Excellent performance of cobalt-impregnated activated carbon in peroxymonosulfate activation for acid orange 7 oxidation

Abstract

Cobalt-impregnated activated carbon (GAC/Co) was used to produce sulfate radical (SO₄^·−) from peroxymonosulfate (PMS) in aqueous solution (hereafter called PMS activation). We evaluated its effectiveness by examining the degradation of orange acid 7 (AO7). GAC/Co exhibited high activity to activate PMS to degrade AO7. The degradation efficiency of AO7 increased with increasing dosage of GAC/Co or PMS and elevated temperatures. pH 8 was most favorable for the degradation of AO7 by GAC/Co-activated PMS. The radical quenching experiments indicated that the reactions most likely took place both in the bulk solution and on the surface of GAC/Co. We found that SO₄^·− played a dominant role in AO7 degradation. Sodium chloride (NaCl) which presents in most dye wastewater had a significant impact on AO7 degradation. Low dosages (<0.4 M) of NaCl showed a slight inhibitory effect, whereas high dosages (0.8 M) increased the reaction rate. HOCl was confirmed as the main contributor for accelerating AO7 degradation with high concentration of NaCl. In a continuous-flow reaction with an empty-bed contact time of 1.35 min, AO7 was not detected in the effluent for 0 to 18.72 L of treated influent volume (156 h) and 85% removal efficiency was still observed after 40.32 L of treated volume (336 h). Finally, the azo bond and the naphthalene structure in AO7 were destroyed and the degradation pathway was proposed.

http://ift.tt/2lsGaMq

Metal accumulations in different tissues of cuttlefish ( Sepia officinalis L., 1758) in the Eastern Mediterranean coasts of Turkey

Abstract

In this study, metal concentration levels (Cd, Co, Cr, Ni, and Pb) were investigated in the gill, hepatopancreas, ovary, testis, and mantle of the male and female cuttlefish Sepia officinalis in various stations (Iskenderun, Antalya, Kas, Gazipasa, and Anamur) in Mediterranean coasts of Turkey. Hepatopancreas tissue was a better indicator in terms of heavy metal concentration compared to the other tissues. In general, Cd, Co, Cr, Ni, and Pb accumulation for the male was found more than that of the female, whereas Cd and Ni accumulation was found higher in the female. There was a relationship among the metals in the form of Co > Pb > Ni > Cd > Cr in the mantle tissue. The Pb concentration over the recommended limits was found in cuttlefish of Anamur, Antalya, and Iskenderun stations.

http://ift.tt/2muyheo

Zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 for efficient adsorption and removal of Cr(VI) ions from aqueous solution

Abstract

Heavy metals are emerging toxic pollutants in which the development of advanced materials for their efficient adsorption and separation is thus of great significance in environmental sciences point of view. In this study, one of the zinc-based zeolitic imidazolate framework materials, known as ZIF-8, has been synthesized and used for chromium(VI) contaminant removal from water for the first time. The as-synthesized ZIF-8 adsorbent was characterized with different methodologies such as powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermo-gravimetric analysis, FT-IR, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and UV–Vis spectra of solid state. Various factors affecting removal percentage (efficiency) are experimentally investigated including pH of solution, adsorbent dosage, contact time and initial concentration of Cr(VI) to achieve the optimal condition. The obtained results indicate that the ZIF-8 shows good performance for the Cr(VI) removal from aqueous solution so that 60 min mixing of 2 g of ZIF-8 adsorbent with the 2.5 ppm of Cr(VI) solution in a neutral environment will result in the highest separation efficiency around 70%. The time needed to reach the equilibrium (maximum separation efficiency) is only 60 min for a concentration of 5 mg L⁻¹. Structure stability in the presence of water is also carefully examined by XRD determination of ZIF-8 under different contact times in aqueous solution, which suggests that the structure is going to be destructed after 60 min immersed in solution. Electrostatic interaction of Cr(VI) anions by positively charged ZIF-8 is responsible for Cr(VI) adsorption and separation. Moreover, equilibrium adsorption study reveals that the Cr(VI) removal process using ZIF-8 nicely fits the Langmuir and Toth isotherm models which mean the adsorbent has low heterogeneous surface with different distributions of adsorption energies during Cr(VI) adsorption. Equilibrium adsorption capacity is observed around 0.25 for 20 mg L⁻¹ of initial Cr(VI) solutions.

http://ift.tt/2lsHkaJ

Decreased total antioxidant capacity has a larger effect size than increased oxidant levels in urine in individuals with autism spectrum disorder

Abstract

Oxidant/antioxidant imbalance may contribute to the pathophysiology of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). We assayed urinary levels of oxidative stress related biomarkers, hexanoyl-lysine (HEL), total antioxidant capacity (TAOC), the DNA methylation biomarker 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), and plasma levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), which is major antioxidant enzyme. We examined the relationship between these four biomarkers and social responsiveness in 20 individuals with ASD and in 11 healthy controls. The sex (ASD group, 7/13 vs. control group, 4/7) and age distributions (ASD group, 10.7 ± 5.0 years vs. control group, 14.7 ± 6.3 years) were not significantly different between the groups. Social responsiveness was assessed using the social responsiveness scale (SRS). We used standardized regression coefficients to measure the effect size. The ASD group exhibited significantly lower urinary TAOC levels and significantly elevated urinary HEL levels than the control group. Urinary 8-OHdG levels and plasma SOD levels were not significantly different between the groups. The ASD group showed significantly higher SRS scores than the control group. Plasma SOD levels correlated significantly with urinary TAOC levels. Standardized regression coefficients revealed that TAOC levels had a larger effect size than HEL levels in urine. This study firstly reveals that an imbalance between urinary HEL and TAOC levels in favor of urinary TAOC levels may contribute to impaired social responsiveness in individuals with ASD. Plasma SOD levels may also affect urinary TAOC levels.

http://ift.tt/2murt0n

Oxidative stress and early DNA damage in workers exposed to iron-rich metal fumes

Abstract

Occupational exposure to metal fumes occurs routinely in many occupational settings. The inflammatory response to fumes and metals after exposure could lead to an increase in reactive oxygen species and level of DNA damage. In this study, the level of early DNA damage and oxidative stress was evaluated in a group of steel company (n = 30) and compared to the non-exposed (n = 28) subjects. All DNA damage markers in workers were significantly higher in exposed group in comparison with controls (p < 0.001). Stratified analysis based on smoking showed no significant differences between smoking and comet assay parameters. There was no significant difference between workers and controls in terms of HCT, TIBC, iron, and ferreting. However, HB in controls was significantly lower than exposed group (p < 0.001). A significant increase in catalase activity and MDA serum levels were observed in workers in comparison with controls. These findings suggest for the potential genotoxic effect of iron reach dust. Due to recent findings on the predictive potential of comet assay for cancer development, further, researches should be conducted to investigate the possible biochemical mechanism of such finding.

http://ift.tt/2lsILpC

Biostimulation and rainfall infiltration: influence on retention of biodiesel in residual clayey soil

Abstract

This study investigates the retention of biodiesel in residual clayey soil during biostimulation by nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium) under conditions of rainfall infiltration. Several column tests were conducted in a laboratory under different void ratios (1.14, 1.24, and 1.34), varying moisture contents (15, 25, and 35%), and in both the presence and absence of biostimulation. The volume of biodiesel (which was equivalent to the volume of voids in the soil) was placed atop the soil and allowed to percolate for a period of 15 days. The soil was subjected to different rainfall infiltration conditions (0.30 or 60 mm). The greatest reductions in residual contaminants occurred after 60 mm of rain simulation, at values of up to 74% less than in samples with the same conditions but no precipitation. However, the residual contamination decay rate was greater with 0–30 mm (0.29 g/mm) of precipitation than with 30–60 mm (0.075 g/mm). Statistical assessment revealed that increased moisture and the presence of nutrients were the factors with the most powerful effect on contaminant retention in the soil. The residual contaminant level was 21 g/kg at a moisture content of 15% and no precipitation, decreasing to 12 g/kg at 35% moisture and no precipitation. Accordingly, it is possible to conclude that biostimulation and rainfall infiltration conditions can decrease the retention of contaminants in soil and allow a greater leaching or spreading of the contamination. All of these phenomena are worthy of careful examination for the in situ bioremediation of organic contamination.

Highlights

• The higher moisture in the soil, due to a high initial moisture content and/or infiltration of rainfall, can reduce contaminant retention,

• The use of biostimulation through the addition of nutrients to accelerate the biodegradation of toxic organic contaminants may induce inadvertent undesirable interactions between the soil and the contaminant.

• When adopting biostimulation for bioremediation, the effects of rainfall should be addressed; ideally, it should be prevented from entering the affected site, in order to avoid increased contaminant leaching and potential spreading.

http://ift.tt/2muBaw0

Morus alba leaf extract mediates neuroprotection against glyphosate-induced toxicity and biochemical alterations in the brain

Abstract

Recent studies demonstrate that glyphosate exposure is associated with oxidative stress and some neurological disorders such as Parkinson's pathology. Therefore, phytochemicals, in particular phenolic compounds, have attracted increasing attention as potential agents for neuroprotection. In the present study, we investigate the impact of glyphosate on the rat brain following i.p. injection and the possible molecular target of neuroprotective activity of the phenolic fraction from Morus alba leaf extract (MALE) and its ability to reduce oxidative damage in the brain. Wistar rats from 180 to 240 g were i.p. treated with a single dose of glyphosate (100 mg kg⁻¹ b.w.) or MALE (100 μg mL⁻¹ kg⁻¹ b.w.) for 2 weeks. Brain homogenates were used to evaluate neurotoxicity induced by the pesticide. For this, biochemical parameters were measured. Data shows that MALE regulated oxidative stress and counteracted glyphosate-induced deleterious effects and oxidative damage in the brain, as it abrogated LDH, protein carbonyls, and malonyldialdehyde. MALE also appears to be able to scavenge H₂O₂ levels, maintain iron and Ca²⁺ homeostasis, and increase SOD activity. Thus, in vivo results showed that mulberry leaf extract is a potent protector against glyphosate-induced toxicity, and its protective effect could result from synergism or antagonism between the various bioactive phenolic compounds in the acetonic fraction from M. alba leaf extract.

http://ift.tt/2lsC2fC

The PBX1 lupus susceptibility gene regulates CD44 expression

Publication date: May 2017
Source:Molecular Immunology, Volume 85
Author(s): Yuxin Niu, Mayami Sengupta, Anton A. Titov, Seung-Chul Choi, Laurence Morel
PBX1-d is novel splice isoform of pre-B-cell leukemia homeobox 1 (PBX1) that lacks its DNA-binding and Hox-binding domains, and functions as a dominant negative. We have shown that PBX1-d expression in CD4⁺ T cells is associated with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in a mouse model as well as in human subjects. More specifically, PBX1-d expression leads to the production of autoreactive activated CD4+ T cells, a reduced frequency and function of Foxp3+ regulatory T (Treg) cells and an expansion of follicular helper T (Tfh) cells. Very little is known about the function of PBX1 in T cells, except that it directly regulates the expression of miRNAs associated with Treg and Tfh homeostasis. In the present study, we show that PBX1 directly regulated the expression of CD44, a marker of T cell activation. Two PBX1 binding sites in the promoter directly regulated CD44 expression, with PBX1-d driving a higher expression than the normal isoform PBX1-b. In addition, mutations in each of the two binding sites had different effects of PBX1-b and PBX1-d. Finally, we showed that an enhanced recruitment of co-factor MEIS by PBX1-d over PBX1-b, while there was no difference for co-factor PREP1 recruitment. Therefore, this study demonstrates that the lupus-associated PBX1-d isoform directly transactivates CD44, a marker of CD44 activation and memory, and that it has different DNA binding and co-factor recruitment relative to the normal isoform. Taken together, these results confirm that PBX1 directly regulates genes related to T cell activation and shows that the lupus-associated isoform PBX1-d has unique molecular functions.



http://ift.tt/2mFYweW

Heat-transfer analysis of AZ31B Mg alloys during single-pass flat rolling: Experimental verification and mathematical modeling

Publication date: 5 May 2017
Source:Materials & Design, Volume 121
Author(s): Weitao Jia, Qichi Le
The present study aimed to investigate the temperature distribution in AZ31B Mg alloy plate along the thickness direction during the single-pass flat rolling. The detection and tracking of the plate temperature were carried out under different rolling conditions. Due to the influence of the complex heat transfer factors during rolling, the uneven degree of the temperature distribution was different, which was also reflected in microstructure characteristics between different metal layers. The temperature and microstructure both exhibited great similarity between the center and 1/4·H in the rolling due to the main effect of heat generation due to plastic work, while drastic difference between the surface and the center and 1/4·H due to the surface chilling effect. The maximum surface-temperature drop and center-temperature rise through rolling, regarded as the rolling exit temperature-distribution status, both presented mathematical relationships with respect to rolling process parameters. During the modeling process of the maximum surface-temperature drop, the proportion coefficient of chilling layer was identified for AZ31B Mg alloys, and it depends on the work roll temperature. In addition, during the modeling process of the maximum center-temperature rise, the theoretical equation of temperature rise due to plastic deformation could be reasonably simplified for AZ31B Mg alloys.

Graphical abstract

http://ift.tt/2lsjQ5V

Characterization of 100Cr6 lattice structures produced by robocasting

Publication date: 5 May 2017
Source:Materials & Design, Volume 121
Author(s): M. Yetna N'Jock, E. Camposilvan, L. Gremillard, E. Maire, D. Fabrègue, D. Chicot, K. Tabalaiev, J. Adrien
Lattice structures of 100Cr6 steel were manufactured from metallic-based inks by robotic-assisted deposition (robocasting) using Pluronic F-127 solution. The stability and pseudo-plastic behavior of the ink were optimized, and allowed printing through 200–840μm nozzles, leading to macroporous architectures composed of 300–600μm diameter rods separated by 90–350μm pores, after debinding and sintering. A second level of porosity (sub-micron size) was controlled by adjusting the sintering temperature. The linear shrinkage due to drying and thermal consolidation was evaluated from images obtained by micro-tomography and volumes measured by mercury intrusion porosimetry. Whatever the thermal treatments, the microstructure was always mainly composed of ferrite – α. The mechanical properties were estimated both at a local level (Young modulus and hardness of the rods by nanoindentation, coherent with those of 100Cr6 steel) and at the architecture level (stress-strain curve of the structures, showing a plastic behavior related to a good consolidation of the structure). Thus, dense metallic lattice structures with a regular macroporosity and interesting mechanical properties can be easily obtained with these water-based metallic inks, which do not require a complex formulation nor high organic content as reported in literature.

Graphical abstract

http://ift.tt/2lsdTps

Electrochemical deposition of Fe3O4 nanoparticles and flower-like hierarchical porous nanoflakes on 3D Cu-cone arrays for rechargeable lithium battery anodes

Publication date: 5 May 2017
Source:Materials & Design, Volume 121
Author(s): Xin Qian, Qian Xu, Tao Hang, Sangaraju Shanmugam, Ming Li
A novel 3D nanostructured Fe3O4/Cu-cone arrays (Cu-CAs) anode is prepared by template-free chemical deposition of Cu-CAs on a flat Cu current collector followed by galvanostatic electrodeposition of polycrystalline Fe3O4 nanoparticles (NPs) and Fe3O4 nanoflakes (NFs) from electrolyte containing 0.1M tri-ethanol-amine (TEA) and 0.2M TEA, respectively. The developed anodes are characterized by X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Galvanostatic charge/discharge tests are carried out to evaluate the cycling performance of all the anodes at a constant current density of 680mAg⁻¹ and cyclic voltammetry measurements are performed to characterize the charge/discharge potentials. The Fe3O4 NPs/Cu-CAs anode fabricated by 90s electrodeposition exhibits the best performance with a reversible discharge capacity of 442.96mAhg⁻¹ after 100 cycles at 1 C-rate due to the optimal synergistic effect of crystallinity and reinforcement effect of Cu-CAs substrate. While the better performance of Fe3O4 NFs/Cu-CAs anode fabricated by 120s electrodeposition is attributable to the enhanced surface porosity and reinforcement effect of Cu-CAs. However, the comparison between anodes electrodeposited with 0.1M and 0.2M TEA indicates that the reinforcement effect of Cu-CAs plays the dominant role in determining the cycling performance of developed Fe3O4/Cu-CAs anodes.

Graphical abstract

http://ift.tt/2m9Bn6O

Online assessment of TiC decomposition in laser cladding of metal matrix composite coating

Publication date: 5 May 2017
Source:Materials & Design, Volume 121
Author(s): Gopinath Muvvala, Debapriya Patra Karmakar, Ashish Kumar Nath
Decomposition of ceramic particles in metal matrix composite coatings developed by laser cladding process is one of the major problems that deteriorate the mechanical properties of coating. Further, a large number of process parameters involved in laser cladding makes the process optimization difficult. Therefore, a study was undertaken to assess the condition of TiC particles in the molten pool by monitoring the thermal history using an IR pyrometer. It was observed that with the increase of molten pool lifetime, a reaction layer is created between TiC particles and metal matrix which improves their bonding. However, with further increase in the molten pool lifetime TiC particles were found to decompose completely forming dendritic structure in the metal matrix through heterogeneous nucleation and subsequent crystallization during the solidification process. This results in a change of the solidification shelf slope which can be used as an effective signature to assess the TiC particle condition in molten pool online without performing any destructive test. The modified structure of metal matrix exhibited brittle nature which increased the wear rate due to fracture and spalling of coating during the wear test.

Graphical abstract

http://ift.tt/2m9wTNC

High temperature deformation behavior of melt hydrogenated (TiB+TiC)/Ti-6Al-4V composites

Publication date: 5 May 2017
Source:Materials & Design, Volume 121
Author(s): Xuan Wang, Liang Wang, LiangShun Luo, Hui Yan, XinZhong Li, RuiRun Chen, YanQing Su, JingJie Guo, HengZhi Fu
Ti-6Al-4V matrix composites with 5vol% TiB and TiC particles were in situ synthesized in this study. Hydrogen was added into the composites directly by melting the composites in gas mixture of hydrogen and argon (Melt Hydrogenation Technology). Microstructure observation results showed that hydrogen addition changed the distribution of ceramic particles to near network structure. The effect of microstructure, deforming temperature, strain rate and hydrogen content on high temperature compressive behavior were investigated. Thermal simulation results of high temperature compression at same strain rate indicated that hydrogen addition caused softening effect at higher deforming temperature and hardening effect at lower temperature, competition of the dominant effect was decided by distribution of ceramic particles and microstructure of matrix. Experimental results of hot compression at same deforming temperature and increasing strain rate indicated that moderate hydrogen content decreased the peak stress and improved the hot workability of composites. Microstructure observation of as compressed composites indicated that hydrogen eliminated defects and encouraged the dynamic recrystallization (DRX) after hot compression, the mechanism of hydrogen induced improvement of DRX, and relationship among hydrogen content, dislocations density and percentage of DRX were discussed.

Graphical abstract

http://ift.tt/2m9AATb

Multi-mode Application of Graphene Quantum Dots Bonded Silica Stationary Phase for High Performance Liquid Chromatography

Publication date: Available online 28 February 2017
Source:Journal of Chromatography A
Author(s): Qi Wu, Yaming Sun, Xiaoli Zhang, Xia Zhang, Shuqing Dong, Hongdeng Qiu, Litao Wang, Liang Zhao
Graphene quantum dots (GQDs), which possess hydrophobic, hydrophilic, π-π stacking and hydrogen bonding properties, have great prospect in HPLC. In this study, a novel GQDs bonded silica stationary phase was prepared and applied in multiple separation modes including normal phase, reversed phase and hydrophilic chromatography mode. Alkaloids, nucleosides and nucleobases were chosen as test compounds to evaluate the separation performance of this column in hydrophilic chromatographic mode. The tested polar compounds achieved baseline separation and the resolutions reached 2.32, 4.62, 7.79, 1.68 for thymidine, uridine, adenosine, cytidine and guanosine. This new column showed satisfactory chromatographic performance for anilines, phenols and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in normal and reversed phase mode. Five anilines were completely separated within 10minutes under the condition of mobile phase containing only 10% methanol. The effect of water content, buffer concentration and pH on chromatographic separation was further investigated, founding that this new stationary phase showed a complex retention mechanism of partitioning, adsorption and electrostatic interaction in hydrophilic chromatography mode, and the multiple retention interactions such as π-π stacking and π-π electron-donor-acceptor interaction played an important role during the separation process. This GQDs bonded column, which allows us to adjust appropriate chromatography mode according to the properties of analytes, has possibility in actual application after further research.



http://ift.tt/2lXsPhb

Psychometric and Clinimetric Properties of the Melbourne Assessment 2 in Children with Cerebral Palsy

Publication date: Available online 28 February 2017
Source:Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Author(s): Tien-Ni Wang, Kai-Jie Liang, Yi-Chia Liu, Jeng-Yi Shieh, Hao-Ling Chen
ObjectiveThe Melbourne Assessment 2 (MA2) is increasingly used as an outcome measurement in clinical studies. The purposes of this study were to examine its psychometric and clinimetric properties.DesignPsychometric and clinimetric study.SettingCommunity.ParticipantsSeventeen children with CP from 5 to 12 years were recruited for the estimation of the test-retest reliability and minimal detectable change (MDC). Thirty-five children with CP were recruited to receive an eight-week intensive neurorehabilitation intervention to estimate the validity, responsiveness, and minimal clinically important difference (MCID).InterventionsThirty-five children with CP received upper limb neurorehabilitation programs for eight weeks.Main Outcome MeasuresThe Melbourne Assessment 2 (MA2) and the criterion measures, including the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency 2^nd (BOT-2), the Box and Blocks Test (BBT), and the Pediatric Motor Activity Log-Revised (PMAL-R) were evaluated at pretreatment and posttreatment.ResultsThe MA2 has four subscales: range of motion, fluency, accuracy, and dexterity. The test-retest reliability of the MA2 is high (ICC=0.92-0.98). The significant relationships between the MA2 and BBT, BOT-2, and PMAL-R support its validity. The significance of paired t test results (p<0.001) and large magnitudes of the SRM (1.70-2.00) confirm the responsiveness of the MA2. The MDC values of the four subscales of the MA2 are 2.85, 1.63, 1.97, and 1.84, respectively, and the suggested MCID values of these four subscales are 2.35, 3.20, 2.09, and 2.22, respectively, indicating the minimum scores of improvement to be interpreted as both statistically significant and clinically important.ConclusionsThe findings of this study indicate that the MA2 has sound psychometric and clinimetric properties and is thus an adequate measurement for research and clinical applications.



http://ift.tt/2meCzq4

miR-155 promotes cutaneous wound healing through enhanced keratinocytes migration by MMP-2

Abstract

Inflammation, re-epithelization and tissue remodeling are three essential steps during wound healing. The re-epithelization process plays the most important role which mainly involves keratinocyte proliferation and migration. miR-155 has been reported to participate in cell migration and transformation, however, its function in skin wound healing is largely unknown. Here we hypothesize that overexpression of miR-155 at wound edges could accelerate wound healing mediated by enhanced keratinocyte migration. To test this hypothesis, direct local injection of miR-155 expression plasmid to wound edges was conducted to overexpress miR-155 in vivo. Results shown that miR-155 significantly promoted wound healing and re-epithelization compared to control, while did not affect wound contraction. Also, miR-155 overexpression accelerated primarily cultured keratinocyte migration in vitro, but had no effect on cell proliferation. Importantly, western blot analysis shown that MMP-2 was significantly upregulated whiles its inhibitor TIMP-1 downregulated after miR-155 treatment. Moreover, the use of ARP-101, an MMP-2 inhibitor, effectively attenuated the accelerative effects on cell migration induced by miR-155. Taken together, our results suggest that miR-155 has the promote effect on wound healing that is probably mediated by accelerating keratinocyte migration via upregulated MMP-2 level. This study provides a rationale for the therapeutic effect of miR-155 on wound healing.

http://ift.tt/2ldiKzu

HPV and Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Review of HPV-positive OSCC and Possible Strategies for Future

Publication date: Available online 1 March 2017
Source:Current Problems in Cancer
Author(s): Shan Jiang, Yong Dong
BackgroundOral Squamous Cell Carcinoma (OSCC) is a common cancer worldwide. Besides tobacco use and alcohol consumption, Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection has also been identified as a risk factor for OSCC recently. The OSCC incidence has increased in recent years, especially among younger women. The purpose of this paper is to review clinical and epidemiological studies on the association between HPV infection and OSCCs, and the efficacy of HPV vaccine, so as to provide possible policy implications for preventing HPV-positive OSCC.Methodit is necessary to review the present related body of knowledge to determine whether the association between HPV infection and OSCC has been thoroughly studied. The study was based on literature review. Studies were identified using electronic databases including MEDLINE, PubMed, EMBASE, etc. The inclusion and exclusion criteria were on the basis of consultation from a panel of experts in this area and carefully designed.Resultsbased on a systematic review of literatures, HPV infection is a possible cause for the incidence of HPV-positive OSCCs. The prevalence of HPV infection possibly contributed to the increasing trends of HPV-positive OSCCs. Oral HPV infection is a form of HPV transmission. Oral sex behaviors and open-mouthed kissing are probably reasons for oral HPV infection. We also have some epidemiological evidences proving that HPV vaccine provides a possible solution for preventing oral HPV infection.ConclusionsIncreased awareness of HPV-positive OSCCs is essential due to the severity of this problem. Biological and epidemiological data regarding the link between sexual behavior and HPV-associated cancers indicates a probable connection, although definitive data is needed. Future studies are needed to investigate the mechanisms of how HPV infection causes HPV-positive OSCCs, whether HPV vaccine provides a prevention for OSCCs, and other important issues.



http://ift.tt/2mewsSz

Surgical management of urinary stones with abnormal kidney anatomy

Publication date: Available online 1 March 2017
Source:The Kaohsiung Journal of Medical Sciences
Author(s): Giray Ergin, Mustafa Kirac, Ali Unsal, Burak Kopru, Mustafa Yordam, Hasan Biri
In spite of the fact that urologic surgical techniques used by urologists are becoming more and more minimally invasive and easier because of developing technologies, surgical approaches for the urinary stones in kidneys with abnormal anatomy are still confusing. The objective of this article is to determine the treatment options in these kidneys. For this purpose, between 2005 and 2015, we retrospectively evaluated patients operated for urolithiasis with various congenital renal anomalies in five referral urology clinics in our country. Of the 178 patients (110 male, 60 female), 96 had horseshoe kidneys, 42 had pelvic ectopic kidneys (PEKs), and 40 had isolated rotation anomalies (IRAs) of the kidney. We evaluated the patients for stone-free rate (SFR), mean operation time, mean hospitalization time, and complication rate. In horseshoe kidney, SFRs for retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) and percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PNL) groups were 72.2% and 90%, respectively. In PEKs, these rates were 83.6% and 100% for RIRS and laparoscopic pyelolithotomy, respectively. SFRs in kidneys with IRA were 75% for RIRS and 83.3% for PNL. The mean operation time for RIRS and PNL groups in horseshoe kidney was 40.5±11.2 minutes and 74.5±19.3 minutes, respectively. In PEKs, these times were 52.1±19.3 minutes and 53.1±24.3 minutes for RIRS and laparoscopic pyelolithotomy, respectively. Mean operation time in kidneys with IRA was 48.7±14.4 minutes for RIRS and 53.2±11.3 minutes for PNL. Mean hospitalization times for RIRS and PNL groups in horseshoe kidneys were 1.4±0.7 days and 2.2±1.4 days, respectively. In PEKs, these times were 2.7±1.8 days and 1.9±0.4 days for RIRS and laparoscopic pyelolithotomy, respectively. Mean operation time in kidneys with IRA was 1.5±0.9 days for RIRS and 1.8±0.6 days for PNL. The results of our study showed that RIRS could be used in all of types of abnormal kidneys with small- and medium-sized renal calculi safely and satisfactorily.



http://ift.tt/2ldih0m

Incidence trends in oesophageal cancer by histological type: An updated analysis in Sweden

Publication date: April 2017
Source:Cancer Epidemiology, Volume 47
Author(s): Shao-Hua Xie, Fredrik Mattsson, Jesper Lagergren
BackgroundWe aimed to update incidence trends of oesophageal cancer by histological type in Sweden.MethodsUsing data from the Swedish Cancer Registry, we examined incidence trends of oesophageal cancer by histological types in individuals aged ≥50 years in 1970–2014 using log-linear joinpoint regressions.ResultsThe age-standardised incidence rate of oesophageal adenocarcinoma in men increased on average by 3.0% per year in 1970–1994, followed by a more rapid increase of 13.7% per year in 1994–2000, and a slower increase of 2.6% per year in 2010–2014. The rate of oesophageal adenocarcinoma in women increased on average by 4.2% per year during the entire period. The rate of squamous cell carcinoma generally decreased over the past 2–3 decades in both sexes.ConclusionsThe incidence of oesophageal adenocarcinoma continues to rise in Sweden, although the increase seems to have slowed down in men since 2000. The incidence of oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma is decreasing.



http://ift.tt/2m9byDZ

Extent and computed tomography appearance of early radiation induced lung injury for non-small cell lung cancer

Publication date: Available online 1 March 2017
Source:Radiotherapy and Oncology
Author(s): Uffe Bernchou, Rasmus Lübeck Christiansen, Jon Thor Asmussen, Tine Schytte, Olfred Hansen, Carsten Brink
Background and purposeThe present study investigates the extent and appearance of radiologic injury in the lung after radiotherapy for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients and correlates radiologic response with clinical and dosimetric factors.Methods and materialsEligible follow-up CT scans acquired up to six months after radiotherapy were evaluated for radiologic injuries in 220 NSCLC patients. Radiologic injuries were divided into three categories: (1) interstitial changes, (2) ground-glass opacity, or (3) consolidation. The relationship between the fraction of injured lung of each category and clinical or dosimetric factors was investigated.ResultsRadiological injuries of category 1–3 were found in 67%, 52%, and 51% of the patients, and the mean (and maximum) fraction of injured lung was 4.4% (85.9%), 2.4% (46.0%), and 2.1% (22.9%), respectively. Traditional lung dose metrics and time to follow-up predicted lung injury of all categories. Older age increased the risk of interstitial changes and current smoking reduced the risk of consolidation in the lung.ConclusionRadiologic injuries were frequently found in follow-up CT scans after radiotherapy for NSCLC patients. The risk of a radiologic response increased with increasing time and lung dose metrics, and depended on patient age and smoking status.



http://ift.tt/2lzgPkX