Upgradation of chemical, fuel, thermal, and structural properties of rice husk through microwave-assisted hydrothermal carbonization

Abstract

The process parameters of microwave hydrothermal carbonization (MHTC) have significant effect on yield of hydrochar. This study discusses the effect of process parameters on hydrochar yield produced from MHTC of rice husk. Results revealed that, over the ranges tested, a lower temperature, lower reaction time, lower biomass to water ratio, and higher particle size produce more hydrochar. Maximum hydrochar yield of 62.8% was obtained at 1000 W, 220 °C, and 5 min. The higher heating value (HHV) was improved significantly from 6.80 MJ/kg of rice husk to 16.10 MJ/kg of hydrochar. Elemental analysis results showed that the carbon content increased and oxygen content decreased in hydrochar from 25.9 to 47.2% and 68.5 to 47.0%, respectively, improving the energy and combustion properties. SEM analysis exhibited modification in structure of rice husk and improvement in porosity after MHTC, which was further confirmed from BET surface analysis. The BET surface area increased from 25.0656 m²/g (rice husk) to 92.6832 m²/g (hydrochar). Thermal stability of hydrochar was improved from 340 °C for rice husk to 370 °C for hydrochar.

https://ift.tt/2qAAupg

Production of mycotoxins by filamentous fungi in untreated surface water

Abstract

Several research studies reported that mycotoxins and other metabolites can be produced by fungi in certain matrices such as food. In recent years, attention has been drawn to the wide occurrence and identification of fungi in drinking water sources. Due to the large demand of water for drinking, watering, or food production purposes, it is imperative that further research is conducted to investigate if mycotoxins may be produced in water matrices. This paper describes the results obtained when a validated analytical method was applied to detect and quantify the presence of mycotoxins as a result of fungi inoculation and growth in untreated surface water. Aflatoxins B1 and B2, fumonisin B3, and ochratoxin A were detected at concentrations up to 35 ng/L. These results show that fungi can produce mycotoxins in water matrices in a non-negligible quantity and, as such, attention must be given to the presence of fungi in water.

https://ift.tt/2qA3BJm

A system dynamics model of China’s electric power structure adjustment with constraints of PM10 emission reduction

Abstract

Recently, Chinese state environmental protection administration has brought out several PM10 reduction policies to control the coal consumption strictly and promote the adjustment of power structure. Under this new policy environment, a suitable analysis method is required to simulate the upcoming major shift of China's electric power structure. Firstly, a complete system dynamics model is built to simulate China's evolution path of power structure with constraints of PM10 reduction considering both technical and economical factors. Secondly, scenario analyses are conducted under different clean-power capacity growth rates to seek applicable policy guidance for PM10 reduction. The results suggest the following conclusions. (1) The proportion of thermal power installed capacity will decrease to 67% in 2018 with a dropping speed, and there will be an accelerated decline in 2023–2032. (2) The system dynamics model can effectively simulate the implementation of the policy, for example, the proportion of coal consumption in the forecast model is 63.3% (the accuracy rate is 95.2%), below policy target 65% in 2017. (3) China should promote clean power generation such as nuclear power to meet PM10 reduction target.

https://ift.tt/2EPxqcX

Effect of mono and divalent salts on the conformation and composition of a humic acid and on atrazine adsorption

Abstract

We investigated the effects of sodium and calcium chlorides on the conformation and composition of a purified Aldrich humic acid (PAHA), as well as on the adsorption of atrazine. The PAHA was treated with 1, 10, and 100 mM NaCl, CaCl₂, or a mixture of NaCl and CaCl₂ (molar ratio 5:1) at pH 7.5 and 8.5. The conformation of treated PAHA was characterized by atomic force microscopy (AFM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and spectral changes of functional groups of PAHA by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). AFM and TEM images showed an increase in the aggregation of the PAHA as salinity increased. FTIR spectra revealed that changes in the aggregation of the PAHA were principally due to the formation of bridged interactions between calcium and carboxylate groups in the PAHA. The adsorption of atrazine on > 0.45 μm PAHA decreased as salt concentrations and pH increased. This reduction of atrazine adsorption was explained by the decrease in available adsorption sites due to agglomeration of PAHA.

https://ift.tt/2HDuKT4

Effect of photobiomodulation therapy on postoperative pain after endodontic treatment: a randomized, controlled, clinical study

Abstract

Objective

The aim of this prospective, randomized, clinical study was to assess the effect of photobiomodulation therapy (PBM) with low-level laser irradiation (LLLI) on postoperative pain after endodontic treatment.

Materials and methods

Sixty patients, diagnosed with irreversible pulpitis in lower molar teeth, participated in the study. All treatments were performed by a single operator. Participants were randomly divided into two groups: in the experimental group (EG), endodontic treatment was performed with a reciprocating system, immediately followed by PBM with LLLI; and only endodontic treatment was performed in the control group (CG). Postoperative pain was assessed by a second examiner, who was blinded, using two scales: verbal rating scale (VRS) and numerical rating scale (NRS). Assessment was carried out at 6, 12, and 24 h after treatment. Data were analyzed using chi-squared, Fisher's exact, Mann-Whitney tests, ordinal, and non-parametric regression analyses.

Results

For the prevalence of pain, the difference between the groups was significant for the evaluations performed after 6 h (p = 0.04) and 24 h (p = 0.02). The difference after 24 h remained significant after stratification by sex and extrusion of filling material. Increased pain intensity was associated with extrusion of root canal filling material to the periapical region in the two scales used.

Conclusion

The effect of PBM therapy after endodontic treatment showed a significant decreasein prevalence of postoperative pain.

Clinical relevance

The PBM reduces the prevalence of postoperative pain and may benefit patients who need endodontic treatment.

https://ift.tt/2JPg6Zl

Nine prophylactic polishing pastes: impact on discoloration, gloss, and surface properties of a CAD/CAM resin composite

Abstract

Objectives

To investigate discoloration reduction and changes of surface properties of a CAD/CAM resin composite after 14 days´ storage in red wine and polishing with nine different prophylactic polishing pastes (PPPs).

Materials and methods

Rectangular discs (N = 172) were fabricated and polished (P4000) using GC Cerasmart (GC Europe) to investigate different polishing protocols with 1–4 related descending PPPs (22 in total): Cleanic/CLE-Kerr, CleanJoy/CLJ-Voco, Clean Polish/Super Polish/SPO-Kerr, Clinpro Prophy Paste/CPP-3M, Détartrine/DET-Septodont, Nupro/NUP-Dentsply Sirona, Prophy Paste CCS/CCS-Directa, Proxyt/PXT-Ivoclar Vivadent, and Zircate/ZIR Prophy Paste-Dentsply Sirona. Surface properties (roughness values (RV)/Ra, Rz, Rv, surface free energy (SFE), surface gloss (G), and discoloration (ΔE)) were analyzed before and after storage and additional polishing. Data were examined using Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, three-way ANOVA followed by Tukey-B post hoc, Mann-Whitney U, and Kruskal-Wallis H tests (α < 0.05).

Results

Regarding RV, CLE, followed by CCS, and CPP showed the highest values; the lowest presented SPO and DET (p < 0.001). No impact of PPP was observed on ΔE values (p = 0.160). The lowest SFE presented DET, followed by SPO; highest showed CCS followed by NUP and CPP (p < 0.001). Within G, lowest values were observed for CLE and NUP, followed by CCS, ZIP, and CLJ (p < 0.001); the highest presented SPO (p < 0.001). Polishing showed generally a positive impact on SFE values (p < 0.001–p = 0.007), except ZIP (p = 0.322) and CLE (p = 0.083). G increased and RV decreased after polishing (p < 0.001), except SPO, with no significant change for G (p = 0.786).

Conclusions

Polishing with PPPs improves the surface properties and is generally recommended. The choice of PPP has a minor role in removing discolorations. Multi-step systems should be carried out conscientiously.

Clinical relevance

The proper selection of PPP is essential for the clinical outcome of surface properties of prosthetic restorations. Not every polishing paste leads to the same final surface quality.

https://ift.tt/2EPhsj9

The effect of simulated acid rain on the stabilization of cadmium in contaminated agricultural soils treated with stabilizing agents

Abstract

Stabilization technology is one of widely used remediation technologies for cadmium (Cd)-contaminated agricultural soils, but stabilized Cd in soil may be activated again when external conditions such as acid rain occurred. Therefore, it is necessary to study the effect of acid rain on the performance of different stabilizing agents on Cd-polluted agriculture soils. In this study, Cd-contaminated soils were treated with mono-calcium phosphate (MCP), mono-ammonium phosphate (MAP), and artificial zeolite (AZ) respectively and incubated 3 months. These treatments were followed by two types of simulated acid rain (sulfuric acid rain and mixed acid rain) with three levels of acidity (pH = 3.0, 4.0, and 5.6). The chemical forms of Cd in the soils were determined by Tessier's sequential extraction procedure, and the leaching toxicities of Cd in the soils were assessed by toxicity characteristic leaching procedure (TCLP). The results show that the three stabilizing agents could decrease the mobility of Cd in soil to some degree with or without simulated acid rain (SAR) treatment. The stabilization performances followed the order of AZ < MAP < MCP. Acid rain soaking promoted the activation of Cd in stabilized soil, and both anion composition and pH of acid rain were two important factors that influenced the stabilization effect of Cd.

https://ift.tt/2IZXTal

Zebrafish extracellular matrix improves neuronal viability and network formation in a 3-dimensional culture

Publication date: July 2018
Source:Biomaterials, Volume 170
Author(s): Sung-Min Kim, Daniel Ward Long, Michael Wai Kok Tsang, Yadong Wang
Mammalian central nervous system (CNS) has limited capacity for regeneration. CNS injuries cause life-long debilitation and lead to $50 billion in healthcare costs in U.S. alone each year. Despite numerous efforts in the last few decades, CNS-related injuries remain as detrimental as they were 50 years ago. Some functional recovery can occur, but most regeneration are limited by an extracellular matrix (ECM) that actively inhibits axonal repair and promotes glial scarring. In most tissues, the ECM is an architectural foundation that plays an active role in supporting cellular development and regenerative response after injury. In mammalian CNS, however, this is not the case - its composition is not conducive for regeneration, with various molecules restricting plasticity and neuronal growth. In fact, the CNS ECM alters its composition dramatically following injury to restrict regeneration and to prioritize containment of injury as well as preservation of intact neural circuitry. This leads us to hypothesize that the inhibitory extracellular environment needs be modified or supplemented to be more regeneration-permissive for significant CNS regeneration. Mammalian nervous tissue cannot provide such ECM, and synthesizing it in a laboratory is beyond current technology. Evolutionarily lower species possess remarkably regenerative neural tissue. For example, small fresh-water dwelling zebrafish (Danio rerio) can regenerate severed spinal cord, re-gaining full motor function in a week. We believe their ECM contributes to its regenerative capability and that it can be harnessed to induce more regeneration in mammalian CNS. This study shows that ECM derived from zebrafish brains promotes more neuronal survival and axonal network formation than the widely studied and available ECM derived from mammalian tissues such as porcine brains, porcine urinary bladder, and rat brains. We believe its regenerative potential, combined with its affordability, easy handling, and fast reproduction, will make zebrafish an excellent candidate as a novel ECM source.



https://ift.tt/2quef4j

Corrigendum to“Effects of compatibility of deproteinized antler cancellous bone with various bioactive factors on their osteogenic potential” [Biomaterials 34 (2013) 9103-9114]

Publication date: July 2018
Source:Biomaterials, Volume 170
Author(s): Xuehui Zhang, Mingming Xu, Lin Song, Yan Wei, Yuanhua Lin, Wentao Liu, Boon C. Heng, Hui Peng, Ying Wang, Xuliang Deng




https://ift.tt/2EObhvG

Editorial Board

Publication date: April 2018
Source:Cancer Genetics, Volumes 222–223





https://ift.tt/2H0TdQR

Suprathreshold Stochastic Resonance behind Cancer

Publication date: Available online 14 April 2018
Source:Trends in Biochemical Sciences
Author(s): Guillermo Rodrigo, Nigel G. Stocks
Noise in gene expression is pervasive and, in some cases, even fulfills a functional role. Cancer cell populations exploit noise to increase heterogeneity as a defense against therapies. What lies behind this picture is a phenomenon of stochastic resonance led by the collective, rather than by individual cells.



https://ift.tt/2H2M6r4

Zebrafish extracellular matrix improves neuronal viability and network formation in a 3-dimensional culture

Publication date: July 2018
Source:Biomaterials, Volume 170
Author(s): Sung-Min Kim, Daniel Ward Long, Michael Wai Kok Tsang, Yadong Wang
Mammalian central nervous system (CNS) has limited capacity for regeneration. CNS injuries cause life-long debilitation and lead to $50 billion in healthcare costs in U.S. alone each year. Despite numerous efforts in the last few decades, CNS-related injuries remain as detrimental as they were 50 years ago. Some functional recovery can occur, but most regeneration are limited by an extracellular matrix (ECM) that actively inhibits axonal repair and promotes glial scarring. In most tissues, the ECM is an architectural foundation that plays an active role in supporting cellular development and regenerative response after injury. In mammalian CNS, however, this is not the case - its composition is not conducive for regeneration, with various molecules restricting plasticity and neuronal growth. In fact, the CNS ECM alters its composition dramatically following injury to restrict regeneration and to prioritize containment of injury as well as preservation of intact neural circuitry. This leads us to hypothesize that the inhibitory extracellular environment needs be modified or supplemented to be more regeneration-permissive for significant CNS regeneration. Mammalian nervous tissue cannot provide such ECM, and synthesizing it in a laboratory is beyond current technology. Evolutionarily lower species possess remarkably regenerative neural tissue. For example, small fresh-water dwelling zebrafish (Danio rerio) can regenerate severed spinal cord, re-gaining full motor function in a week. We believe their ECM contributes to its regenerative capability and that it can be harnessed to induce more regeneration in mammalian CNS. This study shows that ECM derived from zebrafish brains promotes more neuronal survival and axonal network formation than the widely studied and available ECM derived from mammalian tissues such as porcine brains, porcine urinary bladder, and rat brains. We believe its regenerative potential, combined with its affordability, easy handling, and fast reproduction, will make zebrafish an excellent candidate as a novel ECM source.



https://ift.tt/2quef4j

Corrigendum to“Effects of compatibility of deproteinized antler cancellous bone with various bioactive factors on their osteogenic potential” [Biomaterials 34 (2013) 9103-9114]

Publication date: July 2018
Source:Biomaterials, Volume 170
Author(s): Xuehui Zhang, Mingming Xu, Lin Song, Yan Wei, Yuanhua Lin, Wentao Liu, Boon C. Heng, Hui Peng, Ying Wang, Xuliang Deng




https://ift.tt/2EObhvG

Prevention and Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes: A Pathophysiological-Based Approach

Publication date: Available online 14 April 2018
Source:Trends in Endocrinology & Metabolism
Author(s): Dorit Samocha-Bonet, Sophie Debs, Jerry R. Greenfield
Prediabetes affects approximately 40% of American adults. Randomized trials report that a proportion of individuals with prediabetes develop diabetes despite caloric restriction, physical activity, and/or when treated with metformin, the first-line medication for patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Currently, there are no valid predictors of the effectiveness of these measures in determining who will and who will not progress to the T2DM state. Few studies have examined the clinical and phenotypic predictors of better and worse glycemic response to lifestyle interventions and metformin in prediabetes and diabetes. Further studies incorporating 'omic' approaches to discover novel markers of phenotypes and treatment effectiveness may pave the way to personalizing the treatment of prediabetes and diabetes.



https://ift.tt/2GYQtrr

AAC Services for Multilingual Populations: South African Service Provider Perspectives

Publication date: Available online 14 April 2018
Source:Journal of Communication Disorders
Author(s): Kerstin M Tönsing, Karin van Niekerk, Georg I Schlünz, Ilana Wilken
BackgroundIn South Africa, many persons in need of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) come from multilingual backgrounds. There is as yet a limited evidence base (locally and internationally) for the provision of AAC services to multilingual populations. The perspectives of service providers can assist in gaining an understanding of current practices and the factors that influence these.AimsThe study aimed to obtain the perspectives of AAC service providers about practices in providing AAC systems and AAC intervention to clients from multilingual backgrounds.Methods & ProceduresFifteen AAC service providers were purposefully chosen to participate in one of three focus groups – two face-to-face and one online focus group. Data from the face-to-face focus groups was transcribed verbatim. Thematic analysis was used to identify themes and subthemes in the data.Outcomes & ResultsFour overarching themes were identified, namely (a) current practices, (b) factors influencing current practices, (c) service provides' orientation towards different language options in AAC intervention, and (d) needs and desired developments regarding AAC technology. This paper reports on the first three themes. Service providers reported their practices to range from a focus on L1 exclusively, L2 exclusively, to a multilingual (sequential or simultaneous) approach. The South African language context, family language preferences and choices, service provider skill and knowledge, as well as AAC technology were identified as factors influencing their practices. Although many viewed access to multiple languages through AAC as positive, they also expressed concerns and reservations about providing multilingual AAC services.Conclusions & ImplicationsAlthough service providers in general saw the need to give clients from multilingual backgrounds access to multiple languages using AAC, this did not always translate into multilingual AAC practices. Both extrinsic factors (e.g. the lack of appropriate AAC devices, software and apps giving access to non-English languages) and intrinsic factors (service providers' language competency and their beliefs about the cognitive demands of multilingual AAC systems) influenced their practices and choices. Appropriate AAC service delivery to multilingual populations in South Africa would require not only appropriate AAC technology developments, but also research evidence to establish the efficacy of multilingual AAC interventions for clients with a variety of characteristics.



https://ift.tt/2qAMmHN

Acute prediction of outcome and cognitive-communication impairments following traumatic brain injury: the influence of age, education and site of lesion

Publication date: Available online 14 April 2018
Source:Journal of Communication Disorders
Author(s): Sandra Gauthier, Joanne LeBlanc, Alena Seresova, Andréanne Laberge-Poirier, José A Correa, Abdulrahman Y Alturki, Judith Marcoux, Mohammed Maleki, Mitra Feyz, Elaine de Guise
BackgroundCommunication impairment following a traumatic brain injury (TBI) has been well documented, yet information regarding communication skills in the acute period following the injury is limited in the literature. Also, little is known about the influence of TBI severity (mild, moderate or severe) on cognitive-communication impairments and how these impairments are related to short-term functional outcome. The goal of this study was to assess the performance of adults with mild, moderate and severe TBI on different language tests and to determine how this performance is related to functional capacity. We also aimed to explore which variables among age, sex, education, TBI severity and site of cerebral damage would predict initial language impairments.MethodsSeveral language tests were administered to a sample of 145 adult patients with TBI of a range of severities admitted to an acute care service and to 113 healthy participants from the community.ResultsTBI patients of a range of severities performed poorly on all language tests in comparison to the healthy controls. In addition, patients with mild TBI performed better than the moderate and severe groups, except on the reading test and on the semantic naming test. In addition, their performance on verbal fluency, conversational discourse and procedural discourse tasks predicted acute functional outcome. Finally, age, education and TBI severity and site of lesion predicted some language performance. A left temporal lesion was associated with poorer performance in conversational discourse and auditory comprehension tasks, a left frontal lesion with a decrease in the verbal fluency results and a right parietal lesion with decreased auditory comprehension and reasoning skills.ConclusionHealth care professionals working in the acute care setting should be aware of the possible presence of cognitive-communication impairments in patients with TBI, even for those with mild TBI. These deficits can lead to functional communication problems and assistance may be required for tasks frequently encountered in acute care requiring intact comprehension and expression.



https://ift.tt/2GZETbo

Dermatology Surgery and Reconstruction Photograph Booklet as a Tool to Improve Informed Consent Before Skin Surgery

BACKGROUND Skin surgery is a high-risk area of litigation and tools to improve consent are welcomed. OBJECTIVE This project aimed to strengthen the consenting process for dermatological surgery by introducing a photograph booklet. MATERIALS AND METHODS The authors designed a booklet containing skin surgery images. Patients attending surgery completed an anonymous questionnaire immediately after their procedures before the booklet introduction (Group 1). The questionnaire was then repeated (Group 2) with the introduction of the photograph booklet during consent. The authors looked for changes in the following: understanding of procedure, scar, and postoperative care as well as addressing of patients' concerns using a subjective scale of 1 to 5 (1 = poor, 2 = fair, 3 = okay, 4 = good, and 5 = great). RESULTS Results indicated greater patient satisfaction among patients in Group 2 who had been shown relevant surgical images compared with Group 1, with improvements from ratings of 3 and 4 on the scale to 5. The difference in the 2 groups for the highest ratings of 5/5 was significant (p

https://ift.tt/2vc5TTA

Prospective Cohort Study Investigating Changes in Body Image, Quality of Life, and Self-Esteem Following Minimally Invasive Cosmetic Procedures

BACKGROUND Minimally invasive cosmetic injectable procedures are increasingly common. However, a few studies have investigated changes in psychosocial functioning following these treatments. OBJECTIVE To assess changes in body image, quality of life, and self-esteem following cosmetic injectable treatment with soft tissue fillers and neuromodulators. METHODS Open, prospective study of 75 patients undergoing cosmetic injectable procedures for facial aging to evaluate changes in psychosocial functioning within 6 weeks of treatment. Outcome measures included the Derriford appearance scale (DAS-24), body image quality of life inventory (BIQLI), and the Rosenberg self-esteem scale. RESULTS Body image dissatisfaction, as assessed by the DAS-24, improved significantly 6 weeks after the treatment. Body image quality of life, as assessed by the BIQLI, improved, but the change did not reach statistical significance. Self-esteem was unchanged after the treatment. CONCLUSION Minimally invasive cosmetic injectable procedures were associated with reductions in body image dissatisfaction. Future research, using recently developed cosmetic surgery-specific instruments, may provide further insight into the psychosocial benefits of minimally invasive procedures. Address correspondence and reprint requests to: Joseph F. Sobanko, MD, Mohs & Reconstructive Surgery, Division of Dermatologic Surgery, Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania Health System, 3400 Civic Center Boulevard, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, or e-mail: joseph.sobanko@uphs.upenn.edu J.F. Sobanko is supported by a Dermatology Foundation Clinical Career Development Award in Dermatologic Surgery and a University of Pennsylvania Center for Human Appearance Grant. J.M. Gelfand is supported by NIH/NIAMS grant K24AR064310. In the previous 12 months, J.M. Gelfand served as a consultant for Coherus (DSMB), Dermira, Janssen Biologics, Merck (DSMB), Novartis, Corp., Regeneron, Sanofi, and Pfizer, Inc., receiving honoraria and receives research grants (to the Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania) from Abbvie, Janssen, Novartis, Corp., Regeneron, Sanofi, Celgene, and Pfizer, Inc., and received payment for continuing medical education work related to psoriasis that was supported indirectly by Lilly and Abbvie. J.M. Gelfand is a copatent holder of resiquimod for the treatment of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. D.B. Sarwer has consulting relationships with Allergan, BARONova, Ethicon, and Novo Nordisk. He also serves on the Board of Directors for the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery Research Foundation. I. Percedc is a consultant for Galderma. The remaining authors have indicated no significant interest with commercial supporters. This study was approved by the institutional review board of the University of Pennsylvania. © 2018 by the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, Inc. Published by Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.

https://ift.tt/2JL7cfu

The Safety and Efficacy of Treatment With a 1,927-nm Diode Laser With and Without Topical Hydroquinone for Facial Hyperpigmentation and Melasma in Darker Skin Types

BACKGROUND The nonablative, fractional, 1,927-nm diode laser is theoretically a safe and effective treatment for hyperpigmentation and melasma in darker skin and may potentiate topical cosmeceutical delivery. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the use of a nonablative, fractional, 1,927-nm diode laser with and without topical 2% hydroquinone (HQ) cream for moderate-to-severe facial hyperpigmentation in Fitzpatrick skin Types III–V. METHODS Forty adults underwent 4 laser treatments at 2-week intervals and were randomized to daily application of 2% HQ cream or moisturizer. Follow-ups were conducted 4 and 12 weeks after the final laser treatment. RESULTS Hydroquinone and moisturizer groups demonstrated Mottled Pigmentation Area and Severity Index improvements of approximately 50% at post-treatment Weeks 4 and 12. Blinded investigator–assessed hyperpigmentation and photodamage improved significantly for both the groups at post-treatment Weeks 4 and 12. Subject satisfaction improved significantly in both the groups by post-treatment Week 4. Although investigator-rated Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale scores were significantly better in the HQ group at post-treatment Week 12, satisfaction was higher among those using moisturizer. No adverse events were noted. CONCLUSION The nonablative, fractional, 1,927-nm diode laser produced significant improvement in hyperpigmentation in Fitzpatrick skin Types III–V by 4 weeks, with maintenance of results at 12 weeks after treatment even without HQ. Address correspondence and reprint requests to: Monique J. Vanaman Wilson, MD, California Skin Institute, 603 S. Knickerbocker Drive, Sunnyvale, CA 94087, or e-mail: moniquewilsonmd@gmail.com Supported by Valeant Pharmaceuticals North America LLC, Bridgewater, NJ. The authors have indicated no significant interest with commercial supporters. © 2018 by the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, Inc. Published by Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.

https://ift.tt/2vhRkOj

Topical Botulinum Toxin Type A Liposomal Cream for Primary Axillary Hyperhidrosis: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Split-Site, Vehicle-Controlled Study

BACKGROUND Despite its effectiveness in treating primary axillary hyperhidrosis (PAH), topical botulinum toxin type A (BTX-A) is highly resistant to transdermal absorption. Topical BTX-A liposomal cream is recommended as a novel, noninvasive modality to enhance skin penetration. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the efficacy and safety of topical BTX-A liposomal cream in comparison with liposomal vehicle cream alone in the treatment of PAH. MATERIALS AND METHODS A prospective, randomized, double-blinded, split-site study was conducted in 20 subjects, aged 18 to 50 years, all of whom had symmetrical axillary sweating with Hyperhidrosis Disease Severity Scale scores between 2 to 4. All subjects were double-blinded to treatment regimens and randomly given 2 bottles, one containing topical BTX-A liposomal cream and one containing the vehicle cream without BTX-A, to be applied consistently to the same axilla nightly for 7 consecutive days. Clinical improvement and adverse reactions were evaluated at every follow-up visit. RESULTS Axillary skin treated with topical BTX-A demonstrated superior sweat reduction and patient satisfaction to vehicle cream–treated axillary skin, with clinical and statistical significance, at baseline, weeks 2, 4, 6, and 8 of follow-up, without adverse effects. CONCLUSION Topical BTX-A liposomal cream pharmaceutically enhances drug delivery, is painless, cost-effective, and overall an innovative treatment of PAH. Address correspondence and reprint requests to: Suparuj Lueangarun, MD, MSc, Division of Dermatology, Chulabhorn International College of Medicine, Thammasat University, 99 Moo 18 Phahonyothin Rd Klonglung, Pathum Thani, Thailand 12120, or e-mail: saoraya180@gmail.com The authors have indicated no significant interest with commercial supporters. S. Lueangarun and C. Sermsilp were responsible for the initiation, execution, data collection, analysis, and drafting of the paper. S. Lueangarun and T. Tempark were responsible for the critical revision of the manuscript as well as the review and approval of the final paper. © 2018 by the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, Inc. Published by Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.

https://ift.tt/2JM3gLv

Trends in Dermatologic Surgery: Results of the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery Procedure and Consumer Surveys

No abstract available

https://ift.tt/2EOvykG

Pseudohalo Basal Cell Carcinoma

No abstract available

https://ift.tt/2JM3get

Liposarcoma Preoperatively Diagnosed as Lipoma: 10-Year Experience at a Single Institution

BACKGROUND On rare occasions, a lesion preoperatively diagnosed as a lipoma is ultimately diagnosed as a liposarcoma. It is important to differentiate liposarcomas from lipomas preoperatively. OBJECTIVE To examine characteristic features of liposarcomas preoperatively diagnosed as lipomas. METHODS Patients (n = 637) who underwent resection of tumors preoperatively diagnosed as lipomas from January 2006 to October 2016 were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS Based on pathological examination, 8 of 637 lesions were diagnosed as liposarcomas postoperatively. All the liposarcomas were well-differentiated liposarcomas. The rate of male patients was higher (87.5% vs 38.9%) and the size of tumors was larger (8.75 vs 4.64 cm) in these cases than in accurately diagnosed lipoma cases. On imaging, nonfatty septa were more frequently observed (71.4% vs 20.0%) and were thicker (2.22 vs 1.33 mm) than in true lipoma cases. CONCLUSION If the patient with a lipomatous tumor is male and the tumor is large, we should consider the possibility of it being a liposarcoma. A thick internal septum in the image findings is a good predictor of malignancy. Address correspondence and reprint requests to: Hirotaka Suga, MD, Department of Plastic Surgery, Kyorin University School of Medicine, 6-20-2 Shinkawa, Mitaka-shi, Tokyo 181-8611, Japan, or e-mail: sugah-tky@umin.ac.jp The authors have indicated no significant interest with commercial supporters. © 2018 by the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, Inc. Published by Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.

https://ift.tt/2vc5Ozg

In Vivo Degradation of Crosslinked Hyaluronic Acid Fillers by Exogenous Hyaluronidases

BACKGROUND An advantage of hyaluronic acid (HA)-based fillers is reversibility. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the ability of 2 hyaluronidases to degrade 3 HA-based fillers using a novel in vivo model. MATERIALS AND METHODS Rats were injected with 3 HA fillers (HYC-24L+, VYC-20L, and RES-L) to create a projecting bolus. After 4 days, recombinant human hyaluronidase (HX) or ovine hyaluronidase (VIT) was administered at (1) varying doses (5 U, 10 U, or 30 U per 0.1 mL filler) or (2) different dilutions (10 U diluted 3-fold). The impact of tissue integration was assessed by administering 10 U/0.1 mL filler 4 weeks after filler injection. Three-dimensional images quantified projection loss over 72 hours. RESULTS Complete loss of projection was achieved for all fillers with the highest HX and VIT doses; lower doses achieved less degradation. No difference in degradation was observed between HYC-24L+ and VYC-20L using HX or VIT. RES-L was slightly more degraded with 10 U VIT but not with 10 U HX. Enzyme dilution resulted in less degradation. Tissue integration did not impact the degree of degradation. CONCLUSION This model incorporates the biological system while controlling variables including filler depth and volume and location of hyaluronidase delivery. Hyaluronic acid filler degradation by exogenous hyaluronidase was not hindered by differences among fillers. Address correspondence and reprint requests to: Christopher K. Hee, PhD, Allergan plc, 2525 Dupont Dr, Irvine, CA or e-mail: hee_charlie@Allergan.com This study was sponsored by Allergan plc, Dublin, Ireland. Writing and editorial assistance was provided to the authors by Peloton Advantage, Parsippany, NJ, and was funded by Allergan plc. Neither honoraria nor other forms of payment were made for authorship. C. K. Hee, G. T. Shumate, and D. J. Messina are employees of Allergan, plc. R. Chopra has received honoraria from Allergan plc and Galderma, research funding from Galderma, serves as a consultant for Allergan plc, and is a stockholder of Allergan plc. D. Jones has received research grants from and serves as a consultant for Allergan plc, Lithera, and Merz. © 2018 by the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, Inc. Published by Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.

https://ift.tt/2JM3fap

Features of Irradiated Skeletal Muscle on Mohs Frozen Section Examination

No abstract available

https://ift.tt/2JMApqh

Dosage form modification and oral drug delivery in older people

Publication date: Available online 13 April 2018
Source:Advanced Drug Delivery Reviews
Author(s): Esther T.L. Lau, Kathryn J. Steadman, Julie A.Y. Cichero, Lisa M. Nissen
Many people cannot swallow whole tablets and capsules. The cause ranges from difficulties overriding the natural instinct to chew solids/foodstuff before swallowing, to a complex disorder of swallowing function affecting the ability to manage all food and fluid intake. Older people can experience swallowing difficulties because of co-morbidities, age-related physiological changes, and polypharmacy. To make medicines easier to swallow, many people will modify the medication dosage form e.g. split or crush tablets, and open capsules. Some of the challenges associated with administering medicines to older people, and issues with dosage form modification will be reviewed. Novel dosage forms in development are promising and may help overcome some of the issues. However, until these are more readily available, effective interdisciplinary teams, and improving patient health literacy will help reduce the risk of medication misadventures in older people.

Graphical abstract

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Impact of aging, Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease on the blood-brain barrier transport of therapeutics

Publication date: Available online 14 April 2018
Source:Advanced Drug Delivery Reviews
Author(s): Yijun Pan, Joseph A. Nicolazzo
Older people are at greater risk of medicine-induced toxicities resulting from either increased drug sensitivity or age-related pharmacokinetic changes. The scenario is further complicated with the two most prevalent age-related neurodegenerative diseases, Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD). With aging, AD and PD, there is growing evidence of altered structure and function of the blood-brain barrier (BBB), including modifications to tight junctions and efflux transporters, such as P-glycoprotein. The subsequent impact on CNS drug exposure and risk of neurotoxicity from systemically-acting medicines is less well characterized. The purpose of this review, therefore, is to provide an overview of the multiple changes that occur to the BBB as a result of aging, AD and PD, and the impact that such changes have on CNS exposure of drugs, based on studies conducted in aged rodents or rodent models of disease, and in elderly people with and without AD or PD.

Graphical abstract

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Blood Cell Disruption to Significantly Improve the Borrelia Pcr Detection Sensitivity in Borreliosis in Humans

Publication date: Available online 15 April 2018
Source:Medical Hypotheses
Author(s): Alexis Lacout, Yves Mone, Michel Franck, Pierre-Yves Marcy, Marie Mas, Francisco Veas, Christian Perronne
Lyme disease is the most frequently reported zoonotic tick-borne disease worldwide, and the number of infected humans is increasing. Lyme disease (or Lyme borreliosis) is an affection caused by the spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi, sensu lato. Lyme disease is also reported as a variety of misleading clinical symptomatologies. Infected patient's blood serology is the most currently test used for its diagnosis. However, serology has a low sensitivity, which ranges from 34 % to 70%.Thus, there are numerous subsequent false-negative diagnoses despite an active clinical infection profile. Therefore, alternative and more sensitive techniques are required to detect the antigens or nucleic acids of Borrelia. Actually, the most appropriate methodological approach seems to be the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). However, PCR will detect the only "visible" part available of the targeted DNA presence in the blood of the infected patients. Consequently PCR alone will not be conclusive enough to reach the final diagnosis. Considering the ability of Borrelia to invade host cells, we hypothesize that a selective lysis of all blood cells should improve the diagnostic sensitivity of the detection of Borrelia by PCR in whole blood, and subsequently reduce the false-negative diagnostic rate, thus improving the patient's diagnosis and therapeutic management.



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Epigenomic biomarkers for prognostication and diagnosis of gastrointestinal cancers

Publication date: Available online 14 April 2018
Source:Seminars in Cancer Biology
Author(s): Chi Chun Wong, Weilin Li, Bertina Chan, Jun Yu
Altered epigenetic regulation is central to many human diseases, including cancer. Over the past two decade, major advances have been made in our understanding of the role of epigenetic alterations in carcinogenesis, particularly for DNA methylation, histone modifications and non-coding RNAs. Aberrant hypermethylation of DNA at CpG islands is a well-established phenomenon that mediates transcriptional silencing of tumor suppressor genes, and it is an early event integral to gastrointestinal cancer development. As such, detection of aberrant DNA methylation is being developed as biomarkers for prognostic and diagnostic purposes in gastrointestinal cancers. Diverse tissue types are suitable for the analyses of methylated DNA, such as tumor tissues, blood, plasma, and stool, and some of these markers are already utilized in the clinical setting. Recent advances in the genome-wide epigenomic approaches are enabling the comprehensive mapping of the cancer methylome, thus providing new avenues for mining novel biomarkers for disease prognosis and diagnosis. Here, we review the current knowledge on DNA methylation biomarkers for the prognostication and non-invasive diagnosis of gastrointestinal cancers and highlight their clinical application.



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Cosmetics, Vol. 5, Pages 27: Analysis of Lipids in the Medulla of Japanese Hair and Their Function

Cosmetics, Vol. 5, Pages 27: Analysis of Lipids in the Medulla of Japanese Hair and Their Function

Cosmetics doi: 10.3390/cosmetics5020027

Authors: Jun Ymazaki Kazuhisa Maeda

The hair is composed of the cuticle (the outermost surface), cortex (its major part), and medulla (in the hair center). The lipid content of the medulla of Caucasian hair is relatively higher than that of African-American hair. However, the types of lipids therein remain unidentified. The aim of the current study was to analyze the constituent lipids of the medulla of Japanese hair, and to identify their function. A lipid peroxidase fluorescent reagent was used to investigate region-specific differences in the lipid content of the medulla (the tip, middle, and root portions). Since the medulla is important for the hair's glossiness, we also investigated the relationship between the lipid content and hair glossiness. The lipid content of hair, based on the absence or presence of lipid species in the medulla, was investigated using thin-layer chromatography (TLC). Micro-attenuated total reflectance Fourier-transform infrared spectrophotometry (micro-ATR FTIR) was used to analyze the similarities between the standard and medulla lipids, focusing on the methylene/methyl stretching vibration region. The data indicated that the medulla contained unsaturated lipids, the content of which decreased from the root to the tip of the hair. Hair glossiness was reduced with the decreasing lipid content, suggesting that unsaturated lipids of the medulla play a role in glossiness. The TLC analysis revealed differences in the type and amount of hair lipids in the medulla. While squalene and oleic acid spots were detected in hair with a continuously maintained medulla, these compounds were not detected in hair in which the medulla was not maintained. The medulla constituents similar to oleic acid and squalene were also identified by the micro-ATR FTIR spectrum analysis and the previous report. The findings indicate that the medulla is composed of at least squalene and oleic acid.

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Moderate-intensity exercise boosts the N2 neural inhibition marker: a randomized and counterbalanced ERP study with precisely controlled exercise intensity

Publication date: Available online 14 April 2018
Source:Biological Psychology
Author(s): Tomasz S. Ligeza, Marcin Maciejczyk, Patrycja Kałamała, Zbigniew Szygula, Miroslaw Wyczesany
A prior session of moderate intensity continuous exercise (MCE) benefits performance during tasks requiring conflict resolution but the specific cognitive process that underlies this improvement remains unknown. Many studies postulate that MCE increases inhibition, but ERP evidence is ambiguous due to significant differences across past procedures. Most importantly, exercise intensity, which modulates the relationship between acute exercise and cognitive processes, might have varied across past ERP studies. Additionally, previous procedures may not have sufficiently engaged the inhibition process during tasks.The aim of this study was to assess the effects of an acute exercise session on behavioral (accuracy, RT) and ERP (N2, P3b) indices of cognitive processes engaged in conflict resolution. Contrary to most previous studies, we determined ventilatory thresholds (VTD) in order to precisely control exercise metabolism. Moreover, to ensure engagement of inhibition we used a flanker task in a version eliciting strong conflict. 18 male adults underwent three testing sessions in a randomized and counterbalanced order: moderate-intensity continuous exercise (MCE), high-intensity interval exercise (HIIE), and seated rest condition. After each session participants performed the flanker task, during which EEG data was collected.Compared with the control condition, exercise between the first (VT1) and the second (VT2) ventilatory threshold (MCE), but not exercise that exceeded VT2 (HIIE), improved performance in the task and increased the N2 component, which is a neural marker of inhibition. The study shows that MCE might directly benefit inhibition and shows the need for more precise measures of exercise intensity in future studies.



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Recognition memory and featural similarity between concepts: the pupil’s point of view

Publication date: Available online 14 April 2018
Source:Biological Psychology
Author(s): Maria Montefinese, David Vinson, Ettore Ambrosini
Differences in pupil dilation are observed for studied compared to new items in recognition memory. According to cognitive load theory, this effect reflects the greater cognitive demands of retrieving contextual information from study phase. Pupil dilation can also occur when new items conceptually related to old ones are erroneously recognized as old, but the aspects of similarity that modulate false memory and related pupil responses remain unclear. We investigated this issue by manipulating the degree of featural similarity between new (unstudied) and old (studied) concepts in an old/new recognition task. We found that new concepts with high similarity were mistakenly identified as old and had greater pupil dilation than those with low similarity, suggesting that pupil dilation reflects the strength of evidence on which recognition judgments are based and, importantly, greater locus coeruleus and prefrontal activity determined by the higher degree of retrieval monitoring involved in recognizing these items.



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Advanced cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma: A retrospective analysis of patient profiles and treatment patterns—Results of a non-interventional study of the DeCOG

Publication date: June 2018
Source:European Journal of Cancer, Volume 96
Author(s): Uwe Hillen, Ulrike Leiter, Sylvie Haase, Roland Kaufmann, Jürgen Becker, Ralf Gutzmer, Patrick Terheyden, Albrecht Krause-Bergmann, Hans-Joachim Schulze, Jessica Hassel, Nina Lahner, Uwe Wollina, Fabian Ziller, Jochen Utikal, Christine Hafner, Jens Ulrich, Hans-Günther Machens, Carsten Weishaupt, Axel Hauschild, Peter Mohr, Claudia Pföhler, Jan Maurer, Patrick Wolff, Christine Windemuth-Kieselbach, Dirk Schadendorf, Elisabeth Livingstone
BackgroundAdvanced cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (aSCC) is an area of unmet medical need and no treatment standards are established. Recently, an anti-PD-1 inhibitor received FDA breakthrough therapy designation. The aim of the study was to describe the clinical course, therapeutic management and prognosis of aSCC under real-life conditions.Patients and methodsIn a retrospective study performed in 24 German and Austrian hospitals and doctor's offices, patient and tumour characteristics of patients diagnosed with aSCC between January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2011 and their disease course was documented. Advanced SCC comprised either locally advanced SCCs (laSCC) or metastatic SCCs (mSCC) with any kind of metastatic spread.ResultsData of 190 patients with aSCC were analysed. Median age at time of diagnosis of aSCC was 78 years. LaSCC was diagnosed in 76 patients (40%), 114 patients (60%) had mSCC. Once diagnosed with laSCC, most patients (59%) did not receive any therapy, whereas in 92% of mSCC patients at least one type of therapy was performed. Only 32 patients (29 mSCC, 3 laSCC) received systemic antitumour therapies, mostly EGFR inhibitor-based regimens. Mean duration of response was short (17-months laSCC patients, 3-months mSCC patients). Only 2 patients achieved a complete response, 27% had a partial response, 43% disease stabilisation. At diagnosis of aSCC, ECOG status was 0–1 in most patients. Non-malignant comorbidities influenced the decision on SCC-specific therapy in 39 patients (21%).ConclusionsOur data show the high medical need for efficient and tolerable antitumour therapies and demonstrate that despite older age and comorbidities, most patients can be expected to be fit for treatment. This study provides a historical context for emerging aSCC treatments.



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