Micro-scale pollution mechanism of dust diffusion in a blasting driving face based on CFD-DEM coupled model

Abstract

In order to investigate the diffuse pollution mechanisms of high-concentration dusts in the blasting driving face, the airflow-dust coupled model was constructed based on CFD-DEM coupled model; the diffusion rules of the dusts with different diameters at microscopic scale were analyzed in combination with the field measured results. The simulation results demonstrate that single-exhaust ventilation exhibited more favorable dust suppression performance than single-forced ventilation. Under single-exhaust ventilation condition, the motion trajectories of the dusts with the diameter smaller than 20 μm were close to the airflow streamline and these dusts were mainly distributed near the footway walls; by contrast, under single-forced ventilation condition, the motion trajectories of the dust particles with a diameter range of 20~40 μm were close to the airflow streamlines, and a large number of dusts with the diameter smaller than 20 μm accumulated in the regions 5 m and 17~25 m away from the head-on section. Moreover, under the single-exhaust ventilation, the relationship between dust diameter D and negative-pressured-induced dust emission ratio P can be expressed as P = − 25.03ln(D) + 110.39, and the dust emission ratio was up to 74.36% for 7-μm dusts, and the path-dependent settling behaviors of the dusts mainly occurred around the head-on section; under single-forced ventilation condition, the z value of the dusts with the diameter over 20 μm decreased and the dusts with a diameter smaller than 7 μm are particularly harmful to human health, but their settling ratios were below 22.36%.

Graphical abstract

The airflow-dust CFD-DEM coupling model was established. The numerical simulation results were verified. The migration laws of airflow field were obtained in a blasting driving face. The diffusion laws of dusts were obtained after blasting.

https://ift.tt/2J34wfC

Preterm Birth Changes Networks of Newborn Cortical Activity

https://ift.tt/2GI5tol

Cu-based nanocatalysts for electrochemical reduction of CO2

Publication date: Available online 21 May 2018
Source:Nano Today
Author(s): Huan Xie, Tanyuan Wang, Jiashun Liang, Qing Li, Shouheng Sun
Understanding CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR) and developing robust catalysts for selective CO2RR is key to closing carbon cycle and to achieving energy sustainability with desired environmental remediation. Electrochemical CO2RR on a catalyst surface is an attractive method to realize high reaction activity and selectivity under mild reaction conditions. Among various catalysts studied thus far, metallic Cu-based nanocatalysts have demonstrated to be promising for selective CO2RR to HCOOH, CO or, more importantly, to CH4, C2H4 and C2H6 with relatively high efficiency. This review summarizes recent progresses made on these Cu-based nanocatalysts for CO2RR, including fundamental of electrochemical CO2RR, representative approaches to Cu-based nanocatalysts via nanoporous structure, nanoparticle size, composition, surface, support and morphology controls. The review should offer readers some important insights on Cu-catalyzed CO2RR, and will further help readers in their efforts to design and develop robust catalysts for active and selective CO2RR.

Graphical abstract

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Detection of plasma MMP-9 within minutes. Unveiling some of the clues to develop fast and simple electrochemical magneto-immunosensors

Publication date: 15 September 2018
Source:Biosensors and Bioelectronics, Volume 115
Author(s): Gisela Ruiz-Vega, Alicia García-Robaina, Manel Ben Ismail, Helena Pasamar, Teresa García-Berrocoso, Joan Montaner, Mohammed Zourob, Ali Othmane, F. Javier del Campo, Eva Baldrich
Magnetic beads (MB) have been extensively used to produce sensitive and efficient electrochemical magneto-immunosensors. However, MB effective handling requires training, and MB washing after each incubation step is time consuming and contributes to raise result variability. Consequently, most of the electrochemical magneto-immunosensors reported to date, which entailed relatively long and complex multi-step procedures, would be difficult to carry out at point-of-care (POC) settings or by laypersons. For this reason, here we targeted the development of a simplified detection path, which is fast and simple enough to be operated at a POC setting, sufficiently efficient to provide analyte quantitation comparable to classical diagnostic methods, and dependent on minimal technical requirements to facilitate method global exploitation. As a proof-of-concept, we optimized an extremely simple, fast and efficient electrochemical magneto-immunosensor for detection of matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9). To accomplish this, we optimized MB immunomodification, produced an immunomodified Poly-HRP signal amplifier, developed a single-step magneto-immunoassay, and optimized electrochemical detection using a multiplexed magnetic holder and a ready-to-use commercial substrate solution. The sensor was finally calibrated by detecting MMP-9 in clinical samples. This electrochemical magneto-immunosensor detected MMP-9 in just 12–15 min, displaying linear response between 0.03 and 2 ng mL⁻¹ of MMP-9, limits of detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ) of 13 pg mL⁻¹ and 70 pg mL⁻¹, respectively, %CV< 6%, and accurate quantification of MMP-9 in patient plasma samples. These results were comparable to those afforded by a 5-h reference ELISA that used the same antibodies, confirming the applicability of our simplified method.



https://ift.tt/2J4o57D

Direct electrochemical reduction of hematite decorated graphene oxide (α-Fe2O3@erGO) nanocomposite for selective detection of Parkinson's disease biomarker

Publication date: 15 September 2018
Source:Biosensors and Bioelectronics, Volume 115
Author(s): Georgeena Mathew, Parama Dey, Rituparna Das, Sreemayee Dutta Chowdhury, Merina Paul Das, Pandiyarasan Veluswamy, Bernaurdshaw Neppolian, Jayabrata Das
An unusual approach is reported herein to fabricate magnetic hematite (α-Fe2O3) decorated electrochemically reduced graphene oxide (α-Fe2O3@erGO) nanocomposite. The method utilizes direct electrochemical reduction of self-assembled, ex-situ synthesized α-Fe2O3 anchored GO to erGO (α-Fe2O3@erGO) on glassy carbon electrode (GCE) for selective detection dopamine (DA), an important biomarker of Parkinson's disease. The formation of α-Fe2O3@erGO/GCE has been confirmed by XPS and Raman spectroscopy. α-Fe2O3@erGO modified GCE exhibits synergistic catalytic activity nearly 2.2 and 5 fold higher than α-Fe2O3@GO and other modified electrodes, respectively towards oxidation of DA. The fabricated sensor exhibited linear dynamic ranges over 0.25 − 100 µM in response to DA with a LOD of 0.024 µM (S/N = 3), LOQ of 0.08 µM (S/N = 10), and a sensitivity of 12.56 µA µM^–1 cm^–2. Finally, the practical analytical application of the proposed α-Fe2O3@erGO/GCE was investigated for the determination of DA in commercially available pharmaceutical formulation and human serum samples, and showed satisfactory recovery results towards DA.



https://ift.tt/2xdQjrR

Autoimmune Th17 Cells Induced Synovial Stromal and Innate Lymphoid Cell Secretion of the Cytokine GM-CSF to Initiate and Augment Autoimmune Arthritis

Publication date: Available online 22 May 2018
Source:Immunity
Author(s): Keiji Hirota, Motomu Hashimoto, Yoshinaga Ito, Mayumi Matsuura, Hiromu Ito, Masao Tanaka, Hitomi Watanabe, Gen Kondoh, Atsushi Tanaka, Keiko Yasuda, Manfred Kopf, Alexandre J. Potocnik, Brigitta Stockinger, Noriko Sakaguchi, Shimon Sakaguchi
Despite the importance of Th17 cells in autoimmune diseases, it remains unclear how they control other inflammatory cells in autoimmune tissue damage. Using a model of spontaneous autoimmune arthritis, we showed that arthritogenic Th17 cells stimulated fibroblast-like synoviocytes via interleukin-17 (IL-17) to secrete the cytokine GM-CSF and also expanded synovial-resident innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) in inflamed joints. Activated synovial ILCs, which expressed CD25, IL-33Ra, and TLR9, produced abundant GM-CSF upon stimulation by IL-2, IL-33, or CpG DNA. Loss of GM-CSF production by either ILCs or radio-resistant stromal cells prevented Th17 cell-mediated arthritis. GM-CSF production by Th17 cells augmented chronic inflammation but was dispensable for the initiation of arthritis. We showed that GM-CSF-producing ILCs were present in inflamed joints of rheumatoid arthritis patients. Thus, a cellular cascade of autoimmune Th17 cells, ILCs, and stromal cells, via IL-17 and GM-CSF, mediates chronic joint inflammation and can be a target for therapeutic intervention.

Graphical abstract

Teaser

It remains obscure how joint inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis is initiated and progressing. In this study, Hirota et al. identified in an animal model of rheumatoid arthritis an inflammatory cellular cascade instigated by an arthritogenic T helper subset and enhanced by GM-CSF-producing synovial-resident innate lymphoid cells.


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Anti-apoptotic Protein BIRC5 Maintains Survival of HIV-1-Infected CD4+ T Cells

Publication date: Available online 22 May 2018
Source:Immunity
Author(s): Hsiao-Hsuan Kuo, Rushdy Ahmad, Guinevere Q. Lee, Ce Gao, Hsiao-Rong Chen, Zhengyu Ouyang, Matthew J. Szucs, Dhohyung Kim, Athe Tsibris, Tae-Wook Chun, Emilie Battivelli, Eric Verdin, Eric S. Rosenberg, Steven A. Carr, Xu G. Yu, Mathias Lichterfeld
HIV-1 infection of CD4⁺ T cells leads to cytopathic effects and cell demise, which is counter to the observation that certain HIV-1-infected cells possess a remarkable long-term stability and can persist lifelong in infected individuals treated with suppressive antiretroviral therapy (ART). Using quantitative mass spectrometry-based proteomics, we showed that HIV-1 infection activated cellular survival programs that were governed by BIRC5, a molecular inhibitor of cell apoptosis that is frequently overexpressed in malignant cells. BIRC5 and its upstream regulator OX40 were upregulated in productively and latently infected CD4⁺ T cells and were functionally involved in maintaining their viability. Moreover, OX40-expressing CD4⁺ T cells from ART-treated patients were enriched for clonally expanded HIV-1 sequences, and pharmacological inhibition of BIRC5 resulted in a selective decrease of HIV-1-infected cells in vitro. Together, these findings suggest that BIRC5 supports long-term survival of HIV-1-infected cells and may lead to clinical strategies to reduce persisting viral reservoirs.

Graphical abstract

Teaser

The host factors that promote the survival and persistence of HIV-infected CD4⁺ T cells are not clear. Kuo et al. demonstrate that the anti-apoptotic protein BIRC5 and its upstream regulator OX40 can promote survival of HIV-1-infected reservoir CD4⁺ T cells, specifically during clonal proliferation. These findings point to clinical strategies that may reduce persisting viral reservoirs.


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Perioperative Chemotherapy for Urothelial Carcinoma of the Upper Urinary Tract: A Systematic Review and Meta-Anaysis

Publication date: Available online 22 May 2018
Source:Critical Reviews in Oncology/Hematology
Author(s): Richard W. Gregg, Francisco E. Vera-Badillo, Christopher M. Booth, Aamer Mahmud, Michael Brundage, Michael J. Leveridge, Timothy P. Hanna
IntroductionUpper tract urothelial carcinomas are rare malignancies with differences in anatomy and biology requiring therapeutic strategies that differ from bladder cancer. The role of perioperative systemic therapy in this disease remains uncertain with limited data to support its use. A systematic review of the literature and meta-analysis was therefore undertaken to provide more information and guide clinical practiceMethodsA Literature search was performed using Embase and Medline databases with additional searches performed manually using terms associated with upper tract urothelial malignancies. Data was extracted from studies of patients that underwent nephrouretectomy for the management of upper tract urothelial carcinoma and received either neoadjuvant or adjuvant systemic therapy. Overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS), and cancer-specific survival (CSS) were summated and analyzed using Cochrane Revman software Version 5.3.ResultsThere were 13 comparative studies and no randomized studies identified for data extraction; 11 adjuvant and 2 neoadjuvant with 1260 patients receiving perioperative systemic therapy and 3567 controls that did not. Perioperative chemotherapy was associated with improved OS (HR 0.75, 95%CI 0.57-0.99), DFS (HR 0.54, 95%CI 0.32-0.92), and CSS (HR 0.6, 95%CI 0.42-1.15).ConclusionsThe available data suggests that perioperative systemic therapy is associated with improved survival in patients with upper tract urothelial cancer.



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Innovative sludge pretreatment technology for impurity separation using micromesh

Abstract

In order to reduce the impacts on sludge treatment facilities caused by impurities such as fibers, hairs, plastic debris, and coarse sand, an innovative primary sludge pretreatment technology, sludge impurity separator (SIS), was proposed in this study. Non-woven micromesh with pore size of 0.40 mm was used to remove the impurities from primary sludge. Results of lab-scale tests showed that impurity concentration, aeration intensity, and channel gap were the key operation parameters, of which the optimized values were below 25 g/L, 0.8 m³/(m² min), and 2.5 cm, respectively. In the full-scale SIS with treatment capacity of 300 m³/day, over 88% of impurities could be removed from influent and the cleaning cycle of micromesh was more than 16 days. Economic analysis revealed that the average energy consumption was 1.06 kWh/m³ treated sludge and operation cost was 0.6 yuan/m³ treated sludge.

https://ift.tt/2s1tXne

Removal of cobalt and lead ions from wastewater samples using an insoluble nanosponge biopolymer composite: adsorption isotherm, kinetic, thermodynamic, and regeneration studies

Abstract

In this study, an insoluble nanosponge biopolymer composite was synthesized, using a combined process of amidation reaction, cross-linking polymerization, and sol-gel method to obtain a phosphorylated multiwalled carbon nanotube-cyclodextrin/silver-doped titania (pMWCNT-βCD/TiO₂-Ag). This work mainly emphasized on the removal of lead (Pb²⁺) and cobalt (Co²⁺) metal ions from synthetic and real wastewater samples using the synthesized pMWCNT-βCD/TiO₂-Ag as a biosorbent. The new material was characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, zeta potential, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) method, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Adsorption studies for the model pollutants were performed in batch mode. The effect of the solution pH, adsorbent dosage and the presence of competiting ions were investigated. The isotherm, kinetic, thermodynamic, and regeneration studies were also undertaken. The ability of the new material to effectively remove Pb²⁺ and Co²⁺ from synthetic wastewater and mine effluent samples was tested. The maximum removal capacities achieved for the removal of Pb²⁺ and Co²⁺ from mine effluent sample were 35.86 and 7.812 mg/g, respectively.

https://ift.tt/2kfoFkJ

Retropharyngeal SOL: An unusual presentation of a multifaceted entity

Poojan Agarwal, Manju Kaushal, Shruti Dogra, Ankur Gupta, Nishi Sharma

CytoJournal 2018 15(1):12-12



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Cytologic features, immunocytochemical findings, and DNA ploidy in four rare cases of epithelioid hemangioendothelioma involving effusions

Ying Chen, Abha Khanna, Jie Qing Chen, Hua Zhong Zhang, Nancy P Caraway, Ruth L Katz

CytoJournal 2018 15(1):13-13

Background: Epithelioid hemangioendothelioma (EHE) involving serous effusion is extremely rare, and the diagnosis can be challenging. DNA ploidy quantitation of EHE in effusion fluids has not been previously described in the English-language literature. Methods: Specimens of cytological diagnosed with EHE in effusion fluids between 2002 and 2009 were retrieved from the pathology files at MD Anderson Cancer Center. A total of four cases of EHE involving or arising from effusion fluids were found, and we reviewed cytospin, smears, cell block sections, and immunostained slides. DNA image analysis for ploidy and proliferation evaluation was performed on a destained, papanicolaou-stained slide from each case. Results: The tumor cells were epithelioid with prominent cytoplasmic vacuolization and intracytoplasmic inclusions, which could resemble reactive mesothelial cells, mesothelioma, or adenocarcinoma. The tumor cells were positive for endothelial markers. DNA image analysis in three of the four cases revealed predominantly diploid and tetraploid subpopulations, with few aneuploid cells and fairly low proliferation indices, and these patients had fairly prolonged survival. Conclusions: DNA image analysis is useful for differentiating EHE from reactive mesothelial cells and high-grade carcinoma. For accurate diagnosis of EHE in effusion fluids, cytologic features should be considered together with clinical history and ancillary studies.

https://ift.tt/2GIXQy3

Defining and Understanding Adaptive Resistance in Cancer Immunotherapy

Publication date: Available online 22 May 2018
Source:Trends in Immunology
Author(s): Tae Kon Kim, Roy S. Herbst, Lieping Chen
Despite the unprecedented tumor regression and long-term survival benefit observed with anti-programmed death (PD) [anti-PD-1 or anti-B7-homolog 1 (B7-H1)] therapy in patients with advanced cancers, a large portion of patients do not benefit from such treatment and a fraction of responders relapse. Current efforts to overcome resistance and improve efficacy of anti-PD therapy require a clear understanding of resistance and should precede current avenues using random combinations with available treatment regimens. Here, we categorized three types of resistance, namely target-missing, primary, and acquired resistance. This categorization requires reliable, accurate tissue sampling and appropriate interpretation of results based on the four classifications of tumor immunity in the microenvironment (TIME). We believe that fundamental understanding of these complex tumor-immune interactions and of the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying these types of true resistance is the key for targeting the right targets in combination with or beyond anti-PD therapy in the future.



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Effect of photobiomodulation (670 nm) associated with vitamin A on the inflammatory phase of wound healing

Abstract

Wound healing is a complex biological process with specific phases. Photobiomodulation (PBM) decreases the inflammatory infiltrate, stimulating fibroblast proliferation and angiogenesis, and therefore, is indicated for wound healing. Vitamin A is used to reverse the inhibitory effects on wound healing and accelerate the healthy granulation tissue. The study aimed to evaluate the effect of topical vitamin A and PBM (GaAlAs) in inflammatory phase of cutaneous wounds. Forty Wistar male rats were separated into four groups: (1) control (CG); (2) laser group (LG) GaAlAs, 670 nm, 30 mW, energy per point of 0.9 J, radiating by 1 point in 30 s; (3) vitamin A group (VitAG); and (4) laser group plus vitamin A (LG + VitAG). Wounds were surgically made by a punch biopsy with 10 mm of diameter on the back of the animals and all treatments were started according to the experiment. The treatments were administered for four consecutive days and biopsy was performed on day 4. We performed both H&E and immunohistochemistry analysis. The results were compared between groups by one-way analysis of variance ANOVA test with post hoc Tukey (p < 0.05). Inflammatory infiltrate increased significantly in LG compared to CG and VitAG (p < 0.05). Regarding angiogenesis, VEGF expression was increased significantly in LG and LG + VitAG groups, p < 0.01. The results indicate that proposed treatments were effective on the healing process improved by LG and LG + VitAG. We show that laser plus vitamin A enhances healing by reducing the wound area and may have potential application for clinical management of cutaneous wounds.

https://ift.tt/2J3oDKY

Adequacy of Fixed-Dose Heparin Infusions for Venous Thromboembolism Prevention after Microsurgical Procedures

J reconstr Microsurg
DOI: 10.1055/s-0038-1655735

Background In microvascular surgery, patients often receive unfractionated heparin infusions to minimize risk for microvascular thrombosis. Patients who receive intravenous (IV) heparin are believed to have adequate prophylaxis against venous thromboembolism (VTE). Whether a fixed dose of IV heparin provides detectable levels of anticoagulation, or whether the "one size fits all" approach provides adequate prophylaxis against VTE remains unknown. This study examined the pharmacodynamics of fixed-dose heparin infusions and the effects of real-time, anti-factor Xa (aFXa) level driven heparin dose adjustments. Methods This prospective clinical trial recruited adult microvascular surgery patients placed on a fixed-dose (500 units/h) unfractionated heparin infusion during their initial microsurgical procedure. Steady-state aFXa levels, a marker of unfractionated heparin efficacy and safety, were monitored. Patients with out-of-range aFXa levels received protocol-driven real-time dose adjustments. Outcomes of interest included aFXa levels in response to heparin 500 units/h, number of dose adjustments required to achieve goal aFXa levels, time to reach goal aFXa level, and 90-day clinically relevant bleeding and VTE. Results Twenty patients were recruited prospectively. None of 20 patients had any detectable level of anticoagulation in response to heparin infusions at 500 units/h. The median number of dose adjustments required to reach goal level was five, and median weight-based dose to reach goal level was 11.8 units/kg/h. Real-time dose adjustments significantly increased the proportion of patients with in-range levels (60 vs. 0%, p = 0.0001). The 90-day VTE rate was 5% and 90-day clinically relevant bleeding rate was 5%. Conclusions Fixed-dose heparin infusions at a rate of 500 units/h do not provide a detectable level of anticoagulation after microsurgical procedures and are insufficient for the majority of patients who require VTE prophylaxis. Weight-based heparin infusions at 10 to 12 units/kg/h deserve future study in patients undergoing microsurgical procedures to increase the proportion of patients receiving adequate VTE prophylaxis.
[...]

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Joint attention in Down syndrome: A meta-analysis

Publication date: July 2018
Source:Research in Developmental Disabilities, Volume 78
Author(s): Laura J. Hahn, Susan J. Loveall, Madison T. Savoy, Allie M. Neumann, Toshikazu Ikuta
BackgroundSome studies have indicated that joint attention may be a relative strength in Down syndrome (DS), but other studies have not.AimTo conduct a meta-analysis of joint attention in DS to more conclusively determine if this is a relative strength or weakness when compared to children with typical development (TD), developmental disabilities (DD), and autism spectrum disorder (ASD).Methods and proceduresJournal articles published before September 13, 2016, were identified by using the search terms "Down syndrome" and "joint attention" or "coordinating attention". Identified studies were reviewed and coded for inclusion criteria, descriptive information, and outcome variables.Outcomes and resultsEleven studies (553 participants) met inclusion criteria. Children with DS showed similar joint attention as TD children and higher joint attention than children with DD and ASD. Meta-regression revealed a significant association between age and joint attention effect sizes in the DS vs. TD contrast.Conclusions and implicationsJoint attention appears to not be a weakness for children with DS, but may be commensurate with developmental level. Joint attention may be a relative strength in comparison to other skills associated with the DS behavioral phenotype. Early interventions for children with DS may benefit from leveraging joint attention skills.



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Plastic surgeons’ opinions and practices regarding compatibility of MRI and breast tissue expanders

As more women undergo breast reconstruction with tissue expanders, the situation where a patient with ferromagnetic port-containing breast tissue expanders (FPCBTE) develops a need for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has also become more frequent. Such indications include the new symptoms suggestive of neurologic or osseous metastases, trauma, and perforator mapping if the patient transitions to autologous reconstruction.

https://ift.tt/2GFbdiJ

Deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap: Impact of drain free donor abdominal site on long term patient outcomes and duration of inpatient stay

The deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap is widely regarded as the Gold Standard in autologous breast reconstruction. Although drain-free abdominoplasty is performed in many centres, there is a paucity of evidence comparing outcomes when applied to DIEP breast reconstruction.

https://ift.tt/2keDtAa

Managing aesthetic referrals in NHS Scotland: Outcomes from 1,122 patients in the East of Scotland

The Adult Exceptional Aesthetic Referral Protocol (AEARP) encompasses a series of aesthetic procedures which, as they do not treat an underlying disease process, are not routinely available within the National Health Service. Provision of these services can only be provided on an exceptional basis.In this prospective study, we evaluated the referral process and outcomes of 1,122 patients referred under the AEARP over a 3.5-year period. Referrals were screened by a vetting panel comprising of a plastic surgeon, clinical nurse specialist, and clinical psychologist.

https://ift.tt/2s01TAO

Long-term Results of Bacterial Septic Arthritis of the Wrist

Septic arthritis of the wrist is a serious condition, yet little is known about its long-term outcome. A retrospective analysis of 22 patients treated for bacterial septic arthritis of the wrist was conducted with subsequent follow-up of 18 patients with a median period of 44 months to assess functional results via DASH-Score and clinical examination.Arthrotomy was used to treat all patients; in 19 patients, multiple operations were needed to cure the infection. Follow-up revealed a mean DASH-score of 34 (SD 22) and a significant correlation with needed surgical radicality and number of needed operations.

https://ift.tt/2khKfVy

Response to letter commenting on Upgrading the BREAST-Q questionnaire

We read with interest the reply from Klassen and colleagues1 to our publication2 and we fully agree about the lack of methodological validity related to our suggestion of a BREAST-Q expansion. In fact, our aim was meant to focus the attention on the need for an update of the already existing autologous BREAST-Q, according to the evolution in breast reconstruction and flap choice. This was the reason why we wanted to highlight and in parallel put the accent on this topic.

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Adding Scales to BREAST-Q Must Follow the Same Rigor as Original Scales

Dear Editor,

https://ift.tt/2IEU2ng

Sentinel lymph node biopsy in melanoma: which hot nodes should be harvested and is blue dye really necessary?,,✯✯✯

The '10% rule' has become widely accepted by surgeons performing sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) for melanoma. The purpose of this study was to compare the '10% rule' with alternative node harvesting criteria. In particular, we were interested to see whether the use of blue dye had any impact on the sensitivity of the test and whether it is necessary to remove all hot nodes.

https://ift.tt/2s4CVjI

Age affects reinforcement learning through dopamine-based learning imbalance and high decision noise—not through Parkinsonian mechanisms

Publication date: August 2018
Source:Neurobiology of Aging, Volume 68
Author(s): Ravi B. Sojitra, Itamar Lerner, Jessica R. Petok, Mark A. Gluck
Probabilistic reinforcement learning declines in healthy cognitive aging. While some findings suggest impairments are especially conspicuous in learning from rewards, resembling deficits in Parkinson's disease, others also show impairments in learning from punishments. To reconcile these findings, we tested 252 adults from 3 age groups on a probabilistic reinforcement learning task, analyzed trial-by-trial performance with a Q-reinforcement learning model, and correlated both fitted model parameters and behavior to polymorphisms in dopamine-related genes. Analyses revealed that learning from both positive and negative feedback declines with age but through different mechanisms: when learning from negative feedback, older adults were slower due to noisy decision-making; when learning from positive feedback, they tended to settle for a nonoptimal solution due to an imbalance in learning from positive and negative prediction errors. The imbalance was associated with polymorphisms in the DARPP-32 gene and appeared to arise from mechanisms different from those previously attributed to Parkinson's disease. Moreover, this imbalance predicted previous findings on aging using the Probabilistic Selection Task, which were misattributed to Parkinsonian mechanisms.



https://ift.tt/2IVZeTc

Acid and alkaline solubilization (pH shift) process: a better approach for the utilization of fish processing waste and by-products

Abstract

Several technologies and methods have been developed over the years to address the environmental pollution and nutritional losses associated with the dumping of fish processing waste and low-cost fish and by-products. Despite the continuous efforts put in this field, none of the developed technologies was successful in addressing the issues due to various technical problems. To solve the problems associated with the fish processing waste and low-value fish and by-products, a process called pH shift/acid and alkaline solubilization process was developed. In this process, proteins are first solubilized using acid and alkali followed by precipitating them at their isoelectric pH to recover functional and stable protein isolates from underutilized fish species and by-products. Many studies were conducted using pH shift process to recover proteins from fish and fish by-products and found to be most successful in recovering proteins with increased yields than conventional surimi (three cycle washing) process and with good functional properties. In this paper, problems associated with conventional processing, advantages and principle of pH shift processing, effect of pH shift process on the quality and storage stability of recovered isolates, applications protein isolates, etc. are discussed in detail for better understanding.

https://ift.tt/2IZiAHe

Intramedullary nail fixation versus locking plate fixation for adults with a fracture of the distal tibia: the UK FixDT RCT.

Both nail fixation and locking plate fixation had similar disability ratings at 6 months, but nail fixation cost about £970 less in the first year after the fracture.

https://ift.tt/2LpiUgu

Real Time Ultrasound Assisted Gluteal Fat Grafting

Background: Outcomes in primary breast augmentation depend on careful preoperative planning and clear communication between patient and surgeon. Three-dimensional imaging with computer simulation is an evolving technology with the potential to enhance the preoperative consultation for patients considering primary breast augmentation. The purpose of this study was to prospectively evaluate the impact of three-dimensional imaging with computer simulation on patient-reported and objective, mammometric outcomes in women undergoing primary breast augmentation. Methods: One hundred patients were enrolled in a prospective trial with randomized and non-randomized arms. The randomized arm was comprised of a control group who underwent tissue-based planning without simulation (n=13) and an intervention group who were simulated (n=10). The remainder comprised the non-randomized group who specifically sought preoperative simulation. Patient-reported outcomes (BREAST-Q) and mammometric data were recorded and compared preoperatively and six months postoperatively. Results: Over time significantly more patients refused randomization and chose simulation (p=0.03). Breast augmentation led to substantial improvements in satisfaction with breasts, sexual well-being, and outcome. Simulation, however, did not significantly impact patient-reported outcomes or mammometric parameters. No strong correlations were identified between patient reported outcomes and mammometrics. Conclusions: Patients are likely to use novel technology like three-dimensional photography with computer simulation if they perceive it to enhance their understanding of their final outcome. These patients may seek out practices specifically offering such technology. Incorporation of simulation into the preoperative consultation, however, did not lead to clinically meaningful changes in patient-reported outcomes. This study was presented at the panel "Buttock augmentation: Optimization of Long term results and mortality risks" at Plastic Surgery The meeting 2017, in Orlando, Florida on October 9, 2017. Disclosure: The authors declare no conflicts of interests with respect to the authorship and/or publication of this manuscript. Funding: The authors received no financial support for the research and/or authorship of this manuscript. Corresponding author: Alvaro Luiz Cansancao , Avenida das Americas 3200, sala 212, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil, Zip 22640-102, email: dr.alvaroluiz@hotmail.com, Tel: 55(21)993339392 ©2018American Society of Plastic Surgeons

https://ift.tt/2rZFuEw

Therapeutic effects of human adipose-derived products on impaired wound healing in irradiated tissue

Background: Clinical sequelae of irradiation (ischemia, fibrosis, and atrophy) result in tissue devitalization, where wound healing capacity is impaired. Fat or fat-derived products may work to treat such pathology. Methods: Non-lethal irradiation at various doses (5 Gy, 10 Gy, 15 Gy) and frequencies (1-3 times on sequential days) was delivered to dorsal skin of 7-week-old nude mice, evaluating subsequent gross and microscopic changes for up to 4 weeks. Cutaneous punch wounds were then created, to compare wound healing in irradiated and non-irradiated states. Wounds were also locally injected with vehicle, cultured adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs), centrifuged fat tissue, or micronized cellular adipose matrix, monitoring therapeutic impact for up to 15 days. Results: Nude mice given total doses >15 Gy spontaneously developed skin ulcers ~2 weeks after exposure and radiation damage was dose-dependent, but a fractionated irradiation protocol could reduce the damage. Histologic assessment revealed dose-dependent dermal fibrosis/thickening and subcutaneous atrophy. Dose-dependent (5-15 Gy) impairment of wound healing was also evident. At highest dosage (15 Gy × 3), open wounds persisted on Day 15. However, wounds injected with cultured ASCs were nearly healed on Day 12, and those treated with injection of centrifuged fat or micronized connective tissue healed faster than untreated controls (p

https://ift.tt/2IFt23c

The Evolving Role of Blending of The Lid-Cheek Junction in Lower Blepharoplasty

No abstract available

https://ift.tt/2s1J5BX

"Microanatomy of sensory nerves in the upper eyelid: A cadaveric anatomical study”

Background: Plastic surgery requires detailed knowledge of upper eyelid anatomy, but few authors have sufficiently described the specifics of upper eyelid nerve anatomy. This study aimed to provide a thorough description of sensory nerve anatomy in the upper eyelid and to propose considerations for upper eyelid surgery. Methods: Sixteen orbits were dissected from sixteen fixed, adult human cadavers. Microscopically, we identified the main trunks of the infratrochlear, supratrochlear, and supraorbital nerves and all branches that projected toward the upper eyelid. The number, size, and distribution of nerve branches were recorded. Results: The branches of the infratrochlear, supratrochlear, and supraorbital nerves covered a wide range in the upper eyelid. The mean numbers of branches/nerve were 1.6 ± 1.2, 3.2 ± 1.5, and 2.6 ± 1.4, respectively. The branches of the infratrochlear nerve were distributed throughout the medial area of the upper eyelid. Those of the supratrochlear nerve were distributed throughout the medial and central areas, and the palpebral branches of the supraorbital nerve were distributed throughout the central and lateral areas of the upper eyelid. The lateral branches of the supraorbital nerve and the cutaneous branches of the lacrimal nerve were distributed in the lateral region of the orbit. Conclusions: We show that upper eyelid sensation is transmitted mainly by the supratrochlear and supraorbital nerves, and we provide a map of the distribution of upper eyelid sensory nerves. This precise anatomical knowledge about upper eyelid sensory nerves will facilitate pain control and help minimize nerve injuries during surgery. Financial Disclosure Statement: None of the authors has a financial interest in any of the products, devices, or drugs mentioned in this manuscript. Presented at: the 25th Research Council Meeting of Japan Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, in Osaka, Japan, September 15 through 16, 2016. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS: The authors would like to thank Masako Akiyama in the URA office of Tokyo Medical and Dental University for her advice regarding statistical analyses. Corresponding author: Takuya Higashino, MD, Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, 1-5-45 Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8510, Japan., higashino-pla@umin.ac.jp ©2018American Society of Plastic Surgeons

https://ift.tt/2ICVQt3

Browning of human subcutaneous adipose tissue after its transplantation in nude mice

Background: The clinical unpredictability of autologous fat grafting originates partially from the unique characteristics of adipose tissue. Evidences of adipose remodeling toward browning (developing of brown-like adipocytes in white adipose tissue) in response to trauma are emerging. With regard to fat grafting surgery procedure by which adipose tissue depots are directly and ubiquitously traumatized, whether it affect adipose phenotype change toward browning has not been previously reported. Methods: Human subcutaneous adipose tissues were harvested from the abdominal region of female patients via liposuction and were then injected into the dorsal flank of athymic nude mice. After 12 weeks, fat grafts were harvested and subjected to histological analysis. Results: Hematoxylin and eosin staining showed appearance of small multilocular adipocytes in the peripheral region of the grafts. These adipocytes exhibited higher staining for uncoupling protein 1 (fat-browning-specific marker), mitochondrial protein and CD31 compared with the central ones, indicating the presence of brown-like adipocytes, namely beige adipocytes, in this area. Furthermore, immunofluorescence staining demonstrated that these beige adipocytes might be derived from de novo adipogenesis from progenitors of graft origin. Conclusions: Results of this study suggest that browning of subcutaneous white adipose tissue participates in adaptive tissue remodeling following grafting and contributes to adipose tissue repair. # Lihong Qiu, and Zhaoxiang Zhang contributed equally to this research and should be viewed as co-first authors. Financial Disclosure Statement: None of the authors has a financial interest in any of the products or devices mentioned in this article. Acknowledgments: This study was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (81671932, 81701919 and 81401598). The authors thank all of their colleagues at the Institute of Plastic Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, for their full cooperation and support. *Corresponding author: Chenggang Yi, M.D., Ph.D., Department of Plastic Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, No. 15, Changle West Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710032, China. Tel: +86-029-775306; Fax: +86-029-84775301; Email: yichg@163.com ©2018American Society of Plastic Surgeons

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Scholar : These new articles for Advances in Mental Health are available online

The online platform for Taylor & Francis Online content New for Advances in Mental Health and online now on Taylor & Francis Online: Original Articles The self in motherhood: a systematised review of relational self-construal and wellbeing in mothers Lauren Wills & Melissa Petrakis Pages: 1-13 | DOI: 10.1080/18387357.2018.1476066 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.

Scholar : These new articles for Canadian Journal of Latin American and Caribbean Studies / Revue canadienne des études latino-américaines et caraïbes are available online

The online platform for Taylor & Francis Online content New for Canadian Journal of Latin American and Caribbean Studies/Revue canadienne des études latino-américaines et caraïbes and online now on Taylor & Francis Online: Original Articles Reconnaissance politique et reconnaissance juridique: le cas des Autochtones en Bolivie Roxana Paniagua Humeres Pages: 1-22 | DOI: 10.1080/08263663.2018.1467380 Do you have original research that relates to present-day Japan and its recent historical development? Contemporary Japan welcomes your submissions. To update which email alerts you receive, manage your alerts within the My Account area. 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.

Two for one: Viral helicases as an ideal target for HIV and HCV co-infection

Publication date: July 2018
Source:Medical Hypotheses, Volume 116
Author(s): Muhammad Faraz Anwar, Shamshad Zarina, Syed Ali, Syed Hani Abidi
Helicase enzyme is responsible for the unwinding of complementary nucleic acid strands, which is one of the preliminary steps in DNA replication. They are crucial for replication of an organism, including viruses. HCV and HIV are two clinically significant pathogens, responsible for millions of infections and deaths worldwide. Due to similar transmission routes, these viruses can establish co-infection in an individual. Individually, these infections are difficult to treat, however, in case of co-infection, the treatment becomes more difficult. Additionally, these viruses accumulate mutation in response to drug therapy that renders the treatment ineffective. HCV and HIV both encode enzyme containing helicase activity. The viral-encoded helicase plays a significant role in HIV and HCV life cycle. Here we propose viral helicases as an ideal single-hit target that can inhibit HIV and HCV co-infection. We also hypothesize that search for natural analogs sharing basic ring structure with a class of helicase inhibitors called fluoroquinolones can yield natural agents with superior antiviral (anti-helicase) activity with lower toxicity index. The fluoroquinolones and their analogs are currently not part of any antiviral regimens. Our proposal is to include fluoroquinolones-derived natural analogs as a conjugate therapy along with main regimens available against HCV and HIV co-infection.



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A microbiological study to investigate the carriage and transmission-potential of Clostridium difficile spores on single-use and reusable sharps containers

Publication date: Available online 22 May 2018
Source:American Journal of Infection Control
Author(s): Terry Grimmond, Anu Neelakanta, Barbara Miller, Asif Saiyed, Pam Gill, Jennifer Cadnum, Russell Olmsted, Curtis Donskey, Kimberly Pate, Katherine Miller
BackgroundA 2015 study matching use of disposable and reusable sharps containers (DSCs, RSCs) with Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) incidence found a decreased incidence with DSCs. We conducted microbiologic samplings and examined the literature and disease-transmission principles to evaluate the scientific feasibility of such an association.Methods(i) 197 RSCs were sampled for C. difficile at processing facilities; (ii) RSCs were challenged with high C. difficile densities to evaluate efficacy of automated decontamination; and (iii) 50 RSCs and 50 DSCs were sampled in CDI patient rooms in 7 hospitals. Results were coupled with epidemiologic studies, clinical requirements, and chain-of-infection principles, and tests of evidence of disease transmission were applied.ResultsC. difficile spores were found on 9 of 197 (4.6%) RSCs prior to processing. Processing completely removed C. difficile. In CDI patient rooms, 4 of 50 RSCs (8.0%) and 8 of 50 DSCs (16.0%) had sub-infective counts of C. difficile (P = .27). DSCs were in permanent wall cabinets; RSCs were removed and decontaminated frequently.ConclusionWith C. difficile bioburden being sub-infective on both DSCs and RSCs, sharps containers being no-touch, and glove removal required after sharps disposal, we found 2 links in the chain of infection to be broken and 5 of 7 tests of evidence to be unmet. We conclude that sharps containers pose no risk of C. difficile transmission.



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Retinoic acid elicits a coordinated expression of gut homing markers on T lymphocytes of Zambian men receiving oral Vivotif, but not Rotarix, Dukoral or OPVERO vaccines

Publication date: Available online 22 May 2018
Source:Vaccine
Author(s): Mpala Mwanza-Lisulo, Mumba S. Chomba, Mubanga Chama, Ellen C. Besa, Evelyn Funjika, Kanekwa Zyambo, Rose Banda, Mercy Imikendu, Sandie Sianongo, Robert E.W. Hancock, Amy Lee, Roma Chilengi, Andy J. Stagg, Boniface Namangala, Paul M. Kelly
All-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) up-regulates, in laboratory animals, the expression of the gut homing markers α4β7 integrin and CCR9 on lymphocytes, increasing their gut tropism. Here, we show that, in healthy adult volunteers, ATRA induced an increase of these gut homing markers on T cells in vivo in a time dependent manner. The coordinated increase of α4β7 and CCR9 by ATRA was seen in 57% (12/21) of volunteers and only when given together with an oral Vivotif vaccine. When this coordinated response to ATRA and Vivotif vaccine was present, it was strongly correlated with the gut immunoglobulin A (IgA) specific response to vaccine LPS (ρ = 0.82; P = 0.02). Using RNA-Seq analysis of whole blood transcription, patients receiving ATRA and Vivotif in conjunction showed transcriptomic changes in immune-related pathways, particularly including interferon α/β signaling pathway, membrane-ECM interactions and immune hubs. These results suggest that exogenous ATRA can be used to manipulate responses to a subclass of oral vaccines, so far limited to a live attenuated Vivotif vaccine.



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Computational comparison of availability in CTL/gag epitopes among patients with acute and chronic HIV-1 infection

Publication date: Available online 22 May 2018
Source:Vaccine
Author(s): Gabriel Dario Damilano, Omar Sued, Maria Julia Ruiz, Yanina Ghiglione, Flavia Canitano, Maria Pando, Gabriela Turk, Pedro Cahn, Horacio Salomón, Dario Dilernia
BackgroundRecent studies indicate that there is selection bias for transmission of viral polymorphisms associated with higher viral fitness. Furthermore, after transmission and before a specific immune response is mounted in the recipient, the virus undergoes a number of reversions which allow an increase in their replicative capacity. These aspects, and others, affect the viral population characteristic of early acute infection.Methods160 singlegag-gene amplifications were obtained by limiting-dilution RT-PCR from plasma samples of 8 ARV-naïve patients with early acute infection (<30 days, 22 days average) and 8 ARV-naive patients with approximately a year of infection (10 amplicons per patient). Sanger sequencing and NGS SMRT technology (Pacific Biosciences) were implemented to sequence the amplicons. Phylogenetic analysis was performed by using MEGA 6.06. HLA-I (A and B) typing was performed by SSOP-PCR method. The chromatograms were analyzed with Sequencher 4.10. Epitopes and immune-proteosomal cleavages prediction was performed with CBS prediction server for the 30 HLA-A and -B alleles most prevalent in our population with peptide lengths from 8 to 14 mer. Cytotoxic response prediction was performed by using IEDB Analysis Resource.ResultsAfter implementing epitope prediction analysis, we identified a total number of 325 possible viral epitopes present in two or more acute or chronic patients. 60.3% (n = 196) of them were present only in acute infection (prevalent acute epitopes) while 39.7% (n = 129) were present only in chronic infection (prevalent chronic epitopes). Within p24, the difference was equally dramatic with 59.4% (79/133) being acute epitopes (p < 0.05). This is consistent with progressive viral adaptation to immune response in time and further supported by the fact that cytotoxic responses prediction showed that acute epitopes are more likely to generate immune response than chronic epitopes. Interestingly, only 27.5% of acute epitopes match the population-level consensus sequence of the virus.ConclusionsOur results indicate that certain non-consensus viral residues might be transmitted more frequently than consensus-residues when located in immunological relevant positions (epitopes). This observation might be relevant to the rationale behind development of an effective vaccineto reduce viral reservoir and induce functional cure of HIV infection based in prevalent acute epitopes.



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Rotavirus diarrhoea hospitalizations among children under 5 years of age in Nigeria, 2011–2016

Publication date: Available online 22 May 2018
Source:Vaccine
Author(s): B.N. Tagbo, J.M. Mwenda, C.B. Eke, B.O. Edelu, C. Chukwubuike, G. Armah, S.L. Mapaseka, A. Isiaka, L. Namadi, H.U. Okafor, U.C. Ozumba, R.O. Nnani, V. Okafor, R. Njoku, C. Odume, C. Benjamin-Pujah, C. Azubuike, N. Umezinne, N. Ogude, V.O. Osarogborun, M.U. Okwesili, S.K. Ezebilo, O. Udemba, K. Yusuf, Z. Mahmud, J.M. Ticha, E.O. Obidike, J.M. Mphahlele
BackgroundThe high burden of rotavirus acute gastroenteritis (AGE) is well documented among children under 5 years of age, with the majority of mortality occurring in developing countries. Nigeria ranked second worldwide in the number of rotavirus deaths in 2013. As Nigeria plans to introduce rotavirus vaccine soon, a pre-vaccine documentation of rotavirus disease burden is necessary to determine vaccine impact.MethodsRoutine rotavirus surveillance was conducted during 2011–2016 in 3 sentinel sites in Nigeria using the standard WHO protocol. Children under 5 years of age hospitalized for acute gastroenteritis were enrolled and demographic, clinical and outcome data were collected. A stool sample was subsequently obtained and tested for human rotavirus antigen using the Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).Results2694 children with acute gastroenteritis were enrolled during January 2011 to December 2016; of these, 1242 (46%) tested positive for rotavirus. Among the rotavirus positive cases, 66% and 94% were younger than 12 months and 24 months respectively. Marked peaks in rotavirus positivity were seen in January of each year. Vomiting, and use of oral and intravenous fluids occurred more often in rotavirus positive cases as compared to rotavirus negative cases.ConclusionThe high prevalence of rotavirus disease highlights the need for urgent introduction of rotavirus vaccine in Nigeria. Additionally, this study provides pre-vaccine introduction disease-burden data that will serve as a baseline for rotavirus vaccine impact-assessment once vaccine has been introduced in the national immunization program.



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Economic burden of seasonal influenza in the United States

Publication date: Available online 22 May 2018
Source:Vaccine
Author(s): Wayan C.W.S. Putri, David J. Muscatello, Melissa S. Stockwell, Anthony T. Newall
BackgroundSeasonal influenza is responsible for a large disease and economic burden. Despite the expanding recommendation of influenza vaccination, influenza has continued to be a major public health concern in the United States (U.S.). To evaluate influenza prevention strategies it is important that policy makers have current estimates of the economic burden of influenza.ObjectiveTo provide an updated estimate of the average annual economic burden of seasonal influenza in the U.S. population in the presence of vaccination efforts.MethodsWe evaluated estimates of age-specific influenza-attributable outcomes (ill-non medically attended, office-based outpatient visit, emergency department visits, hospitalizations and death) and associated productivity loss. Health outcome rates were applied to the 2015 U.S. population and multiplied by the relevant estimated unit costs for each outcome. We evaluated both direct healthcare costs and indirect costs (absenteeism from paid employment) reporting results from both a healthcare system and societal perspective. Results were presented in five age groups (<5 years, 5–17 years, 18–49 years, 50–64 years and ≥65 years of age).ResultsThe estimated average annual total economic burden of influenza to the healthcare system and society was $11.2 billion ($6.3–$25.3 billion). Direct medical costs were estimated to be $3.2 billion ($1.5–$11.7 billion) and indirect costs $8.0 billion ($4.8–$13.6 billion). These total costs were based on the estimated average numbers of (1) ill-non medically attended patients (21.6 million), (2) office-based outpatient visits (3.7 million), (3) emergency department visit (0.65 million) (4) hospitalizations (247.0 thousand), (5) deaths (36.3 thousand) and (6) days of productivity lost (20.1 million).ConclusionsThis study provides an updated estimate of the total economic burden of influenza in the U.S. Although we found a lower total cost than previously estimated, our results confirm that influenza is responsible for a substantial economic burden in the U.S.



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Human papillomavirus vaccine effectiveness by number of doses: Systematic review of data from national immunization programs

Publication date: Available online 22 May 2018
Source:Vaccine
Author(s): Lauri E. Markowitz, Melanie Drolet, Norma Perez, Mark Jit, Marc Brisson
BackgroundHuman papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines were first licensed as a three-dose series; a two-dose series is now recommended in some age groups and there is interest in possible one-dose vaccination.MethodsWe conducted a systematic literature review of HPV vaccine effectiveness by number of doses, including assessment of biases and impact of varying buffer periods (time between vaccination and outcome counting).ResultsOf 3787 articles identified, 26 full articles were assessed and 14 included in our review. All studies were conducted within the context of recommended three-dose schedules of bivalent (3) or quadrivalent HPV vaccine (11). Two evaluated effectiveness for prevention of HPV prevalence, six anogenital warts, and six abnormal cervical cytology or histology. Many studies found differences between three-, two- and one-dose vaccine recipients, indicating possible differences in HPV exposure prior to vaccination or in risk behavior. Adjusted or stratified analyses were conducted to control for potential confounding. All studies found significant vaccine effectiveness with three doses, 11 with two doses at various intervals, and six with one dose. Most studies showed a relationship (not always statistically significant) between effectiveness and number of doses, with greater decreases in HPV-related outcomes with three, followed by two and one dose(s). Few studies conducted formal comparisons of three vs fewer doses. Three of four studies that examined buffer periods found higher effectiveness and a smaller difference by number of doses with longer periods.ConclusionMost post-licensure studies report highest effectiveness with three doses; some found no statistically significant difference between two and three doses. Additionally, almost half found some effectiveness with one dose. Several biases impact estimates, with most biasing two- and one-dose results away from showing effectiveness. Future effectiveness studies, examining persons vaccinated prior to sexual activity and using methods to reduce potential sources of bias, can help inform vaccination policy.



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Patterns of Invasive Growth in Malignant Gliomas—The Hippocampus Emerges as an Invasion-Spared Brain Region

Publication date: July 2018
Source:Neoplasia, Volume 20, Issue 7
Author(s): Awais A. Mughal, Lili Zhang, Artem Fayzullin, Andres Server, Yuping Li, Yingxi Wu, Rainer Glass, Torstein Meling, Iver A. Langmoen, Trygve B. Leergaard, Einar O. Vik-Mo
BACKGROUND: Widespread infiltration of tumor cells into surrounding brain parenchyma is a hallmark of malignant gliomas, but little data exist on the overall invasion pattern of tumor cells throughout the brain. METHODS: We have studied the invasive phenotype of malignant gliomas in two invasive mouse models and patients. Tumor invasion patterns were characterized in a patient-derived xenograft mouse model using brain-wide histological analysis and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. Findings were histologically validated in a cdkn2a−/− PDGF-β lentivirus-induced mouse glioblastoma model. Clinical verification of the results was obtained by analysis of MR images of malignant gliomas. RESULTS: Histological analysis using human-specific cellular markers revealed invasive tumors with a non-radial invasion pattern. Tumors cells accumulated in structures located far from the transplant site, such as the optic white matter and pons, whereas certain adjacent regions were spared. As such, the hippocampus was remarkably free of infiltrating tumor cells despite the extensive invasion of surrounding regions. Similarly, MR images of xenografted mouse brains displayed tumors with bihemispheric pathology, while the hippocampi appeared relatively normal. In patients, most malignant temporal lobe gliomas were located lateral to the collateral sulcus. Despite widespread pathological fluid-attenuated inversion recovery signal in the temporal lobe, 74% of the "lateral tumors" did not show signs of involvement of the amygdalo-hippocampal complex. CONCLUSIONS: Our data provide clear evidence for a compartmental pattern of invasive growth in malignant gliomas. The observed invasion patterns suggest the presence of preferred migratory paths, as well as intra-parenchymal boundaries that may be difficult for glioma cells to traverse supporting the notion of compartmental growth. In both mice and human patients, the hippocampus appears to be a brain region that is less prone to tumor invasion.



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Rising trade, declining stocks: The global gugul (Commiphora wightii) trade

Publication date: 15 September 2018
Source:Journal of Ethnopharmacology, Volume 223
Author(s): A.B. Cunningham, J.A. Brinckmann, R.N. Kulloli, U. Schippmann
Ethnopharmacological relevanceCommiphora wightii is exploited in India and Pakistan for an oleo-resin (gum guggul) traditionally used in Ayurvedic, Siddha and Unani medical systems. Processed C. wightii oleo-resin products are exported from India to 42 countries, including re-export to Pakistan, for anti-inflammatory use and as an anti-inflammatory and an anti-obesity treatment considered to lower cholesterol and lipid levels. The C. wightii export trade has particular relevance to the European Union because Belgium, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, the Netherlands, and United Kingdom are importing countries. Demand and prices for C. wightii oleo-resin are increasing and wild stocks of C. wightii are in decline. The overexploitation of C. wightii after tapping for its commercially valuable oleo-resin is not a new problem, however, but one that has existed for over 50 years. Lopping and chopping trees to extract C. wightii oleo-resin has had a devastating impact on C. wightii populations since the 1960's.Aim of the studyThe aim of this study was to review the sustainability of the global trade in C. wightii oleo-resin. This included reviewing studies on resin tapping methods and the impacts of wild harvest on C. wightii populations in India and Pakistan.Materials and methodsFirstly, we reviewed studies on impacts of C. wightii oleo-resin harvest and on the policy responses taken in relation to harvest and trade in C. wightii oleo-resin. Secondly, we reviewed studies on C. wightii cultivation. Thirdly, global trade data for C. wightii were analyzed.Results and conclusionsDestructive harvest to obtain the gum is the major threat facing this species. C. wightii populations are also fragmented by habitat loss through clearing for farming. Cutting and lopping in order to extract the medicinal gum are a major threat to C. wightii populations, as is poor recruitment due to grazing by livestock. As a result of over-exploitation, C. wightii oleo-resin production has declined in India. In Gujarat, a key production area, the decline over a 50-year period has been from 30 t in 1963, to 2.42 t in 1999 to 1.6 t in 2013. Consequently, large quantities of C. wightii oleo-resin (around 505 t/year) are imported into India from Pakistan. An estimated 193 t/year of crude gum equivalent is exported from India in the form of processed products. With remaining populations in decline due to commercial exploitation for international trade, a range of policy options (such as CITES Appendix II listing) and practical conservation actions (such as cultivation) need to be considered.

Graphical abstract

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Probabilistic risk-based pollution prevention model for a foundry: a case study of casting

Abstract

Hazardous air pollutants from industrial activities have long been associated with serious health effects. Traditional health risk assessment uses point estimates of inhalation concentrations based on standard Gaussian diffusion models with steady-state emission rate assumptions. This traditional approach was criticized because it does not account for variability and thus leading to a potential overestimate of the health risk from the batch processes. To overcome this deficiency, a probabilistic risk assessment model is proposed. The foundry industry with processes typically associated with several hazardous air pollutants is identified and iron casting is chosen as a case study to compare risk estimates. Existing data, representing historical proprietary information of the case study, were used to deliver representative risk values and help identify potential replacements or interventions in the manufacturing process. A probability distribution function of emitted concentrations was simulated to model the batch process emissions from mold and core resin binders, a major source of pollution. The same method was applied to exposure factors to feed into the risk model resulting in a probabilistic risk evaluation. Several alternative resin binders in commercial use were examined to offer a risk-based substitute to the resin binder in use. The risk results provided an opportunity to consider newer and environmentally friendlier options. A comparison of the results from this approach and those from the point estimate analysis reveals a gross over estimation of risks. The point estimate risk values were about eight time larger than the mean value and about twice the 95th percentile values of the probabilistic risk approach. The wide range of variability among resin binders associated risk results, close to two orders of magnitude in some cases, presented opportunities to select from a variety of binders with lesser emissions and lower risk. Optimal selection will depend on several pollutants emitted from this process to help address cumulative impacts of multiple pollutants. Investigations are underway for a multi-pollutant strategy including trade-offs, and other quality controls vital to the decision-making.

https://ift.tt/2IIOsfW

An offline technique to evaluate residual motion of the diaphragm during deep inspiratory breath-hold from cone-beam CT datasets

Abstract

Purpose

In radiation therapy, the computer-assisted deep inspiration breath-hold (DIBH) technique is one approach to deal with respiratory motion of tumors in the lung, liver, or upper abdomen. However, inter- and intra-breath-hold deviations from an optimal static tumor position might occur. A novel method is presented to noninvasively measure the diaphragm position and thus estimate its residual deviation (as surrogate for the tumor position) based on cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) projection data using active breathing control during acquisition.

Methods

The diaphragm dome (DD) position relative to the isocenter of a linear accelerator is known from the static (DIBH) planning CT. A ball-bearing phantom (BB) is placed at this position, a CBCT dataset is acquired, and in each projection the position of the projected BB is determined automatically based on thresholding. The position of the DD is determined manually in CBCT projections of a patient. The distance between DD and BB (ideal static setting) in craniocaudal direction is calculated for a given angle based on the distance in the projection plane and the relative position of the BB referring to the source and the detector. An angle-dependent correction factor is introduced which takes this geometrical setting into account. The accuracy of the method is assessed.

Results

The method allows a CBCT projection-based estimation of the deviation between the DD and its optimal position as defined in the planning CT, i.e., the residual motion of the DD can be assessed. The error of this estimation is 2.2 mm in craniocaudal direction.

Conclusions

The developed method allows an offline estimation of the inspiration depth (inter- and intra-breath-hold) over time. It will be useful as a reference for comparison to other methods of residual motion estimation, e.g., surface scanning.

https://ift.tt/2kfuyyd

Testosterone-mediated activation of androgenic signalling sustains in vitro the transformed and radioresistant phenotype of rhabdomyosarcoma cell lines

Abstract

Purpose

Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS), the most common soft-tissue sarcoma in childhood, rarely affects adults, preferring male. RMS expresses the receptor for androgen (AR) and responds to androgen; however, the molecular action of androgens on RMS is unknown.

Methods

Herein, testosterone (T) effects were tested in embryonal (ERMS) and alveolar (ARMS) RMS cell lines, by performing luciferase reporter assay, RT-PCR, and western blotting experiments. RNA interference experiments or bicalutamide treatment was performed to assess the specific role of AR. Radiation treatment was delivered to characterise the effects of T treatment on RMS intrinsic radioresistance.

Results

Our study showed that RMS cells respond to sub-physiological levels of T stimulation, finally promoting AR-dependent genomic and non-genomic effects, such as the transcriptional regulation of several oncogenes, the phosphorylation-mediated post-transductional modifications of AR and the activation of ERK, p38 and AKT signal transduction pathway mediators that, by physically complexing or not with AR, participate in regulating its transcriptional activity and the expression of T-targeted genes. T chronic daily treatment, performed as for the hormone circadian rhythm, did not significantly affect RMS cell growth, but improved RMS clonogenic and radioresistant potential and increased AR mRNA both in ERMS and ARMS. AR protein accumulation was evident in ERMS, this further developing an intrinsic T-independent AR activity.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that androgens sustain and improve RMS transformed and radioresistant phenotype, and therefore, their therapeutic application should be avoided in RMS post puberal patients.

https://ift.tt/2khnK3n

Formulation of oil-in-water emulsions for pesticide applications: impact of surfactant type and concentration on physical stability

Abstract

Oil-in-water (O/W) emulsions can be utilized as effective pesticide delivery systems in the agricultural industry. In this study, the effects of hydrophile-lipophile balance (HLB), concentration, and location of surfactants on the formation and physical stability of O/W emulsions suitable for pesticide applications was investigated using dynamic light scattering and vertical laser profiling. A non-polar pesticide (lambda-cyhalothrin) was used as a model. The pesticide emulsion with the highest stability was obtained using a commercial non-ionic surfactant (polyoxyethylene castor oil ether, EL-20) with a required HLB value of 10.5. Emulsion stability increased as the surfactant concentration was increased from 2 to 6%, which was attributed to the formation of smaller oil droplets during emulsification. Emulsions prepared with the surfactant initially in the oil phase were more stable than those prepared with it initially in the aqueous phase. The optimum formulation of the pesticide emulsion was determined as follows: 5% lambda-cyhalothrin (active ingredient) and 6% EL-20 (surfactant) dissolved in 5% S-200 (aromatic hydrocarbon, as oil phase), then deionized water up to 100%, which met the quality indicators set by the FAO standards. The present study is expected to provide useful information to improve the stability of pesticide emulsions for commercial applications.

https://ift.tt/2ICao04

Scholar : These new articles for Aquatic Insects are available online

The online platform for Taylor & Francis Online content New for Aquatic Insects and online now on Taylor & Francis Online: From the Forthcoming Special Issue: Advances in Aquatic Insect Systematics and Biodiversity in the Neotropics Neotropical Osmylidae larvae (Insecta, Neuroptera): description of habitats and morphology Caleb Califre Martins, Adrian Ardila-Camacho & Gregory W. Courtney Pages: 1-27 | DOI: 10.1080/01650424.2018.1436181 The Trichoptera of Panama VIII. The Hydroptilidae of Panama: current status, biodiversity comparisons, projections, and needs Brian J. Armitage & Steven C. Harris Pages: 1-21 | DOI: 10.1080/01650424.2018.1438629 Hoping to have your article read by anyone, anywhere and at any time? Find out more about publishing open access with Ecosystem Health and Sustainability. 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.

Neural stem cell therapies and hypoxic-ischemic brain injury

Publication date: Available online 21 May 2018
Source:Progress in Neurobiology
Author(s): Lei Huang, Lubo Zhang
Hypoxic-ischemic brain injury is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in the adult as well as in the neonate. Extensive pre-clinical studies have shown promising therapeutic effects of neural stem cell-based treatments for hypoxic-ischemic brain injury. There are two major strategies of neural stem cell-based therapies: transplanting exogenous neural stem cells and boosting self-repair of endogenous neural stem cells. Neural stem cell transplantation has been proved to improve functional recovery after brain injury through multiple by-stander mechanisms (e.g., neuroprotection, immunomodulation), rather than simple cell-replacement. Endogenous neural stem cells reside in certain neurogenic niches of the brain and response to brain injury. Many molecules (e.g., neurotrophic factors) can stimulate or enhance proliferation and differentiation of endogenous neural stem cells after injury. In this review, we first present an overview of neural stem cells during normal brain development and the effect of hypoxic-ischemic injury on the activation and function of endogenous neural stem cells in the brain. We then summarize and discuss the current knowledge of strategies and mechanisms for neural stem cell-based therapies on brain hypoxic-ischemic injury, including neonatal hypoxic-ischemic brain injury and adult ischemic stroke.



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Annual Report to the Nation: overall cancer mortality continues to decline, prostate cancer mortality has stabilized

The 2018 Annual Report to the Nation on the Status of Cancer finds overall cancer death rates continue to decline and cancer incidence dropped in men and remained stable in women. A companion study reports on recent changes in prostate cancer trends.

https://ift.tt/2rZ7qbx

Scholar : These new articles for Critical Inquiry in Language Studies are available online

The online platform for Taylor & Francis Online content New for Critical Inquiry in Language Studies and online now on Taylor & Francis Online: Original Articles Teacher identities and English learners in mainstream classrooms: A discourse analysis Adrian D. Martin Pages: 1-22 | DOI: 10.1080/15427587.2018.1471693 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.

Extracorporeal Photopheresis: An Efficacious and Well-Tolerated Treatment for Cutaneous and Oral Mucosal Chronic Graft-versus-Host Disease

Background: Extracorporeal photopheresis (ECP) is a second-line therapy for steroid-refractory chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD). Objective: We describe the long-term efficacy and tolerability of ECP according to the cutaneous phenotype of cGVHD and report on the reduced need for immunosuppressant drugs in this setting. Patients and Methods: Fourteen patients (8 females) with cutaneous and/or mucosal cGVHD, treated with ECP between October 2010 and May 2016 within a single center, were included. Final analyses included patients who had received ECP for at least 12 months. We prospectively evaluated the efficacy of ECP using lesion-specific clinical scores and by recording changed doses of systemic immunosuppressants. Results: Of the 14 patients, sclerotic skin lesions were present in 10 (71%). The mRODNAN score decreased in all patients from month 9 onwards, with 40 and 77% reductions at 12 and 36 months, respectively. Six patients (43%) presented with cutaneous lichenoid lesions: this score was reduced in all patients by month 3, reaching a 93% reduction by month 12. Five patients (36%) experienced oral mucosal lichenoid lesions: these scores were decreased by 55% at month 12 and by 100% by month 33. The use of systemic immunosuppressants was reduced in all patients; 4 patients could stop all immunosuppressant drugs after 2 years. ECP was stopped in 3 patients after a complete response. No major ECP-associated adverse effects were observed. Discussion and Conclusion: ECP was an effective long-term therapy for oral and cutaneous cGVHD: consequently, dose levels of therapeutic immunosuppression could be reduced.
Dermatology

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Evaluation of Ceratophyllum demersum as the accumulative bioindicator for trace metals

Publication date: October 2018
Source:Ecological Indicators, Volume 93
Author(s): Ludmiła Polechońska, Agnieszka Klink, Małgorzata Dambiec, Andrzej Rudecki
Ceratophyllum demersum, an ubiquitous submerged aquatic plant, was tested as a passive bioindicator of trace metal pollution. The content and bioaccumulation ability of the wide range of trace metals (Ba, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Li, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Rb, Ti, V and Zn) in this species growing in areas with different type and intensity of anthropogenic activity was analyzed and a synthetic pollution index was calculated to assess the level and spatial distribution of trace metal contamination. The results of Bioaccumulation Factor exceeding index of 10³ for Ba, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, Rb and Zn showed considerably high trace metal uptake ability of C. demersum and makes it a good metal accumulator. Moreover, multivariate statistics of trace metal content in C. demersum and the Nemerow Pollution Index allowed to indicate the type of land use in the surrounding of reservoirs: recreational; urban and agricultural; or urban with direct impact of industrial pollution. Plants growing in areas with agriculture, intensive housing and vehicle traffic contained significantly more Ba, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Li, Mn, Ni, Pb, Rb, Ti, V and Zn than plants from recreational areas, while the industrial areas distinguished from other urban areas by particularly high content of Li and Ti. The differences in level of pollution between study sites were highlighted by the Nemerow Pollution Index, which was proved to indicate silimar gradient of pollution for water and plants. Therefore, we concluded that the NPI could be a recommended tool helping to analyse ecological condition of the environment and C. demersum may be utilized as a relevant biomonitor of trace metal pollution in areas with diversified and multifactor man-made influence.

Graphical abstract

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A simple approach to estimate daily loads of total, refractory, and labile organic carbon from their seasonal loads in a watershed

Abstract

Loads of naturally occurring total organic carbons (TOC), refractory organic carbon (ROC), and labile organic carbon (LOC) in streams control the availability of nutrients and the solubility and toxicity of contaminants and affect biological activities through absorption of light and complex metals with production of carcinogenic compounds. Although computer models have become increasingly popular in understanding and management of TOC, ROC, and LOC loads in streams, the usefulness of these models hinges on the availability of daily data for model calibration and validation. Unfortunately, these daily data are usually insufficient and/or unavailable for most watersheds due to a variety of reasons, such as budget and time constraints. A simple approach was developed here to calculate daily loads of TOC, ROC, and LOC in streams based on their seasonal loads. We concluded that the predictions from our approach adequately match field measurements based on statistical comparisons between model calculations and field measurements. Our approach demonstrates that an increase in stream discharge results in increased stream TOC, ROC, and LOC concentrations and loads, although high peak discharge did not necessarily result in high peaks of TOC, ROC, and LOC concentrations and loads. The approach developed herein is a useful tool to convert seasonal loads of TOC, ROC, and LOC into daily loads in the absence of measured daily load data.

https://ift.tt/2LlHY8r

Scholar : The Chinese Economy, Volume 51, Issue 2, March-April 2018 is now available online on Taylor & Francis Online

The online platform for Taylor & Francis Online content The Chinese Economy, Volume 51, Issue 2, March-April 2018 is now available online on Taylor & Francis Online. This new issue contains the following articles: Introduction Special Issue of the Chinese Economy Guest Editor's Introduction—Real Sector and Financial Market Chu-Hsiung Lin Pages: 115-115 | DOI: 10.1080/10971475.2018.1445936 Articles Research on the Performance Evaluation of Public Welfare Fund Based on DEA - Tobit Model: Chongqing Example Gao Jing & Liu Jing Pages: 116-129 | DOI: 10.1080/10971475.2018.1447783 Contagion in International Stock Markets After the Subprime Mortgage Crisis Wei-Shun Kao, Tzu-Chuan Kao, Chang-Cheng Changchien, Li-Hsun Wang & Kuei-Tzu Yeh Pages: 130-153 | DOI: 10.1080/10971475.2018.1447822 The Foreign Domestic Workers in Singapore, Hong Kong, and Taiwan: Should Minimum Wage Apply to Foreign Domestic Workers? Chieh-Hsuan Wang, Chien-Ping Chung, Jen-Te Hwang & Chia-yang Ning Pages: 154-174 | DOI: 10.1080/10971475.2018.1447831 The Cash Holdings and Corporate Investment Surrounding Financial Crisis: The Cases of China and Taiwan Huey-Ling Shiau, Yung-Ho Chang & Yi-Jing Yang Pages: 175-207 | DOI: 10.1080/10971475.2018.1447833 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.