Novel autosomal recessive LAMA3 and PLEC variants underlie junctional epidermolysis bullosa generalized intermediate and epidermolysis bullosa simplex with muscular dystrophy in two consanguineous families

Clinical and Experimental Dermatology, EarlyView.


https://ift.tt/2LnHPBc

Manipulating macrophage polarization and function using classical HDAC inhibitors: implications for autoimmunity and inflammation

Publication date: Available online 23 May 2018
Source:Critical Reviews in Oncology/Hematology
Author(s): Asadollah Mohammadi, Atefeh Sharifi, Reza Pourpaknia, Saeed Mohammadian, Amirhossein Sahebkar
Macrophages are important player in defense against invading pathogens and their dysfunction is linked to most of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Inflammation is a normal and physiological response of the immune system against harmful stimuli such as infection and injury. However, when allowed to continue unchecked, under certain conditions it turns into autoimmune or inflammatory diseases, neurodegeneration, and carcinogenesis. Currently, several safe and effective anti-inflammatory drugs are available with many more drugs in the development pipeline, among which are histone deacetylase inhibitors. In this review we discuss how post-translational modifications of histones influence the innate and adaptive immunity through macrophage survival, proliferation, polarization and functional responses. We also discuss how emerging classes of pharmacological agents which developed for use as anti-cancer agents, have been applied as anti-inflammatory drugs to treat macrophage-mediated inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.



https://ift.tt/2kjFKdb

Effects of treatment with an angiotensin 2 receptor blocker and/or vitamin D3 on parathyroid hormone and aldosterone: A randomized, placebo‐controlled trial

Clinical Endocrinology, EarlyView.


https://ift.tt/2kk8se3

A pedunculated aldosterone‐producing adenoma drained by an extra vein causing puzzling results of adrenal vein sampling

Clinical Endocrinology, EarlyView.


https://ift.tt/2GO0tPq

Long‐term outcomes and molecular analysis of a large cohort of patients with 46,XY disorder of sex development due to partial gonadal dysgenesis

Clinical Endocrinology, EarlyView.


https://ift.tt/2kmsJ2O

Young age is associated with increased rates of residual and recurrent paediatric differentiated thyroid carcinoma

Clinical Endocrinology, EarlyView.


https://ift.tt/2s8q6oM

Trapping fresh sea breeze in desert? Health status of Camanchaca, Atacama’s fog

Abstract

Water fog composition was investigated at a fog harvesting installation in the coast of Atacama (North Chile). Chañaral is historically affected by mining contamination discharges. Hydro-chemical characterization of fog water from top of the mountain (where capture installation is located) and at the bottom of the mountain (after vertical transportation where an aquaponic system is located) revealed many compositional differences that compromise the use of water. High acidity and high concentrations in Cu and As in water collected on top of the mountain were found; meanwhile, acidity and Cu decreased, and As levels overpassed the drinking water standards after the vertical transportation. Collected data was assessed according to national and international regulatory standards, neutralization factors (NF), sodium adsorption ratio (SAR), and ion ratios to determine origin of contamination and suitability of destined for human consumption, irrigation, or aquaculture purposes.

https://ift.tt/2s59EGp

Split-thickness skin grafting using grafts of different thickness

Abstract

Background

Split-thickness skin grafting (STSG) is the most commonly used technique in the treatment of traumatic, post-burn, and post-operative wounds, when direct wound edge closure is unavailable. There is currently no general agreement on the optimal thickness of skin grafts. We aimed to analyze the early results of recipient wound healing after STSG, using grafts of different thicknesses.

Methods

This randomized, controlled, and parallel-group pilot clinical trial included 98 adult patients who underwent STSG transplantation surgery for post-burn, post-traumatic, or post-operative skin defects. Patients were randomized into three groups to receive a skin graft of 0.2, 0.3, or 0.4-mm thickness. After skin transplantation, the healing parameters of the recipient wounds were evaluated after 3 days, 7 days, 2 weeks, and 1 month. At each time, epithelialization and pain parameters were evaluated.

Results

Our study showed that thinner split-thickness skin grafts had better epithelialization scores at the second post-operative week. However, thinner split-thickness skin grafts caused greater pain to the patients.

Conclusions

Thickness of the skin graft is a significant factor affecting recipient wound healing parameters. It is necessary to evaluate healing of the donor wound, as well as distant treatment outcomes, such as scarring, pigmentation, and esthetic results of skin grafting with different thickness grafts.

Level of Evidence: Level I, therapeutic study.

https://ift.tt/2klG3o8

FACE‐Q Skin Cancer Module for measuring patient‐reported outcomes following facial skin cancer surgery

British Journal of Dermatology, EarlyView.


https://ift.tt/2LqBepR

Anthropogenic activities impact on atmospheric environmental quality in a gas-flaring community: application of fuzzy logic modelling concept

Abstract

We present a modelling concept for evaluating the impacts of anthropogenic activities suspected to be from gas flaring on the quality of the atmosphere using domestic roof-harvested rainwater (DRHRW) as indicator. We analysed seven metals (Cu, Cd, Pb, Zn, Fe, Ca, and Mg) and six water quality parameters (acidity, PO₄³⁻, SO₄²⁻, NO₃⁻_, Cl⁻, and pH). These were used as input parameters in 12 sampling points from gas-flaring environments (Port Harcourt, Nigeria) using Ibadan as reference. We formulated the results of these input parameters into membership function fuzzy matrices based on four degrees of impact: extremely high, high, medium, and low, using regulatory limits as criteria. We generated indices that classified the degree of anthropogenic activity impact on the sites from the product membership function matrices and weight matrices, with investigated (gas-flaring) environment as between medium and high impact compared to those from reference (residential) environment that was classified as between low and medium impact. Major contaminants of concern found in the harvested rainwater were Pb and Cd. There is also the urgent need to stop gas-flaring activities in Port Harcourt area in particular and Niger Delta region of Nigeria in general, so as to minimise the untold health hazard that people living in the area are currently faced with. The fuzzy methodology presented has also indicated that the water cannot safely support potable uses and should not be consumed without purification due to the impact of anthropogenic activities in the area but may be useful for other domestic purposes.

https://ift.tt/2KPTXtF

Bullous pemphigoid complicated by necrotising fasciitis successfully treated with systemic corticosteroids and antibiotics in combination with i.v. immunoglobulin

Australasian Journal of Dermatology, EarlyView.


https://ift.tt/2IFuhDv

Eyelid sebaceous carcinoma in situ presenting as haemorrhagic cyst

Australasian Journal of Dermatology, EarlyView.


https://ift.tt/2GJm1g1

Environmentally enriched pigs have transcriptional profiles consistent with neuroprotective effects and reduced microglial activity

Publication date: 17 September 2018
Source:Behavioural Brain Research, Volume 350
Author(s): S.M. Brown, S.J. Bush, K.M. Summers, D.A. Hume, A.B. Lawrence
Environmental enrichment (EE) is widely used to study the effects of external factors on brain development, function and health in rodent models, but very little is known of the effects of EE on the brain in a large animal model such as the pig. Twenty-four young pigs (aged 5 weeks at start of study, 1:1 male: female ratio) were housed in environmentally enriched (EE) pens and provided with additional enrichment stimulation (a bag filled with straw) once daily. Litter, weight and sex matched controls n= (24) were housed in barren (B) conditions. Behaviour was recorded on alternate days from study day 10. After 21 days, RNA-sequencing of the frontal cortex of male piglets culled one hour after the enrichment stimulation, but not those at 4 h after stimulation, showed upregulation of genes involved in neuronal activity and synaptic plasticity in the EE compared to the B condition. This result is mirrored in the behavioural response to the stimulation which showed a peak in activity around the 1 h time-point. By contrast, EE piglets displayed a signature consistent with a relative decrease in microglial activity compared to those in the B condition. These results confirm those from rodents, suggesting that EE may also confer neuronal health benefits in large mammal models, through a potential relative reduction in neuroinflammatory process and increase in neuroprotection driven by an enrichment-induced increase in behavioural activity.



https://ift.tt/2kjEKpB

The mediating role of phosphodiesterase type 4 in the dopaminergic modulation of motor impulsivity

Publication date: 17 September 2018
Source:Behavioural Brain Research, Volume 350
Author(s): P.R.A. Heckman, A. Blokland, N.P. Van Goethem, B.T.J. Van Hagen, J. Prickaerts
The current study investigated the mediating role of phosphodiesterase type 4 (PDE4) regulated cAMP in the dopaminergic modulation of premature responding (action restraint) in rats. Response inhibition, which includes action restraint, finds its neurobiological origin in cortico-striatal-thalamic circuitry and can be modulated by dopamine. Intracellularly, the effect of dopamine is largely mediated through the cAMP/PKA signaling cascade. Areas in the prefrontal cortex are very sensitive to their neurochemical environment, including catecholamine levels. As a result, we investigated the effects of intracellular modulation of the dopamine cascade by means of PDE4 inhibition by roflumilast on premature responding in a hypo, normal and hyper dopaminergic state of the brain. As a hypo dopaminergic model we induced a 6-OHDA lesion in the (rat) prefrontal cortex, more specifically the infralimbic cortex. For the hyper dopaminergic state we also turned to a well-established model of impaired action restraint, namely the systemic administration of d-amphetamine. In line with the notion of a U-shaped relation between dopamine and impulsive responding, we found that both increasing and decreasing dopamine levels resulted in an increase in premature responding in the choice serial reaction time task (CSRTT). The PDE4 inhibitor roflumilast increased premature responses in combination with d-amphetamine, whereas a decrease in premature responding after roflumilast treatment was found in the 6-OHDA lesioned animals. As a result, it would be interesting to test the effects of PDE4 inhibition in disorders affected by disrupted impulse control related to cortico-striatal-thalamic hypodopaminergia including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).



https://ift.tt/2GL6XOO

Factors underlying risk taking in heroin-dependent individuals: Feedback processing and environmental contingencies

Publication date: 17 September 2018
Source:Behavioural Brain Research, Volume 350
Author(s): Daniella M. Saleme, Bruno Kluwe-Schiavon, Abdrabo Soliman, Błażej Misiak, Dorota Frydecka, Ahmed A. Moustafa
Evidence suggests that factors influencing risk-taking include whether decisions are made based on emotions (affective systems) or cognitions (deliberative systems), the processing of feedback (e.g., deciding to attend a rehabilitation facility for opioid addiction treatment after an intervention held by a family member), and attention to environmental contingencies (e.g., considering the probability of an outcome such as the likelihood of contracting tetanus from a shared needle; or the gains and losses associated with a decision, such as the benefits and costs of taking drugs). Although drug-dependent individuals tend to take more risks than non-drug users, the factors underlying risk-taking are unknown. The current study tested, for the first time, the influences of performance feedback (i.e., whether feedback about performance is integrated into decision-making in heroin-dependent individuals) and attention to environmental contingencies (i.e., the influence of the probability of a loss, the gain amount, and the loss amount associated with a scenario) on risk-taking in heroin-dependent individuals. Heroin-dependent patients undergoing maintenance therapy for opioid addiction (n = 25) and healthy controls (n = 27) completed the feedback and no-feedback conditions of the Columbia Card Task (CCT). Analyses of covariance, controlling for education and task design (the order in which the CCT conditions were completed) as covariates revealed a significant interaction between (a) probability, gain and loss amount, and group, and (b) group and probability. Our findings suggest that heroin-dependent patients pay less attention to environmental contingencies during risk-taking than controls. Addressing these factors may facilitate greater adherence to treatment programs and lower rates of relapse.



https://ift.tt/2kkFbA3

Two single-nucleotide polymorphisms of the RELN gene and symptom-based and developmental deficits among children and adolescents with autistic spectrum disorders in the Tianjin, China

Publication date: 17 September 2018
Source:Behavioural Brain Research, Volume 350
Author(s): Geng-fu Wang, Sheng Ye, Lei Gao, Yu Han, Xuan Guo, Xiao-peng Dong, Yuan-yuan Su, Xin Zhang
Increasing evidence has revealed that genetic variants in Reelin (RELN) gene, especially single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), correlate with autistic spectrum disorders (ASD) risk; however, no consensus have been reached. This study aimed to provide additional evidence for the association between two SNPs of RELN (i.e., rs736707, rs2229864) and ASD risk, as well as the relationship between RELN gene and symptom-based and developmental deficits of ASD patients in Chinese Han children and adolescents. 157 ASD subjects and 256 typical development (TD) controls were genotyped by TaqMan® genotyping assay. ASD patients were assessed by Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS), Autism Behavior Checklist (ABC), and Early Childhood Development Questionnaire (ECDQ). We found that SNP rs2229864 was associated with the genetic predisposition of ASD, whereas a negative association between SNP rs2229864 and symptom-based and developmental features was detected. In contrast, RELN rs736707 correlated with the sensory subscale of the ABC, the relating subscale of the ABC and the total score of ABC, although we did not detect a significant association between SNP rs736707 and ASD risk. Furthermore, a significant rs736707–rs2229864 haplotype was detected. Individuals with a CC haplotype were more likely to have ASD, but individuals with a CT haplotype had more chance be TD controls. Further studies using more samples and including more gene variants in RELN are warranted to confirm our results.



https://ift.tt/2GJlt9O

The effect of natural antioxidants in cyclophosphamide-induced hepatotoxicity: Role of Nrf2/HO-1 pathway

Publication date: August 2018
Source:International Immunopharmacology, Volume 61
Author(s): Iman O. Sherif
Hepatotoxicity induced by cyclophosphamide (Cyclo) is a major concern in clinical practice. This study was designed to investigate the possible cytoprotective effect of natural antioxidants as oleuropein and quercetin against Cyclo induced hepatotoxicity via the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) signaling pathway. Male Wistar rats were randomly divided into six groups and treated for 10 days as follow: Group I (Normal control) received saline, group II (Oleu control): received orally oleuropein 30 mg/kg/day, group III (Quer control): administered orally quercetin 50 mg/kg/day, group IV (Cyclo): received saline and injected with single intraperitoneal (i.p) dose of Cyclo 200 mg/kg at day 5, group V (Oleu ttt): treated with oleuropein plus Cyclo i.p. injection at day 5, and group VI (Quer ttt): treated with quercetin plus Cyclo i.p. injection at day 5. Injection of Cyclo showed marked increase in serum transaminases and alkaline phosphatase, hepatic malondialdehyde (MDA) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-⍺) levels along with significant reduction in hepatic reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase levels in addition to downregulation of hepatic Nrf2 and HO-1 expressions and reduction in hepatic nuclear Nrf2 binding activity when compared with normal group. Histopathological examination of Cyclo treated rats revealed hepatic damage. Both oleuropein and quercetin exhibited an improvement in the biochemical and histopathological findings. In conclusion, the natural antioxidants oleuropein and quercetin counteract the Cyclo induced hepatotoxicity through activation of Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway with subsequent suppression of oxidative stress and inflammation.



https://ift.tt/2rZhdhZ

Longevity of anterior resin‐bonded bridges: survival rates of two tooth preparation designs

Australian Dental Journal, EarlyView.


https://ift.tt/2IGSKZh

Prediction of skin anti‐aging clinical benefits of an association of ingredients from marine and maritime origins: Ex vivo evaluation using a label‐free quantitative proteomic and customized data processing approach

Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, EarlyView.


https://ift.tt/2x7VNEf

Synthesis, molecular modelling studies and biological evaluation of new oxoeoicosanoid receptor 1 agonists

Publication date: Available online 23 May 2018
Source:Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry
Author(s): Tomasz Maciej Stepniewski, Mariona Torrens-Fontanals, Ismael Rodríguez-Espigares, Toni Giorgino, Karoline G. Primdahl, Anders Vik, Yngve Stenstrøm, Jana Selent, Trond Vidar Hansen
The oxoeicosanoid receptor 1 (OXER1) is a member of the G-protein coupled receptors (GPCR) family, and is involved in inflammatory processes and oncogenesis. As such it is an attractive target for pharmacological intervention. The present study aimed to shed light on the molecular fundaments of OXER1 modulation using chemical probes structurally related to the natural agonist 5-oxo-ETE. In a first step, 5-oxo-ETE and its closely related derivatives (5-oxo-EPE and 4-oxo-DHA) were obtained by conducting concise and high-yielding syntheses. The biological activity of obtained compounds was assessed in terms of potency (EC50) and efficacy (Emax) for arrestin recruitment. Finally, molecular modelling and simulation were used to explore binding characteristics of 5-oxo-ETE and derivatives with the aim to rationalize biological activity. Our data suggest that the tested 5-oxo-ETE derivatives (i) insert quickly into the membrane, (ii) access the receptor via transmembrane helices (TMs) 5 and 6 from the membrane side and (iii) drive potency and efficacy by differential interaction with TM5 and 7. Most importantly, we found that the methyl ester of 5-oxo-ETE (1a) showed even a higher maximum response than the natural agonist (1). In contrast, shifting the 5-oxo group into position 4 results in inactive compounds (4-oxo DHA compounds (3) and (3a)). All in all, our study provides relevant structural data that help understanding better OXER1 functionality and its modulation. The structural information presented herein will be useful for designing new lead compounds with desired signaling profiles.

Graphical abstract

https://ift.tt/2kkEmqH

Pyrroloquinoline scaffold-based 5-HT6R ligands: synthesis, quantum chemical and molecular dynamic studies, and influence of nitrogen atom position in the scaffold on affinity

Publication date: Available online 23 May 2018
Source:Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry
Author(s): Katarzyna Grychowska, Rafał Kurczab, Paweł Śliwa, Grzegorz Satała, Krzysztof Dubiel, Mikołaj Matłoka, Rafał Moszczyński-Pętkowski, Jerzy Pieczykolan, Andrzej J. Bojarski, Paweł Zajdel
Based on pyrroloquinoline scaffold bearing 5-HT2C agonists, a series of arylsulfonamide derivatives of 1H-pyrrolo[2,3-f]quinoline and 1H-pyrrolo[3,2-h]quinoline, substituted at position 3 with tetrahydropyridine, were synthesized and evaluated in vitro for their affinity for 5-HT6 receptors. A structure–activity relationship study showed that the 1H-pyrrolo[3,2-h]quinoline scaffold was more favorable for 5-HT6R binding than the 1H-pyrrolo[2,3-f]quinoline one, suggesting dependence upon the type of condensation of the pyrrole and quinoline rings. As revealed by quantum-chemical calculations and molecular dynamic studies, position of the quinoline nitrogen atom in the planar pyrroloquinoline skeleton might affect the spatial orientation of the arylsulfonyl fragment, as a result of structure stabilization by internal hydrogen bonds.

Graphical abstract

https://ift.tt/2s9RIK9

Molecular dynamics simulations of viral neuraminidase inhibitors with the human neuraminidase enzymes: Insights into isoenzyme selectivity

Publication date: Available online 23 May 2018
Source:Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry
Author(s): Michele R. Richards, Tianlin Guo, Carmanah D. Hunter, Christopher W. Cairo
Inhibitors of viral neuraminidase enzymes have been previously developed as therapeutics. Humans can express multiple forms of neuraminidase enzymes (NEU1, NEU2, NEU3, NEU4) that share a similar active site and enzymatic mechanism with their viral counterparts. Using a panel of purified human neuraminidase enzymes, we tested the inhibitory activity of 2-deoxy-2,3-dehydro-N-acetylneuraminic acid (DANA), zanamivir, oseltamivir, and peramivir against each of the human isoenzymes. We find that, with the exceptions of DANA and zanamivir, these compounds show generally poor activity against the human neuraminidase enzymes. To provide insight into the interactions of viral inhibitors with human neuraminidases, we conducted molecular dynamics simulations using homology models based on coordinates reported for NEU2. Simulations revealed that an organized water is displaced by zanamivir in binding to NEU2 and NEU3 and confirmed the critical importance of engaging the binding pocket of the C7–C9 glycerol sidechain. Our results suggest that compounds designed to target the human neuraminidases should provide more selective tools for interrogating these enzymes. Furthermore, they emphasize a need for additional structural data to enable structure-based drug design in these systems.

Graphical abstract

https://ift.tt/2klFnyO

Expedient synthesis and biological evaluation of alkenyl acyclic nucleoside phosphonate prodrugs

Publication date: Available online 23 May 2018
Source:Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry
Author(s): Elisa Pileggi, Michaela Serpi, Graciela Andrei, Dominique Schols, Robert Snoeck, Fabrizio Pertusati
The importance of phosphonoamidate prodrugs (ProTides) of acyclic nucleoside phosphonate (ANPs) is highlighted by the approval of Tenofovir Alafenamide Fumarate for the treatment of HIV and HBV infections. In the present paper we are reporting an expedient, one-pot, two-steps synthesis of allyl phosphonoamidates and diamidates that offers a time saving strategy when compared to literature methods. The use of these substrates in the cross metathesis reactions with alkenyl functionalised thymine and uracil nucleobases is reported. ANPs prodrugs synthesized via this methodology were evaluated for their antiviral activities against DNA and RNA viruses. It is anticipated that the use of 5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-1-napthyl as aryloxy moiety is capable to confer antiviral activity among a series of otherwise inactive uracil ProTides.

Graphical abstract

https://ift.tt/2s7M2QD

Synthesis and biophysical properties of 5’-thio-2’,4’-BNA/LNA oligonucleotide

Publication date: Available online 23 May 2018
Source:Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry
Author(s): Md Ariful Islam, Aki Fujisaka, Shohei Mori, Kosuke Ramon Ito, Takao Yamaguchi, Satoshi Obika
Phophorothioate modification of oligonucleotides is one of the most promising chemical modifications in nucleic acid therapeutics. Structurally similar 5'-thio or phosphorothiolate-modified nucleotides, in which the 5'-bridging oxygen atom is replaced with a sulfur atom, are attracting attention and gaining importance in oligonucleotide-based research. In our present study, we synthesized 5'-thio-2',4'-BNA/LNA monomers bearing thymine or 5-methylcytosine nucleobase. The 5'-thio-2',4'-BNA/LNA monomers were successfully incorporated into target oligonucleotides, and their nuclease stability and binding affinity with complementary strands were evaluated.

Graphical abstract

https://ift.tt/2IFi0yN

Phase II Study of Everolimus and Octreotide LAR in Patients with Nonfunctioning Gastrointestinal Neuroendocrine Tumors: The GETNE1003_EVERLAR study

AbstractBackground.Antitumor activity of the combination of somatostatin analogues (SSAs) and the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitor everolimus in patients with neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) has been reported but not confirmed in prospective trials.Materials and Methods.This prospective, multicenter, single‐arm phase II EVERLAR study evaluated everolimus 10 mg/day and the SSA octreotide 30 mg every 28 days in patients with advanced nonfunctioning well‐differentiated gastrointestinal NETs (GI‐NETs) that progressed in the last 12 months (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01567488). Prior treatment with SSAs and any systemic or locoregional therapy was allowed except for mTOR inhibitors. Patients continued treatment until disease progression or unacceptable adverse events (AEs). The primary endpoint was progression‐free survival (PFS) at 12 months; secondary endpoints included early biochemical response, objective response rate (ORR) by RECIST v1.0, overall survival (OS), AEs, activation of mTOR pathway (insulin‐like growth factor 1 receptor [IGF1R] and phosphoS6 [pS6] expression).Results.Forty‐three patients were included in the intent‐to‐treat analyses. After 12 months of treatment, 62.3% (95% confidence interval [CI] 48%–77%) of patients had not progressed or died. The 24‐month PFS rate was 43.6% (95% CI 29%–58%). The confirmed ORR was 2.3%, and stable disease was 58.1%. Median OS was not reached after 24 months of median follow‐up. Dose reductions and temporary interruptions due to AEs were required in 14 (33%) and 33 (77%) patients, respectively. The most frequent AEs were diarrhea, asthenia, mucositis, rash, and hyperglycemia. No correlation was observed between IGFR1 and pS6 expression and PFS/OS.Conclusion.The everolimus‐octreotide combination provided clinically relevant efficacy in nonfunctioning GI‐NETs, similar to the results of RADIANT‐2 in functioning setting.Implications for Practice.The EVERLAR study reports prospective data of somatostatin analogue in combination with everolimus in nonfunctioning gastrointestinal neuroendocrine tumors suggesting meaningful activity and favorable toxicity profile that supports drug combination in this setting.

https://ift.tt/2s1mGoC

A prospective observational study of pigmented naevi changes in psoriasis patients on biologic therapy

Australasian Journal of Dermatology, EarlyView.


https://ift.tt/2J4GC3x

Manipulating macrophage polarization and function using classical HDAC inhibitors: implications for autoimmunity and inflammation

Publication date: Available online 23 May 2018
Source:Critical Reviews in Oncology/Hematology
Author(s): Asadollah Mohammadi, Atefeh Sharifi, Reza Pourpaknia, Saeed Mohammadian, Amirhossein Sahebkar
Macrophages are important player in defense against invading pathogens and their dysfunction is linked to most of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Inflammation is a normal and physiological response of the immune system against harmful stimuli such as infection and injury. However, when allowed to continue unchecked, under certain conditions it turns into autoimmune or inflammatory diseases, neurodegeneration, and carcinogenesis. Currently, several safe and effective anti-inflammatory drugs are available with many more drugs in the development pipeline, among which are histone deacetylase inhibitors. In this review we discuss how post-translational modifications of histones influence the innate and adaptive immunity through macrophage survival, proliferation, polarization and functional responses. We also discuss how emerging classes of pharmacological agents which developed for use as anti-cancer agents, have been applied as anti-inflammatory drugs to treat macrophage-mediated inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.



https://ift.tt/2kjFKdb

Effects of meta-tetrahydroxyphenylchlorin photodynamic therapy on isogenic colorectal cancer SW480 and SW620 cells with different metastatic potentials

Abstract

The aim of this study is to investigate the antitumor effects and possible mechanisms of meta-tetrahydroxyphenylchlorin-mediated photodynamic therapy (m-THPC-PDT) on human primary (SW480) and metastatic (SW620) colon cancer cell lines. SW480 and SW620 cells were incubated with various concentrations of m-THPC, followed by photodynamic irradiation. Subcellular localization of m-THPC in cells was observed with confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). Photocytotoxicity of m-THPC in the two cells was investigated by using MTT assay. The flow cytometry was employed to detect the cell apoptosis. The migration and long-term recovery ability were determined by scratch test and colony formation assay respectively. CLSM showed that m-THPC was mainly distributed within the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and lysosome of SW480 cells and within the lysosome and mitochondria of SW620 cells. m-THPC-PDT induced a dose-dependent and light energy-dependent cytotoxicity in SW480 and SW620 cells. Apoptosis rate was approximately 65 and 25% in SW480 and SW620 respectively when the concentration of m-THPC increased to 11.76 μM. However, the rate of necrotic cells had no significant changes in two cell lines. The colony formation and migration ability of the two cell lines were decreased with m-THPC-PDT treatment in a dose-dependent manner. PDT with m-THPC not only could effectively inhibit cell proliferation and decrease migration ability and colony formation ability, but also could effectively kill SW480 and SW620 cells in a dose-dependent manner in vitro. These results suggest that m-THPC is a promising sensitizer that warrants further development and extensive studies towards clinical use of colorectal cancer.

https://ift.tt/2s2SQA2

Acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis due to terbinafine

Dermatologic Therapy, EarlyView.


https://ift.tt/2KRnrrh

Rosacea‐like cutaneous localization of small lymphocytic lymphoma unmasked by high‐frequency‐ultrasound

Skin Research and Technology, EarlyView.


https://ift.tt/2KPFuhq

The significance of spectrophotometric image analysis for diagnosis of the melanocytic skin tumours in association with their thickness

Skin Research and Technology, EarlyView.


https://ift.tt/2IIPzMy

Split‐axilla comparison study of 0.5‐MHz, invasive, bipolar radiofrequency treatment using insulated microneedle electrodes for primary axillary hyperhidrosis

Skin Research and Technology, EarlyView.


https://ift.tt/2s4L6xf

Detection of hydroquinone by Raman spectroscopy in patients with melasma before and after treatment

Skin Research and Technology, EarlyView.


https://ift.tt/2KPFhLa

Anesthesia effects on the low frequency blood flow oscillations in mouse skin

Skin Research and Technology, EarlyView.


https://ift.tt/2s2zvib

Detection of lichen planus pigmentosus with dermoscopy and reflectance confocal microscopy

Skin Research and Technology, EarlyView.


https://ift.tt/2KLvKon

Towards a reliable, non‐invasive melanin assessment for pigmented skin

Skin Research and Technology, EarlyView.


https://ift.tt/2s2jSYc

Use of silicone gel to enhance skin wound healing by secondary intention following tumour excision on the scalp and extremities

Clinical and Experimental Dermatology, EarlyView.


https://ift.tt/2IFWUQV

Thyroid function in hidradenitis suppurativa: a population‐based cross‐sectional study from Denmark

Clinical and Experimental Dermatology, EarlyView.


https://ift.tt/2x7rAVL

Erythrodermic pityriasis rubra pilaris managed at home: intensive community care followed by ustekinumab

Clinical and Experimental Dermatology, EarlyView.


https://ift.tt/2LoHpe5

Immunohistochemical and molecular analysis of spitzoid neoplasms with pulverocyte subclones

Clinical and Experimental Dermatology, EarlyView.


https://ift.tt/2IHqhT5

Pemphigus foliaceus and acquired haemophilia: a rare but important association with life‐threatening consequences

Clinical and Experimental Dermatology, EarlyView.


https://ift.tt/2IMaH4E

A painless nodule on the lower leg

Clinical and Experimental Dermatology, EarlyView.


https://ift.tt/2Lobs5q

Sun‐protection awareness in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia

Clinical and Experimental Dermatology, EarlyView.


https://ift.tt/2x7rk9f

Disseminated interstitial granuloma annulare associated with hepatocellular carcinoma

Clinical and Experimental Dermatology, EarlyView.


https://ift.tt/2IJfV5f

Intravenous immunoglobulins in dermatology. Part 1: biological mechanisms and methods of administration

Clinical and Experimental Dermatology, EarlyView.


https://ift.tt/2IMaBdi

Intravenous immunoglobulins in dermatology. Part 2: clinical indications and outcomes

Clinical and Experimental Dermatology, EarlyView.


https://ift.tt/2LpAUYn

Distinguishing immunohistochemical features of alopecia areata from androgenic alopecia

Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, EarlyView.


https://ift.tt/2s8cmdl

Systematic review of platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) preparation and composition for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia

Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, EarlyView.


https://ift.tt/2kltNE5

The efficacy and tolerability of 5‐aminolevulinic acid 5% thermosetting gel photodynamic therapy (PDT) in the treatment of mild‐to‐moderate acne vulgaris. A two‐center, prospective assessor‐blinded, proof‐of‐concept study

Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, EarlyView.


https://ift.tt/2x7pTYp

Split face comparison between common concentration vs double dilution of intradermal abobotulinum toxin type A (Dysport) injection for facial lifting in Asians

Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, Volume 17, Issue 3, Page 355-360, June 2018.


https://ift.tt/2kjwWnJ

JCD Commentary—June 2018

Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, Volume 17, Issue 3, Page 281-281, June 2018.


https://ift.tt/2s5LHhB

Issue Information

Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, Volume 17, Issue 3, Page 275-276, June 2018.


https://ift.tt/2J2Dsgv

Prevalence and risk factors for injection site skin infections among people who inject drugs (PWID) in Tehran

Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, EarlyView.


https://ift.tt/2s5LECr

Micropunch blepharopeeling versus blepharoplasty; what is the best procedure for upper eyelid rejuvenation?

Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, EarlyView.


https://ift.tt/2J1Ga65

Preconception management of thyroid dysfunction

Clinical Endocrinology, EarlyView.


https://ift.tt/2LpnBqI

Renal complications of lipodystrophy: A closer look at the natural history of kidney disease

Clinical Endocrinology, EarlyView.


https://ift.tt/2II2YEs

Growth hormone—Insulin‐like growth factor 1 axis hyperactivity on bone fibrous dysplasia in McCune‐Albright Syndrome

Clinical Endocrinology, EarlyView.


https://ift.tt/2IJREI2

Quality of life in patients with adrenal disease: A systematic review

Clinical Endocrinology, EarlyView.


https://ift.tt/2LqweSb

A tale of two clones: Caldesmon staining in the differentiation of cutaneous spindle cell neoplasms

Journal of Cutaneous Pathology, EarlyView.


https://ift.tt/2IGAz1G

Cutaneous presentation preceding acute myeloid leukemia with CD4+/CD56+ expression misdiagnosed as a blastic plasmocytoid dendritic cell neoplasm: A case report

Journal of Cutaneous Pathology, EarlyView.


https://ift.tt/2s1aCnk

Is depression screening in patients with acne critical?

British Journal of Dermatology, EarlyView.


https://ift.tt/2II9rz8

The 3rd World Conference on Kisspeptin, “Kisspeptin 2017: Brain and Beyond”: Unresolved questions, challenges and future directions for the field

Journal of Neuroendocrinology, Volume 30, Issue 5, May 2018.


https://ift.tt/2LoBLsp

Cortical Hypoactivation During Resting EEG Suggests Central Nervous System Pathology in Patients with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Publication date: Available online 23 May 2018
Source:Biological Psychology
Author(s): M.A. Zinn, M.L. Zinn, I. Valencia, L.A. Jason, J.G. Montoya
We investigated cognitive impairment to executive function in 50 patients with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and 50 matched healthy controls (HC). Resting state EEG was collected from 19 scalp locations during a 3 minute, eyes-closed condition. Current densities were localized using exact low-resolution electromagnetic tomography (eLORETA). The Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory (MFI-20) and the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) were administered to all participants. Independent t-tests and linear regression analyses were used to evaluate group differences in current densities, followed by statistical non-parametric mapping (SnPM) correction procedures. Significant differences were found in the delta (1–3 Hz) and beta-2 (19–21 Hz) frequency bands. Delta sources were found predominately in the frontal lobe, while beta-2 sources were found in the medial and superior parietal lobe. Left-lateralized, frontal delta sources were associated with a clinical reduction in motivation. The implications of abnormal cortical sources in patients with CFS are discussed.



https://ift.tt/2Lsnx9A

Alkylphenol and bisphenol A contamination of urban runoff: an evaluation of the emission potentials of various construction materials and automotive supplies

Abstract

Alkylphenol (AP) and bisphenol A (BPA) contamination of urban runoff has already been established. Potential sources of these contaminants in runoff are endogenous to the urban watershed and are mainly related to traffic and leaching from construction materials. This article summarizes the results of experimental work carried out on a selection of building materials, automotive materials, and consumables, which can be in contact with rain, to assess their potential emission of alkylphenols, alkylphenol ethoxylates, and bisphenol A into runoff. 36 samples of materials, new and used, across 7 major families of building materials (PVC, concrete, polycarbonate, SBS-modified bitumen, drainage materials) and automotive materials (body, tires) were subjected to leaching tests with methanol and then, for a selection of them, with water. Automotive fluids were also directly analyzed. The results demonstrate the ubiquitous presence of APs and BPA in urban materials and their extractable character with water. The compounds with the strongest emission rates were bisphenol A and nonylphenol. The most important BPA emissions into water (10 to 300 ng/g) were measured for polycarbonate, tires, some car bodies, and PVC. Nonylphenol was leached in large quantities (1 to 10 ng/g) from PVC, some concretes, SBS-modified bitumen, and body samples. The tires were the only materials having a strong emission in octylphenol (1 to 10 ng/g). The analysis of automotive fluids confirmed the presence of BPA (0.3 to 5.5 g/L) and nonylphenol (2.3 to 2.9 mg/L) in brake fluids, while APs and BPA were found at trace levels in coolants and windscreen washer.

Graphical abstract

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https://ift.tt/2IImkJF

Effects of flavor enhancers on the survival and behavior of the red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)

Abstract

To understand whether flavor enhancers pose potential risks to the environment, it is important to assess its effects on insects. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the toxicity of flavor enhancers on the survival and behaviors of the red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta. In this study, we found that the mortality of S. invicta workers that were fed glutamic acid monosodium salt hydrate, glycine, L-alanine, succinic acid, succinic acid disodium, inosinate 5′-monophosphate disodium salt hydrate, and GMP were significantly higher than the mortality rates of workers fed sucrose. Moreover, glycine and GMP exhibited the strongest toxicities and caused 100% mortality in workers after 84 h. LC₅₀ values were 0.004 g/ml and 0.02 g/ml for GMP and glycine, respectively. Additionally, at sublethal doses, both GMP and glycine solutions decreased foraging and digging behaviors. Our results suggest that flavor enhancers are toxic to insects and also likely to have a negative impact at sublethal concentrations.

https://ift.tt/2IFOtoJ

Ternary cross-coupled nanohybrid for high-efficiency 1H-benzo[ d ]imidazole chemisorption

Abstract

1H-Benzo[d]imidazole (BMA) has been considered as an emerging pharmaceutical organic contaminant, leading to the increasing BMA detection in wastewaters and need to be removed from ecosystem. This study investigated a highly synergistic BMA chemisorption using a novel ternary cross-coupled nanohybrid [γ-APTES]-Fe₃O₄@PAN@rGO. Magnetic nanoparticles (Fe₃O₄) were in situ core-shell co-precipitated with polyacrylonitrile polymer (PAN). Then, the prepared Fe₃O₄@PAN was decorated on hexagonal arrays of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) inside the framework of γ-aminopropyltriethoxysilane ([γ-APTES]). The final nanohybrid [γ-APTES]-Fe₃O₄@PAN@rGO produced adjacent inter-fringe distances of 0.2–0.4 nm corresponded well to (111), (220), and (311) parallel sub-lattices with two oblique intersections at 90° right angle and 60° triangle. The BMA adsorption was favorable in neutral pH 7, aroused temperature (50 °C), and controlled by endothermic process. The identified maximum adsorption capacity of 221.73 mg g⁻¹ was 30% higher than the reported adsorbents. The adsorption mechanisms include ion exchange, hydrogen bond, dipole-dipole force, π-conjugation, electrostatic, and hydrophobic interaction.

Graphical abstract

The synthetic route of novel nanohybrid [γ-APTES]-Fe₃O₄@PAN@rGO was investigated. After BMA adsorption, the adsorbent surface was entirely changed, thus an efficiently facile magnetic separation within 8s. [γ-APTES]-Fe₃O₄@PAN@rGO formed different oblique intersections of 60° and 90° sub-lattices

https://ift.tt/2x5Z3jo

Healthcare provider counseling to quit smoking and patient desire to quit: The role of negative smoking outcome expectancies

Publication date: October 2018
Source:Addictive Behaviors, Volume 85
Author(s): Joan S. Tucker, Brian D. Stucky, Maria Orlando Edelen, William G. Shadel, David J. Klein
AimsThe U.S. Public Health Service Clinical Practice Guideline on treating tobacco use and dependence recommends providing advice to quit to every tobacco user seen in a healthcare setting. However, the mechanism through which counseling encourages patients to quit has not been adequately studied. This study tests whether the association between receiving healthcare provider counseling and desire to quit is accounted for by negative health and psychosocial outcome expectancies of smoking.MethodsData were collected online from 721 adult smokers who had seen a healthcare provider in the past 12 months. Associations between counseling to quit, negative outcome expectancies of smoking, and desire to quit were tested, as well as whether outcome expectancies and desire to quit differed by type of counseling (counseling only vs. counseling plus assistance) and level of smoking.ResultsBivariate associations indicated a stronger desire to quit among patients receiving counseling, particularly when it included healthcare provider assistance to quit. SEM results indicated that the association between counseling and desire to quit was fully accounted for by patients' negative health and psychosocial outcome expectancies for smoking. These associations were found across levels of smoking in the case of health expectancies, but were limited to moderate and heavy smokers in the case of psychosocial expectancies.ConclusionResults suggest that the time devoted to counseling patients about smoking should include providing some assistance to quit, such as recommending a product, prescription or program. Regardless of smoking level, this counseling should incorporate techniques to elicit patients' negative health and psychosocial expectancies of smoking.



https://ift.tt/2IJr8lW

Implication of orphan histidine kinase (OhkAsp) in biosynthesis of doxorubicin and daunorubicin in Streptomyces peucetius ATCC 27952

Publication date: September 2018
Source:Microbiological Research, Volume 214
Author(s): Anaya Raj Pokhrel, Hue Thi Nguyen, Dipesh Dhakal, Amit Kumar Chaudhary, Jae Kyung Sohng
The orphan histidine kinase (HK) from Streptomyces peucetius ATCC 27952 (ohkAsp) was found to be implicated in the regulation of doxorubicin (DOX)/daunorubicin (DNR) biosynthesis, self-defense and developmental attributes. OhkAsp is a homolog of OhkA from Streptomyces coelicolor and Streptomyces avermitilis (with 73 and 75% identity). As in its homologs, S. peucetius mutant with deletion of ohkAsp was found to enhance metabolite biosynthesis and impaired the morphological differentiation. But, unlike its homologs from Streptomyces coelicolor and Streptomyces avermitilis, differential enhancement in level of secondary metabolite production was found in overexpression mutants apart from deletion mutant. The deflection in characteristics of OhkA in its homologue from S. peucetius ATCC 27952, and its imminent implications was monitered by making various mutants with differential expression level of ohkAsp. The variations were observed in the morphology of mutants, transcriptional level of effectors and regulators of DOX/DNR biosynthesis pathway, DOX/DNR precursor pool and biomass accumulation. Based on comparisons of domain arrangements among its homologs, Low Complexity Region (LCR) present on the OhkAsp was the only domain that stood out. Further, the LCR on OhkAsp was found to be overlapping with a putative receiver domain responsible for interaction with response regulator. The imminent implications of differential expression level of ohkAsp on: regulation and biosynthesis of DOX/DNR, morphological differentiation, DOX/DNR precursor pool and biomass accumulation were explored in this study.



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Novel Trichoderma strains. isolated from tree barks as potential biocontrol agents and biofertilizers for direct seeded rice

Publication date: Available online 23 May 2018
Source:Microbiological Research
Author(s): Harekrushna Swain, Totan Adak, Arup K. Mukherjee, Prasun K. Mukherjee, Pratap Bhattacharyya, Shantiprava Behera, Torit Baran Bagchi, Rashmishree Patro, Shasmita, Ansuman Khandual, M.K. Bag, T.K. Dangar, S. Lenka, M. Jena
This study is the first time report of utilization of Trichoderma spp. isolated from different tree barks from Odisha state of India for rice crop health management and higher productivity. Six isolates of Trichoderma spp. were identified based on the morphological characteristics and species determination was performed by molecular assays. One of the isolated strains determined as Trichoderma erinaceum outperformed others. Trichoderma erinaceum controlled three soil borne plant pathogens i.e. Rhizoctonia solani, Sclerotium rolfsii and Sclerotium oryzae effectively under controlled condition and R. solani and Helminthosporium oryzae under filed condition. Seed treatments with the formulated isolates improved the germination rate of rice and enhanced vigour. These parameters along with higher chlorophyll content could be related to higher yield observed in two rice varieties; Karuna and Shabhagidhan. Among the six isolates tested, Trichoderma erinaceum treatment recorded highest yield. Significantly higher expression of some stress related enzymes was observed in Trichoderma treated plants which helped in better crop growth both under biotic and abiotic stresses. These isolates helped both the varieties to accumulate more nutrients This study proves that Trichoderma erinaceum obtained from tree bark may be incorporated in integrated rice crop management both as biocontrol agent and biofertilizer.



https://ift.tt/2LpNuqD

Association analysis between spatiotemporal variation of vegetation greenness and precipitation/temperature in the Yangtze River Basin (China)

Abstract

The variation in vegetation greenness provides good understanding of the sustainable management and monitoring of land surface ecosystems. The present paper discusses the spatial-temporal changes in vegetation and controlling factors in the Yangtze River Basin (YRB) using Global Inventory Modeling and Mapping Studies (GIMMS) Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) for the period 2001–2013. Theil-Sen Median trend analysis, Pearson correlation coefficients, and residual analysis have been used, which shows decreasing trend of the annual mean NDVI over the whole YRB. Spatially, the regions with significant decreasing trends were mainly located in parts of central YRB, and pronounced increasing trends were observed in parts of the eastern and western YRB. The mean NDVI during spring and summer seasons increased, while it decreased during autumn and winter seasons. The seasonal mean NDVI shows spatial heterogeneity due to the vegetation types. The correlation analysis shows a positive relation between NDVI and temperature over most of the YRB, whereas NDVI and precipitation show a negative correlation. The residual analysis shows an increase in NDVI in parts of eastern and western YRB and the decrease in NDVI in the small part of Yangtze River Delta (YRD) and the mid-western YRB due to human activities. In general, climate factors were the principal drivers of NDVI variation in YRB in recent years.

https://ift.tt/2s2qVPM

Redefining Perineural Invasion: Integration of Biology With Clinical Outcome

Publication date: July 2018
Source:Neoplasia, Volume 20, Issue 7
Author(s): Ligia B. Schmitd, Lauren J. Beesley, Nickole Russo, Emily L. Bellile, Ronald C. Inglehart, Min Liu, Genevieve Romanowicz, Gregory T. Wolf, Jeremy M.G. Taylor, Nisha J. D'Silva
A diagnosis of perineural invasion (PNI), defined as cancer within or surrounding at least 33% of the nerve, leads to selection of aggressive treatment in squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Recent mechanistic studies show that cancer and nerves interact prior to physical contact. The purpose of this study was to explore cancer-nerve interactions relative to clinical outcome. Biopsy specimens from 71 patients with oral cavity SCC were stained with hematoxylin and eosin and immunohistochemical (IHC; cytokeratin, S100, GAP43, Tuj1) stains. Using current criteria, PNI detection was increased with IHC. Overall survival (OS) tended to be poor for patients with PNI (P = .098). OS was significantly lower for patients with minimum tumor-nerve distance smaller than 5 μm (P = .011). The estimated relative death rate decreased as the nerve-tumor distance increased; there was a gradual drop off in death rate from distance equal to zero that stabilized around 500 μm. In PNI-negative patients, nerve diameter was significantly related to OS (HR 2.88, 95%CI[1.11,7.49]). Among PNI-negative nerves, larger nerve-tumor distance and smaller nerve diameter were significantly related to better OS, even when adjusting for T-stage and age (HR 0.82, 95% CI[0.72,0.92]; HR 1.27, 95% CI[1.00,1.62], respectively). GAP43, a marker for neuronal outgrowth, stained less than Tuj1 in nerves at greater distances from tumor (OR 0.76, 95% CI[0.73,0.79]); more GAP43 staining was associated with PNI. Findings from a small group of patients suggest that nerve parameters other than presence of PNI can influence outcome and that current criteria of PNI need to be re-evaluated to integrate recent biological discoveries.



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Atlas-Independent, Electrophysiological Mapping of the Optimal Locus of Subthalamic Deep Brain Stimulation for the Motor Symptoms of Parkinson Disease

Background/Aims: Deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the subthalamic nucleus (STN) improves motor symptoms of Parkinson disease (PD). However, motor outcomes can be variable, perhaps due to inconsistent positioning of the active contact relative to an unknown optimal locus of stimulation. Here, we determine the optimal locus of STN stimulation in a geometrically unconstrained, mathematically precise, and atlas-independent manner, using Unified Parkinson Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) motor outcomes and an electrophysiological neuronal stimulation model. Methods: In 20 patients with PD, we mapped motor improvement to active electrode location, relative to the individual, directly MRI-visualized STN. Our analysis included a novel, unconstrained and computational electrical-field model of neuronal activation to estimate the optimal locus of DBS. Results: We mapped the optimal locus to a tightly defined ovoid region 0.49 mm lateral, 0.88 mm posterior, and 2.63 mm dorsal to the anatomical midpoint of the STN. On average, this locus is 11.75 lateral, 1.84 mm posterior, and 1.08 mm ventral to the mid-commissural point. Conclusion: Our novel, atlas-independent method reveals a single, ovoid optimal locus of stimulation in STN DBS for PD. The methodology, here applied to UPDRS and PD, is generalizable to atlas-independent mapping of other motor and non-motor effects of DBS.
Stereotact Funct Neurosurg

https://ift.tt/2s1L35c

Increased serum interleukin-37 (IL-37) levels correlate with oxidative stress parameters in Hashimoto’s thyroiditis

Abstract

Purpose

Interleukin-37 (IL-37), member of the IL-1 family, is a natural suppressor of immune and inflammatory responses. Increased serum IL-37 levels were observed in several autoimmune diseases, including Graves' disease. To our knowledge, no data on Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) are available in the literature.

Methods

Aim of our study was to measure serum IL-37 levels and evaluate their relationship, if any, with oxidative stress markers in HT patients. We enrolled 45 euthyroid HT patients (5 M e 40 F, median age 40 years) and 50 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. None was under l-thyroxine therapy. Serum IL-37 levels were measured by ELISA. Specific serum tests, such as derived reactive oxygen metabolites (d-ROMs), and biological anti-oxidant potential (BAP) test were performed in all subjects to investigate the changes in oxidative balance, and advanced glycation end products (AGEs) were determined as a specific marker of oxidative stress.

Results

IL-37 levels were significantly higher in HT than in controls (median 475 vs. 268 pg/ml, P = 0.018). In the same patients, serum oxidants (d-ROMs) were increased and anti-oxidants (BAP) decreased compared with controls (P = 0.011 and < 0.0001, respectively), clearly indicating an enhanced oxidative stress. In addition, AGEs levels were higher in HT patients than in controls (210 vs. 140 AU/g prot, P < 0.0001) and directly correlated with IL-37 levels (P = 0.048). At multivariate analysis, the main independent predictors that influenced IL-37 levels were both anti-thyroid antibodies (P = 0.026) and AGEs levels (P = 0.001).

Conclusions

IL-37 is up-regulated in HT and may exert a protective role by counteracting oxidative stress and inflammation.

https://ift.tt/2KPbMca

Integral use of plants and their residues: the case of cocoyam ( Xanthosoma sagittifolium ) conversion through biorefineries at small scale

Abstract

During last decades, there has been a growing interest of decreasing the environmental impact generated by humans. This situation has been approached from different perspectives being the integral use of raw materials as one of the best alternatives. It was estimated that 3.7 × 10⁹ tonnes of agricultural residues are produced annually worldwide. Then, the integral use of feedstocks has been studied through the biorefinery concept. A biorefinery can be a promissory option for processing feedstocks in rural zones aiming to boost the techno-economic and social growth. However, many plants produced at small scale in rural zones without high industrial use contribute with residues usually not studied as raw materials for other processes. Cocoyam (Xanthosoma sagittifolium) is a plant grown extensively in tropical regions. Nigeria, China, and Ghana are the main producers with 1.3, 1.18, and 0.9 million tonnes/year, respectively. In Colombia, there are no technified crops, but it is used where it is grown mainly as animal feed. This plant consists of leaves, stem, and a tuber but the use is generally limited to the leaves, discarding the other parts. These discarded parts have great potential (lignocellulose and starch). This work proposes different processing schemes using the parts of the plant to obtain value-added products, and their techno-economic and environmental assessment. The simulation was performed with Aspen Plus and the economic package was used for the economic assessment. For the environmental assessment, Waste Algorithm Reduction of the U.S. EPA was implemented. The obtained results showed that the integral use of plants under a biorefinery scheme allows obtaining better techno-economic and environmental performance and that small-scale biorefineries can be a promissory option for boosting rural zones.

https://ift.tt/2x6KXOP

Endophytic bacterium Buttiauxella sp. SaSR13 improves plant growth and cadmium accumulation of hyperaccumulator Sedum alfredii

Abstract

Inoculation with endophytic bacterium has been considered as a prospective application to improve the efficiency of phytoextraction. In this study, the effect of Buttiauxella sp. SaSR13 (SaSR13), a novel endophytic bacterium isolated from the root of hyperaccumulator Sedum alfredii, on plant growth and cadmium (Cd) accumulation in S. alfredii was investigated. Laser scanning confocal microscopic (LSCM) images showed that SaSR13 was mainly colonized in the root elongation and mature zones. The inoculation with SaSR13 to Cd-treated plants significantly enhanced plant growth (by 39 and 42% for shoot and root biomass, respectively), chlorophyll contents (by 38%), and Cd concentration in the shoot and root (by 32 and 22%, respectively). SaSR13 stimulated the development of roots (increased root length, surface area, and root tips number) due to an increase in the indole-3-acid (IAA) concentrations and a decrease in the concentrations of superoxide anion (O₂^.−) in plants grown under Cd stress. Furthermore, inoculation with SaSR13 enhanced the release of root exudates, especially malic acid and oxalic acid, which might have facilitated the uptake of Cd by S. alfredii. It is suggested that inoculation with endophytic bacterium SaSR13 is a promising bioaugmentation method to enhance the Cd phytoextraction efficiency by S. alfredii.

https://ift.tt/2LnL2Rj

Investigating the driving forces of China’s carbon intensity based on a dynamic spatial model

Abstract

In extant literature on China's carbon intensity, economic growth is considered an important determinant. However, the corresponding policy implications are slightly weak in subsequent practice because economic growth is an outcome of many economic activities, such as technological progress and capital stock accumulation. Furthermore, spatial spillover effects are ignored when using regional datasets. As a result, this study uses the dynamic spatial model to analyze the driving forces of China's provincial carbon intensity over the period 2000–2014. Results indicate that both technological progress and capital stock accumulation are important measures to carbon intensity reduction. China's current industrialization, urbanization, and special energy structure exert a negative effect on the decline in carbon intensity. In addition, China's provincial carbon intensity also exhibits considerable spatiotemporal distribution characteristics. As such, the corresponding policy measures are presented.

https://ift.tt/2x6KQTp

Impacts of meteorological conditions on wintertime PM 2.5 pollution in Taiyuan, North China

Abstract

Taiyuan frequently experiences heavy PM_2.5 pollution in winter under unfavorable meteorological conditions. To understand how the meteorological factors influence the pollution in Taiyuan, this study involved a systematic analysis for a continuous period from November 2016 to January 2017, using near-surface meteorological observations, radiosonde soundings, PM_2.5 measurements, and three-dimension numerical simulation, in combination with backward trajectory calculations. The results show that PM_2.5 concentration positively correlates with surface temperature and relative humidity and anti-correlates with near-surface wind speed and boundary layer height (BLH). The low BLH is often associated with a strong thermal inversion layer capping over. In addition to the high local emissions, it is found that under certain synoptic conditions, the southwesterly and southerly winds could bring pollutants from Linfen to Taiyuan, leading to a near-surface PM_2.5 concentration higher than 200 μg m⁻³. Another pollution enhancing issue is due to the semi-closed basin of Taiyuan affecting the planetary boundary layer (PBL): the surrounding mountains favor the formation of a cold air pool in the basin, which inhibits vertical exchanges of heat, flux, and momentum between PBL and the free troposphere, resulting in stagnant conditions and poor air quality in Taiyuan. These findings can be utilized to improve the understanding of PM_2.5 pollution in Taiyuan, to enhance the accuracy of forecasting pollution, and to provide scientific support for policy makers to mitigate the pollution.

https://ift.tt/2IEdQHq

Dataset on social demographic and employee job satisfaction in the Nigerian manufacturing company

Publication date: August 2018
Source:Data in Brief, Volume 19
Author(s): Adewale O. Osibanjo, Ebeguki E. Igbinoba, Hezekiah O. Falola, Kayode O. Awe
The dataset on the effects of social demographic on job satisfaction was obtained through self-administered questionnaire. The survey was situated in a Nigerian manufacturing company and the valid ninety two copies of the questionnaire were analyzed by AMOS 21. Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) analysis was carried out on the constructs. In addition, further analysis of the data will assist in establishing the significant level of demographic on job satisfaction.



https://ift.tt/2GJOxxL

The effect of non traditional teaching methods in entrepreneurship education on students entrepreneurial interest and business startups: A data article

Publication date: August 2018
Source:Data in Brief, Volume 19
Author(s): Maxwell Olokundun, Chinonye Love Moses, Oluwole Iyiola, Stephen Ibidunni, Mercy Ogbari, Fred Peter, Taiye Borishade
Traditional methods of teaching entrepreneurship in universities involves more theoretical approaches which are less effective in motivating considerations for an entrepreneurship career. This owes to the fact that such techniques essentially make students develop a dormant attitude rather than active participation. Expert views suggest that experiential entrepreneurship teaching methods in universities which involve practical activities and active participation can be considered salient to students' development of entrepreneurial interest an business startup potentials. This present study presents data on the extent to which experiential teaching methods in entrepreneurship adopted by Nigerian universities stimulate students' entrepreneurial interest and business startups. Data have been gathered following a descriptive cross-sectional quantitative survey conducted among university students (N = 600) of four selected institutions in Nigeria offering a degree programme in entrepreneurship. Hierarchical Multiple Regression Analysis was used in confirming the hypothesis proposed in the study using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22.The findings from the analysis showed that the adoption of experiential practical activities considered as best practices in entrepreneurship teaching in Nigerian universities can stimulate students' interest and drive for engaging in business start-up activities even as undergraduates. The field data set is made extensively available to allow for critical investigation.



https://ift.tt/2IF05s8

The relationship among leadership, innovation and knowledge sharing: A guidance for analysis

Publication date: August 2018
Source:Data in Brief, Volume 19
Author(s): Hamzah Elrehail
This data article describes the contingent role of knowledge sharing between two leadership styles and innovation in higher education institutions in non-western countries. The dataset investigates the second-ordered (i.e. higher construct) among the relationships of study constructs, the nested relationship which gives birth to new constructs. Further, this dataset provides guidance for readers willing to conduct research in the management field. The dataset has been collected using a self-administered questionnaire obtained from the academic staff in the selected universities. The structural equation modeling (SEM) was applied using IBM SPSS AMOS. In this data article, several analysis techniques have been used. The results obtained from this dataset shows a significant relationship between leadership and innovation, and the results show that the moderation effect of knowledge sharing is partially supported.



https://ift.tt/2GKvbsx

Density and refractive index data of binary and ternary mixtures of imidazolium-based ionic liquids, n-hexane and organic compounds involved in the kinetic resolution of rac-2-pentanol

Publication date: August 2018
Source:Data in Brief, Volume 19
Author(s): Mercedes G. Montalbán, Mar Collado-González, A. Abel Lozano-Pérez, F. Guillermo Díaz Baños, Gloria Víllora
This data article is related to the subject of the research article "Extraction of Organic Compounds Involved in the Kinetic Resolution of rac-2-Pentanol from n-Hexane by Imidazolium-based Ionic Liquids: Liquid-Liquid Equilibrium" (Montalbán et al., 2018) [1]. It contains experimental data of density and refractive index of binary and ternary mixtures of imidazolium-based ionic liquids, n-hexane and organic compounds involved in the kinetic resolution of rac-2-pentanol (rac-2-pentanol, vinyl butyrate, rac-2-pentyl butyrate or butyric acid) measured at 303.15 K and 1 atm. These data are presented as calibration curves which help to determine the composition of the ionic liquid-rich phase knowing its density or refractive index.



https://ift.tt/2knOf7n

On the most suitable sites for wind farm development in Nigeria

Publication date: August 2018
Source:Data in Brief, Volume 19
Author(s): T.R. Ayodele, A.S.O. Ogunjuyigbe, O. Odigie, A.A. Jimoh
The increasing demand for energy and the need for clean and affordable energy in Nigeria have necessitated the need for renewable energy resource assessment and subsequent determination of suitable sites within the country. One of the promising renewable energy resources with good potentials of meeting the energy requirements is wind. One of the main challenges of wind power development in Nigeria is lack of scientific data for policy formulation and decision making that will aid the development of wind power utilization. The data presented in this article were obtained with proper evaluation of the wind resource while taking into consideration environmental, social, and economic factors. The information from the data could be useful for taking optimal site selection decision by the policy makers, government, engineers etc. This will ensure optimal investment and return on investment for wind farm developers.



https://ift.tt/2GI9n0E

Characterization, isotherm and kinetic data for adsorption of Congo red and 2-naphthol on different bamboo hydrochars

Publication date: August 2018
Source:Data in Brief, Volume 19
Author(s): Yin Li, Arun Meas, Shengdao Shan, Ruiqin Yang, Xikun Gai, Hongpeng Wang, Nyamkhand Tsend
Hydrochars were prepared using bamboo sawdust as raw material through hydrothermal carbonization with the present of acid or alkali in the medium and applied to remove Congo red and 2-naphthol from aqueous solutions. This data article provides information on FTIR and SEM profiles of the bamboo hydrochars, and the equation fitting results of the adsorption isotherms and kinetics for the two organics. The FTIR spectra show the differences of functional groups on the hydrochars with different process conditions. The SEM images show the surface morphology of selected hydrochars. Freundlich equation is slightly better than Langmuir model for the correlation of adsorption isotherms for both Congo red and 2-naphthol. Correlation coefficients from the pseudo-second order equation are greater than those of the pseudo-first order equation for both the organics on selected hydorchars.



https://ift.tt/2khw0QC

Dataset of surface plasmon resonance based on photonic crystal fiber for chemical sensing applications

Publication date: August 2018
Source:Data in Brief, Volume 19
Author(s): Md. Abdul Khalek, Sujan Chakma, Bikash Kumar Paul, Kawsar Ahmed
In this research work a perfectly circular lattice Photonic Crystal Fiber (PCF) based surface Plasmon resonance (SPR) based sensor has been proposed. The investigation process has been successfully carried out using finite element method (FEM) based commercial available software package COMSOL Multiphysics version 4.2. The whole investigation module covers the wider optical spectrum ranging from 0.48 µm to 1.10 µm. Using the wavelength interrogation method the proposed model exposed maximum sensitivity of 9000 nm/RIU(Refractive Index Unit) and using the amplitude interrogation method it obtained maximum sensitivity of 318 RIU⁻¹. Moreover the maximum sensor resolution of 1.11×10⁻⁵ in the sensing ranges between 1.34 and 1.37. Based on the suggested sensor model may provide great impact in biological area such as bio-imaging.



https://ift.tt/2s7DDgf

Bioremediation: Data on Pseudomonas aeruginosa effects on the bioremediation of crude oil polluted soil

Publication date: August 2018
Source:Data in Brief, Volume 19
Author(s): Modupe Elizabeth Ojewumi, Joshua Olusegun Okeniyi, Jacob Olumuyiwa Ikotun, Elizabeth Toyin Okeniyi, Valentina Anenih Ejemen, Abimbola Patricia Idowu Popoola
This data article details Pseudomonas aeruginosa effects on the bioremediation of soil that had been polluted by different concentrations, 5% w/w and 8% w/w, of raw (for simulating oil spills from well-heads) and treated (for simulating oil spills from flow lines/storage tanks) crude oil. UV/VIS spectrophotometry instrumentation was used for obtaining absorbance measurements from the Nigerian Escravos Light blend (sourced from Chevron® Nigeria) of crude oil polluting soil samples, which, thus, also simulates light and heavy onshore oil spillage scenarios, in a 30-day measurement design. Data on bioremediation effects of Pseudomonas aeruginosa added to the crude oil polluted soil samples, and which were monitored at intervals via the absorbance measurement techniques, are presented in tables with ensuing analyses for describing and validating the data presented in graphs. Information from the presented data in this article is useful to researchers, the oil industries, oil prospecting communities, governments and stakeholders involved in finding solution approach to the challenges of onshore oil spills. This information can also be used for furthering research on bioremediation kinetics such as biostimulant analyses, polluting hydrocarbon content/degradation detailing, by Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain of microorganism, on petroleum pollutant removal from soil that had been polluted by crude oil spillage.



https://ift.tt/2IGzgUy

Data for interventional role of training in changing the knowledge and attitudes of urban mothers towards food hygiene (A case study of Ravansar Township, Kermanshah, Iran)

Publication date: August 2018
Source:Data in Brief, Volume 19
Author(s): Yahya Safari, Sara Maleki, Kamaleddin Karimyan, Hossein Arfaeinia, Vinod Kumar Gupta, Nasrin Yoosefpour, Naseh Shalyari, Maliheh Akhlaghi, Hooshmand Sharfi, Arash Ziapour
Food hygiene is a key factor at the time of production and distribution of food. Therefore, the present study aimed to assess the interventional role of education in changing the knowledge and attitudes of urbane mothers towards food hygiene in Ravansar Township, Kermanshah, Iran. To this end, 200 mothers residing in Ravansar Township were selected using simple random sampling. First, the subjects' knowledge and attitudes towards food hygiene were evaluated in a pre-test, and then after holding some educational sessions, the two variables were assessed again in a post-test using a researcher-made questionnaire with 72 questions. The reliability and validity of the questionnaire were evaluated using Cronbach's alpha and content validity, respectively. After completing the questionnaires, the results were analyzed using the SPSS Statistical Software Version 21.0, and all tests were at the significance level of α = 0.05. The results of the present study demonstrated that education did not promote the knowledge of married subjects, those whose use of media was average or high, and the ones aged above 20 (P > 0.05). However, the results showed that education had significant effects on other factors (P < 0.05). In addition, it was revealed that the effects of education on promoting the attitudes of individuals aged above 60, those holding academic education and married subjects were not significant (P > 0.05), Nevertheless, the results revealed that education had significant effects on other factors (P < 0.05). Hence, it can be concluded that education plays a major role in changing the knowledge and attitudes of urban mothers towards food hygiene.



https://ift.tt/2GJNYnD

Waste packaging polymeric foam for oil-water separation: An environmental remediation

Publication date: August 2018
Source:Data in Brief, Volume 19
Author(s): Chandrashekhar S. Patil, Vaibhav R. Patil, Sanket N. Anbhule, Chandrakant J. Khilare, Govind B. Kolekar, Anil H. Gore
Nowadays, its urgent need to develop and fabricate efficient, low cost, eco-friendly, oil-water separation methodologies especially for variety of polluted water in the environments. To deals with serious oil spills and industrial organic pollutants, here in we have developed a highly efficient oil-water separation methodology by using waste material such as expanded polyethylene (EPE) polymeric foam which is most commonly used for packaging as a shock absorber and most abundantly available in the surroundings as waste. Oil-water separation setup was fabricated by using waste EPE polymeric foam without any pre-treatment. By simply scratching, special properties (wettability performance) such as hydrophobicity, leophilicity, and low water adhesion was imparted to the EPE polymeric foam. The different types of oil-water mixture used for the study and separation were achieved almost up to 78%. The oil absorption efficiency of the EPE polymeric foam was within range of 0.491–0.788 g/g. In addition to efficient oil-water separation, the modified EPE polymeric foam exhibited fast and continuous oil-water separation solely by gravity. The easy operation, chemical durability, and efficiency of the waste EPE polymeric foam give it high potential for use in industrial and consumer applications for large scale oil-water separation.



https://ift.tt/2klh7Nx

Trace and major elements distribution in coastal sediment cores from Lagos Lagoon, Nigeria

Publication date: August 2018
Source:Data in Brief, Volume 19
Author(s): Simeon I. Ekett, Omowunmi H. Fred-Ahmadu, Adebusayo E. Adedapo, Nsikak U. Benson
Heavy metals contamination in aquatic ecosystems has been a major concern, however, no information is available about the concentrations, depth distributions and ecological risks of heavy metals in sediments cores from microtidal lagoonal ecosystem in Lagos, Nigeria. Four sediment cores were collected using a 50 cm × 3.5 cm Wildco® hand corer. Elemental determinations were carried out using the Microwave Plasma Atomic Emission Spectrometry (4200 MP-AES) after extraction. The concentrations of heavy metals in the sediment cores indicated enhanced degree of contamination influenced by anthropogenic discharges especially industrial effluents. Vertical depth distributions indicated varied depositional periods largely controlled by increasing anthropogenic land-based activities. The remarkable metal pollution of core sediments raises the concern potential sources of metals to the lagoonal ecosystem and ecological risks to the biota, humans, and the environment. The results of elemental concentrations should be considered as baseline data for heavy metals in sediments in the region.



https://ift.tt/2s6Rcg0

Meta-analysis data quantifying nitrous oxides emissions from Chinese vegetable production

Publication date: August 2018
Source:Data in Brief, Volume 19
Author(s): Xiaozhong Wang, Xiaopeng Gao, Xinping Chen
This paper describes data of nitrous oxides (N2O) emissions from open-field and greenhouse systems in Chinese vegetable production. The data also describes the potential soil and management factors to identify the effective measures to mitigate N2O emissions. The data were collected from 21 peer-reviewed papers, covering 153 N2O emission field measurements as affected by fertilizer nitrogen (N) management. This data were subjected to meta-analysis for a comprehensive assessment on N2O emission and applied N based emission factor in Chinese vegetable production.



https://ift.tt/2GK2Mmq

Data on prolonged morphine-induced antinociception and behavioral inhibition in older rats

Publication date: August 2018
Source:Data in Brief, Volume 19
Author(s): Alok Kumar Paul, Nuri Gueven, Nikolas Dietis
This article contains supportive data related to a research article entitled "Age-dependent antinociception and behavioral inhibition by morphine" (Paul et al., 2018) [1]. Antinociceptive latencies of 8 and 24-week old rats were obtained from tail-flick and hot plate assays after morphine treatment. Motor behavioral effects were measured at different time-points using automated infrared tracking in an open-field arena. Residual morphine content in post-mortem tissues were measured 240 min post-treatment. Concurrent measurements of antinociception, motor behavior and residual morphine content in post-mortem tissues of 8-week and 24-week old morphine-treated rats provide an integrated assessment of age-related differences.



https://ift.tt/2kixxpH

The list of species registered in taiga meadow community during succession under enhanced radioactive background

Publication date: August 2018
Source:Data in Brief, Volume 19
Author(s): B. Gruzdev, T. Maystrenko, E. Belykh, A. Rybak
The data presented in this article are related to the research article entitled "The succession of the plant community on a decontaminated radioactive meadow site" (T. Maystrenko, B. Gruzdev, E. Belykh, A. Rybak, 2018) [1]. Primary data on floristic studies of meadow community development in taiga zone on the site contaminated with naturally occurring radionuclides are shown. The information given allows to follow a process of appearance and exclusion of high plant species from the pioneer step of succession up to stable community formation and to compare the structure and composition of meadow communities formed on territories with the enhanced and natural radioactivity background.



https://ift.tt/2s6FlhJ

PCR data and comparative performance of Bacteroidales microbial source tracking genetic markers

Publication date: August 2018
Source:Data in Brief, Volume 19
Author(s): Pornjira Somnark, Natcha Chyerochana, Akechai Kongprajug, Skorn Mongkolsuk, Kwanrawee Sirikanchana
We reported modified endpoint PCR results analyzed by universal and human-, swine-, and cattle-specific Bacteroidales gene markers with human sewage and animal fecal samples (i.e., swine, cattle, chicken, goat, sheep, buffalo, and duck) from Tha Chin and Chao Phraya watersheds. Annealing locations of PCR primers were illustrated by maps of 16s rRNA Bacteroidales genes. We also summarized previously published work on the performance of the PCR assays. For further discussion of the data presented here, please refer to Somnark et al., Performance evaluation of Bacteroidales genetic markers for human and animal microbial source tracking in tropical agricultural watersheds, Environ. Pollut. 236 (2018) 100–110.



https://ift.tt/2kiHUd3

Characterization data for T cell-specific Blimp-1 transgenic C57BL/6 mice

Publication date: August 2018
Source:Data in Brief, Volume 19
Author(s): Aline Yen Ling Wang, Charles Yuen Yung Loh, Shyi-Jou Chen, Huang-Kai Kao, Cheng-Hung Lin, Sheng-Hao Chuang, Chin-Ming Lee, Huey-Kang Sytwu, Fu-Chan Wei
This article is the first to provide characterization data regarding naive C57BL/6 transgenic mice with overexpression of B lymphocyte-induced maturation protein 1 (Blimp-1) under a T cell-specific pLCK promoter. The data presented are related to phenotype, Blimp-1 overexpression levels, T cell development and T cell proliferation for Blimp-1 transgenic mice. For further Blimp-1 overexpressed T cell findings regarding skin allotransplantation, please refer to the research article "Blimp-1 prolongs allograft survival without regimen via influencing T cell development in favor of regulatory T cells while suppressing Th1" (Wang et al., 2018) [1].



https://ift.tt/2s6mSlH

Dataset of copper pipes corrosion after exposure to chlorine

Publication date: August 2018
Source:Data in Brief, Volume 19
Author(s): Fernando García-Ávila, Gabriel Bonifaz-Barba, Silvana Donoso-Moscoso, Lisveth Flores del Pino, Lía Ramos-Fernández
This article presents data on corrosion and dissolved copper in copper tubes that transport drinking water in domiciles of the Azogues city, Ecuador. Corrosion tests were performed using copper coupons exposed to water with different concentrations of free chlorine for 30, 60, 90 and 180 days. The determination of the copper corrosion rate exposed in chlorine was carried out by means of gravimetric tests. With weight loss data, the corrosion rate was determined. By means of static immersion tests, copper release of coupon surface was determined. In the obtained data it was observed that the corrosion rate and the release of copper increases with the chlorine concentration. This data is beneficial for drinking water companies and building builders by providing information on the corrosion and leaching behavior of copper pipes when exposed to chlorine and is useful for predicting the service life copper pipes. In addition, it could allow assessing the health risk by consuming water with copper in solution.



https://ift.tt/2khTZPP

Average output polarization dataset for signifying the temperature influence for QCA designed reversible logic circuits

Publication date: August 2018
Source:Data in Brief, Volume 19
Author(s): Md. Abdullah-Al-Shafi, Ali Newaz Bahar, Mohammad Maksudur Rahman Bhuiyan, S.M. Shamim, Kawser Ahmed
Quantum-dot cellular automata (QCA) as nanotechnology is a pledging contestant that has incredible prospective to substitute complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor (CMOS) because of its superior structures such as intensely high device thickness, minimal power depletion with rapid operation momentum. In this study, the dataset of average output polarization (AOP) for fundamental reversible logic circuits is organized as presented in (Abdullah-Al-Shafi and Bahar, 2017; Bahar et al., 2016; Abdullah-Al-Shafi et al., 2015; Abdullah-Al-Shafi, 2016) [1–4]. QCADesigner version 2.0.3 has been utilized to survey the AOP of reversible circuits at separate temperature point in Kelvin (K) unit.



https://ift.tt/2GIUEm0

The ALSPAC Coordination Test (subtests of the Movement ABC): Methodology and data on associations with prenatal exposures to lead, cadmium and mercury

Publication date: August 2018
Source:Data in Brief, Volume 19
Author(s): Caroline M. Taylor, Alan M. Emond, Raghu Lingam, Jean Golding
As part of the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC), measures of child motor skills were collected in research clinics. The ALSPAC Coordination Test was derived from subtests of the Movement ABC at age 7 years in children participating in ALSPAC. Maternal blood lead, cadmium and mercury concentrations were measured by inductively-coupled plasma mass spectrometry in samples from women at a median gestation age of 11 weeks. Maternal reports at 32 weeks' gestation were used to generate data on a range of potential confounders. The data were used to determine the associations between prenatal exposure to lead, cadmium and mercury and child motor skills at age 7 years. For results, please see Taylor et al. [1].



https://ift.tt/2IEDM5U

Data on vessel wall thickness measurements of intracranial arteries derived from human circle of Willis specimens

Publication date: August 2018
Source:Data in Brief, Volume 19
Author(s): Anita A. Harteveld, Nerissa P. Denswil, Wim Van Hecke, Hugo J. Kuijf, Aryan Vink, Wim G.M. Spliet, Mat J. Daemen, Peter R. Luijten, Jaco J.M. Zwanenburg, Jeroen Hendrikse, Anja G. van der Kolk
In this article, we report data on vessel wall thickness parameters derived from different arterial segments of the circle of Willis and its primary branches in patients with and without cerebrovascular disease. Also data on inter-rater reliability and agreement of the derived vessel wall parameters are reported. For further interpretation and discussion please refer to the research article "ex vivo vessel wall thickness measurements of the human circle of Willis using 7T MRI" (Harteveld et al., in press) [1].



https://ift.tt/2GKeGww

The impact of MRI steady-state sequences as an additional assessment modality in vestibular schwannoma patients after LINAC stereotactic radiotherapy or radiosurgery

Abstract

Purpose

Data concerning the clinical usefulness of steady-state sequences (SSS) for vestibular schwannomas (VS) after linear accelerator (LINAC) stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) or stereotactic radiotherapy (SRT) are scarce. The aim of the study was to investigate whether SSS provide an additional useful follow-up (FU) tool to the established thin-layered T1 sequences with contrast enhancement.

Methods

Pre- and post-treatment SSS were identified in 45 consecutive VS patients (2012–2016) with a standardized FU protocol including SSS at 2–3 months and 6 months/yearly in our prospective database and were retrospectively re-evaluated. The SSS were used throughout for the segmentation of the cochlea and partly of the trigeminal nerve in the treatment planning. Data analysis included signal conversion in SSS and possible correlation with neuro-otological outcome and volumetric assessment after a certain time interval.

Results

The series included 42 SRS and 3 SRT patients (31 female/14 male; mean age 59.3 years, range: 25–81 years). An SSS signal conversion was observed in 20 tumors (44.4%) within a mean time of 11 months (range: 7–15 months). Mean FU time was 26 months (median of 4 FU visits) and demonstrated tumor volume shrinkage in 29 cases (64.4%) correlating with FU time (p = 0.07). The incidence rate of combined shrinkage and signal conversion (48.3%) compared to those without signal conversion (51.7%) did not differ significantly (p = 0.49). In case of an early signal conversion at the first FU, a weak statistical significance (p = 0.05) for a higher shrinkage rate of VS with signal conversion was found. Side effects in cases with signal conversion (9/20, 45%) were more frequently than without signal conversion (6/25, 24%) without reaching statistical significance (p = 0.13).

Conclusion

Our data confirmed the usefulness of SSS for anatomical segmentation of VS in LINAC-SRS/SRT treatment planning and add data supporting their potential as an adjunctive FU option in VS patients.

https://ift.tt/2s4Kt6Q

Commentary: Skin cancer in the military

Publication date: June 2018
Source:Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, Volume 78, Issue 6
Author(s): Oliver J. Wisco, Tamar Hajar, Donald J. Grande




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Cover Sheet for Index

Publication date: June 2018
Source:Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, Volume 78, Issue 6





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Table of Contents

Publication date: June 2018
Source:Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, Volume 78, Issue 6





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Effect of alcohol-based hand rub on hand microbiome and hand skin health in hospitalized adult stem cell transplant patients: A pilot study

Publication date: June 2018
Source:Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, Volume 78, Issue 6
Author(s): Pranab K. Mukherjee, Jyotsna Chandra, Mauricio Retuerto, Karen A. Arters, Mary C. Consolo, A'ja Patterson, Saralee Bajaksouzian, James W. Arbogast, Todd J. Cartner, Michael R. Jacobs, Mahmoud A. Ghannoum, Robert A. Salata




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Information for Readers

Publication date: June 2018
Source:Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, Volume 78, Issue 6





https://ift.tt/2IIkskj

Self-healing juvenile cutaneous mucinosis: Clinical and histopathologic findings of 9 patients

Publication date: June 2018
Source:Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, Volume 78, Issue 6
Author(s): Isabelle Luchsinger, Jérôme Coulombe, Franco Rongioletti, Marc Haspeslagh, Anne Dompmartin, Isabelle Melki, Rawane Dagher, Brigitte Bader-Meunier, Sylvie Fraitag, Christine Bodemer
BackgroundSelf-healing juvenile cutaneous mucinosis (SHJCM) is a rare disorder, and its pathogenesis and long-term prognosis are unknown.ObjectiveTo elucidate the clinical and histopathologic characteristics, pathogenesis, and outcome in patients with SHJCM.MethodsRetrospective study of 9 patients with SHCJM. To complement initial findings, data collection forms were sent to the referring physicians.ResultsAll patients had an acute onset of firm nodules. Of the 9 patients, 6 presented initially with waxy papules on the dorsum of the hands; 5 suffered from periorbital edema, and 6 had a febrile prodrome. Histopathologic assessment of the papules revealed dermal mucin deposition, whereas the nodules showed proliferative fasciitis-like features or nonspecific chronic lobular panniculitis. Laboratory studies elicited evidence of active viral infection in 2 patients (human herpes virus 6 and rotavirus). Seven cases had spontaneous resolution within 6 months, and 2 patients with incomplete resolution showed subsequent transition to fibroblastic rheumatism and an autoinflammatory rheumatologic disease, respectively.LimitationsThis was a retrospective study with incomplete data from referring physicians.ConclusionsAlthough spontaneous complete regression is expected, patients with SHJCM need long-term follow-up because of the possible development of dematorheumatolgic conditions. The pathogenetic role of microbial agents deserves further investigation.



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JAAD Case Reports Article List

Publication date: June 2018
Source:Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, Volume 78, Issue 6





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Rapid improvement of prurigo nodularis with cyclosporine treatment

Publication date: June 2018
Source:Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, Volume 78, Issue 6
Author(s): Lauren E. Wiznia, Shields W. Callahan, David E. Cohen, Seth J. Orlow




https://ift.tt/2s36WRZ

Journal Based CME Instructions and Information

Publication date: June 2018
Source:Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, Volume 78, Issue 6





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Should medical students follow up on skin biopsy results? When education conflicts with patient privacy

Publication date: June 2018
Source:Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, Volume 78, Issue 6
Author(s): Marissa L.H. Baranowski, Benjamin K. Stoff




https://ift.tt/2s1QhhE

Langerhans cell histiocytosis in children

Publication date: June 2018
Source:Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, Volume 78, Issue 6
Author(s): Jolie Krooks, Milen Minkov, Angela G. Weatherall
Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is an inflammatory neoplasia of myeloid precursor cells driven by mutations in the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway. When disease involves the skin, LCH most commonly presents as a seborrheic dermatitis or eczematous eruption on the scalp and trunk. Evaluation for involvement of other organ systems is essential, because 9 of 10 patients presenting with cutaneous disease also have multisystem involvement. Clinical manifestations range from isolated disease with spontaneous resolution to life-threatening multisystem disease. Prognosis depends on involvement of risk organs (liver, spleen, and bone marrow) at diagnosis, particularly on presence of organ dysfunction, and response to initial therapy. Systemic treatment incorporating steroids and cytostatic drugs for at least one year has improved prognosis of multisystem LCH and represents the current standard of care.



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Editorial Board

Publication date: June 2018
Source:Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, Volume 78, Issue 6





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CME examination

Publication date: June 2018
Source:Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, Volume 78, Issue 6





https://ift.tt/2KOrVib

Horizontal and vertical sections of scalp biopsy specimens from dermatomyositis patients with scalp involvement

Publication date: June 2018
Source:Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, Volume 78, Issue 6
Author(s): Julio Jasso-Olivares, José Manuel Diaz-Gonzalez, Mariya Miteva
BackgroundThe histologic findings of scalp involvement in dermatomyositis are not well characterized on account of a lack of large series.ObjectiveTo systematize the histologic features of scalp involvement in dermatomyositis on horizontal and vertical sections.MethodsA descriptive, prospective, cross-sectional study recruited 31 patients with pathologically and serologically confirmed dermatomyositis in Mexico City, Mexico, from June 2014 to June 2015. A total of 36 scalp biopsy specimens from 20 patients with scalp involvement in dermatomyositis were processed as 20 vertical and 16 horizontal sections.ResultsDilated capillaries and diffuse mucin deposition were detected in all biopsy specimens, followed by interface dermatitis. Partial or segmental thickening of the basement membrane, hyperkeratosis, atrophic epidermis, and acrosyringeal hypergranulosis with hyperkeratosis were other very common findings. Preserved follicular architecture, with intact or slightly atrophic sebaceous glands, was present in most horizontal sections. There was decreased follicular density, with a terminal-to-vellus ratio of 4:1 and telogen count of 10.3%. Eosinophils were present in 15% and 25% of horizontal and vertical sections, respectively.LimitationsNo special stains performed.ConclusionScalp involvement in dermatomyositis shows nonscarring pattern on horizontal sections that is consistent with chronic telogen effluvium. Telangiectasia and mucin are universal histologic features; eosinophils and acrosyringeal hypergranulosis with hyperkeratosis are new findings.



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Answers to CME examination

Publication date: June 2018
Source:Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, Volume 78, Issue 6





https://ift.tt/2KOZrom

Treatment of vitiligo with the topical Janus kinase inhibitor ruxolitinib: A 32-week open-label extension study with optional narrow-band ultraviolet B

Publication date: June 2018
Source:Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, Volume 78, Issue 6
Author(s): Deep Joshipura, Abdulaziz Alomran, Pedro Zancanaro, David Rosmarin




https://ift.tt/2s3MLTL

Langerhans cell histiocytosis in children

Publication date: June 2018
Source:Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, Volume 78, Issue 6
Author(s): Jolie Krooks, Milen Minkov, Angela G. Weatherall
A definitive diagnosis of Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) requires a combination of clinical presentation, histology, and immunohistochemistry. The inflammatory infiltrate contains various proportions of LCH cells, the disease hallmark, which are round and have characteristic "coffee-bean" cleaved nuclei and eosinophilic cytoplasm. Positive immunohistochemistry staining for CD1a and CD207 (langerin) are required for a definitive diagnosis. Isolated cutaneous disease should only be treated when symptomatic, because spontaneous resolution is common. Topical steroids are first-line treatment for localized disease of skin and bone. For multifocal single-system or multisystem disease, systemic treatment with steroids and vinblastine for 12 months is the standard first-line regimen. Current research is seeking more effective regimens because recurrence rates, which increase the risk of sequelae, are still high (30-50%) in patients with multisystem disease. An active area of research is the use of targeted therapy directed at the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway. Adequate follow-up to monitor for disease progression, relapse, and sequelae is recommended in all patients.



https://ift.tt/2IFEPOJ

Occurrence of vismodegib-induced cramps (muscular spasms) in the treatment of basal cell carcinoma: A prospective study in 30 patients

Publication date: June 2018
Source:Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, Volume 78, Issue 6
Author(s): Edwina Girard, Arnaud Lacour, Henry Abi Rached, Nassima Ramdane, Carole Templier, Véronique Dziwniel, Eve Desmedt, Emilie Le Rhun, Laurent Mortier




https://ift.tt/2KOxYTQ

CME examination

Publication date: June 2018
Source:Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, Volume 78, Issue 6





https://ift.tt/2J1k8Aw

Answers to CME examination

Publication date: June 2018
Source:Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, Volume 78, Issue 6





https://ift.tt/2s1w6A7

Ultrasound-guided single injection versus continuous sciatic nerve blockade on pain management and mobilisation after total knee arthroplasty (CoSinUS trial): A randomised, triple-blinded controlled trial

BACKGROUND Combining continuous femoral nerve blockade with single injection sciatic nerve blockade is standard peripheral nerve block practice for total knee arthroplasty (TKA) during the first 24 postoperative hours. OBJECTIVES To assess the analgesic benefits and mobilisation capability of continuous sciatic blockade in conjunction with continuous femoral nerve blockade for 72 h after arthroplasty. DESIGN Randomised, triple-blinded controlled trial. SETTING Single-Centre, German University Hospital. PATIENTS In total, 50 patients receiving continuous femoral nerve blockade (5 ml h−1 ropivacaine 0.2%) for TKA under general anaesthesia. INTERVENTIONS Patients were randomised to receive a sciatic nerve catheter with an initial dose of 10 ml ropivacaine 0.2% followed by either continuous double-blinded application of 5 ml h−1 ropivacaine 0.2% (CO) or 5 ml h−1 saline infusion (SIN). MAIN OUTCOME Measures primary endpoint: cumulative morphine consumption until 48 h postoperatively. Further endpoints included morphine consumption, pain scores, mobilisation, dynamometry until postoperative day 3. RESULTS Median [25th to 75th percentiles] cumulative morphine consumption at postoperative day 2 differed significantly between groups (CO 15 mg [11 to 25] versus SIN, 43 mg [27 to 67.5, P 

https://ift.tt/2GJPbvd

The Implications of Barbed Sutures on Scar Aesthetics: A Systematic Review

Background: Barbed sutures have become increasingly popular in the field of aesthetic plastic surgery, particularly in body contouring and breast surgeries, in which the use of barbed sutures may offer both time and cost savings. Scar aesthetics is an important outcome for both the surgeons and patients in these procedures; however, there is a paucity of studies assessing the aesthetic outcome of barbed sutures with regards to scarring. Methods: A systematic review of PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases was performed from the date of their inception through July 2017 using the search terms barbed suture combined with scar or wound. Studies were included if they were prospective evaluator-blind randomized controlled trials, closed the dermal layer of incisions using barbed sutures, and included an evaluator-blind aesthetic assessment of scarring. Results: Six prospective randomized controlled trials met inclusion criteria. The cosmetic result of scars in 926 patients was evaluated after an average of 8.1 months. Five of the 6 controlled trials found the aesthetic results of wounds closed with barbed sutures to be equivalent to those closed with traditional sutures, and 1 study showed significantly superior aesthetic results with barbed sutures. Use of barbed sutures resulted in shorter operating times in 4 of the 5 studies that timed incision closure. Similar complication rates were observed in all evaluated studies. Conclusion: Based on this systematic review, the majority of studies concluded that there were no differences in scarring aesthetics when dermal layers were closed using barbed sutures compared with traditional suturing techniques. Corresponding Author: Alexes Hazen, M.D., Hansjörg Wyss Department of Plastic Surgery, NYU Langone Health, 550 1st Avenue, New York, NY 10016, E-mail: Alexes.Hazen@nyumc.org None of the authors has a financial interest in any of the products, devices, or drugs mentioned in this manuscript. ©2018American Society of Plastic Surgeons

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