Monogenic diseases in India

Publication date: Available online 17 March 2018
Source:Mutation Research/Reviews in Mutation Research
Author(s): Anila Venugopal, Manojkumar C., Nimmisha E., Soumya K.K., Sanuj C. Breezevilla, Balachandar V.
Studies on monogenic diseases are considered valuable because they give insights and expand our knowledge on gene function and regulation. Despite all the current advancement in science and technology, a deep understanding and knowledge as to why only those particular genes are affected in a disease is still vague. We also lack profound illumination as to why only certain mutations are seen in a disease. Though useful from a research perspective, a majority of these diseases are lethal resulting in death of the affected individual. Unfortunately, in the fast − growing land of India, the incidence of monogenic diseases is very high with few counter-measures in place. This article encompasses a list of all monogenic diseases ever to be reported in India with special focus on five diseases which has been stated to have the highest incidence in India. Here, we discuss about the limited research carried out in India on these high incidence monogenic diseases, the other diseases related to those genes, the range of treatments available for these diseases in India in contrast to its availability around the world and the need to develop treatment strategies to reduce the mortality and morbidity due to these rare but daunting diseases.



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Ampullary Carcinoma—A Genetic Perspective

Publication date: Available online 17 March 2018
Source:Mutation Research/Reviews in Mutation Research
Author(s): Jayaramayya Kaavya, Vellingiri Balachandar, Kumaran Sivanandan Santhy
Ampulla of vater carcinoma (AVC) is a rare gastrointestinal tumour that is associated with a high mortality rate and it's often diagnosed at later stages due to lack of clinical symptoms. Early diagnosis of this condition is essential to effectively treat patients for better prognosis. A significant amount of advancement has been made in understanding the molecular nature of cancer in the past decade. A substantial number of mutations and alterations have been detected in various tumors. Despite the occurrence of AVC across the globe, the number of studies conducted on this tumor type remains low; this is largely due to its rare occurrence. Moreover, AVC tissues are complex and contain mutations in oncogenes, tumour suppressors, apoptotic proteins, cell proliferation proteins, cell signaling proteins, transcription factors, chromosomal abnormalities and cellular adhesion proteins. The frequently mutated genes included KRAS, TP53 and SMAD4 and are associated with prognosis. Several molecules of the PI3K, Wnt signaling, TGF-beta pathway and cell cycle have also been altered in AVCs. This review comprises of all the genetic mutations, associated pathways and related prognosis that are involved in AVCs from the year 1989 to 2017. This report can be used as a stepping-stone to establish biomarkers for early diagnosis of AVC and to discover molecular targets for drug therapy.



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Cell cycle and apoptosis regulator 2 at the interface between DNA damage response and cell physiology

Publication date: Available online 19 March 2018
Source:Mutation Research/Reviews in Mutation Research
Author(s): Martina Magni, Giacomo Buscemi, Laura Zannini
Cell cycle and apoptosis regulator 2 (CCAR2 or DBC1) is a human protein recently emerged as a novel and important player of the DNA damage response (DDR). Indeed, upon genotoxic stress, CCAR2, phosphorylated by the apical DDR kinases ATM and ATR, increases its binding to the NAD+-dependent histone deacetylase SIRT1 and inhibits its activity. This event promotes the acetylation and activation of p53, a SIRT1 target, and the subsequent induction of p53 dependent apoptosis. In addition, CCAR2 influences DNA repair pathway choice and promotes the chromatin relaxation necessary for the repair of heterochromatic DNA lesions. However, besides DDR, CCAR2 is involved in several other cellular functions. Indeed, through the interaction with transcription factors, nuclear receptors, epigenetic modifiers and RNA polymerase II, CCAR2 regulates transcription and transcript elongation. Moreover, promoting Rev-erbα protein stability and repressing BMAL1 and CLOCK expression, it was reported to modulate the circadian rhythm. Through SIRT1 inhibition, CCAR2 is also involved in metabolism control and, suppressing RelB and p65 activities in the NFkB pathway, it restricts B cell proliferation and immunoglobulin production. Notably, CCAR2 expression is deregulated in several tumors and, compared to the non-neoplastic counterpart, it may be up- or down-regulated. Since its up-regulation in cancer patients is usually associated with poor prognosis and its depletion reduces cancer cell growth in vitro, CCAR2 was suggested to act as a tumor promoter. However, there is also evidence that CCAR2 functions as a tumor suppressor and therefore its role in cancer formation and progression is still unclear. In this review we discuss CCAR2 functions in the DDR and its multiple biological activities in unstressed cells.



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Long Non Coding RNA HOTAIR and Midkine as Biomarkers in Thyroid Cancer

Condition:   Thyroid Cancer
Intervention:   Other: complete blood picture ,serum urea and creatinine,liver function test,T3,T4,thyroid stimulating hormone,thyroglobuline and thyroglobuline anti body specific test Real time polymerase chain reaction
Sponsor:   Assiut University
Not yet recruiting

http://ift.tt/2G8P3cz

Minimizing Narcotic Analgesics After Endocrine Surgery

Conditions:   Thyroid Cancer;   Thyroid Nodule;   Thyroid Neoplasms;   Thyroid Goitre;   Thyroid Diseases;   Parathyroid Diseases;   Parathyroid Adenoma;   Parathyroid Hyperplasia
Interventions:   Drug: Acetaminophen 500Mg Cap;   Drug: Tylenol #3 Oral Tablet;   Drug: Tramadol
Sponsor:   Minerva Romero Arenas, MD, MPH
Recruiting

http://ift.tt/2HIcF4M

Precision Thyroid Cancer Surgery With Intraoperative Molecular Fluorescent Guided Imaging

Conditions:   Papillary Thyroid Cancer;   Lymph Node Metastases
Interventions:   Drug: IV adminstration of EMI-137;   Device: Molecular Fluorescence Guided Surgery - SurgVision open air
Sponsors:   University Medical Center Groningen;   UMC Utrecht
Not yet recruiting

http://ift.tt/2FM36pc

A Study to Try to Bring Back Radioiodine Sensitivity in Patients With Advanced Thyroid Cancer.

Condition:   Papillary Thyroid Cancer
Intervention:   Drug: Imatinib Oral Tablet
Sponsors:   AHS Cancer Control Alberta;   Alberta Cancer Foundation
Not yet recruiting

http://ift.tt/2FSUk4D

Fugitive emission source characterization using a gradient-based optimization scheme and scalar transport adjoint

Publication date: May 2018
Source:Atmospheric Environment, Volume 181
Author(s): Carol A. Brereton, Ian M. Joynes, Lucy J. Campbell, Matthew R. Johnson
Fugitive emissions are important sources of greenhouse gases and lost product in the energy sector that can be difficult to detect, but are often easily mitigated once they are known, located, and quantified. In this paper, a scalar transport adjoint-based optimization method is presented to locate and quantify unknown emission sources from downstream measurements. This emission characterization approach correctly predicted locations to within 5 m and magnitudes to within 13% of experimental release data from Project Prairie Grass. The method was further demonstrated on simulated simultaneous releases in a complex 3-D geometry based on an Alberta gas plant. Reconstructions were performed using both the complex 3-D transient wind field used to generate the simulated release data and using a sequential series of steady-state RANS wind simulations (SSWS) representing 30 s intervals of physical time. Both the detailed transient and the simplified wind field series could be used to correctly locate major sources and predict their emission rates within 10%, while predicting total emission rates from all sources within 24%. This SSWS case would be much easier to implement in a real-world application, and gives rise to the possibility of developing pre-computed databases of both wind and scalar transport adjoints to reduce computational time.



http://ift.tt/2poM7yc

Formation of aqueous-phase secondary organic aerosols from glycolaldehyde and ammonium sulfate/amines: A kinetic and mechanistic study

Publication date: May 2018
Source:Atmospheric Environment, Volume 181
Author(s): Yayi Yi, Zhaoyu Cao, Xuehua Zhou, Likun Xue, Wenxing Wang
Atmospheric particles are largely represented by secondary organic aerosols (SOAs) produced by either aqueous- or gas-phase reactions. Recently, the contribution of the former to SOA formation has been shown to substantially increase and even reach that of the latter, which necessitates in-depth mechanistic investigations. For a deeper understanding of aqueous-phase SOA generation, we herein studied the production of these aerosols in the dark from glycolaldehyde (GAld) and ammonium sulfate (AS)/amines (methylamine (MAm) and glycine (Gly)). UV–vis spectroscopy showed that reaction mixtures featured two main absorption bands (at 209–230 and 280–330 nm) that were attributed to the π–π* transitions of Schiff bases and the n–π* transitions of oligomers produced in the above reactions, respectively. Further studies revealed that irrespective of reactant concentration and pH, all the investigated reactions were well fitted by first-order kinetics and were accelerated by increasing AS/MAm concentrations and solution pH under acidic conditions. The reaction rate constants (determined from changes of absorption at 300 nm) followed the order of Gly (k^I = 2.39 × 10⁻⁶ s⁻¹) > MAm (k^I = 1.19 × 10⁻⁶ s⁻¹) > AS (k^I = 8.33 × 10⁻⁷ s⁻¹) at identical low AS/amine concentrations and were in the order of MAm (k^I = 2.5 × 10⁻⁶ s⁻¹) > AS (k^I = 1.39 × 10⁻⁶ s⁻¹) at high AS/MAm concentrations. The main reaction pathways corresponded to the aldol self-condensation of GAld and the nucleophilic attack of AS/amines on GAld followed by dehydration, which afforded imines as the major products. The stronger light absorption of (GAld + Gly) mixtures than that of (glyoxal/methylglyoxal + Gly) mixtures was ascribed to the increased amount of imine- and carbonyl group-containing products produced in the former case.

Graphical abstract

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Evaluation of missing value methods for predicting ambient BTEX concentrations in two neighbouring cities in Southwestern Ontario Canada

Publication date: May 2018
Source:Atmospheric Environment, Volume 181
Author(s): Lindsay Miller, Xiaohong Xu, Amanda Wheeler, Tianchu Zhang, Mariam Hamadani, Unam Ejaz
High density air monitoring campaigns provide spatial patterns of pollutant concentrations which are integral in exposure assessment. Such analysis can assist with the determination of links between air quality and health outcomes, however, problems due to missing data can threaten to compromise these studies. This research evaluates four methods; mean value imputation, inverse distance weighting (IDW), inter-species ratios, and regression, to address missing spatial concentration data ranging from one missing data point up to 50% missing data. BTEX (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes) concentrations were measured in Windsor and Sarnia, Ontario in the fall of 2005. Concentrations and inter-species ratios were generally similar between the two cities. Benzene (B) was observed to be higher in Sarnia, whereas toluene (T) and the T/B ratios were higher in Windsor. Using these urban, industrialized cities as case studies, this research demonstrates that using inter-species ratios or regression of the data for which there is complete information, along with one measured concentration (i.e. benzene) to predict for missing concentrations (i.e. TEX) results in good agreement between predicted and measured values. In both cities, the general trend remains that best agreement is observed for the leave-one-out scenario, followed by 10% and 25% missing, and the least agreement for the 50% missing cases. In the absence of any known concentrations IDW can provide reasonable agreement between observed and estimated concentrations for the BTEX species, and was superior over mean value imputation which was not able to preserve the spatial trend. The proposed methods can be used to fill in missing data, while preserving the general characteristics and rank order of the data which are sufficient for epidemiologic studies.



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Re. “Outcomes of Patients With Critical Limb Ischaemia in the EUCLID Trial”

Publication date: Available online 17 March 2018
Source:European Journal of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery
Author(s): Isaac Kobe, Jessica Green




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Safety of Stenting and Endarterectomy for Asymptomatic Carotid Artery Stenosis: A Meta-Analysis of Randomised Controlled Trials

Publication date: Available online 17 March 2018
Source:European Journal of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery
Author(s): Likun Cui, Yanshuo Han, Shuai Zhang, Xun Liu, Jian Zhang
Objective/BackgroundA meta-analysis of recently published randomised controlled trials (RCTs) was performed to evaluate the safety of carotid artery stenting (CAS) versus carotid endarterectomy (CEA) for asymptomatic carotid stenosis with average risk.MethodsThe MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases were systematically searched for RCTs that compared CAS with CEA for asymptomatic carotid stenosis. These publications reported clinical outcomes after revascularisation in patients with asymptomatic carotid stenosis during their primary intervention. Trials published in English were searched for on 31 May 2017. End points (composite of ipsilateral stroke, any stroke, major stroke, minor stroke, myocardial infarction [MI], and death during the post-procedural period) were extracted from the publications by two reviewers. The pooled odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated for peri-operative outcomes following CAS and CEA using a fixed effects model.ResultsFive studies involving 3901 patients (1585 with CEA; 2316 with CAS) were included in the meta-analysis. The risk of any stroke during the peri-procedural period was significantly lower in patients who underwent CEA than CAS (OR 0.53; 95% CI 0.29–0.96). The difference between CAS and CEA in the rate of stroke could be driven by minor stroke (OR 0.50; 95% CI 0.25–1.00). The risk of death, major stroke, ipsilateral stroke, and MI were not significantly different between the two interventions (peri-procedural death: OR 1.49 [95% CI 0.26–8.68]; peri-procedural major stroke: OR 0.69 [95% CI 0.20–2.35]; peri-procedural ipsilateral stroke: OR 0.63 [95% CI 0.27–1.47]; peri-procedural MI: OR 1.75 [95% CI 0.84–3.65]). No robust conclusion could be drawn regarding mid to long-term complications because of the heterogeneity of the reported data. The different outcomes precluded any further analysis being conducted.ConclusionAmong patients with asymptomatic carotid stenosis, stenting has a significantly higher rate of any peri-procedural stroke and peri-procedural minor stroke than CEA, and similar risk of peri-procedural major stroke, peri-procedural ipsilateral stroke, or MI.



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Valor pronóstico del SUVmáx del tumor primario pretratamiento con PET/TC con 18F-FDG en pacientes con cáncer de pulmón no microcítico en estadio iii

Publication date: Available online 17 March 2018
Source:Revista Española de Medicina Nuclear e Imagen Molecular
Author(s): U. Yılmaz, Ö. Batum, H. Koparal, E. Özbilek, E. Kıraklı
ObjetivosLa quimiorradioterapia concomitante (QRTC) se utiliza de forma amplia para tratar a los pacientes con cáncer de pulmón no microcítico (CPNM) en estadio iii. La identificación precoz de los pacientes con mal pronóstico constituye la premisa del tratamiento personalizado de los pacientes. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar el valor pronóstico de los parámetros clínicos y SUVmáx del tumor primario sobre PET/TC con ¹⁸F-FDG pretratamiento en los pacientes con CPNM en estadio iii.Material y métodosSe revisaron retrospectivamente las historias clínicas de 79 pacientes de CPNM en estadio iii con PET/TC con ¹⁸F-FDG pretratamiento, tratados con QRTC definitiva. Se correlacionaron los criterios de evaluación clínicos en términos de supervivencia libre de progresión (SLP) y supervivencia global (SG) con el valor SUVmáx medio del tumor primario pretratamiento. También se analizaron otros factores de influencia en el resultado del paciente.ResultadosLa edad media de los pacientes fue de 58 años (rango, 45-71), con 72 (91%) varones. El carcinoma de células escamosas (73%) fue el tipo histológico más común. El estatus del desempeño fue muy bueno (ECOG 0) en el 64,5% de los pacientes. Sesenta (79%) pacientes habían fallecido en el momento de este análisis. Los valores medios de SG y SLP fueron de 22,5 y 12 meses, respectivamente. Los pacientes se dicotomizaron con arreglo a SUVmáx del tumor primario pretratamiento≤15 vs.>15. No se encontró ninguna diferencia significativa para SG y SLP entre ambas ramas. El análisis multivariante reflejó que el SUVmáx pretratamiento no constituía un factor predictivo de SG (HR 1,099, p=0,726) ni SLP (HR 1,022, p=0,941).ConclusionesEl índice SUVmáx con un valor límite de 15 con respecto al tumor primario pretratamiento no tiene valor pronóstico en nuestro grupo de pacientes de CPNM en estadio iii, tratados con QRTC definitiva.ObjectivesConcomitant chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) is widely used in the treatment of patients with stage iii non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC). The early identification of patients with poor prognosis is the premise of personalized treatment for patients. The aim of the study was to evaluate the prognostic value of clinical parameters and primary tumor SUVmax on pre-treatment ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT in patients with stage iii NSCLC.Material and methodsClinical records of 79 stage iii-NSCLC patients with pre-treatment ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT imaging, treated with definitive CCRT were retrospectively reviewed. The clinical endpoints in terms of progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were correlated with the median pre-treatment primary tumor SUVmax. Furthermore, other factors influencing patient outcome were analyzed.ResultsThe median age of patients was 58 years (range, 45-71) with 72 (91%) males. Squamous cell carcinoma (73%) was the most common histologic type. Performance status was very good (ECOG 0) in 64.5% of patients. Sixty (79%) patients had died at the time of this analysis. Median OS and PFS were 22.5 and 12.0 months, respectively. Patients were dichotomized according to pre-treatment primary tumor SUVmax≤15.0 vs.>15.0. There was no statistically significant difference for OS and PFS in both arms. Multivariate analysis showed that pre-treatment SUVmax was not a significant predictor of OS (HR 1.099, P=0.726) and PFS (HR 1.022, P=0.941).ConclusionsSUVmax with threshold value of 15.0 on the primary tumor before treatment had no prognostic value in our patient group with stage iii NSCLC treated with definitive CCRT.



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Tumor microenvironment – Unknown niche with powerful therapeutic potential

Publication date: May–June 2018
Source:Reports of Practical Oncology & Radiotherapy, Volume 23, Issue 3
Author(s): Tomasz Kolenda, Weronika Przybyła, Marta Kapałczyńska, Anna Teresiak, Maria Zajączkowska, Renata Bliźniak, Katarzyna M. Lamperska
Head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC) are in a group of cancers that are the most resistant to treatment. The survival rate of HNSCC patients has been still very low since last 20 years. The existence of relationship between oncogenic and surrounding cells is probably the reason for a poor response to treatment. Fibroblasts are an important element of tumor stroma which increases tumor cells ability to proliferate. Another highly resistance, tumorigenic and metastatic cell population in tumor microenvironment are cancer initiating cells (CICs). The population of cancer initiating cells can be found regardless of differentiation status of cancer and they seem to be crucial for HNSCC development.In this review, we describe the current state of knowledge about HNSCC biological and physiological tumor microenvironment.



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CyberKnife Stereotactic Radiosurgery in brain metastases: A report from Latin America with literature review

Publication date: May–June 2018
Source:Reports of Practical Oncology & Radiotherapy, Volume 23, Issue 3
Author(s): Cuauhtémoc de la Peña, Jorge H. Guajardo, María F. Gonzalez, César González, Benjamín Cruz
Background and aimStereotactic radiosurgery is increasingly being employed for the treatment of brain metastases, both as an adjuvant to surgical resection, and also as a primary treatment modality. The aim of this study is to evaluate overall survival and local control in patients with brain metastases treated with CyberKnife Stereotactic Radiosurgery (CKRS), due to the lack of evidence reported in Latin America.Materials and methodsWe performed a retrospective chart review from October 2011 to January 2017 of 49 patients with 152 brain metastases. Clinical and prognostic factors were further analyzed by independent analysis. Kaplan–Meier curves were constructed for overall survival and local control. The median follow-up period was 12 months (range, 1–37 months).ResultsThe median age was 61 years (range, 27–85 years) and Karnofsky performance status >70 in 96% of the patients. The median overall survival rate was 15.5 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 10.23–24.3 months). Overall 3-month, 6-month and 1-year local control rates were 98% (95% CI, 85–99%), 96% (95% CI, 82–99%), and 90% (94% IC, 76–96%), respectively. Local failure (LF) was observed in 6 patients (18 lesions). No late complications, such as radiation necrosis, were observed during the follow-up period.ConclusionsCKRS achieves excellent overall survival and local control rates with low toxicity in patients with brain metastases.



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4D modeling in a gimbaled linear accelerator by using gold anchor markers

Publication date: May–June 2018
Source:Reports of Practical Oncology & Radiotherapy, Volume 23, Issue 3
Author(s): Hideharu Miura, Shuichi Ozawa, Takaaki Matsuura, Atsushi Kawakubo, Fumika Hosono, Kiyoshi Yamada, Yasushi Nagata
PurposeThe purpose of this study was to verify whether the dynamic tumor tracking (DTT) feature of a Vero4DRT system performs with 10-mm-long and 0.28mm diameter gold anchor markers.MethodsGold anchor markers with a length of 10mm and a diameter of 0.28mm were used. Gold anchor markers were injected with short and long types into bolus material. These markers were sandwiched by a Tough Water (TW) phantom in the bolus material. For the investigation of 4-dimensional (4D) modeling feasibility under various phantom thicknesses, the TW phantom was added at 2cm intervals (in upper and lower each by 1cm). A programmable respiratory motion table was used to simulate breathing-induced organ motion, with an amplitude of 30mm and a breathing cycle of 3s. X-ray imaging parameters of 80kV and 125kV (320mA and 5ms) were used. The least detection error of the fiducial marker was defined as the 4D-modeling limitation.ResultsThe 4D modeling process was attempted using short and long marker types and its limitation with the short and long types was with phantom thicknesses of 6 and 10cm at 80kV and 125kV, respectively. However, the loss in detectability of the gold anchor because of 4D-modeling errors was found to be approximately 6% (2/31) with a phantom thickness of 2cm under 125kV. 4D-modeling could be performed except under the described conditions.ConclusionsThis work showed that a 10-mm-long gold anchor marker in short and long types can be used with DTT for short water equivalent path length site, such as lung cancer patients, in the Vero4DRT system.



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Evaluation of high-grade astrocytoma recurrence patterns after radiotherapy in the era of temozolomide: A single institution experience

Publication date: May–June 2018
Source:Reports of Practical Oncology & Radiotherapy, Volume 23, Issue 3
Author(s): Arno Lotar Cordova Jr., Taynná Vernalha Rocha Almeida, Cintia Mara da Silva, Pedro Argolo Piedade, Cristiane Maria Almeida, Carlos Genesio Bezzera Lima Jr., Carolina Dutra, Rafael Martins Ferreira, Marcelo Neves Linhares, Valeriy Denyak
AimEvaluating the recurrence patterns of high-grade astrocytomas in patients who were treated with radiotherapy (RT) plus temozolomide (TMZ).BackgroundThe current literature suggests that reducing the margins added to the CTV does not significantly change the risk of recurrence and overall survival; thus, we decided to analyze our data and to examine the possibility of changing the adopted margins.Materials and methodsFrom February 2008 till September 2013, 55 patients were treated for high-grade astrocytomas, 20 patients who had been confirmed to have recurrence were selected for the present study. Post-operative MRI was superimposed on the planning CT images in order to correlate the anatomical structures with the treatment targets. Recurrences were defined according to the Response Assessment Criteria for Glioblastoma. The mean margins of the PTVinitial and PTVboost were 1.2cm and 1.4cm, respectively. The analysis of the percentage of the recurrence volume (Volrec) within the 100% isodose surface was based on the following criteria: (I) Central: >95% of the Volrec; (II) In-field: 81–95% of the Volrec; (III) Marginal: 20–80% of the Volrec; and (IV) Outside: <20% of the Volrec.ResultsOf the 20 patients, 13 presented with central recurrences, 3 with in-field recurrences, 2 with marginal recurrences and 2 with outside recurrences. Therefore, the lower Volrec within 100% of the prescribed dose was considered in the classification.ConclusionsOf the selected patients, 80% had ≥81–95% of the Volrec within 100% of the prescribed dose and predominantly had central or in-field recurrences. These results are comparable with those from the literature.



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Kinetics and efficiency of ozone for treatment of landfill leachate including the effect of previous microbiological treatment

Abstract

The application of conventional physicochemical and microbiological techniques for the removal of organic pollutants has limitations for its utilization on wastewaters as landfill leachates because of their high concentration of not easily biodegradable organic compounds. The use of ozone-based technologies is an alternative and complementary treatment for this type of wastewaters. This paper reports the study of the degradation of landfill leachates from different stages of a treatment plant using ozone and ozone + UV. The experimental work included the determination of the temporal evolution of COD, TOC, UV254, and color. Along the experimental runs, the instantaneous off-gas ozone concentration was measured. The reaction kinetics follows a global second order expression with respect to COD and ozone concentrations. A kinetic model which takes into account the gas liquid mass transfer coupled with the chemical reaction was developed, and the corresponding parameters of the reacting system were determined. The mathematical model is able to appropriately simulate COD and ozone concentrations but exhibiting limitations when varying the leachate type. The potential application of ozone was verified, although the estimated efficiencies for COD removal and ozone consumption as well as the effect of UV radiation show variations on their trends. In this sense, it is interesting to note that the relative ozone yield has significant oscillations as the reaction proceeds. Finally, the set of experimental results demonstrates the crucial importance of the selection of process conditions to improve ozone efficiencies. This approach should consider variations in the ozone supply in order to minimize losses as well as the design of exhaustion methods as multiple stage reactors using chemical engineering design tools.

http://ift.tt/2G2RwFs

Arsenic availability and uptake by edible rape ( Brassica campestris L.) grown in contaminated soils spiked with carboxymethyl cellulose-stabilized ferrihydrite nanoparticles

Abstract

This study investigated arsenic (As) availability and uptake by rape (Brassica campestris L.) during two harvest periods of carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC)-stabilized ferrihydrite (HFO) nanoparticles for in situ treatment As-contaminated soil. Application of modified HFO nanoparticles in soils not only provided a larger specific surface area but also markedly improved stability against aggregation and recrystallization. For 90-day incubation, bare HFO particles were gradually converted to the crystalline Fe(III) oxide form, although this was not observed for the 0.5% CMC-HFO nanoparticles. CMC-modified HFO nanoparticles could be more effective in lowering the As uptake by rape and available As in soils than bare HFO particles. Compared the control without amendments, As contents in rape and available As in soils decreased 69.7 and 59.0%, respectively, during the second harvest when soils were amended with 0.5% HFO nanoparticles. And the soil-solution distribution coefficient (K_d ) increased by 2.6 and 2.8 times for the first and second harvest. Furthermore, the ratio of amorphous and free Fe-oxides (Fe_o/Fe_d) showed significant negative linear correlations with As_plant (P < 0.01), available As (P < 0.05), and nonspecifically sorbed As in soil (P < 0.01). In contrast, Fe_o/Fe_d was positively correlated with K_d and amorphous crystalline Fe/Al oxide-sorbed As, which suggests that a larger amount of As is associated with Fe(hydr)oxide in the amorphous phase or smaller particles.

http://ift.tt/2FRoFQZ

Co-nanoencapsulation of antimalarial drugs increases their in vitro efficacy against Plasmodium falciparum and decreases their toxicity to Caenorhabditis elegans

Publication date: 15 June 2018
Source:European Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Volume 118
Author(s): Kelle Velasques, Tamara Ramos Maciel, Ana Helena de Castro Dal Forno, Flávia Elizabete Guerra Teixeira, Amanda Luisa da Fonseca, Fernando de Pilla Varotti, André Ricardo Fajardo, Daiana Silva de Ávila, Sandra Elisa Haas
Drugs used for the treatment and prevention of malaria have resistance-related problems, making them ineffective for monotherapy. If properly associated, many of these antimalarial drugs may find their way back to the treatment regimen. Among the therapeutic arsenal, quinine (QN) is a second-line treatment for uncomplicated malaria but has side effects that limit its use. Curcumin (CR) is a natural compound with anti-plasmodial activities and low bioavailability. In this context, the aim of this work was to develop and characterize co-encapsulated QN + CR-loaded polysorbate-coated polymeric nanocapsules (NC-QC) to evaluate their activity on Plasmodium falciparum and the safety of the nanoformulations for Caenorhabditis elegans. NC-QC displayed a diameter of approximately 200 nm, a negative zeta potential and a slightly basic pH. The drugs are homogeneously distributed in the NCs in the amorphous form. Co-encapsulated NCs exhibited a significant reduction in P. falciparum parasitemia, better than QN/CR. The worms exposed to NC-QC showed higher survival and longevity and no decrease in their reproductive capacity compared to free and associated drugs. It was possible to prove that the NCs were absorbed orally by the worms using fluorescence microscopy. Co-encapsulation of QN and CR was effective against P. falciparum, minimizing the toxic effects caused by chronic exposure of the free drugs in C. elegans.

Graphical abstract

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Differentiating benign and malignant inflammatory breast lesions: Value of T2 weighted and diffusion weighted MR images

Publication date: July 2018
Source:Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Volume 50
Author(s): Shotaro Kanao, Masako Kataoka, Mami Iima, Debra Masako Ikeda, Masakazu Toi, Kaori Togashi
ObjectivesBenign and malignant inflammatory breast lesions demonstrate similar findings on both T2 weighted imaging (T2WI) and dynamic contrast enhanced (DCE) images. We hypothesized that benign inflammatory lesions might be differentiated form malignancies using a combination of apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values derived from diffusion weighted images (DWI) and T2WI.Materials and methodsWe retrospectively reviewed 162 patients undergoing breast MRI (T2WI, DWI and DCE images) between 2008 and 2015 who had breast lesions with high T2WI signal intensity (High T2 SI) including 14 benign inflammatory lesions, 69 benign non-inflammatory lesions, 16 malignant inflammatory lesions and 63 malignant non-inflammatory lesions. On the High T2 SI and low T2WI signal intensity (Low T2 SI) areas in these breast lesions, we calculated ADC values from b values of 0 and 1000 s/mm².ResultsThe mean ADC values ± standard deviation (10⁻³ mm²/s) of the High T2 SI areas in benign inflammatory, benign non-inflammatory, malignant inflammatory and malignant non-inflammatory breast lesions were 0.75 ± 0.18, 1.77 ± 0.33, 2.06 ± 0.32 and 1.88 ± 0.41, respectively. Those of the Low T2 SI areas in benign inflammatory, benign non-inflammatory, malignant inflammatory and malignant non-inflammatory lesions were 0.89 ± 0.15, 1.31 ± 0.28, 0.87 ± 0.20 and 0.94 ± 0.27 respectively. ADC values of High T2 SI areas of the benign inflammatory lesions were significantly lower than those of benign non-inflammatory, malignant inflammatory, and malignant non-inflammatory lesions (p < 0.001). ADC values of Low T2 SI areas in benign inflammatory lesions were not significantly different from those of malignant inflammatory (p = 0.99) or malignant non-inflammatory lesions (p = 0.72).ConclusionFor breast lesions with High T2 SI, segmenting the High T2 SI for ADC mapping distinguishes benign from malignant inflammatory conditions. Using ADC mapping of the Low T2 SI areas will not result in this distinction.



http://ift.tt/2HHSzrm

Sources and levels of particulate matter in North African and Sub-Saharan cities: a literature review

Abstract

In order to assess the significance of PM in ambient air, it is necessary to evaluate their physical and chemical characteristics as well as identify their major emission sources. On a global scale, particulate matter in the atmosphere arises mainly from the combustion process of motorized vehicles, but natural sources are still considered as the major contributors. In Africa, PM emissions differ from those in developed countries; human activities such as biomass burning in households, poor household waste management, and the high number of diesel-powered vehicles are the predominant anthropogenic sources. Natural contributions are also observed. Saharan dust and savanna fires are the most common atmospheric natural sources of particulate matter. The present literature review gives an overview of the status of air quality in African cities and highlights the various sources of particulate matter emissions and local human activities specific to each African region. This could likely serve as a reference to evaluate the current air quality in this region and will be a useful tool in the future to develop pollution mitigation strategies at the source. Recommendations are proposed in the conclusion in order to reduce emissions from their sources, taking into account the low-income African countries.

http://ift.tt/2tZHRe3

Comparative performance of novel magnetic ion-imprinted adsorbents employed for Cd 2+ , Cu 2+ and Ni 2+ removal from aqueous solutions

Abstract

Novel magnetic ion-imprinted polymer was prepared by use of SBA-15 as functional monomer, ethylene glycol dimethacrylate as cross linker, diphenylcarbazide as ligand, and Cd²⁺, Cu²⁺, and Ni²⁺ as the template of ion source. The adsorption capacity of the synthesized adsorbent was 111, 95, and 87 mg g⁻¹, respectively for cadmium, copper, and nickel. The selectivity of the adsorbents examined in the presence of different cations including Na⁺, K⁺, Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, Zn²⁺, Co²⁺, Fe²⁺, Mn²⁺, Hg²⁺, and Pb²⁺ indicated that the synthesized ion-imprinted adsorbents were highly selective for the appropriate cations. Kinetic studies indicated that the adsorption process was very fast and the equilibrium was established within 5 min and followed the pseudo-second-order kinetic model. The used ion-imprinted adsorbent was readily regenerated by elution with 2 M HNO₃, and the regenerated adsorbent retained most of its initial capacity. The calculated thermodynamic parameters indicated that the adsorption process was spontaneous and endothermic.

http://ift.tt/2GE6QWN

Robust trace analysis of polar (C 2 -C 8 ) perfluorinated carboxylic acids by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry: method development and application to surface water, groundwater and drinking water

Abstract

A simple and robust analytical method for the determination of perfluorinated carboxylic acids (PFCAs) with C₂ to C₈ chains, based on solid-phase extraction (SPE) and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), was developed, validated and applied to tap water, groundwater and surface water. Two stationary phases for LC (Obelisc N and Kinetex C₁₈) and two materials with weak anion-exchange properties for SPE (Strata X-AW and Oasis WAX) were evaluated. Robust separation and retention was achieved with the reversed phase column and an acidic eluent. Quantitative extraction recoveries were generally achieved for PFCAs with C > 3, but extraction efficiencies were different for the two shortest chained analytes: 36 to 114% of perfluoropropanoate (PFPrA) and 14 to 99% of trifluoroacetate (TFA) were recovered with Strata X-AW, while 93 to 103% of PFPrA and 40 to 103% of TFA were recovered with Oasis WAX. The sample pH was identified as a key parameter in the extraction process. One-step elution-filtration was introduced in the workflow, in order to remove sorbent particles and minimise sample preparation steps. Validation resulted in limits of quantification for all PFCAs between 0.6 and 26 ng/L. Precision was between 0.7 and 15% and mean recoveries ranged from 83 to 107%. In groundwater samples from sites impacted by per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), PFCA concentrations ranged from 0.056 to 2.2 μg/L. TFA and perfluorooctanoate were the predominant analytes. TFA, however, revealed a more ubiquitous occurrence and was found in concentrations between 0.045 and 17 μg/L in drinking water, groundwater and surface water, which were not impacted by PFASs.

http://ift.tt/2HLaFc2

Pentoxifylline prevents post-traumatic stress disorder induced memory impairment

Publication date: Available online 17 March 2018
Source:Brain Research Bulletin
Author(s): Karem H. Alzoubi, Omar F. Khabour, Mohammad Ahmad
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a disabling prevalent and difficult-to-treat psychiatric disorder, which can develop after the exposure to severe traumatic events such as those occurring during wars and natural disasters. Pentoxifylline (PTX) is a potent antioxidant, which has an important role in prevention of cognitive dysfunctions. In the present study, the effect of PTX on memory impairment induced by PTSD was investigated using the rat animal model. PTSD-like behavior was induced in animals using a single-prolonged stress (SPS) rat model of PTSD (2 h restrain, 20 min forced swimming, 15 min rest, 1–2 min diethyl ether exposure). PTX was administered intraperitoneally at a dose of 100 mg/kg/day. Spatial learning and memory were assessed using the radial arm water maze (RAWM). Changes in oxidative stress biomarkers, brain derived neuroptrophic factor (BDNF), and epigenetics (histones) in the hippocampus following treatments were measured using enzymatic assays. The result revealed that SPS impaired both short- and long- term memory (P < 0.05). Use of PTX prevented memory impairment induced by SPS. Furthermore, PTX normalized SPS induced changes in the hippocampus GSH/GSSG ratio, activity of catalase, and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), BDNF, and certain histones levels. In conclusion, the SPS model of PTSD-like behavior induced memory impairment, whereas PTX prevented this impairment possibly through normalizing antioxidant mechanisms, BDNF and epigenetic changes in the hippocampus.



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Immunomodulation induced through ornithine decarboxylase DNA immunization in Balb/c mice infected with Leishmania donovani

Publication date: May 2018
Source:Molecular Immunology, Volume 97
Author(s): Akhilesh Kumar, Manas Ranjan Dikhit, Ajay Amit, Amir Zaidi, Raj Kishor Pandey, Ashish kumar Singh, Shashi S. Suman, Vahab Ali, Vidya Nand Rabi Das, Krishna Pandey, Vikas kumar, Shubhankar Kumar Singh, Shyam Narayan, Hirendra kumar Chourasia, Pradeep Das, Sanjiva Bimal
We report here a Leishmania donovani ornithine decarboxylase (Ld-ODC) gene used as a DNA vaccine against visceral leishmaniasis in a murine Balb/c mouse model. This study also evaluated the possible mechanism of action directed by this candidate. We found a Th1 immune response after immunization using an Ld-ODC DNA vaccine, with results based on the rearrangement of TCR-V-α-2, proliferation of Carboxy fluorescein Succinimidyle ester positive T cells, which were able to produce cytokines such as TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-12 and IL-2, but not IL-4, IL-5, IL-6 and IL-10, and modulations of the STAT-1 and p38 MAP kinase signaling pathways. The results were corroborated with the reduction in the amastigote proliferation and parasite killing in spleens after infection in vitro. We conclude this study suggesting that the Ld-ODC DNA construct could be a new vaccine candidate against visceral leishmaniasis.

Graphical abstract

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Neuronal functions of adaptor complexes involved in protein sorting

Publication date: August 2018
Source:Current Opinion in Neurobiology, Volume 51
Author(s): Carlos M Guardia, Raffaella De Pace, Rafael Mattera, Juan S Bonifacino
Selective transport of transmembrane proteins to different intracellular compartments often involves the recognition of sorting signals in the cytosolic domains of the proteins by components of membrane coats. Some of these coats have as their key components a family of heterotetrameric adaptor protein (AP) complexes named AP-1 through AP-5. AP complexes play important roles in all cells, but their functions are most critical in neurons because of the extreme compartmental complexity of these cells. Accordingly, various diseases caused by mutations in AP subunit genes exhibit a range of neurological abnormalities as their most salient features. In this article, we discuss the properties of the different AP complexes, with a focus on their roles in neuronal physiology and pathology.



http://ift.tt/2DEp9YO

Elongated styloid process in patients with temporomandibular disorders — Is there a link?

Publication date: Available online 17 March 2018
Source:Annals of Anatomy - Anatomischer Anzeiger
Author(s): Sebastian Krohn, Phillipp Brockmeyer, Dietmar Kubein-Meesenburg, Christian Kirschneck, Ralf Buergers
BackgroundElongated styloid processes may display clinical signs that can easily be confused with symptoms associated with temporomandibular disorders (TMD). Thus, the present study aimed to investigate alterations of the styloid process in patients with TMD.MethodsTemporomandibular joint (TMJ) X-ray images of 192 patients with RDC/TMD diagnoses were examined retrospectively. On each side, the styloid process and mandibular ramus were evaluated regarding length as well as sagittal angulation. Data were statistically analyzed using two-way ANOVA, Pearson's r and Kruskal-Wallis test. In order to confirm the accuracy of the obtained X-ray measurements, the available cone-beam-computed tomographies (CBCT) of the subjects were also examined as reference standard and compared with the X-ray TMJ data by using Bland-Altman analysis.ResultsIn a group of TMD patients we assessed a mean styloid length of 40.8mm over both genders. In female subjects the means of length and angulation of the styloid process were 40.4mm and 54.9degree, male subjects showed means of 42.1mm and 63.4degree. The mean height of the mandibular ramus in males was significantly higher than the same measurement in females (66.8mm vs 59.7mm). Styloid length in relation to ramus height (relative styloid length) was significantly larger in females. No significant correlations between RDC/TMD diagnoses and process length as well as process angle were found. A Bland-Altman analysis revealed conformity of CBCT and digital X-ray results.ConclusionThe mean styloid length measured in a group of TMD patients is referred to as elongated, whereas females showed longer styloid in relation to body height. However, it appears that alterations of the styloid are not related to TMD diagnoses.



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Gypenosides attenuate lipopolysaccharide-induced optic neuritis in rats

Publication date: Available online 17 March 2018
Source:Acta Histochemica
Author(s): Fang Wang, Yalong Dang, Jing Wang, Ting Zhou, Yu Zhu
PurposeTo evaluate the effect of gypenosides (GPs) on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced optic neuritis rats.MethodsOptic neuritis was induced by a single microinjection of LPS into the optic nerve of Sprague Dawley rats. GPs (400 mg/kg) was administrated by gavage for 21 days. The optic nerve structure changes and demyelination were observed after hematoxylin & eosin and Luxol-fast blue staining. Apoptosis of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) was evaluated using Brn3a-TUNEL double staining. Expression of CD68 and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) were detected using immunofluorescence staining. The mRNA levels of inflammatory factors were measured using quantitative real-time PCR. The protein expression levels in the signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) pathways were detected using Western blot.ResultsGPs treatment prevented the optic nerve structure changes and demyelination in the rats with optic neuritis. GPs treatment downregulated LPS-induced overexpressions of CD68, GFAP and pro-inflammatory factors. GPs treatment inhibited STAT1 and 3 phosphorylation and NF-κB nuclear translocation in the optic nerve and retina of rats with optic neuritis.ConclusionGPs attenuate LPS-induced inflammation, demyelination and optic nerve damage which may be associated with the inhibition of the NF-κB and STAT pathways.



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Editorial Board

Publication date: April 2018
Source:Biological Psychology, Volume 134





http://ift.tt/2HMIrOh

Attention biases in preoccupation with body image: an ERP study of the role of social comparison and automaticity when processing body size

Publication date: Available online 17 March 2018
Source:Biological Psychology
Author(s): Helen Uusberg, Krista Peet, Andero Uusberg, Kirsti Akkermann
Appearance-related attention biases are thought to contribute to body image disturbances. We investigated how preoccupation with body image is associated with attention biases to body size, focusing on the role of social comparison processes and automaticity. Thirty-six women varying on self-reported preoccupation compared their actual body size to size-modified images of either themselves or a figure-matched peer. Amplification of earlier (N170, P2) and later (P3, LPP) ERP components recorded under low vs. high concurrent working memory load were analyzed. Women with high preoccupation exhibited an earlier bias to larger bodies of both self and peer. During later processing stages, they exhibited a stronger bias to enlarged as well as reduced self-images and a lack of sensitivity to size-modifications of the peer-image. Working memory load did not affect these biases systematically. Current findings suggest that preoccupation involves an earlier attention bias to weight increase cues and later over-engagement with own figure.



http://ift.tt/2GFF24t

Coordinating bracket torque and incisor inclination

Abstract

Purpose

To analyze common values of bracket torque (Andrews, Roth, MBT, Ricketts) for their validity in achieving incisor inclinations that are considered normal by different cephalometric standards.

Methods

Using the equations developed in part 1 (eU1_(BOP) = 90° − BT_(U1) − TCA_(U1) + α₁ − α₂ and eL1_(BOP) = 90° − BT_(L1) − TCA_(L1) + β₁ − β₂) (abbreviations see part 1) and the mean values (± SD) obtained as statistical measures in parts 1 and 2 of the study (α₁ and β₁ [1.7° ± 0.7°], α₂ [3.6° ± 0.3°], β₂ [3.2° ± 0.4°], TCA_(U1) [24.6° ± 3.6°] and TCA_(L1) [22.9° ± 4.3°]) expected (= theoretically anticipated) values were calculated for upper and lower incisors (U1 and L1) and compared to targeted (= cephalometric norm) values.

Results

For U1, there was no overlapping between the ranges of expected and targeted values, as the lowest targeted value of (58.3°; Ricketts) was higher than the highest expected value (56.5°; Andrews) relative to the bisected occlusal plane (BOP). Thus all of these torque systems will aim for flatter inclinations than prescribed by any of the norm values. Depending on target values, the various bracket systems fell short by 1.8−5.5° (Andrews), 6.8−10.5° (Roth), 11.8−15.5° (MBT), or 16.8−20.5° (Ricketts). For L1, there was good agreement of the MBT system with the Ricketts and Björk target values (Δ0.1° and Δ−0.8°, respectively), and both the Roth and Ricketts systems came close to the Bergen target value (both Δ2.3°). Depending on target values, the ranges of deviation for L1 were 6.3−13.2° for Andrews (Class II prescription), 2.3°−9.2° for Roth, −3.7 to −3.2° for MBT, and 2.3−9.2° for Ricketts.

Conclusions

Common values of upper incisor bracket torque do not have acceptable validity in achieving normal incisor inclinations. A careful selection of lower bracket torque may provide satisfactory matching with some of the targeted norm values.

http://ift.tt/2G8Trsh

Coordinating bracket torque and incisor inclination

Abstract

Purpose

To analyze common values of bracket torque (Andrews, Roth, MBT, Ricketts) for their validity in achieving incisor inclinations that are considered normal by different cephalometric standards.

Methods

Using the equations developed in part 1 (eU1_(BOP) = 90° − BT_(U1) − TCA_(U1) + α₁ − α₂ and eL1_(BOP) = 90° − BT_(L1) − TCA_(L1) + β₁ − β₂) (abbreviations see part 1) and the mean values (± SD) obtained as statistical measures in parts 1 and 2 of the study (α₁ and β₁ [1.7° ± 0.7°], α₂ [3.6° ± 0.3°], β₂ [3.2° ± 0.4°], TCA_(U1) [24.6° ± 3.6°] and TCA_(L1) [22.9° ± 4.3°]) expected (= theoretically anticipated) values were calculated for upper and lower incisors (U1 and L1) and compared to targeted (= cephalometric norm) values.

Results

For U1, there was no overlapping between the ranges of expected and targeted values, as the lowest targeted value of (58.3°; Ricketts) was higher than the highest expected value (56.5°; Andrews) relative to the bisected occlusal plane (BOP). Thus all of these torque systems will aim for flatter inclinations than prescribed by any of the norm values. Depending on target values, the various bracket systems fell short by 1.8−5.5° (Andrews), 6.8−10.5° (Roth), 11.8−15.5° (MBT), or 16.8−20.5° (Ricketts). For L1, there was good agreement of the MBT system with the Ricketts and Björk target values (Δ0.1° and Δ−0.8°, respectively), and both the Roth and Ricketts systems came close to the Bergen target value (both Δ2.3°). Depending on target values, the ranges of deviation for L1 were 6.3−13.2° for Andrews (Class II prescription), 2.3°−9.2° for Roth, −3.7 to −3.2° for MBT, and 2.3−9.2° for Ricketts.

Conclusions

Common values of upper incisor bracket torque do not have acceptable validity in achieving normal incisor inclinations. A careful selection of lower bracket torque may provide satisfactory matching with some of the targeted norm values.

http://ift.tt/2G8Trsh

Editorial Board

Publication date: March 2018
Source:Pathology - Research and Practice, Volume 214, Issue 3





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Detoxification of U(VI) by Paecilomyces catenlannulatus investigated by batch, XANES and EXAFS techniques

Publication date: September 2018
Source:Journal of Environmental Radioactivity, Volume 189
Author(s): Fengbo Li, Xiaoyu Li, Pu Cui
Paecilomyces catenlannulatus (P. catenlannulatus) as a genus of entomogenous fungus presented a variety of surface reactive groups by batch characterizations. The detoxification of U(VI) by P. catenlannulatus was investigated under different water chemistry (pH, incubation time, foreign anions and U(VI) concentration) by batch techniques. Approximately 75% of U(VI) was reduced to U(IV) (i.e., U^(IV)O2(s)) by P. catenlannulatus at pH 5.5 and 7 days under glovebox conditions, therefore the formation of precipitates decreased the toxicity of U(VI) for P. catenlannulatus. In addition, phosphate facilitate the U(VI) reduction, whereas carbonate and sulfate inhibited the U(VI) reduction. The activities of catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione (GSH) level were stimulated exposure to 1-30 mg/L U(VI), indicating that CAT, SOD and GSH were antagonized for the oxidant stress derived from U(VI) at low concentrations. According to XPS and XANES analysis, the occurrence of U(IV) revealed the reduction of adsorbed U(VI) to U(IV) by P. catenlannulatus. The results of EXAFS analysis indicated that the fitting of U-O and U-U shell for U-loaded P. catenlannulatus was similar to that of U^(IV)O2(s)). The formation of U-bearing precipitates decreased the toxicity of U(VI) for P. catenlannulatus. These findings indicated that P. catenlannulatus is capable to detoxify U(VI) by extracellar/intracellar defense systems. Therefore, P. catenlannulatus can be utilized as a promising bioadsorbents for remediation of uranium-contaminated wastewater in environmental cleanup.



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Functional film by trigger-free self-assembly of adhesive soft microgels at skin temperature

Publication date: 5 June 2018
Source:Materials & Design, Volume 147
Author(s): Mohamed Boularas, Sadia Radji, Emilie Gombart, Jean-François Tranchant, Valérie Alard, Laurent Billon
Trigger-free self-assembly of oligo(ethylene glycol) OEG-based responsive microgels is for the first time described via simple solvent evaporation process at skin temperature and ambient pressure. This unique behaviour is attributed to the intrensic OEG microgel structure and properties due to a negative glass transition temperature, a high adhesion energy, an elastic mechanical property and a high interpenetration of microgels, combined in an all-in-one building block. Furthermore, the encapsulation of magnetic nanoparticles (NPs) into the OEG-based microgels introduced interferential photonic and magnetic properties to the films. These microgels exhibiting simultaneously spontaneous film-forming and colored photonic properties open up the development of a unique easy-to-handle material for cosmetic applications, but also smart patches for healthcare or medicine.

Graphical abstract

http://ift.tt/2FVM0kJ

Preparation of thermochromic liquid crystal microcapsules for intelligent functional fiber

Publication date: 5 June 2018
Source:Materials & Design, Volume 147
Author(s): Yu Guan, Liping Zhang, Dong Wang, John L. West, Shaohai Fu
Cholesteric liquid crystals microcapsules (CLCM) were prepared via complex coacervation method, which were further used as thermochromic materials in an intelligent functional fiber. The morphology of CLCM with core-shell structure was confirmed by SEM and TEM images. According to the TG results, CLC core took 52wt% of the microcapsules. Thermochromic property of the CLCM was closely related to its particle size, and CLCM in the range of 3–30μm had excellent thermochromic property producing color progressively moving from red to blue as the temperature was raised. The CLCM were added to polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) solution and CLCM/PVP fibers were prepared by electrospinning method. The thermochromic performance of CLCM/PVP fibers was in accordance with CLCM, and the optimal particle size of CLCM for preparing CLCM/PVP fibers was 3–10μm.

Graphical abstract

http://ift.tt/2G1OMbt

Impact of economic growth, nonrenewable and renewable energy consumption, and urbanization on carbon emissions in Sub-Saharan Africa

Abstract

The present study explores the impact of economic growth; urban expansion; and consumption of fossil fuels, solid fuels, and renewable energy on environmental degradation in developing economies of Sub-Saharan Africa. To demonstrate its findings in detail, the study adopts a system generalized method of moment (GMM) on a panel of 34 emerging economies for the period from 1995 to 2015. The results describe that the consumption of fossil and solid fuels for cooking and expansion of urban areas are significantly contributing to carbon dioxide emissions, on one end, and stimulating air pollution, on the other. The results also exhibit an inverted U-shape relationship between per capita economic growth and carbon emissions. This relation confirms the existence of an environmental Kuznets curve (EKC) in middle- and low-income economies of Sub-Saharan Africa. Furthermore, the findings reveal that the use of renewable energy alternatives improves air quality by controlling carbon emissions and lowering the direct interaction of households with toxic gases. Thus, the use of renewable energy alternatives helps the economies to achieve sustainable development targets.

http://ift.tt/2FQUHfX

Investigating the role of urban development in the conventional environmental Kuznets curve: evidence from the globe

Abstract

We investigated the role of urbanization in the conventional environmental Kuznets curve (EKC) of the globe. The overall population and rural population were also considered for control purposes. Based on our findings, we suggest that the conventional EKC of the globe is not an inverted U-shape but becomes downward sloping when urban development is added and inverted U-shapes when the overall population and rural population volumes are added.

http://ift.tt/2G29dVE

Risk assessment by percolation leaching tests of extensive green roofs with fine fraction of mixed recycled aggregates from construction and demolition waste

Abstract

Extensive green roofs are urban construction systems that provide thermal regulation and sound proofing for the buildings involved, in addition to providing an urban heat island mitigation or water retention. On the other hand, policies towards reduction of energy consumption, a circular economy and sustainability are core in the European Union. Motivated by this, an experimental study was carried out to evaluate the environmental risk assessment according to release levels of polluting elements on leachates of different green roof substrate mixtures based on recycled aggregates from construction and demolition waste through (i) the performance in laboratory of two procedures: compliance and percolation tests and (ii) an upscaled experimental leaching test for long-term on-site prediction. Four plots were built on a building roof and covered with autochthonous Mediterranean plants in Córdoba, South of Spain. As growing substrate, four mixtures were used of a commercial growing substrate with different proportions of a fine mixed recycled aggregate ranging from 0 to 75% by volume. The results show that these mixtures were classified as non-hazardous materials according to legal limits of the Landfill Directive 2003/33/CE. The release levels registered in extensive green roofs were lower compared to the laboratory test data. This shows how laboratory conditions can overestimate the potential pollutant effect of these materials compared to actual conditions.

http://ift.tt/2HGg58j

Heavy metal bioaccessibility and health risks in the contaminated soil of an abandoned, small-scale lead and zinc mine

Abstract

The lack of management in small-scale mining operations has the potential for negative repercussions, e.g., mine collapses, compared with well-regulated large-scale mines. Here, we used an in vitro model to investigate heavy metal soil pollution characteristics and their attendant health risks in an abandoned, small-scale lead (Pb) and zinc (Zn) mine located in southwestern China that had suffered from collapse. Our results showed the following: (1) Even the mine had been closed for many years, the soil was still heavily polluted by Pb, cadmium (Cd), and Zn, and there is a risk of secondary pollution. Pb, Zn, and Cd concentrations in the mining areas were all approximately 22–42 times higher than the background soil levels of Guangxi Province. (2) Cd had the largest bioaccessibility, and mining areas tend to have soils containing more bioaccessible metals (78 ± 14%, 27 ± 4%, and 38 ± 12% for Cd, Pb, and Zn in gastric phase and 40 ± 12%, 10 ± 5%, and 19 ± 8% in intestinal phase correspondingly). (3) Results of a stepwise, multiple regression analysis revealed that the total soil content of the three metals (Pb, Zn, and Cd), TOC (total organic carbon), soil composition, and Mn content were the main impact factors for the Pb, Cd, and Zn soil bioaccessibility in study area (R² = 0.37~0.93). (4) A health risk assessment based on Pb, Cd, and Zn bioaccessibility indicated that the health risk for people in mine area is not high (HI is 1.07 at most and CR 2.40E−6 at most for children).

http://ift.tt/2G28RhM

Contribution of root uptake to cadmium accumulation in two peanut cultivars: evidence from a split-column soil experiment

Abstract

Cadmium (Cd) accumulation and internal Cd translocation in the peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) are highly related to root uptake, which may largely depend on the cultivar variation and the depth of the Cd-contaminated soil. A split-column soil experiment was conducted using two common Chinese peanut cultivars (Huayu-20 and Huayu-23) known to relocate Cd to different tissues. The growth medium was separated into four layers and Cd solution was solely applied to one layer to determine the key depth affecting the Cd accumulation in a plant via root uptakes. The results showed that the biomass of Huayu-23 was significantly higher biomass (3.28–94.0%) than that of Huayu-20, especially in the aerial parts (stems and leaves) and kernels, implying the dilution of Cd. Following the addition of Cd to the soil, the Cd concentrations in peanut tissues increased on average by 28.9–172 and 28.3–111% in Huayu-20 and Huayu-23, respectively. The largest presence of Cd in a peanut plant was observed in the aerial parts, followed by the kernels. Huayu-20 accumulated more Cd in plant tissues than did Huayu-23 due to the former's high Cd translocation. These findings imply that peanut cultivars vary widely in biomass, Cd accumulation, and the percentage distribution of Cd among various plant tissues, especially kernels. Different Cd treatments in the full depth of the root zone induced significant alterations in Cd accumulation of peanut tissues, especially kernels, for both cultivars. The percentage distribution of Cd accumulation by kernels was significantly higher in the deeper layer than in the top layer of the root zone for both peanut cultivars. This study suggests that soil modifications performed during agronomic activities should take into account the full depth of root exploration as well as the peanut cultivars to manage plant Cd uptake.

http://ift.tt/2FWgDGs

Clinical Thyroidology®for the Public – Highlighted Article

From Clinical Thyroidology^® for the Public:  In 1–2% of PET scans performed for the diagnosis or staging of non-thyroid cancers, incidental uptake of a thyroid lesion is detected. Read More….

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Neurocognitive Basis of Racial Ingroup Bias in Empathy

Publication date: Available online 18 March 2018
Source:Trends in Cognitive Sciences
Author(s): Shihui Han
Racial discrimination in social behavior, although disapproved of by many contemporary cultures, has been widely reported. Because empathy plays a key functional role in social behavior, brain imaging researchers have extensively investigated the neurocognitive underpinnings of racial ingroup bias in empathy. This research has revealed consistent evidence for increased neural responses to the perceived pain of same-race compared with other-race individuals in multiple brain regions and across multiple time-windows. Researchers have also examined neurocognitive, sociocultural, and environmental influences on racial ingroup bias in empathic neural responses, as well as explored possible interventions to reduce racial ingroup bias in empathic brain activity. These findings have important implications for understanding racial ingroup favoritism in social behavior and for improving interracial communication.



http://ift.tt/2GEmUb1

Durable response of early-stage breast cancer to bilateral definitive SBRT in a medically inoperable patient

Publication date: Available online 18 March 2018
Source:Practical Radiation Oncology
Author(s): Robert W. Gao, Sean S. Park, James W. Jakub, Tina J. Hieken, Amy L. Conners, Lonzetta Neal, Sandhya Pruthi, Kimberly S. Corbin, Elizabeth S. Yan, Robert W. Mutter, Bradley J. Stish




http://ift.tt/2pm9OrI

In vivo response to a low-modulus PMMA bone cement in an ovine model

Publication date: Available online 17 March 2018
Source:Acta Biomaterialia
Author(s): C. Robo, G. Hulsart-Billström, M. Nilsson, C. Persson
Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) is the most commonly used material for the treatment of osteoporosis-induced vertebral compression fractures. However, its high stiffness may introduce an increased risk of adjacent vertebral fractures post-surgery. One alternative in overcoming this concern is the use of additives. This presents its own challenge in maintaining an adequate biocompatibility when modifying the base cement. The aim of this study was to evaluate the in vivo biocompatibility of linoleic acid (LA)-modified acrylic bone cement using a large animal model for the first time, in order to further advance towards clinical use. A worst-case approach was used, choosing a slow-setting base cement. The in vitro monomer release from the cements was also assessed. Additional material characterization, including mechanical tests, are summarized in Appendix A. Unmodified and LA-modified cements were injected into a total of 56 bone defects created in the femur and humerus of sheep. Histopathologic and histomorphometric analysis indicated that LA-modified cement showed a harmless tissue response similar to that of the unmodified cement. Adjacent bone remodeling was observed microscopically 4 weeks after implantation, suggesting a normal healing process of the bone tissues surrounding the implant. LA-modified cement exhibited lower mechanical properties, with a reduction in the elastic modulus of up to 65%. The handling properties were slightly modified without negatively affecting the injectability of the base cement. LA-modified bone cement showed good biocompatibility as well as bone compliant mechanical properties and may therefore be a promising material for the treatment of osteoporotic vertebral fractures.

Graphical abstract

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Neuroprotective effect of Phosphocreatine on oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction induced apoptosis in vitro and in vivo: Involvement of dual PI3K/Akt and Nrf2/HO-1 pathways

Publication date: Available online 17 March 2018
Source:Free Radical Biology and Medicine
Author(s): Hailong Li, Zhongyuan Tang, Peng Chu, Yanlin Song, Ying Yang, Bin Sun, Mengyue Niu, Eskandar Qaed, Abdullah Shopit, Guozhu Han, Xiaodong Ma, Jinyong Peng, Min Hu, Zeyao Tang
Methylglyoxal (MGO), an active metabolite of glucose, is observed in high levels in the tissues and blood of diabetic patients. Phosphocreatine (PCr), a high-energy phosphate compound, exhibits a range of pharmacological actions but little is well known of its neuroprotective action. The aim of the present study was to investigate the neuroprotective effects and the possible mechanisms of PCr. Diabetes is closely associated with neurodegenerative diseases, leading not only to the peripheral nervous system (PNS) and but also to central nervous system (CNS) damage. Therefore, we established two rat models of diabetes in vivo induced by MGO and streptozocin (STZ) respectively, while utilized differentiated PC-12 cells in vitro. Treatment of PC-12 cells with PCr markedly attenuated MGO-induced change of viability, apoptosis, accompanied by decreased levels of caspase-3, casapse-9 and Bcl-2/Bax protein ratio. Determination of cellular respiratory function was performed with intact PC-12 cells and homogenized hippocampal neuron tissue of rat. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation was assessed by membrane permeable fluorescent probe DCFH-DA. The expressions of Akt, Nrf2 and HO-1 were examined by Western blot. PCr pretreatment significantly reduced oxidative stress-induced high LDH, MDA level, and ROS production of PC-12 cells. PCr pretreatment also significantly decreased mitochondrial dysfunction in vitro and in vivo. In addition, PCr pretreatment increased the expression of p-Akt, Nrf2 and HO-1, and reduced the apoptosis. Moreover, the expression of Cleaved caspase3 was partially increased and the p-Akt, Nrf2 and HO-1 was partially reduced by a PI3K inhibitor (LY294002). While, compared with LY294002 groups, pre-treatment with PCr at the concentrations of 20mM significantly reduced the expression of Cleaved caspase3 and increased the expression of p-Akt, Nrf2 and HO-1. Molecular docking assay showed that PCr possessed powerful affinity towards to Akt with lower binding energy. In conclusion, the neuroprotective effects of PCr in vitro and in vivo rely on normalizing mitochondrial function and reducing oxidative stress via Akt mediated Nrf2/HO-1 pathway, suggesting that PCr may be a novel therapeutic candidate for the treatment of diabetes-associated neurodegenerative diseases.

Graphical abstract

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Visual Outcomes and Clinical Manifestations of Pediatric Optic Neuritis in Indian Population: An Institutional Study

Background: Optic neuritis in children is an uncommon disorder which usually occurs after a viral illness or vaccination and, less frequently, occurs as a manifestation of a demyelinating disorder. Pediatric optic neuritis usually is bilateral and presents with optic disc edema, recovers rapidly with steroid therapy, and generally has low conversion rate to multiple sclerosis or neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder. We report the clinical features and treatment outcomes of pediatric optic neuritis in Indian population, for which little data are available. Methods: We reviewed the medical case records of patients with optic neuritis who were younger than 18 years, from 1999 to 2016. All patients were assessed and managed in the Neuro-Ophthalmology Department of Sankara Nethralaya, a unit of Medical Research Foundation and Pediatric Neurology Department of Kanchi Kamakoti—Childs Trust Hospital, Chennai, India. Results: One hundred seventeen eyes of 78 children with mean age of 11.84 (±4.58) years were identified. Forty-two (53.8%) were females and 36 (46.2%) were males. Thirty-nine patients (50%) had bilateral involvement and a similar number had unilateral involvement. Fifty-nine eyes (50.4%) had optic disc edema, 20 eyes (17.1%) had disc pallor, and 38 eyes (32.4%) had normal discs. Of 63 patients who had neuroimaging, 36 had MRI, and 27 underwent computed tomography. Eighty-four eyes (of 59 patients) received steroid therapy according to the protocol of the Optic Neuritis Treatment Trial (ONTT). Thirty-three eyes that were treated with other steroid protocols were excluded from the final visual outcome analyses. Sixty of the 84 eyes (72.3%) recovered visual acuity of 20/40 or better. Visual acuity improvement was statistically significant between initial and final visual acuity (logMAR) in our patients treated with the ONTT protocol (P ≤ 0.001). Conclusions: Our Indian pediatric population had good visual recovery after steroid treatment for optic neuritis. Profound loss of visual acuity on presentation and bilateral involvement were significantly associated with poor visual outcome. Address correspondence to Selvakumar Ambika, DO, DNB, Department of Neuro Ophthalmology, Sankara Nethralaya, A Unit of Medical Research Foundation, 18 College Road, Nungambakkam, Chennai 600 006, India; E-mail: drsa@snmail.org The authors report no conflicts of interest. © 2018 by North American Neuro-Ophthalmology Society

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Cerebrospinal Fluid Pressure Reduction Results in Dynamic Changes in Optic Nerve Angle on Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Background: Optic nerve sheath tortuosity is a previously reported, but incompletely characterized, finding in idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH). We hypothesized that optic nerve angle (ONA), as a quantitative measure of tortuosity, would change dynamically with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pressure status of patients with IIH immediately before and after lumbar puncture (LP). Methods: Consecutive patients with suspected IIH referred for MRI and diagnostic LP were prospectively enrolled in this single institution, institutional review board–approved study. Each patient underwent a pre-LP MRI, diagnostic LP with opening pressure (OP) and closing pressure (CP), and then post-LP MRI all within 1 session. Sagittal and axial ONAs were measured on multiplanar T2 SPACE images by 2 neuroradiologists on pre- and post-LP MRI. Effects of measured pressure and CSF volume removal on changes in ONA were analyzed as was interrater reliability for ONA measurement. Results: Ten patients with IIH were included {all female, median age 29 (interquartile range [IQR] 25–32)}. All patients had elevated OP (median 37, IQR 34–41 cm H2O), and significantly reduced CP (median 18, IQR 16–19 cm H2O, P

http://ift.tt/2pl4l4k

Neuro-Ophthalmology in Turkey

No abstract available

http://ift.tt/2DBQWt6

Evaluation of Vision-Related Quality of Life in Chinese Patients With Leber Hereditary Optic Neuropathy and the G11778A Mutation

Objective: To assess quality of life (QoL) measures in Chinese Leber hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON) patients with the G11778A mutation. Methods: Chinese LHON patients with the G11778A mutation were prospectively evaluated using the Visual Function Index (VF-14) at 6 months, 1 year, and 3 years after the involvement of the second eye. Patients who completed the VF-14 at all 3 follow-up time designations were included in the analysis. Results: Fifty-five patients met the inclusion criteria. The median age of patients when their vision was bilaterally affected was 16.3 years old (interquartile range: 13.9–18.3 years). In our patient cohort, 89.1% (n = 49) were male, and the ratio of males to females was 8.2:1. The median logMAR visual acuity was 2.0 (interquartile range: 1.0–2.6). The mean VF-14 scores of patients with LHON at 6-month, 1-year, and 3-year follow-ups were 18.0 ± 19.2 (range 0–85.4), 19.9 ± 20.0 (range 0–85.4), and 20.7 ± 20.2 (range 0–85.4), and the differences were statistically significant (P

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Persistent Intracellular Staphylococcus aureus in Keratinocytes Lead to Activation of the Complement System with Subsequent Reduction in the Intracellular Bacterial Load.

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Persistent Intracellular Staphylococcus aureus in Keratinocytes Lead to Activation of the Complement System with Subsequent Reduction in the Intracellular Bacterial Load.

Front Immunol. 2018;9:396

Authors: Abu-Humaidan AH, Elvén M, Sonesson A, Garred P, Sørensen OE

Abstract
The complement system is an ancient part of the innate immune system important for both tissue homeostasis and host defense. However, bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus (SA) possess elaborative mechanisms for evading both the complement system and other parts of the immune system. One of these evasive mechanisms-important in causing chronic and therapy resistant infections-is the intracellular persistence in non-immune cells. The objective of our study was to investigate whether persistent intracellular SA infection of epidermal keratinocytes resulted in complement activation. Using fluorescence microscopy, we found that persistent SA, surviving intracellularly in keratinocytes, caused activation of the complement system with formation of the terminal complement complex (TCC) at the cell surface. Skin samples from atopic dermatitis patients analyzed by bacterial culture and microscopy, demonstrated that SA colonization was associated with the presence of intracellular bacteria and deposition of the TCC in epidermis in vivo. Complement activation on keratinocytes with persistent intracellular bacteria was found with sera deficient/depleted of the complement components C1q, Mannan-binding lectin, or complement factor B, demonstrating involvement of more than one complement activation pathway. Viable bacterial counts showed that complement activation at the cell surface initiated cellular responses that significantly reduced the intracellular bacterial burden. The use of an inhibitor of the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) abrogated the complement-induced reduction in intracellular bacterial load. These data bridge the roles of the complement system in tissue homeostasis and innate immunity and illustrate a novel mechanism by which the complement system combats persistent intracellular bacteria in epithelial cells.

PMID: 29545804 [PubMed]

http://ift.tt/2tT7Jby

Comparative and molecular analysis of MRSA isolates from infection sites and carrier colonization sites.

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Comparative and molecular analysis of MRSA isolates from infection sites and carrier colonization sites.

Ann Clin Microbiol Antimicrob. 2018 Mar 15;17(1):7

Authors: Alkharsah KR, Rehman S, Alkhamis F, Alnimr A, Diab A, Al-Ali AK

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) constitutes a major global health concern causing hospital and community acquired infections. A wide diversity of MRSA genotypes are circulating in geographically related regions. Therefore understanding the molecular epidemiology of MRSA is fundamental to design control and clearance measures.
METHODS: A total of 106 MRSA isolates from infection (51) and carrier colonization sites (55) are characterized genetically based on SCCmec and MLST genotyping methods in addition to detection of PVL, TSST-1 and enterotoxins.
RESULTS: Sccmec-IV was the most frequently detected genotype (77.3%) followed by genotype V (13.2%) and III (9.4%). SCCmec-IVa was more prevalent among the carrier group (p value 0.002). CC80 was the most commonly identified clonal complex (CC). CC6 and CC22 were significantly more prevalent among the carrier group (p value 0.02 and 0.01, respectively). PVL was highly prevalent among the isolates (58.5%). PVL was detected in 70.6% of isolates from infection sites and 47.3% of isolates from carriers. All strains were sensitive to vancomycin, however, MRSA strains isolated from infection sites had significantly higher MICs compared to strains isolated from carrier colonization sites (p value 0.021). Five new sequence types mainly from the carrier group were identified and described in the study.
CONCLUSIONS: MRSA population is genetically very diverse among carriers and infected individuals. With SCCmec type IV being most prevalent, this suggests a community origin of most MRSA strains. Therefore very well designed surveillance and clearance strategies should be prepared to prevent emergence and control spread of MRSA in the community.

PMID: 29544544 [PubMed - in process]

http://ift.tt/2FKOQNi

Analyzing the antiseptic capacity of silver-functionalized poly(ethylene glycol)-heparin hydrogels after human whole blood exposure.

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Analyzing the antiseptic capacity of silver-functionalized poly(ethylene glycol)-heparin hydrogels after human whole blood exposure.

Biomater Sci. 2018 Mar 15;:

Authors: Schulz S, Maitz M, Hänsel S, Renner LD, Werner C

Abstract
Advanced blood contacting biomaterials are designed to combine antiseptic and anticoagulant functionalities. Here, we present a new in vitro methodology for the analysis of bacterial adhesion and growth after the preceding human whole blood incubation of the tested materials. Poly(styrene) surfaces as well as thrombin-responsive and non-responsive poly(ethylene glycol)-heparin hydrogel coatings, with and without silver functionalization, were analyzed with this approach using freshly drawn human whole blood and various human pathogens (Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Escherichia coli). Adsorbed blood proteins and adherent immune cells were observed to suppress bacterial colonization on poly(styrene) surfaces. Silver functionalization of responsive and non-responsive poly(ethylene glycol)-heparin hydrogels had no influence on microbial attachment but decreased bacterial proliferation and viability. Whole blood pre-incubation did not affect the antimicrobial properties of the tested silver-modified hydrogels. In sum, our introduced multistage incubation test revealed the antibacterial effects as well as antiseptic-permissive characteristics of blood-borne interfacial layers on polymeric biomaterials.

PMID: 29542739 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Effect of Lactobacillus rhamnosus HN001 on carriage of Staphylococcus aureus: results of the impact of probiotics for reducing infections in veterans (IMPROVE) study.

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Effect of Lactobacillus rhamnosus HN001 on carriage of Staphylococcus aureus: results of the impact of probiotics for reducing infections in veterans (IMPROVE) study.

BMC Infect Dis. 2018 Mar 14;18(1):129

Authors: Eggers S, Barker AK, Valentine S, Hess T, Duster M, Safdar N

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Infection by Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Colonization by S. aureus increases the risk of infection. Little is known about decolonization strategies for S. aureus beyond antibiotics, however probiotics represent a promising alternative. A randomized controlled trial was conducted to determine the efficacy of Lactobacillus rhamnosus (L. rhamnosus) HN001 in reducing carriage of S. aureus at multiple body sites.
METHODS: One hundred thirteen subjects, positive for S. aureus carriage, were recruited from the William S. Middleton Memorial Medical Center, Madison, WI, USA, and randomized by initial site of colonization, either gastrointestinal (GI) or extra-GI, to 4-weeks of oral L. rhamnosus HN001 probiotic, or placebo. Nasal, oropharyngeal, and axillary/groin swabs were obtained, and serial blood and fecal samples were collected. Differences in prevalence of S. aureus carriage at the end of the 4-weeks of treatment were assessed.
RESULTS: The probiotic and placebo groups were similar in age, gender, and health history at baseline. S. aureus colonization within the stool samples of the extra-GI group was 15% lower in the probiotic than placebo group at the endpoint of the trial. Those in the probiotic group compared to the placebo group had 73% reduced odds (OR 0.27, 95% CI 0.07-0.98) of methicillin-susceptible S. aureus presence, and 83% reduced odds (OR 0.17, 95% CI 0.04-0.73) of any S. aureus presence in the stool sample at endpoint.
CONCLUSION: Use of daily oral L. rhamnosus HN001 reduced odds of carriage of S. aureus in the GI tract, however it did not eradicate S. aureus from other body sites.
TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01321606 . Registered March 21, 2011.

PMID: 29540160 [PubMed - in process]

http://ift.tt/2Gzt1gZ

Lipoteichoic Acid Inhibits Staphylococcus aureus Biofilm Formation.

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Lipoteichoic Acid Inhibits Staphylococcus aureus Biofilm Formation.

Front Microbiol. 2018;9:327

Authors: Ahn KB, Baik JE, Yun CH, Han SH

Abstract
A biofilm is an aggregate of microorganisms in which cells adhere to biological or non-biological surfaces and is responsible for various infectious diseases. Infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus, including pneumonia, endocarditis, and osteomyelitis, are often associated with colonization and biofilm formation. Although lipoteichoic acid (LTA) is involved in biofilm formation, the specific role of LTA is not clearly understood. In this study, we demonstrated that LTA released from Lactobacillus plantarum could inhibit S. aureus biofilm formation and aggregation without affecting the growth of S. aureus in various in vitro and in vivo models. L. plantarum LTA (Lp.LTA) also inhibited biofilm formation of S. aureus clinical isolates, including a methicillin-resistant strain. Remarkably, Lp.LTA not only interfered with S. aureus biofilm formation, but it also disrupted a pre-formed biofilm. Mechanism studies demonstrated that Lp.LTA inhibited expression of the ica-operon, which is responsible for the production of poly-N-acetylglucosamine, a key molecule required for S. aureus biofilm development. Lp.LTA increased the release of autoinducer-2 from S. aureus, which contributed to the inhibition of S. aureus biofilm formation. Moreover, Lp.LTA treatment enhanced susceptibility of the biofilm to various antibiotics and to macrophages. Interestingly, Lp.LTA without D-alanine moieties was not able to inhibit biofilm formation by S. aureus. In conclusion, the present study suggests that LTA can inhibit S. aureus biofilm formation, and therefore could be applied for preventing and/or treating infectious diseases caused by S. aureus biofilms.

PMID: 29535693 [PubMed]

http://ift.tt/2u4QuEj

Predominance of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in the residents and environments of long-term care facilities in Taiwan.

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Predominance of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in the residents and environments of long-term care facilities in Taiwan.

J Microbiol Immunol Infect. 2018 Feb 21;:

Authors: Liu CY, Lai CC, Chiang HT, Lu MC, Wang LF, Tsai TL, Kang MY, Jan YN, Lo YT, Ko WC, Tseng SH, Lee CM, Hsueh PR, Infection Control Society of Taiwan

Abstract
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: This study investigated the distribution and persistence of multidrug resistant organisms (MDROs) including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE), carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (CRPA), and multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (MDRAB) in six long-term care facilities (LTCFs).
METHODS: We investigated the distribution of MDROs in residents of six LTCFs and their environments from January to December 2016 (intervention period). Active surveillance of colonization of MDROs was performed by culturing rectal and nasal swab samples from the residents every three months. Multilocus sequence typing (MLST) was conducted, and genes for panton-valentine leukocidin (PVL) from MRSA isolates were determined.
RESULTS: A total of 521 samples were positive for MDROs, and MRSA was the most common organism (65.1%), followed by MDRAB (11.3%), carbapenem-resistant Klebsiellapneumoniae (11.1%), carbapenem-resistant Escherichiacoli (4.6%), and carbapenem-resistant P. aeruginosa (2.1%, n = 11). By a linear regression model, positive MRSA isolates from the environment were found to be statistically significant and associated with the number of colonized LTCF residents (p = 0.01), while the timing of the surveillance culture was not (p = 0.227). The main MLST types associated with PVL-production were sequence type (ST) 59, (40.0%, 24/60), ST30 (21.4%, 3/14), ST8 (87.5%, 14/16), and ST45 (3.6%, 1/28). The susceptibility rates of tetracycline (96.7%), trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (96.7%), and ciprofloxacin (81.7%) were statistically significant and higher in MRSA ST59, compared to the rates in MRSA ST45 isolates.
CONCLUSIONS: MRSA was the most commonly colonized MDRO, both in the LTCF residents and in the environment, followed by MDRAB and carbapenem-resistant K. pneumoniae.

PMID: 29530709 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Molecular epidemiology and virulence characteristics of Staphylococcus aureus nasal colonization in medical laboratory staff: comparison between microbiological and non-microbiological laboratories.

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Molecular epidemiology and virulence characteristics of Staphylococcus aureus nasal colonization in medical laboratory staff: comparison between microbiological and non-microbiological laboratories.

BMC Infect Dis. 2018 03 12;18(1):122

Authors: Xie X, Dai X, Ni L, Chen B, Luo Z, Yao Y, Wu X, Li H, Huang S

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Medical laboratory staff are a high-risk population for colonization of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) due to direct and dense contact with the pathogens; however, there is limited information about this colonization. This study sought to determine the prevalence and molecular characteristics of nasal colonization by S. aureus in medical laboratory staff in Guangzhou, southern China, and to compare the differences between microbiological laboratory (MLS) and non-microbiological laboratory (NMLS) staff.
METHODS: S. aureus colonization was assessed by nasal swab cultures from 434 subjects, including 130 MLSs and 304 NMLSs from 33 hospitals in Guangzhou. All S. aureus isolates underwent the antimicrobial susceptibility test, virulence gene detection and molecular typing.
RESULTS: The overall prevalence of S. aureus carriage was 20.1% (87/434), which was higher in MLSs than in NMLSs (26.2% vs. 17.4%, P < 0.05), while the prevalence of Methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) was similar. Living with hospital staff was associated with S. aureus carriage. The majority of the isolates harboured various virulence genes, and those in MLSs appeared less resistant to antibiotics and more virulent than their counterparts. A total of 37 different spa types were detected; among these, t338, t437, t189 and t701 were the most frequently encountered types. T338 was the main spa type contributing to nasal colonization Methicillin-sensitive S. aureus (MSSA) (13.0%), and t437-SCCmec IV was predominant in MRSA isolates (40%).
CONCLUSIONS: These findings provide insight into the risk factors, molecular epidemiology and virulence gene profiles of S. aureus nasal carriage among the medical laboratory staff in Guangzhou.

PMID: 29529992 [PubMed - in process]

http://ift.tt/2tYwBP2

Colonization of long-term care facility residents in three Italian Provinces by multidrug-resistant bacteria.

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Colonization of long-term care facility residents in three Italian Provinces by multidrug-resistant bacteria.

Antimicrob Resist Infect Control. 2018;7:33

Authors: Nucleo E, Caltagirone M, Marchetti VM, D'Angelo R, Fogato E, Confalonieri M, Reboli C, March A, Sleghel F, Soelva G, Pagani E, Aschbacher R, Migliavacca R, Pagani L, AMCLI – GLISTer Group, ESCMID Study Group Elderly Infections – ESGIE

Abstract
Background: Rationale and aims of the study were to compare colonization frequencies with MDR bacteria isolated from LTCF residents in three different Northern Italian regions, to investigate risk factors for colonization and the genotypic characteristics of isolates. The screening included Enterobacteriaceae expressing extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESβLs) and high-level AmpC cephalosporinases, carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa or Acinetobacter baumannii, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE).
Methods: Urine samples and rectal, inguinal, oropharyngeal and nasal swabs were plated on selective agar; resistance genes were sought by PCR and sequencing. Demographic and clinical data were collected.
Results: Among the LTCF residents, 75.0% (78/104), 69.4% (84/121) and 66.1% (76/115) were colonized with at least one of the target organisms in LTCFs located in Milan, Piacenza and Bolzano, respectively. ESβL producers (60.5, 66.1 and 53.0%) were highly predominant, mainly belonging to Escherichia coli expressing CTX-M group-1 enzymes. Carbapenemase-producing enterobacteria were found in 7.6, 0.0 and 1.6% of residents; carbapemenase-producing P. aeruginosa and A. baumannii were also detected. Colonization by MRSA (24.0, 5.7 and 14.8%) and VRE (20.2, 0.8 and 0.8%) was highly variable. Several risk factors for colonization by ESβL-producing Enterobacteriaceae and MRSA were found and compared among LTCFs in the three Provinces. Colonization differences among the enrolled LTCFs can be partially explained by variation in risk factors, resident populations and staff/resident ratios, applied hygiene measures and especially the local antibiotic resistance epidemiology.
Conclusions: The widespread diffusion of MDR bacteria in LTCFs within three Italian Provinces confirms that LTCFs are an important reservoir of MDR organisms in Italy and suggests that future efforts should focus on MDR screening, improved implementation of infection control strategies and antibiotic stewardship programs targeting the complex aspects of LTCFs.

PMID: 29527303 [PubMed - in process]

http://ift.tt/2FJlPl9

Cytocompatibility, biofilm assembly and corrosion behavior of Mg-HAP composites processed by extrusion.

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Cytocompatibility, biofilm assembly and corrosion behavior of Mg-HAP composites processed by extrusion.

Mater Sci Eng C Mater Biol Appl. 2017 Sep 01;78:667-673

Authors: Del Campo R, Savoini B, Jordao L, Muñoz A, Monge MA

Abstract
In this work the cytocompatibility of pure magnesium and Mg-xHAP composites (x=5, 10 and 15wt%) fabricated by powder metallurgy routes has been investigated. The materials were produced from raw HAP powders with particle mean sizes of 6μm (S-xHAP) or 25μm (L-xHAP). The biocompatibility study has been performed for MC3T3 cells (osteoblasts/osteoclasts) and L929 fibroblasts. The results indicate that S-Mg (pure magnesium), S-10HAP and L-10HAP composites are the materials with the best biocompatibility. The ability of S. aureus bacteria to assemble biofilms was also evaluated. Biofilm formation assays showed that these materials are not particular prone to colonization and biofilm assembly is strain dependent. The corrosion resistance of S-Mg, S-10HAP and L-10HAP materials immersed in the media used for the cells culture has also been analyzed. Different trends in the corrosion resistance have been found: S-Mg and S-10HAP show a very high resistance to corrosion whereas the corrosion of L-10HAP steadily increases with time.

PMID: 28576036 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

http://ift.tt/2tSBZ64