Adjuvant radiotherapy as a risk factor for developing capsular contracture in women after breast implant surgery

I wish to congratulate Bachour and colleagues for their article1 in which they investigated risk factors for developing capsular contracture in women after breast implant surgery in a systematic review of the literature. Longer duration of follow-up, breast reconstructive surgery in patients with a history of breast cancer, subglandular implant placement, postoperative hematoma, and a textured implant surface were found to be a presumptive increased risk factors. However, authors did not take adjuvant radiotherapy into consideration as a risk factor in breast cancer patients.

https://ift.tt/2P8GuiV

Commentary – Consensus research priorities for facial palsy: a Delphi survey of patients, carers, clinicians and researchers

Facial paralysis is a devastating medical condition with approximately 50 cases per 100,000 in the United States.1 The psychological and social distress in individuals with facial paralysis is well documented.2 The overall societal burden and costs are less well understood. With divergent priorities and finite healthcare and research funds, the need for focused research efforts to maximize treatment outcomes is ever more important. This study by Hamlet et al highlights a novel attempt to develop research priorities for facial paralysis using a Delphi survey of a multi-disciplinary group of facial nerve experts, patients and caregivers.

https://ift.tt/2MRwRr9

Variation in the perioperative care of women undergoing abdominal-based microvascular breast reconstruction in the United Kingdom (The optiFLAPP Study)

Abdominal-based microvascular breast reconstruction constitutes approximately one fifth of reconstructions following mastectomy for breast cancer. Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols have been implemented to improve patient care. The aim of this project was to identify variation in the perioperative care of women undergoing microvascular breast reconstruction to inform development of an ERAS protocol.

https://ift.tt/2P21UxY

Behavioral activity patterns of adult and juvenile Greater Flamingos ( Phoenicopterus roseus ) with alteration of climatic pattern at Uchalli Lake, Punjab, Pakistan

Abstract

A study was carried out at Uchalli Lake, District Khushab on Greater Flamingos (Phoenicopterus roseus) to find their behavioral activity pattern. The hypothesis that local climatic temperature affects the wintering behavior of Greater Flamingos was tested. Data were collected for a period of 3 days in March and 10 days in April using focal animal analysis. Each day was divided into four periods (7–8 a.m., 10–11 a.m., 1–2 p.m., and 4–5 p.m.). Activity patterns included characters like feeding, resting, flying, walking, preening, aggression, and alert. Results showed that feeding was the major activity for adults (51.06%) and juveniles (56.51%). Juveniles spent more time (t = − 2.02, p < 0.05) feeding than adults. There was a highly significant difference (t = 3.20, p < 0.01) in alert between adults and juveniles across time periods. Adults spent more time alert (8.3%) than juveniles (4.49%). Only aggression and alert in adults and walking and alert in juveniles was found significantly correlated to change with temperature. The findings of the present study highlighted the need of in-depth eco-ethological study of Greater Flamingo and hydrology of wetland.

https://ift.tt/2MRwc99

Contamination of Indian sea salts with microplastics and a potential prevention strategy

Abstract

This study reports the contamination of Indian sea salts with different microplastic particles, as a consequence of using contaminated sea water. Samples from all eight brands of investigated sea salts were found contaminated, and concentrations of these particles ranged from 103 ± 39 to 56 ± 49 particles kg⁻¹ of salt. Both fibers and fragments were observed with large variation in size. Eighty percent of the extracted fibers and the fragments were smaller than 2000 μm and 500 μm respectively. Extracted particles were mostly polyesters, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyamide, polyethylene, and polystyrene. Their total mass concentration was also estimated as 63.76 μg kg⁻¹ of salt. These results are significant, since India is a leading producer and exporter of sea salts. A simple sand filtration of artificially contaminated sea water could effectively (> 85% removal by weight and > 90% removal by number) remove these microplastics and has the potential for preventing the transfer of microplastics into the salt from contaminated sea waters.

https://ift.tt/2MOdQ9a

Isolation and characterization of phosphate solubilizing bacteria from rhizosphere soils of the Yeyahu Wetland in Beijing, China

Abstract

Phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB) can convert insoluble forms of phosphorus (P) to accessible forms. 11 strains of PSB, including five inorganic phosphate solubilizing bacteria (IPSBs) and six organic phosphate solubilizing bacteria (OPSBs), were isolated from rhizosphere soils of three plants Scirpus planiculmis, Zizania latifolia, and Phrnagmites australis in the Yeyahu Wetland of Beijing, China to investigate P-solubilizing activities. In addition, the distributions of P fractions in soil samples were also observed. All strains evaluated above 1.0 by the ratio of transparent circle diameter to colony diameter (D/d) on Ca₃(PO₄)₂ or lecithin plates were identified by 16S rRNA sequencing. Results showed that Ca-bound P (Ca-P) was the main species of inorganic P (IP), and highly resistant organic P (HR-OP) accounted for the most part of organic P (OP). These strains were identified as bacterial species of Enterobacter asburiae, Acinetobacter sp., Bacillus cereus strain, and so on. The most efficient IPSB strain could convert over 430 mg L⁻¹ orthophosphate, while the equivalent OPSB strain only liberated less than 4 mg L⁻¹ in liquid culture, which indicated that IPSBs have a better P-solubilizing ability than OPSBs in rhizosphere soils of the Yeyahu Wetland and IPSBs are likely to regulate the P transformation process in this wetland.

Graphical abstract

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https://ift.tt/2Ls4hIq

Comparison of temporomandibular joint shape and size in patients with facial asymmetry

Abstract

Objective

To examine the morphologic similarities and differences in mandibular condyle and glenoid fossa between the deviated and non-deviated sides in patients with facial asymmetry using statistical analysis.

Methods

One hundred eighty-four patients (95 men, 89 women; mean age, 22.30 ± 3.87 years) with facial asymmetry were examined with cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Shape analysis was performed to compare the shapes and sizes of the condyle and fossa between the deviated and non-deviated sides in the frontal and lateral aspects. Ordinary Procrustes analysis (OPA) was used to determine shape variations of the fossa and condyle.

Results

Shape variations derived from ordinary sum of squares (OSS) suggested that, in the frontal aspect, there was a difference between the two sides in both the fossa and condyle (P < 0.05). In the lateral aspect, there was no difference in fossa shape between the two sides (P > 0.05); however, the shape of condyle was different between the non-deviated and deviated sides (P < 0.05). Size comparison in OPA matching and centroid size (CS) in the frontal aspect demonstrated that the non-deviated side was larger than the deviated side. In the lateral aspect, fossa showed no difference in CS between the two sides (P > 0.05); however, the non-deviated side was larger than the deviated side for condyle (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Morphometric differences in condyle and fossa between the deviated and non-deviated sides were observed. Structures of the non-deviated side were relatively larger than those of the deviated side, except for fossa in the lateral aspect.

https://ift.tt/2weAPAB

Influence of earthworm bioturbation on metals phytoavailability and human gastric bioaccessibility

Abstract

At the global scale, urban agriculture is increasingly developing in cities due to demographic growth and sustainable food concerns. But, urban soils are frequently polluted with metals. In urban gardens, organic matter is also commonly added both to valorize organic household waste and to promote biophysicochemical fertility. As earthworms promote the decomposition and the recycling of soil organic matter, they can also influence the biogeochemical cycle of metals in urban polluted soils. In order to produce safe vegetables in urban areas, it is crucial to highlight the mechanisms involved in complex soil-earthworm-plant ecosystems. An experiment was set up to examine these relationships using lettuce cultivated in controlled conditions with RHIZOtest® devices. Thanks to the RHIZOtest® devices, metal transfer and bioaccessibility were for the first time compared for urban polluted soil without (1—urban soil polluted with Pb, Cd, Cu, and Zn: essential or toxic metals currently found in environment, SNB) and with bioturbation (2—this metal-polluted soil subjected to earthworm bioturbation, SB) and earthworm casts (3—earthworm casts produced in this polluted soil and naturally enriched in organic matter and microorganisms, T). Metal concentration, phytoavailability, and human gastric bioaccessibility were determined in the different samples. Results showed that earthworm bioturbation increased the phytoavailability of all the metals. For the experimental condition SB, the phytoavailability of metals was increased up to 75% compared to SNB. In addition, surprisingly, metal phytoavailability was always superior in SB compared to earthworm casts (T). Moreover, earthworms led to an increase in Zn gastric bioaccessibility up to 10% in the soils in the same way as for phytoavailability, meaning Zn bioaccessibility in SB > T > SNB, whereas it remained unchanged in the lettuces. These data are important to promote sustainable agriculture activities in urban areas; actually, databases concerning different experimental conditions are needed to develop decision support tools.

https://ift.tt/2MARpVT

Maximization of CO 2 storage for various solvent types in indirect carbonation using paper sludge ash

Abstract

This study aimed to maximise the amount of CO₂ storage by indirect carbonation using paper sludge ash (PSA), which is an alkaline industrial waste. The properties of the following three types of solvents were considered: acids (acetic acid and hydrochloric acid), ammonium salts (ammonium chloride and ammonium acetate) and others (sodium citrate and water). When carbon dioxide was injected into calcium leachates prepared from PSA using acids, carbonation did not occur, and using ammonium salts as solvent, the carbonation efficiency was low. However, after pH swing of the leachates using sodium hydroxide and ammonia solution for acid and ammonium salt solvents, up to 324 kg CO₂/(ton PSA) and 175 kg CO₂/(ton PSA) were stored, respectively. When carbon dioxide was injected into calcium leachates prepared from PSA using sodium citrate or water, solid was initially generated which later dissolved. In order to solve this problem, CO₂ injection was stopped just before the pH of the solution reached 10.5 for sodium citrate and 8.3 for water, resulting in the storage of 136 kg CO₂/(ton PSA) and 29 kg CO₂/(ton PSA), respectively. Solids obtained through carbonation were pure calcium carbonate.

https://ift.tt/2Lolv9j

Quantification of the impact of the offshore petrochemical industrial park on ambient ozone using photochemical grid modeling and assessment monitoring

Abstract

This study integrated the results of photochemical grid modeling and assessment monitoring to quantify the impact of the offshore petrochemical industrial park (OPIP), with area of 26.03 km², on ambient ozone in a coastal region of Taiwan. A highly repetitive ozone-spreading phenomenon in the adjacent OPIP area was observed, which shows that ozone spreading follows a clear cycle between offshore and inland areas during the prevailing periods of ozone events (≥ 120 ppb). The incremental ratio of ambient ozone for the OPIP on ozone event days during the southwest and northeast monsoons in 2011–2016 ranged from 1.05 to 1.25 (average = 1.15) and 1.04–1.27 (average = 1.17), respectively. Data from ten photochemical assessment monitoring stations surrounding the OPIP in 2016 showed that the ratio of monthly average concentrations of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) during the northeast monsoon to the southwest monsoon was approximately 1.5. The ratio of the monthly latent incremental amount of ozone to the total volatile organic amount in the same month during the northeast and southwest monsoons was in the ranges of approximately 0.84–0.97 and 1.01–1.12, respectively. Moreover, the latent incremental amount of ozone during the daytime was greater than that at night. The results indicate that the observed ozone concentration increases as the latent incremental amount of ozone or ambient VOCs decreases.

https://ift.tt/2MuA6p8

Borohydride method modification in synthesizing nano zero valent iron and its application in DDT removal

Abstract

Among the methods used in the literature for the synthesizing of nano zero valent iron (nZVI), borohydride is the most commonly used method; it is seen that different variables are used together. In this study, optimum nano zero valent iron (nZVI) synthesizing method using borohydride method has been modified by using multiple optimization method in terms of both particle size and zeta potential. Selected independent variables are selected as iron sulfate concentration, ethanol ratio, and flow rate of borohydride solution. With the optimum synthesis method determined, the lowest particle size was obtained as 70 nm only when the particle size was taken into consideration, whereas 88.2 nm nZVI could be produced when both the particle size and the zeta potential were taken into consideration. In addition, the removal of DDT, which is the most commonly used persistent organic pollutant pesticides in the world, was investigated by nZVI synthesized. Different initial DDT concentration was investigated by expressing oxidation reduction potential (ORP) difference, removal rates, and oxidation byproducts. When DDD and DDE concentrations are considered, it is found that DDT is more likely to oxidize in DDD in all studied initial DDT concentrations. Removal rate was higher than 80% with initial concentrations lower than 125 μg/L, which is a high concentration that could be found in surface waters.

https://ift.tt/2LpD4WN

Effects of sunlight, microbial activity, and temperature on the declines of antibiotic lincomycin in freshwater and saline aquaculture pond waters and sediments

Abstract

The residues of lincomycin (LIN), an antibiotic administered to aquatic animals, are often detected in aquatic environments. This study investigated effects of three environmental factors, sunlight, microbial activity, and temperature, on declines of spiked LIN in waters and sediment slurry samples collected from freshwater tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus) and marine shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) culture ponds. The results showed that sunlight, temperature, and microbial activity all accelerated LIN transformation in the water and slurry samples. In matrixes of all water and slurry samples, LIN transformation was significantly faster under light conditions [half-life (t_1/2) = 24–53 days] than under dark conditions (t_1/2 = 154–2897 days). Microbial activity also accelerated LIN transformation; the t_1/2 of LIN was shorter after nonsterile treatment (t_1/2 = 12–809 days) than after sterile treatment (t_1/2 = 154–2897 days). Moreover, LIN transformation was faster at 28 °C (t_1/2 = 18–38 days) than at 20 and 12 °C (t_1/2 = 34 and 462 days, respectively) in both slurry samples. The results revealed that LIN transformation in aquaculture pond water and sediment was either slow or stagnant. Sunlight, microbial activity, and temperature can accelerate LIN transformation to reduce LIN residue levels.

https://ift.tt/2LrbuIy

Salt-Inducible Kinases: Physiology, Regulation by cAMP, and Therapeutic Potential

Publication date: Available online 24 August 2018

Source: Trends in Endocrinology & Metabolism

Author(s): Marc N. Wein, Marc Foretz, David E. Fisher, Ramnik J. Xavier, Henry M. Kronenberg

Salt-inducible kinases (SIKs) represent a subfamily of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) family kinases. Initially named because SIK1 (the founding member of this kinase family) expression is regulated by dietary salt intake in the adrenal gland, it is now apparent that a major biological role of these kinases is to control gene expression in response to extracellular cues that increase intracellular levels of cAMP. Here, we review four physiologically relevant examples of how cAMP signaling impinges upon SIK cellular function. By focusing on examples of cAMP-mediated SIK regulation in gut myeloid cells, bone, liver, and skin, we highlight recent advances in G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) signal transduction. New knowledge regarding the role of SIKs in GPCR signaling has led to therapeutic applications of novel small molecule SIK inhibitors.

https://ift.tt/2obgA2u

Comment on “Photobiomodulation delays the onset of skeletal muscle fatigue in a dose-dependent manner”

https://ift.tt/2P197yn

A 1470-nm laser combined with foam sclerotherapy in day surgery: a better choice for lower limb varicose veins

Abstract

Day surgery is being more and more adopted by clinicians. Higher wavelength lasers give patients better experience than lower wavelength lasers, which makes it more suitable for day surgery. This study compares the short- and mid-term efficacy, postoperative morbidity, and patient satisfaction of "1470-nm endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) combining foam sclerotherapy in day surgery" with "810-nm EVLA with high ligation combining foam sclerotherapy in hospital surgery" on great saphenous vein (GSV) insufficiency postoperatively. A single-institution historical cohort study of 194 patients was performed in Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, China. Ninety-seven patients received 1470-nm EVLA combining foam sclerotherapy in day surgery ("1470-nm group"), and 97 patients received 810-nm EVLA with high ligation combining foam sclerotherapy in hospital surgery recommended by guidelines ("810-nm group"). No significant difference was found between the 1470-nm group and the 810-nm group in terms of GSV occlusion rate (both 100%), complication rate, and recurrence rate (8.2 vs. 11.3%) during the period of 1–12 months after surgery. Serious complications in the 1470-nm group and 810-nm group were 0 and 1.0%. Minor complications in the 1470-nm group and 810-nm group were ecchymosis at 20.6 and 18.6%, edema at 69.1 and 63.9%, and paresthesia around ankle at 0 and 3.1%, respectively. Advantage of the 1470-nm group over the 810-nm group was statistically significant considering the patient perioperative comfort and economic cost. Treatment of 1470-nm EVLA combining foam sclerotherapy in day surgery has similar efficacy as the 810-nm EVLA with high ligation combining foam sclerotherapy in hospital surgery in GSV insufficiency and is more comfortable with less incision, hospitalization procedure, and medical costs. It may be a new option for patients who are afraid or unable to be hospitalized.

https://ift.tt/2MUR3sa

Time-dependent antimicrobial effect of photodynamic therapy with TONS 504 on Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Abstract

Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) is a major cause of infectious keratitis, which itself is a major cause of blindness worldwide. We have now evaluated the time-dependent effectiveness of photodynamic antimicrobial chemotherapy (PACT) with the chlorin derivative TONS 504 and a light-emitting diode (LED) on P. aeruginosa in vitro. PACT with TONS 504 (10 mg/L) and irradiation (30 J/m²) by an LED device that delivers light centered on a wavelength of 660 nm was applied to 1 × 10⁶ colony-forming units of P. aeruginosa in liquid medium. The bacteria were then cultured at 37 °C for various times before assay of viability by determination of colony formation on agar plates. The effect of a second irradiation at 3 h after the initial LED exposure was also examined. Bacterial growth was markedly inhibited between 3 and 9 h after PACT with TONS 504, with the maximal effect being apparent at 3 h. Furthermore, a second exposure to LED irradiation at 3 h after the first treatment enhanced the inhibitory effect on bacterial growth. PACT with TONS 504 thus inhibited the growth of P. aeruginosa in a time-dependent manner, and an additional irradiation exposure applied 3 h after the first LED treatment greatly increased the effectiveness of PACT. This antibacterial system thus warrants further evaluation with regard to its potential effectiveness for the treatment of infectious keratitis.

https://ift.tt/2LnPkH3

Photobiomodulation effects on mRNA levels from genomic and chromosome stabilization genes in injured muscle

Abstract

Muscle injuries are the most prevalent type of injury in sports. A great number of athletes have relapsed in muscle injuries not being treated properly. Photobiomodulation therapy is an inexpensive and safe technique with many benefits in muscle injury treatment. However, little has been explored about the infrared laser effects on DNA and telomeres in muscle injuries. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate photobiomodulation effects on mRNA relative levels from genes related to telomere and genomic stabilization in injured muscle. Wistar male rats were randomly divided into six groups: control, laser 25 mW, laser 75 mW, injury, injury laser 25 mW, and injury laser 75 mW. Photobiomodulation was performed with 904 nm, 3 J/cm² at 25 or 75 mW. Cryoinjury was induced by two applications of a metal probe cooled in liquid nitrogen directly on the tibialis anterior muscle. After euthanasia, skeletal muscle samples were withdrawn and total RNA extracted for evaluation of mRNA levels from genomic (ATM and p53) and chromosome stabilization (TRF1 and TRF2) genes by real-time quantitative polymerization chain reaction. Data show that photobiomodulation reduces the mRNA levels from ATM and p53, as well reduces mRNA levels from TRF1 and TRF2 at 25 and 75 mW in injured skeletal muscle. In conclusion, photobiomodulation alters mRNA relative levels from genes related to genomic and telomere stabilization in injured skeletal muscle.

https://ift.tt/2w6X2Rh

Fractional CO 2 laser contributes to the treatment of non-segmental vitiligo as an adjunct therapy: a systemic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

The treatment of stable non-segmental vitiligo is often challenging, which new therapies are being searched. Multiple clinical trials have proposed the benefits and safety of using fractional carbon dioxide (CO₂) laser as an adjunct therapy to conventional treatments. This study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of fractional carbon dioxide laser as a combination therapy to conventional treatments in patients with stable non-segmental vitiligo. A literature search using PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library was performed for comparative studies among vitiligo patients treated with additional fractional CO₂ laser. Clinical outcomes in the selected studies were compared, and a meta-analysis was performed via Review Manager version 5.3, according to the PRISMA guidelines. Six studies with a total of 184 patches/patients were included in the present meta-analysis. The combination therapy group had significantly superior results than that of the control group (≥ 75% re-pigmentation, risk ratio [RR] 2.80, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.29–6.07; ≥ 50% re-pigmentation, RR 2.26, 95% CI 1.23–5.9; < 25% re-pigmentation, RR 0.57, 95% CI 0.43–0.75). Limitations of the study included the small number of studies and sample size, inadequate blinding of participants, and variation between therapy protocols. Meta-analysis revealed that using fractional CO₂ laser in combination with conventional treatments is efficient and safe, and may be considered as an adjunct therapeutic option for patients with refractive non-segmental vitiligo.

https://ift.tt/2P2FkW0

Effects of different treatments on chemical and morphological features of eroded dentin

Abstract

To evaluate the treatment of eroded dentin (Sensodyne Repair & Protect™, Er:YAG laser and combinations). The occlusal surfaces of 25 third molars were sectioned 1.5 mm in thickness. After an erosion cycle (5 min in demineralizing solution + 3 h in remineralizing solution; six cycles a day for 8 days), the samples were divided into five groups (n = 5): (E) erosion − control; (ES) erosion + Sensodyne Repair & Protect (NovaMin); (EL) erosion + Er:YAG laser (40 mJ, 10 Hz, 0.4 W, 50 μs, 3.1 J/cm², 63 W/cm²); (ELS) erosion + Er:YAG laser + Sensodyne; and (ESL) erosion + Sensodyne + Er:YAG laser. Following storage in ultrapure water (37 °C/14 days), the Ca/P ratio was evaluated by EDXRF and the morphology surfaces examined in SEM. The percentage of exposed dentin tubules was calculated. One-way analysis of variance and Tukey's test at 5% were used to treat the data. The Ca/P ratio was higher in E and ES groups. More exposed dentin tubules were found in E group and less exposed tubules were found in the ES group (p < 0.0001). When the toothpaste and laser were combined, the number of occluded dentin tubules was higher when laser was performed first (ELS). A positive effect was found when the laser and toothpaste were combined.

https://ift.tt/2w6Wj2v

Femtosecond lenticule extraction performed on a wrong meridian and effectively reversed by excimer laser ablation

https://ift.tt/2Lqy8AT