Increasing grassland degradation stimulates the non-growing season CO 2 emissions from an alpine meadow on the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau

Abstract

The alpine meadow ecosystem is one of the major vegetation biomes on the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau, which hold substantial quantities of soil organic carbon. Pronounced grassland degradations (induced by overgrazing/climate change and further exacerbated by the subterranean rodent activities) that have widely occurred in this ecosystem may significantly alter the non-growing season carbon turnover processes such as carbon dioxide (CO₂) efflux, but little is known about how the non-growing season CO₂ emissions respond to the degradation (particularly the exacerbated degradations by plateau zokor), as most previous studies have focused primarily on the growing season. In this study, the effects of four degradation levels (i.e., the healthy meadow (HM), degraded patches (DP), 2-year-old zokor mounds (ZM2), and current-year zokor mounds (ZM1)) on CO₂ emissions and corresponding environmental and agronomic variables were investigated over the two non-growing seasons under contrasting climatic conditions (a normal season in 2013–2014 and a "warm and humid" season in 2014–2015). The temporal variation in the non-growing season CO₂ emissions was mainly regulated by soil temperature, while increasing degradation levels reduced the temperature sensitivity of CO₂ emissions due to a reduction in soil water content. The cumulative CO₂ emissions across the non-growing season were 587–1283 kg C ha⁻¹ for all degradation levels, which varied significantly (p < 0.05) interannually. The degradation of alpine meadows significantly (p < 0.05) reduced the vegetation cover and aboveground net primary productivity as well as the belowground biomass, which are typically thought to decrease soil CO₂ emissions. However, the non-growing season CO₂ emissions for the degraded meadow, weighted by the areal extent of the DP, ZM2, and ZM1, were estimated to be 641–1280 kg C ha⁻¹, which was significantly higher (p < 0.05) as compared with the HM in the warm and humid season of 2014–2015 but not in the normal season of 2013–2014. Additionally, grassland degradation substantially increased the productivity-scaled non-growing season CO₂ emissions, which showed an exponential trend with increasing degradation levels. These results suggest that there is a strong connection between grassland degradation and soil carbon loss, e.g., in the form of CO₂ release, pointing to the urgent need to manage degraded grassland restoration that contributes to climate change mitigation.

https://ift.tt/2L29xpG

Nature versus nurture in the spectrum of rheumatic diseases: Classification of spondyloarthritis as autoimmune or autoinflammatory

Publication date: Available online 11 July 2018

Source: Autoimmunity Reviews

Author(s): Elena Generali, Tanima Bose, Carlo Selmi, J. Willem Voncken, Jan G.M.C. Damoiseaux

Abstract

Spondyloarthritides (SpA) include inflammatory joint diseases with various clinical phenotypes that may also include the axial skeleton and/or entheses. SpA include psoriatic arthritis, reactive arthritis, enteropathic arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis; the latter is frequently associated with extra-articular manifestations, such as uveitis, psoriasis, and inflammatory bowel disease. SpA are associated with the HLA-B27 allele and recognize T cells as key pathogenetic players. In contrast to other rheumatic diseases, SpA affect women and men equally and are not associated with detectable serum autoantibodies. In addition, but opposite to rheumatoid arthritis, SpA are responsive to treatment regimens including IL-23 or IL-17-targeting biologics, yet are virtually unresponsive to steroid treatment. Based on these differences with prototypical autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis or connective tissue diseases, SpA may be better classified among autoinflammatory diseases, with a predominant innate immunity involvement. This would rank SpA closer to gouty arthritis and periodic fevers in the spectrum of rheumatic diseases, as opposed to autoimmune-predominant diseases. We herein provide available literature on risk factors associated with SpA in support of this hypothesis with a specific focus on genetic and environmental factors.

https://ift.tt/2unqSPE

Subclinical cardiovascular disease and Systemic Sclerosis: A comparison between risk charts, quantification of coronary calcium and carotid ultrasonography

Publication date: Available online 11 July 2018

Source: Autoimmunity Reviews

Author(s): I. Sanz Pérez, F. Martínez Valle, A. Guillén del Castillo, A. Roque Pérez, H. Cuéllar Calàbria, M.N. Pizzi, A. Fernández Codina, E. Callejas Moragas, O. Orozco Gálvez, V. Fonollosa Pla, C.P. Simeón Aznar

Abstract

Background and objectives

Recently published population-based cohort studies have shown a high prevalence of cardiovascular disease in Systemic Sclerosis (SSc) patients. The aim of this study is to compare three different methods to measure cardiovascular risk in patients with scleroderma.

Methods

Forty-three SSc patients were included. A prospective study was performed for evaluation of cardiovascular risk and subclinical atheromatosis using 3 non-invasive methods: cardiovascular risk tables, carotid Doppler ultrasonography and quantification of coronary calcium by computerized tomography (CT).

Results

The cardiovascular risk charts for the Spanish population did not identify patients at high cardiovascular risk. Framingham-REGICOR identified 13 intermediate-risk patients. Twenty-two patients (51.2%) had plaques on carotid ultrasonography. We performed a ROC curve to identify the best cutoff point for the quantification of coronary artery calcium (CACscore), the value of CACscore > 28 AU (Agatston Units) had the highest sensitivity (73%) and specificity (81%) for the diagnosis of subclinical atheromatosis. In the multiple regression study, age and decreased HDL cholesterol levels were identified as independent factors for subclinical atherosclerotic disease. No disease-related factors were associated with increased subclinical arteriosclerosis.

Conclusion

Carotid ultrasound and CACscore are useful for identifying subclinical atheromatosis in patients with SSc and are superior compared to risk charts used for general population. HDL cholesterol and age were independent factors for the presence of subclinical atherosclerotic disease. A carotid ultrasound or CT should be performed for early detection of subclinical atheromatosis if these factors are present.

https://ift.tt/2m845np

Inflammation and dementia: Using rheumatoid arthritis as a model to develop treatments?

Publication date: Available online 10 July 2018

Source: Autoimmunity Reviews

Author(s): Alice Mason, Clive Holmes, Christopher J. Edwards

Abstract

Dementia is a major international public health problem which looks set to grow as the ageing population increases. Despite large amounts of investment there has been relatively little progress in developing new therapies to combat this. There is a growing body of evidence that both local and systemic inflammation are important in dementia; with cerebral inflammation occurring secondarily to beta-amyloid plaques, raised levels of serum inflammatory molecules and cytokines being present in Alzheimer's disease patients and systemic inflammation being associated with cerebral microvasculature disease in vascular dementia. Observational studies had suggested that non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may reduce the risk of dementia, but subsequent interventional studies have been disappointing. More recently some observational studies have suggested a protective effect from conventional synthetic disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (csDMARDS) and tumour necrosis factor inhibiting (TNFi) biological therapies. Treatments for inflammatory rheumatic diseases have previously been repurposed and used successfully in other diseases, such as TNFi for inflammatory bowel disease. There are also studies looking at the use of csDMARDs such as methotrexate to improve outcomes after cardiovascular events. Ongoing interventional trials are currently looking at whether therapies designed to treat inflammatory and autoimmune diseases have the potential to be used to treat dementia.

https://ift.tt/2zuCm9O

Efficacy and patient satisfaction in the use of subcutaneous immunoglobulin immunotherapy for the treatment of auto-immune neuromuscular diseases

Publication date: Available online 10 July 2018

Source: Autoimmunity Reviews

Author(s): Taylor Pindi Sala, Jean-Charles Crave, Martin Duracinsky, Lepira Bompeka, Abir Tadmouri, Olivier Chassany, Patrick Cherin

Abstract

We reviewed the efficacy of SCIg administration in terms of muscle strength maintenance and patient satisfaction comparing with IVIg in the treatment of auto-immune neuromuscular diseases. A systematic review was conducted, and identified studies from databases (PUBMED, EMBASE, EBSCO, Web of Science and Google Scholar) which were analyzed. The methodological quality of the selected publications was evaluated using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Data were extracted from a total of 11 studies Fixed and random-effect model meta-analyses were performed. For the maintenance of muscle strength, Overall Neuropathy Limitations Scale (ONLS) data from 100 patients diagnosed with multifocal mononeuropathy (MMN) or chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP) were pooled together. Switching to subcutaneous immunoglobulin administration led to a significant improvement (fixed effects model, p = 0.002). In data collected using the Medical Research Council Scale for Muscle Strength data from 140 patients with a wider range of disorders, a small but significant improvement in overall strength was observed in the SCIg group (p < 0.0001). In addition, the results of two studies measuring health-related quality of life and patient satisfaction were pooled. Data from 49 patients suffering from MMN, CIDP, and a variety of different myopathies demonstrated a small but significant increase in the mean 36-Item Short Form Survey (SF-36) scores (p < 0.0001). A highly significant difference was revealed when comparing data from 119 patients' responses to the Life Quality Index questionnaire (LQI) assessing patient satisfaction (p < 0.0001). This is the first analysis showing that SCIg is more effective than IVIg in improving Patient Reported Outcomes in auto-immune neuromuscular disease. These results should permit a broad range of patients to self-administer immunoglobulin treatments at home, potentially improving patient acceptability while reducing hospital visits and healthcare costs for the treatment of chronic auto-immune neuropathies.

https://ift.tt/2m7xZYQ

Letter to the Editor: Autoimmune pathogenic mechanisms in Huntington's disease

Publication date: Available online 10 July 2018

Source: Autoimmunity Reviews

Author(s): Antonio Greco, Massimo Ralli, Armando De Virgilio, Maurizio Inghilleri, Massimo Fusconi, Marco de Vincentiis

https://ift.tt/2zzlwqe

Therapy of scleroderma renal crisis: State of the art

Publication date: Available online 10 July 2018

Source: Autoimmunity Reviews

Author(s): Elisabetta Zanatta, Pamela Polito, Mariangela Favaro, Maddalena Larosa, Piero Marson, Franco Cozzi, Andrea Doria

Abstract

Scleroderma renal crisis (SRC) is an uncommon but still life-threatening manifestation of systemic sclerosis (SSc). The incidence of SRC has decreased in the last few decades, probably due to a widespread use of vasodilators in SSc patients. It is well-recognized that exposure to different drugs can trigger SRC (corticosteroids, cyclosporine) or prevent its occurrence (iloprost, calcium channel blockers). The prognosis of this life-threatening manifestation has not substantially improved since 1980s, when ACE-inhibitors were introduced in its treatment. ACE-inhibitors remain the mainstay in the therapy of SRC due to their efficacy in controlling malignant hypertension; indeed, the prognosis largely depends on the rapid improvement of the ongoing renal ischemia. Calcium-channel blockers and in third line diuretics and alpha-blockers should be used as additional therapy if blood pressure control remains suboptimal despite maximum tolerated doses of ACE-inhibitors. Given the growing evidence on the role of complement activation and endothelin-1 in the pathogenesis of SRC, recent case-series and case reports have suggested the use of C5-inhibitors and endothelin receptor antagonists in the therapy of SRC, mainly in the refractory cases. Plasma-exchange seems to give some benefits in patients with SRC and microangiopathy or intolerant to ACE-inhibitors. Renal transplantation is the last treatment option and its outcome is similar to that reported in other connective tissue disorders, with a 5-year patient survival rate of about 82%. In this review we summarize the current knowledge in the treatment of SRC.

https://ift.tt/2m77HWz

Drug-induced lupus: Traditional and new concepts

Publication date: Available online 10 July 2018

Source: Autoimmunity Reviews

Author(s): Augusto Vaglio, Peter C. Grayson, Paride Fenaroli, Davide Gianfreda, Valeria Boccaletti, Gian Marco Ghiggeri, Gabriella Moroni

Abstract

Drug-induced lupus (DIL) includes a spectrum of drug-induced reactions often characterised by a clinical phenotype similar to that of idiopathic systemic lupus eruthematosus (SLE) but usually lacking major SLE complications. Different drugs may be associated with distinct clinical and serological profiles, and early recognition is crucial. Drugs traditionally associated with DIL include procainamide, hydralazine, quinidine and others, but strong associations with newer agents, such as TNF α (TNFα) inhibitors, are increasingly recognised. The pathogenic mechanisms explaining how drugs that have heterogeneous chemical structure and function lead to autoimmunity are only partially understood. However, it is likely that traditional DIL-associated agents can boost innate immune responses, particularly neutrophil responses, with neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) formation and exposure of autoantigens. Research in the field of DIL is evolving and may provide interesting models for the study of autoimmunity.

https://ift.tt/2zuuepU

Classification of primary antiphospholipid syndrome as systemic lupus erythematosus: Analysis of a cohort of 214 patients

Publication date: Available online 10 July 2018

Source: Autoimmunity Reviews

Author(s): Romain Paule, Nathalie Morel, Véronique Le Guern, Micaela Fredi, Laetitia Coutte, Meriem Belhocine, Luc Mouthon, Claire le Jeunne, Anthony Chauvin, Jean-Charles Piette, Nathalie Costedoat-Chalumeau

Abstract

Objectives

To assess the limitations of the SLICC (Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics) classification criteria for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), in patients with primary antiphospholipid syndrome (PAPS).

Methods

Retrospective study of a cohort of APS patients (Sydney criteria). We successively excluded patients with (1) at least one "SLE-specific" manifestation (biopsy-proven SLE nephropathy, arthritis, cutaneous, or neurologic SLE manifestations, pericarditis, autoimmune haemolytic anaemia, oral and nasal ulcers, non-scarring alopecia, anti-dsDNA, and anti-Sm antibodies), (2) any other autoimmune connective tissue disease, and/or (3) antinuclear antibodies >1/320. Careful file review confirmed PAPS among the remaining patients. We then assessed the number of SLICC criteria each patient met.

Results

Among these 214 APS patients, we excluded 85 with at least one SLE-specific manifestation, 8 with another connective tissue disease, and 21 with antinuclear antibodies >1/320, leaving 100 patients with primary APS. Among them, 28% met at least 4 SLICC classification criteria including one clinical and one immunological criterion (antiphospholipid antibodies, aPL, by definition) and could thus theoretically be classified with SLE. Fourteen had an arterial phenotype (50%), 9 a history of catastrophic APS (32%), and 18 a triple-positive profile for aPL (64%). None had developed SLE during a median follow-up of 12 [6.5–17] years.

Conclusion

Because 28% of our patients with longstanding and strictly defined PAPS could be mistakenly classified as SLE, they were at risk of deleterious therapeutic management. We therefore suggest that any future classification for SLE should specifically require at least one SLE-specific criterion for patients with aPL.

https://ift.tt/2mavbdC

Phenotypic and lipidomic characterization of primary human epidermal keratinocytes exposed to simulated solar UV radiation

Publication date: Available online 10 July 2018

Source: Journal of Dermatological Science

Author(s): Núria Dalmau, Nathalie Andrieu-Abadie, Romà Tauler, Carmen Bedia

Abstract

Background

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is known to be one of the most important environmental hazards acting on the skin. The most part of UV radiation is absorbed in the epidermis, where keratinocytes are the most abundant and exposed cell type. Lipids have an important role in skin biology, not only for their important contribution to the maintenance of the permeability barrier but also for the production and storage of energy, membrane organization and cell signalling functions. However, the effects on the lipid composition of keratinocytes under UV radiation are little explored.

Objective

The present work aims to explore the effects on the phenotype and lipid content of primary human keratinocytes exposed to simulated solar UV radiation.

Methods

Keratinocytes were exposed to a single (acute exposure) and repeated simulated solar UV irradiations for 4 weeks (chronic exposure). Cell viability and morphology were explored, as well as the production of reactive oxygen species. Then, lipid extracts were analysed through liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (LC-MS) and the data generated was processed using the ROIMCR chemometric methodology together with partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA), to finally reveal the most relevant lipid changes that occurred in keratinocytes upon UV irradiation. Also, the potential induction of keratinocyte differentiation was explored by measuring the increase of involucrin.

Results

Under acute irradiation, cell viability and morphology were not altered. However, a general increase of phosphatidylcholines (PC) phosphatidylethanolamines (PE) and phosphatidylglycerol (PG) together with a slight sphingomyelin (SM) decrease were found in UV irradiated cells, among other changes. In addition, keratinocyte cultures did not present any differentiation hallmark. Contrary to acute-irradiated cells, in chronic exposures, cell viability was reduced and keratinocytes presented an altered morphology. Also, hallmarks of differentiation, such as the increase of involucrin protein and the autophagy induction were detected. Among the main lipid changes that accompanied this phenotype, the increase of long-chain ceramides, lysoPC and glycerolipid species were found.

Conclusion

Important lipid changes were detected under acute and chronic UV irradiation. The lipid profile under chronic exposure may represent a lipid fingerprint of the keratinocyte differentiation phenotype.

https://ift.tt/2L6gFlj

Universal varicella vaccination increased the incidence of herpes zoster in the child-rearing generation as its short-term effect

Publication date: Available online 10 July 2018

Source: Journal of Dermatological Science

Author(s): Nozomu Toyama, Kimiyasu Shiraki, for the Miyazaki Dermatologist Society

Abstract

Background

Effects of universal varicella vaccination on the herpes zoster (HZ) incidence have not been elucidated. Universal varicella vaccination was introduced in Japan in October 2014.

Objective

We investigated the effects of universal varicella vaccination on HZ epidemiology.

Methods

Patients with HZ have been monitored by the Miyazaki Dermatologist Society since 1997, and the effects of universal vaccination on the HZ incidences have been analyzed to determine which generation is most affected.

Results

The number of HZ patients increased 1.54 times, and the gradual increase in the HZ incidence was observed in not only patients >60 years, but also other generations during the period from 1997 to 2017. The number of varicella patients was gradually reduced from 2010 to 2017 before introduction of universal varicella vaccination, and the HZ incidence in yearly change significantly increased from 2014 to 2016 in the total population associated with the significant decrease in varicella incidence. The HZ incidence significantly increased for individuals aged 20 to 49 years from 2014 to 2015 and most for individuals age 20–29 years (odds ratio [OR], 1.270; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.071–1.505, P < 0.001). We identified the child-rearing generation of age 20 to 49 years (OR, 1.270; 95% CI, 1.071–1.505, P < 0.001) as the generation most influenced by universal varicella vaccination, when the HZ incidence increased gradually by approximately 2% per year.

Conclusions

Universal vaccination increased the HZ incidence in the child-rearing generation among the generations, possibly by reduced chance of boosting their immunity by exposure to varicella.

https://ift.tt/2JcKgUN

Cancer initiation and progression within the cancer microenvironment

Abstract

Within the cancer microenvironment, the growth and proliferation of cancer cells in the primary site as well as in the metastatic site represent a global biological phenomenon. To understand the growth, proliferation and progression of cancer either by local expansion and/or metastasis, it is important to understand the cancer microenvironment and host response to cancer growth. Melanoma is an excellent model to study the interaction of cancer initiation and growth in relationship to its microenvironment. Social evolution with cooperative cellular groups within an organism is what gives rise to multicellularity in the first place. Cancer cells evolve to exploit their cellular environment. The foundations of multicellular cooperation break down in cancer because those cells that misbehave have an evolutionary advantage over their normally behaving neighbors. It is important to classify evolutionary and ecological aspects of cancer growth, thus, data for cancer growth and outcomes need to be collected to define these parameters so that accurate predictions of how cancer cells may proliferate and metastasize can be developed.

https://ift.tt/2up26i2

Clinical Thyroidology®for the Public – Highlighted Article

From Clinical Thyroidology^® for the Public: The aim of this study was to determine whether selenium supplementation given to patients with Graves' disease who were starting treatment with methimazole resulted in improved response or remission rates Read More…

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https://ift.tt/2znWPNw

The ubiquitous hospital polyethylene pinny: an ideal temporary wound cover

Abstract

Background

Daily plastic surgery ward rounds involve regular complex wound monitoring to direct management. As a tertiary service, our patients are often located on different wards that lack a full gamut of dressings. We propose the use of a novel, expedient, temporary dressing for wound coverage and review the literature on the subject matter.

Methods

Our trauma team trialled the use of standard polyethylene aprons' inner surface as temporary cover for open wounds. Microbiology wound swabs were taken from the unfolded apron prior to use, and sent for routine culture. Twenty-one consecutive patients were recruited to the trial. All patients were asked to rate the dressing on pain and comfort.

Results

No bacterial growth was reported. The average price of each apron is 3 pence and patients reported that their use was comfortable, painless and quick. The plastic apron was popular with our outreach nursing team (responsible for applying full dressings post ward round) who reported always finding one with ease.

Conclusions

Polyethylene aprons are widely available in all clinical areas. We found no evidence that they are colonised with or harbour bacteria at the point when taken from the roll. They are inexpensive, easy to handle, waterproof and in our experience, do not adhere to wounds. In addition, no specialty specific knowledge or training is required for their use. We believe these qualities make the polyethylene apron an ideal temporary dressing.

Level of Evidence: Level IV, therapeutic study

https://ift.tt/2JgHQEK

A Lack of consistent brain alterations in insomnia disorder: an activation likelihood estimation meta-analysis

Insomnia disorder is a prevalent sleep disorder, which affects about 10% of general population. However, its neural mechanisms are poorly understood. Recently, several structural and functional neuroimaging studies have been conducted in patients with insomnia disorder, but these studies have yielded diverse findings. Here, we aimed to identify consistent patterns of abnormal brain alterations in insomnia disorder by performing a quantitative coordinate-based meta-analysis. Following the preferred reporting for systematic reviews and meta-analyses statement, we searched PubMed database and used reference tracking and finally retrieved 19 eligible studies (6 task-based functional magnetic resonance imaging, 8 resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging, 3 voxel-based morphometry, and 2 positron emission tomography).

https://ift.tt/2JbI53Y

Associations Between Sleep Duration and Suicidality in Adolescents: A Systematic Review and Dose–Response Meta-Analysis

Sleep duration has received considerable attention as a potential risk factor of suicidality in youths; however, evidence on the dose–response association between sleep duration and suicidality has not been synthesized. This meta-analysis examined linear and nonlinear dose–response relationships between sleep duration and the risk of suicidality in adolescents and explored potential moderators of the associations. Electronic databases, namely EMBASE, PubMed, PsycINFO, Wanfang Data (Chinese database), and the China Knowledge Resource Integrated Database, were searched from their inception to April 18, 2017.

https://ift.tt/2NI1GMK

Bio-cord plays a similar role as submerged macrophytes in harboring bacterial assemblages in an eco-ditch

Abstract

Artificial carriers are widely used to enhance the formation of biofilm and improve pollutants' removal efficiency in agricultural wastewater treatment ditches (eco-ditches), yet comprehensive insight into their bacterial community is scarce. In this study, bacterial diversities in four different habitats—the water column, surface sediments, submerged macrophytes (Myriophyllum verticillatum L.), and the artificial carriers (bio-cord)—were compared in a Chinese eco-ditch. Comparable richness and evenness of bacterial communities were observed on M. verticillatum and bio-cord, both being higher than for free-living bacteria in the water column but lower than for bacteria in the surface sediment. The highest similarity of bacterial community composition and structure also occurred between M. verticillatum and the bio-cord, dominated by α- and γ-proteobacteria, Verrucomicrobia, and Bacteroidetes. Firmicutes and Planctomycetes, respectively, were the exclusive abundant phyla in M. verticillatum and the bio-cord, probably indicating the unique interaction between M. verticillatum and their epiphytic bacteria. Some abundant genera, such as Roseomonas, Pseudomonas, and Rhodopirellula, which were exclusively observed in M. verticillatum or the bio-cord, have been reported to have the same capacity to remove nitrogen and organic matter in wastewater treatment systems. In conclusion, in the studied eco-ditch, the bio-cord was found to play a similar role as submerged macrophytes in harboring bacterial assemblages, and we therefore propose that bio-cord may be a good alternative or supplement to enhance wastewater treatment in agricultural ditches.

https://ift.tt/2L3bpyD

Production, characterization, and potential of activated biochar as adsorbent for phenolic compounds from leachates in a lumber industry site

Abstract

There is growing interest in low-cost, efficient materials for the removal of organic contaminants in municipal and industrial effluents. In this study, the efficiency of biochar and activated biochar, as promising adsorbents for phenol removal, was investigated at high (up to 1500 mg L⁻¹) and low concentrations (0.54 mg L⁻¹) in synthetic and real effluents (from wood-residue deposits in Québec), respectively. The performance of both materials was then evaluated in batch adsorption experiments, which were conducted using a low solid/liquid ratio (0.1 g:100 mL) at different phenol concentrations (C₀ = 5–1500 mg L⁻¹), and at 20 °C. Activated biochars presented higher phenol adsorption capacity compared to biochars due to their improved textural properties, higher micropore volume, and proportion of oxygenated carbonyl groups connected to their surface. The sorption equilibrium was reached within less than 4 h for all of materials, while the Langmuir model best described their sorption process. The maximum sorption capacity of activated biochars for phenol was found to be twofold relative to biochars (303 vs. 159 mg g⁻¹). Results also showed that activated biochars were more effective than biochars in removing low phenol concentrations in real effluents. In addition, 95% of phenol removal was attained within 96 h (although 85% was removed after 4 h), thus reaching below the maximum authorized concentration allowed by Québec's discharge criteria (0.05 mg L⁻¹). These results show that activated biochars made from wood residues are promising potential adsorbent materials for the efficient treatment of phenol in synthetic and real effluents.

https://ift.tt/2Jd4Ep0

Responses of magnetic properties to heavy metal pollution recorded by lacustrine sediments from the Lugu Lake, Southwest China

Abstract

Environmental magnetism, which is rapid, sensitive, economical, and non-destructive, has been used to assess heavy metal pollution in lake sediments based on the relationships between magnetic properties and heavy metal concentrations. We conducted a systematic environmental magnetic and heavy metal study of the sediments of the core LGS from Lugu Lake in Southwest China. The results show that the concentration-related magnetic parameters (χ, χ_ARM, and SIRM) in the core LGS showed an increasing trend from bottom to top. The results of rock magnetism indicated that the dominant magnetic particles were magnetite. Two sources of magnetic minerals can be distinguished by the correlations of χ vs. χ_fd% and χ vs. χ_ARM/χ: the surrounding catchment and anthropogenic activities. In addition, Pearson correlation analysis and principal component analysis showed that the concentration-dependent magnetic parameters have significant correlations with heavy metal (Al, Ti, Fe, Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, and Cd) concentrations as well as the Tomlinson pollution load index (PLI), indicating that there are essential linkages of sources, deposition, and migration between magnetic particles and heavy metals. Based on previously reported ¹³⁷Cs and ²¹⁰Pb data, the historical trends of heavy metal pollution in Lugu Lake were successfully reconstructed, and the causes of heavy metal pollution were mainly agricultural practices and atmospheric metal depositions from anthropogenic sources. The significant correlations between magnetic parameters, heavy metals, and the PLI indicate that magnetic parameters can potentially be used as an index of heavy metal pollution in lacustrine deposits.

https://ift.tt/2L6TaoS

Enhancing bacterial transport with saponins in saturated porous media for the bioaugmentation of groundwater: visual investigation and surface interactions

Abstract

The success of bioaugmentation processes for the remediation of groundwater contamination relies on effective transport of the injected microorganisms in a subsurface environment. Biosurfactants potentially affect bacterial attachment and transport behavior in porous media. Although saponins as biosurfactants are abundant in nature, their influence on bacterial transport in groundwater systems remains unknown. In this research, tank visual-transport experiments, breakthrough curve monitoring, and surface property measurement were performed to evaluate the effects of saponins on the transport of Pseudomonas migulae AN-1 cells, which were used as a model bacterium in saturated sand. Results show that the 0.1% saponins could effectively facilitated the AN-1 secondary transport and the addition of saponins decreased the hydrophobicity of AN-1 and sand. The role of the promotion of saponins was more dominant than that of the inhibition of ions on AN-1 transport in a saturated porous medium when ions and saponins coexisted. The interactions between AN-1 and sand grains with saponins and ions were explained in accordance with the Derjaguin–Landau–Verwey–Overbeek theory.

https://ift.tt/2NE7Sp7

Scholar : These new articles for Cogent Geoscience are available online

The online platform for Taylor & Francis Online content New for Cogent Geoscience and online now on Taylor & Francis Online: Research Article Advantages of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) photogrammetry for landscape analysis compared with satellite data: a case study of postmining sites in Indonesia | Kotaro Iizuka, Masayuki Itoh, Satomi Shiodera, Takashi Matsubara, Mark Dohar & Kazuo Watanabe | Anshuman Bhardwaj Reviewing editor: This is the author accepted version which has not been proofed or edited To update which email alerts you receive, manage your alerts within the My Account area. Unsubscribe from new content alerts for this journal (both new issue and latest article notifications) with one click. If you need any further help, please contact us at support@tandfonline.com Please do not reply to this email. To ensure that you receive your alerts and information from Taylor & Francis Online, please add "alerts@tandfonline.com" and "info@tandfonline.com" to your safe senders list. Taylor & Francis, an Informa business. Taylor & Francis is a trading name of Informa UK Limited, registered in England under no. 1072954. Registered office: 5 Howick Place, London, SW1P 1WG.

Remote partner assisted skin self‐examination skills training of melanoma survivors and their partners

Australasian Journal of Dermatology, EarlyView.


https://ift.tt/2L7dMNy

Aggregate and disaggregate analysis on energy consumption and economic growth nexus in China

Abstract

This study examines the relationship between energy consumption and economic growth based on three models in China covering the period of 1982–2015. From the Ng-Perron (NP) and Zivot-Andrews (ZA) unit root test, each variable has no unit root in the first difference. Based on Johansen multivariable co-integration test and autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) bounds test, the co-integrating relationship existed between selected variables. Moreover, dynamic ordinary least squares (DOLS), fully modified ordinary least squares (FMOLS), and ARDL estimates are used to estimate the coefficients of each variable, which presents that any increasing of each kinds of energy sources can increase China's economic growth in the long term. Additionally, the vector error correction model (VECM) Granger causality test based on three models is investigated. Some implications based on the empirical results are given.

https://ift.tt/2u9Udho

Scholar : These new articles for Journal of Architectural Conservation are available online

The online platform for Taylor & Francis Online content New for Journal of Architectural Conservation and online now on Taylor & Francis Online: Original Articles Conservation analysis of Gali Surjan Singh: a study of architectural and social aspects Muhammad Salman, Sana Malik, Fariha Tariq & Faiqa Khilat Pages: 1-18 | DOI: 10.1080/13556207.2018.1488203 To update which email alerts you receive, manage your alerts within the My Account area. Unsubscribe from new content alerts for this journal (both new issue and latest article notifications) with one click. If you need any further help, please contact us at support@tandfonline.com Please do not reply to this email. To ensure that you receive your alerts and information from Taylor & Francis Online, please add "alerts@tandfonline.com" and "info@tandfonline.com" to your safe senders list. Taylor & Francis, an Informa business. Taylor & Francis is a trading name of Informa UK Limited, registered in England under no. 1072954. Registered office: 5 Howick Place, London, SW1P 1WG.

Scholar : These new articles for Canadian Water Resources Journal / Revue canadienne des ressources hydriques are available online

The online platform for Taylor & Francis Online content New for Canadian Water Resources Journal / Revue canadienne des ressources hydriques and online now on Taylor & Francis Online: Original Articles Assessing the benefits of serious games to support sustainable decision-making for transboundary watershed governance Alison Furber, Wietske Medema & Jan Adamowski Pages: 1-15 | DOI: 10.1080/07011784.2018.1477628 Hoping to have your article read by anyone, anywhere and at any time? Find out more about publishing open access with Ecosystem Health and Sustainability. To update which email alerts you receive, manage your alerts within the My Account area. Unsubscribe from new content alerts for this journal (both new issue and latest article notifications) with one click. If you need any further help, please contact us at support@tandfonline.com Please do not reply to this email. To ensure that you receive your alerts and information from Taylor & Francis Online, please add "alerts@tandfonline.com" and "info@tandfonline.com" to your safe senders list. Taylor & Francis, an Informa business. Taylor & Francis is a trading name of Informa UK Limited, registered in England under no. 1072954. Registered office: 5 Howick Place, London, SW1P 1WG.

Scholar : These new articles for Archives and Manuscripts are available online

The online platform for Taylor & Francis Online content New for Archives and Manuscripts and online now on Taylor & Francis Online: Book Review The Silence of the Archive Rachel Tropea Pages: 1-2 | DOI: 10.1080/01576895.2018.1464246 To update which email alerts you receive, manage your alerts within the My Account area. Unsubscribe from new content alerts for this journal (both new issue and latest article notifications) with one click. If you need any further help, please contact us at support@tandfonline.com Please do not reply to this email. To ensure that you receive your alerts and information from Taylor & Francis Online, please add "alerts@tandfonline.com" and "info@tandfonline.com" to your safe senders list. Taylor & Francis, an Informa business. Taylor & Francis is a trading name of Informa UK Limited, registered in England under no. 1072954. Registered office: 5 Howick Place, London, SW1P 1WG.

PBMT and topical diclofenac as single and combined treatment on skeletal muscle injury in diabetic rats: effects on biochemical and functional aspects

Abstract

Physical exercise generates several benefits in a short time in patients with diabetes mellitus. However, it can increase the chances of muscle damage, a serious problem for diabetic patients. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are widely used to treat these injuries, despite the serious adverse effects. In this way, photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) with low-level laser therapy (LLLT) and/or light emitting diode therapy (LEDT) can be used as an alternative in this case. However, its efficacy in tissue repair of trauma injuries in diabetes mellitus until now is unknown, as well as the combination between PBMT and NSAIDs. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effects of NSAIDs and PBMT applied alone or combined on functional and biochemical aspects, in an experimental model of muscle injury through controlled trauma in diabetic rats. Muscle injury was induced by means of a single trauma to the animals' anterior tibialis muscle. After 1 h, the rats were treated with PBMT (830 nm; continuous mode, with a power output of 100 mW; 3.57 W/cm²; 3 J; 107.1 J/cm², 30 s), diclofenac sodium for topical use (1 g), or combination of them. Our results demonstrated that PBMT + diclofenac, and PBMT alone reduced the gene expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) at all assessed times as compared to the injury and diclofenac groups (p < 0.05 and p < 0.01 respectively). The diclofenac alone showed reduced levels of COX-2 only in relation to the injury group (p < 0.05). Prostaglandin E₂ levels in blood plasma demonstrated similar results to COX2. In addition, we observed that PBMT + diclofenac and PBMT alone showed significant improvement compared with injury and diclofenac groups in functional analysis at all time points. The results indicate that PBMT alone or in combination with diclofenac reduces levels of inflammatory markers and improves gait of diabetic rats in the acute phase of muscle injury.

https://ift.tt/2m94NAN

Expression of tumor suppressors miR-195 and let-7a as potential biomarkers of invasive breast cancer

OBJECTIVE: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression at the posttranscriptional level. Some miRNAs, including let-7a and miR-195, have been described as tumor suppressors. However, the roles of these microRNAs in breast cancer progression remain controversial. The aim of this study is to evaluate miR-195 and let-7a expression as potential biomarkers of invasive breast cancer. METHODS: In the present study, 200 individuals were separated into three groups: (i) 72 women constituting the control group who were selected according to rigorous and well-established criteria; (ii) 56 patients with benign breast tumors; and (iii) 72 patients with malignant breast cancers of different clinical stages. The miR-195 and let-7a expression levels in serum were evaluated by real-time PCR. The results were assessed alone and in combination, and the analysis included an estimation of sensitivity and specificity in ROC curves. RESULTS: Compared with the benign and control groups, both microRNAs were downregulated in the malignant breast cancer patient group. Compared with the malignant group, the combination of both biomarkers in the control and benign groups showed good sensitivity and specificity in the serum with AUCs of 0.75 and 0.72, respectively. The biomarker combination for the control group versus the malignant group exhibited a better sensitivity and specificity than for the benign group versus the malignant group. CONCLUSION: These findings support the evidence that the analysis of miR-195 and let-7a can be used as a non-invasive biomarker for breast cancer detection.

https://ift.tt/2KXEGe9

Novel approaches for the management of primary hyperparathyroidism during pregnancy

Clinical Endocrinology, Volume 0, Issue ja, -Not available-.


https://ift.tt/2L0Glzm

Dysregulated Growth Hormone‐Insulin‐Like Growth Factor‐1 Axis in Adult Type 1 Diabetes with Long Duration

Clinical Endocrinology, Volume 0, Issue ja, -Not available-.


https://ift.tt/2L62Dgf

Serum Paraoxonase, Arylesterase, and Glutathione-S-Transferase Activities and Oxidative Stress Levels in Patients with Mushroom Poisoning

OBJECTIVES: Consumption of toxic species of mushrooms may have detrimental effects and increase oxidative stress. Paraoxonase, arylesterase and glutathione-S-transferase are antioxidants that resist oxidative stress. In this study, we analyzed the changes in these enzymes during intoxication due to mushrooms. METHODS: The study enrolled 49 adult patients with a diagnosis of mushroom poisoning according to clinical findings and 49 healthy volunteers as the control group. The patients with mild clinical findings were hospitalized due to the possibility that the patient had also eaten the mushrooms and due to clinical findings in the late period, which could be fatal. Paraoxonase, arylesterase, and glutathione-S-transferase concentrations, as well as total antioxidant and oxidant status, were determined in the 49 patients and 49 healthy volunteers by taking blood samples in the emergency department. RESULTS: While paraoxonase, arylesterase, and total antioxidant status were significantly decreased in the patient group (p<0.05), glutathione-S-transferase, total oxidant status and the oxidative stress index were significantly higher (p<0.05). There was a positive correlation between the hospitalization time and the oxidative stress index (r=0.752, p<0.001), whereas a negative correlation was found with glutathione-S-transferase (r=-0.420, p=0.003). CONCLUSION: We observed a significant decrease in paraoxonase and arylesterase and an increase in glutathione-S-transferase and oxidative stress indexes in patients with mushroom poisoning, indicating that these patients had an oxidative status. In particular, a low total antioxidant status and high oxidative stress index may gain importance in terms of the assessment of hospitalization duration.

https://ift.tt/2J8IZhK

Current management of biliary atresia based on 35 years of experience at a single center

OBJECTIVE: The prognosis of patients with biliary atresia undergoing Kasai portoenterostomy is related to the timing of the diagnosis and the indication for the procedure. The purpose of the present study is to present a practical flowchart based on 257 children who underwent Kasai portoenterostomy. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients who underwent Kasai portoenterostomy between 1981 and 2016. RESULTS: During the first period (1981 to 2009), 230 infants were treated, and the median age at the time of surgery was 84 days; jaundice was resolved in 77 patients (33.5%). During the second period, from 2010 to 2016, a new diagnostic approach was adopted to shorten the wait time for portoenterostomy; an ultrasonography examination suggestive of the disease was followed by primary surgical exploration of the biliary tract without complementary examination or liver biopsy. Once the diagnosis of biliary atresia was confirmed, a portoenterostomy was performed during the same surgery. During this period, 27 infants underwent operations; the median age at the time of surgery was 66 days (p<0.001), and jaundice was resolved in 15 patients (55.6% - p=0.021), with a survival rate of the native liver of 66.7%. CONCLUSION: Primary surgical exploration of the biliary tract without previous biopsy was effective at improving the prognostic indicators of patients with biliary atresia undergoing Kasai portoenterostomy.

https://ift.tt/2Jbu6uS

Simple but not simpler: a systematic review of Markov models for economic evaluation of cervical cancer screening

The aim of this study was to critically evaluate the quality of the models used in economic evaluations of screening strategies for cervical cancer prevention. We systematically searched multiple databases, selecting model-based full economic evaluations (cost-effectiveness analyses, cost-utility analyses, and cost-benefit analyses) of cervical cancer screening strategies. Two independent reviewers screened articles for relevance and performed data extraction. Methodological assessment of the quality of the models utilized formal checklists, and a qualitative narrative synthesis was performed. Thirty-eight articles were reviewed. The majority of the studies were conducted in high-income countries (82%, n=31). The Pap test was the most used screening strategy investigated, which was present in 86% (n=33) of the studies. Half of the studies (n=19) used a previously published Markov model. The deterministic sensitivity analysis was performed in 92% (n=35) of the studies. The mean number of properly reported checklist items was 9 out of the maximum possible 18. Items that were better reported included the statement of decision problem, the description of the strategies/comparators, the statement of time horizon, and information regarding the disease states. Compliance with some items of the checklist was poor. The Markov models for economic evaluation of screening strategies for cervical cancer varied in quality. The following points require improvement: 1) assessment of methodological, structural, heterogeneity, and parameter uncertainties; 2) model type and cycle length justification; 3) methods to account for heterogeneity; and 4) report of consistency evaluation (through calibration and validation methods).

https://ift.tt/2KUW9E3

NCI and VA collaborate to boost veterans’ access to cancer clinical trials

NCI and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) are launching the NAVIGATE program at 12 VA facilities across the country to make it easier for veterans to participate in NCI-sponsored clinical trials.

https://ift.tt/2zpGO9M

Scholar : Addiction Research & Theory, Volume 26, Issue 5, October 2018 is now available online on Taylor & Francis Online

The online platform for Taylor & Francis Online content Addiction Research & Theory, Volume 26, Issue 5, October 2018 is now available online on Taylor & Francis Online. This new issue contains the following articles: Review Article A systematic mapping of nordic gambling research 2000–2015: current status and suggested future directions Johanna Nordmyr & Anna K. Forsman Pages: 339-348 | DOI: 10.1080/16066359.2018.1426753 Original Article Beyond blunts: reasons for cigarette and cigar use among African American young adult dual users Erin L. Mead, Sarah Lindstrom Johnson, Junaed Siddiqui, James Butler III, Thomas Kirchner & Robert H. Feldman Pages: 349-360 | DOI: 10.1080/16066359.2017.1366456 Peer worker or client?: conflicting identities among peer workers engaged in harm reduction service delivery Lindsay Wilson, Sarah Vannice, Catherine Hacksel & Lynne Leonard Pages: 361-368 | DOI: 10.1080/16066359.2017.1410704 'Everyone wants a community': a qualitative investigation of the challenges and service needs among college students in recovery Christy Kollath-Cattano, Andrea L. DeMaria, Beth Sundstrom, Anna Kooper, Hannah Manzi, Stephanie M. McInnis & Jeri O. Cabot Pages: 369-376 | DOI: 10.1080/16066359.2017.1414199 REMIT: Development of a mHealth theory-based intervention to decrease heavy episodic drinking among college students Donna M. Kazemi, Brian Borsari, Maureen J. Levine, Katie A. Lamberson & Beau Dooley Pages: 377-385 | DOI: 10.1080/16066359.2017.1420783 Social support and mental health during recovery from drug and alcohol problems Breanna Joy McGaffin, Frank P. Deane, Peter J. Kelly & Russell J. Blackman Pages: 386-395 | DOI: 10.1080/16066359.2017.1421178 Social anxiety and alcohol-related outcomes: the mediating role of drinking context and protective strategies Margo C. Villarosa-Hurlocker, Michael B. Madson, Richard S. Mohn, Virgil Zeigler-Hill & Bonnie C. Nicholson Pages: 396-404 | DOI: 10.1080/16066359.2018.1424834 What we know about students in recovery: meta-synthesis of collegiate recovery programs, 2000-2017 Robert D. Ashford, Austin M. Brown, Emily Eisenhart, Anne Thompson-Heller & Brenda Curtis Pages: 405-413 | DOI: 10.1080/16066359.2018.1425399 Cognitive defusion versus experiential avoidance in the reduction of smoking behaviour: an experimental and preliminary investigation Nic Hooper, Charlotte Dack, Maria Karekla, Asli Niyazi & Louise McHugh Pages: 414-420 | DOI: 10.1080/16066359.2018.1434156 Mediational pathways among trait impulsivity, heroin-use consequences, and current mood state Holly H. Reid, Leslie H. Lundahl, Jamey J. Lister, Eric A. Woodcock & Mark K. Greenwald Pages: 421-429 | DOI: 10.1080/16066359.2018.1434513 FREE ACCESS: Health Care for Women International: Research on Women's Health in Africa: Issues, Challenges & Opportunities To update which email alerts you receive, manage your alerts within the My Account area. Unsubscribe from new content alerts for this journal (both new issue and latest article notifications) with one click. If you need any further help, please contact us at support@tandfonline.com Please do not reply to this email. To ensure that you receive your alerts and information from Taylor & Francis Online, please add "alerts@tandfonline.com" and "info@tandfonline.com" to your safe senders list. Taylor & Francis, an Informa business. Taylor & Francis is a trading name of Informa UK Limited, registered in England under no. 1072954. Registered office: 5 Howick Place, London, SW1P 1WG.

DNA methylation alterations as therapeutic prospects in thyroid cancer

Abstract

Background

Thyroid cancer is one of the most common endocrine malignancies. Although the 10-year survival rate of differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) is about 90% after conventional treatments, a small proportion of patients still suffer from tumor recurrence or drug resistance.

Objective

This review article summarizes recent researches and clinical trials related to target drugs that reduce mortality in thyroid cancer.

Methods

This is a review of the recent literature and clinical trials on the three main aspects including methylation genes in thyroid cancers, the relationship between BRAF mutation and gene methylation, target and dehypermethylation drugs in clinical trials.

Results

We propose new approaches to treating malignant thyroid cancer, based on advances in understanding the relationship between genetic and epigenetic changes in thyroid cancer. Although the effect of traditional treatment for thyroid cancer is relatively good, a small proportion of patients still suffer from tumor recurrence or drug resistance. Molecular targeted drugs and dehypermethylation drugs have more promising outcomes in aggressive thyroid cancer compared with conventional treatments.

Conclusion

Based on what was discussed in this review, we suggest that integration of epigenetic and targeted therapies into conventional treatments will reduce the occurrence of refractory radioiodine differentiated thyroid cancer and improve the outcomes in aggressive thyroid cancer patients.

https://ift.tt/2NCo0Hr

Scholar : Atlantic Studies, Volume 15, Issue 3, September 2018 is now available online on Taylor & Francis Online

The online platform for Taylor & Francis Online content Atlantic Studies, Volume 15, Issue 3, September 2018 is now available online on Taylor & Francis Online. Atlantic Communities: Translation, Mobility, Hospitality This new issue contains the following articles: Introduction Atlantic communities: Translation, mobility, hospitality María Teresa Caneda-Cabrera, Rui Carvalho Homem & David Johnston Pages: 301-314 | DOI: 10.1080/14788810.2018.1454581 Articles The Atlantic Crossing and the "New World": The "odd political theology" of modernity Stephen Kelly Pages: 315-331 | DOI: 10.1080/14788810.2017.1367990 Translating China to the Atlantic West: Self, other, and Lin Yutang's resistance Yangyang Long Pages: 332-348 | DOI: 10.1080/14788810.2017.1362790 The cross-Atlantic knowledge divide, or PISA for Development: Should one size ever fit all? Kathleen Kaess Pages: 349-364 | DOI: 10.1080/14788810.2017.1370356 Mary Anne Sadlier's trans-Atlantic links: Migration, religion and translation Michèle Milan Pages: 365-382 | DOI: 10.1080/14788810.2017.1362789 "Nothing important in common": Migrant memory and transnational identity in Joseph O'Neill's Netherland José Liste Noya Pages: 383-401 | DOI: 10.1080/14788810.2017.1363556 Unworked and unavowable: Communities of practice in twenty-first century transatlantic poetry Antonio Jimenez-Munoz Pages: 402-416 | DOI: 10.1080/14788810.2017.1363555 Transatlantic re-soundings: Fats Waller's London Suite and the Jazz Atlantic George Burrows Pages: 417-430 | DOI: 10.1080/14788810.2017.1370352 To update which email alerts you receive, manage your alerts within the My Account area. Unsubscribe from new content alerts for this journal (both new issue and latest article notifications) with one click. If you need any further help, please contact us at support@tandfonline.com Please do not reply to this email. To ensure that you receive your alerts and information from Taylor & Francis Online, please add "alerts@tandfonline.com" and "info@tandfonline.com" to your safe senders list. Taylor & Francis, an Informa business. Taylor & Francis is a trading name of Informa UK Limited, registered in England under no. 1072954. Registered office: 5 Howick Place, London, SW1P 1WG.

Scholar : Critical Discourse Studies, Volume 15, Issue 4, September 2018 is now available online on Taylor & Francis Online

The online platform for Taylor & Francis Online content Critical Discourse Studies, Volume 15, Issue 4, September 2018 is now available online on Taylor & Francis Online. Marx and Discourse This new issue contains the following articles: Introduction Introduction special issue Marx & discourse Johannes Beetz, Benno Herzog & Jens Maesse Pages: 321-324 | DOI: 10.1080/17405904.2018.1456944 Original Articles Language and critique: some anticipations of critical discourse studies in Marx Bob Jessop & Ngai-Ling Sum Pages: 325-337 | DOI: 10.1080/17405904.2018.1456945 Marx and Discourse Conditions and relations of (re)production in Marxism and Discourse Studies Johannes Beetz & Veit Schwab Pages: 338-350 | DOI: 10.1080/17405904.2018.1456946 Original Articles Marx, a 'semiotician'? On the (possible) relevance of a materialistic-semiotic approach to discourse studies Giorgio Borrelli Pages: 351-363 | DOI: 10.1080/17405904.2018.1456947 Discursive Marxism: how Marx treats the economy and what discourse studies contribute to it Jens Maesse Pages: 364-376 | DOI: 10.1080/17405904.2018.1457548 Marx, discourse theory and political analysis: negotiating an ambiguous legacy David Howarth Pages: 377-389 | DOI: 10.1080/17405904.2018.1457550 Some thoughts on CDS and its Marxist political economy bases David Block Pages: 390-401 | DOI: 10.1080/17405904.2018.1456943 Marx's critique of ideology for discourse analysis: from analysis of ideologies to social critique Benno Herzog Pages: 402-413 | DOI: 10.1080/17405904.2018.1457549 Accumulating discursive capital, valuating subject positions. From Marx to Foucault | Johannes Angermuller Pages: 414-425 | DOI: 10.1080/17405904.2018.1457551 To update which email alerts you receive, manage your alerts within the My Account area. Unsubscribe from new content alerts for this journal (both new issue and latest article notifications) with one click. If you need any further help, please contact us at support@tandfonline.com Please do not reply to this email. To ensure that you receive your alerts and information from Taylor & Francis Online, please add "alerts@tandfonline.com" and "info@tandfonline.com" to your safe senders list. Taylor & Francis, an Informa business. Taylor & Francis is a trading name of Informa UK Limited, registered in England under no. 1072954. Registered office: 5 Howick Place, London, SW1P 1WG.

Pathogenic role of tissue-resident memory T cells in autoimmune diseases

Publication date: Available online 10 July 2018

Source: Autoimmunity Reviews

Author(s): Haijing Wu, Wei Liao, Qianwen Li, Hai Long, Heng Yin, Ming Zhao, Vera Chan, Chak-Sing Lau, Qianjin Lu

Abstract

The tissue-resident memory T (T_RM) cells constitute a newly identified subset of memory T cells which are non-circulating and they persist for long-term in epithelial barrier tissues, including skin, lung, gastrointestinal tract and reproductive tract, and in non-barrier tissues, including brain, kidney, pancreas and joint. These cells provide rapid on-site immune protection against previous exposed pathogens in peripheral tissues. There cells are transcriptionally, functionally and phenotypically distinguished from circulating effector memory T cells. In addition to their protective functions, increasing evidence reveals that autoreactive and/or aberrantly activated T_RM cells may be involved in the pathogenesis of autoimmune disorders such as psoriasis and, as recently reported, may contribute to vitiligo, autoimmune hepatitis and rheumatoid arthritis. Therefore, this review aims to summarize the current progress in the biology of T_RM cells, such as the newly identified T_RM markers, upstream regulators, and the functions of T_RM cells. We also discuss the contributions of T_RM cells to the development of autoimmunity to broaden our understanding of autoimmune diseases and to provide novel potential therapeutic strategies for these diseases.

https://ift.tt/2KZ6xKL

Chemical shift-encoded MRI for assessment of bone marrow adipose tissue fat composition: Pilot study in premenopausal versus postmenopausal women

Publication date: Available online 10 July 2018

Source: Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Author(s): Dimitri Martel, Benjamin Leporq, Mary Bruno, Ravinder Regatte, Stephen Honig, Gregory Chang

Abstract

Object

To quantify and compare subregional proximal femur bone marrow fat composition in premenopausal and postmenopausal women using chemical shift-encoded-MRI (CSE-MRI).

Materials and methods

A multi gradient-echo sequence at 3 T was used to scan both hips of premenopausal (n = 9) and postmenopausal (n = 18) women. Subregional fat composition (saturation, poly-unsaturation, mono-unsaturation) was quantitatively assessed in the femoral head, femoral neck, Ward's triangle, greater trochanter, and proximal shaft in bone marrow adipose tissue and separately within red and yellow marrow adipose tissue.

Results

Significant differences in fat composition in postmenopausal compared to premenopausal women, which varied depending on the subregion analyzed, were found. Within both whole and yellow marrow adipose tissue, postmenopausal women demonstrated higher saturation (+14.7% to +43.3%), lower mono- (−11.4% to −33%) and polyunsaturation (−52 to −83%) (p < 0.05). Within red marrow adipose tissue, postmenopausal women demonstrated lower fat quantity (−16% to −24%) and decreased polyunsaturation (−80 to −120%) in the femoral neck, greater trochanter, and Ward's triangle (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

CSE-MRI can be used to detect subregional differences in proximal femur marrow adipose tissue composition between pre- and post-menopausal women in clinically feasible scan times.

https://ift.tt/2J9DNdw