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Παρασκευή 1 Φεβρουαρίου 2019
Mammakarzinom: Molekulare Diagnostik und Erkenntnisse zum Lebensstil ,Fortgeschrittenes/metastasiertes Mammakarzinom: Ribociclib jetzt breiter einsetzbar,PD-L1- und PARP-Inhibition - neue Therapieoptionen beim metastasierten triple-negativen Mammakarzinom,Literaturtipp: Neue Aspekte in der Therapie von Schilddrüsenkarzinomen ,Voneinander lernen: Pathologie und Gynäko-Onkologie im Zeitalter der personalisierten Therapie - Anmeldung läuft,Experten diskutieren wichtige Fragestellungen beim Nierenzell- und Blasenkarzinom,Save the Date: 7. Heidelberg Myelom Workshop - Anmeldung läuft,Neuer Wirkstoff bei MDS, schonendere Sequenz bei AML,Mitreden beim „Brennpunkt Onkologie“,Jetzt vormerken: COMBATing Breast Cancer im März in Berlin
Photogeneration of hydroxyl radical in Fe(III)-citrate-oxalate system for the degradation of fluconazole: mechanism and products
Abstract
The photochemical role of Fe(III)-citrate complex is significant in natural waters due to its ubiquitous existence and excellent photoreactivity at near neutral pH. Although there are many reports on the photoinduced degradation of pollutants in the Fe(III)-citrate system, the optimum pH for its photoreactivity is yet not clearly understood. Here, for the first time, we demonstrated that the optimum pH was 5.5 for the photoproduction of •OH in the Fe(III)-citrate system via kinetics modeling based on the steady-state approximation. According to the experimental results, the •OH photoproduction increased with increasing pH until 5.5 and then decreased in Fe(III)-citrate solution, which agreed well with the prediction trend of kinetic modeling. The effect of the common ligand oxalate on the photoreactivity of Fe(III)-citrate system was also investigated. The addition of oxalate promoted the photoproduction of •OH in Fe(III)-citrate solutions, and the measured [•OH]ss increased with oxalate concentration under a fixed Fe(III)-to-citrate ratio. Little synergistic effect exists in Fe(III)-citrate-oxalate system at pH 4.0–5.5. In contrast, an appreciable synergistic effect was observed at near neutral pH (6.0–8.0). Higher oxalate-to-citrate ratio facilitated the synergistic effect. Furthermore, antifungal drug fluconazole could be removed efficiently in the Fe(III)-citrate-oxalate system. The photodegradation kinetics also verified the optimum pH of Fe(III)-citrate system and synergistic effect of oxalate. By LC-ESI-MS/MS analyses, the photoproducts of fluconazole in the Fe(III)-citrate-oxalate system were identified and the reaction mechanism involving hydroxylation substitution and subsequent cleavage of heterocyclic amine was proposed. These findings suggest that Fe(III)-citrate exhibits best photoreactivity at pH 5.5, and the coexistence of reactive ligands will enhance its photoreactivity at circumneutral pH, indicating potential application in wastewater treatment via addition of appropriate citrate and co-ligands.
http://bit.ly/2SiPoPR
Fine particulate matter alters the microecology of the murine respiratory tract
Abstract
Fine particulate matter is a global challenge to human health. We investigated the effects and potential mechanisms of fine particulate matter on respiratory tract microecology in a lung injury mouse model. BALB/c mice were randomized into exposed and control groups. We found that the levels of soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor I was increased following the PM2.5 exposure. 16S rRNA sequencing of respiratory tract lavage fluid confirmed that the composition of the respiratory tract microecology was altered by the exposure. Lactobacillus was the most abundant of bacterial species present. Collectively, these results establish a link between exposure to fine particulate matter and alterations to the respiratory tract microecology. Elucidation of the underlying mechanisms may lead to treatment strategies in lung injury.
http://bit.ly/2GgckJ7
KIT as an Oncogenic Driver in Melanoma: An Update on Clinical Development
Abstract
Metastatic melanoma is a heterogenous disease that has served as a model for the development of both targeted therapy and immunotherapy. KIT-mutated melanoma represents a rare subset, most commonly arising from acral, mucosal, and chronically sun-damaged skin. Additionally, KIT alterations are enriched in the triple wild-type subtype of cutaneous melanoma. Activating alterations of KIT—a transmembrane receptor tyrosine kinase important for cell development, growth, and differentiation—have been shown to be critical to oncogenesis across many tumor subtypes. Following the successes of BRAF-targeted therapy in melanoma and KIT-targeted therapy in gastrointestinal stromal tumors, small-molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitors targeting KIT have been examined in KIT-mutated melanoma. KIT inhibitors that have been investigated in relevant clinical trials in advanced melanoma include imatinib, sunitinib, dasatinib, and nilotinib. In these studies, selected patients with KIT-mutated melanoma were shown to be responsive to therapy with KIT inhibition, especially patients with L576P and K642E mutations. This has led to the incorporation of KIT-targeted therapy in the National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines for systemic therapy for metastatic or unresectable melanoma. Current research and development efforts include novel KIT-targeted therapies and testing KIT inhibitors in combination with immunotherapy.
http://bit.ly/2S3QFLA
Effect of hydrogen addition on performance, emission, and combustion characteristics of Deccan hemp oil and its methyl ester–fuelled CI engine
Abstract
A vegetable oil–fueled diesel engine operation is characterized by low brake thermal efficiency and relatively high smoke emission. Conversion of vegetable oil to biodiesel results in slight improvement in efficiency and smoke emission, but the values are not comparable with diesel. In this work, a single-cylinder diesel engine's performance is evaluated by inducting hydrogen in small quantities in the intake manifold along with Deccan hemp oil (DHO) and its methyl ester (DHOME) as the pilot fuel. The tests were conducted at part-load and full-load conditions at an engine speed of 1500 rpm. Results indicate an increase in brake thermal efficiency from 29.7 to 32.6% and from 27.3 to 29.6% at full load with hydrogen-induced DHOME and DHO engine operation. Unburned-hydrocarbon emissions, carbon monoxide emission, and smoke emission reduced for both the fuels. However, NOx levels increased for the two fuels because hydrogen induction causes high combustion rates and high temperature in the combustion chamber. Hydrogen induction leads to high premixed combustion resulting in high peak pressures.
http://bit.ly/2SiSByX
Effects of 1064-nm Nd:YAG long-pulse laser on polidocanol microfoam injected for varicose vein treatment: a controlled observational study of 404 legs, after 5-year-long treatment
Abstract
Sclerotherapy continues to be the treatment of choice for varicose veins in the legs. However, isolated treatment using microfoam or lasers requires a high number of sessions to eliminate them. In 2013, we published results about the efficacy and safety 3 years after the combined treatment with microfoam injections and subsequent application of Nd:YAG laser. The aim of this paper is to clinically evaluate the treatment of varices in a control visit after 5 years, when polidocanol microfoam is used and is immediately irradiated in the tissue with 1064-nm Nd:YAG laser beam. The outcome persistence after 5 years was studied in the legs that had received combined treatment and had been studied 3 years after treatment. Patients were contacted by phone, interviewed, and examined with echo-Doppler. Out of the 259 patients who were contacted, 221 agreed to make the appointment, although in the end, only 202 came, which meant analysing 404 legs. At 5 years, the clearance rates were very high: patients were included in class CEAP C1 showing vessels of from 0.5 to 3 mm diameter. The patients showed a high level of satisfaction. Regarding adverse effects, only 4 cases of hypopigmentation described in the previous publication persisted. Although the action mechanisms between the microfoam and the Nd:YAG laser must still be elucidated, it is notable that combining microfoam with laser exposure obtained a complete, effective treatment of legs in only 2 sessions, with high clearance rates and high level of satisfaction among patients.
http://bit.ly/2WzIIMH
Prolongation of tumor volume doubling time (midDT) is associated with improvement in disease specific survival in patients with rapidly progressive radioactive iodine refractory differentiated thyroid cancer selected for molecular targeted therapy
Abstract
Purpose
To assess molecular targeted therapy (MTT) 's ability to affect tumor volume doubling time (TVDT) and disease specific survival (DSS) in patients presenting with lung metastasis from radioactive iodine refractory progressive thyroid cancer.
Methods
In this retrospective study, we examined the clinical characteristics, average tumor volume doubling times of lung metastasis and disease specific survival of patients with lung metastasis from differentiated thyroid cancer who were treated with MTT.
Results
The 5‐year DSS from the distant metastasis (DM) diagnosis was 72% with median survival of 8 years (95% CI: 6.6‐9.5). The median survival was 2.9 years after MTT start (95% CI: 2.1‐3.6). On MTT, lung average tumor volume doubling time (midDT) was prolonged to midDT > 3 years in 75% of patients with baseline midDT < 1 year and 100% of patients with midDT 1‐3 years. In patients with rapidly progressive thyroid cancer (midDT < 1 year at baseline), the median survival was 4.5 years in those with MTT‐ achieved midDT > 3 years (95% CI: 2.9‐6.2), as opposed to 2.3 years (95% CI: 0.3‐4.3) and 0.7 years (95% CI: 0.2‐1.3) in those with MTT‐achieved midDT of 1‐3 years and MTT‐achieved midDT < 1year respectively (Log Rank p < 0.001).
Conclusion
Lung midDT is a useful and important clinical marker of disease specific survival for patients with progressive radioactive iodine refractory (RAIR) metastatic thyroid cancer. In patients with rapidly progressive metastatic RAIR thyroid cancer, molecular targeted therapy prolongs lung tumor volume doubling time and is associated with improved disease specific survival.
This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
http://bit.ly/2RsYntj
Thyroid hormone resistance from newborns to adults: a Spanish experience
Abstract
Objective
Thyroid hormone resistance (RTH β) is a rare genetic disorder characterized by an altered response of target tissue to the action of thyroid hormone. Few studies on RTH β have been carried out in southern European populations. We aimed to describe the clinical and genetic characteristics at the time of diagnosis in a Spanish cohort of patients with genetically confirmed RTH β, with ages ranging from newborns to adults.
Methods
Retrospective multicenter study of 28 patients who were genetically confirmed as RTH β. Clinical and biochemical data were collected from the reference centers, and the studied variables included age, sex, anthropometric data, clinical characteristics and biochemical results. In the Basque country, a simultaneous analysis of TSH and T4 is carried out in the program for the screening of inborn errors of metabolism. A molecular analysis of the thyroid hormone beta (THRB) gene was performed.
Results
The total cohort included 20 adults and eight pediatric patients (six newborns). Of the total, 5 (17.8%) were diagnosed by clinical characteristics (goiter, hypertension or tachycardia), 13 (46.4%) were analyzed in the context of a family study and 10 (35.7%) were diagnosed after obtaining an altered fT4 and/or TSH level in a biochemical analysis performed due to clinical symptoms unrelated to RTH β. Four of the newborns included in the series were diagnosed by the result of neonatal screening, which allows us to estimate a minimum local incidence of RTH β of 1/18,750 live newborns. The genetic analysis showed the presence of 12 different heterozygous mutations in the THRB gene.
Conclusions
We report the clinical and genetic characteristics of a Spanish RTH β cohort, from neonates to adults. We also describe one novel mutation in the THRB gene as the cause of the disease. The simultaneous analysis of TSH and T4 carried out in the program for the screening of inborn errors of metabolism facilitates the early diagnosis of RTH β in newborns and has allowed us to estimate a minimum local incidence of RTH of 1/18,750 live newborns.
http://bit.ly/2SidNVS
Detecting antibiotic resistance genes and human potential pathogenic Bacteria in fishmeal by culture-independent method
Abstract
Fishmeal is a fundamental ingredient of feedstuffs and is used globally in aquaculture. However, there are few data on the antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and human pathogenic bacteria in fishmeal and little understanding of the potential risks of fishmeal application in mariculture systems. Here, we investigated the high-throughput profiles of ARGs and human potential pathogenic bacteria (HPPB) in representative fishmeals (n = 5) and the potential impact of fishmeal on mariculture sediments. ARGs were quantified with microbial DNA quantitative PCR arrays and HPPB were analyzed with Illumina sequencing of 16S rRNA genes. The impact of the fishmeal on the aquaculture sediments was assessed in a microcosm study. Twenty-four unique ARGs (3–14 per sample) and 25 HPPB species were detected in the fishmeal samples. The most prevalent ARGs were fluoroquinolone resistance genes. The overall abundance of HPPB was 5.0–25.5%, and the HPPB species were dominated by Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Clostridium novyi, and Escherichia coli. In the mariculture microcosm sediment, fishmeal significantly increased the normalized abundance of the class I integrase gene (25.4-fold), which plays an important role in the dissemination of ARGs. Dosing with fishmeal also contributed to increases in a resident sulfanilamide resistance gene (sulI gene) and the emergence of a macrolide resistance gene (ermB gene) in the sediment. These findings demonstrated that fishmeal itself is an underestimated reservoir and source of ARGs and HPPBs, and that the application of fishmeal facilitates the dissemination of ARGs in aquaculture sediments. Our results extend our knowledge of the ARGs and HPPB within fishmeal and may provide a feasible and effective approach to the detection of ARGs and HPPB in fishmeal during food safety inspection.
Graphical abstract
http://bit.ly/2G1sZkD
Use of handheld ultrasound Doppler to prevent complications from intra‐arterial injection of dermal fillers: Clinical experience
Summary
A handheld 2 MHz ultrasound Doppler device determines the presence or absence of pulsatile arterial flow immediately beneath the selected site of entry for dermal filler injection. In combination with near infrared technology to map out superficial veins, mishaps from intravascular injections may be reduced. A total of 448 patients aged range between 21 and 74 years, with 168 out of total of 1019 treatment sites having both infrared and ultrasound Doppler assisted preinjection mapping were reviewed. The injection technique is described. Improved patient safety and reduced bruising from asthetic dermal filler injections are potential benefits.
http://bit.ly/2GeLfWT
Assessment of telomerase activity in nonsegmental vitiligo tissue: a pilot study
Summary
Background
Vitiligo is characterized by loss of melanocytes; therefore, an increased risk of photoageing and cancer are expected. However, a low incidence of cancer and sun damage in vitiliginous skin has been reported. Telomerase is a specialized cellular enzyme catalysing the synthesis of telomeres, and an increased level of the telomerase activity has been highlighted in most of human cancer cells and cancer cell lines.
Aim
To assess relative telomerase activity (RTA) among patients with nonsegmental vitiligo.
Methods
In this case–control study, skin biopsy specimens were taken from 20 patients (one from lesional and another from nonlesional skin) and from sun‐protected skin from 10 healthy age‐, sex‐ and skin phototype‐matched healthy controls. PCR ELISA was performed for assessment of RTA.
Results
RTA in lesional skin biopsies from patients with nonsegmental vitiligo was significantly decreased compared with nonlesional skin and healthy control skin samples, with no significant difference between the latter two. RTA in lesional skin was negatively correlated with Vitiligo Area Scoring Index but not correlated with Vitiligo Disease Activity score or RTA of nonlesional skin. Neither lesional nor nonlesional RTA levels showed any correlation with patient sex, age, skin phototype or with disease duration.
Conclusion
Low levels of RTA in vitiliginous skin may help to explain the lower chance of developing skin cancer and decreased incidence of actinic damage in vitiliginous skin.
http://bit.ly/2GcObDm
The mental health burden in acne vulgaris and rosacea: an analysis of the US National Inpatient Sample
Summary
Background
Little is known about the mental health (MH) hospitalization among patients with acne and rosacea.
Aims
To determine the MH disorders and cost burden associated with acne and rosacea.
Methods
Data were examined from the 2002–2012 US National Inpatient Sample, comprising a sample of ~20% of all US paediatric and adult hospitalizations (n = 87 053 155 admissions).
Results
A diagnosis of ≥ 1 MH disorder was much more common among all inpatients with vs. those without a diagnosis of acne (43.7% vs. 20.0%, respectively) and rosacea (35.1% vs. 20.0%, respectively). In multivariable logistic regression models controlling for sex, age, race/ethnicity and insurance status, acne (adjusted OR = 13.02; 95% CI 11.75–14.42) and rosacea (adjusted OR = 1.70; 95% CI 1.56–1.95) were associated with significantly higher odds of a primary admission for an MH disorder (13 and 8, respectively, of 15 MH disorders examined). Both acne and rosacea were associated with higher risk of mood, anxiety, impulse control and personality disorders, and with > $2 million of excess mean annual costs of hospitalization for MH disorders in the USA.
Conclusion
In this study, inpatients with acne or rosacea had increased odds of comorbid MH disorders. In particular, there was an increased number of hospital admissions secondary to a primary MH disorder with coexistent acne/rosacea. MH comorbidities were associated with considerable excess costs among inpatients with acne or rosacea.
http://bit.ly/2Smpue8
The causes of nail apparatus pigmentation presenting to a melanoma screening clinic a prospective study
Summary
Background
Advanced stage primary cutaneous malignant melanoma (PCMM) has a high mortality. PCMM may affect any area of the skin, including the nail apparatus (malignant melanoma or subungual melanoma). Although nail apparatus malignant melanoma (NAMM) is rare, delayed diagnosis carries a poor prognosis.
Aim
The primary aim was to study the range of nail presentations and identify key patterns to aid in differential diagnosis. A secondary aim was to quantify the number of patients requiring surgery, indications for biopsy, and the incidence and characteristics of NAMM.
Methods
This was a prospective study of all referrals with nail apparatus pigmentation to a weekly dedicated melanoma screening clinic over a 6‐month period.
Results
In total, 2246 patients were included. Of the 38 patients referred with nail pigmentation, 1 (2.6%) was diagnosed with NAMM and involved a fungating amelanotic lesion of the right hallux. The remaining patients were diagnosed with subungual haematoma (20/38; 52.6%), viral wart (2/38; 5.4%), acral fibrokeratoma (1/38; 2.6%), myxoid cyst (3/38; 7.9%), fungal nail infection (4/38; 10.5%), Pseudomonas nail infection (1/38; 2.6%), benign linear pigmentation (2/38, 5.3%), Bowen disease (1/38, 2.6%), psoriatic nail changes (2/38; 5.3%) and matrix malalignment (1/38; 2.6%). Of the eight patients (21.1%) who required surgery, five had a biopsy taken and three underwent surgery. Only 14 cases were followed up by Dermatology. NAMM accounted for 0.7% of all melanomas diagnosed.
Conclusion
We illustrate the wide range of diagnoses for pigmented nail presentations and highlight the late presentation of advanced disease in a patient presenting with NAMM.
http://bit.ly/2Sir1lp
What's new in atopic eczema? An analysis of systematic reviews published in 2016. Part 3: nomenclature and outcome assessment
Summary
This review forms part of a series of annual updates that summarize the evidence base for atopic eczema (AE). It presents the key findings from 11 systematic reviews published in 2016 that focus on AE outcome assessment, disease impact and nomenclature. Systematic reviews on the treatment and prevention of AE are summarized in Part 1 of this update, and systematic reviews on the epidemiology of and risk factors for AE are summarized in Part 2. Six reviews summarized what outcome measurement instruments have been used in published AE trials, or summarized validation studies for the available instruments. These reviews were used to inform consensus decisions by the Harmonising Outcome Measures for Eczema initiative. Although validated instruments exist for clinical signs and patient‐reported symptoms, there are currently no validated instruments for capturing quality of life or long‐term control. Four reviews examined the impact of AE on children and their families, but few studies were included. One birth cohort study found no association between AE and educational attainment at 11 years. AE has a moderate impact on health‐related quality of life and a substantial impact on family life. AE is a major risk factor for occupational hand dermatitis, and it is advised that young atopic individuals are informed about high‐risk occupations. Further efforts are required to standardize the nomenclature for AE, which is also commonly known as 'atopic dermatitis' or 'eczema', and preferred terms vary around the world.
http://bit.ly/2GdEuod
Πέμπτη 31 Ιανουαρίου 2019
What's new in atopic eczema? An analysis of systematic reviews published in 2016. Part 1: treatment and prevention
Summary
This review is part of a series of annual updates summarizing the evidence base for atopic eczema (AE). It provides a summary of key findings from 28 systematic reviews that were published or indexed during 2016 with a focus on treatment and prevention of AE. There is reasonable evidence of benefit for topical corticosteroids, calcineurin inhibitors, a glycyrrhetinic acid‐containing preparation (Atopiclair®), oral ciclosporin, oral azathioprine, narrowband ultraviolet B radiation and education programmes. Overall, there is evidence that topical corticosteroids and calcineurin inhibitors have similar efficacy and that both can prevent AE flares when used twice weekly as maintenance therapy. However, topical calcineurin inhibitors are costlier and have more adverse reactions, thus topical corticosteroids should remain the standard of care for patients with AE. There is no evidence that multiple applications are better than once‐daily application of topical corticosteroid. There is inconsistent evidence to support omalizumab and specific allergen immunotherapy use in AE. There is some evidence that vitamin D supplementation and synbiotics reduce AE severity, although the margin of improvement may not be clinically meaningful. There is little evidence to support the use of wet wraps or of complementary/alternative medicine (including Chinese herbal medicine). There is some evidence to suggest that a diet high in fish in infancy may be preventative for AE, but other dietary interventions for the prevention of AE show little promise. This review provides a succinct guide for clinicians and patients wishing to remain up to date with the latest evidence for the treatment and prevention of AE.
http://bit.ly/2UBunO9
What's new in atopic eczema? An analysis of systematic reviews published in 2016. Part 2: Epidemiology, aetiology and risk factors
Summary
This review forms part of a series of annual updates that summarize the evidence base for atopic eczema (AE), providing a succinct guide for clinicians and patients. It presents the key findings from 14 systematic reviews published in 2016, focusing on AE epidemiology, aetiology and risk factors. For systematic reviews on the treatment and prevention of AE and for nomenclature and outcome assessments, see Parts 1 and 3 of this update, respectively. The annual self‐reported prevalence of AE is a range of 11.4–24.2%, compared with a general practioner‐diagnosed prevalence of 1.8–9.5%. The mean age of AE diagnosis is 1.6 years. Persistent AE is associated with more severe disease at the time of diagnosis, onset after the age of 2 years and female sex. There is a significant association between having AE and subsequent development of food allergy. Food allergy is also associated with more severe and persistent AE. No consistent association was found between the timing of allergenic food introduction and the risk of developing AE. Evidence from heterogeneous studies indicates that skin absorption is increased in patients with AE, and that there is increased colonization with Staphylococcus aureus in lesional and nonlesional skin and the nasal mucosa of patients with AE compared with controls. There is uncertain evidence indicating an association between AE and smoking exposure, antenatal infection and low maternal vitamin D levels during pregnancy. Weak evidence suggests an increased risk of basal cell carcinoma, but not of melanoma or squamous cell carcinoma, while the risk of glioma is reduced.
http://bit.ly/2RZXg9z
Occurrence, speciation, and risks of trace metals in soils of greenhouse vegetable production from the vicinity of industrial areas in the Yangtze River Delta, China
Abstract
The effect of industrial activities on trace metals in farmland of rapidly industrializing regions in developing countries has increasingly been a concern to the public. Here, soils were collected from 13 greenhouse vegetable production (GVP) farms or bases near industrial areas in the Yangtze River Delta of China to investigate the occurrence, speciation, and risks of Cr, Cu, Zn, Cd, Ni, and Pb in GVP soil. The results revealed that the main metal elements causing GVP soil pollution were Cd, Zn, Ni, and Cu, of which contamination levels were generally unpolluted to moderately polluted. Zinc pollution was mainly attributed to heavy fertilization, while Cd, Ni, and Cu pollution may be greatly ascribed to industrial effluents and coal combustion. Metal speciation studies showed that most of Cr, Ni, Cu, and Zn was present in residual fraction while more than half of Cd and Pb was present in non-residual fractions. Additionally, pollution of Cd, Cu, Ni, and Zn in GVP soil increased their corresponding mobile fractions. Risk assessment using potential ecological risk index and risk assessment code showed that Cd was the major risk contributor. Specifically, Cd generally posed moderate or considerable ecological risk as well as displayed medium or high mobility risk in GVP soil. Thus, great attention should be paid to the contribution of both industrial discharges and intensive farming to soil pollution by trace metals, especially Cd, because of its high mobility risk.
http://bit.ly/2HJyh5Z
Techno-economic assessment of coconut biodiesel as a potential alternative fuel for compression ignition engines
Abstract
Over the past years, there were dramatic improvements in identifying and assessing various feedstocks for the production of biodiesel fuels. To promote a particular feedstock as a renewable source of energy, it is important to analyze their energy, economic, and engine performance characteristics. The current work attempts to evaluate the net energy and economic indices for both fossil diesel and coconut-blended diesel (B20) considering the diesel consumption by the Indian railways. Further, we present the experimental results of a multi-cylinder diesel engine operated with neat coconut biodiesel (B100) and fossil diesel at various load and speed conditions. The engine experiments reveal that the coconut biodiesel exhibits leaner combustion and shorter ignition delay than fossil diesel. Lower amount of carbon monoxide, hydrocarbon, and smoke emission is observed in the case of coconut biodiesel, with higher levels of nitric oxide (14%) and fuel consumption than diesel. The coefficient of variation in indicated mean effective pressure is within the range of better driveability zone for both the fuels at all test conditions. Overall the engine performance, emission and combustion results with neat coconut biodiesel are favorable with a penalty in NO emission at high load conditions. The techno-economical study highlights higher production cost per liter of B20 than the cost of fossil diesel. However, the net energy ratio (NER) for B20 is 1.021, favoring higher output than diesel and thus lowers the dependency on crude oil.
http://bit.ly/2sYbTLF
Biodegradation of anthracene and different PAHs by a yellow laccase from Leucoagaricus gongylophorus
Abstract
Laccases produced by Leucoagaricus gongylophorus act in lignocellulose degradation and detoxification processes. Therefore, the use of L. gongylophorus laccase (Lac1Lg) was proposed in this work for degradation of anthracene and others polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons without the use of mediators. Degradation reactions were performed in buffer aqueous solution with 10 ppm of anthracene and other PAHs, Tween-20 in 0.25% v/v and a laccase preparation of 50 U. The optimum condition (pH 6.0 and 30 °C) was determined by response surface methodology with an excellent coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.97 and an adjusted coefficient of determination (R2adj) of 0.93. In addition, the employment of the mediator ABTS decreased the anthracene biodegradation from 44 ± 1% to 30 ± 1%. This optimum pH of 6.0 suggests that the reaction occurs by a hydrogen atom transfer mechanism. Additionally, in 24 h Lac1Lg biodegraded 72 ± 1% anthracene, 40 ± 3% fluorene and 25 ± 3% phenanthrene. The yellow laccase from L. gongylophorus biodegraded anthracene and produced anthrone and anthraquinone, which are interesting compounds for industrial applications. Moreover, this enzyme also biodegraded the PAHs phenanthrene and fluorene justifying the study of Lac1Lg for bioremediation of these compounds in the environment.
http://bit.ly/2HJyczd
Anatomical Study of a Chimeric Fascio-Osteomyocutaneous Fibula Flap for Free Microvascular Tissue Transfer
J reconstr Microsurg
DOI: 10.1055/s-0039-1677769
Background Functional restoration in reconstructive surgery can require complex and adaptable approaches. In this anatomical study, the combined angiosome of the septofasciomyocutaneous vessels originating from the fibular artery was defined as basis for a chimeric flap of the lateral lower leg. Methods Methylene blue injection into the fibular artery was performed in 10 legs of fresh cadavers for visualization of the angiosome on the skin, fibula, and adjacent muscles as the lateral hemisoleus (HS) muscle. With regards to clinical specifications a maximum-size flap containing cutaneous, osseous, and muscular elements was raised. During dissection, the distribution pattern, number and size of stained septofasciomyocutaneous vessels at the lateral border of the proximal, middle, and distal thirds of the fibula length, as well as the flap dimensions were evaluated. Results In all specimens, vessels originating from the fibular artery and supplying the resected fibular bone, the fasciocutaneous flap and dorsally located muscles were found. The mean number of vessels to the skin was 4.2 per leg with a mean diameter of 1.1 ± 0.5 mm (range: 0.4–2.5 mm) and to the HS muscle 3.4 vessels with a mean diameter of 1.2 ± 0.7 mm (range: 0.3–3.0 mm). A total of 88.4% vessels occurred in the proximal and middle thirds of the legs. The resected fibula graft had a mean length of 23.8 ± 3.9 cm (range: 19.9–31.0 cm) and the skin paddle had a mean size of 23.8 ± 3.9 cm (range: 19.9–31.0 cm) × 7.0 cm. The flexor hallucis longus (FHL) muscle had a mean volume of 37.2 ± 15.8 cm3 (range: 18–58 cm3) and the lateral HS muscle 77.1 ± 23.3 cm3 (range: 48–105 cm3). Conclusion Our results and anatomical descriptions indicate that chimeric fibula flaps can meet the specific reconstructional requirements of complex and large sized defects representing a promising basis for further studies.
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Table of contents | Abstract | Full text
http://bit.ly/2DMqUXn
Tenosynovial Giant Cell Tumours of the Hand: A Multicentre Case Control Study
Many factors have been proposed to contribute to the risk of recurrent TSGCT (Tenosynovial Giant Cell Tumours); however, we remain unable to predict those at risk which formed the rationale for this multicentre retrospective case control study of 28 patients with recurrence. We age and sex matched cases of recurrence 1:1 with controls over 10 years. Using Cox regression, we present hazard ratios (HR) for recurrence with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Out of 285 cases, 28 individuals developed recurrence after a median 2.4 years.
http://bit.ly/2RZAAq8
Hypoxia Improves Hair Inductivity of Dermal Papilla Cells via Nuclear NADPH Oxidase 4‐Mediated Reactive Oxygen Species Generation
Summary
Background
Dermal papilla cells (DPCs) play a key role in hair regeneration and morphogenesis. Therefore, tremendous efforts have been made to promote DPCsʼ hair inductivity
Objectives
The aim of this study was to investigate the mitogenic and hair inductive effects of hypoxia on DPCs and examine the underlying mechanism of hypoxia‐induced stimulation of DPCs.
Results
Hypoxia significantly increased the proliferation and delayed the senescence of DPCs via Akt phosphorylation and downstream pathways. Hypoxia upregulated the growth factor secretion of DPCs through mitogen‐activated protein kinase pathway. Hypoxia‐preconditioned DPCs induced the telogen‐to‐anagen transition in C3H mice, and also enhanced hair neogenesis in a hair reconstitution assay. Injected GFP‐labeled DPCs migrated to outer‐root sheath of hair follicle, and hypoxia‐preconditioning increased the survival and migration of DPCs in vivo. Conditioned medium obtained from hypoxia increased the hair length of mouse vibrissa follicles via upregulation of alkaline phosphatase, vascular endothelial growth factor, and glial cell line‐derived neurotrophic factor. We examined the mechanism of this hypoxia‐induced stimulation, and found that reactive oxygen species (ROS) play a key role. For example, inhibiting of ROS generation by N‐acetyl‐L‐cysteine or diphenyleneiodonium treatment attenuated DPCsʼ hypoxia‐induced stimulation, but treatment with ROS donors induced mitogenic effects and anagen transition. NADPH oxidase 4 (NOX4) is highly expressed in DPCsʼ nuclear region, and NOX4 knockout by CRISPR‐Cas9 attenuated the hypoxia‐induced stimulation of DPCs.
Conclusions
Our results suggest that DPC culture under hypoxia has great advantages over normoxia, and is a novel solution for producing DPCs for cell therapy.
This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
http://bit.ly/2MHiOSB
Socio‐demographic factors do not have a large influence on psoriasis patients’ adherence to topical treatment
Abstract
Topical drugs containing corticosteroids are the most frequently used treatments for mild‐to‐moderate psoriasis, but adherence rates to topical drugs are low and up to 80% of psoriasis patients are classified as non‐adherent, which present a barrier to treatment success.3 Barriers to treatment adherence can be divided into socio‐demographic, healthcare, disease, treatment, and patient‐related factors. In a prospective study by Zaghloul et al., adherence to unspecified topical and systemic antipsoriatic drugs was investigated by counting pills or weighing medication bottles; lower adherence was associated with being single, male, or unemployed.
This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
http://bit.ly/2sX8ehr
Recommendation to include hydroxyethyl (meth)acrylate in the British Baseline Patch Test Series
Summary
Background
(Meth)acrylates are potent sensitisers and a common cause of allergic contact dermatitis (ACD). The frequency of (meth)acrylate ACD has increased with soaring demand for acrylic nails. A preliminary audit has suggested a significant rate of positive patch tests to (meth)acrylates using aimed testing in patients providing a clear history of exposure. (Meth)acrylates have to date not been routinely tested in the baseline patch test series in the U.K. and Europe.
Objectives
To determine whether inclusion of 2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate (2‐HEMA) 2% in petrolatum (pet.) in the baseline series detects cases of treatable (meth)acrylate ACD.
Methods
During 2016‐2017, 15 U.K. dermatology centres included 2‐HEMA in the extended baseline patch test series. Patients with a history of (meth)acrylate exposure, or who tested positive to 2‐HEMA, were selectively tested with a short series of eight (meth)acrylate allergens.
Results
5,920 patients were consecutively patch tested with the baseline series, of whom 669 were also tested to the (meth)acrylate series. 102 of 5,920 (1·7%) tested positive to 2‐HEMA and 140 (2·4%) to at least one (meth)acrylate. Had 2‐HEMA been excluded from the baseline series, (meth)acrylate allergy would have been missed in 36 of 5,920 (0·6% of all patients). The top (meth)acrylates eliciting a positive reaction were 2‐HEMA (n=102; 1·7%), 2‐hydroxypropyl methacrylate (n=61; 1%) and 2‐hydroxyethyl acrylate (n=57; 1%).
Conclusions
We recommend that 2‐HEMA 2% pet. be added to the British baseline patch test series. We also suggest a standardised short (meth)acrylate series which is likely to detect most cases of (meth)acrylate allergy.
This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
http://bit.ly/2MHj9ER
Decreased 5‐hydroxymethylcytosine immunoreactivity in primary Merkel cell carcinomas is a strong predictor for disease‐specific death
Abstract
Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is an infrequent malignant skin tumour with epithelial and neuroendocrine differentiation. Though it is a highly aggressive malignancy, the distinct molecular pathogenesis of MCC is not yet fully understood. Apart from DNA methylation, histone modification, and microRNA‐mediated and long non‐coding RNA‐mediated regulation, hydroxymethylation may also play an important role in cancer development. Loss of 5‐hydoxymethylcytosine (5‐hmc) has been reported in a variety of cancers, including skin malignancies such as melanoma.
This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
http://bit.ly/2sX889z
A Reliability Study Using Network Oriented Research Assistant (NORA®) Examining the Use of Digital Photographs in the Assessment of Psoriasis
Abstract
Psoriasis is a chronic immune‐modulated condition affecting approximately 2‐3% of the general population. In addition to cutaneous lesions, psoriasis is associated with systemic and mental health co‐morbidities. Psoriasis is among the most extensively researched dermatologic conditions, with many novel treatment options in the drug development pipeline.
This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
http://bit.ly/2MJbOov
Simultaneous adsorption and immobilization of As and Cd by birnessite-loaded biochar in water and soil
Abstract
A novel biochar was prepared by loading birnessite to improve its capability to simultaneously adsorb As(III), As(V), and Cd(II) in water and soil. Layer sheet–structured birnessite was successfully loaded onto the biochar surface with increased functional groups. SEM, XRD, and FTIR combining with XPS analysis were utilized to characterize birnessite-loaded biochar and its adsorption mechanisms for As and Cd(II). The saturated adsorption capabilities of the birnessite-loaded biochar (BRB) for As(III), As(V), and Cd(II) were as large as 3543, 2412, and 9068 mg/kg (calculated by Langmuir isotherm model), much higher than for the corresponding non-loaded biochar (no adsorption of As, 4335 mg/kg for Cd). Adsorption of Cd and As onto BRB was controlled by multi mechanisms; Cd(II) appeared to coordinate to vacant sites of birnessite, while As formed surface complex with functional groups. Furthermore, BRB showed higher abilities for co-adsorption of As(III) and Cd or As(V) and Cd, which may be due to the formation of Cd3(AsO4)2 surface precipitate as well as synergistic reaction between anions and cations. After conditioning to soil, BRB showed potential for Cd and As remediation under both flooded and unflooded conditions. These results suggested that BRB can be used as an effective sorbent for simultaneous immobilization of heavy metals, especially As and Cd, in environmental and agricultural systems.
http://bit.ly/2RY6P9l
Treatment of Desmoid Tumors in 2019
http://bit.ly/2G1MzwO
Improving the Nuclear-Localized Androgen Receptor Splice Variant 7 Test—In Reply
http://bit.ly/2Gdkxhe
Adding Docetaxel to Androgen Deprivation Therapy in Patients With High-Risk Prostate Cancer
http://bit.ly/2Gc1dkx
Derivation of Anthracycline and Anthraquinone Equivalence Ratios to Doxorubicin for Late-Onset Cardiotoxicity
http://bit.ly/2G1MrgO
Improving the Nuclear-Localized Androgen Receptor Splice Variant 7 Test
http://bit.ly/2Gc18NL
Adjuvant Androgen- Deprivation Therapy for Prostate Cancer
http://bit.ly/2G1Mol8
Biospecimens, Research Consent, and Distinguishing Cell Line Research
http://bit.ly/2GevvTC
Role of PTP/PTK trans activated insulin-like signalling pathway in regulation of grasshopper ( Oedaleus asiaticus ) development
Abstract
Protein tyrosine phosphatase (PTPs) and protein tyrosine kinase (PTKs) genes are responsible for the regulation of insect insulin-like pathway (ILP), cells growth, metabolism initiation, gene transcription and observing immune response. Signal transduction in insect cell is also associated with PTPs and PTKs. The grasshopper (Oedaleus asiaticus) 'Bey-Bienko' were treated with dsRNA of protein tyrosine non-receptor type 4 (PTPN4) and protein tyrosine kinase 5 (PTK5) along with control (water). Applying dsPTK5 treatments in 5th instar of Oedaleus asiaticus, significant reduction was recorded in body dry mass, growth rate and overall performance except survival rate. Whereas with PTPN4, no such significant impact on all of these growth parameters was recorded. Expression of genes in ILP 5th instar of Oedaleus asiaticus by the application of dsPTPN4 and dsPTK5 revealed that PTK, INSR (insulin receptor), IRS (insulin receptor substrate), PI3K (phosphoinositide 3-kinase), PDK (3-phosphoinositide-dependent protein kinase), Akt (protein kinase B) and FOXO (forkhead transcription factor) significantly expressed with downregulation except PTPN4, which remained non-significant. On the other hand, the phosphorylation level of ILP four proteins in O. asiaticus with the treatment of dsPTPN4 and dsPTK5 significantly affected P-IRS and P-FOXO, while P-INSR and P-AKT remained stable at the probability level of 5%. This indicated that the stress response in the O. asiaticus insulin-like signalling pathway (ILP) reduced. Regarding association of protective enzymatic activities, ROS (relative oxygen species), CAT (catalase) and PO (phenol oxidase) increased significantly with exposure to dsPTK5 as compared to dsPTPN4 and control, while exposure of 5th instar of O. asiaticus to dsPTPN4 treatment slightly raised CAT and PO activities with but significant contribution. No such significant effect on MFO and POD was seen using dsPTPN4 and dsPTK5. This showed that in the ILP of O. asiaticus, PTK5 was detrimental to growth, body mass and overall performance, which ultimately benefited insect detoxification with high-energy cost.
http://bit.ly/2BdHSwd
Removal of antibiotics from aqueous solutions by nanoparticles: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Abstract
Antibiotics, as one of the emerging pollutants, are non-biodegradable compounds and long-term exposure to them may affect endocrine, hormonal, and genetic systems of human beings, representing a potential risk for both the environment and human health. The presence of antibiotics in surface waters and drinking water causes a global health concern. Many researches have stated that conventional methods used for wastewater treatment cannot fully remove antibiotic residues, and they may be detected in receiving waters. It is reported that nanoparticles could remove these compounds even at low concentration and under varied conditions of pH. The current study aimed to review the most relevant publications reporting the use of different nanoparticles to remove antibiotics from aqueous solutions. Moreover, meta-analysis was conducted on the results of some articles. Results of meta-analysis proved that different nanoparticles could remove antibiotics with an acceptable efficiency of 61%. Finally, this review revealed that nanoparticles are promising and efficient materials for degradation and removal of antibiotics from water and wastewater solutions. Furthermore, future perspectives of the new generation nanostructure adsorbents were discussed in this study.
http://bit.ly/2G0EzMG
Parametric and non-parametric convergence analysis of electricity intensity in developed and developing countries
Abstract
This paper examines the pattern of convergence in electricity intensity in a sample of 79 countries. We apply the residual augmented least squares regression to the convergence of energy intensity. This method has been used in the convergence of per capita energy consumption but not convergence of energy intensity. Furthermore, in contrast to the previous studies which mainly used the conventional beta convergence approach to examine conditional convergence, we use a beta convergence method that is capable of identifying the actual number of countries that contribute to conditional convergence. The sigma and gamma convergences of electricity intensity are also examined. In addition to the full sample of countries, we also examine convergence in African countries, Asian and Oceanic countries, American countries and European countries, separately. Convergences in OECD and non-OECD countries are also examined, separately. In the full sample, the results show convergence exists in 54% of the countries in the total sample. There is convergence in 65% of the African countries, 61% of the American countries, 43% of the Asian and Oceanic countries and 33% of the European countries. In terms of the regional classification, it is also observed that convergence exists for 58% of the non-OECD countries and 31% of the OECD countries. There is evidence for sigma convergence in all the blocs with the exception of European and non-OECD countries. With the exception of African countries, there is evidence for gamma convergence in all the countries and the various blocs. The policy implications of the results are discussed.
http://bit.ly/2G1vOSq
Silver prices and solar energy production
Abstract
The goal of this paper is to identify, for the first time, the role of solar production in driving silver prices. The empirical analysis makes use of the ARDL model and the combined cointegration. The results, spanning the period 1990–2016, document that stronger solar installed capacities, as well as higher gross electricity production from solar sources, lead to higher silver prices. The findings could be of great importance to silver suppliers and to energy policymakers and regulators, as well as to solar panel manufacturers.
http://bit.ly/2t20sTb
Habitat selection of wintering cranes ( Gruidae ) in typical lake wetland in the lower reaches of the Yangtze River, China
Abstract
Shengjin Lake is a typical lake wetland in the lower reaches of the Yangtze River. It is one of the most important wetlands in the world. It is also an important habitat for wintering cranes in China. Environmental factors play an important role in habitat selection of cranes of wetland ecosystem. In this paper, we analyzed land-use types and the four kinds of winter cranes in the Shengjin Lake from the years 1986 to 2015. Also, we adopted grey relational analysis and power function model to analyze the relevance between crane population and land-use types, and the main habitat types of cranes were obtained. We used principal component analysis method to analyze the main influence factor for habitat selection of crane. The results indicated that the main habitat type of four species of overwintering crane was reed-flat; the main factors affecting the habitat selection of cranes were water level, planktonic biomass, and distance to settlement. Among them, the weight of water level factor was the highest, which showed that water level was the most important factor affecting the habitat selection of cranes, followed by planktonic biomass, and the third was the weight of distance to settlement. The average values of them were 0.37 m, 9.47 mg L−1, and 1.25 km, respectively.
http://bit.ly/2MJyVio
Biodegradation of persistent environmental pollutants by Arthrobacter sp.
Abstract
Persistent environmental pollutants are a growing problem around the world. The effective control of the pollutants is of great significance for human health. Some microbes, especially Arthrobacter, can degrade pollutants into nontoxic substances in various ways. Here, we review the biological properties of Arthrobacter adapting to a variety of environmental stresses, including starvation, hypertonic and hypotonic condition, oxidative stress, heavy metal stress, and low-temperature stress. Furthermore, we categorized the Arthrobacter species that can degrade triazines, organophosphorus, alkaloids, benzene, and its derivatives. Metabolic pathways behind the various biodegradation processes are further discussed. This review will be a helpful reference for comprehensive utilization of Arthrobacter species to tackle environmental pollutants.
http://bit.ly/2sWuFmC
Perception of household in regards to water pollution: an empirical evidence from Pakistan
Abstract
Water pollution is one of the main threats to public health in Pakistan. The watchdogs for drinking water quality are toothless, hence Pakistan's ranking in maintaining water quality standards is 80th out of 122 nations. Despite such alarming situation coupled with violation of various drinking water quality parameters set by WHO, the risk perception of people remains an unfolded area of research. This paper examines the risk perception of household regarding water pollution in Pakistan and its potential effect on human health. In this way, we present a more analytical interpretation of the subject by collecting data from a survey questionnaire from one of the largest urban cities of Pakistan. Conclusions are drawn which stress that education, income, and knowledge of water pollution have higher impact on risk perception. From this position, and with the development of implications for policy, we demonstrate the need of a systematic quantification of various uncertainties that can provide more realistic support for remediation-related decisions to policy makers.
http://bit.ly/2MG0wRR
Effects of exposure to triphenyltin (TPT) contaminant on sperm activity in adulthood of Calomys laucha exposed through breastfeeding
Abstract
Triphenyltin (TPT) is an organotin compound (OT), primarily used in agriculture and in the composition of antifouling paints for ships worldwide. Studies have showed its effects as an endocrine disrupter in several organisms by preventing enzymatic expression and causing reproductive toxicity. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of exposure to TPT, via breastfeeding, on reproductive physiology in the Calomys laucha species. The experimental design was compound of five groups, two controls and three with different doses of TPT. Moreover, females were exposed by gavage to the TPT for 20 days, from the 1st day postpartum to the 21st postnatal day (PND). Then, the pups were euthanized and the kinetics, organelles, and biochemistry of the sperm were evaluated. The results presented a reduction in total motility in the groups exposed to TPT. Regarding cellular organelles analysis, a loss in membrane integrity was evidenced; the functionality of mitochondria showed diminution followed by increased acrosome reaction. In conclusion, the TPT causes alteration of the reproductive parameters, decreasing the activity and sperm quality in individuals exposed in the breastfeeding phase.
http://bit.ly/2t6FTFz
Delimitation of groundwater zones under contamination risk using a bagged ensemble of optimized DRASTIC frameworks
Abstract
Developing a reliable groundwater vulnerability and contamination risk map is very important for groundwater management and protection. This study aims to compare various modified DRASTIC vulnerability frameworks based on rate calibration using the Wilcoxon rank-sum test (WRST), frequency ratio (FR) and weight optimization using the correlation coefficient (CC), the analytic hierarchy process (AHP), and genetic algorithms (GA), as well as to introduce, for the first time, an aggregated approach based on a bagging ensemble to develop a combined modified DRASTIC model. This research was conducted in the Khoy plain, NW Iran. To develop a typical DRASTIC map, seven DRASTIC data layers were generated, weighted, and then overlaid in ArcGIS. The nitrate (NO3) concentrations at 54 sites in the study area were used to validate the models by calculating the correlation coefficient (r) between the vulnerability/risk indices and NO3 concentrations. The calculated r value for the typical DRASTIC was 0.12. A sensitivity analysis reveals that the impact of the vadose zone and conductivity parameters with mean variation indices of 22.2 and 7.5%, respectively, have the highest and lowest influence on aquifer vulnerability. The r values increased for all the optimized frameworks. The results show that the WRST and GA methods are the most effective methods for calibration and optimization of DRASTIC rates and weights, with the WRST-GA-DRASTIC model obtaining an r value of 0.64. A bagging ensemble model was employed to combine the advantages of each standalone model. The bagging ensemble model yields an r value of 0.67. The ensemble model has the potential to increase the r value further than both the standalone optimized frameworks and the typical DRASTIC approach. In terms of spatial distribution class area (%), the bagging ensemble-DRASTIC model demonstrates that the moderate and low contamination risk classes with 16.4 and 23.1% of the total area cover the lowest and highest parts of the plain.
http://bit.ly/2MMunrW
Buoyant wind-driven pollutant dispersion and recirculation behaviour in wedge-shaped roof urban street canyons
Abstract
The present study investigated the buoyant wind-driven pollutant plume dispersion and recirculation behaviour inside urban street canyons formed by buildings with wedge-shaped roofs. Numerical modelling was performed using a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) large eddy simulation (LES). Street canyon models with a strongly buoyant fire source located on the street and environmental winds perpendicular to the canyon were developed using the fire dynamics simulator (FDS). The complex interaction of buoyancy and wind, as well as their combined effects on the pollutant plume dispersion, was simulated inside the urban street canyon. The results showed that the flow pattern of pollutant plume dispersion inside the street canyon with increasing wind speed for different roof inclination angles could be divided into three regimes, including a recirculation regime, a quasi-recirculation regime and a non-recirculation regime. The pollutant levels in the street canyon, as indexed by carbon monoxide (CO) concentration, increased under the recirculation regime. For the quasi-recirculation regime, however, the leeward buildings primarily suffered from the higher pollutant levels. The critical wind speed needed to trigger recirculation was analysed for various roof inclination angles. A correlation was proposed to predict the critical wind speed of various wedge-shaped roof angles for recirculation regime and quasi-recirculation regimes.
http://bit.ly/2t6FN0F
Default Mode Network Dynamics in Covert Consciousness
Publication date: Available online 30 January 2019
Source: Cortex
Author(s): Yelena G. Bodien, Zachary D. Threlkeld, Brian L. Edlow
http://bit.ly/2MIuyV0
Antecedents of satisfaction and engagement of low-carbon bicycle-sharing using in China
Abstract
Transport sector contributed numerous carbon emissions in China. It is important to promote low-carbon bicycle-sharing using in China. This paper aims to analyze the influencing factors of the satisfaction and engagement of bicycle-sharing in China. An extended model of customer satisfaction is established, which considers both customer satisfaction theory and customer engagement theory. We explore the different effect of convenience, health, safety, and facility on satisfaction of bicycle-sharing using. We also explore the role of satisfaction on three different dimensions of engagement: enthusiasm, participation, and social interaction. Multi-group structure equation model is employed to explore the different roles of gender on the determinants of satisfaction and engagement of bicycle-sharing using. The findings reveal that facilities had the larger effect on satisfaction of bicycle-sharing using than safety and health for male. Safety had the largest influence on satisfaction of bicycle-sharing using for female, followed by facility, convenience, and health.
http://bit.ly/2DM58mw
Assessment of swimming behavior of the Pacific oyster D-larvae ( Crassostrea gigas ) following exposure to model pollutants
Abstract
This study describes an image analysis method that has been used to analyze the swimming behavior of native oyster D-larvae (Crassostrea gigas) from the Arcachon Bay (SW, France). In a second time, this study evaluated the impact of copper and S-metolachlor pollutants on D-larvae swimming activity and the possible relationship between developmental malformations and abnormal swimming behavior. Analyses in wild and cultivated oyster D-larvae were investigated during two breeding-seasons (2014 and 2015) at different sampling sites and dates. In controlled conditions, the average speed of larvae was 144 μm s−1 and the maximum speed was 297 μm s−1 while the trajectory is mainly rectilinear. In the presence of environmental concentration of copper or S-metolachlor, no significant difference in maximum or average larval speed was observed compared to the control condition but the percentage of circular trajectory increased significantly while the rectilinear swimming larvae significantly declined. The current study demonstrates that rectilinear trajectories are positively correlated to normal larvae while larvae with shell anomalies are positively correlated to circular trajectories. This abnormal behavior could affect the survival and spread of larvae, and consequently, the recruitment and colonization of new habitats.
http://bit.ly/2UrCqgc
Using gauze to evenly spread starch for hyperhidrosis testing
Publication date: Available online 31 January 2019
Source: Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology
Author(s): Mohammed I. AlJasser
http://bit.ly/2MFPRql
Risk factors for acne development in the first 2 years after initiating masculinizing testosterone therapy among transgender men
Publication date: Available online 31 January 2019
Source: Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology
Author(s): Jason Andrew Park, Erin Elizabeth Carter, Allison Ruth Larson
http://bit.ly/2sWbJEH
Severe Rhinophyma. Tips and Tricks in Carbon Dioxide Laser Decortication
Publication date: Available online 31 January 2019
Source: Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology
Author(s): Álvaro Iglesias-Puzas, Claudia Olmos-Nieva, Manuel Ángel Rodríguez-Prieto
http://bit.ly/2MIuDrM
Patients Believe Cosmetic Procedures Affect Their Quality of Life: An Interview Study of Patient-Reported Motivations
Publication date: Available online 31 January 2019
Source: Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology
Author(s): Abigail Waldman, Amanda Maisel, Alexandra Weil, Sanjana Iyengar, Kaitlyn Sacotte, Jake M. Lazaroff, Sasha Kurumety, Sara L. Shaunfield, Kelly A. Reynolds, Emily Poon, June K. Robinson, Murad Alam
Abstract
Background
While treatments to address cosmetic concerns are common, patients' self-reported motives for considering such procedures have not been systematically explored.
Objective
To develop a framework of categories to describe patient's self-reported motivations for undergoing minimally invasive cosmetic procedures.
Methods
Face-to-face, semi-structured patient interviews were conducted with adult participants who had received or were considering minimally invasive cosmetic dermatologic procedures. A qualitative constant comparative approach was employed to analyze interview transcripts, yielding themes and subthemes.
Results
30 interviews were completed. Most patient-reported motivations for cosmetic procedures could be subsumed under eight general categories (themes): 1) mental and emotional health, 2) cosmetic appearance, 3) physical health, 4) work/school success, 5) social well-being, 6) cost/convenience, 7) procedural perceptions, and 8) timing of treatment. Many individual motivations in these categories were unrelated to desire for physical beauty. In particular, participants wanted to avoid being self-conscious, enhance confidence, reduce time and expense required to conceal physical imperfections, and be perceived as capable at work.
Limitations
Only English-speaking patients in the U.S. were interviewed.
Conclusion
Patient-reported motivations for cosmetic procedures mostly pertained to physical and psychosocial well-being. Indeed, a desire for improved cosmetic appearance comprised only one of the 8 themes revealed through patient interviews.
http://bit.ly/2t6ii7X
The Etiology, Diagnosis and Management of Hyperhidrosis: A Comprehensive Review. Part II. Therapeutic Options
Publication date: Available online 31 January 2019
Source: Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology
Author(s): Shiri Nawrocki, Jisun Cha
Abstract
Hyperhidrosis (HH) is a chronic disorder of excess sweat production that may have a significant adverse effect on quality of life. A variety of treatment modalities currently exist to manage HH. Initial treatment includes lifestyle and behavioral recommendations. Antiperspirants are regarded as the first-line therapy for primary focal HH and can provide significant benefit. Iontophoresis is considered to be the primary remedy for palmar and plantar HH. Botulinum toxin (BTX) injections are administered at the dermal-subcutaneous junction and serve as a safe and effective treatment option for focal HH. Oral systemic agents are reserved for treatment-resistant cases or for generalized HH. Energy delivering devices such as lasers, ultrasound technology, microwave thermolysis, and fractional microneedle radiofrequency may also be utilized to reduce focal sweating. Surgery may be considered when more conservative treatments have failed. Local surgical techniques, particularly for axillary HH, include excision, curettage, liposuction, or a combination of these techniques. Sympathectomy is the treatment of last resort when conservative treatments are unsuccessful or intolerable, and after accepting secondary compensatory HH as a potential complication. A review of treatment modalities for HH and a sequenced approach are presented.
http://bit.ly/2MIaYs7
Tissue-sparing properties of Mohs micrographic surgery for infiltrative basal cell carcinoma
Publication date: Available online 31 January 2019
Source: Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology
Author(s): Marloes S. van Kester, Jelle J. Goeman, Roel E. Genders
Abstract
Background
Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) should lead to tissue sparing of healthy skin compared to standard surgical excision, because smaller surgical margins are used.
Objective
To quantify the tissue-sparing properties of MMS in primary basal cell carcinoma (BCC) with an infiltrative growth pattern.
Methods
A prospective study including 256 primary BCC with an infiltrative growth pattern was performed. Tumor sizes were measured in two perpendicular directions. Surface defect areas after MMS were measured. The suspected defect surface area with standard excision using a 5 mm margin was calculated. The primary outcome of this study was the size of the defect surface area spared with MMS compared to the calculated defect surface area with a standard excision.
Results
Median tumor size was 71 mm2, median defect size after MMS was 154 mm2. Median defect size calculated for standard surgical excision was 298 mm2.
We show that MMS had a 46.4% tissue sparing effect compared to standard surgical excision of BCC with an infiltrative growth pattern (confidence interval 43.4-49.1.4%, p-value <0.001).
Limitations
Single-center study design. Lack of randomized control group, due to ethical reasons.
Conclusion
46% tissue sparing can be reached for primary BCC with an infiltrative growth pattern using MMS.
http://bit.ly/2sZ5Nux
Topical rapamycin in superficial lymphatic malformation: microcystic lymphatic malformation or verrucous venous malformation?
Publication date: Available online 31 January 2019
Source: Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology
Author(s): Dr Ren Cai, Dr Hao Gu, Zhang Yu, Dr Xi Yang, Dr Hui Chen, Dr Xiaoxi Lin
http://bit.ly/2MMeaTy
The Etiology, Diagnosis and Management of Hyperhidrosis: A Comprehensive Review. Part I. Etiology and Clinical Work-Up
Publication date: Available online 31 January 2019
Source: Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology
Author(s): Shiri Nawrocki, Jisun Cha
Abstract
Hyperhidrosis (HH) is a dermatologic disorder defined by sweat production beyond the thermoregulatory requirements. Clinically, HH is diagnosed when excess sweating creates significant emotional, physical, or social discomfort, causing negative impact on the patient's quality of life. Existing data imply that this condition may affect at least 4.8% of the US population. The etiology of HH may stem from autonomic nervous system complex dysfunction, resulting in neurogenic overactivity of otherwise normal eccrine sweat glands. Alternatively, HH may be a result of aberrant central control of emotions. This condition is categorized as primary or secondary HH. Approximately 93% of patients with HH have primary HH, of whom >90% have a typical focal and bilateral distribution affecting the axillae, palms, soles, and craniofacial areas. Secondary HH presents in a more generalized and asymmetric distribution and is generated by various underlying diseases or medications. Secondary causes of HH need to be excluded prior to diagnosing primary HH.
http://bit.ly/2sZDV9U
Pityriasis Rubra Pilaris: A Study Evaluating Patient Quality of Life in Two Populations
Publication date: Available online 30 January 2019
Source: Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology
Author(s): A.Brooke Eastham, Elizabeth Y. Tkachenko, Alisa N. Femia, Lisa K. Pappas-Taffer, Misha Rosenbach, Cara J. Joyce, Stephanie Liu, Ruth Ann Vleugels
http://bit.ly/2MIuBAa
The Dynamic Associations Between Cortical Thickness and General Intelligence are Genetically Mediated
http://bit.ly/2RtLvDd
Alterations in Oscillatory Behavior of Central Medial Thalamic Neurons Demonstrate a Key Role of CaV3.1 Isoform of T-Channels During Isoflurane-Induced Anesthesia
http://bit.ly/2WvblL0
Objective Morphological Classification of Neocortical Pyramidal Cells
http://bit.ly/2RtLlM7
Distinctive Interaction Between Cognitive Networks and the Visual Cortex in Early Blind Individuals
http://bit.ly/2Wx1mVB
Functional Alteration of Cerebello–Cerebral Coupling in an Experimental Mouse Model of Parkinson’s Disease
http://bit.ly/2RtLbnZ
Regional Specialization of Pyramidal Neuron Morphology and Physiology in the Tree Shrew Neocortex
http://bit.ly/2Wx1a8P
Thyroid function in patients with Prader-Willi syndrome: an Italian multicenter study of 339 patients
Journal Name: Journal of Pediatric Endocrinology and Metabolism
Issue: Ahead of print
http://bit.ly/2Utm32E
Effects of biochar addition on the NEE and soil organic carbon content of paddy fields under water-saving irrigation
Abstract
The addition of biochar has been reported as a strategy for improving soil fertility, crop productivity, and carbon sequestration. However, information regarding the effects of biochar on the carbon cycle in paddy fields under water-saving irrigation remains limited. Thus, a field experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of biochar addition on the net ecosystem exchange (NEE) of CO2 and soil organic carbon (SOC) content of paddy fields under water-saving irrigation in the Taihu Lake region of China. Four treatments were applied: controlled irrigation (CI) without biochar addition as the control (CA), CI with biochar addition at a rate of 20 t·ha−1 (CB), CI with biochar addition at a rate of 40 t·ha−1 (CC), and flooding irrigation (FI) with biochar addition at a rate of 40 t·ha−1 (FC). Biochar addition increased rice yield and irrigation water use efficiency (IWUE) by 24.0–36.3 and 33.4–42.5%, respectively, compared with the control. In addition, biochar addition increased the NEE of CI paddy fields. The average NEE of paddy fields under CB and CC was 2.41 and 30.6% higher than that under CA, respectively. Thus, the increasing effect of biochar addition at a rate of 40 t·ha−1 was considerably better than those of the other treatments. Apart from biochar addition, irrigation mode was also identified as an influencing factor. CI management increased the NEE of paddy fields by 17.6% compared with FI management. Compared with CA, CB increased total net CO2 absorption by 10.0%, whereas CC decreased total net CO2 absorption by 13.8%. Biochar addition also increased SOC, dissolved organic carbon, and microbial biomass carbon contents. Therefore, the joint regulation of biochar addition and water-saving irrigation is a good technique for maintaining rice yield, increasing IWUE, and promoting soil fertility. Furthermore, when amended at the rate of 20 t·ha−1, biochar addition will be a good strategy for sequestering carbon in paddy fields.
http://bit.ly/2FY2e0l
An Institutional Experience of Tumor Progression to Pituitary Carcinoma in a 15-Year Cohort of 1055 Consecutive Pituitary Neuroendocrine Tumors
Abstract
Pituitary carcinoma is a rare disease, defined by the presence of cerebrospinal or distant metastasis of a pituitary neuroendocrine tumor (PitNET). To review our institutional experience of pituitary carcinoma, we searched the database of the UHN Endocrine Oncology Site group and the University Health Network pathology laboratory information system from 2001 to 2016. Among 1055 PitNETs from 1169 transsphenoidal resections, we identified 4 cases of pituitary carcinoma, indicating that pituitary carcinoma represents around 0.4% of PitNETs. All four patients were women. The age at initial presentation ranged from 23 to 54 years. Two patients had Cushing disease with corticotroph tumors; one was initially a densely granulated corticotroph tumor that evolved to become sparsely granulated, while the other was a Crooke cell tumor. One patient had a functioning sparsely granulated lactotroph tumor and one had a clinically silent poorly differentiated PIT1 lineage tumor. Apart from a relatively high Ki67 labeling index (≥ 10%) in three tumors, there were no cytomorphologic features at the time of initial presentation that could predict subsequent metastatic behavior. The time from diagnosis of the pituitary neuroendocrine tumor to the diagnosis of malignancy was 3 to 14 years. Therapies included somatostatin analogs, external beam radiotherapy, chemotherapies including capecitabine/temozolomide, everolimus, sunitinib, bevacizumab, and peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT). One patient died of disease 18 years after initial diagnosis, underscoring the protracted course of this ultimately fatal neuroendocrine malignancy.
http://bit.ly/2RqTa5u
Τετάρτη 30 Ιανουαρίου 2019
Vitamin D deficiency in solid‐organ transplant recipients from a Spanish Mediterranean population
Summary
Background
Solid‐organ transplant recipients (SOTRs) are at risk of developing vitamin D deficiency, mainly caused by reduced sunlight exposure with subsequent low vitamin D synthesis in the skin.
Aim
To analyse whether SOTRs from a Spanish Mediterranean region were vitamin D‐deficient.
Methods
This was a cross‐sectional, descriptive and observational study in a transplantation‐specialized Dermatological Unit from a Mediterranean area to determine the calcidiol levels of a cohort of 78 consecutively attending patients not receiving vitamin D supplements. Serum 25(OH)D3 levels were determined and clinical characteristics were collected. Logistic regression analysis was used to analyse variables associated with dichotomized 25(OH)D3 levels (≤ or > 10 ng/mL).
Results
The cohort comprised 30 lung, 29 kidney and 19 liver transplant recipients. Mean calcidiol was 18 ± 9 ng/mL. Deficiency of 25(OH)D3 was present in 19% of patients, while 68% had insufficient levels and 13% had sufficient levels. Following multivariate logistic regression analysis, the season of blood sampling remained the only predictor of deficient 25(OH)D3 levels.
Conclusion
Despite living in a mid‐latitude country with sunny weather, our SOTR population was at high risk of developing hypovitaminosis D, especially in autumn/winter. Avoiding sun exposure is important to prevent skin cancer, but careful monitoring of vitamin D status is recommended, with supplementation if hypovitaminosis D is detected.
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