Keratosis Pilaris and its Subtypes: Associations, New Molecular and Pharmacologic Etiologies, and Therapeutic Options

Abstract

Keratosis pilaris is a common skin disorder comprising less common variants and rare subtypes, including keratosis pilaris rubra, erythromelanosis follicularis faciei et colli, and the spectrum of keratosis pilaris atrophicans. Data, and critical analysis of existing data, are lacking, so the etiologies, pathogeneses, disease associations, and treatments of these clinical entities are poorly understood. The present article aims to fill this knowledge gap by reviewing literature in the PubMed, EMBASE, and CINAHL databases and providing a comprehensive, analytical summary of the clinical characteristics and pathophysiology of keratosis pilaris and its subtypes through the lens of disease associations, genetics, and pharmacologic etiologies. Histopathologic, genomic, and epidemiologic evidence points to keratosis pilaris as a primary disorder of the pilosebaceous unit as a result of inherited mutations or acquired disruptions in various biomolecular pathways. Recent data highlight aberrant Ras signaling as an important contributor to the pathophysiology of keratosis pilaris and its subtypes. We also evaluate data on treatments for keratosis pilaris and its subtypes, including topical, systemic, and energy-based therapies. The effectiveness of various types of lasers in treating keratosis pilaris and its subtypes deserves wider recognition.

https://ift.tt/2NGWHLn

Sirolimus for treatment of verrucous venous malformation: A retrospective cohort study

Publication date: Available online 24 July 2018

Source: Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology

Author(s): Gaolei Zhang, Hongguang Chen, Zhen Zhen, Jianyou Chen, Sheng Zhang, Qin Qin, Xiaoyan Liu

https://ift.tt/2Lmpkkg

Methods for Decreasing the Incidence of Moist Desquamation in Patients Undergoing Radiotherapy

Publication date: Available online 24 July 2018

Source: Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology

Author(s): Raagini Suresh, Florence Yuen, Jenny E. Murase

https://ift.tt/2LGa8KW

Nail photography tricks for pediatric and geriatric patients

Publication date: Available online 24 July 2018

Source: Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology

Author(s): Sanjeev Gupta, Archana Singal, Kartikay Aggarwal, Ravi Shankar Jangra

https://ift.tt/2LgYxG1

Lightening Becker’s Nevus with Topical Glycolic Acid

Publication date: Available online 24 July 2018

Source: Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology

Author(s): Yiping Zhong, Yongjun Chen, Lining Huang, Hui Wang, Tingting Yan, Bin Yang, Mao-Qiang Man

https://ift.tt/2LGa3qC

Mammographic Density and Circulating Sex Hormones: a Cross-Sectional Study in Postmenopausal Korean Women

Abstract

Mammographic density (MD) is a strong independent risk factor for breast cancer. It has been suggested that breast cancer is related to the exposure to circulating sex hormones. However, relations between MD and hormones have been inconsistent. In addition, such relations are mainly evaluated in Western populations. Therefore, we conducted a cross-sectional study in 396 cancer-free postmenopausal Korean women who had never used hormone replacement therapy. We assayed estradiol, testosterone, and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) levels. We then calculated free testosterone (cFT) levels. Total and dense areas of digital mammogram were measured using a computer-assisted thresholding method, and non-dense area and percent dense area were calculated. Linear mixed model was used for analyses. Estradiol and testosterone levels were not associated with any MD measures after adjusting for reproductive factors and body mass index. However, cFT was persistently associated with non-dense area even after adjusting for covariates, with non-dense area increased by 3.5% per 1 standard deviation increase of cFT. SHBG showed an inverse association with non-dense area, although it showed a positive association with dense area and percent dense area regardless of adjustment for covariates. Non-dense area was decreased by 5.6% while percent dense area was increased by 13.4% per 1 standard deviation increase of SHBG. These findings suggest that SHBG might be related with breast cancer risk, probably through its association with breast density.

https://ift.tt/2JTdo3Q

Low-Cd tomato cultivars ( Solanum lycopersicum L.) screened in non-saline soils also accumulated low Cd, Zn, and Cu in heavy metal-polluted saline soils

Abstract

Many reclaimed tidal flat soils feature high salinity and heavy metal (HM) accumulation. Consumption of vegetables cultivated in this type of cropland may cause health risks. Low-Cd tomato cultivars (Solanum lycopersicum L.) were identified in non-saline soil in our previous studies (Tan et al. 2014). However, further research should determine whether these low-Cd cultivars will maintain in the repeatability and stability in saline soil and whether they have low accumulation abilities for accompanying metals (such as Zn and Cu). A soil-pot trial was implemented to measure Cd, Zn, and Cu concentrations in low- and high-Cd cultivars of both common and cherry-type tomatoes grown on HM-polluted reclaimed tidal flat saline soil. Then, cultivar differences in dissolution of Cd, Zn, and Cu in soil and their uptake and redistribution in plants were analyzed. Results showed that the cherry type accumulated more Cd, Zn, and Cu than the common type. Low-Cd cultivars of both types in saline soil accumulated low concentrations of Cd, Zn, and Cu in fruits. Low HM accumulation in fruits is partly attributed to a low root/shoot (R/S) biomass ratio. Low amounts of soil HMs were dissolved because of the low level of rhizosphere organic compounds, which possibly decreased HM uptake by the roots. Low-Cd cultivars of both tomato types had a higher ability to retain HMs in the roots than their high-Cd cultivars. These findings may provide a scientific guidance for the safe cultivation of HM-polluted saline soils.

https://ift.tt/2LzdZg7

Störungen des Kalziumhaushalts

Anästhesiol Intensivmed Notfallmed Schmerzther 2018; 53: 516-528
DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-121655

Störungen des Kalziumhaushalts sind weit verbreitet. Ihre pathophysiologischen Ursachen sind sehr heterogen und die klinischen Symptome häufig unspezifisch. Daher ist eine genaue Diagnostik unerlässlich und ein schneller Ausgleich der Kalziumhomöostase essenziell. Dieser Artikel erörtert die pathophysiologischen, diagnostischen und therapeutischen Pfeiler von Hypo- und Hyperkalzämie sowie ihre Auswirkungen auf Anästhesie und Intensivmedizin.
[...]

Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

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Videolaryngoskopie – Ende der Fiberoptik beim erwartet schwierigen Atemweg?

Anästhesiol Intensivmed Notfallmed Schmerzther 2018; 53: 487-488
DOI: 10.1055/a-0643-3504

Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

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Störungen des Natriumhaushalts

Anästhesiol Intensivmed Notfallmed Schmerzther 2018; 53: 492-502
DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-121662

Störungen des Natriumhaushalts sind häufig auftretende Elektrolytimbalancen. Sowohl sie selbst als auch ihre unsachgemäße Therapie können schwerwiegende Komplikationen nach sich ziehen. Der vorliegende Artikel informiert über die Ätiologie von Störungen des Natriumhaushalts und stellt wichtige therapeutische Prinzipien dar.
[...]

Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

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Vollelektrolyt- versus NaCl-Lösung in der Therapie kritisch kranker Erwachsener

Anästhesiol Intensivmed Notfallmed Schmerzther 2018; 53: 488-488
DOI: 10.1055/a-0643-3479

Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

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Orale Antikoagulanzien: Management von elektiven und Notfalleingriffen

Anästhesiol Intensivmed Notfallmed Schmerzther 2018; 53: 543-550
DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-111006

Orale Antikoagulation bei chirurgischen Patienten erfolgt meistens mit Vitamin-K-Antagonisten (VKA) oder nicht-Vitamin-K-antagonistischen oralen Antikoagulanzien (NOAK). Während VKA wegen ihrer langen Halbwertszeit über die INR gesteuert werden, ist bei NOAK in der Regel keine Gerinnungskontrolle notwendig. Die Gabe erfolgt in festen Dosierungen. Spezifische Gerinnungswerte zur Bestimmung der Wirkung von NOAK können über die Anti-Faktor-Xa(FXa)-Aktivität (für FXa-Inhibitoren: Apixaban, Edoxaban, Rivaroxaban) und die verdünnte Thrombinzeit (für Dabigatran) erfolgen. Es gibt aktuell keine validierten Grenzwerte, die mit einem erhöhten Risiko für perioperative Blutungen einhergehen. Während VKA perioperativ auf eine parenterale Antikoagulation (z. B. niedermolekulares Heparin) umgestellt werden („Bridging"), werden NOAK pausiert. Ebenso ist nach ausreichendem Sicherheitsabstand die Durchführung von rückenmarksnahen Regionalanästhesieverfahren möglich. Falls erforderlich können NOAK auch auf ein parenterales Verfahren umgestellt werden („Switching"). Lebensbedrohliche Blutungskomplikationen können sowohl unter VKA als auch unter NOAK mit Prothrombinkomplex (PPSB) behandelt werden. Für Dabigatran steht ein Antidot zur Verfügung.
[...]

Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

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Glukokortikoid-Therapie im septischen Schock – ja oder nein?

Anästhesiol Intensivmed Notfallmed Schmerzther 2018; 53: 489-489
DOI: 10.1055/a-0643-3451

Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

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https://ift.tt/2v09Pn4

Störungen des Kaliumhaushalts

Anästhesiol Intensivmed Notfallmed Schmerzther 2018; 53: 504-514
DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-121654

Störungen des Kaliumhaushalts sind perioperativ und beim Intensivpatienten häufig anzutreffen – sie können sich schnell zu einer akuten Lebensbedrohung entwickeln. Dieser Beitrag geht auf die physiologischen Grundlagen des Kaliumhaushalts ein und zeigt auf, wie akute Störungen behandelt werden können.
[...]

Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

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https://ift.tt/2LzcQVU

Elektrolytstörungen

Anästhesiol Intensivmed Notfallmed Schmerzther 2018; 53: 490-491
DOI: 10.1055/a-0631-0160

Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

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Neue Antibiotika für die Therapie von multiresistenten gramnegativen Bakterien

Anästhesiol Intensivmed Notfallmed Schmerzther 2018; 53: 529-542
DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-110504

Die stetige Zunahme an bakteriellen Resistenzen und von multiresistenten Erregern (MRE) – vor allem im gramnegativen Bereich – ist ein weltweites Problem. Die Entwicklung neuer Wirkstoffe gegen Infektionen mit multiresistenten gramnegativen Erregern (MRGN) besitzt daher höchste Priorität. Im Folgenden werden kürzlich zugelassene oder in der fortgeschrittenen klinischen Prüfung befindliche Antibiotika mit Wirksamkeit gegen MRGN vorgestellt.
[...]

Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

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Versorgung von Traumapatienten mit dem „REBEL“-Set

Anästhesiol Intensivmed Notfallmed Schmerzther 2018; 53: 551-558
DOI: 10.1055/s-0044-102122

Die zunehmende Terrorbedrohung und ein verändertes Einsatzspektrum für den Rettungsdienst erfordern eine Anpassung und Erweiterung von Notfallrettungsmitteln und Einsatztaktik. Ein Beispiel hierfür ist die bayerische „Handlungsempfehlung für Rettungsdienst bei besonderen Einsatzlagen (REBEL)". Es werden 3 Fälle vorgestellt, bei denen „neue Hilfsmittel" wie Hämostyptika, Thoraxverschlusspflaster und Tourniquet aus dem REBEL-Set bei Rettungsdiensteinsätzen angewandt wurden.
[...]

Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

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Gefährliche Patientenübergaben!

Anästhesiol Intensivmed Notfallmed Schmerzther 2018; 53: 486-487
DOI: 10.1055/a-0643-3517

Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

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Three-dimensional graphene-based adsorbents in sewage disposal: a review

Abstract

A kind of graphene functional materials based on three-dimensional (3D) porous structure is a new star for environmental application in the past decades because it not only inherits the perfect carbon crystal structure of two-dimensional (2D) graphene sheets but also exhibits several advantages such as extremely low density, high porosity, and big surface area, all which enable diverse contaminants to easily access and diffuse into 3D networks, and make these materials ideal adsorbents with superior adsorptivity and recyclability. This review aims to summarize the recent progress in constructing 3D graphene-based adsorbents (3DGBAs) with two hybrid systems such as graphene/polymers and graphene/inorganic nanomaterials, and to provide a fundamental understanding of synthetic methods for interconnecting these nanostructures, structure–property relationships, and extensive applications in environmental protection towards adsorption of heavy metals, dyes, oils, and organic pollutants. Furthermore, we make a forecast on the future development opportunities and technical challenges, which is hoped to make an inspiration for the researchers to exploit a new family of graphene-based adsorption materials.

Graphical abstract

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https://ift.tt/2JOZe3O

MANAGEMENT OF ENDOCRINE DISEASE: Differential diagnosis, investigation and therapy of bilateral adrenal incidentalomas

The investigation and management of unilateral adrenal incidentalomas have been extensively considered in the last decades. While bilateral adrenal incidentalomas represent about 15% of adrenal incidentalomas (AIs), they have been less frequently discussed. The differential diagnosis of bilateral incidentalomas includes metastasis, primary bilateral macronodular adrenal hyperplasia and bilateral cortical adenomas. Less frequent etiologies are bilateral pheochromocytomas, congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), Cushing's disease or ectopic ACTH secretion with secondary bilateral adrenal hyperplasia, primary malignancies, myelolipomas, infections or hemorrhage. The investigation of bilateral incidentalomas includes the same hormonal evaluation to exclude excess hormone secretion as recommended in unilateral AI, but diagnosis of CAH and adrenal insufficiency should also be excluded. This review is focused on the differential diagnosis, investigation and treatment of bilateral AIs.

https://ift.tt/2LeXdnb

ANNIVERSARY REVIEW: 50 years since the discovery of bromocriptine

Ergotism is the long-term ergot poisoning by ingestion of rye or other grains infected with the fungus Claviceps purpurea and more recently by excessive intake of ergot drugs. It has either neuropsychiatric or vascular manifestations. In the Middle Ages, the gangrenous poisoning was known as St. Anthony's fire, after the order of the Monks of St. Anthony who were particularly skilled at treating the condition. In 1917, Prof. Arthur Stoll returned home to Switzerland from Germany, to lead the development of a new pharmaceutical department at Sandoz Chemical Company. Stoll, using the special methods of extraction learned from his work with his mentor Willstetter, started his industrial research work with ergot. He succeeded in isolating, from the ergot of rye, ergotamine as an active principle of an old popular remedy for excessive post-partum bleeding. The success of this discovery occurred in 1918 and was translated into a pharmaceutical product in 1921 under the trade name Gynergen. In subsequent work, Stoll and his team were leaders in identifying the structure of the many other alkaloids and amines produced by Claviceps purpurea. This was the cultural background and scientific foundation on which bromocriptine was discovered.

https://ift.tt/2JORkYb

Surviving ectopic Cushings syndrome: quality of life, cardiovascular and metabolic outcomes in comparison to Cushings disease during long-term follow-up

Objective

Aim of our study was to analyze long-term outcome of patients with the ectopic Cushing's syndrome (ECS) compared to patients with Cushing's disease (CD) regarding cardiovascular, metabolic, musculoskeletal and psychiatric comorbidities.

Design

Cross-sectional study in patients with ECS and CD in two German academic tertiary care centers.

Methods

Standardized clinical follow-up examination was performed including health-related quality of life (QoL) in 21 ECS patients in long-term remission (≥18 months since successful surgery). Fifty-nine patients with CD in remission served as controls.

Results

Time from first symptoms to diagnosis of Cushing's syndrome (CS) was shorter in ECS than in CD (8.5 (IQR: 30.3) vs 25 (IQR: 39.0) months, P = 0.050). ECS patients had lower self-reported psychiatric morbidity compared to CD (19% vs 43%, P = 0.050) at follow-up. Moreover, female ECS patients reported favorable scores for QoL in the SF-36 questionnaire (mental health: 92 (IQR: 30) vs 64 (IQR: 32) in CD, P = 0.010) and a Cushing-specific QoL questionnaire (73 (IQR: 18) vs 59 (IQR: 36) in CD, P = 0.030). In a pooled analysis of ECS and CD patients, QoL correlated with time from first symptoms until diagnosis of CS, but not with urinary free cortisol levels or serum cortisol after dexamethasone at the time of diagnosis. Long-term outcomes regarding hypertension, metabolic parameters, bone mineral density and grip strength were comparable in ECS and CD.

Conclusions

Our data support the concept that time of exposure to glucocorticoid excess appears to be a better predictor than peak serum cortisol levels at the time of diagnosis regarding long-term psychiatric morbidity and QoL.

https://ift.tt/2LhXUff

The relationship between serum IGF-1, handgrip strength, physical performance and falls in elderly men and women

Objective

Human aging is accompanied by a decrease in growth hormone secretion and serum insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1 levels. Also, loss of muscle mass and strength and impairment of physical performance, ending in a state of frailty, are seen in elderly. We aimed to investigate whether handgrip strength, physical performance and recurrent falls are related to serum IGF-1 levels in community-dwelling elderly.

Design

Observational cohort study (cross-sectional and prospective).

Methods

We studied the association between IGF-1 and handgrip strength, physical performance and falls in participants of the Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam. A total of 1292 participants were included (633 men, 659 women). Serum IGF-1 levels were divided into quartiles (IGF-1-Q1 to IGF-1-Q4). Data on falls were collected prospectively for a period of 3 years. All analyses were stratified for age and physical activity and adjusted for relevant confounders.

Results

Men with a low physical activity score in IGF-1-Q1 and IGF-1-Q2 of the younger age group had a lower handgrip strength compared to IGF-1-Q4. In younger more active males in IGF-1-Q2 physical performance was worse. Recurrent fallers were less prevalent in older, low active males with low IGF-1 levels. In females, recurrent fallers were more prevalent in older, more active females in IGF-1-Q2. IGF-1 quartile may predict changes in handgrip strength and physical performance in men and women.

Conclusions

Our results indicate that lower IGF-1 levels are associated with lower handgrip strength and worse physical performance, but less recurrent fallers especially in men. Associations were often more robust in IGF-1-Q2. Future studies on this topic are desirable.

https://ift.tt/2JMViAJ

MECHANISMS OF ENDOCRINOLOGY: Cell cycle regulation in adrenocortical carcinoma

Adrenocortical carcinomas (ACCs) are rather rare endocrine tumors that often have a poor prognosis. The reduced survival rate associated with these tumors is due to their aggressive biological behavior, combined with the scarcity of effective treatment options that are currently available. The recent identification of the genomic alterations present in ACC have provided further molecular mechanisms to develop consistent strategies for the diagnosis, prevention of progression and treatment of advanced ACCs. Taken together, molecular and genomic advances could be leading the way to develop personalized medicine in ACCs similarly to similar developments in lung or breast cancers. In this review, we focused our attention to systematically compile and summarize the alterations in the cell cycle regulation that were described so far in ACC as they are known to play a crucial role in cell differentiation and growth. We have divided the analysis according to the major transition phases of the cell cycle, G1 to S and G2 to M. We have analyzed the most extensively studied checkpoints: the p53/Rb1 pathway, CDC2/cyclin B and topoisomerases (TOPs). We reached the conclusion that the most important alterations having a potential application in clinical practice are the ones related to p53/Rb1 and TOP 2. We also present a brief description of on-going clinical trials based on molecular alterations in ACC. The drugs have targeted the insulin-like growth factor receptor 1, TOP 2, polo-like kinase1, cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors, p53 reactivation and CDC25.

https://ift.tt/2LfTG7W

Characterization of an activating R1353H insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor variant in a male with extreme tall height

Objective

The insulin-like growth factor1 receptor (IGF1R) is important in growth and development, and inactivating IGF1R mutations cause short stature and relatively high levels of serum IGF-I. We identified an unclassified IGF1R^R1353H variant in a male with extreme tall height, very low levels of serum IGF-I and delayed and prolonged growth spurt. The index case's mother and three sons all carried the variant, but so far only the eldest son (age 18 years) presented with tall height. We hypothesized that the variant could constitute an activating mutation.

Design

The IGF1R^R1353H variant was investigated in Igf1r^–/– mouse embryonic fibroblasts (R-cells) by cell cycle, colony formation and transcriptome analyses.

Results

The IGF1R^R1353H (R-1353) exhibited significantly increased cell proliferation, G1-S progression and colony formation in soft agar. RNA sequencing identified 195 differentially expressed genes between R-WT and R-1353 (adjusted P < 1E-100). Most genes were upregulated in R-1353, including the gene encoding the androgen receptor (AR). Gene expression profiling showed the most significant enrichment in extracellular matrix organization (P = 2.76E-7), collagen biosynthesis (P = 1.21E-5) and cell adhesion (P = 7.38E-5). Retrospective biochemical analysis of the index case revealed decreased testosterone and sex hormone-binding globulin levels, whereas LH and FSH were within normal ranges. This profile suggests an increased sensitivity to androgen, which is compatible with the enhanced expression of Ar in R-1353 cells.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that R1353H constitutes an activating IGF1R variant. The possible deregulation of collagen turnover and increased androgen sensitivity implicates an association to tall phenotype in male carriers.

https://ift.tt/2LIWNBE

False-positive findings on 6-[18F]fluor-L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine PET (18F-FDOPA-PET) performed for imaging of neuroendocrine tumors

Background/aim

PET with 6-[18F]fluor-l-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (¹⁸F-FDOPA) has been shown to be a useful imaging tool with a high sensitivity for the visualization of neuroendocrine tumors (NETs). ¹⁸F-FDOPA uptake in tumors other than NETs has been suggested previously, but data on this phenomenon are limited. We therefore studied the non-physiological, false-positive uptake of ¹⁸F-FDOPA in a large population of patients with a NET or with a high clinical suspicion of harboring a NET.

Patients and methods

Retrospective single-center study among adult patients in whom ¹⁸F-FDOPA PET scintigraphy was performed between January 2004 and December 2014. The original scan report was compared with the original pathology report corresponding with the ¹⁸F-FDOPA PET-positive lesion. In case this was inconsistent with the diagnosis of a NET, both the scan and the pathology slides were reassessed. Specimens of these non-NET tissues were immunohistochemically stained for AADC.

Results

1070 ¹⁸F-FDOPA PET scans from 705 patients were evaluated. Focal or multiple ¹⁸F-FDOPA-avid lesions were described in 709 ¹⁸F-FDOPA PET scans (66%). Histology of these ¹⁸F-FDOPA PET-positive lesions was present in 508 (72%) cases. In seven cases, the histopathology was not compatible with NET but showed squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix, multiple myeloma (two cases), hepatocellular carcinoma, Schwannoma, adrenocortical carcinoma and a skeletal myxoid chondrosarcoma, with positive immunohistochemical staining for AADC in 67%.

Conclusions

Pathological uptake of ¹⁸F-FDOPA does not always indicate the presence of a NET. The possibility of ¹⁸F-FDOPA uptake by tumor types other than NETs, although rare, should be considered.

https://ift.tt/2LiWWzp

Reproductive drugs and environmental contamination: quantum, impact assessment and control strategies

Abstract

Industrial and municipal solid wastes, noise, pesticides, fertilizers and vehicular emission are visible pollutants responsible for environmental contamination and ill-effects on health of all living systems. But, environmental contamination due to drugs or medicines used for different purposes in humans and animals goes unseen largely and can affect the health of living system severely. During the last few decades, the usage of drugs has increased drastically, resulting in increased drug load in soil and water. Contraceptive and fertility drugs are extensively and effectively used in humans as well as animals for different purposes. Usage of these reproductive drugs in humans is increased manifold to manage reproductive problems and/or for birth control with changing lifestyles. These drugs are excreted in urine and faeces as metabolite or conjugated forms, leading to contamination of water, milk and animal produce, which are consumed directly by humans as well as animals. These drugs are not eliminated even by water treatment plant. Consumption of such contaminated water, milk, meat and poultry products results in reproductive disorders such as fertility loss in men and increase risk of different types of cancers in humans. Therefore, assessment of impact of environmental contamination by these drugs on living system is of paramount importance. The purpose of this review article is to provide a comprehensive analysis of various research and review reports on different contraceptive and fertility drugs used in human and animals, their occurrence in the environment and their ill-effects on living systems. The approaches to control this invisible menace have also been proposed.

https://ift.tt/2mAYl5L

Indoor and outdoor concentrations of BTEX and formaldehyde in Tehran, Iran: effects of building characteristics and health risk assessment

Abstract

BTEX (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, xylene) and formaldehyde are toxic compounds that can induce adverse health effect in humans. This study measured in-home and ambient concentrations of BTEX and formaldehyde across Tehran, Iran. These pollutants were sampled from the indoor and adjacent outdoor air of 45 houses (9 in each city zone) during the winter of 2015. Sampling was repeated three times for each house. The analyses were performed according to NIOSH procedures. The effect of flooring material, wall covering, ventilation system, heating system, height above ground, presence of attached garages, and distance from highways was evaluated. In addition, carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks of these compounds were assessed. The average indoor concentrations of benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, xylene, and formaldehyde were 53.2, 21.5, 14.4, 21.1, and 17.9 μg/m³, respectively. The average outdoor concentrations of benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, xylene, and formaldehyde were 43.5, 26.2, 10.0, 19.1, and 6.9 μg/m³, respectively. Separate regression models showed that wall coating, ventilation system, heating system, flat level, and distance from highways explained 29, 60, 16, 60, and 59% of the BTEX concentrations, respectively. Houses with oil painted walls and parquet flooring had higher concentrations of BTEX and formaldehyde, respectively. The health risk assessment found that the carcinogenic risks of benzene and formaldehyde exceeded 1 × 10⁻⁴ and represent a definite risk. New buildings can be designed based on the results of this study to use better materials and optimum building designs to reduce exposure to these toxic air pollutants.

https://ift.tt/2uKFaLd

Promoting effect of Nb doping on catalytic performance for deep oxidation of 1, 2-dichloroethane over (Ce,Cr) x O 2 -Nb 2 O 5 catalysts

Abstract

A series of Nb-doped (Ce,Cr)_xO₂-Nb₂O₅ mixed oxides with varying (Ce,Cr)_xO_2/Nb₂O₅ mass ratio were prepared by a co-precipitation method and evaluated for the catalytic performance of eliminating 1,2-dichloroethane (DCE). The results indicate that there exists a strong synergistic effect between acid sites and redox species in (Ce,Cr)_xO₂-Nb₂O₅ improving the catalytic activity for DCE oxidation. Appropriate Nb doping could promote the high dispersion and the interaction of metal oxides in the (Ce,Cr)_xO₂-Nb₂O₅ catalysts, resulting in the formation of more Cr⁶⁺ species with strong oxidizing ability and excellent mobility of oxygen species from bulk to surface to create more active sites for DCE deep oxidation. The (Ce,Cr)_xO₂-Nb₂O₅ catalysts with (Ce,Cr)_xO₂/Nb₂O₅ ratios of 2/1~1/2 exhibit excellent catalytic activity and durability for DCE degradation in dry air as well as benzene or water vapor, and less chlorinated byproduct is produced during the degradation of DCE.

https://ift.tt/2LJE5Ki

Molecular profiling of regulatory T cells in pulmonary sarcoidosis

Publication date: Available online 23 July 2018

Source: Journal of Autoimmunity

Author(s): Neli Kachamakova-Trojanowska, Agnieszka Jazwa-Kusior, Krzysztof Szade, Lukasz Kasper, Jerzy Soja, Anna Andrychiewicz, Bogdan Jakiela, Hanna Plutecka, Marek Sanak, Alicja Jozkowicz, Krzysztof Sladek, Jozef Dulak

Abstract

Background

Sarcoidosis is characterized by exaggerated immune response to unknown agent and can affect different organs. One of the main players in the pathology of the disease are regulatory T cells (Tregs), however, up to date the mechanisms of the possible molecular alterations of this particular cell subset are not known.

Methods

In the current study we looked for the global transcriptomic changes of miRNAs, using predefined array, and mRNAs (RNA seq analysis) of Tregs of patients with the most predominant form of the disease - acute pulmonary sarcoidosis (PS). For this purpose sorted CD4+/CD25+/CD127- Tregs from peripheral blood (PB) and CD4+/CD25 + Tregs from bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) were used.

Results

MiRNA analysis revealed that Tregs isolated from PB and BAL display significantly different miRNA profile, suggesting an important role of the pulmonary microenvironment in creating these changes. Among disease-related miRNAs of PB Tregs we identified miR-155 and miR-223. Moreover, looking at the global transcriptome of PB Tregs, we recognized alterations in TLR-2 signaling pathway and in the downstream of NF-κB apoptosis and proliferation signals. However, induction of TLR-2 expression was found not only in Tregs, but also in the heterogeneous population of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) as well as two PBMC subpopulations (CD4+/CD25-and CD4-/CD25-) of patients with PS. This indicates that activation of TLR signaling pathway in sarcoidosis does not occur only in Tregs.

Conclusion

Our findings offer a deeper insight into the molecular mechanisms of Tregs reduced suppression and increased apoptosis in patients with PS. Based on the current results, future studies should focus on possible therapeutic effect of TLR-2 signaling inhibition.

https://ift.tt/2O8EbN0

Altered distribution and function of splenic innate lymphoid cells in adult chronic immune thrombocytopenia.

Publication date: Available online 23 July 2018

Source: Journal of Autoimmunity

Author(s): Sylvain Audia, Thomas Moulinet, Marion Ciudad-Bonté, Maxime Samson, Olivier Facy, Pablo Ortega-Deballon, Philippe Saas, Bernard Bonnotte

Abstract

Innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) have been characterized as innate immune cells capable to modulate the immune response in the mucosae. Human ILCs have been rarely described in secondary lymphoid organs except in tonsils. Moreover, their function and phenotype in human secondary lymphoid organs during autoimmune diseases have never been studied. We took advantage of splenectomy as a treatment of immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) to describe and compare splenic ILC from 18 ITP patients to 11 controls. We first confirmed that ILC3 represented the most abundant ILC subset in human non-inflamed spleens, accounting for 90% of total ILC, and that they were mostly constituted of NKp44^- cells. On the contrary, proportions of ILC1 and ILC2 in spleens were lower than in blood. Splenic IL-2- and IFN-γ-producing ILC1 were increased in ITP. While the frequencies of total splenic ILC3 were similar in the two groups, splenic GM-CSF-producing ILC3 were increased in ITP.

This is the first description of human ILC in a major secondary lymphoid organ during an autoimmune disease, ITP. We observed an expansion of splenic ILC1 that could participate to the Th1 skewing, while the increased production of GM-CSF by splenic ILC3 could stimulate splenic macrophages which play a key role in ITP pathophysiology.

https://ift.tt/2NDof49

The increasing carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) due to global climate change strengthens the plants and inhibits pathogenic infection

https://ift.tt/2Oa5Z3G

Challenges and Opportunities of Neoadjuvant Treatment in Locally Advanced Melanoma

Abstract

Locally advanced and metastatic melanoma have historically had poor survival outcomes. Long-term follow-up of both targeted therapies and immune checkpoint inhibitors has confirmed the survival benefit of these agents in stage IV melanoma, and recent studies have now demonstrated relapse-free survival benefits from these targeted and immunotherapeutic agents in the adjuvant setting. Neoadjuvant treatment of locally advanced melanoma, including in-transit disease, is now under investigation. Clinical trials have shown early promising results using either combination targeted therapy or immune checkpoint inhibitors. Neoadjuvant treatment may improve surgical morbidity, but balancing treatment efficacy and toxicity has already been challenging in the use of combination immune checkpoint inhibitors preoperatively. While improvement in relapse-free survival has been noted, additional follow-up of patients receiving neoadjuvant treatment will be necessary to report on long-term outcomes. Neoadjuvant treatment also provides additional translational research opportunities to determine predictive biomarkers for targeted therapy and immune checkpoint inhibitors. Evidence of early resistance to treatment may also lead to novel combination therapies to explore in future clinical trials. While neoadjuvant treatment in locally advanced melanoma has exciting potential, more investigation is necessary to determine efficacious regimens with manageable toxicities.

https://ift.tt/2ObVI7d

The Detection of Barrett's Esophagus by Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Prevents Esophageal Carcinoma in Morbid Obese After Sleeve Gastrectomy

Condition:   Gastroesophageal Reflux
Intervention:  
Sponsor:   Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nice
Recruiting

https://ift.tt/2uZGmtq

Nomograms to Precisely Predict Conditional Risk of Recurrence for Patients With Laryngeal Cancer

Condition:   Recurrent Laryngeal Cancer
Intervention:   Other: Recurrence laryngeal cancer
Sponsor:   First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University
Recruiting

https://ift.tt/2LCnN9i

Cosmetics, Vol. 5, Pages 47: Analysis of Dyes in Cosmetics: Challenges and Recent Developments

Cosmetics, Vol. 5, Pages 47: Analysis of Dyes in Cosmetics: Challenges and Recent Developments

Cosmetics doi: 10.3390/cosmetics5030047

Authors: Eugenia Guerra Maria Llompart Carmen Garcia-Jares

Colour plays a decisive role in the marketing of a cosmetic product. Among thousands of substances used to colour, synthetic dyes are the most widespread in the industry. Their potential secondary effects on human health and different regulatory requirements for their use between the main world markets make analytical control necessary to guarantee the safety of a cosmetic product. However, methodologies for the determination of dyes in cosmetics are scarce with respect to those reported for other cosmetic ingredients such as preservatives or ultraviolet UV filters. In addition, most of the existing methods just consider a part of the total of dyes regulated. On the other hand, many methods have been developed for matrices different than cosmetics such as foodstuff, beverages or wastewater. The current paper reviews the recent developments in analytical methodologies for the control of synthetic dyes in cosmetics proposed in the international scientific literature in the last 10 years (2008&ndash;2018). A trend towards the use of miniaturized extraction techniques is evidenced. Due to the hydrophilic nature of dyes, liquid chromatography is the most usual choice in combination with absorbance detectors and, more recently, with mass spectrometry.

https://ift.tt/2uH94jy

A Global Perspective of Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults

Publication date: Available online 23 July 2018

Source: Trends in Endocrinology & Metabolism

Author(s): Rajashree Mishra, Kenyaita M. Hodge, Diana L. Cousminer, Richard D. Leslie, Struan F.A. Grant

Latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA) is characterized by the presence of islet autoantibodies and initial insulin independence, which can lead to misdiagnosis of type 2 diabetes (T2D). As such, understanding the genetic etiology of LADA could aid in more accurate diagnosis. However, there is ongoing debate regarding the exact definition of LADA, so understanding its impact in different populations when contrasted with type 1 diabetes (T1D) and T2D is one potential strategy to gain insight into its etiology. Unfortunately, the lack of consistent and thorough autoantibody screening around the world has hampered well-powered genetic studies of LADA. This review highlights recent genetic and epidemiological studies of LADA in diverse populations as well as the importance of autoantibody screening in facilitating future research.

https://ift.tt/2uKFUjn

Scholar : Research in Dance Education, Volume 19, Issue 2, July 2018 is now available online on Taylor & Francis Online

The online platform for Taylor & Francis Online content Research in Dance Education, Volume 19, Issue 2, July 2018 is now available online on Taylor & Francis Online. This new issue contains the following articles: Editorials Editorial Angela Pickard Pages: 111-112 | DOI: 10.1080/14647893.2018.1492512 Original Articles Psychophysical what? What would it mean to say 'there is no "body" … there is no "mind"' in dance practice? Martin Leach Pages: 113-127 | DOI: 10.1080/14647893.2018.1463361 Challenging conceptions of gender: UK dance teachers' perceptions of boys and girls in the ballet studio Helen Clegg, Helen Owton & Jacquelyn Allen-Collinson Pages: 128-139 | DOI: 10.1080/14647893.2017.1391194 Musings about creative movement: coming to terms with music, movement and drama Chee-Hoo Lum Pages: 140-151 | DOI: 10.1080/14647893.2017.1420766 Tomorrow's dance and health partnership: the need for a holistic view Sylvie Fortin Pages: 152-166 | DOI: 10.1080/14647893.2018.1463360 Imaging the future: an autoethnographic journey of using a guided and cognitive-specific imagery intervention in undergraduate release-based contemporary dance technique Ashleigh Ritchie & Fiona Brooker Pages: 167-182 | DOI: 10.1080/14647893.2018.1467397 Mobile technology in dance education: a case study of three Canadian high school dance programs Zihao Li, Mingming Zhou & Timothy Teo Pages: 183-196 | DOI: 10.1080/14647893.2017.1370449 RISE UP and join us at the American Alliance for Theatre & Education National Conference this summer – August 1-5 in Minneapolis! 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.

Scan-rescan repeatability and cross-scanner comparability of DTI metrics in healthy subjects in the SPRINT-MS multicenter trial

Publication date: Available online 23 July 2018

Source: Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Author(s): Xiaopeng Zhou, Ken E. Sakaie, Josef P. Debbins, Sridar Narayanan, Robert J. Fox, Mark J. Lowe

Abstract

Purpose

To assess intrascanner repeatability and cross-scanner comparability for diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) metrics in a multicenter clinical trial.

Methods

DTI metrics (including longitudinal diffusivity [LD], fractional anisotropy [FA], mean diffusivity [MD], and transverse diffusivity [TD]) from pyramidal tracts for healthy controls were calculated from images acquired on twenty-seven 3T MR scanners (Siemens and GE) with 6 different scanner models and 7 different software versions as part of the NN102/SPRINT-MS clinical trial. Each volunteer underwent two scanning sessions on the same scanner. Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and signal-to-noise floor ratio (SNFR) were also assessed.

Results

DTI metrics showed good scan-rescan repeatability. There were no significant differences between scans and rescans in LD, FA, MD, or TD values. Although the cross-scanner coefficient of variation (CV) values for all DTI metrics were <5.7%, significant differences were observed for LD (p < 3.3e-5) and FA (p < 0.0024) when GE scanners were compared with Siemens scanners. Significant differences were also observed for SNR when comparing GE scanners and Siemens Skyra scanners (p < 1.4e-7) and when comparing Siemens Skyra scanners and TIM Trio scanners (p < 1.0e-10). Analysis of background signal also demonstrated differences between GE and Siemens scanners in terms of signal statistics. The measured signal intensity from a background noise region of interest was significantly higher for GE scanners than for Siemens scanners (p < 1.2e-12). Significant differences were also observed for SNFR when comparing GE scanners and Siemens Skyra scanners (p < 2.5e-11), GE scanners and Siemens Trio scanners (p < 7.5e-11), and Siemens Skyra scanners and TIM Trio scanners (p < 2.5e-9).

Conclusions

The good repeatability of the DTI metrics among the 27 scanners used in this study confirms the feasibility of combining DTI data from multiple centers using high angular resolution sequences. Our observations support the feasibility of longitudinal multicenter clinical trials using DTI outcome measures. The noise floor level and SNFR are important parameters that must be assessed when comparing studies that used different scanner models.

https://ift.tt/2uHDUZt

Contribution of heterotrophic bacterioplankton to cyanobacterial bloom formation in a tributary backwater area of the Three Gorges Reservoir, China

Abstract

This study investigated phytoplankton and bacterioplankton communities by flow cytometer in a tributary backwater area of the Three Gorges Reservoir, China. Samplings were conducted in two cyanobacterial bloom periods (May and August) and no algal-blooms period (November) of 2014, representing three different operational stages of the reservoir, i.e., reservoir discharge period, fluctuating period in the summer flood season, and high water level in the impoundment period. Phyto- and bacterioplankton exhibit a wide range of variability along the depth profiles of the water column. In the investigated two cyanobacterial bloom periods, prokaryotes accounted for over 50% of the total phytoplankton. As for bacterioplankton, low nucleic acid bacteria were dominant in August and November. A positive correlation was observed between phytoplankton (pico- and nanophytoplankton), Chl a, and bacterioplankton. High nucleic acid groups and prokaryotes were highly coupled in May and August, which indicated that this high nucleic acid group could probably contribute to the explanation of cyanobacterial bloom formation in this area.

https://ift.tt/2uVgeQn

Future perspectives: cancer metastases

Abstract

The sentinel lymph node (SLN) is the initial metastatic site for the majority of solid cancers. In some cases, cancer cells may bypass the SLNs and enter the vascular channels directly to spread to the systemic sites. Metastatic progression is an orderly process. During the process of metastasis, complex biochemical and molecular mechanisms are involved being subjected to the host influence, in particular, the immune system. With more detailed understanding of the genomic and molecular characteristics of cancer both from the primary site and its metastases, the pathways of cancer growth and spread within the cancer microenvironment may be further elucidated.

https://ift.tt/2JO5d8X

Scholar : New articles have been published for Journal of Natural History, Volume 52, Issue 27-28

The online platform for Taylor & Francis Online content The following articles have been newly published in the issue Journal of Natural History, Volume 52, Issue 27-28 on Taylor & Francis Online: Original Articles The reproductive strategies of clausiliid land snails from Northern Vietnam (Gastropoda: Stylommatophora) Anna Sulikowska-Drozd, Agata Chiżyńska, Tomasz K. Maltz Pages: 1785-1799 | DOI: 10.1080/00222933.2018.1497211 The issue is in progress. To view all articles already published in this issue, please visit: https://www.tandfonline.com/toc/tnah20/52/27-28 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. You can also unsubscribe from this alert 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.