcohol-related consequences. Research that examines the characteristics surrounding negative consequences typically utilizes global retrospective survey methods. The objective of the current study was to apply an event-based methodology to describe the circumstances of a recent drinking episode that resulted in one or more alcohol-related consequences among first- and second-year college students.MethodsWe used a prospective web-based survey method to identify participants (N=296) who had one or more alcohol-related consequences in the past week. Shortly after reporting the consequence(s), participants attended an in-person interview during which they described the circumstances that preceded and followed the consequence(s), including the use of alcohol and other substances, proximal contextual factors including peer drinking, the characteristics of the negative alcohol-related consequence(s), and the reaction of others to the event.ResultsThe majority of participants reported experiencing the event at either their own (32.4%) or a friend's (32.8%) residence, and 87.1% of participants were with peers when the event happened. Most (85.0%) of the sample indicated that their closest friend knew about their event.ConclusionThe high peer involvement at all stages of the event suggest the potential for training college students to help each other avoid or prevent consequences.



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Trends and key correlates of prescription opioid injection misuse in the United States

Publication date: March 2018
Source:Addictive Behaviors, Volume 78
Author(s): Christopher M. Jones
BackgroundDespite concerns over increasing harms associated with prescription opioid injection misuse, there is a paucity of research on the magnitude, characteristics, injection practices, and syringe sources for people who inject prescription opioids; limiting the implementation of targeted policy and programmatic initiatives.Materials and methodsData from the 2003 through 2014 National Surveys on Drug Use and Health were used to estimate prescription opioid injection trends and examine risky injection practices and syringe sources for people who inject prescription opioids. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify characteristics associated with prescription opioid injection.ResultsAmong people 12years or older, the rate of prescription opioid injection misuse increased from 1.6 per 1000 in 2003–2005 to 2.7 per 1000 in 2012–2014 (p value for trend <0.05). Groups with increased odds of prescription opioid injection included: males, non-Hispanic whites, having an annual household income <$50,000, the uninsured, people with Medicaid, and people with past-year use disorders for cocaine, heroin, or prescription opioids. Risky injection practices such as reusing a needle and sharing needles were common among people with a history of prescription opioid injection misuse.ConclusionThis study found significant increases in prescription opioid injection misuse trends in the U.S. These findings underscore the need to bring to scale evidence-based interventions to increase the provision of medication-assisted treatment for opioid use disorders and expand access to comprehensive risk-reduction services for people who inject drugs.



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Thinking while drinking: Fear of negative evaluation predicts drinking behaviors of students with social anxiety

Publication date: March 2018
Source:Addictive Behaviors, Volume 78
Author(s): Margo C. Villarosa-Hurlocker, Robert B. Whitley, Daniel W. Capron, Michael B. Madson
College students with social anxiety disorder experience more alcohol-related negative consequences, regardless of the amount of alcohol they consume. Social anxiety refers to psychological distress and physiological arousal in social situations due to an excessive fear of negative evaluation by others. The current study examined within-group differences in alcohol-related negative consequences of students who met or exceeded clinically-indicated social anxiety symptoms. In particular, we tested a sequential mediation model of the cognitive (i.e., fear of negative evaluation) and behavioral (protective behavioral strategies) mechanisms for the link between social anxiety disorder subtypes (i.e., interaction and performance-type) and alcohol-related negative consequences. Participants were 412 traditional-age college student drinkers who met or exceeded the clinically-indicated threshold for social anxiety disorder and completed measures of fear of negative evaluation, protective behavioral strategies (controlled consumption and serious harm reduction), and alcohol-related negative consequences. Fear of negative evaluation and serious harm reduction strategies sequentially accounted for the relationship between interaction social anxiety disorder and alcohol-related negative consequences, such that students with more severe interaction social anxiety symptoms reported more fear of negative evaluation, which was related to more serious harm reduction strategies, which predicted fewer alcohol-related negative consequences. Future directions and implications are discussed.



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Depression symptoms and reasons for gambling sequentially mediate the associations between insecure attachment styles and problem gambling

Publication date: March 2018
Source:Addictive Behaviors, Volume 78
Author(s): Matthew T. Keough, Trinda L. Penniston, Natalie Vilhena-Churchill, R. Michael Bagby, Lena C. Quilty
One of the central pathways to problem gambling (PG) is gambling to cope with negative moods, which is a cardinal feature of depression. Insecure attachment styles are also etiologically related to depression; and, therefore, by extension, those who are insecurely attached may engage in excessive gambling behaviors to cope with depression. In this study, we aimed to evaluate this and to this end predicted that depression severity and coping motives for gambling would conjointly mediate the relations between insecure attachment styles and PG. Data came from a larger investigation of PG within mood disorders. Participants exhibited a lifetime depressive or bipolar disorder and endorsed a mood episode within the past ten years. Participants (N=275) completed self-report measures during a two-day assessment. Path analysis supported two main indirect effects. First, anxious attachment predicted elevated depression, which in turn predicted increased coping motives for gambling, which subsequently predicted greater PG severity. Second, this double mediational pathway was also observed for avoidant attachment. Results suggest that insecure attachment relates to PG via depressive symptoms and coping-related gambling motives. Mood symptoms and associated gambling motives are malleable and are promising targets of gambling interventions for insecurely attached individuals.



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Parachuting psychoactive substances: Pharmacokinetic clues for harm reduction

Publication date: March 2018
Source:Addictive Behaviors, Volume 78
Author(s): Amélie Daveluy, Hélène Géniaux, Marie Baumevieille, Louis Létinier, Marie-Noëlle Matta, Aurélie Lazès-Charmetant, Françoise Haramburu, Pascale Guéroult
BackgroundParachuting, also called bombing, is a way to ingest psychoactive substances wrapped into cigarette paper, toilet paper, etc. There is little data describing parachuting in terms of substances use, context of use and, most importantly, the motivations for using such wrappers, although some authors hypothesized that parachute could be used for pharmacokinetic reason. However, inconsistently, some authors report that parachutes are used for sustained-release whereas others report that users are looking for an immediate effect.Research design and methodsConsidering parachute as a "home-made" dosage form, we have applied the dissolution testing to characterize the dissolution performance of a substance wrapped into a parachute and to characterize whether a parachute represents an immediate-release form or not.ResultsThis in-vitro study provides the first pharmacokinetic data for drugs wrapped in parachutes. It shows that parachute acts as sustained-release form when made with a cigarette paper wrapper, but as immediate release form in the presence of alcohol or if wrapped with toilet paper.ConclusionsAn important message to harm reduction is that users must be aware that a parachute can have unexpected pharmacokinetics and have to avoid taking another parachute in the absence of an immediate-effect to avoid overdose.



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Understanding sexual assault risk perception in college: Associations among sexual assault history, drinking to cope, and alcohol use

Publication date: March 2018
Source:Addictive Behaviors, Volume 78
Author(s): Elizabeth C. Neilson, Elizabeth R. Bird, Isha W. Metzger, William H. George, Jeanette Norris, Amanda K. Gilmore
IntroductionSexual assault history and alcohol use are associated with higher likelihood of subsequent sexual assault. Alcohol use and drinking to cope are associated with re-assault, but it is unclear whether these factors are associated with malleable constructs like sexual assault risk perception. This study examined typical weekly drinking and drinking to cope motive as factors underlying the association between sexual assault history and risk perception.MethodsBoth perceived likelihood of experiencing incapacitated sexual assault and when to leaving a hypothetical sexual assault scenario were assessed as indicators of sexual assault risk perception. 660 female college students recruited from psychology courses completed questionnaires online.ResultsResults revealed that sexual assault history severity was positively associated with perceived incapacitated sexual assault likelihood and when to leave a risky scenario. Drinking to cope with anxiety was positively associated with perceived incapacitated sexual assault likelihood. Among women who reported regular drinking, typical weekly drinking was positively associated with when to leave a risky scenario, such that women who reported more weekly drinks stayed in a potentially risky scenario longer than women who reported fewer weekly drinks.ConclusionsThese findings suggest that alcohol use and drinking to cope with anxiety are associated with risk perception. Sexual assault history was associated with both perceived incapacitated sexual assault likelihood and when to leave a hypothetical scenario. Alcohol use and drinking to cope are two potential points of intervention for sexual assault risk reduction programs, but further examination is needed.



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Modification of chitosan/calcium alginate/Fe 3 O 4 hydrogel microsphere for enhancement of Cu(II) adsorption

Abstract

Copper in drinking water causes a significant environmental problem. Composite material based on alginate hydrogel has been gaining attention in the field of Cu(II) adsorption. However, alginate-based hydrogel exhibits poor mechanical property and relative low adsorption capacity which limit their application. The present study is devoted to the modification of chitosan/calcium alginate/Fe₃O₄ (CAF) hydrogel microsphere by NaOH solution for enhancement of Cu(II) adsorption. Results reveal that modification of CAF via NaOH solution significantly improves the mechanical strength and Cu²⁺ adsorption capacity of pristine materials. FTIR and XRD analysis confirms that CAF and newly prepared materials (NACAF) are successfully prepared. SEM and EDX are employed to analyze the surface morphology and elemental composition, respectively, both before and after their loading with Cu²⁺. XPS study demonstrates adsorption mechanism is based on chelation and ion-exchange. Compressive stress-strain curves demonstrate NACAF has better mechanical performance than CAF. The adsorption kinetics of the two adsorbents follow a pseudo-second-order model. The equilibrium data were best described by Langmuir isotherm model, and the estimated maximum equilibrium sorption capacity, q _m,is 261.31 mg/g for the NACAF, which is larger than that of CAF (145.39 mg/g). Hence, NACAF shows excellent mechanical strength and high sorption capacity for Cu²⁺. It has great potential for Cu(II) removal in aqueous solutions.

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Residues and health risk assessment of typical antibiotics in aquatic products from the Dongting Lake, China—“Did you eat “Antibiotics” today?”

Abstract

The contamination level of 12 antibiotics in 8 species of fish and shrimp from the Dongting Lake, China, was firstly studied. In total, the concentrations of antibiotics in fish and shrimp were lower, which were far lower than the maximum residue limits. The most abundant compound was enrofloxacin followed by sulfadiazine, sulfamethoxazole, sarafloxacin, and sulfadimidine with the highest content from 0.37 to 1.06 ng g⁻¹. The concentrations in Silurus asotus, Cyprinus carpio, and Palinuridae were higher. Concentrations in fish and shrimp from different water layers showed spatial difference, with the order of benthos and middle-lower species > middle-upper species. In addition, the antibiotic content could be affected by the diet, which showed the concentration level of antibiotics decreased in the order of carnivorous > omnivorous > phytophagous species. Human health risk assessment based on potential fish consumption indicates that main antibiotic risk factors were enrofloxacin and sarafloxacin, and main risk species were Silurus asotus and Palinuridae. The daily risk quotient of these antibiotics to rural residents was lower than townsmen. This study is the first report of antibiotic content in fish and shrimp from the Dongting Lake, which could enrich the research of emerging pollutants in aquatic products.

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Performance and biofilm characteristics of biotrickling filters for ethylbenzene removal in the presence of saponins

Abstract

Saponins were applied to enhance ethylbenzene removal in biotrickling filters (BTFs), and comparison experiments were carried out to evaluate the effects of saponins on ethylbenzene removal and biofilm characteristics at various saponin concentrations. Results showed that the optimum concentration of saponins was 40 mg/L and a maximum removal efficiency (RE) of ethylbenzene reached 84.3%. When the inlet ethylbenzene concentration increased, ranging from 750 to 2300 mg/m³, the RE decreased from 92.1 to 60.8% and from 69.4 to 44.2% for BTF1 and BTF2 in which saponin was and was not added, respectively. The corresponding RE declined from 91.1 to 40.8% and from 71.5 to 35.8% with a decreased empty bed residence time ranging from 45 to 7.5 s. Additionally, significant differences existed between both BTFs not only in the contents of polysaccharide and proteins but also in the surface charge of biofilms, and the ratio of protein to polysaccharide increased with the increase of saponin concentration, which indicated the presumable effect of saponins on liquid-biofilm transfer rates of ethylbenzene. Mechanisms for the enhanced removal of hydrophobic volatile organic compounds at the presence of surfactants were also discussed.

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Bioaccumulation of selected heavy metals and histopathological and hematobiochemical alterations in backyard chickens reared in an industrial area, India

Abstract

This study was carried out to determine the concentrations of four heavy metals, cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), copper (Cu), and cobalt (Co), and histopathological lesions in tissues of chickens reared in an industrial area of West Bengal, India. In particular, Mejhia Block was selected as a heavy metal-exposed area and Vatar Block (120 km away from industrially polluted areas) as a reference site. Samples were collected from the backyard chickens in these areas. Concentrations of heavy metals in soil, water, feedstuffs, tissues (liver, kidney, spleen, lung, and muscle), and droppings were greater (p < 0.05) in the polluted site than in the reference site. The greatest tissue concentrations of Cd and Pb were noted in the kidney, followed by the liver, lung, spleen, and muscle, whereas Cu and Co concentrations accumulated in these tissues resulted in the following: liver > kidney > lung > spleen > muscle. Heavy metal concentrations were greater in older chickens (> 1 year) than in young chickens (< 1 year). Packed cell volume, total erythrocyte counts, hemoglobin, total protein, and total leucocyte counts were significantly (p < 0.01) lower in the blood picture of chickens in the exposed area. Different serum enzymes and biochemical profiles were altered due to heavy metal exposure. Histological changes revealed necrotic lesions and tubulitis in the kidney, degeneration and necrosis in liver parenchyma, and periarteriolitis, peribronchiolitis, and presence of hemosiderin pigment in the lung of chickens in the exposed site. Results indicated that backyard chickens in heavy metal-exposed site may show pathological lesions in different tissues due to accumulation of heavy metals, and thus, the consumption of chicken meat from the industrially exposed site may pose a potential health risk to local residents of polluted sites.

http://ift.tt/2hROupR

Ethanolic extract of fenugreek seeds moderates dimethoate-induced pancreatic damage in male rats

Abstract

Dimethoate is a widely used organophosphate insecticide known to be toxic to the pancreas. The aim of this study is to detect the possible protective effects of the fenugreek seed ethanolic extract on the biochemical, histological, and ultra-structural abnormalities induced by dimethoate chronic exposure in the pancreas of adult male rats. The study was conducted on 50 adult male albino rats that were divided equally into 5 groups: (group I) negative control, (group II) vehicle control group, (group III) fenugreek-treated group that was given 400 mg/kg ethanolic fenugreek seed extract once daily, (group IV) dimethoate group received 20 mg/kg/day dimethoate, and (group V) dimethoate- + fenugreek-treated group received a combination of dimethoate and fenugreek in the same previous doses. Dimethoate treatment caused a significant increase in serum glucose, amylase, and lipase levels and a significant decrease in serum insulin. A significant increase in lipid peroxidation and pro-fibrotic cytokine (TGF-β1) together with a significant reduction of the antioxidant {reduced glutathione (GSH), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD)} activities and the anti-inflammatory (IL-4) in pancreatic tissues was also recorded. There was a histological and ultra-structural evidence of pancreatic acinar and islet cell injury. The recorded abnormalities were reversed in dimethoate+fenugreek treated group indicating that fenugreek ethanolic extract can serve as an antidote for dimethoate-induced pancreatic insult.

http://ift.tt/2jZuFBa

Development of an efficient viral aerosol collector for higher sampling flow rate

Abstract

Viral aerosol infection through cough generates large amounts of viral aerosol and can result in many adverse health effects such as influenza flu and severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). To characterize the coughed viral aerosol, the sampler needs to sample at higher flow rate and possess high physical collection efficiency as well as high viral preservation. However, most current inertia-based high flow bioaerosol samplers are not suited for viral aerosol sampling since the viability will be lost doing the sampling process. Current condensation growth methods only have good physical collection efficiency and viral preservation at low flow rate (< 10 LPM). In this study, we developed a viral aerosol sampling system using a cooler and steam-jet aerosol collector (SJAC) for bioaerosol collection for the first time. The system is based on mixing condensation growth method and has high viral preservation at a higher flow rate (12.5 LPM). We control the inlet aerosol flow temperature and the SJAC mixing reservoir temperature to improve the physical collection efficiency and viability preservation of the viral aerosol. Results indicate that the physical collection efficiency is 70–99% for aerosol 30–100 nm when the aerosol flow and mixing reservoir temperature was 19 and 50 °C, respectively. In addition, the system was 7 and 22 times more efficient for viability preservation of MS2 bacteriophage than the commonly used All Glass Impinger 30 (AGI-30) and BioSampler®, respectively. Finally, the system can be applied to sample at a lower concentration (10⁵ PFU/m³), and results shows the system was 4.7 times more efficient for viability preservation than using AGI-30 alone. The developed viral collection system will improve our understanding of the characteristics of coughed aerosol and can be used for future evaluation of respiratory protective equipment and environmental sampling.

http://ift.tt/2i4OruK

Is Doppler ultrasonography of value for the differentiation between noninvasive follicular thyroid neoplasm with papillary-like nuclear features (NIFTP) and invasive encapsulated follicular variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma (iEFVPTC)?

Abstract

Recently, the noninvasive encapsulated follicular variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma (EFVPTC) received the name "noninvasive follicular thyroid neoplasm with papillary-like nuclear features" (NIFTP) and was no longer considered "cancer".¹ Furthermore, the treatment recommendations for differentiated thyroid cancer no longer apply to NIFTP, which is sufficiently treated by lobectomy only.¹ The probability that a thyroid nodule corresponds to NIFTP has become of great interest in clinical practice, since it would at least influence the extent of surgery.

This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

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Comparative bioleaching of metals from pulverized and non-pulverized PCBs of cell phone charger: advantages of non-pulverized PCBs

Abstract

Sample inhomogeneity is a severe issue in printed circuit boards especially when we are comparing the bioleaching efficiency. To avoid the ambiguous results obtained due to inhomogeneity in PCBs, 12 similar cell phone chargers (of renowned company) having same make and batch number were collected from scrap market. PCBs obtained from them were used in present studies. Out of these 12, three PCBs were used separately for chemical analysis of PCBs with prior acid digestion in aqua regia. It was found that, 10.8, 68.0, and 710.9 mg/l of Zn, Pb, and Cu were present in it, respectively. Six PCBs were used for bioleaching experiment with two variations, pulverized and non-pulverized. Though the pulverized sample have shown better leaching than non-pulverized one, former has some disadvantages if overall recycling of e-waste (metallic and nonmetallic fraction) is to be addressed. At the end of leaching experiments, copper was recovered using a simple setup of electrodeposition and 92.85% recovery was attained. The acidophiles involved in bioleaching were identified by culture dependent and culture independent techniques such as DGGE and species specific primers in PCR.

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What are the risks of CoolSculpting?

CoolSculpting is a nonsurgical method of removing fat from the body, but does it have any risks? Learn more about possible risks and side effects here.

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Delineation of the primary tumour Clinical Target Volumes (CTV-P) in laryngeal, hypopharyngeal, oropharyngeal and oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma: AIRO, CACA, DAHANCA, EORTC, GEORCC, GORTEC, HKNPCSG, HNCIG, IAG-KHT, LPRHHT, NCIC CTG, NCRI, NRG Oncology, PHNS, SBRT, SOMERA, SRO, SSHNO, TROG consensus guidelines

Publication date: Available online 24 November 2017
Source:Radiotherapy and Oncology
Author(s): Vincent Grégoire, Mererid Evans, Quynh-Thu Le, Jean Bourhis, Volker Budach, Amy Chen, Abraham Eisbruch, Mei Feng, Jordi Giralt, Tejpal Gupta, Marc Hamoir, Juliana K. Helito, Chaosu Hu, Keith Hunter, Jorgen Johansen, Johannes Kaanders, Sarbani Ghosh Laskar, Anne Lee, Philippe Maingon, Antti Mäkitie, Francesco Micciche', Piero Nicolai, Brian O'Sullivan, Adela Poitevin, Sandro Porceddu, Krzysztof Składowski, Silke Tribius, John Waldron, Joseph Wee, Min Yao, Sue S. Yom, Frank Zimmermann, Cai Grau
PurposeFew studies have reported large inter-observer variations in target volume selection and delineation in patients treated with radiotherapy for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Consensus guidelines have been published for the neck nodes (see Grégoire et al., 2003, 2014), but such recommendations are lacking for primary tumour delineation. For the latter, two main schools of thoughts are prevailing, one based on geometric expansion of the Gross Tumour Volume (GTV) as promoted by DAHANCA, and the other one based on anatomical expansion of the GTV using compartmentalization of head and neck anatomy.MethodFor each anatomic location within the larynx, hypopharynx, oropharynx and oral cavity, and for each T-stage, the DAHANCA proposal has been comprehensively reviewed and edited to include anatomic knowledge into the geometric Clinical Target Volume (CTV) delineation concept. A first proposal was put forward by the leading authors of this publication (VG and CG) and discussed with opinion leaders in head and neck radiation oncology from Europe, Asia, Australia/New Zealand, North America and South America to reach a worldwide consensus.ResultsThis consensus proposes two CTVs for the primary tumour, the so called CTV-P1 and CVT-P2, corresponding to a high and lower tumour burden, and which should be associated with a high and a lower dose prescription, respectively.ConclusionImplementation of these guidelines in the daily practice of radiation oncology should contribute to reduce treatment variations from clinicians to clinicians, facilitate the conduct of multi-institutional clinical trials, and contribute to improved care of patients with head and neck carcinoma.



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Cosmetics, Vol. 4, Pages 52: New Biological Activities of Lythrum salicaria L.: Effects on Keratinocytes, Reconstructed Epidermis and Reconstructed Skins, Applications in Dermo-Cosmetic Sciences

Cosmetics, Vol. 4, Pages 52: New Biological Activities of Lythrum salicaria L.: Effects on Keratinocytes, Reconstructed Epidermis and Reconstructed Skins, Applications in Dermo-Cosmetic Sciences

Cosmetics doi: 10.3390/cosmetics4040052

Authors: Glorianne Jouravel Samuel Guénin François-Xavier Bernard Claire Elfakir Philippe Bernard Franck Himbert

The perennial and widespread herb Lythrum salicaria L., also called purple loosestrife, is a plant that is traditionally used in European medicine. Purple loosestrife is known for its ability to treat internal disorders, such as gastrointestinal issues or hemorrhages. Our objective was to take another look on this natural source of ellagitannins in terms of biological activities. Exploration of the phytochemical content of an extract of aerial parts of Lythrum salicaria L. was completed before initiating research on its biological effects towards keratinocytes, reconstructed epidermis, and skins. The potential of the natural compounds were evaluated by topical treatment of reconstructed tissues. The extract and one of its major compounds were able to act as pro-differentiating and protecting agents towards skin cells by stimulating the expressions of markers taking part in the structure of epidermis and dermis. Also, the extract showed beneficial effects on the global morphology of the skin. Thus, Lythrum salicaria L. constitutes a new natural source for the development of active ingredients for the dermo-cosmetic field.

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Strength and microstructure characteristics of the recycled rubber tire-sand mixtures as lightweight backfill

Abstract

The disposal of scrap rubber tires has induced critical environmental issue worldwide due to the rapid increase in the number of vehicles. Recycled scrap tires as a construction material in civil engineering have significant environmental benefits from a waste management perspective. A systematic study that deals with strength and microstructure characteristics of the rubber-sand mixtures is initiated, and mechanical response of the mixtures is discussed in this investigation. Experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of rubber fraction on the basic properties including mass density (ρ), stress-strain characteristics, shear strength, and unconfined compression strength (q _u) of the rubber-sand mixtures. Additionally, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was carried out to reveal the microstructure characteristics of the mixtures with various rubber fractions. A discussion on the micromechanics of the mixtures also was conducted. This study demonstrates that the ρ, friction angle, and q _u decrease linearly with an increase in rubber fraction, whereas shear strain at peak increases. The stress-strain characteristics of the rubber-sand mixtures shift from brittle to ductile as the rubber fraction increase. These changes are attributed to remarkably lower stiffness and higher compressibility of the rubber particle compared with those of the conventional mineral aggregates. With an increase in the rubber fraction, the mechanical response of rubber-sand mixtures exhibits two types: sand-like material and rubber-like material. Rubber particle possesses the capacity to prevent the contacted sand particles from sliding at lower rubber fraction, whereas it transmits the applied loadings as the rubber fraction increased. This outcome reinforces the practicability of using recycled rubber tire-sand mixtures as a lightweight backfill in subbase/base applications.

http://ift.tt/2BlLevc

Scholar : Levant, Volume 49, Issue 2, July 2017 is now available online on Taylor & Francis Online

The online platform for Taylor & Francis Online content Levant, Volume 49, Issue 2, July 2017 is now available online on Taylor & Francis Online. Ceramics This new issue contains the following articles: Original Articles Environment, seasonality and hunting strategies as influences on Natufian food procurement: The faunal remains from Shubayqa 1 | Lisa Yeomans, Tobias Richter & Louise Martin Pages: 85-104 | DOI: 10.1080/00758914.2017.1368820 A Late Bronze Age II clay coffin from Tel Shaddud in the Central Jezreel Valley, Israel: context and historical implications Edwin C. M. van den Brink, Ron Beeri, Dan Kirzner, Enno Bron, Anat Cohen-Weinberger, Elisheva Kamaisky, Tamar Gonen, Lilly Gershuny, Yossi Nagar, Daphna Ben-Tor, Naama Sukenik, Orit Shamir, Edward F. Maher & David Reich Pages: 105-135 | DOI: 10.1080/00758914.2017.1368204 The birth, life and death of an Iron Age house at Tel 'Eton, Israel Avraham Faust, Hayah Katz, Yair Sapir, Assaf Avraham, Ofer Marder, Guy Bar-Oz, Ehud Weiss, Chen Auman-Chazan, Anat Hartmann-Shenkman, Tehila Sadiel, Oren Vilnay, Michael Tsesarsky, Pariente Sarah, Oren Ackermann, Natasha Timmer, Ofir Katz, Dafna Langgut & Mordechay Benzaquen Pages: 136-173 | DOI: 10.1080/00758914.2017.1388027 The Tyrian cemetery of al-Bass and the role of ceramics in the Phoenician funerary ritual Francisco J. Núñez Pages: 174-191 | DOI: 10.1080/00758914.2017.1391026 A Roman pottery kiln at Khirbet 'Azzun (Ra'anana), Israel Adi Erlich Pages: 192-204 | DOI: 10.1080/00758914.2017.1337369 Dust clouds, climate change and coins: consiliences of palaeoclimate and economy in the Late Antique southern Levant D. Fuks, O. Ackermann, A. Ayalon, M. Bar-Matthews, G. Bar-Oz, Y. Levi, A. M. Maeir, E. Weiss, T. Zilberman & Z. Safrai Pages: 205-223 | DOI: 10.1080/00758914.2017.1379181 Reviews Emesa zwischen Klientelreich und Provinz. Identität und Identitätswandel einer lokalen Fürstendynastie im Spiegel der archäologischen Quellen; Baalbek in nachantiker Zeit. Untersuchungen zur Stadtbaugeschichte vom 5. bis zum 20. Jahrhundert Rubina Raja Pages: 224-226 | DOI: 10.1080/00758914.2017.1400735 Recent Trends in the Study of Late Bronze Age Ceramics in Syro-Mesopotamia and Neighbouring Regions Mara T. Horowitz Pages: 226-229 | DOI: 10.1080/00758914.2017.1400736 Precious Commodities: The Socio-economic Implications of the Distribution of Juglets in the Eastern Mediterranean During the Middle and Late Bronze Age Louise Elder Pages: 229-230 | DOI: 10.1080/00758914.2017.1400738 Ancient Cookware from the Levant: An Ethnoarchaeological Perspective Lisa Graham Pages: 230-232 | DOI: 10.1080/00758914.2017.1400739 Do you have original research that relates to present-day Japan and its recent historical development? Contemporary Japan welcomes your submissions. To update which email alerts you receive, manage your alerts within the My Account area. You can also unsubscribe from this alert with one click. If you need any further help, please contact us at support@tandfonline.com Please do not reply to this email. To ensure that you receive your alerts and information from Taylor & Francis Online, please add "alerts@tandfonline.com" and "info@tandfonline.com" to your safe senders list. Taylor & Francis, an Informa business. Taylor & Francis is a trading name of Informa UK Limited, registered in England under no. 1072954. Registered office: 5 Howick Place, London, SW1P 1WG.

Scholar : Behavioral Sciences of Terrorism and Political Aggression, Volume 10, Issue 1, January 2018 is now available online on Taylor & Francis Online

The online platform for Taylor & Francis Online content Behavioral Sciences of Terrorism and Political Aggression, Volume 10, Issue 1, January 2018 is now available online on Taylor & Francis Online. This new issue contains the following articles: Articles NGO interventions: influences on terrorist activity Omi Hodwitz Pages: 1-26 | DOI: 10.1080/19434472.2016.1216461 The effects of self-classification on perceptions of security levels and civil liberties among a sample of college students P. J. Verrecchia & Nicole Hendrix Pages: 27-38 | DOI: 10.1080/19434472.2016.1252416 Searching for signs of extremism on the web: an introduction to Sentiment-based Identification of Radical Authors Ryan Scrivens, Garth Davies & Richard Frank Pages: 39-59 | DOI: 10.1080/19434472.2016.1276612 The electoral impact of the attacks of March 11th in Madrid: explanatory mechanisms Jordi Tena-Sánchez Pages: 60-86 | DOI: 10.1080/19434472.2017.1300831 Book Reviews Western foreign fighters: the threat to homeland and international security Colin Atkinson Pages: 87-88 | DOI: 10.1080/19434472.2017.1300181 Right-wing terrorism in the 21st century: the 'national socialist underground' and the history of terror from the far-right in Germany Scott N. Romaniuk Pages: 88-90 | DOI: 10.1080/19434472.2017.1372505 Interested in the political-economic topics surrounding China? You wouldn't want to miss this exclusive collection. To update which email alerts you receive, manage your alerts within the My Account area. You can also unsubscribe from this alert with one click. If you need any further help, please contact us at support@tandfonline.com Please do not reply to this email. To ensure that you receive your alerts and information from Taylor & Francis Online, please add "alerts@tandfonline.com" and "info@tandfonline.com" to your safe senders list. Taylor & Francis, an Informa business. Taylor & Francis is a trading name of Informa UK Limited, registered in England under no. 1072954. Registered office: 5 Howick Place, London, SW1P 1WG.

Scholar : African Security Review, Volume 26, Issue 4, November 2017 is now available online on Taylor & Francis Online

The online platform for Taylor & Francis Online content African Security Review, Volume 26, Issue 4, November 2017 is now available online on Taylor & Francis Online. This new issue contains the following articles: Essay Kinetic responses to global terrorism: Lessons from Africa Mark Malan Pages: 341-361 | DOI: 10.1080/10246029.2017.1294095 Features Fragmented forces: The development of the Gambian military Maggie Dwyer Pages: 362-377 | DOI: 10.1080/10246029.2017.1353530 Between vigilantism and ethnocultural preservation: An investigation into the legitimacy of the non-state policing activities of the Ombatse group among the Eggon people of Nassarawa State, Nigeria Philip Adémọ́lá Ọláyọkù Pages: 378-398 | DOI: 10.1080/10246029.2017.1359639 When the military become a security and political threat: Zimbabwean army generals in electoral politics Godfrey Maringira & Tyanai Masiya Pages: 399-412 | DOI: 10.1080/10246029.2017.1294090 Can security vetting be extended to include the detection of financial misconduct? Stephan Kühn & Annamart Nieman Pages: 413-433 | DOI: 10.1080/10246029.2017.1294096 Do you have original research that relates to present-day Japan and its recent historical development? Contemporary Japan welcomes your submissions. To update which email alerts you receive, manage your alerts within the My Account area. You can also unsubscribe from this alert with one click. If you need any further help, please contact us at support@tandfonline.com Please do not reply to this email. To ensure that you receive your alerts and information from Taylor & Francis Online, please add "alerts@tandfonline.com" and "info@tandfonline.com" to your safe senders list. Taylor & Francis, an Informa business. Taylor & Francis is a trading name of Informa UK Limited, registered in England under no. 1072954. Registered office: 5 Howick Place, London, SW1P 1WG.

Scholar : These new articles for Contemporary Music Review are available online

The online platform for Taylor & Francis Online content New for Contemporary Music Review and online now on Taylor & Francis Online: Original Articles Actors and Accidents in South African Electronic Music: An Essay on Multiple Ontologies Gavin Steingo Pages: 1-21 | DOI: 10.1080/07494467.2017.1402987 A Managed Risk: Mediated Musicianships in a Networked Laptop Orchestra Patrick Valiquet Pages: 1-20 | DOI: 10.1080/07494467.2017.1402458 To update which email alerts you receive, manage your alerts within the My Account area. You can also unsubscribe from this alert with one click. If you need any further help, please contact us at support@tandfonline.com Please do not reply to this email. To ensure that you receive your alerts and information from Taylor & Francis Online, please add "alerts@tandfonline.com" and "info@tandfonline.com" to your safe senders list. Taylor & Francis, an Informa business. Taylor & Francis is a trading name of Informa UK Limited, registered in England under no. 1072954. Registered office: 5 Howick Place, London, SW1P 1WG.

Cosmetics, Vol. 4, Pages 51: Whitening Agents from Reseda luteola L. and Their Chemical Characterization Using Combination of CPC, UPLC-HRMS and NMR

Cosmetics, Vol. 4, Pages 51: Whitening Agents from Reseda luteola L. and Their Chemical Characterization Using Combination of CPC, UPLC-HRMS and NMR

Cosmetics doi: 10.3390/cosmetics4040051

Authors: Pauline Burger André Monchot Olivier Bagarri Philippe Chiffolleau Stéphane Azoulay Xavier Fernandez Thomas Michel

Skin whitening agents occupy an important part of the dermo-cosmetic market nowadays. They are used to treat various skin pigmentation disorders, or simply to obtain a lighter skin tone. The use of traditional skin bleachers (e.g., hydroquinone, corticoids) is now strictly regulated due to their side effects. When considering this and the growing consumers' interest for more natural ingredients, plant extracts can be seen as safe and natural alternatives. In this perspective, in vitro bioassays were undertaken to assess cosmetic potential of Reseda luteola, and particularly its promising whitening activities. A bioguided purification procedure employing centrifugal partition chromatography, Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (UPLC-HRMS) and NMR was developed to isolate and identify the whitening agents (i.e., luteolin and apigenin) from aerial parts of R. luteola. UPLC-HRMS also enabled the characterization of acetylated luteolin- and apigenin-O-glycosides, which occurrence is reported for the first time in R. luteola.

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Reconstruction of acquired ischiatic and perineal defects: an anatomical and clinical comparison between gluteal thigh and inferior gluteal perforator flaps

Abstract

Background

Flap coverage is the gold standard in treating pressure sores, and due to the high recurrence rate, the possibility of multiple surgical procedures should be considered during flap selection. The gluteal thigh (GT) flap has become a workhorse for ischiatic pressure sore treatment at our hospital. Follow-up revealed a group of patients presenting recurrence of the pressure sore that needed a second flap. The inferior gluteal artery perforator (IGAP) flap was chosen in this series. The positive experience with both flaps raised the question of which flap should be the first option for the treatment of ischiatic and perineal pressure sores.

Methods

IGAP and GT flaps were dissected in 21 fresh human cadavers to allow comparison of anatomical features. In a series of 60 patients, the authors used both the gluteal thigh and the IGAP flap to cover 76 ischiatic and perineal ulcers.

Results

The IGAP flap was found to be wider and thicker than the gluteal thigh, but presented a shorter pedicle. All flaps healed uneventfully. Recurrent ulcers were treated successfully with both flaps.

Conclusions

Both flaps are suitable for coverage ischiatic and perineal sores. Due to its anatomical features, the IGAP flap should be considered the first choice of treatment for ischiatic ulcers. The gluteal thigh flap should be used in the recurrent sores.

Level of Evidence: Level IV, therapeutic study.

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Improved heart repair upon myocardial infarction: Combination of magnetic nanoparticles and tailored magnets strongly increases engraftment of myocytes

Publication date: February 2018
Source:Biomaterials, Volume 155
Author(s): Annika Ottersbach, Olga Mykhaylyk, Alexandra Heidsieck, Dietmar Eberbeck, Sarah Rieck, Katrin Zimmermann, Martin Breitbach, Britta Engelbrecht, Tobias Brügmann, Michael Hesse, Armin Welz, Philipp Sasse, Daniela Wenzel, Christian Plank, Bernhard Gleich, Michael Hölzel, Wilhelm Bloch, Alexander Pfeifer, Bernd K. Fleischmann, Wilhelm Roell
Cell replacement in the heart is considered a promising strategy for the treatment of post-infarct heart failure. Direct intramyocardial injection of cells proved to be the most effective application route, however, engraftment rates are very low (<5%) strongly hampering its efficacy. Herein we combine magnetic nanoparticle (MNP) loading of EGFP labeled embryonic cardiomyocytes (eCM) and embryonic stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (ES-CM) with application of custom designed magnets to enhance their short and long-term engraftment. To optimize cellular MNP uptake and magnetic force within the infarct area, first numerical simulations and experiments were performed in vitro. All tested cell types could be loaded efficiently with SOMag5-MNP (200 pg/cell) without toxic side effects. Application of a 1.3 T magnet at 5 mm distance from the heart for 10 min enhanced engraftment of both eCM and ES-CM by approximately 7 fold at 2 weeks and 3.4 fold (eCM) at 8 weeks after treatment respectively and also strongly improved left ventricular function at all time points. As underlying mechanisms we found that application of the magnetic field prevented the initial dramatic loss of cells via the injection channel. In addition, grafted eCM displayed higher proliferation and lower apoptosis rates. Electron microscopy revealed better differentiation of engrafted eCM, formation of cell to cell contacts and more physiological matrix formation in magnet-treated grafts. These results were corroborated by gene expression data. Thus, combination of MNP-loaded cells and magnet-application strongly increases long-term engraftment of cells addressing a major shortcoming of cardiomyoplasty.



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Setting Up the Perimeter of Tolerance: Insights into mTEC Physiology

Publication date: Available online 24 November 2017
Source:Trends in Immunology
Author(s): Pedro M. Rodrigues, Pärt Peterson, Nuno L. Alves
Medullary thymic epithelial cells (mTECs) play a central role in T cell tolerance. However, how the mTEC compartment is maintained remains elusive. We review recent discoveries on new transcription factors involved in mTEC homeostasis and discuss the possibility that their actions might be facilitated by the unique biology of mTECs.



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Investigating error-related processing in incarcerated adolescents with self-report psychopathy measures

Publication date: Available online 24 November 2017
Source:Biological Psychology
Author(s): J. Michael Maurer, Vaughn R. Steele, Brandi C. Fink, Gina M. Vincent, Vince D. Calhoun, Kent A. Kiehl
Disparate results have been found in previous reports when incorporating both interview-based and self-report measures of psychopathic traits within the same sample, suggesting such assessments should not be used interchangeably. We previously found Total and Facet 4 scores from Hare's Psychopathy Checklist: Youth Version (PCL:YV) were negatively related to amplitude of the error-related positivity (Pe) event-related potential (ERP) component. Here, we investigated using the same previously published sample whether scores on four different self-report measures of adolescent psychopathic traits (the Antisocial Process Screening Device [APSD], Child Psychopathy Scale [CPS], Inventory of Callous and Unemotional Traits [ICU], and Youth Psychopathic Traits Inventory [YPI]) were similarly associated with reduced Pe amplitude. Unlike our previous results, adolescent self-report psychopathy scores were not associated with reduced Pe amplitude in multiple regression analyses. Results obtained in the current report support previous research observing incongruent findings when incorporating different assessment types within the same sample.



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Ocular torsion responses to sinusoidal electrical vestibular stimulation

Publication date: 15 January 2018
Source:Journal of Neuroscience Methods, Volume 294
Author(s): Stuart W. Mackenzie, Raymond F. Reynolds
BackgroundEye movements evoked by electrical vestibular stimulation (EVS) offer potential for diagnosing vestibular dysfunction. However, ocular recording techniques are often too invasive or impractical for routine clinical use. Furthermore, the kinematic nature of the EVS signal is not fully understood in terms of movement sensations.New methodWe apply sinusoidal EVS stimuli varying from 0.05 to 20Hz, and record the eye in darkness using an infrared camera. Eye movement was measured offline using commercially available software to track iris striations. Response gain and phase were calculated separately for eye position, velocity and acceleration across all frequencies, to determine how the brain interprets the EVS signal.ResultsOcular torsion responses were observed at the same frequency as the stimulus, for all frequencies, while lateral/vertical responses were minimal or absent. Response gain and phase resembled previously reported responses to natural rotation, but only when analysing eye velocity, not position or acceleration.Comparison with existing method(s)Our method offers a simple, affordable, reliable and non-invasive method for tracking the ocular response to EVS. It is more convenient than scleral coil recordings, or marking the sclera to aid video tracking. It also allows us to assess the torsional VOR at frequencies not possible with natural stimuli.ConclusionsOcular torsion responses to EVS can be readily assessed using sinusoidal stimuli combined with an infrared camera. Gain and phase analysis suggests that the central nervous system interprets the stimulus as head roll velocity. Future work will assess the diagnostic potential for patients with vestibular disorders.



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