Development and psychometric evaluation of the Pornography Purchase Task

Publication date: September 2018
Source:Addictive Behaviors, Volume 84
Author(s): Kyler Mulhauser, Emily Miller Short, Jeremiah Weinstock
Excessive pornography use and hypersexuality are frequently evaluated via direct self-report of problem severity and negative consequences associated with these behaviors. These face-valid assessments may be less sensitive to problems of hypersexuality in persons with low insight into their condition or in persons with motivation to minimize the negative impact of their pornography use. Demand for addictive substances has been effectively evaluated through a behavioral economic framework using a hypothetical purchase task, in which respondents are asked to report their degree of engagement with the substance as the financial costs associated with use increase. The present study describes the development and psychometric evaluation of the Pornography Purchase Task (PPT), a novel hypothetical purchase task for internet pornography use, in both a general population sample of adults (Study 1) and a clinical sample of men seeking hypersexuality treatment (Study 2). Overall, results showed good test-retest reliability of the PPT and the exponential-demand equation provided an excellent fit to responses on the PPT. The demand characteristic Intensity was most strongly related to concurrent indicators of hypersexuality and differentiated participants in Study 1. A similar pattern of results was observed in Study 2, with markedly stronger associations between most measures of demand for pornography and measures of hypersexuality for persons with recent use of pornography. Research and clinical implications of the PPT are discussed.



https://ift.tt/2KsMm57

Disordered eating behaviour in young adults with type 1 diabetes mellitus

Abstract

Background

The combination of eating disorders and diabetes is associated with increased risk of morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study is to compare the prevalence of disordered eating behaviour (DEB) in young adults with type 1 diabetes mellitus to a sample of non-diabetic controls, and to examine the relationship of DEB to glycaemic control.

Methods

The Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDE-Q) was administered to 51 individuals aged 18–30 years attending an outpatient diabetic clinic in a large university teaching hospital. Glycaemic control was assessed by the glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c). The control group comprised a consecutive sample of 236 male and female students aged 18–30 years attending a university primary health care service.

Results

The mean global EDE-Q score for the diabetes group was 0.82 ± 1.1 (mean ± SD) and the mean for the control group was 1.4 ± 1.3 (mean ± SD). The diabetes group was significantly more likely to have a lower global EDE-Q score compared to the control group. There was no association between the global EDE-Q score of the diabetes group and HbA1c level.

Conclusions

We did not find increased levels of disordered eating behavior (DEB) in young adults with type 1 diabetes mellitus compared to a non-diabetic control sample.

https://ift.tt/2rf3u5w

Application of the alteration uptake ratio of 99mTc-MIBI scintigraphy for evaluating the efficacy of neoadjuvant chemotherapy in osteosarcoma patients.

Related Articles

Application of the alteration uptake ratio of 99mTc-MIBI scintigraphy for evaluating the efficacy of neoadjuvant chemotherapy in osteosarcoma patients.

Hell J Nucl Med. 2018 Jan-Apr;21(1):55-59

Authors: Huang Z, Lou C

Abstract
BACKGROUND: We aimed to semi-quantitatively evaluate using technetium-99m methoxyisobutylisonitrile (99mTc-MIBI) scintigraphy the efficacy of neoadjuvant chemotherapy in osteosarcoma (OS) patients.
SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A hundred and two patients with OS were retrospectively included in this study. All of them underwent 99mTc-MIBI scintigraphy before and after neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Semi-quantitative parameters including the uptake ratio (UR) and alteration of uptake ratio (AUR) were calculated for each patient. According to tumor necrosis rate (TNR), patients were classified into three group: a) Poor response group (grade I, TNR: less than 50%), b) Partial response group (grade II, TNR: 50%-89%) and c) Good response group (grade III, TNR: greater than 90%). The linear regression analysis of the AUR versus TNR was carried out.
RESULTS: Poor response, partial response and good response were found in 30, 52 and 20 patients, respectively. In the poor-response group the URpre and URpost were 1.68±0.44 and 1.83±0.71, respectively and the AUR was -0.02±0.33. In the partial-response group the URpre and URpost were 2.42±1.42 and 1.59±0.71, respectively and the AUR was 0.28±0.18. In the good-response group the URpre and URpost were 2.58±0.61 and 1.21±0.16, respectively and the AUR was 0.46±0.10. There was a statistically significant difference of the AUR between poor-response and partial-response groups (P<0.01) and also between the poor-response and good-response groups (P<0.01). The linear regression analysis of the AUR versus TNR which showed a significantly positive correlation (r=0.76).
CONCLUSION: The AUR was significant after neoadjuvant chemotherapy in the partial-response group and in the good-response group. Furthermore, it exhibited a positive correlation with TNR. All results indicated that 99mTc-MIBI scintigraphy can be used to evaluate neoadjuvant chemotherapy for OS patients.

PMID: 29705817 [PubMed - in process]

https://ift.tt/2relMEy

Brain perfusion defects by SPET/CT and neurostat semi-quantitative analysis in two patients with congenital erythropoietic porphyria.

Related Articles

Brain perfusion defects by SPET/CT and neurostat semi-quantitative analysis in two patients with congenital erythropoietic porphyria.

Hell J Nucl Med. 2018 Jan-Apr;21(1):43-47

Authors: Frusciante V, Ferrari C, Totaro M, Valle G, Guida CC, Aucella F, Caputo P, Rubini G

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Congenital erythropoietic porphyria (CEP) is a rare autosomal recessively inherited disorder with chronic and relatively stable presentation. Till now brain blood flow derangements have been described only in acute hepatic porphyrias. We describe the first findings of brain perfusion defects, studied by single photon emission tomography/computed tomography (SPET/CT), in two patients affected by CEP, by using a semi-quantification anatomic-standardized voxel-based program compared with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) results.
SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Two Pakistanis brothers were investigated for CEP confirmed by a genetic test. The disease was severe with: skin burning, mood depression and haemolytic anemia. Considering depression, patients underwent brain SPET/CT and MRI. Single photon emission tomography/CT images were processed by neurostat semi-quantitative software. Data obtained were compared to a normal database and z-score images were generated.
RESULTS: In both patients we found several perfusion defects evident in transaxial slices and in z-score images obtained by neurostat processing. Magnetic resonance imaging was negative in both patients. Biochemical mechanisms inducing localized brain hypoperfusion are uncertain. However, mismatch between SPET/CT data and MRI was probably due to absence of necrosis.
CONCLUSION: In our opinion, SPET/CT could have a key role in this setting of patients due to its high sensitivity and reliability in mild-to-moderate brain perfusion defects detection. Moreover, the quantitative analysis by using neurostat may allow to recognize even mild brain perfusion alterations, difficult to detect only visually.

PMID: 29705816 [PubMed - in process]

https://ift.tt/2HKDlm9

Low-level laser irradiation induces a transcriptional myotube-like profile in C2C12 myoblasts

Abstract

Low-level laser irradiation (LLLI) has been used as a non-invasive method to improve muscular regeneration capability. However, the molecular mechanisms by which LLLI exerts these effects remain largely unknown. Here, we described global gene expression profiling analysis in C2C12 myoblasts after LLLI that identified 514 differentially expressed genes (DEG). Gene ontology and pathway analysis of the DEG revealed transcripts among categories related to cell cycle, ribosome biogenesis, response to stress, cell migration, and cell proliferation. We further intersected the DEG in C2C12 myoblasts after LLLI with publicly available transcriptomes data from myogenic differentiation studies (myoblasts vs myotube) to identify transcripts with potential effects on myogenesis. This analysis revealed 42 DEG between myoblasts and myotube that intersect with altered genes in myoblasts after LLLI. Next, we performed a hierarchical cluster analysis with this set of shared transcripts that showed that LLLI myoblasts have a myotube-like profile, clustering away from the myoblast profile. The myotube-like transcriptional profile of LLLI myoblasts was further confirmed globally considering all the transcripts detected in C2C12 myoblasts after LLLI, by bi-dimensional clustering with myotubes transcriptional profiles, and by the comparison with 154 gene sets derived from previous published in vitro omics data. In conclusion, we demonstrate for the first time that LLLI regulates a set of mRNAs that control myoblast proliferation and differentiation into myotubes. Importantly, this set of mRNAs revealed a myotube-like transcriptional profile in LLLI myoblasts and provide new insights to the understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the effects of LLLI on skeletal muscle cells.

https://ift.tt/2I5qC0F

The transcription factor SMAD4 and miR-10b contribute to E2 release and cell apoptosis in ovarian granulosa cells by targeting CYP19A1

Publication date: Available online 1 May 2018
Source:Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology
Author(s): Qiqi Li, Xing Du, Zengxiang Pan, Lifan Zhang, Qifa Li
The cytochrome P450 family 19 subfamily A member 1 (CYP19A1) gene, encodes aromatase, a key enzyme in estradiol (E2) synthesis, and is down-regulated during porcine follicular atresia. However, its role in and the mechanism of transcriptional repression in follicular atresia is largely unknown. In the present study, we show that the CYP19A1 gene stimulates E2 release and inhibits cell apoptosis in porcine granulosa cells (GCs). SMAD4, an anti-apoptotic moderator, was identified as a transcription factor of the porcine CYP19A1 gene and enhanced the expression and function of CYP19A1 in porcine GCs through direct binding to a SMAD4-binding element (SBE) within the promoter region of CYP19A1 gene. Moreover, we found that miR-10b, a pro-apoptotic factor, directly interacted with 3′-UTR of the porcine CYP19A1 mRNA, inhibiting its expression and function in porcine GCs. Collectively, we demonstrated that CYP19A1 is an inhibitor of follicular atresia and is regulated by both SMAD4 and miR-10b. These findings provide further insight into the mechanisms of CYP19A1 in steroid hormone synthesis and GC apoptosis and provide molecular targets for exploring methods of treatment for steroid-dependent reproductive disorders.



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Effects of fibroblast growth factors and the transcription factor, early growth response 1, on bovine theca cells

Publication date: Available online 1 May 2018
Source:Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology
Author(s): Peng Han, Hilda Guerrero-Netro, Anthony Estienne, Christopher A. Price
The theca cell layer of the ovarian follicle secretes growth factors that impact the function of granulosa cells. One such factor is fibroblast growth factor 18 (FGF18) that causes apoptosis of granulosa cells, however it is not known if FGF18 induces apoptosis also in theca cells. Addition of recombinant FGF18 to bovine theca cells in vitro inhibited steroidogenesis but, in contrast to previous data in granulosa cells, decreased the incidence of apoptosis. FGF18 activated typical FGF signaling pathways in theca cells, which was not previously observed in granulosa cells. The transcription factor Early Growth Response-1 (EGR1) was a target of FGF18 action; overexpression and knock-down experiments demonstrated that EGR1 is a major upstream component of FGF signaling in theca cells and that it directs cell fate toward proliferation. These data suggest that FGF18 is mitogenic for theca cells while being pro-apoptotic in granulosa cells.

Graphical abstract

https://ift.tt/2rcTxGe

Oromandibular dystonia screening questionnaire for differential diagnosis

Abstract

Objectives

Oromandibular dystonia, which is characterized by stereotypic, task-specific, or sustained contractions of masticatory and/or lingual muscles, is frequently misdiagnosed as temporomandibular disorders or psychogenic disease. Diagnostic delay in oromandibular dystonia is not acceptable; thus, a screening tool that can distinguish this condition from a temporomandibular disorder may be helpful for medical professionals unfamiliar with involuntary movements or temporomandibular disorders.

Materials and methods

A questionnaire that included questions on the clinical features of oromandibular dystonia, such as stereotypy, task-specificity, sensory tricks, and morning benefit, and included questions to rule out temporomandibular disorders (total point range 0–40) was administered to 553 patients suspected to have involuntary movements.

Results

Based on a careful examination and the differential diagnosis, the patients were divided into four groups: oromandibular dystonia (n = 385), oral dyskinesia (n = 84), psychogenic (functional) movement disorder (n = 50), and temporomandibular disorders (n = 34). The questionnaire had a high level of internal consistency as measured by the Cronbach's α (0.91), and item-total correlation was significant (p < 0.001). The test-retest reliability on two separate occasions showed a significant correlation (p < 0.001). Mean total scores of the questionnaire significantly differed among oromandibular dystonia (32.0), temporomandibular disorders (10.4; one-way analysis of variance, p < 0.001), oral dyskinesia (21.0; p < 0.001), and psychogenic (functional) movement disorder (13.7; p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Findings of this study suggest that the present questionnaire is a simple diagnostic tool that is useful for tentative differentiation of oromandibular dystonia from temporomandibular disorders.

Clinical relevance

This screening tool can be used to distinguish oromandibular dystonia from temporomandibular disorders.

https://ift.tt/2KvcBYn

Microbial accumulation on different suture materials following oral surgery: a randomized controlled study

Abstract

Background

The aim of the study was to compare bacterial accumulation on different suture materials following oral surgery.

Methods

Patients scheduled for implant or periodontal surgery were included in the study. Upon flap closure, four different sutures were placed in a randomized sequence—silk, coated polyglactin, nylon, and polyester. Ten days following surgery, the sutures were removed and incubated in aerobic as well as anaerobic conditions for 7 days and colony-forming units (CFUs) were calculated. Association between bacterial accumulation and periodontal diagnosis, type of surgery, and antibiotic treatment were also tested.

Results

All sutures in all patients were found to contain bacteria. Overall, nylon sutures showed significantly lower CFU levels compared to silk, coated polyglactin, and polyester sutures. The type of surgery (implant vs. periodontal surgery) did not significantly influence bacterial accumulation. Also, periodontal diagnosis had little impact on CFU counts. Interestingly, post-surgical antibiotic treatment also had only a minor effect on bacterial accumulation on the various sutures.

Discussion

The results indicate that the monofilamentous nylon sutures showed less microbial accumulation than the other tested materials that were all braided. This effect may be due to material qualities as well as suture macrostructure. Type of surgery, periodontal diagnosis, and antibiotic consumption have little effect on bacterial accumulation of sutures.

Clinical relevance

The study provides the microbial profile of commonly used sutures and may assist in suture selection during clinical procedures.

https://ift.tt/2FymDVf

Biochemical and life cycle effects of triclosan chronic toxicity to earthworm Eisenia fetida

Abstract

The study aimed at determining the response of adult Eisenia fetida earthworms to chronic exposure to triclosan (TCS) (10–750 mg kg⁻¹) in soil. TCS life cycle toxicity was evaluated by the means of survival, growth rate, and reproduction assessment. Biochemical responses including changes in the activity of antioxidative enzymes (catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione reductase) and concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA) were determined. Significant reduction in the earthworm survival was observed only if the exposure to TCS was longer than 4 weeks. TCS reduced the growth rate of E. fetida; the weight of the fastest growing control individuals exceeded that for the slowest growing by factor of 2.56. Reproduction was the most sensitive life cycle parameter and was affected at the very low levels of TCS in the soil. The results showed that chronic exposure to TCS levels in the soil induced a significant increase in the activity of antioxidative enzymes and MDA concentration. Present study revealed that an integrated approach combining biochemical and life cycle endpoints would provide a more comprehensive assessment of the ecological effects of chronic TCS exposure on earthworms.

https://ift.tt/2HImMas

Prenatal exposure to perfluorooctanoic acid induces nerve growth factor expression in cerebral cortex cells of mouse offspring

Abstract

Previous studies have showed perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) inducing cytotoxicity in an organ. In addition, epidemiological data show that high level of PFOA in cord blood of a pregnant woman is detected. Therefore, we extrapolate that circulating PFOA may affect organogenesis in offspring, such as the brain. In this study, intrauterine exposure to PFOA in mice was used to characterize the potential impacts of prenatal PFOA exposure on cerebral cortex cells of postnatal 21 (PND21) offspring. In an ex vivo cell model, PND21-based cortex cells were exposed to PFOA or/and nerve growth factor (NGF)-specific inhibitor before further biochemical assays. As results, biochemical data showed increased trends of liver metabolic enzymes in sera of PFOA-treated PND21 mice. Interestingly, PFOA-treated PND21 mice resulted in increased levels of NGF in sera and cortex cells. In addition, PFOA-exposed cerebral cortex cells induced NGF and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) expressions, while exposure to PFOA/NGF-specific inhibitor downregulated expressions of NGF and PCNA. In addition, Nissl-labeled, NGF-positive cells, and NGF protein expression in cortex cells of PFOA-treated PND21 mice were upregulated, respectively. Further, immunoblotting assays showed that intracephalic poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) and p42/44 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) proliferation-regulated protein levels were elevated in PFOA-treated cortex cells. Taken together, our current findings indicate that the prenatal PFOA exposure may induce proliferation of cerebral cortex cells in PND21 mice through promoting intracephalic NGF expression in the cortex.

https://ift.tt/2jmvsZC

Status, sources, and risk assessment of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in urban soils of Xi’an, China

Abstract

To identify status, source of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in urban soils and to assess soil environmental quality in Xi'an City, China, total 45 soil samples were collected from surface layer (0–10 cm) in different functional areas. Total concentrations of 16 US EPA priority PAHs ranged from 149.9 to 5770 μg kg⁻¹, with a mean of 1246 μg kg⁻¹. High molecular weight (HMW) PAHs accounted for the majority (42.4–72.2%) of the total PAHs in the urban soils, and phenanthrene (Phe), fluorene (Flo), pyrene (Pyr), benzo(b)fluoranthene (BbF), and chrysene (Chr) were the major compounds. Concentrations of PAHs varied among different functional areas. High level of PAHs was particularly apparent in industrial zones and city road overpass, while low level was recorded in scenic spots and campus. The integration of isomer ratios, principal component analysis (PCA), and positive matrix factor (PMF) indicated that the sources of PAHs in Xi'an urban soils were mainly derived from vehicle emissions and coal combustion. Based on incremental lifetime cancer risks (ILCR) model, the urban soils from the three functional areas (industrial zone, urban road, and city road overpass) posed potential cancer risk, and the cancer risks of direct ingestion for children were apparently higher than that for adolescence and for adult, respectively. Therefore, attention should be paid to the health risk for children exposed to PAHs in the urban soils.

https://ift.tt/2HJbPFn

Effect of compost tea containing phosphogypsum on potato plant growth and protection against Fusarium solani infection

Abstract

Three composts made of industrial wastes were prepared by mixing olive oil mill waste water (OMW), olive pomace, coffee grounds, and phosphogypsum (0, 10, and 30%). Potato plants (Solanum tuberosum) cultivated in a greenhouse were used to screen compost tea suppressive ability. All compost tea treatments inhibited Fusarium solani growth and improved plant growth and response to F. solani infection. The antagonistic effects of the different treatments were associated with a marked increase of the antioxidant enzymes and PR (pathogenesis related) protein expression and a decrease of disease severity. These results also showed that plant growth and disease suppression were improved by application of phosphogypsum-supplemented compost teas (A10 and A30). This enhancement can be attributed to the influence of phosphogypsum on nutrient elements and microbial diversity in the resulting compost teas.

https://ift.tt/2jlkBiv

Scholar : These new articles for Spanish Journal of Finance and Accounting / Revista Española de Financiación y Contabilidad are available online

The online platform for Taylor & Francis Online content New for Spanish Journal of Finance and Accounting / Revista Española de Financiación y Contabilidad and online now on Taylor & Francis Online: Article A new tool for failure analysis in small firms: frontiers of financial ratios based on percentile differences (PDFR) María T. Tascón, Francisco J. Castaño & Paula Castro Pages: 1-31 | DOI: 10.1080/02102412.2018.1468058 Original Articles Effects of the Asian financial crisis on the relation between leverage and employee compensation Sung Won Seo, Jun Sik Kim & Doojin Ryu Pages: 1-20 | DOI: 10.1080/02102412.2018.1456029 Total and primary underpricings in the IPO market: are they explained by the same variables? Miguel Á. Acedo-Ramírez & Francisco J. Ruiz-Cabestre Pages: 1-26 | DOI: 10.1080/02102412.2018.1468642 To update which email alerts you receive, manage your alerts within the My Account area. Unsubscribe from new content alerts for this journal (both new issue and latest article notifications) 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.

Exploiting polymer blending approach for fabrication of buccal chitosan-based composite sponges with augmented mucoadhesive characteristics

Publication date: 30 July 2018
Source:European Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Volume 120
Author(s): May S. Freag, Wedad M. Saleh, Ossama Y. Abdallah
In the course of application and modernization of buccal dosage forms, lyophilized sponges for transmucosal drug delivery symbolize one of the most attractive approaches. Chitosan (CS) has been extensively investigated as a forming material of different buccal dosage forms including sponges. However, CS-based buccal delivery systems suffer from many limitations like weak adhesion strength and poor tensile properties. So, for the first time, the current study focused on the polymer blending approach to enhance the mucoadhesive properties of buccal CS-based composite sponges. Composite sponges were prepared using lyophilization technique. Thorough in-vitro characterization of the proposed sponges was performed including mechanical strength determination, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic analysis (FT-IR), surface pH, % moisture content, water uptake capacity, viscosity and % porosity assessments. Furthermore, the surface topology of selected sponges was viewed using scanning electron microscope. The mucoadhesive properties of sponges were tested both ex-vivo and in-vivo. Among all fabricated sponges, sponges fabricated of CS:HPMC (1:1) showed the best physicochemical characteristics suitable for buccal applications. Incorporation of HPMC into CS-sponges significantly enhanced the mucoadhesion time to 6 h, while CS-sponges lost contact after around 10 min. Preliminary stability study showed CS:HPMC sponges stored in low humidity conditions maintain their soft texture and mucoadhesive properties for one month.

Graphical abstract

https://ift.tt/2w23Emd

Verapamil and riluzole cocktail liposomes overcome pharmacoresistance by inhibiting P-glycoprotein in brain endothelial and astrocyte cells: A potent approach to treat amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Publication date: 30 July 2018
Source:European Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Volume 120
Author(s): Tianzhi Yang, Laine Ferrill, Leanne Gallant, Sarah McGillicuddy, Tatiana Fernandes, Nicole Schields, Shuhua Bai
Riluzole is currently one of two approved medications for the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). However, brain disposition of riluzole, as a substrate of P-glycoprotein (P-gp), is limited by the efflux transporters at the blood-brain barrier (BBB). We propose to develop a liposomal co-delivery system that could effectively transport riluzole to brain cells by reducing efflux pumps with a P-gp inhibitor, verapamil. Riluzole and verapamil cocktail liposomes were prepared by lipid film hydration. The average particle size of cocktail liposomes was 194.3 ± 6.0 nm and their polydispersity index (PDI) was 0.272 ± 0.017. The encapsulation efficiencies of verapamil and riluzole in the cocktail liposomes were 86.0 ± 1.4% and 85.6 ± 1.1%, respectively. The drug release from cocktail liposomes after 8 h in PBS at 37 °C was 78.4 ± 6.2% of riluzole and 76.7 ± 3.8% of verapamil. The average particle size of liposomes did not show significant changes at 4 °C after three months. Verapamil cocktail liposomes inhibited P-gp levels measured by western blotting in dose and time-dependent manners in brain endothelial bEND.3 cells. Increased drug efflux transporters were detected in bEND.3 and astrocytes C8D1A cells, promoted by tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) or hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Restored accumulations of riluzole and fluorescent dye rhodamine 123 were observed in bEND.3 cells after treatments with cocktail liposomes. It indicated that inhibitory potential of co-delivery liposome system towards P-gp could mediate the transport of both P-gp substrates. Verapamil and riluzole co-loaded liposomes may be used to overcome pharmacoresistance of riluzole for improving ALS therapy.

Graphical abstract

https://ift.tt/2I5l3z9

Effect of β-elemene on the kinetics of intracellular transport of d-luciferin potassium salt (ABC substrate) in doxorubicin-resistant breast cancer cells and the associated molecular mechanism

Publication date: 30 July 2018
Source:European Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Volume 120
Author(s): Chao-yuan Tang, Li-xin Zhu, Jian-dong Yu, Zhi Chen, Man-cang Gu, Chao-feng Mu, Qi Liu, Yang Xiong
In order to explore the mechanism of the reversing multidrug resistance (MDR) phenotypes by β-elemene (β-ELE) in doxorubicin (DOX)-resistant breast cancer cells (MCF-7/DOX), both the functionality and quantity of the ABC transporters in MCF-7/DOX were studied. Bioluminescence imaging (BLI) was used to study the efflux of d-luciferin potassium salt, the substrate of ATP-binding cassette transporters (ABC transporters), in MCF-7/DOX cells treated by β-ELE. At the same time three major ABC transport proteins and genes-related MDR, P-glycoprotein (P-gp, ABCB1) and multidrug resistance-associated protein 1 (MRP, ABCC1) as well as breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP, ABCG2) were analyzed by q-PCR and Western blot.To investigate the efflux functionality of ABC transporters, MCF-7/DOX^Fluc cell line with stably-overexpressed luciferase was established. BLI was then used to real-time monitor the efflux kinetics of d-luciferin potassium salt before and after MCF-7/DOX^Fluc cells being treated with β-ELE or not. The results showed that the efflux of d-luciferin potassium salt from MCF-7/DOX^Fluc was lessened when pretreated with β-ELE, which means that β-ELE may dampen the functionality of ABC transporters, thus decrease the efflux of d-fluorescein potassium or other chemotherapies which also serve as the substrates of ABC transporters. As the effect of β-ELE on the expression of ABC transporters, the results of q-PCR and Western blot showed that gene and protein expression of ABC transporters such as P-gp, MRP, and BCRP were down-regulated after the treatment of β-ELE. To verify the efficacy of β-ELE on reversing MDR, MCF-7/DOX cells were treated with the combination of DOX and β-ELE. MTT assay showed that β-ELE increased the inhibitory effect of DOX on the proliferation of MCF-7/DOX, and the IC50 of the combination group was much lower than that of the single DOX or β-ELE treatment. In all, β-ELE may reverse MDR through the substrates of ABC transporters by two ways, to lessen the ABC protein efflux by weakening their functionality, or to reduce the quantity of ABC gene and protein expression.

Graphical abstract

https://ift.tt/2w23Amt

Electrocorticographic telemetric recording in unrestrained mouse pups

Publication date: Available online 1 May 2018
Source:Journal of Neuroscience Methods
Author(s): Nicole Chemaly, Astrid Nehlig, Catherine Chiron, Rima Nabbout
BackgroundEarly onset epileptic encephalopathies are rare paediatric diseases, with seizures resistant to drugs and impacting development of cognitive and motor functions. Many of them show monogenic aetiology and engineered animal models are crucial to understand the underlying mechanisms and propose treatment trials. These models have mostly been explored in vitro or in vivo under anaesthesia. This may affect the occurrence of epileptic activities and their clinical expression. These study conditions perturb social skills and are limited in time.New methodWe developed a technique using telemetric recordings by means of the Data Science International (DSI) mouse transmitter to study long lasting electro-cortical activity in freely moving mice younger than three weeks, trying to minimally affect social interactions and developmentResultsWe describe how to implant telemetry EEG devices in mice aged P13 to P18, weighing 7–10 g, including the surgical procedure and the recovery phase. Normal EEG data and epileptic activities can be recorded up to 2 months after implantation in normally behaving animals.Comparisons with existing methodsElectrocorticographic studies of mouse pups are rare, and few devices allow EEG recording at these ages. Here, the telemetry devices used for adult mice were implanted in mouse pups. The surgical procedure was well tolerated. An adapted recovery protocol allowed EEG recording during the period of interest.ConclusionThis technique was developed with currently used devices to enable better understanding of the pathophysiology of epileptic encephalopathies, chronic recording of seizures and helping the development of new therapies using chronic trials in the young animal.



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Scholar : These new articles for The American Journal of Family Therapy are available online

The online platform for Taylor & Francis Online content New for The American Journal of Family Therapy and online now on Taylor & Francis Online: Original Articles Trauma and Health Symptoms in a Community Sample: Examining the Influences of Gender and Daily Stress Kristin E. Silver, Meera Kumari, Danette Conklin & Gunnur Karakurt Pages: 1-15 | DOI: 10.1080/01926187.2018.1461031 The Role of Attachment Anxiety and Avoidance in Communication Modality and Relationship Quality of Romantic Relationships Initiated Online Eric T. Goodcase, David P. Nalbone, Lorna L. Hecker & Christopher Latty Pages: 1-16 | DOI: 10.1080/01926187.2018.1461032 2018 Future Directions Forum JOIN US at the 2018 Future Directions Forum for Journal of Clinical Child & Adolescent Psychology - June 15-16, 2018 To update which email alerts you receive, manage your alerts within the My Account area. Unsubscribe from new content alerts for this journal (both new issue and latest article notifications) 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.

Action and learning shape the activity of neuronal circuits in the visual cortex

Publication date: October 2018
Source:Current Opinion in Neurobiology, Volume 52
Author(s): Janelle MP Pakan, Valerio Francioni, Nathalie L Rochefort
Nonsensory variables strongly influence neuronal activity in the adult mouse primary visual cortex. Neuronal responses to visual stimuli are modulated by behavioural state, such as arousal and motor activity, and are shaped by experience. This dynamic process leads to neural representations in the visual cortex that reflect stimulus familiarity, expectations of reward and object location, and mismatch between self-motion and visual-flow. The recent development of genetic tools and recording techniques in awake behaving mice has enabled the investigation of the circuit mechanisms underlying state-dependent and experience-dependent neuronal representations in primary visual cortex. These neuronal circuits involve neuromodulatory, top-down cortico-cortical and thalamocortical pathways. The functions of nonsensory signals at this early stage of visual information processing are now beginning to be unravelled.



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What a predator can teach us about visual processing: a lesson from the archerfish

Publication date: October 2018
Source:Current Opinion in Neurobiology, Volume 52
Author(s): Mor Ben-Tov, Ohad Ben-Shahar, Ronen Segev
The archerfish is a predator with highly unusual visually guided behavior. It is most famous for its ability to hunt by shooting water jets at static or dynamic insect prey, up to two meters above the water's surface. In the lab, the archerfish can learn to distinguish and shoot at artificial targets presented on a computer screen, thus enabling well-controlled experiments. In recent years, these capacities have turned the archerfish into a model animal for studying a variety of visual functions, from visual saliency and visual search, through fast visually guided prediction, and all the way to higher level visual processing such as face recognition. Here we review these recent developments and show how they fall into two emerging lines of research on this animal model. The first is ethologically motivated and emphasizes how the natural environment and habitat of the archerfish interact with its visual processing during predation. The second is driven by parallels to the primate brain and aims to determine whether the latter's characteristic visual information processing capacities can also be found in the qualitatively different fish brain, thereby underscoring the functional universality of certain visual processes. We discuss the differences between these two lines of research and possible future directions.



https://ift.tt/2redxYj

Mechanism of cancer: Oncohistones in action

Publication date: Available online 30 April 2018
Source:Journal of Genetics and Genomics
Author(s): Lei Qiu, Xiaoyan Hu, Qian Jing, Xinyi Zeng, Kui-Ming Chan, Junhong Han
Oncohistones are histones with high-frequency point mutations that are associated with tumorigenesis. Although each histone variant is encoded by multiple genes, a single mutation in one allele of one gene seems to have a dominant effect over global histone H3 methylation level at the relevant amino acid residue. These oncohistones are highly tumor type specific. For example, H3K27M and H3G34V/R mutations occur only in pediatric brain cancers, whereas H3K36M and H3G34W/L have only been found in pediatric bone tumors. H1 mutations also seem to be exclusively linked to lymphomas. In this review, we discuss the occurrence, frequency and potential functional mechanisms of each oncohistone in tumorigenesis of its relevant cancer. We believe further investigation into the mechanism regarding their tumor type specificity and cancer-related functions will shed new light on their application in cancer diagnosis and targeted therapy development.



https://ift.tt/2joFitD

Effect of solution potential on selective separation of metals from acid wastewater by controlling potential

Publication date: 2 October 2018
Source:Separation and Purification Technology, Volume 204
Author(s): Weifeng Liu, Baiqi Sun, Duchao Zhang, Lin Chen, Tianzu Yang
In view of the difficulties in separating similar metals from acidic wastewater, a new process is proposed to selectively separate metals by controlling potential. In this study, the effects of solution potential on precipitation ratio and separation efficiency were investigated. The potential was controlled by adding sodium sulfide or xanthate and was monitored by an MT320-SpH instrument with a Pt electrode and a calomel electrode. E-pH diagrams of Me-S-H2O system were plotted through thermodynamic calculations. The results revealed that with the drop of solution potential, the metal precipitation ratios increased. Cu²⁺, Co²⁺, and Zn²⁺ can be selectively separated and completely precipitated under controlling potential at 330 mV, 125 mV and 30 mV, respectively. Mn²⁺ could be recovered by carbonate precipitation from the residual solution after Zn removal. The precipitation ratios of Cu²⁺, Co²⁺, Zn²⁺, and Mn²⁺ were as high as 99%.



https://ift.tt/2HFiBjM

3D mossy structures of zinc filaments: A facile strategy for superamphiphobic surface design

Publication date: 15 September 2018
Source:Journal of Colloid and Interface Science, Volume 526
Author(s): Shudi Zhi, Gang Wang, Zhixiang Zeng, Lijing Zhu, Zhixiong Liu, Dawei Zhang, Kaile Xu, Qunji Xue
The superamphiphobic surfaces with extreme repellency to liquids are very attractive in many fields, but their fabrication processes are always low effective and expensive. So it is still a challenge to create the superamphiphobic surfaces by simple, time saving and universal method. In this work, the mossy zinc (Zn) filaments, a promising re-entrant structure, was rapidly constructed on various metal surfaces by electrochemical deposition approach. After modification by 1H,1H,2H,2H- perfluorodecyltrichlorosilane (PFDTCS), the Zn@PFDTCS coating exhibited superamphiphobicity in air. The correlation between the morphology of Zn filaments and electrochemical deposition parameters has been studied. The superamphiphobic surface with contact angle higher than 154°, sliding angle lower than 5° and adhesive force lower than 0.043 mN to water and hexadecane was obtained, when the current density was 1.78 A ·dm⁻², the mass fraction of zinc was 0.71 wt% and the deposition time was 40 min. Furthermore, the Zn@PFDTCS 2D-meshes were used to collect oil droplets under water and cut water droplet in oil due to their superoleophilicity under water and superhydrophobicity under oil. We anticipated that the simple and rapid method guides the design of perfect artificial superamphiphobic surfaces in practical application.

Graphical abstract

https://ift.tt/2w1TrWV

Pattern of blood concentrations of 47 elements in two populations from the same geographical area but with different geological origin and lifestyles: Canary Islands (Spain) vs. Morocco

Publication date: 15 September 2018
Source:Science of The Total Environment, Volume 636
Author(s): Luis Alberto Henríquez-Hernández, Ana González-Antuña, Luis D. Boada, Cristina Carranza, José Luis Pérez-Arellano, Maira Almeida-González, María Camacho, Manuel Zumbado, Fernando Fernández-Fuertes, Manuel Tapia-Martín, Octavio P. Luzardo
The Canary Islands are one of the outermost regions of the European Union (EU), which are located barely 100 km from the coasts of Morocco. Although these islands are located in Africa, the degree of socioeconomic development and lifestyle in this archipelago is comparable to that of any other region of Europe. It is well established that the main determinants of human exposure to elements have to do both, with their place of residence and with habits related to their lifestyle. For this reason, we wanted to study the pattern of contamination by elements of these two populations so geographically close, but so different both in their lifestyle, and the geological origin of the territory where they live. Thus, we have determined the blood concentrations of 47 elements (including 25 rare earth elements (REE) and other minority elements (ME) widely employed in the hi-tech industry) in a paired sample of Moroccans (n = 124) and Canary Islands inhabitants (n = 120). We found that the levels of iron, selenium, zinc, arsenic, cadmium, strontium, and specially lead, were significantly higher in Moroccans than in Canarians, probably due to the intensive mining activity in this country. We also found significantly higher levels of the sum of REE and ME in Moroccans than in Canarians, possibly related to the inappropriate management of e-waste in this country. On the other hand, in the inhabitants of the Canary Islands we found higher levels of manganese, probably related to a higher degree of exposure to heavy traffic and exposure to Saharan dust of the people living in this region, and niobium and bismuth, probably related to the higher economic development in these islands. Our results indicate that the vicinity of both territories is not a major determinant of each other's contamination.

Graphical abstract

https://ift.tt/2I2Uz1h

Metal accumulation, growth and reproduction of razor clam Sinonovacula constricta transplanted in a multi-metal contaminated estuary

Publication date: 15 September 2018
Source:Science of The Total Environment, Volume 636
Author(s): Yizhou Ke, Wen-Xiong Wang
In recent years, elevated metal discharges have seriously affected the health of many estuarine ecosystems in China. This study examined the influences of metal pollution on the growth and reproduction of razor clam, Sinonovacula constricta. An eight-month field experiment was conducted at two sites with different contamination levels in Jiulong River Estuary of Southern China. Concentrations of Ag, As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn in seawater, suspended particles, surface sediments, and clams, as well as the clam growth and gonad condition were simultaneously determined on a monthly basis. Over the 8-month period, Ag, Cu and Ni concentrations in the clams were significantly higher at the more polluted site, whereas the concentrations of other metals were rather comparable between the two sites. Comparison of the 8-month pattern of metal concentrations among different compartments suggested that Ag, As, Cd, Cu and Zn bioaccumulation in the clams was mainly derived from ingestion of suspended particles, whereas Cr and Ni accumulation was mainly from the waterborne uptake. The growth of clams in the more polluted site was depressed and there was no significant growth after 4 months of transplantation, which was mainly caused by Cu and Ag accumulation in the clam tissues. Correspondingly, the gonad somatic index was also lower at the more polluted site. Our study demonstrated a significant impact of multi-metal pollution on the growth and reproduction of clams in an estuary. Simultaneous measurements of metal bioaccumulation were important for the interpretation of metal toxicity observed in the field.

Graphical abstract

https://ift.tt/2w2Jb0D

Semi-passive in-situ pilot scale bioreactor successfully removed sulfate and metals from mine impacted water under subarctic climatic conditions

Publication date: 1 September 2018
Source:Water Research, Volume 140
Author(s): Guillaume Nielsen, Ido Hatam, Karl A. Abuan, Amelie Janin, Lucie Coudert, Jean Francois Blais, Guy Mercier, Susan A. Baldwin
Mine drainage contaminated with metals is a major environmental threat since it is a source of water pollution with devastating effects on aquatic ecosystems. Conventional active treatment technologies are prohibitively expensive and so there is increasing demand to develop reliable, cost-effective and sustainable passive or semi-passive treatment. These are promising alternatives since they leverage the metabolism of microorganisms native to the disturbed site at in situ or close to in situ conditions. Since this is a biological approach, it is not clear if semi-passive treatment would be effective in remote locations with extremely cold weather such as at mines in the subarctic. In this study we tested the hypothesis that sulfate-reducing bacteria, which are microorganisms that promote metal precipitation, exist in subarctic mine environments and their activity can be stimulated by adding a readily available carbon source. An experiment was setup at a closed mine in the Yukon Territory, Canada, where leaching of Zn and Cd occurs. To test if semi-passive treatment could precipitate these metals and prevent further leaching from waste rock, molasses as a carbon source was added to anaerobic bioreactors mimicking the belowground in-situ conditions. Microbial community analysis confirmed that sulfate-reducing bacteria became enriched in the bioreactors upon addition of molasses. The population composition remained fairly stable over the 14 month operating period despite temperature shifts from 17 to 5 °C. Sulfate reduction functionality was confirmed by quantification of the gene for dissimilatory sulfite reductase. Metals were removed from underground mine drainage fed into the bioreactors with Zn removal efficiency varying between 20.9% in winter and 89.3% in summer, and Cd removal efficiency between 39% in winter and 90.5% in summer. This study demonstrated that stimulation of native SRB in MIW was possible and that in situ semi-passive treatment can be effective in removing metals despite the cold climate.

Graphical abstract

https://ift.tt/2HHs6ij

Сontamination of urban soils with heavy metals in Moscow as affected by building development

Publication date: 15 September 2018
Source:Science of The Total Environment, Volume 636
Author(s): Natalia E. Kosheleva, Dmitry V. Vlasov, Ilya D. Korlyakov, Nikolay S. Kasimov
Building development in cities creates a geochemical heterogeneity via redistributing the atmospheric fluxes of pollutants and forming sedimentation zones in urban soils and other depositing media. However, the influence of buildings on the urban environment pollution is poorly understood. The aim of this study is to evaluate the barrier functions of urban development by means of a joint analysis of the contents of heavy metals and metalloids in the upper horizon of urban soils, their physicochemical properties, and the parameters of the buildings. The soil-geochemical survey was performed in the residential area of the Moscow's Eastern Administrative District (Russia). The parameters of the buildings near sampling points were determined via processing data from the OpenStreetMap database, 2GIS databases and GeoEye-1 satellite image. A high level of soil contamination with Cd, W, Bi, Zn, As, Cr, Sb, Pb, Cu was revealed, depending on building parameters. A protective function of the buildings for yards is manifested in the decreasing concentrations of As, Cd, Co, Cr, Mo, Ni, Pb, Sb, Sn, W by 1.2–3 times at distances of <23–36 m from the buildings with their total area ≥660 m² and the height ≥7.5–21 m. An opposite effect which enhances concentrations of Bi, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Mo, Pb, Sb, Sn, W, Zn by 1.2–1.9 times is seen in "well-shaped" yards acting as traps under similar distances and heights, but at their average area ≥118–323 m², and total area ≥323–1300 m². The impact of these two building patterns on the soil contamination is only seen for certain directions of atmospheric flows. Buildings located in the northwestern sector relative to the sampling point protect the latter from the aerial pollution.

Graphical abstract

https://ift.tt/2w07Tih

Validation of a dilute and shoot method for quantification of 12 elements by inductively coupled plasma tandem mass spectrometry in human milk and in cow milk preparations

Publication date: September 2018
Source:Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine and Biology, Volume 49
Author(s): Stéphane Dubascoux, Daniel Andrey, Mario Vigo, Peter Kastenmayer, Eric Poitevin
Nutritional information about human milk is essential as early human growth and development have been closely linked to the status and requirements of several macro- and micro-elements. However, methods addressing whole mineral profiling in human milk have been scarce due in part to their technical complexities to accurately and simultaneously measure the concentration of micro- and macro-trace elements in low volume of human milk.In the present study, a single laboratory validation has been performed using a "dilute and shoot" approach for the quantification of sodium (Na), magnesium (Mg), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), manganese (Mn), iron (Fe), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), selenium (Se), molybdenum (Mo) and iodine (I), in both human milk and milk preparations.Performances in terms of limits of detection and quantification, of repeatability, reproducibility and trueness have been assessed and verified using various reference or certified materials. For certified human milk sample (NIST 1953), recoveries obtained for reference or spiked values are ranged from 93% to 108% (except for Mn at 151%).This robust method using new technology ICP-MS/MS without high pressure digestion is adapted to both routinely and rapidly analyze human milk micro-sample (i.e. less than 250 μL) in the frame of clinical trials but also to be extended to the mineral profiling of milk preparations like infant formula and adult nutritionals.



https://ift.tt/2I8SdOv

Highly sensitive and selective ion-imprinted polymers based on one-step electrodeposition of chitosan-graphene nanocomposites for the determination of Cr(VI)

Publication date: 1 September 2018
Source:Carbohydrate Polymers, Volume 195
Author(s): Shuping Wu, Xiangzi Dai, Tingting Cheng, Songjun Li
A sensitive and selective electrochemical sensor based on ion-imprinted chitosan-graphene nanocomposites (IIP-S) has been developed for the determination of Cr(VI). The ion-imprinted polymers were constructed by one-step electrodeposition. The morphology and structure of IIP-S were characterized by SEM, TEM, XRD, FTIR and EDS, respectively. Meanwhile, the electrochemical behavior of IIP-S was investigated using CV, EIS and DPV. The linear range of IIP-S was from 1.0 × 10⁻⁹ to 1.0 × 10⁻⁵ mol/L, with the low detection limit of 6.4 × 10⁻¹⁰ mol/L (S/N = 3). The sensor exhibited high selectivity for the determination of Cr(VI) in the presence of Zn(II), Co(II), Cu(II), Ni(II), Mn(II), MnO⁴⁻, C2O4²⁻, S2O6²⁻ and MoO4²⁻ ions. The IIP-S also provided excellent stability and good repeatability that the sensitivity remained 85% after 9 cycles of rebinding-removal, while the sensitivity retained 87% of its initial response storing at 4 °C for 17 days. Moreover, it was successfully applied to the detection of Cr(VI) ions in tap water and river water.

Graphical abstract

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Trends in the use of puberty blockers among transgender children in the United States

Journal Name: Journal of Pediatric Endocrinology and Metabolism
Issue: Ahead of print


https://ift.tt/2KuWk5N

Severe lactic acidosis in an extremely low birth weight infant due to thiamine deficiency

Journal Name: Journal of Pediatric Endocrinology and Metabolism
Issue: Ahead of print


https://ift.tt/2FxM74R

Incidence of congenital hypothyroidism in China: data from the national newborn screening program, 2013–2015

Journal Name: Journal of Pediatric Endocrinology and Metabolism
Issue: Ahead of print


https://ift.tt/2Ku27so

Five novel ALMS1 gene mutations in six patients with Alström syndrome

Journal Name: Journal of Pediatric Endocrinology and Metabolism
Issue: Ahead of print


https://ift.tt/2Fzkpoi

Does initial dosing of levothyroxine in infants with congenital hypothyroidism lead to frequent dose adjustments secondary to iatrogenic hyperthyroidism on follow-up?

Journal Name: Journal of Pediatric Endocrinology and Metabolism
Issue: Ahead of print


https://ift.tt/2I4JhcZ

Effects of water extract from epimedium on neuropeptide signaling in an ovariectomized osteoporosis rat model

Publication date: 15 July 2018
Source:Journal of Ethnopharmacology, Volume 221
Author(s): Hengrui Liu, Yingquan Xiong, Haixia Wang, Li Yang, Chaopeng Wang, Xiaoguang Liu, Zhidi Wu, Xiaoyun Li, Ling Ou, Ronghua Zhang, Xiaofeng Zhu
Ethnopharmacological relevanceFor the past millennium, water extract from Epimedium (dried leaves of Epimedium brevicornu Maxim.) has been widely used for bone disease therapy in traditional Chinese medicine and has been reported to exhibit salutary effects on osteoporosis in clinical trials. The therapeutic effect of Epimedium is associated with the function of the brain in traditional Chinese medicine theory.Study aimTo determine the potential relationship between treating osteoporosis with Epimedium and neuropeptide regulation.Materials and methodsWater extract from Epimedium was qualitatively and quantitatively analyzed with HPLC-TOF-MS. Ovariectomized rats were used as an osteoporosis model and were treated orally with water extract from Epimedium 16 weeks after surgery to mimic clinical therapy. After treatment, gene expression and protein levels of four neuropeptides, as well as their main receptors or receptor precursors including; neuropeptide Y (NPY) and its receptors NPY 1 (NPYR1) and 2; calcitonin gene-related peptide and its receptor precursor calcitonin receptor-like receptor (CRLR); vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) and its receptor VIP 1 (VIP1R) and 2; and substance P (SP) and its receptor neurokinin 1 receptor (NK1R) were detected in samples taken from bone, brain and spinal cord.ResultsTreatment with water extract from Epimedium prevented bone mineral loss and reduced femoral bone strength decline associated with osteoporosis. Detection of neuropeptides showed that treatment also affected neuropeptide in the brain/spinal cord/bone axis; specifically, treatment increased brain NPY, bone NPY1R, bone CRLR, bone and spinal cord VIP and VIP2R, bone SP, and brain and spinal cord NK1R.ConclusionThe effects of osteoporosis can largely be reduced by treatment with Epimedium most likely through a mechanism associated with several neuropeptides involved in regulation of the brain/spinal cord/bone axis. These novel results contribute to existing literature regarding the possible mechanisms of habitual use of Epimedium in the treatment of osteoporosis.

Graphical abstract

https://ift.tt/2Koyokt

Aidi injection plus platinum-based chemotherapy for stage IIIB/IV non-small cell lung cancer: A meta-analysis of 42 RCTs following the PRISMA guidelines

Publication date: 15 July 2018
Source:Journal of Ethnopharmacology, Volume 221
Author(s): Jue Wang, Guochun Li, Lili Yu, Tingting Mo, Qibiao Wu, Zhou Zhou
Ethnopharmacological relevanceAidi injection is one of the most commonly used Chinese patent medicines for advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). It is made from an extraction of Mylabris Phalerata, Radix Astragalus, Radix Ginseng, and Acanthopanax Senticosus.Aim of the studyThe objective of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Aidi injection in combination with platinum-based chemotherapy for stage IIIB/IV NSCLC.Materials and methodsA systematic review and meta-analysis were performed following the PRISMA (the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. Trials were combined using Review Manager 5.3 and Comprehensive Meta-Analysis(CMA) 2.0. Dichotomous data were expressed as risk ratio (RR) and continuous outcomes as weighted mean difference (WMD), with their 95% confidence intervals (CI) respectively. All randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing Aidi injection plus platinum-based chemotherapy versus platinum-based chemotherapy, with efficacy and safety outcomes were selected. Disease Control Rate (DCR) was the primary outcome, Objective Response Rate (ORR), survival rate, quality of life (QOL), and toxic effects were the secondary outcomes.Results42 RCTs recruiting 4081 patients with stage IIIB/IV NSCLC were included, with overall low-moderate methodological quality. Compared with platinum-based chemotherapy alone, Aidi injection plus platinum-based chemotherapy can increase relative benefit of DCR (RR = 1.13, 95% CI 1.09–1.16, P < 0.00001), ORR (RR = 1.26, 95% CI 1.18–1.36, P < 0.00001), improve 1-, 2-, 3-year survival rates (RR = 1.14, 95% CI 1.02–1.28, P = 0.03; RR = 1.31, 95% CI 1.05–1.64, P = 0.02; and RR = 1.88, 95% CI 1.32–2.67, P = 0.0005, respectively), QOL (RR = 1.80, 95% CI 1.61–2.01, P < 0.00001), and reduce severe (grade 3 and 4) toxicities by 36% (RR = 0.64, 95% CI 0.58–0.70, P < 0.00001).ConclusionsFrom the available evidence, compared with platinum-based chemotherapy alone, Aidi injection plus platinum-based chemotherapy improves the clinical efficacy and alleviates the toxicity of chemotherapy in patients with stage IIIB/IV NSCLC. However, considering the intrinsic limitations of the included RCTs, well-designed, rigorously performed, high-quality trials are still required to further assess and confirm the results.

Graphical abstract

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Towards optimal intraoperative conditions in esophageal surgery: a review of literature for the prevention of esophageal anastomotic leakage

Publication date: Available online 30 April 2018
Source:International Journal of Surgery
Author(s): Boukje Titia Bootsma, Daitlin Esmee Huisman, Victor Dirk Plat, Linda Jeanne Schoonmade, Jurre Stens, Guy Hubens, Donald Leonard van der Peet, Freek Daams
BackgroundEsophageal anastomotic leakage (EAL) is a severe complication following gastric and esophageal surgery for cancer. Several non-modifiable, patient or surgery related risk factors for EAL have been identified, however, the contribution of modifiable intraoperative parameters remains undetermined. This review provides an overview of current literature on potentially modifiable intraoperative risk factors for EAL.Materials and MethodsThe PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane databases were searched by two researchers independently. Clinical studies published in English between 1970 and January 2017 that evaluated the effect of intraoperative parameters on the development of EAL were included. Levels of evidence as defined by the Centre of Evidence Based Medicine (CEBM) were assigned to the studies.ResultsA total of 25 articles were included in the final analysis. These articles show evidence that anemia, increased amount of blood loss, low pH and high pCO2 values, prolonged duration of procedure and lack of surgical experience independently increase the risk of EAL. Supplemental oxygen therapy, epidural analgesia and selective digestive decontamination seem to have a beneficial effect. Potential risk factors include blood pressure, requirement of blood products, vasopressor use and glucocorticoid administration, however the results are ambiguous.ConclusionApart from fixed surgical and patient related factors, several intraoperative factors that can be modified in clinical practice can influence the risk of developing EAL. More prospective, observational studies are necessary focusing on modifiable intraoperative parameters to assess more evidence and to elucidate optimal values of these factors.



https://ift.tt/2wbVNCX

Too humanlike to increase my appetite: Disposition to anthropomorphize animals relates to decreased meat consumption through empathic concern

Publication date: 1 August 2018
Source:Appetite, Volume 127
Author(s): Aleksandra Niemyjska, Katarzyna Cantarero, Katarzyna Byrka, Michał Bilewicz
People who exclude meat from their diets are not only devoid of situational pressures to disengage morally and deny humanlike mental states to animals but also they may be dispositionally more inclined to ascribe human-like qualities to non-human animals than omnivores. The aim of this research was to test whether individual differences in anthropomorphism are related to empathic connection with non-human animals and hence decreased meat consumption. In two studies (N = 588) we confirmed that decreased meat consumption was associated with both increased recognition of human features of animals and increased empathy to animals. Most importantly, our data support a model in which animals' anthropomorphism predicts empathy. Empathy, in turn, increases the importance that potential animal harm plays in dietary choices regarding meat, leading to reduced meat consumption.



https://ift.tt/2Kt6ST5

How people's food disgust sensitivity shapes their eating and food behaviour

Publication date: 1 August 2018
Source:Appetite, Volume 127
Author(s): Aisha Egolf, Michael Siegrist, Christina Hartmann
Although research regarding disgust has increased enormously in the last decades, to date there is a lack of published research about the influence of food disgust on various food-related behaviours. Our study aimed to provide an understanding about the relationships between food disgust sensitivity and eating preferences (texture-based food rejection), habits (variety seeking), and behaviours (picky eating) as well as food waste frequency. Additionally, sociodemographic characteristics associated with food disgust sensitivity were examined. German-speaking Swiss adults (N = 1181) completed a paper-and-pencil questionnaire. Next to the Food Disgust Scale (FDS), the questionnaire included several established eating behaviour scales, such as the Adult Picky Eating Questionnaire, a scale regarding seeking food variety and a food frequency questionnaire. In addition, food waste frequency was also assessed by self-report. Multiple regression analyses showed that with increasing age, food disgust sensitivity scores increased and women showed higher FDS scores than men. Moreover, while picky eating and the rejection of certain food textures were both positively associated with higher FDS scores, seeking variety in foods was negatively associated with food disgust sensitivity. Significant correlations between FDS scores and the frequency of consuming certain foods were observed (e.g. vegetables, seafood). Finally, people with higher FDS scores reported a higher frequency of wasting food than people with lower FDS scores. The results indicate that individual food disgust sensitivity plays a role in various food domains.



https://ift.tt/2rcT7Pv

“Everyone just ate good food”: ‘Good food’ in Islamabad, Pakistan

Publication date: 1 August 2018
Source:Appetite, Volume 127
Author(s): Saher Hasnain
In recent years, consumption of alternatively produced foods has increased in popularity in response to the deleterious effects of rapidly globalising and industrialised food systems. Concerns over food safety in relation to these changes may result from elevated levels of risk and changing perceptions associated with food production practices. This paper explores how the middle class residents of Islamabad, Pakistan, use the concept of 'good food' to reconnect themselves with nature, changing food systems, and traditional values. The paper also demonstrates how these ideas relate to those of organic, local, and traditional food consumption as currently used in more economically developed states in the Global North. Through research based on participant observation and semi-structured interviews, this paper illustrates that besides price and convenience, purity, freshness, association with specific places, and 'Pakistani-ness' were considered as the basis for making decisions about 'good food'. The results show that while individuals are aware of and have some access to imported organic and local food, they prefer using holistic and culturally informed concepts of 'good food' instead that reconnect them with food systems. I argue that through conceptualisations of 'good food', the urban middle class in Islamabad is reducing their disconnection and dis-embeddedness from nature, the food systems, and their social identities. The paper contributes to literature on food anxieties, reconnections in food geography, and 'good food' perceptions, with a focus on Pakistan.



https://ift.tt/2KsPzkU

The effects of scheduled running wheel access on binge-like eating behavior and its consequences

Publication date: 1 July 2018
Source:Appetite, Volume 126
Author(s): Jennifer Albertz, Gretha J. Boersma, Kellie L. Tamashiro, Timothy H. Moran
Binge eating disorder (BED) is an eating disorder involving repeated, intermittent over consumption of food in brief periods of time, usually with no compensatory behaviors. There are few successful treatments and the underlying neural mechanisms remain unclear. In the current study, we hypothesized that voluntary running wheel (RW) activity could reduce binge-like eating behavior in a rat model. Rats were given intermittent (3 times/wk) limited (1hr) access to a high-fat food (Crisco), in addition to continuously available chow. Crisco was available every Mon, Wed, and Fri for 1hr before dark onset. Rats were divided into 2 groups: those with RW access during the first half of the experiment and sedentary during the second half (RW-SED) and those that were sedentary during the first half of the experiment and had RW access during the second half (SED-RW). Crisco intake was significantly less in both groups during the period of time with a RW present. Within the bingeing RW-SED rats, the gene expression of the orexigenic neuropeptides AgRP and NPY were similar to a non-bingeing sedentary control (CON) group, while the expression of the anorexigenic neuropeptide POMC was significantly increased relative to the SED-RW and CON groups. Despite elevated POMC, the rats continued to binge. Additionally, within both groups, the gene expression of the D2R and Oprm1 in the NAc and the VTA were altered suggesting that the reward system was stimulated by both the bingeing behavior and the running wheel activity. Overall, access to a RW and the resulting activity significantly reduced binge-like behavior as well as modulated the effects of binging on brain appetite and reward systems.



https://ift.tt/2rcSS73

Determinants of knowledge and attitudes about sugar and the association of knowledge and attitudes with sugar intake among adults: A systematic review

Publication date: 1 July 2018
Source:Appetite, Volume 126
Author(s): Adyya Gupta, Lisa G. Smithers, Jane Harford, Tracy Merlin, Annette Braunack-Mayer
Efforts to reduce sugar intake levels have been primarily limited to increasing knowledge and changing attitudes. We conducted a systematic review to (1) identify factors influencing adults' knowledge and attitudes about sugar, and (2) determine if there is an association between knowledge and attitudes about sugar and sugar intake. We searched 15 electronic databases from inception to December 2016 for English language publications including adults with relevant exposure and outcome measures. Findings were summarised meta-narratively. Of 3287 studies, 22 studies (14 for objective one and 8 for objective two) were included. Individual (liking of sugary food), interpersonal (attitudes of peers) and environmental factors (media, health professionals and food labelling) influenced adults' knowledge and attitudes about sugar, at least to some extent. Overall, quality of the studies included in our review was weak, and evidence for the application of the Knowledge–Attitude–Behavior model for understanding sugar intake is limited.Protocol registered in the PROSPERO International prospective register of systematic reviews (registration number CRD42015027540).



https://ift.tt/2KuzE5S

Triggering the Electrolyte-Gated Organic Field-Effect Transistor output characteristics through gate functionalization using diazonium chemistry: Application to biodetection of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid

Publication date: 15 August 2018
Source:Biosensors and Bioelectronics, Volume 113
Author(s): T.T.K. Nguyen, T.N. Nguyen, G. Anquetin, S. Reisberg, V. Noël, G. Mattana, J. Touzeau, F. Barbault, M.C. Pham, B. Piro
We investigated an Electrolyte-Gated Organic Field-Effect transistor based on poly(N-alkyldiketopyrrolo-pyrrole dithienylthieno[3,2-b]thiophene) as organic semiconductor whose gate electrode was functionalized by electrografting a functional diazonium salt capable to bind an antibody specific to 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), an herbicide well-known to be a soil and water pollutant. Molecular docking computations were performed to design the functional diazonium salt to rationalize the antibody capture on the gate surface. Sensing of 2,4-D was performed through a displacement immunoassay. The limit of detection was estimated at around 2.5 fM.

Graphical abstract

https://ift.tt/2HL4jtU

Discrimination of single nucleotide mismatches using a scalable, flexible, and transparent three-dimensional nanostructure-based plasmonic miRNA sensor with high sensitivity

Publication date: 15 August 2018
Source:Biosensors and Bioelectronics, Volume 113
Author(s): Hee-Kyung Na, Jung-Sub Wi, Hye Young Son, Jong G. Ok, Yong-Min Huh, Tae Geol Lee
Localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) biosensors have attracted much interest due to their capacity for multiplexing, miniaturization, and high performance, which offers the potential for their integration into lab-on-a-chip platforms for point-of-care (POC) diagnostics. The need for microRNA (miRNA)-sensing platforms is particularly urgent because miRNAs are key regulators and biomarkers in numerous pathological processes and diseases. Unfortunately, however, development of such miRNA-sensing platforms has not yet been achieved. In order to realize the detection of these important biomarkers, there has been an increasing demand for POC-sensing platforms that enable label-free quantification with low sample consumption, good sensitivity, real-time responsiveness, and high throughput. Here, we developed a highly specific, sensitive LSPR miRNA-sensing platform on a flexible, scalable plasmonic nanostructure to enable single-base mismatch discrimination and attomole detection of miRNAs in clinically relevant samples. The hairpin probe contained a locked nucleic acid (LNA) that enabled the discrimination of single base mismatches based on differences in melting temperatures of perfectly matched or single base mismatched miRNAs when they formed base pairs with probes. In addition, through hybridization induced signal amplification based on precipitate formation on the gold surface through the enzyme reaction, we observed a dramatic LSPR peak shift, which enabled attomole detection. Additionally, our LSPR miRNA sensor enabled the detection of miR-200a-3p in total RNA extracts from primary cancer cell lines without purification or labeling of the miRNA. This label-free and highly specific miRNA sensing platform may have applications in POC cancer diagnostics without the need for gene amplification.



https://ift.tt/2jjGIWp

Construction of conducting polymer/cytochrome C/thylakoid membrane based photo-bioelectrochemical fuel cells generating high photocurrent via photosynthesis

Publication date: 15 August 2018
Source:Biosensors and Bioelectronics, Volume 113
Author(s): Emre Cevik, Buket Bezgin Carbas, Mehmet Senel, Huseyin Bekir Yildiz
In this study, a photo-bioelectrochemical fuel cell was constructed for photocurrent generation by illuminating the electrodes within an aqueous solution. In this purpose, gold electrode was coated with poly 4-(4H-Dithieno [3,2-b:2′,3′-d]pyrol-4-yl) aniline, P(DTP-Ph-NH2) conductive polymer film by using electrochemical polymerization. Then, P(DTP-Ph-NH2) conductive polymer film coated surface was electrochemically modified with cytochrome C which covalently linked onto the surface via bis-aniline functionality of the polymer film and formed crosslinked-structure. The thylakoid membrane was attached on the surface of this electrode by using bissulfosaxinimidyl suberate (BS3) and used as photo-anode in photo-bioelectrochemical fuel cell. The photo-cathode of the photo-bioelectrochemical fuel cell fabrication was followed by the modification of conductive polymer poly[5-(4H-dithieno [3,2-b:2′,3′-d]pyrol-4-yl) naphtalene-1-amine] film coating, glutaraldehyde activation, and bilirubin oxidase enzyme immobilization. During the photosynthesis occurring in thylakoid membrane under the light, water was oxidized and separated; while oxygen was released in anode side, the cathode side was reduced the oxygen gas into the water via a bio-electro-catalytic method. The cytochrome C was used for binding of thylakoid membrane to the electrode surface and play an important role for transferring of electrons released as a result of photosynthesis.



https://ift.tt/2HMhzyl

A functional data analysis of spatiotemporal trends and variation in fine particulate matter

Publication date: July 2018
Source:Atmospheric Environment, Volume 184
Author(s): Meredith C. King, Ana-Maria Staicu, Jerry M. Davis, Brian J. Reich, Brian Eder
In this paper we illustrate the application of modern functional data analysis methods to study the spatiotemporal variability of particulate matter components across the United States. The approach models the pollutant annual profiles in a way that describes the dynamic behavior over time and space. This new technique allows us to predict yearly profiles for locations and years at which data are not available and also offers dimension reduction for easier visualization of the data. Additionally it allows us to study changes of pollutant levels annually or for a particular season. We apply our method to daily concentrations of two particular components of PM2.5 measured by two networks of monitoring sites across the United States from 2003 to 2015. Our analysis confirms existing findings and additionally reveals new trends in the change of the pollutants across seasons and years that may not be as easily determined from other common approaches such as Kriging.



https://ift.tt/2Fxfx3d

An analysis of high fine aerosol loading episodes in north-central Spain in the summer 2013 - Impact of Canadian biomass burning episode and local emissions

Publication date: July 2018
Source:Atmospheric Environment, Volume 184
Author(s): M.A. Burgos, D. Mateos, V.E. Cachorro, C. Toledano, A.M. de Frutos, A. Calle, A. Herguedas, J.L. Marcos
This work presents an evaluation of a surprising and unusual high turbidity summer period in 2013 recorded in the north-central Iberian Peninsula (IP). The study is made up of three main pollution episodes characterized by very high aerosol optical depth (AOD) values with the presence of fine aerosol particles: the strongest long-range transport Canadian Biomass Burning (BB) event recorded, one of the longest-lasting European Anthropogenic (A) episodes and an extremely strong regional BB. The Canadian BB episode was unusually strong with maximum values of AOD(440 nm) ∼ 0.8, giving rise to the highest value recorded by photometer data in the IP with a clearly established Canadian origin. The anthropogenic pollution episode originated in Europe is mainly a consequence of the strong impact of Canadian BB events over north-central Europe. As regards the local episode, a forest fire in the nature reserve near the Duero River (north-central IP) impacted on the population over 200 km away from its source. These three episodes exhibited fingerprints in different aerosol columnar properties retrieved by sun-photometers of the AErosol RObotic NETwork (AERONET) as well as in particle mass surface concentrations, PMx, measured by the European Monitoring and Evaluation Programme (EMEP). Main statistics, time series and scatterplots relate aerosol loads (aerosol optical depth, AOD and particulate matter, PM) with aerosol size quantities (Ångström Exponent and PM ratio). More detailed microphysical/optical properties retrieved by AERONET inversion products are analysed in depth to describe these events: contribution of fine and coarse particles to AOD and its ratio (the fine mode fraction), volume particle size distribution, fine volume fraction, effective radius, sphericity fraction, single scattering albedo and absorption optical depth. Due to its relevance in climate studies, the aerosol radiative effect has been quantified for the top and bottom of the atmosphere, obtaining mean daily values for this extraordinary summer period of −14.5 and −47.5 Wm⁻², respectively.



https://ift.tt/2KrFzIQ

The traffic emission-dispersion model for a Central-European city agrees with measured black carbon apportioned to traffic

Publication date: July 2018
Source:Atmospheric Environment, Volume 184
Author(s): Irena Ježek, Nadège Blond, Grzegorz Skupinski, Griša Močnik
The bottom-up traffic emission model EMISENS is used to calculate hourly black carbon (BC) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) emission rates on an average workday in Maribor (Slovenia), using emission factors that were previously determined with the on-road chasing measurements in Slovenia. From modeled NOx emission rates and in-situ NOx measurements we empirically determined the hourly dispersion of traffic emissions and applied it to model BC concentrations using BC emission rates. We compared the modeled BC concentrations with in-situ BC concentration measurements over three periods in winters 2011–2012 and 2012–2013, a total of 67 workdays. Measured BC concentrations were first apportioned to traffic using the top-down Aethalometer model. We found that the bottom-up modeled BC concentrations overestimated the top-down apportioned values by only 19%, 32% and 6% in each of the three investigated time periods, respectively. We did not find any influence of meteorology on the performance of the model. This is the first time that BC source apportionment results were used to evaluate traffic emissions calculated using the bottom-up modeling approach. We demonstrate that the two independent approaches yield similar results. We use thus validated emission inventory for evaluating different emission reduction scenarios. We show that excluding 10% of vehicles that are highest BC or NOx emitters would reduce the total BC or NOx emissions from traffic in Maribor by 39% and 33% respectively.



https://ift.tt/2Fx4PcI

Characteristics of PM1 over Shanghai, relationships with precursors and meteorological variables and impacts on visibility

Publication date: July 2018
Source:Atmospheric Environment, Volume 184
Author(s): Guangqiang Zhou, Jianming Xu, Wei Gao, Yixuan Gu, Zhuocheng Mao, Linli Cui
The long-term characteristics of submicron particles (PM1) over Shanghai and their contributing factors (including precursor gases and meteorological variables), as well as their impact on visibility, were investigated using in situ measurements from Jan 1st, 2015, to Dec 31st, 2016. A discretization method was introduced to identify the impact of each contributing factor on PM1. The results show that the annual mean PM1 concentration over Shanghai is ∼28 μgm⁻³, which accounts for 69% of fine particles (PM2.5). The PM1 concentration shows obvious temporal variations on the scales of days, weeks, months, and years. Its diurnal pattern shows higher values in the daytime (with two peaks) than in the nighttime, which is different from the pattern for PM2.5 with high/low values in the nighttime/daytime. During a week, the PM1 concentration is the lowest on Tuesday and the highest on Friday. The discretized approach reveals that PM1 shows good linear relationships with its gaseous precursors and with meteorological variables under most conditions. The concentration of PM1 increases with increases in SO2, NO2, and NO (<34 ppb) with slopes of 3.37, 1.17, and 1.08 μgm⁻³ per ppb precursor, respectively. This approach and the slopes were confirmed by the comparison of the observed and calculated PM1 changes with the day of the week. PM1 is negatively (positively) correlated with ozone (O3) when O3 is <30 (>30) ppb. PM1 are negatively correlated with precipitation intensity, relative humidity (RH, >35%), and wind speed (>1.5 ms^-1), and their rates of decrease are 3.3, 0.26, and 5.9 μgm⁻³ per 1 mmh⁻¹, 1%, and 1 ms^-1, respectively. Other factors (e.g., temperature and pressure) show nonlinear relationships with PM1 concentration, presumably due to their indirect influence on the transport, formation, or accumulation of PM1. The PM1 concentration has a distinct impact on visibility, and the PM1/PM2.5 ratio is a key indicator to represent the impact of particulate matter hygroscopicity on visibility. The PM1/PM2.5 ratio shows an exponential relationship (i.e., PM1/PM2.5 = 0.76 [(1-RH)/(1–40%)]^0.11) with RH with a determination coefficient of 0.98. This parameter combined with the PM2.5 concentration well describes the impact of particulate matter and its hygroscopicity on visibility.



https://ift.tt/2KrFzbO

A study of atmospheric mixing of trace gases by aerial sampling with a multi-rotor drone

Publication date: July 2018
Source:Atmospheric Environment, Volume 184
Author(s): Chih-Chung Chang, Chih-Yuan Chang, Jia-Lin Wang, Ming-Ren Lin, Chang-Feng Ou-Yang, Hsiang-Hsu Pan, Yen-Chen Chen
We exploited a novel sampling vehicle, a multi-rotor drone carrying a remote-controlled whole air sampling device, to collect aerial samples with high sample integrity and preservation conditions. An array of 106 volatile organic compounds (VOCs), CO, CH4, and CO2 were analyzed and compared between the aerial samples (300-m height) and the ground-level samples in pairs to inspect for vertical mixing of the trace gases at a coastal site under three different meteorological conditions of local circulation, frontal passage, and high-pressure peripheral circulation. A rather homogeneous composition was observed for the sample pairs immediately after the frontal passage, indicating a well-mixed condition below 300 m. In contrast, inhomogeneous mixing was observed for the sample pairs under the other two conditions (local circulation and high-pressure peripheral circulation), suggesting different layers of air masses. Furthermore, information of unique source markers, composition profiles, and lifetimes of compounds were used to differentiate the origins of the air masses aloft and at the surface to substantiate the observed inhomogeneity. The study demonstrates that, with the availability of the near-surface aerial sampling coupling with in-laboratory analysis, detailed compositions of trace gases can now be readily obtained with superior data quality. Based on the distinctive chemical compositions, the sources, transport, and atmospheric mixing of the airborne pollutants in the near-surface atmosphere can be better studied and understood.

Graphical abstract

https://ift.tt/2Fxf5lx

Fluorescence fingerprinting properties for exploring water-soluble organic compounds in PM2.5 in an industrial city of northwest China

Publication date: July 2018
Source:Atmospheric Environment, Volume 184
Author(s): Juanjuan Qin, Leiming Zhang, Xueming Zhou, Jingchun Duan, Situ Mu, Kang Xiao, Jingnan Hu, Jihua Tan
Excitation-emission matrix (EEM) spectra were used to analyze the fluorescence properties of water-soluble organic compounds (WSOC) in PM2.5 during winter and summer seasons in Lanzhou city, northwest China. Protein-like substances, humic-like substances and microbial by-products were found to be the main fluorophoric organic matter. Humification index (HIX), biological index (BIX) and fluorescence index (FI) were 1.2 ± 0.1, 1.4 ± 0.1 and 1.7 ± 0.2 in winter and 2.0 ± 0.3, 1.3 ± 0.1 and 1.2 ± 0.4 in summer, respectively, indicating higher aromaticity of WSOC in summer and terrestrial biogenic sources of WSOC in both seasons. Strong correlations were found between regional average fluorescence intensities (RAFI) at the fluorescence regions of II-V and water-soluble inorganic ions (K⁺, Cl⁻, NO3⁻ and SO4²⁻) in winter with the Spearman correlation coefficients ρ being larger than 0.7 and mostly around 0.9, suggesting significant contributions of bioaerosols, coal combustion and vehicle exhaust to PM2.5. Moderate correlations were found between RAFI and K⁺, Cl⁻, and NO3⁻ in summer, indicating the more important roles of biogenic and vehicle exhaust than coal combustion sources in summer. High temperature in winter was conducive to and in summer prohibitive to polycondensation of WSOC, indicating the existence of an optimum temperature for such a process to occur. High relative humidity was unfavorable to the formation of fluorescent WSOC.

Graphical abstract

https://ift.tt/2Kuwora

Daily behavior of urban Fluorescing Aerosol Particles in northwest Spain

Publication date: July 2018
Source:Atmospheric Environment, Volume 184
Author(s): A.I. Calvo, D. Baumgardner, A. Castro, D. Fernández-González, A.M. Vega-Maray, R.M. Valencia-Barrera, F. Oduber, C. Blanco-Alegre, R. Fraile
Measurements of ambient aerosol particles at the University of León, León, Spain, were made in May and June 2015 with a Wideband Integrated Bioaerosol Spectrometer (WIBS). The WIBS detects Fluorescing Aerosol Particles (FAP) in the size range from 0.5 to 20 μm. These measurements were complemented with an analysis of pollen concentrations assessed with optical microscopy of samples captured with a volumetric Hirst spore trap. The total particle, FAP and pollen concentrations show clear, daily cycles. Whereas the total particle concentrations maximize at 0800 and 2200 UTC, the FAP concentrations have peaks at midnight and 0800 UTC while the pollen has a broad peak between 1200 and 2000 UTC. The FAP larger than 2 μm represent 15–35% of the total particle population in this size range, maximizing at midnight UTC. Similar to what has been found by investigators at other locations, there is a strong positive correlation of the WIBS measured FAP with relative humidity; however, the pollen concentration is positively correlated with the temperature and anti-correlated with the relative humidity. Back trajectory analysis indicates that the largest FAP to total particle fractions are found in air masses arriving from the northeast with the second largest coming from the southwest. Given the location of the university in relation to the city and forested areas, this implies that the higher concentration FAP are coming from rural, probably natural, sources; however, more local, anthropogenic sources cannot be ruled out as a secondary source. The majority of the FAP that are identified from microscopy are fungal spores (Cladosporium, Aspergillus, Alternaria, Oidium) and pollen grains (mainly Poaceae, Quercus, Plantago, Rumex and Urticaceae). A comparison of the fluorescence fingerprints between laboratory generated FAP and the ambient particles showed some similarities; however, a significant fraction of the FAP are those whose fluorescence patterns do not match any of those that have been previously classified in the laboratory.



https://ift.tt/2FwZdQ5