A novel tubulin inhibitor STK899704 induces tumor regression in DMBA/TPA induced skin carcinogenesis model

Abstract

Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer. The incidence rate of skin cancer has continuously increased over the past decades. In an effort to discover novel anticancer agents, we identified a novel tubulin inhibitor STK899704 which is structurally distinct from other microtubule-binding agents such as colchicine, vinca alkaloids, and taxanes. STK899704 inhibited microtubule polymerization leading to mitotic arrest, and suppressed the proliferation of various cancer cell lines as well as multidrug-resistance cancer cell lines. In this study, our investigation is further extended into animal model to evaluate the effect of STK899704 on skin carcinogenesis in vivo. Surprisingly, almost 80% of the tumors treated with STK899704 were regressed with a one fifth reduction in tumor volume. Furthermore, the efficacy of STK899704 was nearly two times higher than that of 5-fluorouracil, a widely used skin cancer therapeutic. Overall, our results suggest that STK899704 is a promising anticancer chemotherapeutic that may replace existing therapies, particularly for skin cancer.

This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Eicosapentaenoic acid ethyl ester ameliorates atopic dermatitis-like symptoms in special diet-fed hairless mice, partly by restoring covalently bound ceramides in the stratum corneum

Abstract

Skin barrier dysfunction has a key role in the development of atopic dermatitis (AD). Covalently bound ceramides (Cer), which are essential lipids for permeability barrier homeostasis, are reportedly decreased in the stratum corneum (SC) of AD patients. Hairless mice fed a special diet develop pruritic dermatitis resembling human AD. Our previous study found that oral administration of the n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid α-linolenic acid ameliorated skin barrier dysfunction in AD mice with concomitant increase in serum eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). In this study, we examined the effects of EPA ethyl ester (EPA-E) on diet-induced AD in hairless mice. Oral administration of EPA-E ameliorated skin barrier dysfunction and pruritus in AD mice. In the SC of AD mice, covalently bound Cer were markedly diminished. EPA-E administration restored the lack of bound Cer. Our findings imply the possible therapeutic clinical application of EPA-E in the treatment of human AD.

This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

An efficient method for eccrine gland isolation from human scalp

Abstract

We describe a simple and efficient method to isolate eccrine sweat glands from the human scalp. This method is inspired by the hair graft harvesting method used in hair transplantation. Based on the recently described anatomical relationship between the scalp hair follicle and the eccrine gland, we have found that scalp follicular unit grafts are an excellent eccrine gland isolation source, especially for the coiled component. In order to make the gland visible for stereoscopic microdissection, the follicular units need to be previously stained with a vital dye like Methylene Blue or Neutral Red. The simplicity and efficiency of this isolation method should encourage further research into human eccrine sweat gland function which has always been hindered by the difficulty of gland isolation.

This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Effects of UV Irradiation by Light Emitting Diodes on Heterotrophic Bacteria in Tap Water

Abstract

Ultraviolet light emitting diodes (UV-LEDs) are small mercury-free devices that can be installed at the point of use (POU) of water for disinfection. Considering that heterotrophic bacteria are of concern in drinking water systems, we applied a flow-through UV-LED apparatus to dechlorinated tap water, and determined the heterotrophic plate count (HPC) in samples after UV-LED exposure (UV+) compared to samples without UV-LED application (UV-). The UV+ and UV- samples were maintained at 20 °C to track HPC profiles during storage for seven days. It was confirmed that UV+ samples showed negative HPC or lower HPC than UV- for five days of storage after the flow-through test. HPC bacteria formed colonies with different morphological characteristics, and yellow colonies were closest to Novosphingobium sp., with 99% identity, while white and pale pink colonies were closest to Methylobacterium sp., with 99–100% identity, based on 16S rRNA gene sequences. White colonies became dominant in UV+, indicating that UV-LED exposure can select UV-resistant species such as Methylobacterium. This study shows the effects of UV-LED application on HPC bacteria in tap water, and implies that future research is required on the significance and impacts of microbial selection by UV-LED exposure.

This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Phase II trial of combination treatment with paclitaxel, carboplatin and cetuximab (PCE) as first-line treatment in patients with recurrent and/or metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (CSPOR-HN02)

Abstract

Background

The standard of care for first-line treatment of recurrent and/or metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (R/M SCCHN) is combination treatment with platinum, 5-FU and cetuximab (PFE). However, this regimen requires hospitalization to ensure proper hydration and continuous infusion of 5-FU, and causes severe nausea and anorexia. We evaluated the efficacy and safety of paclitaxel, carboplatin and cetuximab (PCE) as first-line treatment in patients with R/M SCCHN.

Patients and methods

Eligibility criteria included recurrent and/or metastatic, histologically proven SCC of the oropharynx, oral cavity, hypopharynx or larynx; PS 0-1; adequate organ function; no suitable local therapy for R/M SCCHN; and no prior systemic chemotherapy for R/M SCCHN. Chemotherapy consisted of paclitaxel 100mg/m² on days 1, 8; carboplatin AUC 2.5 on days 1, 8, repeated every 3 weeks for up to 6 cycles; and cetuximab at an initial dose of 400mg/m², followed by 250mg/m² weekly until disease progression or unacceptable toxicities. Primary endpoint was overall response rate (ORR). Secondary endpoints were safety, treatment completion rate, progression-free survival, overall survival, and clinical benefit rate. Planned sample size was 45 patients.

Results

Forty-seven subjects were accrued from July 2013 to Oct 2014. Of 45 evaluable, 40 were male; median age was 63 years; ECOG PS was 0/1 in 23/22 cases; site was the hypopharynx/oropharynx/oral cavity/larynx in 17/11/10/7 cases; and 36/9 cases were smokers/non-smokers, respectively. ORR, the primary end point, was 40%. Median overall survival was 14.7 months and progression-free survival was 5.2 months. Grade 3/4 adverse events included neutropenia (68%), skin reaction (15%), fatigue (9%) and febrile neutropenia (9%). A potentially treatment-related death occurred in one patient with intestinal pneumonia.

Conclusions

The PCE regimen shows promising activity with acceptable toxicity in the outpatient clinic. Further studies are needed to compare PCE with PFE in this population.

Registered clinical trial numbers

UMIN000010507

Impact of genomic alterations on lapatinib treatment outcome and cell-free genomic landscape during HER2 therapy in HER2-positive gastric cancer patients

Abstract

Background

To identify predictive markers for responders in lapatinib-treated patients and to demonstrate molecular changes during lapatinib treatment via cell-free genomics.

Patients and Methods

We prospectively evaluated the efficacy of combining lapatinib with capecitabine and oxaliplatin as first line neoadjuvant therapy in patients with previously untreated, HER2-overexpressing advanced gastric cancer (AGC). A parallel biomarker study was conducted by simultaneously performing immunohistochemistry (IHC) and next-generation sequencing with tumor and blood samples.

Results

Complete response (CR) was confirmed in 7/32 patients (21.8%), 2 of whom received radical surgery with pathologic-confirmed CR. Fifteen partial responses (46.8%) were observed, resulting in a 68.6% overall response rate. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) of the 16 tumor specimens demonstrated that the most common co-occurring copy number alteration was CCNE1 amplification, which was present in 40% of HER2-positive tumors. The relationship between CCNE1 amplification and lack of response to HER2 targeted therapy trended toward statistical significance (66.7% of non-responders versus 22.2% of responders harbored CCNE1 amplification; p = 0.08). Patients with high level ERBB2 amplification by NGS were more likely to respond to therapy, compared to patients with low level ERBB2 amplification (p = 0.02). Analysis of cfDNA showed that detectable ERBB2 copy number amplification in plasma was predictive to the response (100%, response rate) and changes in plasma-detected genomic alterations were associated with lapatinib sensitivity and/or resistance. The follow-up cfDNA genomics at disease progression demonstrated that there are emergences of other genomic aberrations such as MYC, EGFR, FGFR2 and MET amplifications.

Conclusions

The present study showed that HER2+ GC patients respond differently according to concomitant genomic aberrations beyond ERBB2, high ERBB2 amplification by NGS or cfDNA can be a positive predictor for patient selection, and tumor genomic alterations change significantly during targeted agent therapy.

Does dietary fluid intake affect skin hydration in healthy humans? A systematic literature review

Abstract

Background

Associations between daily amounts of drinking water and skin hydration and skin physiology receive increasingly attention in the daily life and in clinical practice. However, there is a lack of evidence of dermatological benefits from drinking increased amounts of water.

Materials and methods

Pubmed and Web of Science were searched without any restrictions of publication dates. References of included papers and related reviews were checked. Eligibility criteria were primary intervention and observational studies investigating the effects of fluid intake on skin properties in English, German, Spanish or Portuguese language, including subjects being healthy and 18+ years.

Results

Searches resulted in 216 records, 23 articles were read in full text, and six were included. The mean age of the samples ranged from 24 to 56 years. Overall the evidence is weak in terms of quantity and methodological quality. Disregarding the methodological limitations a slight increase in stratum corneum and "deep" skin hydration was observed after additional water intake, particularly in individuals with lower prior water consumption. Reductions of clinical signs of dryness and roughness were observed. The extensibility and elasticity of the skin increased slightly. Unclear associations were shown between water intake and transepidermal water loss, sebum content, and skin surface pH.

Conclusions

Additional dietary water intake may increase stratum corneum hydration. The underlying biological mechanism for this possible relationship is unknown. Whether this association also exists in aged subjects is unclear. Research is needed to answer the question whether increased fluid intake decreases signs of dry skin.

Ken Hashimoto, M.D., Ph.D. (1931–2017): A tribute

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Asthma and Allergic Disorders in Uganda: A Population-Based Study Across Urban and Rural Settings

Publication date: Available online 1 February 2018
Source:The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: In Practice
Author(s): Brooks W. Morgan, Trishul Siddharthan, Matthew R. Grigsby, Suzanne L. Pollard, Robert Kalyesubula, Robert A. Wise, Bruce Kirenga, William Checkley
BackgroundAllergic diseases are increasing in sub-Saharan Africa, but few studies have characterized the burden among adults.ObjectiveWe conducted a study to evaluate the prevalence and risk factors of allergic disorders in urban and rural Uganda.MethodsWe present a cross-sectional analysis of enrollment data from a population-based cohort study of adults aged ≥35 years in urban and rural Uganda. Sociodemographic and both lifetime and 12-month respiratory symptoms data were collected and spirometry was conducted following standard guidelines.ResultsIn 1,308 adults (median age 43.8 years and 52.3% female), we found an age-adjusted prevalence of 6.8% for asthma (9.8% urban, 4.3% rural; P < .001), 11.9% for allergic rhinitis (16.4% urban, 7.8% rural; P < .001), and 8.2% for eczema (9.9% urban, 7.8% rural; P = .15). Urbanization was the primary driver of asthma, accounting for 61.4% of cases (95% confidence interval [CI] 22.0% to 83.4%), and was the strongest risk factor for any allergic illness (odds ratio [OR] = 1.87, 95% CI 1.39-2.51). Parental asthma was not associated with allergic illness. Asthma was associated with a lower forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) by 0.56 z scores (95% CI 0.33-0.80). We found a dose-response association between lower quintiles of the FEV1/forced vital capacity ratio and both hospitalization (OR = 1.77, 95% CI 1.21-2.59) and impairment in daily activities (1.65, 1.20-2.27).ConclusionsAsthma and allergic rhinitis were twice as prevalent in urban settings. Asthma was associated with greater impairment and worse lung function outcomes. We identified a high prevalence of allergic disorders in Uganda, which can be expected to increase due to urbanization and resultant exposures throughout early development.

Allergy and mental health among pregnant women in the Japan Environment and Children's Study

Publication date: Available online 1 February 2018
Source:The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: In Practice
Author(s): Kiwako Yamamoto-Hanada, Kazue Ishitsuka, Kyongsun Pak, Mayako Saito, Tadayuki Ayabe, Hidetoshi Mezawa, Mizuho Konishi, Limin Yang, Kenji Matsumoto, Hirohisa Saito, Yukihiro Ohya

Should Younger Siblings of Peanut Allergic Children Be Screened for Peanut Allergy?

Publication date: Available online 1 February 2018
Source:The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: In Practice
Author(s): Elissa M. Abrams, Edmond S. Chan, Scott H. Sicherer
The role of screening younger siblings of peanut allergic children with allergy testing before peanut introduction is controversial. Although certain guidelines note some value in screening this population, it is not a direct indication in the recent National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases guideline. Some studies suggest that siblings of peanut allergic children are at increased risk of peanut allergy, whereas others note that delayed ingestion or mislabeling of allergy in these children may be the main factors accounting for this increased risk. The low risk of severe reaction with first ingestion and risks of pre-emptive testing must be balanced against data suggesting that families are reluctant to introduce peanut in siblings without testing. The goal of this article is to critically appraise the debated issues in this topic, providing a practical approach to this common clinical dilemma.

The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: In Practice 2017 Year in Review

Publication date: Available online 1 February 2018
Source:The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: In Practice
Author(s): Michael Schatz, Scott H. Sicherer, Robert S. Zeiger
An impressive number of clinically impactful studies and reviews were published in The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: In Practice in 2017. As a service to our readers, the editors provide this Year in Review article to highlight and contextualize the advances published over the past year. We include information from articles on asthma, allergic rhinitis, rhinosinusitis, immunotherapy, atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, food allergy, anaphylaxis, drug hypersensitivity, urticarial/angioedema, eosinophilic disorders, and immunodeficiency. Within each topic, epidemiologic findings are presented, relevant aspects of prevention are described, and diagnostic and therapeutic advances are enumerated. Treatments discussed include behavioral therapy, allergen avoidance therapy, positive and negative effects of pharmacologic therapy, and various forms of immunologic and desensitization management. We hope this review will help readers consolidate and use this extensive and practical knowledge for the benefit of patients.

Conducting an Integrative Health Interview

Publication date: Available online 1 February 2018
Source:The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: In Practice
Author(s): Maureen George, Melissa Avila, Thomas Speranger, Heidi K. Bailey, William S. Silvers
Complementary medicine incorporates the use of non–evidence-based complementary modalities into conventional (Western) medicine. Alternative medicines are approaches that are used in place of conventional medicine. Integrative medicine is the synthesis of conventional medical treatments with "evidence-based" complementary medical practices. When complementary approaches are incorporated into mainstream health care, it is called integrative health (IH). Among children and adults, IH is common despite not all therapies being safe and/or effective. Clinicians have suboptimal knowledge of their patients' IH use because, in part, they do not know what questions to ask and/or do not have a standard intake form to collect an IH history, as recently demonstrated by an American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology membership survey. To address this unmet need, a group of Complementary and Alternative Practice in Allergy Committee members and interprofessional collaborators reviewed the existing literature to locate IH history forms that could assist in identifying patients' IH use. When none was located, the group created 3 templates for the systematic collection and documentation of IH practices: 2 general screening surveys that could be given to patients to complete before an appointment and a third template that provides the clinician with open-ended questions to help uncover IH practices in culturally diverse patient populations. Specialists, already acknowledged as skillful interviewers, can expand their patient-centered expertise by developing their own IH competencies.

Outcome of 490 Desensitizations to Chemotherapy Drugs with a Rapid One-Solution Protocol

Publication date: Available online 1 February 2018
Source:The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: In Practice
Author(s): Eva Pérez-Rodríguez, Juan Antonio Martínez-Tadeo, Natalia Pérez-Rodríguez, Guacimara Hernández-Santana, Ariel Callero-Viera, Elena Rodríguez-Plata, José Carlos García-Robaina
BackgroundHypersensitivity reactions to chemotherapy drugs are quite frequent. Desensitization for chemotherapy drugs has become an option to maintain first-line therapy in patients who have suffered such reactions.ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to describe our experience in desensitization with antineoplastic agents using a rapid 1-solution protocol.MethodsWe performed a 3-year prospective observational study recording all patients who were desensitized with this protocol. All patients signed an informed consent. Skin test was performed at concentrations previously described as nonirritant. Desensitization was performed using only 1 solution of the drug prepared following the manufacturer instructions. Most drugs were diluted in a volume of 500 mL. We started infusion at 5 mL/h and increased doses at 15-minute intervals to 10, 25, 50, 75, and 100 mL/h. If no reaction occurred, and if the pharmacokinetics of the drug allowed it, we stepped up to 150, 200, and 250 mL/h.ResultsNinety patients were desensitized to 93 drugs: oxaliplatin (30), carboplatin (16), paclitaxel (19), docetaxel (6), cetuximab (5), rituximab (6), and others (11). A total number of 490 procedures were performed. Sixteen patients (17.77%) presented 26 reactions (5.3%). Most reactions appeared in patients who were desensitized to platins and in patients with severe reactions. All but 3 cycles were completely administrated. No deaths or hospital admissions were recorded.ConclusionsThis 1-solution protocol for desensitization has demonstrated to be safe and useful in our study population, especially for mild-to-moderate reactions and nonplatinum drugs. If our results were reproducible in other centers and larger populations, they could contribute to simplifying protocols and making desensitization available for more patients.

Risk Factors for Food Allergy in Early Adolescence: The SchoolNuts Study

Publication date: Available online 1 February 2018
Source:The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: In Practice
Author(s): Mari Sasaki, Rachel L. Peters, Jennifer J. Koplin, Michael J. Field, Vicki McWilliam, Susan M. Sawyer, Peter J. Vuillermin, Angela Pezic, Lyle C. Gurrin, Jo A. Douglass, Mimi L.K. Tang, Shyamali C. Dharmage, Katrina J. Allen
BackgroundDespite the rising rates of anaphylaxis in older children and adolescents, risk factors for food allergy among this age group are understudied.ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to investigate the risk factors for current adolescent food allergy using a population-based sample.MethodsThe SchoolNuts study was a questionnaire survey among 10- to 14-year-old adolescents and their parents, followed by clinic evaluation including oral food challenge when food allergy was suspected from questionnaire response. We investigated the association between food allergy and demographic and environmental factors among a total of 4,991 adolescents using multiple logistic regression.ResultsMales and those with early-onset eczema had a higher risk of current food allergy in adolescence (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.55; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.12-2.15 and aOR, 14.08; 95% CI, 10.25-19.33). Those with Asian parents had increased risk compared with those with Caucasian parents (aOR, 2.82; 95% CI, 1.91-4.16), whereas being born in Asia compared with being born in Australia had decreased risk (aOR, 0.16; 95% CI, 0.04-0.67). Family history risk was higher for those with multiple members versus only 1 member (aOR, 4.62; 95% CI, 2.75-7.74 and aOR, 2.32; 95% CI, 1.36-3.97, respectively). Dog exposure during the first 5 years of life was associated with a decreased risk (aOR, 0.58; 95% CI, 0.38-0.91).ConclusionsEarly-onset eczema, Asian background, and family history of allergic disease were associated with an increased risk of food allergy, whereas dog exposure in early life reduced the risk in 10- to14-year-old adolescents. Factors predicting food allergy risk in an adolescent population-based cohort appear remarkably similar to those predicting early-onset food allergy in infancy.

The Vitamin D3 analogue calcipotriol suppresses CpG-activated TLR9-MyD88 signalling in murine plasmacytoid dendritic cells

Summary

Background

Plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) are involved in the pathogenesis of psoriasis by secreting interferon-α. Vitamin D3 analogues are widely used to treat psoriasis, and the representative analogue calcipotriol (CAL) uniquely downregulates the cytokine production and chemotactic activity of pDCs. However, the molecular mechanism of action of CAL is not well understood.

Aim

To investigate effects of CAL on the Toll-like receptor 9–myeloid differentiation primary response gene 88 (TLR9-MyD88) signalling pathway, which induces cytokine production, in murine pDCs.

Methods

pDCs were isolated from mouse spleen cells by negative selection or were generated from mouse bone-marrow cells, and were stimulated with CpG-oligodeoxynucleotide (ODN) with or without CAL for 24 h. mRNA expression of TLR9 and MyD88 was assessed by real-time PCR, and the amount of TLR9 was measured by western blotting.

Results

CAL suppressed the CpG-ODN-induced increased expression of MyD88 and TLR9 in pDCs.

Conclusions

CAL may downregulate pDCs by inhibiting TLR9-MyD88 signalling.

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Editorial echoes

Comparison of the effectiveness of pulsed dye laser vs pulsed dye laser combined with ultrapulse fractional CO2 laser in the treatment of immature red hypertrophic scars

Summary

Introduction

The objective was to investigate the clinical effect of an adjustable pulse width Pulsed Dye Laser (PDL) vs an adjustable pulse width PDL combined with fractional CO₂ laser in treating immature red hypertrophic scars.

Methods

Fifty-six patients (56 sites)were randomly divided into a treatment group and control group. The control group was treated with the 595 nm PDL at a fluence of 7-15J/cm² and pulse widths of 1.5-3 ms, 7 mm spot size. The treatment group was treated with a fractional CO₂ laser (UltraPulse CO₂: Deep FX, Energy: 30~50 mJ, Frequency: 300 Hz, Density 5%, Scan Shape, and Spot Size were decided by shape and area of scar) after utilizing the 595 nm adjustable pulse width PDL (Fluence: 7-15J/cm², Pulse widths: 1.5-3 ms, Spot size: 7 mm). MEBT/MEBO, previously described as a post-treatment wound ointment, was used after laser treatment. The scars of the treatment group and the control group were evaluated for changes in pigment, height, vascularity, and pliability using the Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS) after two laser treatments.

Results

The total VSS score, as well as the score for melanin, height, vascularity, pliability in both groups, showed an obvious decrease following the treatments. There were statistically significant differences between before treatment and after treatment (P < .05); however, the total score of the VSS, and score of the melanin, height, vascularity, and pliability in the control group decreased more than that of treatment group, and there was a statistically significant difference (P < .05).

Conclusions

The 595 nm adjustable pulse width PDL combined with the fractional CO₂ fractional laser appears to have a beneficial clinical effect on fresh red hypertrophic scars, with no severe adverse reactions seen.

Quantitative Analysis of Conebeam CT for Delineating Stents in Stent-Assisted Coil Embolization [INTERVENTIONAL]

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE:

Innovative techniques and device-related advances have improved the outcomes of neuroendovascular treatment. 3D imaging has previously used 2 x 2 binning, but 1 x 1 binning has recently been made available. The aim of this study was to evaluate the quantitative ability of conebeam CT for stent delineation and to investigate its effectiveness in the clinical environment.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

Four acquisition groups of 3D MIP images acquired using conebeam CT with varying conditions (acquisition time, 10 or 20 seconds and binning, 1 x 1 or 2 x 2) were compared. Two methods of analysis were performed, a phantom study and an analysis of 28 randomly selected patients. The phantom study assessed the contrast-to-noise ratio and full width at half maximum values in conebeam CT images of intracranial stent struts. In the clinical subjects, we assessed contrast-to-noise ratio, full width at half maximum, and dose-area product.

RESULTS:

In the phantom study, the contrast-to-noise ratio was not considerably different between 10- and 20-second acquisition times at equivalent binning settings. Additionally, the contrast-to-noise ratio at equivalent acquisition times did not differ considerably by binning setting. For the full width at half maximum results, equivalent acquisition times differed significantly by binning setting. In the clinical analyses, the 10-second/1 x 1 group (versus 20 second/2 x 2) showed a higher contrast-to-noise ratio (P < .05) and a dose-area product reduced by approximately 70% (P < .05), but the difference in full width at half maximum was not significant (P = .20).

CONCLUSIONS:

For stent-assisted coil embolization, quantitative assessment of conebeam CT showed that 10 second/1 x 1 was equivalent to 20 second/2 x 2 for imaging deployed intracranial stents. Furthermore, the 10-second/1 x 1 settings resulted in a much smaller DAP.

Neuroradiology Fellowship Case Requirements Need Reform [LETTERS]

Substantia Nigra Free Water Increases Longitudinally in Parkinson Disease [ADULT BRAIN]

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE:

Free water in the posterior substantia nigra obtained from a bi-tensor diffusion MR imaging model has been shown to significantly increase over 1- and 4-year periods in patients with early-stage idiopathic Parkinson disease compared with healthy controls, which suggests that posterior substantia nigra free water may be an idiopathic Parkinson disease progression biomarker. Due to the known temporal posterior-to-anterior substantia nigra degeneration in idiopathic Parkinson disease, we assessed longitudinal changes in free water in both the posterior and anterior substantia nigra in patients with later-stage idiopathic Parkinson disease and age-matched healthy controls for comparison.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

Nineteen subjects with idiopathic Parkinson disease and 19 age-matched healthy control subjects were assessed on the same 3T MR imaging scanner at baseline and after approximately 3 years.

RESULTS:

Baseline mean idiopathic Parkinson disease duration was 7.1 years. Both anterior and posterior substantia nigra free water showed significant intergroup differences at baseline (P < .001 and P = .014, respectively, idiopathic Parkinson disease versus healthy controls); however, only anterior substantia nigra free water showed significant longitudinal group x time interaction increases (P = .021, idiopathic Parkinson disease versus healthy controls). There were no significant longitudinal group x time interaction differences found for conventional diffusion tensor imaging or free water–corrected DTI assessments in either the anterior or posterior substantia nigra.

CONCLUSIONS:

Results from this study provide further evidence supporting substantia nigra free water as a promising disease-progression biomarker in idiopathic Parkinson disease that may help to identify disease-modifying therapies if used in future clinical trials. Our novel finding of longitudinal increases in anterior but not posterior substantia nigra free water is potentially a result of the much longer disease duration of our cohort compared with previously studied cohorts and the known posterior-to-anterior substantia nigra degeneration that occurs over time in idiopathic Parkinson disease.

Spinal Angiogram: A Treacherous Criterion Standard... [LETTERS]

High Signal Intensity in the Dentate Nucleus and Globus Pallidus on Unenhanced T1-Weighted MR Images: Comparison between Gadobutrol and Linear Gadolinium-Based Contrast Agents [PATIENT SAFETY]

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE:

In view of the recent observations that gadolinium deposits in brain tissue after intravenous injection, our aim of this study was to compare signal changes in the globus pallidus and dentate nucleus on unenhanced T1-weighted MR images in patients receiving serial doses of gadobutrol, a macrocyclic gadolinium-based contrast agent, with those seen in patients receiving linear gadolinium-based contrast agents.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

This was a retrospective analysis of on-site patients with brain tumors. Fifty-nine patients received only gadobutrol, and 60 patients received only linear gadolinium-based contrast agents. Linear gadolinium-based contrast agents included gadoversetamide, gadobenate dimeglumine, and gadodiamide. T1 signal intensity in the globus pallidus, dentate nucleus, and pons was measured on the precontrast portions of patients' first and seventh brain MRIs. Ratios of signal intensity comparing the globus pallidus with the pons (globus pallidus/pons) and dentate nucleus with the pons (dentate nucleus/pons) were calculated. Changes in the above signal intensity ratios were compared within the gadobutrol and linear agent groups, as well as between groups.

RESULTS:

The dentate nucleus/pons signal ratio increased in the linear gadolinium-based contrast agent group (t = 4.215, P < .001), while no significant increase was seen in the gadobutrol group (t = –1.422, P = .08). The globus pallidus/pons ratios followed similarly, with an increase in the linear gadolinium-based contrast agent group (t = 2.931, P < .0001) and no significant change in those receiving gadobutrol (t = 0.684, P = .25).

CONCLUSIONS:

Successive doses of gadobutrol do not result in T1 shortening compared with changes seen in linear gadolinium-based contrast agents.

Deep Learning in Neuroradiology [REVIEW ARTICLE]

SUMMARY:

Deep learning is a form of machine learning using a convolutional neural network architecture that shows tremendous promise for imaging applications. It is increasingly being adapted from its original demonstration in computer vision applications to medical imaging. Because of the high volume and wealth of multimodal imaging information acquired in typical studies, neuroradiology is poised to be an early adopter of deep learning. Compelling deep learning research applications have been demonstrated, and their use is likely to grow rapidly. This review article describes the reasons, outlines the basic methods used to train and test deep learning models, and presents a brief overview of current and potential clinical applications with an emphasis on how they are likely to change future neuroradiology practice. Facility with these methods among neuroimaging researchers and clinicians will be important to channel and harness the vast potential of this new method.

Optimization of DARTEL Settings for the Detection of Alzheimer Disease [ADULT BRAIN]

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE:

Although Diffeomorphic Anatomical Registration Through Exponentiated Lie Algebra (DARTEL) has been introduced as an alternative to conventional voxel-based morphometry, there are scant data available regarding the optimal image-processing settings. The aim of this study was to optimize image-processing and ROI settings for the diagnosis of Alzheimer disease using DARTEL.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

Between May 2002 and August 2014, we selected 158 patients with Alzheimer disease and 198 age-matched healthy subjects; 158 healthy subjects served as the control group against the patients with Alzheimer disease, and the remaining 40 served as the healthy data base. Structural MR images were obtained in all the participants and were processed using DARTEL-based voxel-based morphometry with a variety of settings. These included modulated or nonmodulated, nonsmoothed or smoothed settings with a 4-, 8-, 12-, 16-, or 20-mm kernel size. A z score was calculated for each ROI, and univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to determine the optimal ROI settings for each dataset. The optimal settings were defined as those demonstrating the highest ² test statistics in the multivariate logistic regression analyses. Finally, using the optimal settings, we obtained receiver operating characteristic curves. The models were verified using 10-fold cross-validation.

RESULTS:

The optimal settings were obtained using the hippocampus and precuneus as ROIs without modulation and smoothing. The average area under the curve was 0.845 (95% confidence interval, 0.788–0.902).

CONCLUSIONS:

We recommend using the precuneus and hippocampus as ROIs without modulation and smoothing for DARTEL-based voxel-based morphometry as a tool for diagnosing Alzheimer disease.

Should platelet-rich plasma be activated in fat grafts? An animal study

The adjunction of platelet-rich plasma with graft fat has been the subject of a few clinical trials which have demonstrated its value in adipocyte survival. The aim of this study was to assess the different efficacies between activated and non-activated PRP on adipose cells in vitro and for adipose tissue graft survival in vivo.

Thermodynamic characterization of a non-commercial emulsifying agent for asphalt emulsion

Abstract

The objective of the present work was to characterize a non-commercial emulsifying agent: dodecylpyridinium thiocyanate (C12PCNS). This study was carried out by conductimetry technique in the temperature range 25–50 °C. Assuming the system conforms to the pseudo-phase separation model, change of standard Gibbs free energy, ΔG_m ⁰, enthalpy, ΔH_m ⁰, and entropy of micellization, ΔS_m ⁰, were estimated. Values for critical micelle concentration (cmc) and the ionization degree, β, were determined directly from the experimental data. The results show that the influence of the counter ion is very relevant, because the cmc for this compound is appreciably greater than the cmc of other pyridinium homologs of the same chain length. Finally, the compensation rule for this system has been found and the compensation temperature and the intercept ΔH^*—it is an indication of the stability of the micelle—were estimated.

Dermoscopic evaluation for skin grafts after surgery; neo-vascularization correlates with survival of skin grafts: a prospective study

Skin grafting is a well-known reconstructive surgical procedure to remedy skin defects, and it is divided into two categories: full-thickness skin graft (FTSG) and split-thickness skin graft (STSG) [1]. Skin graft survival is principally evaluated by the gross appearance after the tie-over dressing is removed, and the current clinical practice is for clinicians to 'empirically' judge the condition of the skin graft. Dermoscopy has been useful for easy, detailed, noninvasive observations of the skin condition, and it can often help to diagnose various cutaneous diseases [2,3].

Sonocatalytic degradation of rhodamine B in presence of CdS

Abstract

A novel sonocatalyst CdS was prepared by a facile precipitation method, and characterized by X-ray powder diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, UV-vis absorption spectroscopy, and photoluminescence spectroscopy. Comparative sonocatalytic degradation experiments were carried out in different conditions under ultrasonic irradiation and with rhodamine B (RhB) used as the model substrate. Results indicate that CdS is a highly active sonocatalyst. The efficiency of RhB sonodegradation in aqueous solutions within 4 h is up to 70% after the addition of CdS. Abundant •OH during the RhB sonodegradation was detected, which may be responsible for the high sonodegradation rate over CdS under ultrasonic radiation.

REAL WORLD EVIDENCE - What Is It and Does It Matter for Approval of Drugs?

Tip to protect the tip: An inexpensive alternative to protect damage to fine instruments during sterilization

Post-exposure prevention of toxicodendron dermatitis with early forceful unidirectional washing

Matrix effect in case of purification of oily waters by membrane separation combined with pre-ozonation

Abstract

In the present study, oil in water emulsions (c_oil = 100 ppm; d_{oil droplets} < 2 μm) was purified with ozonation followed by microfiltration using polyethersulfone (PES) membrane (d_pore = 0.2 μm). The effects of pre-ozonation on membrane microfiltration were investigated in detail both in case of ultrapure and model groundwater matrices, applying different durations (0, 5, 10, and 20 min) of pre-ozonation. Simultaneously, the effects of added inorganic water components on the combined method were investigated. Size distribution of oil droplets, zeta potentials, fluxes, and purification efficiencies were measured and fouling mechanisms were described in all cases. It was found that the matrix significantly affected the size distribution and adherence ability of oil droplets onto the membrane surface, therefore fouling mechanisms also were strongly dependent on the matrix. In case of low salt concentration, the total resistance was caused mainly by reversible resistance, which could be significantly reduced (eliminated) by pre-ozonation. In case of model groundwater matrix, nearly twice higher total resistance was measured, and irreversible resistance was dominant, because of the higher adhesion ability of the oil droplets onto the membrane surface. In this case, pre-ozonation resulted in much lower irreversible, but higher reversible resistance. Increased duration of pre-ozonation raised the total resistance and reduced the elimination efficiency (due to fragmented oil droplets and water soluble oxidation by-products) in both cases, therefore short pre-ozonation can be recommended both from economic and performance aspects.

Patient and Physician Assessment of Surgical Scars

This systematic review summarizes published studies assessing patient and physician ratings of surgical scars, rates of patient and physician agreement in scar assessment, and elements of cutaneous scar assessment that differ between patients and physicians.

Primary cutaneous angiomatoid melanoma

Localized pretibial bullous pemphigoid arising in a patient on pembrolizumab for metastatic melanoma

Cutaneous granulomas in a patient with common variable immunodeficiency disease

The environmental impact of informal and home productive arrangement in the jewelry and fashion jewelry chain on sanitary sewer system

Abstract

The outsourcing informal home practices adopted in jewelry and fashion jewelry chain can cause toxic substance elimination in the effluents and raise a concern for its environmental impact. This study evaluates if this informal work alters the concentration of potentially toxic elements (PTEs: As, Cd, Cr total and Cr-VI, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb, Sn, and Zn) in the sewage network. The sanitary sewage samples (n = 540) were collected in 15 manholes during two campaigns in three different areas of Limeira-SP, Brazil (industrial area, with informal work and without known industrial/informal activity). The sewage sludge (n = 12), raw (n = 12), and treated sewage (n = 12) were collected in two wastewater treatment plants (WWT: AS and TATU) operating with different treatment process. The PTE determination was performed by ICP-OES, direct mercury analysis, and UV–Vis spectroscopy. Cr-VI, Cu, Ni, and Zn were the only elements above the quantification limit. Four samples exceeded Cu or Zn values permitted to be discharged into sewage system; however, the concentration average was lower than that established by Brazilian legislation. A difference was found between values above and below the 75th percentile for campaign and total organic carbon values (p < 0.015). The AS-treated sewage presented low concentrations of Cu (p < 0.05), Zn (p = 0.02), and Ni (p = 0.01) compared to treated sewage from TATU. In the sludge samples, the Cu means exceeded the limits of the Brazilian legislation (1500 mg kg⁻¹) and the Zn results were very close to the limits (2800 mg kg⁻¹). The heterogeneity of the results can indicate the sporadic nature of the PTE's sanitary disposal. PTEs used in jewelry and fashion jewelry chain may precipitate on the sludge, where presented high concentrations of Cu and Zn which require controlled destination.

Intraspecies polymorphisms of Kluyveromyces marxianus strains from Yaghnob valley

Abstract

In this study, 29 strains of Kluyveromyces marxianus with peculiar genetic and phenotypic traits previously isolated from a fermented goat milk of Yaghnob valley were investigated for chromosome length polymorphism (CLP) by PFGE, adhesion properties and carbon usage by Biolog analysis. Obtained data showed that strains differed in terms of number and size of chromosome bands. The number of bands ranged from 5 to 7, suggesting a probable genome size from 1.4 to 2.6 Mb. Strains showed a certain level of cell surface hydrophobicity ranging from 32% to 77.7%. Strains were also tested for their ability to form a biofilm on polystyrene plates: planktonic cells ranged from 6.3 cfu/mL to 7.95 cfu/mL, while sessile from 7.11 cfu/mL to 8.6 cfu/mL. The strains able to adhere to polystyrene plates were also able to form a mature MAT. Biolog analysis revealed that almost all strains were able to use putrescine, malic acid, α-D lactose, phenylethylamine, β-methyl D-gucoside, and xylose; 5 strains were able to grow on cellobiose and 3 were able to catabolise α-ketobutyric. The obtained data highlighted a number of interesting features underlying the peculiar capacities of these strains for industrial applications.

Beyond nitrogen metabolism: nitric oxide, cyclic-di-GMP and bacterial biofilms

Abstract

The nitrogen cycle pathways are responsible for the circulation of inorganic and organic N-containing molecules in nature. Among these pathways, those involving amino acids, N-oxides and in particular nitric oxide (NO) play strategic roles in the metabolism of microorganisms in natural environments and in host-pathogen interactions. Beyond their role in the N-cycle, amino acids and NO are also signalling molecules able to influence group behaviour in microorganisms and cell-cell communication in multicellular organisms, including humans.In this mini-review, we summarize the role of these compounds in the homeostasis of the bacterial communities called biofilms, commonly found in environmental, industrial and medical settings. Biofilms are difficult to eradicate since they are highly resistant to antimicrobials and to the host immune system. We highlight the effect of amino acids such as glutamate, glutamine and arginine and of NO on the signalling pathways involved in the metabolism of 3', 5'-cyclic diguanylic acid (c-di-GMP), a master regulator of motility, attachment and group behaviour in bacteria. The study of the metabolic routes involving these N-containing compounds represents an attractive topic to identify targets for biofilm control in both natural and medical settings.

Diversification of Pseudomonas aeruginosa within the cystic fibrosis lung and its effects on antibiotic resistance

Abstract

The evolution and diversification of bacterial pathogens within human hosts represent potential barriers to the diagnosis and treatment of life-threatening infections. Tremendous genetic and phenotypic diversity is characteristic of host adaptation in strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa that infect the airways of individuals with chronic lung diseases and prove to be extremely difficult to eradicate. In this MiniReview, we examine recent advances in understanding within-host diversity and antimicrobial resistance in P. aeruginosa populations from the lower airways of individuals with the fatal genetic disease cystic fibrosis and the potential impacts that this diversity may have on detecting and interpreting antimicrobial susceptibility within these populations.

Calcium oxalate druses affect leaf optical properties in selenium-treated Fagopyrum tataricum

Publication date: Available online 31 January 2018
Source:Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology B: Biology
Author(s): Aleksandra Golob, Vekoslava Stibilj, Marijan Nečemer, Peter Kump, Ivan Kreft, Anja Hočevar, Alenka Gaberščik, Mateja Germ
Plants of the genus Fagopyrum contain high levels of crystalline calcium oxalate (CaOx) deposits, or druses, that can affect the leaf optical properties. As selenium has been shown to modify the uptake and accumulation of metabolically important elements such as calcium, we hypothesised that the numbers of druses can be altered by selenium treatment, and this would affect the leaf optical properties. Tartary buckwheat (Fagopyrum tataricum Gaertn.) was grown outdoors in an experimental field. At the beginning of flowering, plants were foliarly sprayed with sodium selenate solution at 10 mg selenium L⁻¹ or only with water. Plant morphological, biochemical, physiological and optical properties were examined, along with leaf elemental composition and content. Se spraying did not affect leaf biochemical and functional properties. However, it increased leaf thickness and the contents of Se in the leaves, and decreased the density of calcium oxalate druses in the leaves. Except Se content, Se spraying did not affect contents of other elements in leaves, including total calcium per dry mass of leaf tissue. Redundancy analysis showed that of all parameters tested, only the calcium oxalate druses parameters were significant in explaining the variability of the leaf reflectance and transmittance spectra. The density of CaOx druses positively correlated with the reflectance in the blue, green, yellow and UV-B regions of the spectrum, while the area of CaOx druses per mm² of leaf transection area positively correlated with the transmittance in the green and yellow regions of the spectrum.

Elucidation of intermolecular interaction of bovine serum albumin with Fenhexamid: A biophysical prospect

Publication date: Available online 31 January 2018
Source:Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology B: Biology
Author(s): Jie-Hua Shi, Yan-Yue Lou, Kai-Li Zhou, Dong-Qi Pan
Fenhexamid, as a hydroxyanilide, is widely applied to control Botrytis cinerea for protecting crops and fruits. But it could adversely affect human and animals health due to accumulation of residues in food production. Here, the affinity characteristics of fenhexamid on bovine serum albumin (BSA) was studied via a series of spectroscopic methods such as steady-state fluorescence spectroscopy, ultraviolet spectroscopy (UV), synchronous fluorescence spectroscopy (SFS), 3D fluorescence spectroscopy, and fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). The experimental results illustrated that the fluorescence quenching mechanism of BSA induced by fenhexamid was a static quenching. The binding constant (Kb) of fenhexamid with BSA was 2.399 × 10⁴ M⁻¹ at 298 K and the combination ratio was about 1:1. The competitive experiment demonstrated that fenhexamid was binding on the BSA at site II (subdomain IIIA), which was confirmed by the molecular docking studies. The negative values of thermodynamic parameter (ΔH⁰, ΔS⁰ and ΔG⁰) revealed that the reaction of fenhexamid with BSA could proceed spontaneously, the van der Waals force and hydrogen bonding interaction conducted the main effect, and the binding process was enthalpy-driven. What's more, the 8-Anilino-1-naphthalenesulfonate (ANS) and sucrose binding studies were also performed and further verified the binding force between BSA and fenhexamid.

Graphical abstract

Waste chimney oil to nanolights: A low cost chemosensor for tracer metal detection in practical field and its polymer composite for multidimensional activity

Publication date: Available online 31 January 2018
Source:Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology B: Biology
Author(s): Poushali Das, Sayan Ganguly, Priti Prasanna Maity, Madhuparna Bose, Subhadip Mondal, Santanu Dhara, Amit Kumar Das, Susanta Banerjee, Narayan Ch. Das
Proper waste disposal from household and restaurants is becoming an important and recurring waste-management concern. Herein, a method of upcycling of waste kitchen chimney oil has been adopted to prepare fluorescent multifunctional carbon quantum dots. These nanodots showed superior biocompatibility, excellent optical properties, water solubility and high yield. Preparation of C-dots from highly abundant carbon source of waste refusals is highly effective in commercial aspect as well as in reducing the immense environmental pollution. The C-dots showed quasi-spherical size obtained from high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) having an abundance of 1–4 nm in size. The ease of water dispersibility of the nanodots is a mere reflection of their surface polarity which has been supported by Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). In the field of practical acceptability, the C-dots have been experimented to sense Fe³⁺ ion in a wide range of concentration (1 nM to 600 μM) with a detection limit of 0.18 nM which can be termed as 'tracer metal chemosensor'. Moreover, the prepared carbon dots were also tested against inter-cellular Fe³⁺ ion sensing probe. Lastly, we also fabricate the biopolymer‑carbon dots composite for fluorescent marker ink and light emitting polymer film.

Graphical abstract

Regio- and stereoselective synthesis of new spirooxindoles via 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reaction: Anticancer and molecular docking studies

Publication date: Available online 31 January 2018
Source:Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology B: Biology
Author(s): Gehad Lotfy, El Sayed H. El Ashry, Mohamed M. Said, El Sayed El Tamany, Yasmine M. Abdel Aziz, Abdullah Al-Dhfyan, Abdullah M. Al-Majid, Assem Barakat
Owing to their structural novelty and inherent three-dimensionality, spiro scaffolds have been shown indisputable promise as chemopreventive agents. A new series of heterocycles containing spirooxindole and pyrrolidine rings were synthesized by the 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of an azomethine ylide, which was generated in situ by the condensation of a secondary amino acid (l‑proline) and dicarbonyl compounds (isatin), with dipolarophiles. This method is simple and provides diverse and biologically interesting products. The new series of compounds with a high degree of stereo- and regioselectivity were evaluated against breast cancer cell lines (MCF-7) and leukemia (K562). Among them, compound 4g was identified as the most potent with IC50 values of 15.49 ± 0.04 μM, against breast cancer cell lines (MCF-7) compared to standard drug 5-Fu (IC50 = 78.28 ± 0.2 μM) and compound 4i IC50 values of 13.38 ± 0.14 μM against leukemia (K562) compared to standard drug 5-Fu (IC50 = 38.58 ± 0.02). The selective apoptotic effects of 4g were investigated against MCF-12 normal mammary cell and the cytotoxicity of 4g was not associated with any induction of necrosis compared to untreated cells. Molecular docking studies were investigated. From the docking data, these compounds could be act as small molecules that inhibit the MDM2-p53 interaction.

Graphical abstract

The molecular cues for the biological effects of ionizing radiation dose and post-irradiation time on human breast cancer SKBR3 cell line: A Raman spectroscopy study

Publication date: Available online 31 January 2018
Source:Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology B: Biology
Author(s): Naser Jafarzadeh, Ahmad Mani-Varnosfaderani, Kambiz Gilany, Samira Eynali, Habib Ghaznavi, Ali Shakeri-Zadeh
Radiotherapy is one of the main modalities of cancer treatment. The utility of Raman spectroscopy (RS) for detecting the distinct radiobiological responses in human cancer cells is currently under investigation. RS holds great promises to provide good opportunities for personalizing radiotherapy treatments. Here, we report the effects of the radiation dose and post-irradiation time on the molecular changes in the human breast cancer SKBR3 cells, using RS. The SKBR3 cells were irradiated by gamma radiation with different doses of 0, 1, 2, 4, and 6 Gy. The Raman signals were acquired 24 and 48 h after the gamma radiation. The collected Raman spectra were analyzed by different statistical methods such as principal component analysis, linear discriminant analysis, and genetic algorithm. A thorough analysis of the obtained Raman signals revealed that 2 Gy of gamma radiation induces remarkable molecular and structural changes in the SKBR3 cells. We found that the wavenumbers in the range of 1000–1400 cm⁻¹ in Raman spectra are selective for discriminating between the effects of the different doses of irradiation. The results also revealed that longer post-irradiation time leads to the relaxation of the cells to their initial state. The molecular changes that occurred in the 2Gy samples were mostly reversible. On the other hand, the exposure to doses higher than 4Gy induced serious irreversible changes, mainly seen in 2700–2800 cm⁻¹ in Raman spectra. The classification models developed in this study would help to predict the radiation-based molecular changes induced in the cancer cells by only using RS. Also, this designed framework may facilitate the process of biodosimetry.

Graphical abstract

The photoprotective and anti-inflammatory activity of red propolis extract in rats

Publication date: Available online 31 January 2018
Source:Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology B: Biology
Author(s): C.M. Batista, A.V.F. Alves, L.A. Queiroz, B.S. Lima, R.N.P. Filho, A.A.S. Araújo, R.L.C. de Albuquerque Júnior, J.C. Cardoso
The negative effects triggered by ultraviolet radiation, such as premature aging and carcinogenesis, have motivated several studies on photoprotection. Recent strategies for photoprotection have included the incorporation of natural antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds, such as flavonoids, into sunscreens and the oral administration of natural antioxidant extracts. Brazilian Red propolis extract contains isoflavonoids with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Here, we investigate the photoprotective effects of orally- or topically-administered formulations containing hydroalcoholic extract of red propolis (HERP) in a rodent model. HERP showed markers identified as: daidzein (4.68 μg/mL), formononetin (31.81 μg/mL) and biochanin A (9.58 μg/mL). A fourth peak was found in the chromatogram but was not identified. The antioxidant activity of HERP was calculated to be 3.07 mmol Trolox/g and 2.13 mmol Trolox/g, respectively. Topical HERP exerted a protective action against UVB radiation, which was similar to that exerted by oxybenzone filter. Oral HERP as an adjuvant treatment did not increase sunburn protection. However, the oral administration of HERP presented chemoprotective and anti-inflammatory activity (p < 0.05) similar or better than Polypodium leucotomos oral treatment (positive control). In conclusion, topical administration of HERP has photoprotective activity in a murine model and the mechanisms of protection can be related to the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory characteristics of HERP compounds.

Green synthesis of NiO nanoparticles using Aegle marmelos leaf extract for the evaluation of in-vitro cytotoxicity, antibacterial and photocatalytic properties

Publication date: Available online 31 January 2018
Source:Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology B: Biology
Author(s): A. Angel Ezhilarasi, J. Judith Vijaya, K. Kaviyarasu, L. John Kennedy, R. Jothiramalingam, Hamad A. Al-Lohedan
In the present study, we report the green synthesis of NiO nanoparticles using Aegle marmelos as a fuel and this method is ecofriendly and cost effective. The plant Aegle marmelos is used in the field of pharmaceuticals to cure diseases like chronic diarrhea, peptic ulcers and dysentery in India for nearly 5 centuries. The as-prepared nanoparticles were confirmed as pure face centered cubic phase and single crystalline in nature by XRD. The formation of agglomerated spherical nanoparticles was shown by HR-SEM and HR-TEM images. The particle size calculated from HR-SEM was in the range 8–10 nm and it matches with the average crystallite size calculated from the XRD pattern. NiO shows intense emission peaks at 363 and 412 nm in its PL spectra. The band gap of 3.5 eV is observed from DRS studies and the formation of pure NiO is confirmed by FT-IR spectra. The as-prepared NiO nanoparticles show super paramagnetic behavior, when magnetization studies are carried out. It is then evaluated for cytotoxic activity towards A549 cell culture, antibacterial activity and photocatalytic degradation (PCD) of 4‑chlorophenol (4‑CP), which is known as the endocrine disrupting chemical (EDC). From the results, it is found that the cell viability of A549 cells was effectively reduced and it showed better antibacterial activity towards gram positive bacterial strains. It is also proved to be an efficient and stable photocatalyst towards the degradation of 4‑CP.

Graphical abstract

UV-B affects the immune system and promotes nuclear abnormalities in pigmented and non-pigmented bullfrog tadpoles

Publication date: Available online 31 January 2018
Source:Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology B: Biology
Author(s): Lilian Franco-Belussi, Lara Zácari Fanali, Classius De Oliveira
Ultra-Violet (UV) radiation is a stressor of the immune system and causes DNA damage. Leukocytes can change in response to environmental changes in anurans, making them an important biomarker of stressful situations. The initial barrier against UV in ectothermic animals is melanin-containing cells in skin and in their internal organs. Here, we tested the effects of UV exposure on immune cells and DNA integrity in pigmented and non-pigmented tadpoles of Lithobates catesbeianus. We used an inflammation model with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) of Escherichia coli to test synergic effects of UV and LPS. We tested the following hypotheses: 1) DNA damage caused by UV will be more pronounced in non-pigmented than in pigmented animals; 2) LPS increases leukocytes in both pigmented and non-pigmented animals by systemic inflammation; 3) The combined LPS and UV exposure will decrease the number of leukocytes. We found that the frequency of immune cells differed between pigmented and non-pigmented tadpoles. UV exposure increased mast cells and DNA damage in erythrocytes in both pigmented and non-pigmented tadpoles, while leukocytes decreased after UV exposure. Non-pigmented tadpoles experienced DNA damage and a lower lymphocyte count earlier than pigmented tadpoles. UV altered immune cells likely as a consequence of local and systemic inflammation. These alterations were less severe in pigmented than in non-pigmented animals. UV and LPS increased internal melanin in pigmented tadpoles, which were correlated with DNA damage and leukocytes. Here, we described for the first time the effects of UV and LPS in immune cells of pigmented and non-pigmented tadpoles. In addition, we demonstrated that internal melanin in tadpoles help in these defenses, since leukocyte responses were faster in non-pigmented animals, supporting the hypothesis that melanin is involved in the initial innate immune response.

Graphical abstract

Responses to Watson, Talbert, and McKenna

Abstract

In this essay, I provide responses to the trenchant critical remarks of Michael McKenna, Matt Talbert, and Gary Watson on my book Responsibility from the Margins. In doing so, I provide some new thoughts on the nature of attributability, what work talk of "capacities" is doing in my tripartite, qualities of will theory of responsibility, and what the relation is between our attitudes and practices of holding others and ourselves responsible.

Issue Information

The impact of pesticides on the macroinvertebrate community in the water channels of the Río Negro and Neuquén Valley, North Patagonia (Argentina)

Abstract

Agriculture represents the second most important economic activity in the North Patagonian Region of Argentina and non-selective insecticides are still being used with significant implications to the quality of the environment. The range of concentrations (μg/L) determined for azinphosmethyl, chlorpyrifos, and carbaryl in drainage channels were from non-detected to 1.02, 1.45, and 11.21, respectively. Macroinvertebrate abundance and taxon richness in drainage channels were significantly lower in November compared to the other sampling months (October, February). The decrease in taxon richness observed in November was associated with chlorpyrifos and azinphosmethyl peak concentrations. The most remarkable changes were the decrease in sensitive taxa such as Baetidae and the increase in some tolerant taxa such as Chironomidae and Gastropoda.

For all three pesticides, the acute hazard quotient exceeded the risk criteria for invertebrates. The effects of the three pesticides on aquatic organisms, characterized by joint probability curves, showed that the LC₅₀ of 10% of the species were exceeded five and three times by the concentrations of azinphosmethyl and chlorpyrifos during the study period, respectively. However, the correlation between the pesticide concentrations and both taxon richness and abundance of macroinvertebrates at each site (irrigation and drainage channels) was indicative that only chlorpyrifos was negatively correlated with both parameters (Spearman r² − 0.61, p = 0.0051 and Spearman r² − 0.59, p = 0.0068 for taxon richness and abundance correlation, respectively). We conclude that macroinvertebrate assemblages in drainage channels were highly affected by chlorpyrifos levels.

Effects of cadmium on photosynthesis of Schima superba young plant detected by chlorophyll fluorescence

Abstract

Contamination by heavy metals has become a serious environmental pollution issue today due to its potential threat to plant, wildlife, and human health. Photosynthesis, a process in which light energy is used to produce sugar and other organic compounds, is sensitive to heavy metals. In the present study, the response of photosynthetic process and carbon assimilation of Schima superba was investigated under cadmium (Cd) stress. Three Cd concentrations (0, 300, and 600 mg kg⁻¹) were used designated as control (CK), low Cd (L₁), and high Cd treatment (L₂) of plants. Results showed that photosystem II (PSII) acceptor and donor side electron transport were more easily blocked in treatment compared to control, and L₂ have more significant changes than L₁. A substantial decrease of 820 nm reflection curve absorption was observed both in L₁ and L₂ treatments. Special energy fluxes showed significant difference between the control group and the treated group, which indicated that low concentration Cd stress can cause decrease in quantum yield of PSII in plants studied. Non-stomatal factors resulted in a decrease in net photosynthetic rate and a decrease in photosystem activity. Our results suggested that Cd can damage structure and function of the photosynthesis of S. superba young plants.

Influence of labile dissolved organic matter on nitrate reduction in a seepage face

Abstract

Seepage faces, the outer rim of subterranean estuaries, are an important reaction node for SGD-borne nitrate (NO₃⁻) on a global scale. Labile dissolved organic matter (DOM) has been suggested to be a key factor constraining the NO₃⁻ removal rate in aquifer systems. To determine whether and to what extent the availability of labile DOM affects benthic NO₃⁻ reduction in seepage faces, a series of flow-through reactor (FTR) experiments with sandy sediment collected from a seepage face was conducted under oxic conditions. Experimental results revealed that the addition of labile DOM (glucose) to porewater did not trigger a significant enhancement in NO₃⁻ reduction rate. In contrast, the aerobic respiration was boosted from ca. 50 to 90 μmol dm⁻³ sediment h⁻¹ by glucose amendments, accounting for approximately 70% consumption of the labile DOM pool. This rapid consumption may increase the NO₃⁻ reducing capability within the sediment, but only indirectly. Together with fluorescent DOM (FDOM) analyses, it can be inferred that NO₃⁻ reducers tend to choose sediment organic matter the prime electron donor under the experimental conditions. As a result, enrichment of DOM in seepage faces, depending on composition, might only stimulate aerobic respiration and nitrification, thus promoting the increase of ensuing NO₃⁻ fluxes to adjacent coastal waters.

Analysis and utilization of temple waste flowers in Coimbatore District

Abstract

The present work deals with collection, handling, utilization, and management of the waste flowers that are coming out of the temples in Coimbatore District, Tamilnadu, India. An attempt has been made to provide a current situation and complete analysis of temple waste flowers (TWFs) with suggestions and recommendations. As a part of Clean India, Clean and Green Kovai (Green Coimbatore) mission, this paper gives an idea to reduce the volume of temple waste flowers by converting into activated carbon by direct pyrolysis process and chemical activation with sulfuric acid and phosphoric acid process, respectively. The products were analyzed and compared based on the results of physicochemical parameters including pH, conductivity, moisture content, ash content, volatile content, fixed carbon, bulk density, porosity, specific gravity, water soluble matter, acid soluble matter, iodine number, methylene blue number, yield, and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (S_BET) surface area. The structure, surface morphology, and chemical compositions of carbon were determined by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FeSEM), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), respectively. From the comparison of results, the activated carbon produced from temple waste flowers by direct pyrolysis process is fairly better due to low moisture content, low ash content, better yield, and higher surface area.

Aberrant breast tissue in complete androgen insensitivity syndrome

Lipid metabolism and benzo[a]pyrene degradation by Fusarium solani : an unexplored potential

Abstract

In a search for indigenous soil saprotrophic fungi for bioremediation purposes, Fusarium solani, a saprotrophic fungus belonging to the phylum Ascomycota, was isolated from a fossil carbon contaminated soil. The effect of the carbon source, glucose or olive oil, was investigated in vitro on the biomass produced by F. solani and on the degradation of benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) in mineral medium. After only 12 days of incubation, BaP degradation by F. solani was higher (37.4%) with olive oil used as the carbon source than the one obtained with glucose (4.2%). Catalase activity increased in the presence of olive oil (3.4 μkat mg⁻¹ protein) in comparison with glucose (2.1 μkat mg⁻¹ protein). When olive oil was used as the carbon source, BaP degradation increased up to 76.0% in the presence of a specific catalase inhibitor, 3-Amino-1,2,4-triazole (2 mM). This metabolic engineering strategy based both on the use of olive oil as carbon source (cultivation strategy) and on the blocking of the catalase activity could be an innovative and promising approach for fungal biodegradation of BaP and consequently for bioremediation of soil contaminated with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.