U isotopes distribution in the Lower Rhone River and its implication on radionuclides disequilibrium within the decay series

Publication date: November 2017
Source:Journal of Environmental Radioactivity, Volumes 178–179
Author(s): Mathilde Zebracki, Xavier Cagnat, Stéphanie Gairoard, Nicolas Cariou, Frédérique Eyrolle-Boyer, Béatrice Boulet, Christelle Antonelli
The large rivers are main pathways for the delivery of suspended sediments into coastal environments, affecting the biogeochemical fluxes and the ecosystem functioning. The radionuclides from ²³⁸U and ²³²Th—series can be used to understand the dynamic processes affecting both catchment soil erosion and sediment delivery to oceans. Based on annual water discharge the Rhone River represents the largest river of the Mediterranean Sea. The Rhone valley also represents the largest concentration in nuclear power plants in Europe. A radioactive disequilibrium between particulate ²²⁶Ra(p) and ²³⁸U(p) was observed in the suspended sediment discharged by the Lower Rhone River (Eyrolle et al. 2012), and a fraction of particulate ²³⁴Th was shown to derive from dissolved ²³⁸U(d) (Zebracki et al. 2013). This extensive study has investigated the dissolved U isotopes distribution in the Lower Rhone River and its implication on particulate radionuclides disequilibrium within the decay series. The suspended sediment and filtered river waters were collected at low and high water discharges. During the 4—months of the study, two flood events generated by the Rhone southern tributaries were monitored. In river waters, the total U(d) concentration and U isotopes distribution were obtained through Q-ICP-MS measurements. The Lower Rhone River has displayed non-conservative U—behavior, and the variations in U(d) concentration between southern tributaries were related to the differences in bedrock lithology. The artificially occurring ²³⁶U was detected in the Rhone River at low water discharges, and was attributed to the liquid releases from nuclear industries located along the river. The (²³⁵U/²³⁸U)(d) activity ratio (=AR) in river waters was representative of the ²³⁵U natural abundance on Earth. The (²²⁶Ra/²³⁸U)(p) AR in suspended sediment has indicated a radioactive disequilibrium (average 1.3 ± 0.1). The excess of ²³⁴Th in suspended sediment =(²³⁴Thxs(p)) was apparent solely at low water discharges. The activity of ²³⁴Thxs(p) was calculated through gamma measurements and ranged from unquantifiable to 56 ± 14 Bq kg⁻¹. The possibility of using ²³⁴Th as a tracer for the suspended sediment dynamics in large Mediterranean river was then discussed.



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The NCDR ICD Registry: A Foundation for Quality Improvement

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Histopathological and Immunological Characteristics of Tachycardia-Induced Cardiomyopathy

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Adherence Tradeoff to Multiple Preventive Therapies and All-Cause Mortality After Acute Myocardial Infarction

AbstractBackground

Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors/angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARB), beta-blockers and statins are recommended after acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Patients may adhere to some, but not all, therapies.

Objectives

The authors investigated the effect of tradeoffs in adherence to ACE inhibitors/ARBs, beta-blockers, and statins on survival among older people after AMI.

Methods

The authors identified 90,869 Medicare beneficiaries ≥65 years of age who had prescriptions for ACE inhibitors/ARBs, beta-blockers, and statins, and survived ≥180 days after AMI hospitalization in 2008 to 2010. Adherence was measured by proportion of days covered (PDC) during 180 days following hospital discharge. Mortality follow-up extended up to 18 months after this period. The authors used Cox proportional hazards models to estimate hazard ratios of mortality for groups adherent to 2, 1, or none of the therapies versus group adherent to all 3 therapies.

Results

Only 49% of the patients adhered (PDC ≥80%) to all 3 therapies. Compared with being adherent to all 3 therapies, multivariable-adjusted hazard ratios (95% confidence intervals [CIs]) for mortality were 1.12 (95% CI: 1.04 to 1.21) for being adherent to ACE inhibitors/ARBs and beta-blockers only, 0.98 (95% CI: 0.91 to 1.07) for ACEI/ARBs and statins only, 1.17 (95% CI: 1.10 to 1.25) beta-blockers and statins only, 1.19 (95% CI: 1.07 to 1.32) for ACE inhibitors/ARBs only, 1.32 (95% CI: 1.21 to 1.44) for beta-blockers only, 1.26 (95% CI: 1.15 to 1.38) statins only, and 1.65 (95% CI: 1.54 to 1.76) for being nonadherent (PDC <80%) to all 3 therapies.

Conclusions

Patients adherent to ACE inhibitors/ARBs and statins only had similar mortality rates as those adherent to all 3 therapies, suggesting limited additional benefit for beta-blockers in patients who were adherent to statins and ACE inhibitors/ARBs. Nonadherence to ACE inhibitors/ARBs and/or statins was associated with higher mortality.

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Reducing Arterial Stiffness Independently of Blood Pressure: The VaSera Trial

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"Sticky" Issues for Adherence in Secondary Prevention

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A Test in Context: Lipid Profile, Fasting Versus Nonfasting

Abstract

Fasting for >8 h, as previously required for lipid profiles, normally only occurs a few hours before breakfast. By contrast, the nonfasting state predominates most of a 24-h cycle and better captures atherogenic lipoprotein levels. Plasma contains atherogenic lipoproteins of hepatic origin in the fasting state and additionally those of intestinal origin in the nonfasting state. Maximal mean changes for random, nonfasting versus fasting levels are +26 mg/dl for triglycerides, –8 mg/dl for total cholesterol, –8 mg/dl for low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, +8 mg/dl for remnant cholesterol, and –8 mg/dl for non–high-density lipoprotein cholesterol; lipoprotein(a), apolipoprotein B, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol are largely unaffected. For patients, laboratories, and clinicians alike, nonfasting lipid profiles represent a simplification without negative implications for prognostic, diagnostic, and therapeutic options for cardiovascular disease prevention. Several societies' guidelines and statements in Denmark, the United Kingdom, Europe, Canada, Brazil, and the United States endorse nonfasting lipid profiles.

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Effect of Definition on Incidence and Prognosis of Type 2 Myocardial Infarction

AbstractBackground

Uncertainties regarding the most appropriate definition and treatment of type 2 myocardial infarction (T2MI) due to supply-demand mismatch have contributed to inconsistent adoption in clinical practice.

Objectives

This study sought a better understanding of the effect of the definition of T2MI on its incidence, treatment, and event-related mortality, thereby addressing an important unmet clinical need.

Methods

The final diagnosis was adjudicated in patients presenting with symptoms suggestive of myocardial infarction by 2 independent cardiologists by 2 methods: 1 method required the presence of coronary artery disease, a common interpretation of the 2007 universal definition (T2MI₂₀₀₇); and 1 method did not require coronary artery disease, the 2012 universal definition (T2MI₂₀₁₂).

Results

Overall, 4,015 consecutive patients were adjudicated. The incidence of T2MI based on the T2MI₂₀₀₇ definition was 2.8% (n = 112). The application of the more liberal T2MI₂₀₁₂ definition resulted in an increase of T2MI incidence of 6% (n = 240), a relative increase of 114% (128 reclassified patients, defined as T2MI_{2012reclassified}). Among T2MI₂₀₀₇, 6.3% of patients received coronary revascularization, 22% dual-antiplatelet therapy, and 71% high-dose statin therapy versus 0.8%, 1.6%, and 31% among T2MI_{2012reclassified} patients, respectively (all p < 0.01). Cardiovascular mortality at 90 days was 0% among T2MI_{2012reclassified}, which was similar to patients with noncardiac causes of chest discomfort (0.2%), and lower than T2MI₂₀₀₇ (3.6%) and type 1 myocardial infarction (T1MI) (4.8%) (T2MI_{2012reclassified} vs. T2MI₂₀₀₇ and T1MI: p = 0.03 and 0.01, respectively).

Conclusions

T2MI_{2012reclassified} has a substantially lower event-related mortality rate compared with T2MI₂₀₀₇ and T1MI. (Advantageous Predictors of Acute Coronary Syndromes Evaluation [APACE] Study; NCT00470587)

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Application of the Statin-Associated Muscle Symptoms-Clinical Index to a Randomized Trial on Statin Myopathy

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The Many Faces of Type 2 Myocardial Infarction

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{beta}-Blockers and Outcome After Acute Myocardial Infarction

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Persistence With Dabigatran Therapy at 2 Years in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation

AbstractBackground

Guidelines recommend long-term oral anticoagulation therapy for stroke prevention in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). Treatment discontinuation rates in vitamin K antagonist (VKA)-treated patients are high but may be lower with non-VKA oral anticoagulant agents.

Objectives

The goal of this study was to describe and explore predictors of dabigatran etexilate persistence in patients with newly diagnosed AF over 2 years of follow-up.

Methods

Consecutive patients newly diagnosed with AF and ≥1 stroke risk factor were followed up for 2 years. Dabigatran nonpersistence was defined as discontinuation of dabigatran for >30 days. A multivariable Cox regression model included region as well as patient clinical and sociodemographic characteristics to explore predictors of nonpersistence.

Results

Eligible patients (N = 2,932) took ≥1 dabigatran dose; their mean age was 70.3 ± 10.2 years, and 55.3% were male. The 2-year probability of dabigatran persistence was 69.2%. Approximately 7% switched to a factor Xa inhibitor and 6% to a VKA. Approximately one-third of dabigatran discontinuations were primarily due to serious or nonserious adverse events. Patients from North America had the highest discontinuation risk, and Latin America had the lowest. Minimally symptomatic or asymptomatic AF and permanent AF were associated with a lower risk for dabigatran nonpersistence. Previous proton pump inhibitor use was associated with a higher risk for dabigatran nonpersistence.

Conclusions

Probability of treatment persistence with dabigatran after 2 years was approximately 70%. Nearly one-half of the patients who stopped dabigatran switched to another oral anticoagulant agent. Patients from North America, and those with paroxysmal, persistent, or symptomatic AF, may be at a higher risk for discontinuing dabigatran.

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JACC Instructions for Authors

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Pills Never Work in the Bottle

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ACC/AATS/AHA/ASE/ASNC/HRS/SCAI/SCCT/SCMR/STS 2017 Appropriate Use Criteria for Multimodality Imaging in Valvular Heart Disease: A Report of the American College of Cardiology Appropriate Use Criteria Task Force, American Association for Thoracic Surgery, American Heart Association, American Society of Echocardiography, American Society of Nuclear Cardiology, Heart Rhythm Society, Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions, Society of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography, Society for C

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Inferior Vena Cava Filters to Prevent Pulmonary Embolism: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

AbstractBackground

Inferior vena cava (IVC) filters are widely used for prevention of pulmonary embolism (PE). However, uncertainty persists about their efficacy and safety.

Objectives

The authors conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of the published reports on the efficacy and safety of IVC filters.

Methods

The authors searched PubMed, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and ClinicalTrials.gov through October 3, 2016, for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) or prospective controlled observational studies of IVC filters versus none in patients at risk of PE. Inverse variance fixed-effects models with odds ratio (OR) as the effect measure were used for primary analyses. Main outcomes included subsequent PE, PE-related mortality, all-cause mortality, and subsequent deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

Results

The authors' search retrieved 1,986 studies, of which 11 met criteria for inclusion (6 RCTs and 5 prospective observational studies). Quality of evidence for RCTs was low to moderate. Overall, patients receiving IVC filters had lower risk for subsequent PE (OR: 0.50; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.33 to 0.75); increased risk for DVT (OR: 1.70; 95% CI: 1.17 to 2.48); nonsignificantly lower PE-related mortality (OR: 0.51; 95% CI: 0.25 to 1.05); and no change in all-cause mortality (OR: 0.91; 95% CI: 0.70 to 1.19). Limiting the results to RCTs showed similar results. Findings were substantively similar across a wide range of sensitivity analyses.

Conclusions

Very few prospective controlled studies, with limited quality of evidence, exist regarding the efficacy and safety of IVC filters. Overall, filters appear to reduce the risk of subsequent PE, increase the risk for DVT, and have no significant effect on overall mortality.

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Preparing Fellows for Precision Cardiology: Are We Ready?

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The Elusive Evidence for Inferior Vena Cava Filters to Prevent Pulmonary Embolism

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Patients With an ICD Remain at Risk for Painful Shocks in Last Moments of Life

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Bone Marrow-Derived Tenascin-C Attenuates Cardiac Hypertrophy by Controlling Inflammation

AbstractBackground

Tenascin-C (TNC) is a highly conserved matricellular protein with a distinct expression pattern during development and disease. Remodeling of the left ventricle (LV) in response to pressure overload leads to the re-expression of the fetal gene program.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to investigate the function of TNC in cardiac hypertrophy in response to pressure overload.

Methods

Pressure overload was induced in TNC knockout and wild-type mice by constricting their abdominal aorta or by infusion of angiotensin II. Echocardiography, immunostaining, flow cytometry, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, and reciprocal bone marrow transplantation were used to evaluate the effect of TNC deficiency.

Results

Echocardiographic analysis of pressure overloaded hearts revealed that all LV parameters (LV end-diastolic and -systolic dimensions, ejection fraction, and fractional shortening) deteriorated in TNC-deficient mice compared with their wild-type counterparts. Cardiomyocyte size and collagen accumulation were significantly greater in the absence of TNC. Mechanistically, TNC deficiency promoted rapid accumulation of the CCR2⁺/Ly6C^hi monocyte/macrophage subset into the myocardium in response to pressure overload. Further, echocardiographic and immunohistochemical analyses of recipient hearts showed that expression of TNC in the bone marrow, but not the myocardium, protected the myocardium against excessive remodeling of the pressure-overloaded heart.

Conclusions

TNC deficiency further impaired cardiac function in response to pressure overload and exacerbated fibrosis by enhancing inflammation. In addition, expression of TNC in the bone marrow, but not the myocardium, protected the myocardium against excessive remodeling in response to mild pressure overload.

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Outcomes of TAVR in Bicuspid Aortic Valve Stenosis

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Immunomodulation in multiple sclerosis: promises and pitfalls

Publication date: December 2017
Source:Current Opinion in Immunology, Volume 49
Author(s): Calliope A Dendrou, Lars Fugger
Multiple sclerosis (MS) afflicts about 2.5 million people globally and poses a major personal and socioeconomic burden. The recognition of MS as an inflammatory disease, characterized by infiltration of immune cells into the central nervous system, has spurred research into the autoimmune etiology of the condition and has provided the rationale for its treatment through immunomodulation. Experience with immunotherapies in MS to date has suggested a disparity between the observed immune cell infiltration and the progressive loss of neurons. However, recent clinical efforts are providing new insights into progressive MS that once again place the immune system at center stage. This article reviews the main mechanisms of MS immunopathogenesis, and the benefits, risks and challenges of immunomodulatory treatments for the disease.



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In situ gold-nanoparticle electrogeneration on gold films deposited on paper for non-enzymatic electrochemical determination of glucose

Publication date: 1 February 2018
Source:Talanta, Volume 178
Author(s): Estefanía Núnez-Bajo, M. Carmen Blanco-López, Agustín Costa-García, M. Teresa Fernández-Abedul
This work describes the development and evaluation of a new electrochemical platform based on the sustainable generation of gold-nanoparticles on paper-based gold-sputtered electrodes. The disposable porous paper electrode is combined with screen-printed electrodes for ensuring a precise electrogeneration of nanoparticles and also for the evaluation of these simple, versatile and low-cost microfluidic devices. Two types of chromatographic paper with different thicknesses have been evaluated. Paper gold working electrodes modified with gold nanoparticles were characterized by scanning electron microscopy and cyclic voltammetry using potassium ferrocyanide as a common redox probe, showing an improved electrochemical performance when compared to bare gold electrodes. The platform has been applied to the non-enzymatic determination of glucose, molecule of enormous interest. The porous gold structure made by sputtering on paper, modified with electrogenerated nanoparticles allowed precise and accurate determination of the analyte in beverages at low potential.

Graphical abstract

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An approach for quantification of platinum distribution in tissues by LA-ICP-MS imaging using isotope dilution analysis

Publication date: 1 February 2018
Source:Talanta, Volume 178
Author(s): I. Moraleja, M.L. Mena, A. Lázaro, B. Neumann, A. Tejedor, N. Jakubowski, M.M. Gómez-Gómez, D. Esteban-Fernández
Laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) has been revealed as a convenient technique for trace elemental imaging in tissue sections, providing elemental 2D distribution at a quantitative level. For quantification purposes, in the last years several approaches have been proposed in the literature such as the use of CRMs or matrix matched standards. The use of Isotope Dilution (ID) for quantification by LA-ICP-MS has been also described, being mainly useful for bulk analysis but not feasible for spatial measurements so far. In this work, a quantification method based on ID analysis was developed by printing isotope-enriched inks onto kidney slices from rats treated with antitumoral Pt-based drugs using a commercial ink-jet device, in order to perform an elemental quantification in different areas from bio-images. For the ID experiments ¹⁹⁴Pt enriched platinum was used. The methodology was validated by deposition of natural Pt standard droplets with a known amount of Pt onto the surface of a control tissue, where could be quantified even 50pg of Pt, with recoveries higher than 90%. The amount of Pt present in the whole kidney slices was quantified for cisplatin, carboplatin and oxaliplatin-treated rats. The results obtained were in accordance with those previously reported. The amount of Pt distributed between the medullar and cortical areas was also quantified, observing different behavior for the three drugs.

Graphical abstract

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Highly selective detection of phosphate ion based on a single-layered graphene quantum dots-Al3+ strategy

Publication date: 1 February 2018
Source:Talanta, Volume 178
Author(s): Bin Bin Chen, Rong Sheng Li, Meng Li Liu, Hong Yan Zou, Hui Liu, Cheng Zhi Huang
Determination of phosphate ion (PO4^3-) is important in biomedical and environmental arrays because its controlling concentrations are associated with different pathologies or the quality of water. Herein, we report a new type of photoluminescence (PL) probe for highly selective detection of PO4^3- based on a single-layered graphene quantum dots chelating with aluminium ions (s-GQDs-Al³⁺) system. The PL of s-GQDs can be enhanced by Al³⁺ through the aggregation-induced emission enhancement (AIEE) effect. With the addition of PO4^3-, the PL of the s-GQDs-Al³⁺ system is faded away because PO4^3- has stronger coordination with Al³⁺ which results in the elimination of AIEE effect and the decrease in the PL intensity of the s-GQDs-Al³⁺ system. Therefore, the s-GQDs-Al³⁺ system can behave as an on-off type PL probe for PO4^3- detection. It is found that the PL intensity ratio (I/I0) of s-GQDs in the presence of Al³⁺ at 463nm is proportional to the concentration of PO4^3- in the range of 0.25–7.5μM with the limit of detection as low as 0.1μM. This selective assay has a great application prospect in the complex matrixes owing to its simplicity and specificity for PO4^3- detection.

Graphical abstract

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Prediction of parameters related to grape ripening by multivariate calibration of voltammetric signals acquired by an electronic tongue

Publication date: 1 February 2018
Source:Talanta, Volume 178
Author(s): L. Pigani, G. Vasile Simone, G. Foca, A. Ulrici, F. Masino, L. Cubillana-Aguilera, R. Calvini, R. Seeber
An electronic tongue (ET) consisting of two voltammetric sensors, namely a poly-ethylendioxythiophene modified Pt electrode and a sonogel carbon electrode, has been developed aiming at monitoring grape ripening. To test the effectiveness of device and measurement procedures developed, samples of three varieties of grapes have been collected from veraison to harvest of the mature grape bunches. The derived musts have been then submitted to electrochemical investigation using Differential Pulse Voltammetry technique. At the same time, quantitative determination of specific analytical parameters for the evaluation of technological and phenolic maturity of each sample has been performed by means of conventional analytical techniques. After a preliminary inspection by principal component analysis, calibration models were calculated both by partial least squares (PLS) on the whole signals and by the interval partial least squares (iPLS) variable selection algorithm, in order to estimate physico-chemical parameters. Calibration models have been obtained both considering separately the signals of each sensor of the ET, and by proper fusion of the voltammetric data selected from the two sensors by iPLS. The latter procedure allowed us to check the possible complementarity of the information brought by the different electrodes. Good predictive models have been obtained for estimation of pH, total acidity, sugar content, and anthocyanins content. The application of the ET for fast evaluation of grape ripening and of most suitable harvesting time is proposed.

Graphical abstract

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Strontium and magnesium ions released from bioactive titanium metal promote early bone bonding in a rabbit implant model

Publication date: Available online 14 September 2017
Source:Acta Biomaterialia
Author(s): Yaichiro Okuzu, Shunsuke Fujibayashi, Seiji Yamaguchi, Koji Yamamoto, Takayoshi Shimizu, Takashi Sono, Koji Goto, Bungo Otsuki, Tomiharu Matsushita, Tadashi Kokubo, Shuichi Matsuda
We have previously developed the "alkali and heat treatment" method to confer bioactivity (bone-bonding ability) to titanium metal (Ti). As strontium (Sr) and magnesium (Mg) ions reportedly promote osteoblastic cell proliferation and differentiation and accelerate bone formation, we improved this method to induce the release of Sr (Sr-Ti) or Mg (Mg-Ti) ions from Ti in a previous study. Here, we evaluated the bioactivity of these novel surface treatments, Sr-Ti and Mg-Ti. In vitro evaluation of cell viability, expression of integrin β1, β catenin, and cyclin D1, osteogenic gene expression, alkaline phosphatase activity, and extracellular mineralization using MC3T3-E1 cells revealed that Sr-Ti and Mg-Ti enhanced proliferation and osteogenic differentiation. In rabbit in vivo studies, Sr-Ti and Mg-Ti also provided greater biomechanical strength and bone-implant contact than the positive control Ti (Ca-Ti), especially at the early stage (4–8 weeks), and maintained these properties for a longer period (16–24 weeks). Advantages of the improved method include process simplicity, applicability for any implant shape, and lack of adverse effects on implant composition and structure. Therefore, our treatment is promising for clinical applications to achieve early bone bonding.Statement of SignificanceImplantation into osteoporotic bone constitutes a challenging problem because of early migration or loosening of the implant, which is primarily due to insufficient initial fixation in porotic bone. Therefore, it is desirable to provide implants with a capacity for early bone bonding. We have achieved conferring early bone bonding ability to titanium metal by releasing strontium ions or magnesium ions. Our treatment is promising for clinical applications to achieve early bone bonding of orthopedic or dental Ti-based implants.

Graphical abstract

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A Raman spectroscopic investigation of the mechanism of the reduction of hair with thioglycerol and the accompanying disulfide conformational changes

Abstract

Objective

The objective of our research was to investigate the reduction mechanism of thioglycerol (TG) on hair keratin fibres.

Methods

The structure of cross-sections at various depths of virgin white human hair resulting from the permanent waving process with TG was directly analyzed at the molecular level using Raman spectroscopy. Also, the penetration of TG for the cross-sectional samples dyed with methylene blue was observed by optical microscopy.

Results

The gauche-gauche-gauche (GGG) and gauche-gauche-trans (GGT) conformations of disulfide (–SS–) groups remarkably decreased, while the trans-gauche-trans (TGT) conformation increased by performing the reduction process with TG. In addition, the disconnected –SS– content at various depths of the hair sample reduced with TG adjusted to pH 9.0 with ammonia solution, was clearly increased compared with that of the hair sample reduced with TG adjusted to pH 9.0 with monoethanolamine. In the case of adjusting to pH 9.0 with ammonia solution, the tensile strength of the waved hair treated with TG was strong compared with that of the waved hair treated with thioglycolic acid (TGA), but the waving efficiency of the waved hair treated with TG was nevertheless higher than that of the waved hair treated with TGA.

Conclusion

The author concluded that the waved virgin human hair treated with TG adjusted to pH 9.0 with ammonia solution was less damaged as compared with the waved hair treated with TGA, despite its good waving efficiency, since not only were the GGG and GGT conformations disconnected, but they were also changed to the TGT conformation by performing the reduction process with TG.

This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

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Disruption of human stratum corneum lipid structure by sodium dodecyl sulfate

Abstract

Objective

Surfactants are major ingredients of body soaps and cleansers. Among them, harsh ones have been demonstrated to damage the skin. Stratum corneum (SC), the outermost barrier of skin layer, is rich in intercellular lipids. This lipid structure can be disrupted by surfactants, impairing the barrier function of the skin. Thus, we investigated the surfactant-induced disruption of the intercellular lipid structure of human SC at the molecular level using synchrotron X-ray diffraction.

Methods

SC samples from the breast of female Caucasians were treated with sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and analyzed by small-angle and wide-angle X-ray diffraction.

Results

We found that an aqueous SDS solution affected the long lamellar structure, which became disorganized. The final disordered lipid state was reached through two or more types of structural change. We propose that the disordered lipid state results from incorporation of SDS into the long lamellar structure. In contrast, the lattice constants in the short lamellar and the hydrocarbon-chain packing structures remained almost unchanged after SDS treatment.

Conclusion

We conclude that the disruption of the long lamellar structure plays a key role in the damage to the SC caused by detergents. To our knowledge, this is the first report to clarify the details of the disorganization of the intercellular lipid structure upon surfactant application. The knowledge obtained herein may allow the development of skin restoration methods and cleanser products that do not affect skin barrier functions.

This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

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Morphology-dependent sensing performance of dihydro-tetrazine functionalized MOF toward Al(III)

Publication date: March 2018
Source:Ultrasonics Sonochemistry, Volume 41
Author(s): Sayed Ali Akbar Razavi, Mohammad Yaser Masoomi, Ali Morsali
A pillared MOF, [Zn(OBA)(H2DPT)0.5].DMF (TMU-34), based on dihydro tetrazine functionalized pillar spacer (H2DPT=3,6-di(pyridin-4-yl)-1,4-dihydro-1,2,4,5-tetrazine) and V-shape dicarboxylate linker (H2OBA=4,4′-oxybis(benzoic acid)) was synthesized by reflux and ultrasonic methods. The effects of sonication time, initial concentration of reagents and sonication power on size and morphology have been optimized. This MOF has been characterized by scanning electron microscopy, FT-IR spectra, X-ray powder diffraction and N2 adsorption at 77K. Bulk and nano samples of TMU-34 have been applied in cation sensing for detection of Al(III) in presence of other cations (Na(I), Mg(II), Sr(II), Al(III), Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), Zn(II), Cd(II), Pb(II), Hg(II),Cr(III), Li(I), Fe(III), K(I)). The results show that nano powder of TMU-34 with uniform separated plate-like morphology (TMU-34-F) has higher detection limit and short response time compared to bulk material. So, in this work we show the application of luminescent metal-organic frameworks synthesized by sonochemistry approach in effective cation detection.



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Impact of N-methylation of the substance P 1–7 amide on anti-allodynic effect in mice after peripheral administration

Publication date: 15 November 2017
Source:European Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Volume 109
Author(s): Anna Skogh, Anna Lesniak, Fabienne Z. Gaugaz, Richard Svensson, Gunnar Lindeberg, Rebecca Fransson, Fred Nyberg, Mathias Hallberg, Anja Sandström
Substance P 1–7 (SP1–7, Arg¹-Pro²-Lys³-Pro⁴-Gln⁵-Gln⁶-Phe⁷) is the major bioactive metabolite formed after proteolytic degradation of the tachykinin substance P (SP). This heptapeptide often opposes the effects of the mother peptide. Hence, SP1–7 is having anti-inflammatory, anti-nociceptive and anti-hyperalgesic effects in experimental models. Despite all encouraging properties of SP1–7 its exact mode of action has not yet been elucidated which has hampered further development of this heptapeptide in drug discovery. Contrary to SP that mediates its biological activity via the NK-1 receptor, the N-terminal fragment SP1–7 acts through an unknown target that is distinct from all known opioid and tachykinin receptors. The SP1–7 amide 1 (Arg¹-Pro²-Lys³-Pro⁴-Gln⁵-Gln⁶-Phe⁷-NH2) was previously shown to be superior to the endogenous SP1–7 in all experimental pain models where the two compounds were compared. Herein, we report that N-methylation scan of the backbone of the SP1–7 amide (1) results in peptides that are significantly less prone to undergo proteolysis in plasma from both mouse and human. However, with the two exceptions of the [MeLys³]SP1–7 amide (3) and the [MeGln⁵]SP1–7 amide (4), the peptides with a methyl group attached to the backbone are devoid of significant anti-allodynic effects after peripheral administration in the spared nerve injury (SNI) mouse model of neuropathic pain. It is suggested that the N-methylation does not allow these peptides to form the accurate bioactive conformations or interactions required for efficient binding to the macromolecular target. The importance of intact N-terminal Arg¹ and C-terminal Phe⁷, anticipated to serve as address and message residues, respectively, for achieving the anti-allodynic effect is emphasized. Notably, the three heptapeptides: the SP1–7 amide (1), the [MeLys³]SP1–7 amide (3) amide and the [MeGln⁵]SP1–7 amide (4) are all considerably more effective in the SNI mouse model than gabapentin that is widely used in the clinic for treatment of neuropathic pain.

Graphical abstract

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Factor analysis in optimization of formulation of high content uniformity tablets containing low dose active substance

Publication date: 15 November 2017
Source:European Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Volume 109
Author(s): Ivana Lukášová, Jan Muselík, Aleš Franc, Roman Goněc, Filip Mika, David Vetchý
Warfarin is intensively discussed drug with narrow therapeutic range. There have been cases of bleeding attributed to varying content or altered quality of the active substance. Factor analysis is useful for finding suitable technological parameters leading to high content uniformity of tablets containing low amount of active substance. The composition of tabletting blend and technological procedure were set with respect to factor analysis of previously published results. The correctness of set parameters was checked by manufacturing and evaluation of tablets containing 1–10mg of warfarin sodium. The robustness of suggested technology was checked by using "worst case scenario" and statistical evaluation of European Pharmacopoeia (EP) content uniformity limits with respect to Bergum division and process capability index (Cpk). To evaluate the quality of active substance and tablets, dissolution method was developed (water; EP apparatus II; 25rpm), allowing for statistical comparison of dissolution profiles. Obtained results prove the suitability of factor analysis to optimize the composition with respect to batches manufactured previously and thus the use of metaanalysis under industrial conditions is feasible.

Graphical abstract

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Data on farmers' determinants of manure and inorganic fertiliser use in the semi-arid Ethiopian Rift Valley

Publication date: October 2017
Source:Data in Brief, Volume 14
Author(s): Shiro Mukai
This article contains the data on farmers' determinants of binary choices for manure use (i.e., manure is used or unused) and fertiliser use (i.e., fertiliser is used or unused) at their fields in semi-arid northern Ethiopian Rift Valley. The data includes (i) a schematic diagram that represents local farmers' distinctions of the crop field types in terms of the distance from their houses and soil fertility and (ii) a table that describes a representative farmer's crop sequences and soil fertilisation methods in two consecutive years. Details about the literature review of the previous case studies on farmers' determinants of manure application technique adoption conducted in some parts of sub-Saharan Africa where cattle dung is used for manure are also summarized in a table. A table shows descriptive statistics of the independent variables used in the empirical analyses. Summary statistics of 4 binomial logit models and 4 multinomial logit models are indicated in a table, which represent model fit. Last two tables exhibited in this article show the logit analyses.



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Inhibitory Effects of Antagonists of Growth Hormone-Releasing Hormone (GHRH) in Thyroid Cancer

Abstract

Growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) is a peptide hormone secreted by the hypothalamus that regulates the synthesis and secretion of growth hormone (GH) in the pituitary. The extra-hypothalamic GHRH and its cognate receptors (GHRHR and splice variants) play a mitogenic role by stimulating cell proliferation and preventing apoptotic cell death. It is well established that GHRH antagonists inhibit the growth, tumorigenicity, and metastasis of various human malignancies. In this work, we studied the effect of two new GHRH antagonists, MIA602 and MIA690, on thyroid cancer. We studied the effect of MIA602 and MIA690 on thyroid cancer in vitro, using human thyroid cancer cell lines, and in vivo, using chicken embryo chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assays. We found that mRNA for GHRH and GHRH receptor is expressed in thyroid cell lines and in samples of thyroid tumors. Immunohistochemistry confirmed the expression of GHRHR protein in specimens of thyroid tumor. We observed that GHRH antagonists inhibited the growth and increased apoptosis of thyroid cancer cells. In vivo, the antagonists inhibited growth and angiogenesis of engrafted thyroid tumors. Our results suggest that GHRH expression may play a role in growth of thyroid cancer and that GHRH antagonists can be a therapeutic option for thyroid cancer patients.

http://ift.tt/2wBjpLO

A phenotype combining hidradenitis suppurativa with Dowling-Degos disease caused by a founder mutation in PSENEN

Abstract

Dowling-Degos disease, featuring reticulate pigmentation, and familial hidradenitis suppurativa share many clinical features including autosomal dominant inheritance, flexural location and follicular defects. The co-existence of the two disorders was recently found to result from mutations in PSENEN, encoding protein presenilin enhancer gamma-secretase subunit. Here we report 4 additional families of Jewish Ashkenazi origin who presented with clinical features characteristic of both disorders. All patients were found to carry the same, heterozygous mutation in PSENEN (c.168T>G, p.Y56X). Haplotype analysis revealed that the mutation originated from a common ancestor. Dowling-Degos disease- as well as hidradenitis suppurativa-associated genes have been shown to encode important regulators of Notch signaling. Accordingly, using a reporter assay, we demonstrated decreased Notch activity in patient's keratinocytes. The present data confirm the genetic basis of the combined Dowling-Degos disease-hidradenitis suppurativa phenotype and suggest that Notch signaling may play a central role in the pathogenesis of this rare condition.

This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

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Development: Transcriptomic blueprints

Nature Reviews Genetics. doi:10.1038/nrg.2017.77

Author: Linda Koch

http://ift.tt/2xbuepZ

An Exploratory Clinical Study of Apatinib for the 2nd Treatment of Esophageal Cancer or Esophageal and Gastric

Conditions:   Esophagus Cancer, Stage III;   Esophageal Gastric Cardia Type Metaplasia;   Esophagus Cancer, Stage IV
Intervention:   Drug: Apatinib
Sponsor:   Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital
Recruiting - verified July 2017

http://ift.tt/2yjx0JP

Stereotactic Radiotherapy of the Resection Cavity of Brain Metastases vs. Post-operative Whole-brain Radiotherapy

Condition:   Brain Metastases, Adult
Interventions:   Radiation: post-operative stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS);   Radiation: Whole brain radiotherapy (WBRT)
Sponsors:   Juergen Debus;   Heidelberg University
Not yet recruiting - verified September 2017

http://ift.tt/2xKzAMe

Optogenetic Inhibition of Medial Prefrontal Cortex–Pontine Nuclei Projections During the Stimulus-free Trace Interval Impairs Temporal Associative Motor Learning

Abstract

The medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) is closely involved in many higher-order cognitive functions, including learning to associate temporally discontiguous events (called temporal associative learning). However, direct evidence for the role of mPFC and the neural pathway underlying modulation of temporal associative motor learning is sparse. Here, we show that optogenetic inhibition of the mPFC or its axon terminals at the pontine nuclei (PN) during trace intervals or whole trial period significantly impaired the trace eyeblink conditioning (TEC), but had no significant effects on TEC during the conditioned stimulus or intertrial interval period. Our results suggest that activities associated with the mPFC–PN projection during trace intervals is crucial for trace associative motor learning. This finding is of great importance in understanding the mechanisms and the relevant neural pathways underlying mPFC modulation of temporal associative motor learning.

http://ift.tt/2xL8nJ7

Comprehensive Morpho-Electrotonic Analysis Shows 2 Distinct Classes of L2 and L3 Pyramidal Neurons in Human Temporal Cortex

Abstract

There have been few quantitative characterizations of the morphological, biophysical, and cable properties of neurons in the human neocortex. We employed feature-based statistical methods on a rare data set of 60 3D reconstructed pyramidal neurons from L2 and L3 in the human temporal cortex (HL2/L3 PCs) removed after brain surgery. Of these cells, 25 neurons were also characterized physiologically. Thirty-two morphological features were analyzed (e.g., dendritic surface area, 36 333 ± 18 157 μm²; number of basal trees, 5.55 ± 1.47; dendritic diameter, 0.76 ± 0.28 μm). Eighteen features showed a significant gradual increase with depth from the pia (e.g., dendritic length and soma radius). The other features showed weak or no correlation with depth (e.g., dendritic diameter). The basal dendritic terminals in HL2/L3 PCs are particularly elongated, enabling multiple nonlinear processing units in these dendrites. Unlike the morphological features, the active biophysical features (e.g., spike shapes and rates) and passive/cable features (e.g., somatic input resistance, 47.68 ± 15.26 MΩ, membrane time constant, 12.03 ± 1.79 ms, average dendritic cable length, 0.99 ± 0.24) were depth-independent. A novel descriptor for apical dendritic topology yielded 2 distinct classes, termed hereby as "slim-tufted" and "profuse-tufted" HL2/L3 PCs; the latter class tends to fire at higher rates. Thus, our morpho-electrotonic analysis shows 2 distinct classes of HL2/L3 PCs.

http://ift.tt/2wAvjG4

Scholar : Molecular and Clinical Oncology - Volume:7 Number:4

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TABLE OF CONTENTS October-2017 Volume 7 Issue 4

The optimum marker for the detection of lymphatic vessels (Review) Ling‑Ling Kong, Nian‑Zhao Yang, Liang‑Hui Shi, Guo‑Hai Zhao, Wenbin Zhou, Qiang Ding, Ming‑Hai Wang, Yi‑Sheng Zhang View Abstract ❯

Relapsed and unresectable inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor responded to chemotherapy: A case report and review of the literature Yasuhiro Maruyama, Toshirou Fukushima, Daisuke Gomi, Takashi Kobayashi, Nodoka Sekiguchi, Akiyuki Sakamoto, Shigeru Sasaki, Keiko Mamiya, Tomonobu Koizumi View Abstract ❯

Treatment of relapsed extranodal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma with bortezomib plus fludarabine Chen Chen, Hongmin He View Abstract ❯

Blood transfusions and steatohepatitis are independent risk factors for complications following liver resection for colorectal cancer liver metastases Marco Massani, Giovanni Capovilla, Cesare Ruffolo, Roberta Bonariol, Paola Maccatrozzo, Francesco Tuci, Giuseppe Battistella, Gian Luca Grazi, Nicolò Bassi View Abstract ❯

A rare case of dedifferentiated liposarcoma of the sinonasal cavity: A case report Masaru Miyazaki, Mikiko Aoki, Satoru Oba, Toshifumi Sakata, Takashi Nakagawa, Kazuki Nabeshima View Abstract ❯

Intestinal atresia following chemotherapy, presenting as superior mesenteric artery syndrome: A case report Xing Wang, Jian‑Zhong Li, Ying‑Hui Yang, Xiao‑Li Huang, Yu Wang, Bin Wu View Abstract ❯

A retrospective study of late adverse events in proton beam therapy for prostate cancer Hirokazu Makishima, Hitoshi Ishikawa, Keiichi Tanaka, Yutaro Mori, Masashi Mizumoto, Kayoko Ohnishi, Teruhito Aihara, Nobuyoshi Fukumitsu, Toshiyuki Okumura, Hideyuki Sakurai View Abstract ❯

Intraluminal rectal cancer metastasis to the small bowel: An extremely rare case report Paraskevas Stamopoulos, Nikolaos Machairas, Stylianos Kykalos, Afrodite Nonni, Gregory Kouraklis, Georgios C. Sotiropoulos View Abstract ❯

T-cell immunoglobulin mucin‑3 expression in invasive ductal breast carcinoma: Clinicopathological correlations and association with tumor infiltration by cytotoxic lymphocytes Huan Zhang, Rong Xiang, Bin Wu, Jinlong Li, Guilin Luo View Abstract ❯

Evaluation of safety, feasibility and the long‑term outcomes of colorectomy for colorectal adenocarcinoma in patients older than 80 years of age Norio Yukawa, Toru Aoyama, Tsutomu Sato, Takashi Oshima, Takaki Yoshikawa, Yasushi Rino, Munetaka Masuda View Abstract ❯

Randomized phase II study of TJ-54 (Yokukansan) for postoperative delirium in gastrointestinal and lung malignancy patients Nobuhiro Sugano, Toru Aoyama, Tsutomu Sato, Mariko Kamiya, Shinya Amano, Naoto Yamamoto, Takuya Nagashima, Yoshihiro Ishikawa, Katsuhiko Masudo, Masataka Taguri, Takeharu Yamanaka, Yuji Yamamoto, Hiroshi Matsukawa, Ryuji Shiraisi, Takashi Oshima, Norio Yukawa, Yasushi Rino, Munetaka Masuda View Abstract ❯

Primary malignant lymphoma of the talus: A case report and review of the literature Shunsuke Sato, Yoichi Kaneuchi, Michiyuki Hakozaki, Hitoshi Yamada, Satoshi Kawana, Osamu Hasegawa, Shinichi Konno View Abstract ❯

There is no relationship between SOD2 Val-16Ala polymorphism and breast cancer risk or survival Chengdi Wang, Yang Liu, Jian Zhou, Lei Ye, Nan Chen, Min Zhu, Yulin Ji View Abstract ❯

Updated recommendation on molecular-targeted therapy for metastatic renal cell cancer Senji Hoshi, Kenji Numahata, Hidenori Kanno, Masahiko Sato, Akihito Kuromoto, Kunihisa Nezu, Takanari Sakai, Chihito Konno, Yuichi Ishizuka, Hideaki Izumi, Katsuyuki Taguchi, Kunio Ono, Kiyotsugu Hoshi, Satoshi Kanto, Rika Takahashi, Bilim Vladimir, Naoe Akimoto, Isoji Sasagawa, Shoichiro Ohta View Abstract ❯

Clinical significance of serum anti-p53 antibody expression following curative surgery for colorectal cancer Kensuke Kumamoto, Hideyuki Ishida, Koki Kuwabara, Kunihiko Amano, Noriyasu Chika, Norimichi Okada, Tomonori Ohsawa, Youichi Kumagai, Keiichiro Ishibashi View Abstract ❯

Treatment sequence in castration-resistant prostate cancer: A retrospective study in the new anti-androgen era Senji Hoshi, Kenji Numahata, Kunio Ono, Nobuhiro Yasuno, Vladimir Bilim, Kiyotsugu Hoshi, Hiroshi Amemiya, Isoji Sasagawa, Shoichiro Ohta View Abstract ❯

Safety and efficacy of carboplatin plus nab-paclitaxel for treating advanced non-small-cell lung cancer with interstitial lung disease Hideyuki Niwa, Yoshiro Nakahara, Masanori Yokoba, Hisashi Mitsufuji, Jiichiro Sasaki, Noriyuki Masuda View Abstract ❯

Palliative surgery for giant mucinous carcinoma of the breast in an elderly patient: A rare case report Haruko Takuwa, Wakako Tsuji, Fumiaki Yotsumoto View Abstract ❯

Comparison of clinicopathological characteristics between cirrhotic and non‑cirrhotic patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma: A large‑scale retrospective study Lei Yuan, Xianwu Luo, Xinyuan Lu, Bin Yi, Kaijian Chu, Quanyu Cai, Xiaoqing Jiang View Abstract ❯

Combined detection of α-fetoprotein and free β‑human chorionic gonadotropin in screening for trisomy 21 and management of cases in the moderate risk value range Yahong Li, Xiaojuan Zhang, Yun Sun, Dongyang Hong, Yanyun Wang, Zhengfeng Xu, Tao Jiang View Abstract ❯

Comparative investigation of the anti-emetic effects of granisetron and palonosetron during the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia Aki Matsumaru, Yutaka Tsutsumi, Shinichi Ito View Abstract ❯

Pulmonary and pleural metastasis of intracranial anaplastic meningioma in a 3-year-old boy: A case report Yuko Honda, Rie Shirayama, Hiromi Morita, Koichi Kusuhara View Abstract ❯

Collagen gel droplet-embedded culture drug sensitivity testing in hard palate cancer‑predicted antitumor efficacy of cetuximab: A case report Kaname Sakuma, Ryuki Tamura, Naoto Noda, Masutaka Mizutani, Akira Yamaguchi, Akira Tanaka View Abstract ❯

Gastrointestinal tract‑like muscular walls in ovarian mature cystic teratomas: A histopathological study Susumu Matsukuma, Oh Takahashi, Yoshitaka Utsumi, Kosuke Miyai, Hiroaki Takeo View Abstract ❯

Surgery is the preferred treatment for bile duct hamartomas Xiao‑Yu Yang, Hai‑Bo Zhang, Bin Wu, Ai‑Jun Li, Xiao‑Hui Fu View Abstract ❯

Severe blood loss anaemia and recurrent intussusceptions as first presentation of bowel metastatic renal cell carcinoma: A case report and review of the literature Claudia Trojaniello, Maria Giuseppa Vitale, Biagio Trojaniello, Maria Luisa Lentini Graziano, Mariarosa Coccaro, Giacomo Cartenì, Vincenzo Montesarchio View Abstract ❯

Evaluation of the clinical benefits of adjuvant capecitabine monotherapy in elderly women with breast cancer: A retrospective study Yan‑Shuang Li, Qing Yang, Ming Qi, Ji‑Yu Li View Abstract ❯

Bortezomib as a probable cause of the syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion: A case report and review of the literature Cheng‑Lan Lv, Juan Li View Abstract ❯

Monitoring of recurrent and superior laryngeal nerve function using an Airwayscope™ during thyroid surgery Kei Ijichi, Hiroshi Sasano, Megumi Harima, Shingo Murakami View Abstract ❯

Retrospective analysis of acute exacerbation of interstitial lung diseases with nanoparticle albumin-bound paclitaxel in patients with advanced lung cancer with preexisting interstitial lung disease Yuto Yasuda, Takashi Nomizo, Hiroaki Ozasa, Tomoko Funazo, Takahiro Tsuji, Hironori Yoshida, Yuichi Sakamori, Hiroki Nagai, Tomohiro Handa, Takeshi Kubo, Young Hak Kim View Abstract ❯

Re‑irradiation of locoregional esophageal cancer recurrence following definitive chemoradiotherapy: A report of 6 cases Atsuto Katano, Hideomi Yamashita, Keiichi Nakagawa View Abstract ❯

Modified hanging manoeuvre facilitates inferior vena cava resection and reconstruction during extended right hepatectomy: A technical case report Shamir O. Cawich, Dexter A.W. Thomas, Vindra Ragoonanan, Chunilal Ramjit, Dylan Narinesingh, Vijay Naraynsingh, Neil Pearce View Abstract ❯

Sorafenib-induced acute-on-chronic liver failure in a patient with hepatocellular carcinoma after transarterial chemoembolization and radiofrequency ablation: A case report Qing‑Liang Wang, Xiao‑Jie Li, Zhi‑Cheng Yao, Peng Zhang, Shi‑Lei Xu, He Huang, Kun‑Peng Hu View Abstract ❯

Evaluation of a 3-base pair indel polymorphism within pre-microRNA-3131 in patients with prostate cancer using mismatch polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism Mohammad Hashemi, Gholamreza Bahari, Hedieh Sattarifard, Behzad Narouie View Abstract ❯

Outcome of decompression using a transnasal ileus tube in malignant adhesive bowel obstruction: A retrospective study Xiang‑Jun Han, Fan Zhao, Hong‑Ying Su, Ke Xu View Abstract ❯

Tuberous sclerosis-associated renal angiomyolipoma: A report of two cases and review of the literature Canbin Lin, Lu Jin, Yu Yang, Yu Ding, Xionghui Wu, Liangchao Ni, Shangqi Yang, Yongqing Lai View Abstract ❯

Blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm in children: A review of two cases Wenjun Deng, Minghua Yang, Feimei Kuang, Yingting Liu, Hui Zhang, Lizhi Cao, Min Xie, Liangchun Yang View Abstract ❯

Antitumor activity of yulangsan polysacchrides in mice bearing S180 sarcoma tumors Wen'e Cai, Xiaoyu Chen, Qingdong Pan, Shijun Zhang, Luojiao Tan, Xuyong Sun, Renbin Huang, Aijun Xia View Abstract ❯

5-7 October, 2017, Metropolitan Hotel, Athens, Greece 22nd World Congress on Advances in Oncology & 20th International Symposium on Molecular Medicine 3-4 October 2017, Pre-Congress Workshop: 'Next-Generation Sequencing – Library construction and quality control'

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Editorial board members

Publication date: July 2017
Source:Mutation Research/Reviews in Mutation Research, Volume 773





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A bionanohybrid ZnAl-NADS ecological pesticide as a treatment for soft rot disease in potato ( Solanum tuberosum L.)

Abstract

Pectobacterium carotovorum (Pc) is a phytopathogenic strain that causes soft rot disease in potato (Solanum tuberosum L.), resulting in postharvest losses. Chemical control is effective for managing this disease, but overdoses cause adverse effects. Because farmers insist on using chemical agents for crop protection, it is necessary to develop more effective pesticides in which the active compound released can be regulated. In this context, we proposed the synthesis of ZnAl-NADS, in which nalidixic acid sodium salt (NADS) is linked to a ZnAl-NO₃ layered double hydroxide (LDH) host as a nanocarrier. XRD, FT-IR, and SEM analyses confirmed the successful intercalation of NADS into the interplanar LDH space. The drug release profile indicated that the maximum release was completed in 70 or 170 min for free NADS (alone) or for NADS released from ZnAl-NADS, respectively. This slow release was attributed to strong electrostatic interactions between the drug and the anion exchanger. A modulated release is preferable to the action of the bulk NADS, showing increased effectiveness and minimizing the amount of the chemical available to pollute the soil and the water. The fitting data from modified Freundlich and parabolic diffusion models explain the release behavior of the NADS, suggesting that the drug released from ZnAl-NADS bionanohybrid was carried out from the interlamellar sites, according to the ion exchange diffusion process also involving intraparticle diffusion (coeffect). ZnAl-NADS was tested in vitro against Escherichia coli (Ec) and Pc and exhibited bacteriostatic and biocidal effects at 0.025 and 0.075 mg mL⁻¹, respectively. ZnAl-NADS was also tested in vivo as an ecological pesticide for combating potato soft rot and was found to delay typical disease symptoms. In conclusion, ZnAl-NADS can potentially be used to control pests, infestation, and plant disease.

http://ift.tt/2xc6UIE

Pharmacogenetics and Pharmacogenomics in Moderate-to-Severe Psoriasis

Abstract

Pharmacogenetics is the study of variations in DNA sequence related to drug response. Moreover, the evolution of biotechnology and the sequencing of human DNA have allowed the creation of pharmacogenomics, a branch of genetics that analyzes human genes, the RNAs and proteins encoded by them, and the inter-and intra-individual variations in expression and function in relation to drug response. Pharmacogenetics and pharmacogenomics are being used to search for biomarkers that can predict response to systemic treatments, including those for moderate-to-severe psoriasis. Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disease with an autoimmune contribution. Although its etiology remains unknown, genetic, epigenetic, and environmental factors play a role in its development. Diverse systemic and biologic therapies are used to treat moderate-to-severe psoriasis. However, these treatments are not curative, and patients exhibit a wide range of responses to them. Moderate-to-severe psoriasis is usually treated with systemic immunomodulators such as acitretin, ciclosporin, and methotrexate. Anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) drugs (adalimumab, etanercept, or infliximab) are the first-line treatment for patients resistant to conventional systemic therapies. Although these therapies are very efficient, around 30–50% of patients have inadequate response. Ustekinumab is a monoclonal antibody that targets interleukin (IL)-12 and IL-23 and is used for moderate-to-severe psoriasis. New drugs (apremilast, brodalumab, guselkumab, ixekizumab, and secukinumab) have recently been approved for psoriasis. However, response rates to systemic treatments for moderate-to-severe psoriasis range from 35 to 80%, so it is necessary to identify non-invasive biomarkers that could help predict treatment outcomes of these therapies and individualize care for patients with psoriasis. These biomarkers could improve patient quality of life and reduce health costs and potential side effects. Pharmacogenetic studies have identified potential biomarkers for response to biologic treatments for moderate-to-severe psoriasis. These biomarkers need to be validated in clinical trials involving large cohorts of patients before they can be translated to the clinic. We review pharmacogenetics and pharmacogenomics studies for the treatment of moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis.

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An improved risk-explicit interval linear programming model for pollution load allocation for watershed management

Abstract

Although the risk-explicit interval linear programming (REILP) model has solved the problem of having interval solutions, it has an equity problem, which can lead to unbalanced allocation between different decision variables. Therefore, an improved REILP model is proposed. This model adds an equity objective function and three constraint conditions to overcome this equity problem. In this case, pollution reduction is in proportion to pollutant load, which supports balanced development between different regional economies. The model is used to solve the problem of pollution load allocation in a small transboundary watershed. Compared with the REILP original model result, our model achieves equity between the upstream and downstream pollutant loads; it also overcomes the problem of greatest pollution reduction, where sources are nearest to the control section. The model provides a better solution to the problem of pollution load allocation than previous versions.

http://ift.tt/2hcOFLO

Biochar composites with nano zerovalent iron and eggshell powder for nitrate removal from aqueous solution with coexisting chloride ions

Abstract

Biochar (BC) was produced from date palm tree leaves and its composites were prepared with nano zerovalent iron (nZVI-BC) and hen eggshell powder (EP-BC). The produced BC and its composites were characterized by SEM, XRD, BET, and FTIR for surface structural, mineralogical, and chemical groups and tested for their efficiency for nitrate removal from aqueous solutions in the presence and absence of chloride ions. The incidence of graphene and nano zerovalent iron (Fe⁰) in the nZVI-BC composite was confirmed by XRD. The nZVI-BC composite possessed highest surface area (220.92 m² g⁻¹), carbon (80.55%), nitrogen (3.78%), and hydrogen (11.09%) contents compared to other materials. Nitrate sorption data was fitted well to the Langmuir (R ² = 0.93–0.98) and Freundlich (R ² = 0.90–0.99) isotherms. The sorption kinetics was adequately explained by the pseudo-second-order, power function, and Elovich models. The nZVI-BC composite showed highest Langmuir predicted sorption capacity (148.10 mg g⁻¹) followed by EP-BC composite (72.77 mg g⁻¹). In addition to the high surface area, the higher nitrate removal capacity of nZVI-BC composite could be attributed to the combination of two processes, i.e., chemisorption (outer-sphere complexation) and reduction of nitrate to ammonia or nitrogen by Fe⁰. The appearance of Fe-O stretching and N-H bonds in post-sorption FTIR spectra of nZVI-BC composite suggested the occurrence of redox reaction and formation of Fe compound with N, such as ferric nitrate (Fe(NO₃)₃·9H₂O). Coexistence of chloride ions negatively influenced the nitrate sorption. The decrease in nitrate sorption with increasing chloride ion concentration was observed, which could be due to the competition of free active sites on the sorbents between nitrate and chloride ions. The nZVI-BC composite exhibited higher nitrate removal efficiency compared to other materials even in the presence of highest concentration (100 mg L⁻¹) of coexisting chloride ion.

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Pentachlorophenol molecule design with lower bioconcentration through 3D-QSAR associated with molecule docking

Abstract

A three-dimensional quantitative structure activity relationship (3D-QSAR) model is built by using a comparative molecular similarity indices analysis (CoMSIA) technique with an experimentally determined logarithm of bioconcentration factors (logBCFs) for 36 phenols in fish. Meanwhile, with the pentachlorophenol (PCP) molecule as target molecules, contributions of the molecular fields indicate that the electrostatic fields are the main influences on the bioconcentration of the PCP molecule. Based on the analytical results of CoMSIA contour map of PCP and PCP molecular docking with SOD protease (PDB ID: 4A7T), the R₆ substituent positions of PCP were modified to give seven new modified PCP molecules with low bioconcentration in this paper. The energy barrier calculation of the new modified PCP molecular reaction pathways can infer the order of the substitution reactions as –SCl > –CH₂Cl > –COCl > –CCl₃ > –CH=CH₂ > –NO₂ > –SH. These calculations, combined with anaerobic biodegradation, ecotoxic effect, and mobility of new modified PCP molecules, enable a new environmentally friendly compound when the Cl at the R₆ position of PCP was replaced with –COCl substituent with low bioconcentration (reduced by 32.89%), ecotoxic effect basically unchanged (increased by 1.37%), anaerobic biodegradation increased (increased by 24.81%), and mobility basically unchanged (reduced by 0.94%) to be designed.

http://ift.tt/2hcTnsT

Scholar : Journal of Heritage Tourism, Volume 12, Issue 5, December 2017 is now available online on Taylor & Francis Online

The online platform for Taylor & Francis Online content Journal of Heritage Tourism, Volume 12, Issue 5, December 2017 is now available online on Taylor & Francis Online. Heritage Trails and Tourism This new issue contains the following articles: Articles Editorial: heritage trails and tourism Stephen W. Boyd Pages: 417-422 | DOI: 10.1080/1743873X.2016.1265972 The role of trails in the creation of tourist space Nicola MacLeod Pages: 423-430 | DOI: 10.1080/1743873X.2016.1242590 A Himalayan triptych: narratives of traders, pilgrims and resistance in a landscape of movements Hayley Saul & Emma Waterton Pages: 431-440 | DOI: 10.1080/1743873X.2016.1243695 Remembrance Trails of the Great War on the Western Front: routes of heritage and memory Stephen Miles Pages: 441-451 | DOI: 10.1080/1743873X.2016.1242589 A heritage 'trailscape': tracking the exploits of historical figures – an Australian case study Michael Fagence Pages: 452-462 | DOI: 10.1080/1743873X.2016.1242593 In the footsteps of Anne Frank, The Beatles and Vincent Van Gogh: a review and discussion of personal legacy trails Rudi Hartmann Pages: 463-473 | DOI: 10.1080/1743873X.2016.1255219 'Freedom footprints: the Barbados story' – a slavery heritage trail Mechelle N. Best Pages: 474-488 | DOI: 10.1080/1743873X.2016.1255220 Applying the community capitals framework to the craft heritage trails of western North Carolina Carol Kline Pages: 489-508 | DOI: 10.1080/1743873X.2016.1226315 Community engagement in drive tourism in Ireland: case study of the Wild Atlantic Way James Hanrahan, Kelly Maguire & Stephen Boyd Pages: 509-525 | DOI: 10.1080/1743873X.2016.1242594 The revitalization of a heritage travel route: Canada's Cabot Trail Kim Lemky Pages: 526-535 | DOI: 10.1080/1743873X.2016.1242592 Research Note Sculpture trails: investigating success factors Hilary du Cros & Lee Jolliffe Pages: 536-545 | DOI: 10.1080/1743873X.2016.1243120 Editorial board Editorial Board Pages: ebi-ebi | DOI: 10.1080/1743873X.2017.1376381 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.

Multimedia education program and nutrition therapy improves HbA1c, weight, and lipid profile of patients with type 2 diabetes: a randomized clinical trial

Abstract

Purpose

To evaluate the effect of a multimedia education program and nutrition therapy on metabolic control in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Research question

What is the effect of a multimedia education program and nutritional therapy on metabolic control in type 2 diabetes?

Patients and methods

A randomized clinical trial was conducted in 351 patients randomly assigned to either an experimental group receiving a multimedia diabetes education program (MDE) and nutrition therapy (NT) (NT + MDE: n = 173), or to a control group who received nutrition therapy only (NT: n = 178).

At baseline, 7, 14, and 21 months, the glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL-cholesterol, and HDL-cholesterol were measured. Weight, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), fat percentage, fat and lean mass, systolic blood pressure (SBP), and diastolic (DBP) were also recorded.

Results

Glycated hemoglobin decreased in both groups, although the group with NT + MDE had a greater reduction, with a difference of −0.76% (95%CI −1.33 to −0.19) at 7 months and −0.73% (95%CI −1.37 to −0.09) at 21 months. Only in the NT + MDE did the glucose decrease at 7 (−41.2 mg/dL; 95%CI −52.0 to −30.5), 14 (−27.8 mg/dL; 95%CI −32.6 to −23.1), and 21 months (−36.6 mg/dL; 95%CI −46.6 to −26.6). Triglycerides and the atherogenic index decreased in both groups at 7 and 14 months; while only in the NT + MDE group did it decrease at 21 months. (p < 0.05). Weight decreased at 21 months in the NT + MDE group (−1.23, −2.29 at −0.16; p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Nutrition therapy and a multimedia diabetes education program have a favorable impact on achieving metabolic control goals in type 2 diabetes.

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Effect of lower and higher alcohol fuel synergies in biofuel blends and exhaust treatment system on emissions from CI engine

Abstract

The present study deals with performance, emission and combustion studies in a single cylinder CI engine with lower and higher alcohol fuel synergies with biofuel blends and exhaust treatment system. Karanja oil methyl ester (KOME), widely available biofuel in India, and orange oil (ORG), a low carbon biofuel, were taken for this study, and equal volume blend was prepared for testing. Methanol (M) and n-pentanol (P) was taken as lower and higher alcohol and blended 20% by volume with KOME-ORG blend. Activated carbon-based exhaust treatment indigenous system was designed and tested with KOME-ORG + M20 and KOME-ORG + P20 blend. The tests were carried out at various load conditions at a constant speed of 1500 rpm. The study revealed that considering performance, emission and combustion studies, KOME-ORG + M20 + activated carbon are found optimum in reducing NO, smoke and CO₂ emission. Compared to KOME, for KOME-ORG + M20 + activated carbon, NO emission is reduced from 10.25 to 7.85 g/kWh, the smoke emission is reduced from 49.4 to 28.9%, and CO₂ emission is reduced from 1098.84 to 580.68 g/kWh. However, with exhaust treatment system, an increase in HC and CO emissions and reduced thermal efficiency is observed due to backpressure effects.

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Multimedia education program and nutrition therapy improves HbA1c, weight, and lipid profile of patients with type 2 diabetes: a randomized clinical trial

Abstract

Purpose

To evaluate the effect of a multimedia education program and nutrition therapy on metabolic control in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Research question

What is the effect of a multimedia education program and nutritional therapy on metabolic control in type 2 diabetes?

Patients and methods

A randomized clinical trial was conducted in 351 patients randomly assigned to either an experimental group receiving a multimedia diabetes education program (MDE) and nutrition therapy (NT) (NT + MDE: n = 173), or to a control group who received nutrition therapy only (NT: n = 178).

At baseline, 7, 14, and 21 months, the glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL-cholesterol, and HDL-cholesterol were measured. Weight, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), fat percentage, fat and lean mass, systolic blood pressure (SBP), and diastolic (DBP) were also recorded.

Results

Glycated hemoglobin decreased in both groups, although the group with NT + MDE had a greater reduction, with a difference of −0.76% (95%CI −1.33 to −0.19) at 7 months and −0.73% (95%CI −1.37 to −0.09) at 21 months. Only in the NT + MDE did the glucose decrease at 7 (−41.2 mg/dL; 95%CI −52.0 to −30.5), 14 (−27.8 mg/dL; 95%CI −32.6 to −23.1), and 21 months (−36.6 mg/dL; 95%CI −46.6 to −26.6). Triglycerides and the atherogenic index decreased in both groups at 7 and 14 months; while only in the NT + MDE group did it decrease at 21 months. (p < 0.05). Weight decreased at 21 months in the NT + MDE group (−1.23, −2.29 at −0.16; p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Nutrition therapy and a multimedia diabetes education program have a favorable impact on achieving metabolic control goals in type 2 diabetes.

http://ift.tt/2xs2fo5