Ιατρικά Άρθρα: 11/10/18

Σάββατο 10 Νοεμβρίου 2018

The influence of traffic density on heavy metals distribution in urban road runoff in Beijing, China

Abstract

The concentrations, potential risk, and distributions of heavy metals in urban road runoff from different traffic density were determined and compared in Beijing, China. It showed that the concentrations of heavy metals in road runoff were strongly influenced by traffic density, resulting in total concentrations of Cu, Zn, Fe, Mn, and Pb in the runoff from highway higher than those from the road nearby campus. The potential ecological risk of heavy metals in the runoff from highway was higher than those from the road nearby campus. The distributions of heavy metals were not influenced by the traffic density. Cu, Zn, Cr, Cd, Pb, and Mn in road runoff transported predominantly in particulate-bound form and the dissolved form mainly distributed in colloidal fraction (1 kDa to 0.45 μm). Traffic density did not change the speciation of heavy metals in the road runoff, in which Cr and Zn mainly expressed in organic colloidal fraction while Fe, Mn, Cd, Pb, and Cu expressed in inorganic colloidal fraction. The traffic activities would contribute to the strong correlations between Fe, Zn, Mn, Cr, and Pb because of the similar sources.

https://ift.tt/2PMzagT

Pressure and impact of anthropogenic litter on marine and estuarine reptiles: an updated “blacklist” highlighting gaps of evidence

Abstract

We report an arrangement on the effect of anthropogenic litter on marine and estuarine reptiles, checking for evidence about different types of impact (ingestion vs. entanglement) and pressure (three size-based categories). From 1976 to 2018, we obtained a "blacklist" of 11 species impacted by marine litter (about 13% of 85 species of marine and estuarine reptiles), belonging to three orders (Testudines, Squamata, and Crocodilia). We obtained only occasional evidence of an impact for Squamata (Hidrophis elegans, Disteira major) and Crocodilia (Crocodylus porosus). Regarding the different types of pressure, the highest number of evidence has been obtained for macro-litter (10 species) and the lowest for micro-litter (4 species, all Chelonidae). Among Testudines, Lepidochelys kempii and Natator depressus evidenced a lack of data for micro-plastic. In Squamata, information is lacking for micro-plastic with only occasional references for meso-plastic (in Hydrophis elegans) and macro-plastic (Disteira major and Crocodylus porosus). We obtained a direct correlation between the research effort and the number of citations regarding different types of pressure and impact of marine litter: therefore, our blacklist of impacted species could be increased, carrying out further research focused on other poorly studied marine and estuarine reptiles. We suggest the use of a standardized nomenclature to reduce the amount of lost information.

https://ift.tt/2OAIDDe

Adsorption and desorption cycles of reactive blue BF-5G dye in a bone char fixed-bed column

Abstract

In the textile industry, the amount of dye unfixed in fabrics is discarded with wastewaters. Effluents of this nature can be treated efficiently by adsorption on activated bone char, but the reuse of adsorbent is necessary for the technique to be economically feasible. Therefore, the objective of this work was to study the process of desorption of BF-5G blue dye from a bone char fixed-bed column. Solutions of sodium chloride, acetic acid and ethyl alcohol were tested as regenerating agents. Due to the hydrophobicity effect of organic solvent molecules, the highest desorption capacity was observed for ethyl alcohol solution, and the fixed bed was reused after six cycles of adsorption. The other solutions did not promote significant desorption. The results showed that adsorption of the dye involved irreversible interactions between adsorbate molecules and bone char. However, the use of acetic acid solution resulted in the neutralisation of some of the adsorbent surface charges, allowing the fixed bed to operate for a longer time in the second cycle than in the first.

https://ift.tt/2QxhX87

Improving one-dimensional pollution dispersion modeling in rivers using ANFIS and ANN-based GA optimized models

Abstract

Simulation and prediction of the pollution transport is one of the major problems in environmental and rivers engineering studies. The numerical tools have been used in simulation of the concentration profile transmission for description of river water quality. The one-dimensional advection-dispersion equation (ADE) is used in applied water quality modeling and requires the accurate estimation of longitudinal dispersion coefficient (D_x). This paper develops a hybrid numerical-intelligence model for dispersion modeling in open-channel flows. The main contribution of this paper is to improve the results of 1D numerical simulation of pollutant transport in steady flows by estimation of dispersion coefficient (D_x) based on artificial intelligence models and subset selection of maximum dissimilarity (SSMD). The developed hybrid model uses an intelligence module based on optimized adaptive neuro fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) and artificial neural networks (ANNs) for longitudinal dispersion estimation, in which their structures are optimized by genetic algorithm (GA). Intelligence estimates of D_x by ANN, ANFIS, ANFIS-GA, ANN-GA, multiple linear regression (MLR), and empirical equation are compared with observed values of D_x available in 505 river section, and the ANFIS-GA, as the most accurate, is incorporated and integrated with developed 1D-ADE numerical module. The numerical solution of 1D-ADE is done using physically influenced scheme (PIS) for face flux estimation in finite volume method. The performance of hybrid models PIS-ANFIS-GA, PIS-ANFIS, and PIS-empirical is compared using the R², RMSE, MAE, and NSE values in comparison with analytical solution and measured concentration hydrographs. The results revealed that the hybrid numerical-intelligence model is more accurate than the other classical methods for sediment/pollutant dispersion prediction in open-channel flows. The developed hybrid numerical-intelligence model can accurately simulate the dispersion processes in rivers and is a novel step in applicability of ANFIS-GA and ANN-GA models.

Graphical abstract

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https://ift.tt/2qGPv8K

Images in two prostate cancer patients of second primary cancers: Hodgkin's lymphoma and lung adenocarcinoma.

Images in two prostate cancer patients of second primary cancers: Hodgkin's lymphoma and lung adenocarcinoma.

Hell J Nucl Med. 2018 Nov 10;:

Authors: Cegla P, Wierzchoslawska E, Marszalek A, Gwozdz S, Cholewinski W

Abstract
Hodgkin's lymphoma and lung adenocarcinoma as second primary cancers in prostate cancer (PC) patients although are rare should be considered as important for the future of the PC patients.

PMID: 30411733 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

https://ift.tt/2OADsDl

Osteoarticular tuberculosis in children. A fast reappearing disease diagnosed by 18F-FDG PET/CT and other modalities. The cover page of Nicholas Andry booklet L' Orthopedie.

Osteoarticular tuberculosis in children. A fast reappearing disease diagnosed by 18F-FDG PET/CT and other modalities. The cover page of Nicholas Andry booklet L' Orthopedie.

Hell J Nucl Med. 2018 Nov 10;:

Authors: Xia Y, Papadopoulos N, Chen Y, Zhao Y

Abstract
Osteoarticular tuberculosis (OAT) is not uncommon in children. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to avoid ultimately long-term disabilities. Nicolas Andry (1658-1742) gave for the first time the name of the specialty of Orthopedics (L'Orthopedie) and its symbol of the crooked tree, in a paper in which he suggested how to avoid and to treat rachitis in children. We review the correlative-imaging findings and provide insights regarding the strengths and limitations of the conventional imaging modalities and those of nuclear medicine for the diagnosis of OAT and its differential diagnosis from other diseases.

PMID: 30411732 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

https://ift.tt/2DypMry

Tc-99m-PSMA imaging allows successful radioguided surgery in recurrent prostate cancer.

Tc-99m-PSMA imaging allows successful radioguided surgery in recurrent prostate cancer.

Hell J Nucl Med. 2018 Nov 10;:

Authors: Kratzik C, Dorudi S, Schatzl M, Sinzinger H

Abstract
OBJECTIVE: The introduction of the prostate specific membrane antigen (PSMA) offers the possibility to discover prostate cancer recurrences being frequently so small that they cannot be detected by conventional imaging modalities, such as magnetic resonance or computed tomography.
SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A 78 years old patient after radical prostatectomy and lymphadenectomy suffered from recurrence of the disease and galium-68-PSMA (68Ga-PSMA) showed a single hot spot. Therefore, the first time in this indication in Austria radioguided surgery was performed after application of technetium-99m (99mTc)-PSMA, which confirmed the single lesion already shown by 68Ga-PSMA.
RESULTS: The lymph node was located dorsal to the urinary bladder dome in the presacral area, where normally no lymphadenectomy is performed, he was identified by the probe and removed. Postoperatively PSA-monitoring showed a decline from 13,1ng/mL (preoperatively) to <0,1ng/mL within 1 month.
CONCLUSION: The use of radiolabeled PSMA (primary diagnosis with 68Ga, radioguided surgery with 99mTc and finally treatment with 177Lu) seems to be a major breakthrough in diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer.

PMID: 30411731 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

https://ift.tt/2RLP4p2

An overview of the neurosurgical implications, pathophysiology, diagnosis and recent treatment strategies for Grade IV idiopathic osteolysis, also known as Gorham-Stout or phantom bone disease.

An overview of the neurosurgical implications, pathophysiology, diagnosis and recent treatment strategies for Grade IV idiopathic osteolysis, also known as Gorham-Stout or phantom bone disease.

Hell J Nucl Med. 2018 Nov 10;:

Authors: Ganau M, Prasad V, Ligarotti GKI, Syrmos NC, Ellamushi H

Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Gorham-Stout disease (GSD), commonly referred as vanishing bone or phantom bone disease, is a rare disorder characterized by spontaneous bone osteolysis due to proliferation of lymphangiomatous tissue. This disease can involve multiple bones and cause pathologic fractures. The exact cause of GSD is unknown and its severity is unpredictable; the disorder can potentially cause disfigurement or functional disability. According to CARE guidelines, we studied a 46 years old lady with a progressive defect of the skull. Differential diagnosis included: benign and malignant diploic lesions (eosinophylic granuloma of the skull, myeloma, lytic metastasis from unknown primary tumour, etc) and osteomyelitis. A suspicion of GSD was raised by coupling information from laboratory and nuclear medicine investigations, and eventually confirmed histologically.
CONCLUSION: We included early in the investigation protocols a total body fluorine-18-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (18F-FDG PET) scan that was extremely helpful to promptly rule out malignant or infective nature of osteolysis. An update on the diagnostic and management options available for GSD, with particular reference to the role of nuclear medicine and the latest clinical trials from international patients registries and classification of idiopathic osteolysis is provided.

PMID: 30411730 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

https://ift.tt/2DAEa2c

18F-FDG PET/CT in therapy response and in predicting responders or non-responders in malignant pleural mesothelioma patients, by using semi-quantitative mRECIST and EORTC criteria.

18F-FDG PET/CT in therapy response and in predicting responders or non-responders in malignant pleural mesothelioma patients, by using semi-quantitative mRECIST and EORTC criteria.

Hell J Nucl Med. 2018 Nov 10;:

Authors: Niccoli Asabella A, Di Palo A, Altini C, Fanelli M, Ferrari C, Lavelli V, Ranieri G, Gadaleta CD, Rubini G

Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the role of fluorine-18-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (18F-FDG PET/CT) in therapy response assessment according modified response evaluating criteria of solid tumors (mRECIST) and the predictive role of volume-based semi-quantitative parameters in patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM). Furthermore modified RECIST criteria for MPM mRECIST and the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) criteria were compared and the predictive role of 18F-FDG PET/CT in the post-therapy outcome.
SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Thirty five selected patients with MPM underwent 18F-FDG PET/CT scan at baseline (1) and after therapy (2). Semi-quantitative 18F-FDG PET/CT parameters were collected for each scan and also differences (Δ) ΔSUVmax, ΔSUVav, ΔMTV, ΔTLG, response index (RI)max% and RIav% were evaluated. Radiologic response to therapy was assessed by using the mRECIST and EORTC.
RESULTS: The correlation between response to therapy assessed by EORTC and mRECIST criteria was moderate (K=0.418; 95%CI:0099-0736). According to mRECIST, statistical differences between responders and non-responders were significant in the analysis of semi-quantitative parameters. According mRECIST criteria, all parameters defined a good area under the curve (AUC) but the better AUC resulted for ΔMTV (cut-off≤11.3, sensitivity=91.3%, specificity=91.7%) and ΔTLG (cut-off≤59.1, sensitivity=82.6%, specificity=100%). Kaplan-Meier curves between responders and non-responders did not show statistically significant differences.
CONCLUSION: The semi-quantitative analysis of 18F-FDG PET/CT has an important role in MPM therapy response assessment and has a predictive role in distinguishing responders and non-responders.

PMID: 30411729 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

https://ift.tt/2RNFou2

Efficacy of 18F-FDG and 18F-NaF PET/CT imaging: A novel semi-quantitative assessment of the effects of age and obesity on hip joint inflammation and bone degeneration.

Efficacy of 18F-FDG and 18F-NaF PET/CT imaging: A novel semi-quantitative assessment of the effects of age and obesity on hip joint inflammation and bone degeneration.

Hell J Nucl Med. 2018 Nov 10;:

Authors: Yellanki DP, Kothekar E, Al-Zaghal A, Cheng N, Werner TJ, Høilund-Carlsen PF, Alavi A

Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Osteoarthritis (OA) is characterized by synovial tissue inflammation and underlying bone degeneration in the joints. Aging and obesity are among the major risk factors. This study evaluated the effects of aging and body mass index (BMI) on hip joint inflammation and bone degeneration using fluorine-18-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (18F-FDG PET/CT) and fluorine-18 sodium fluoride (18F-NaF) PET/CT imaging, respectively.
SUBJECTS AND METHODS: In this retrospective study, a total of 116 subjects (58 males and 58 females) who had undergone both 18F-FDG and 18F-NaF PET/CT imaging were analyzed. The mean age of these subjects was 48.6±14.5 with an age range of 21-75 years. Fluorine-18-FDG and 18F-NaF PET/CT imaging was conducted 180min and 90min (respectively) after intravenous administration of the appropriate tracer. The hip joint was segmented on fused PET/CT images using OsiriX MD v.9.5 (DICOM viewer and image-analysis program, Pixmeo SARL; Bernex, Switzerland). The region of interest (ROI) for the hip joint was indicated by using a 3D-growing region algorithm with upper/lower Hounsfield Units (HU) followed by a morphological closing algorithm. The metabolic activity for the left and right side of the joint was measured and correlated with age and BMI.
RESULTS: Fluorine-18-FDG uptake in the hip was 0.83±0.22 (right side: 0.83±0.23, left side: 0.83±0.22, P=0.82). Fluorine-18-NaF uptake in the hip was 3.20±1.07 (right side: 3.25±1.14, left side: 3.15±1.04, P=0.02). Body mass index positively correlated with both 18F-FDG (r=0.29, P=0.001) and NaF (r=0.26, P=0.005) uptake. No significant correlation was seen between age and either 18F-FDG (r=0.12, P=0.19) or 18F-NaF (r=0.03, P=0.78) uptake.
CONCLUSION: Body mass index had a significant impact on 18F-FDG and 18F-NaF uptake, whereas age had no correlation with either tracer uptake. Obesity increases the mechanical forces applied on weight-bearing joints such as the hip. Body mass index was related to increased joint inflammation and bone degeneration. These findings further support the studies explaining the role of adipose tissue in promoting OA.

PMID: 30411728 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

https://ift.tt/2DwCFlH

Normal patterns of regional brain 18F-FDG uptake in normal aging.

Normal patterns of regional brain 18F-FDG uptake in normal aging.

Hell J Nucl Med. 2018 Nov 10;:

Authors: Pourhassan Shamchi S, Khosravi M, Taghvaei R, Zirakchian Zadeh M, Paydary K, Emamzadehfard S, Werner TJ, Høilund-Carlsen PF, Alavi A

Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Normal aging alters the brain function even in the absence of recognizable structural changes, which can be detected using modern in vivo functional imaging modalities such as fluorine-18 fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (18F-FDG PET) scan. It is highly important to recognize normal age-dependent changes in order to correctly diagnose pathologic states. The goal of the current study was to evaluate the age-related changes in regional brain 18F-FDG uptake in normal healthy population.
SUBJECTS AND METHODS: This study was part of the cardiovascular molecular calcification assessed by 18F-sodium fluoride (NaF) (CAMONA) PET/computed tomography (CT) study. This study was approved by the Danish National Committee on Health Research Ethics registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT01724749). Forty normal healthy subjects were prospectively recruited in group A (22-32 years) and B (56-75 years) and underwent 18F-FDG PET/CT. Static images were obtained 180 minutes following 18F-FDG injection. Supratentorial (including individual measurements for frontal, parieto-occipital and temporal lobes) and cerebellar 18F-FDG uptakes were measured by manual placement of region of interest (ROI) over these regions based on predefined criteria for each and standardized uptake value (SUVmean) values were calculated using OsiriX software.
RESULTS: The mean ages of the patients in group A was 26.1±3.4 versus 61±4.4 for group B. There were 10 females in group A and 10 females in group B. Mean SUV of cerebellum was 6.80±1.21 for the young subjects compared to 6.08±0.7 among old subjects (independent t-test, P=0.028). Mean SUV of supratentorial brain was 9.14±1.83 for the young subjects compared to 6.92±072 among old subjects (P<0.001). Mean SUV of frontal (9.72±1.97 vs. 7.03±0.69), temporal (7.37±1.52 vs. 5.65±0.68) and parieto-occipital region (10.7±2.28 vs. 7.41±0.79) was higher among young patients (P<0.001). More interestingly, SUVmean of supratentorial brain was significantly higher among female healthy volunteers in both groups (P= 0.025 and 0.047 for group A and B, respectively).
CONCLUSION: In conclusion, these findings confirm a significant age dependent reduction of supratentorial 18F-FDG uptake among healthy individuals. However, cerebellum 18F-FDG uptake reduction was not so redundant. Fluorine-18-FDG uptake of all cerebral lobes including frontal, parieto-occipital and temporal decreases with normal aging in a same fashion. Interestingly, among both young and old female subjects, higher uptake was seen in supratentorial brain.

PMID: 30411727 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

https://ift.tt/2ROt258

Comparison of atherosclerotic inflammation and calcification in subjects with end stage renal disease (ESRD) on hemodialysis to normal controls utilizing 18F-FDG PET/CT.

Comparison of atherosclerotic inflammation and calcification in subjects with end stage renal disease (ESRD) on hemodialysis to normal controls utilizing 18F-FDG PET/CT.

Hell J Nucl Med. 2018 Nov 10;:

Authors: Bural GG, Torigian DA, Sözmen M, Houseni M, Alavi A

Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Subjects with end stage renal disease (ESRD) are exposed to increased morbidity and mortality due to cardiovascular events. The primary underlying mechanism has been suggested as accelerated atherosclerosis in these patients. Our aim was to compare the atherosclerotic inflammation and calcification in subjects with ESRD on hemodialysis to that in normal controls utilizing fluorine-18-2-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (18F-FDG PET/CT).
SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Forthy two subjects who underwent 18F-FDG PET/CT imaging were retrospectively studied. Twenty one were subjects with ESRD on hemodialysis (67±11 years old; 14 male, 7 female) and 21 were age- and gender-matched controls. Average standardized uptake value maximum (SUVmax) and SUVmean for 4 segments of the aorta (ascending, arch, descending, abdominal) and for the common iliac arteries and common femoral arteries were measured. Standardized uptake value maximum and SUVmean for right atrial blood pool were also measured as the background. Average SUVmax, average SUVmean, average SUVmax/background ratio, and average SUVmean/background ratio were compared between subject groups for all segments. Presence or absence of macroscopic calcification on CT images for each arterial segment based on visual qualitative assessment was also noted and compared. For statistical analysis, two-sided t-test was used for continuous variables, and chi-square test was used for categorical variables. We considered a P value of <0.05 as statistically significant.
RESULTS: Average SUVmax and SUVmean were statistically significantly greater in subjects with ESRD than in controls in all arterial segments. Average SUVmax/background ratios were statistically significantly greater in subjects with ESRD compared to normal controls in all arterial segments except for the left femoral artery. Average SUVmean/background ratios were statistically significantly greater in subjects with ESRD compared to normal controls in all arterial segments except for the right and left femoral arteries. Presence of calcification on CT was more frequently encountered in all arterial segments in subjects with ESRD, and was statistically significantly greater for the aortic arch, descending aorta, and right and left femoral arteries.
CONCLUSION: SUV measurements representing the atherosclerotic inflammatory changes and macroscopic atherosclerotic calcifications appear to be accelerated in subjects with ESRD on hemodialysis compared to normal controls. Fluorine-18 FDG PET/CT is a valuable diagnostic tool for verifying and quantifying accelerated atherosclerosis secondary to ESRD.

PMID: 30411726 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

https://ift.tt/2Dysu08

Is fluorine-18-fluorocholine PET/CT suitable for the detection of skeletal involvement of multiple myeloma?

Is fluorine-18-fluorocholine PET/CT suitable for the detection of skeletal involvement of multiple myeloma?

Hell J Nucl Med. 2018 Nov 10;:

Authors: Meckova Z, Lambert L, Spicka I, Kubinyi J, Burgetova A

Abstract
Our limited experience suggests that fluorine-18-fluorocholine (18F-FCH) may perform better in the detection of skeletal involvement by multiple myeloma compared to fluorine-18-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) and that standard uptake ratio (SUR) might be considered in the semi-quantitative comparison of tracer uptake.

PMID: 30411725 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

https://ift.tt/2RQro2Z

The neurophysiological and neurochemical effects of alcohol on the brain are inconsistent with current evidence based models of sleepwalking

The DSM-5 and ICSD-3 have removed alcohol from the list of potential triggers for sleepwalking due to the lack of empirical evidence. Recent imaging and EEG based studies of sleepwalking and confusional arousals have provided a more data-based method of examining if alcohol is compatible with what is known about the neurophysiology and neurochemistry of sleepwalking. These studies have demonstrated a deactivation of the frontal areas of the brain, while the cingulate or motor cortex remains active and characterized activation in the form of beta EEG.

https://ift.tt/2OCsc9E

Vertical distribution of fluorine in farmland soil profiles around phosphorous chemical industry factories

Abstract

High concentration of fluorine (F) in agricultural soils has got significant attention considering its impacts on human health, but little information was available about F distribution in farmland soil profiles around phosphorous chemical industry factories. In present study, farmland soil profiles and relevant medium samples were collected from farmlands around a main phosphorous chemical base in southwest China. At 0–100-cm profiles, concentrations of soil total F (Ft, 400.9–1612.0 mg kg⁻¹) and water soluble F (Fw, 3.4–26.0 mg kg⁻¹) decreased with profile depth in industrial areas. Industrial activities enhanced F concentration in soil mainly at 0–40-cm profiles. No disparity for both Ft and Fw distributions in paddy-dry land rotation field and dry land indicates short-term land utilization could not affect the F distribution in soil profiles. Correlation analysis showed soil organic matter and wind direction were important factors influencing the distribution of F in soil profiles. The shutdown of factory and government control of industrial emissions effectively decreased the ambient air F (Fa) concentrations in industrial areas. In where Fa and dustfall F concentrations were high, high soil Ft, Fw, and crop edible part F concentrations were found.

https://ift.tt/2z6bJW9

A more fine-grained measure towards animal welfare: a study with regards to gender differences in Spanish students

Abstract

The environmental issue is nowadays taking more importance in the environmental awareness all around the world, and in this field, animal consideration is more and more spread. A highlighted part in globalisation is the animal welfare awareness. This article presents a study comparing attitudes towards animals among secondary and university students in reference to gender. It was carried out on 1394 Spanish participants from 11 to 26 years. The instrument used in the study is the reviewed version of the Animal Welfare Attitude Scale which was renamed as "Animal Welfare Attitude-Revised Scale" (AWA-R Scale), with a Cronbach α reliability value of 0.85. It is subdivided into four components namely C1: animal abuse for pleasure or due to ignorance; C2: leisure with animals; C3: farm animals; and C4: animal abandonment. These components have been deeply detailed by a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), which highly contributes to define the position of participants for the different dimensions of animal welfare. It is concluded that significant differences exist between males' and females' attitudes in all components of the AWA-R Scale. It is also suggested that two social characteristics—people's attitudes towards animals and towards environmental protection—are, at the very least, coexistent and may indeed be interdependent. These differences between gender in matters of socialisation could thus be reflected in environmental attitudes, and also in others related to them, i.e. animal welfare attitudes.

https://ift.tt/2OCrtoW

High‐risk symptoms do not predict gastric cancer precursors

Abstract

Background & Study Aims

Gastric intestinal metaplasia (GIM) is the most common precursor of gastric cancer. Our aim is to determine if presenting symptoms predict gastric cancer precursor lesions in a high‐risk population.

Patient and Methods

Consecutive unique patients evaluated by endoscopy for upper gastrointestinal symptoms at the Los Angeles County Hospital between 2010 and 2014 were evaluated. Presenting symptoms were classified as low‐ or high‐risk depending on the procedure indication as coded using the Clinical Outcomes Research Initiative (CORI) system. Endoscopy and histology results were used to classify findings as benign, GIM, high‐risk GIM, or malignant. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients with premalignant or malignant gastric findings who had high‐risk clinical indications for endoscopy relative to those with benign results.

Results

A total of 3699 patients underwent endoscopy to evaluate upper gastrointestinal symptoms. There were 373 (10.1%) patients with GIM of which 278 had high‐risk GIM. One hundred and sixty (4.3%) patients were diagnosed with gastric cancer. High‐risk indications for upper endoscopy predicted gastric cancer (OR 1.8 [95% CI 1.3‐2.6]) but not GIM (OR 1.0 [0.8‐1.3]) or high‐risk GIM (OR 0.9 [0.7‐1.2]). Hispanic or Asian patients and patients >50 years old were more likely to have GIM, high‐risk GIM, and cancer.

Conclusions

Performance of upper endoscopy for high‐risk indications is inadequate to detect GIM and marginal for malignancy. At risk patients should undergo upper endoscopy for both low‐ and high‐risk symptoms. Screening certain populations deserve additional study and may, in fact, be cost‐effective.

https://ift.tt/2AZcLEW

Extragastric diseases correlated with Helicobacter pylori

https://ift.tt/2JSSCTP

ANGIOTROPISM IN RECURRENT CUTANEOUS SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA: IMPLICATIONS FOR REGIONAL TUMOR RECURRENCE AND EXTRAVASCULAR MIGRATORY SPREAD

Extravascular migratory metastasis is a form of cancer metastasis in which tumor cells spread by tracking along the abluminal aspect of vessel walls without breaking the vascular endothelial lining or intraluminal invasion. This phenomenon has been extensively described in melanoma and is being increasingly recognized in other neoplasms. Various modalities of treatment, including radiation‐, chemo‐, targeted‐ and immune‐ therapies may potentially induce angiotropic behavior in neoplastic cells. Although there is a risk for tumor recurrence and metastasis, angiotropism may be under‐recognized and is rarely reported. Here, we report a case of recurrent poorly‐differentiated acantholytic squamous cell carcinoma of the scalp with extensive perineural invasion, previously treated with multiple therapies. There was multifocal extravascular cuffing of neoplastic cells around and focally involving the walls of small to medium caliber blood vessels within and surrounding the tumor, without obvious tumor intravasation. In addition, small subtle nests of neoplastic keratinocytes were noted along the abluminal aspect of a large caliber deep dermal blood vessel in an enface margin, away from the main tumor mass. Such involvement can be difficult to identify; and thus, may be missed particularly during intra‐operative frozen section evaluation, leading to false negative margins and is therefore, a diagnostic pitfall.

https://ift.tt/2PUG1ok

The histological spectrum of Talimogene laherparepvec (TVEC) injections—neutrophilic and chronic granulomatous dermatitis

We read with interest the case series by Everett et al. (1) describing chronic granulomatous dermatitis at sites of Talimogene laherparepvec (TVEC) injections for advanced melanoma.

https://ift.tt/2Dd9XFI

Commentary: The New International Guideline for Diagnosis and Management of PCOS was worth the effort

Abstract

Polycystic ovary syndrome remains an enigmatic disorder. Its aetiology is uncertain (although we have compelling evidence for an important genetic component ^1‐3) and the approach to diagnosis and management remains controversial.

https://ift.tt/2JSuQY5

Cosmetic benefit of a biomimetic lamellar cream formulation on barrier function or the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles in randomised proof‐of‐concept clinical studies

Abstract

Objective

Two studies were designed to evaluate the potential cosmetic benefit of a biomimetic, niacinamide‐containing moisturising cream for the first time in humans.

Methods

In both studies, healthy women were randomised to use two treatments, one for the left side of the body and one for the right, from three options: the test cream, a positive control or no treatment (use of standard cleanser only). Treatments were applied twice daily for 4 weeks to the face and forearms (Study 1) or the face only (Study 2). Instrumental and clinical skin assessments were performed by trained technicians. Study 1 involved tape stripping and a 5‐day no‐treatment ('regression') period at the end of the 4 weeks. Independent lay graders were asked to grade the skin texture of subjects in Study 2 from high‐resolution photographs.

Results

In Study 1 (n=66), the test cream significantly decreased trans‐epidermal water loss (TEWL) values on the forearm, and in the cheek area of the face, relative to baseline and compared to no treatment, and increased skin Corneometer values. The improvements were partially retained during a subsequent 5‐day period of no treatment. Increases in TEWL values on skin subjected to tape stripping were significantly lower after 4 weeks of using the test cream compared to no treatment. In Study 2 (n=72 subjects with visible signs of ageing), there was a favourable trend in the change from baseline of a skin roughness parameter, R_a, for the test cream compared to no treatment. There were statistically significant improvements in the Fitzpatrick wrinkle score compared to no treatment, decreases in TEWL and increased Corneometer values and Cutometer values (R5 elasticity parameter). Grading of high‐resolution images failed to detect improvement in skin texture (defined as pores, smoothness, and unevenness) for the test cream versus no treatment. No treatment‐related serious or severe adverse events were reported.

Conclusion

Twice daily application of the test cream over 4 weeks had beneficial effects on skin barrier function, moisturisation, wrinkle dimensions and elasticity compared to no treatment. These studies provide proof‐of‐concept evidence and highlight the cosmetic benefit of the biomimetic lamellar cream formulation. Study registration: NCT03216265, NCT03180645.

https://ift.tt/2QwB7uP

Effect of zein additive on perfume evaporation

Abstract

Objective

Zein is known to have filmogen properties. We wanted to show if a zein film containing eugenol (eugenol as model) would retain the fragrances, slow their evaporation and therefore produce a long lasting perception of perfume.

Methods

We added corn zein to eugenol in a hydro‐alcoholic solution to form a film in vitro and at the surface of the human skin. We have studied the trapping and release of eugenol from zein film by GC/MS. Also we labeled eugenol with deuterium to image specifically its distribution in the zein film using Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry technique (NanoSIMS 50). Finally, we applied the zein/D‐eugenol formulation onto skin to image the eugenol location on and in skin by SIMS.

Results

We showed that eugenol evaporation from zein film can be divided in three periods. The first period (≤ 2 hours) corresponds to the simultaneous solvent and eugenol evaporation occurring during film formation. The second period corresponds to the continuous and slow eugenol evaporation during a few hours (about 10 hours) but not to its completion. The third period (at least up to 48 hours) results from the trapping of eugenol in zein film. After 24 or 48 hours, trapped eugenol can be released and evaporated under mechanical deformations of the film. Moreover we showed that zein addition does not favor the eugenol penetration into viable epidermis which may cause allergenic cutaneous reaction.

Conclusion

The zein additive is safe to use, doesn't impact the olfactory perception, allows a better perception of the fragrance (long lasting effect) in a more protective way and can be used in perfume.

https://ift.tt/2PkEWHd

Interventions for infantile haemangiomas of the skin: abridged Cochrane systematic review including GRADE assessments

Summary

Infantile haemangiomas (IH) are soft swellings of the skin that occur in 3‐10% of infants. When haemangiomas occur in high‐risk areas or when complications develop, active intervention is necessary. This is an update of a Cochrane Review assessing the interventions for the management of IH in children. We searched for randomized controlled trials in CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, LILACS, AMED, PsycINFO, CINAHL and six trials registers to February 2017. We included 28 trials (1728 participants) assessing 12 interventions. We downgraded evidence from high to moderate/low for issues related to risk of bias and imprecision. Oral propranolol (3 mg/kg/day) probably improves clinician‐assessed clearance compared to placebo (risk ratio (RR) 16·61, 95% confidence interval (CI) 4·22 to 65·34; moderate quality of evidence (QoE)); we found no evidence of a difference in terms of serious adverse events (RR 1·05, 95% CI 0·33 to 3·39; low QoE). We found the chance of reduction of redness may be improved with topical timolol maleate (0·5% gel applied twice daily) when compared to placebo (RR 8·11, 95% CI 1·09 to 60·09; low QoE). We found no instances of bradycardia or hypotension for this comparison. Our key results indicate that oral propranolol and topical timolol maleate are more beneficial than placebo in terms of clearance or other measures of resolution, or both, without an increase in harms.

https://ift.tt/2qDYabP

Psoriasis in a cohort of patients with common variable immunodeficiency

Abstract

Common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) is the most common symptomatic primary immunodeficiency in adults. CVID is characterized by reduced serum levels of IgG, IgA, and/or IgM, recurrent bacterial infections, autoimmune and inflammatory diseases and malignancies. According to literature, autoimmune diseases occur in 20–30% of CVID patients. Dermatological involvement has occasionally been reported in CVID and includes alopecia totalis, lichen planus, and vitiligo. Data regarding the frequency and features of psoriasis in CVID are scant.

https://ift.tt/2FcpzMk

Heavy-metal concentrations in feathers of cinereous vulture ( Aegypius monachus L.) as an endangered species in Turkey

Abstract

The aim of this study is to find out the certain heavy-metal levels in the feathers of cinereous vulture (Aegypius monachus L.), which is a threatened species. The feathers of the cinereous vultures were collected from the breeding areas in Sündiken and Türkmenbaba Mountains. To avoid misleading results, vanes and calamuses of the rectrices were evaluated separately in terms of their As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb and Zn contents. ICP-OES was used to analyse the metal levels in feathers which belonged to 43 different individuals. All of the heavy-metal concentrations except for Cu were higher in vanes than in calamuses. The mean levels of Cd (0.254 ± 1.589 μg/g d.w. in the calamus and 0.334 ± 0.156 μg/g d.w. in the vane), Cr (6.536 ± 6.378 μg/g d.w. in the vane), Ni (11.886 ± 10.891 μg/g d.w. in the vane) and Pb (5.671 ± 3.884 μg/g d.w. in the vane) exceeded the threshold values for the birds. As a result, we recommend further studies to understand the effects of the heavy metals on the population of the species.

https://ift.tt/2DuW72c

Highly dispersed core-shell iron nanoparticles decorating onto graphene nanosheets for superior Zn(II) wastewater treatment

Abstract

This study reports the preparation of highly dispersed nanoscale zerovalent iron (nZVI) with core-shell structure decorated onto graphene nanosheets (Gr-NS) to form nZVI-Gr-NS composite. Meanwhile, its excellent performance for concentrated Zn(II) wastewater treatment is also studied. The adsorption of Zn(II) onto nZVI-Gr-NS is well simulated by the pseudo-second-order model, which indicates the adsorption is the rate-controlling step. Moreover, the adsorption isotherms of Zn(II) on the nZVI-Gr-NS can fit well with the Langmuir model. The negative thermodynamic parameters (△G^Ɵ, △H^Ɵ, △S^Ɵ) calculated from the temperature-dependent isotherms indicate that the sorption reaction of Zn(II) is an exothermic and spontaneous process. The high saturation magnetization (37.4 emu g⁻¹) of the nZVI-Gr-NS makes separation of nZVI-Gr-NS-bound Zn(II) easily and quickly from aqueous solution. Most importantly, nZVI-Gr-NS composites not only remove Zn(II) but also spontaneously remove As, Se, and Cu ions from real smelting wastewater samples. This study provides a good solution for heavy metal removal in real wastewater.

https://ift.tt/2qFV6Mc

Structural decomposition analysis of embodied carbon in trade in the middle reaches of the Yangtze River

Abstract

The middle reaches of the Yangtze River are the first demonstration zone for low-carbon urbanization in the midwest regions of China, and the division of carbon emission reduction responsibility is an important aspect of construction of ecological civilization. In this paper, the embodied carbon emissions in trade are estimated by using an input–output model in the middle reaches of the Yangtze River, and then a structural decomposition analysis (SDA) model is further applied to conduct decomposition analysis on factors of embodied carbon changes. Our primary findings show the following: (1) Production-based CO₂ emissions from Hubei and Hunan are higher than consumption-based CO₂ emissions. There are situations in Jiangxi and Anhui where production-based CO₂ emissions are both higher and lower than consumption-based CO₂ emissions. However, inter-regional trade implied carbon is dominated by net inflows. Moreover, the inter-regional embodied carbon emissions in trade mainly flow out to relatively developed regions, such as Jiangsu and Shanghai. The inflow of embodied carbon in trade comes mainly from relatively backward economic development areas, such as Shaanxi and Inner Mongolia. (2) From the perspective of industry, industries in Jiangxi and Anhui are dominated by net inflow, whereas industries in Hunan and Hubei are dominated by net outflow. Meanwhile, industry in the middle reaches of the Yangtze River displays a high carbon-locked phenomenon. Specifically, the high carbon-locked outflow industries are mainly concentrated in the transportation and warehousing industry, agriculture, and the chemical industry, and the outflow provinces flow out mainly to Jiangsu, Guangdong, and other economically developed regions; high carbon-locked inflows are concentrated in metal smelting and rolling processing, food manufacturing and tobacco processing, and construction, and the provinces are mainly Hebei, Henan, and Inner Mongolia, where economic development is lacking. (3) Furthermore, the results of SDA decomposition indicate that scale effect is generally the most important factor leading to embodied carbon outflow. Meanwhile, the energy carbon emission effect, the energy intensity effect, and the structural effect are important factors—the inter-industry association effect mainly promotes the embodied carbon outflow. Consequently, based on the distinction between production and consumer responsibility, and from the perspective of scale effect and structural effect, the related policy suggests that consumers should be held responsible.

https://ift.tt/2FhfEFj

Assessment of soil buffer capacity on nutrients and pharmaceuticals in nature-based solution applications

Abstract

The ability of a soil to sustain infiltration rates and to attenuate pollutants is critical for the design and operation of Managed Aquifer Recharge/Soil Aquifer Treatment and phyto-treatment schemes, also referred to as "Blue Infrastructures". We investigated the buffering capacity of a sediment sample and a peat soil sample for nutrients and selected pharmaceutical compounds and its evolution under continuous infiltration of secondary treated wastewater (TWW) in column experiments. Samples were obtained from two blue infrastructures, the Sant'Alessio Induced River Bank Filtration plant and the San Niccolò large-scale phyto-treatment plant in Italy, and were mainly different in their organic carbon contents (0.9 and 48%, respectively). In the column experiments, a constant infiltration rate of about 0.5 L/d was maintained for 6 months. After 4 months of operation, diclofenac and carbamazepine were spiked into the TWW to evaluate their fate. Water quality was monitored by periodic water sampling from the column inflow, at sampling ports along the column length, and at the outflow. Hydraulic conductivity (K) was also monitored. The hydraulic conductivity of the Sant'Alessio sediment decreased by a factor of 10 during the first 10 days of infiltration and then stabilized, while for the San Niccolò K (initially lower) remained constant for 50 days until it decreased following a change of the redox condition in the column. The different redox conditions, due to the two different soils tested, influenced also the concentration and mobility of PO₄³⁻, Fe, Mn, and NPOC, and the speciation of the redox sensitive elements (nitrogen and sulfur). NOPC and phosphate were enriched during the filtration through San Niccolò peat soil (from 2 to 4 times, respectively), while they were buffered by the Sant'Alessio sediment (from 0.2 to 0.4 times, respectively). Diclofenac removal (69% and below 20% for San Niccolò and Sant'Alessio, respectively) was related to sorption and degradation processes and it was lower than the removal of carbamazepine in both soils (76 and 35%). The buffer capacity differences between the two soils were higher for diclofenac (62%) than carbamazepine (35%). Nevertheless, since no apparent degradation of carbamazepine was detected in both soils, its persistence in the soil may have a larger impact in case of desorption, posing contamination risk to groundwater. The results highlight the importance of the soils or sediments to be used as medium in such nature-based solutions for their operations. They also offer an approach to, e.g., tailor man-made soil layers in infiltration basins. We strongly suggest that soil characteristics and test duration are carefully considered in designing these infrastructures, when nature-based processes are the choice for dealing with reuse of treated wastewater management issues.

https://ift.tt/2qFeqcQ

Pb 2+ adsorption by a compost obtained from the treatment of tobacco from smuggled cigarettes and industrial sewage sludge

Abstract

The adsorption of Pb²⁺ by a compost obtained from the treatment of tobacco from smuggled cigarettes (SCT) and industrial sewage sludge (ISS) was investigated. The Pb²⁺ adsorption process was evaluated as function of different concentrations of adsorbent and adsorbate, pH variations, and contact time. Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDX) were adopted to obtain information regarding structural changes and a better understanding of the adsorption mechanism. The adsorbent maximum adsorption capacity for Pb²⁺, calculated using the Sips equation, was 21.454 mg/g with 3 g/L adsorbent at pH 5. The adsorption kinetics best adjustment was obtained using the pseudo-second-order model with a time of 240 min to reach the adsorption equilibrium. FTIR and EDX results suggest that Pb²⁺ might have bonded to phenolic, carboxylic, hydroxyl, and amine groups; they also show formation of organometallic complexes and cationic exchange between the compost and the solution. The study confirmed that the compost evaluated can be used as a potential adsorbent in environments contaminated with Pb²⁺.

https://ift.tt/2Fek7bF

Determining the effects of aeration intensity and reactor height to diameter (H/D) ratio on granule stability based on bubble behavior analysis

Abstract

Aerobic granular sludge was considered as a leading wastewater technology in the next century. However, the loss of granule stability limited the application of this promising biotechnology. Increasing aeration intensity and height to diameter (H/D) ratio were conventional strategies to enhance granule stability. In this study, hydraulic effects of aeration intensity and H/D ratio were explored basing on bubble behavior analysis. However, results revealed that due to viscous resistance, increasing aeration intensity and H/D ratio had limited effects on enhancing hydraulic shear stress, not to mention the extra operation and construction cost. A deflector component was further applied to regulate hydraulic shear stress on large granules under low aeration intensity and H/D ratio. Hydraulic shear stress of large granules was constantly around 3.0 times higher than that in the conventional reactor, resulting in higher percentage of granules within optimal size range (81.95 ± 5.13%). A high abundance of denitrifying bacteria was observed in reactors, which led to high TN removal efficiency of 88.6 ± 3.8%.

https://ift.tt/2qEfBJe

The remediation potential and kinetics of cadmium in the green alga Cladophora rupestris

Abstract

This study determined the subcellular distribution, chemical forms, and effects of metal homeostasis of excess Cd in Cladophora rupestris. Biosorption data were analyzed with Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption models and kinetic equations. Results showed that C. rupestris can accumulate Cd. Cd mainly localized in the cell wall and debris (42.8–68.2%) of C. rupestris, followed by the soluble fraction (22.1–38.4%) observed in C. rupestris. A large quantity of Cd ions existed as insoluble CdHPO₄ complexed with organic acids, Cd(H₂PO₄)₂, Cd-phosphate complexes (F_HAC) (43.2–56.0%), and pectate and protein-integrated Cd (F_NaCl) (30.8–43.2%). The adsorption data were well fitted by the Freundlich model (R² = 0.933) and could be described by the pseudo-second-order reaction rate (R² = 0.997) and Elovich (R² = 0.972) equations. Related parameters indicated that Cd adsorption by C. rupestris is a heterogeneous diffusion. Cd promoted Ca and Zn uptake by C. rupestris. Cu, Fe, Mn, and Mg adsorption was promoted by low Cd concentrations and inhibited by high Cd concentrations. Results suggested that cell wall sequestration, vacuolar compartmentalization, and chemical morphological transformation are important mechanisms of Cd stress tolerance by C. rupestris. This study suggests that C. rupestris has bioremediation potential of Cd.

https://ift.tt/2FgO4YC