Degradation of the earthy and musty odorant 2,4,6-tricholoroanisole by persulfate activated with iron of different valences

Abstract

2,4,6-Trichloroanisole (TCA) is an odorous compound that is often detected in tap water and is difficult to be removed via water treatment. In this study, the transformation efficiency of TCA in the presence of persulfate (PS) activated by iron (Fe²⁺, Fe⁰, and Fe³⁺) was investigated for the first time. The effects of the activator dosage, oxidant dosage, pH, dosing method, chelating agents, humic acid, and temperature were evaluated. The degradation rate of TCA increased with increasing PS dosages (0.12–0.48 mM) and initial Fe²⁺ concentrations (0.12–0.96 mM), while it decreased with higher Fe²⁺ concentrations. Fe²⁺/PS and Fe⁰/PS systems achieved their best TCA removal efficiency at pH 7 and 2.5, respectively. According to the results of electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), the contribution of SO₄⁻• to TCA degradation was much higher than that of •OH. Gradual addition of Fe²⁺ improved TCA degradation compared to single addition. Citric acid (CA) promoted TCA degradation under Fe²⁺/PS at the beginning of the reaction, but inhibited it after 10 min. Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) improved the TCA removal rate with an EDTA/Fe²⁺ molar ratio of 0.5:1, while it decreased it at higher EDTA/Fe²⁺ molar ratios. Oxalic acid (OA) negatively affected TCA degradation with increasing OA/Fe²⁺ molar ratios. Among all of the chelating agents, only CA increased TCA degradation by Fe⁰/PS. Humic acid promoted TCA degradation by Fe²⁺/PS at the proper dosage (1 mg/L). Under our specific conditions and over the temperature ranging from 10 to 25 °C, no change was observed in the reaction kinetics. It was found that 2,4,6-trichlorophenol (TCP) was the only detected oxidation product. The presence of an Fe²⁺-Fe³⁺ redox cycle in iron-activated PS systems was confirmed by TCA degradation under the Fe³⁺/PS system.

A novel process for CO 2 capture by using sodium metaborate. Part I: effects of calcination

Abstract

This paper presents a comprehensive study on the carbonation of sodium metaborate (NaBO₂) and the synthesis of high added value chemicals via NaBO₂ and carbon dioxide (CO₂). Carbon dioxide (CO₂) is a greenhouse gas and NaBO₂ is a by-product of sodium borohydride (NaBH₄) hydrolysis reaction to produce H₂. Therefore their transformation into commercial chemicals is quite important in order to provide a mutual benefit to global warming issue and hydrogen economy. In the presented study, reaction parameters such as hydration factor, furnace type, calcination temperature, and environment are investigated at different levels and optimized. The effects of those key parameters on CO₂ fixation yield are discussed. It is found that 400 °C is a key temperature for dehydration and reaction steps. Both dehydrated NaBO₂ is obtained and maximum carbonation conversion is reached at 400 °C. Moreover, at relatively low temperatures (below 400 °C), a new reaction pathway is proposed and proved by thermodynamic calculations. Structural properties of NaBO₂ are exhibited differences regard to thermal exposure and the conversion is strictly related to the structural properties.

Silica nanoparticle exposure inducing granulosa cell apoptosis and follicular atresia in female Balb/c mice

Abstract

Given that the effects of ultrafine fractions (< 0.1 μm) on reproductive diseases are gaining attention, this study aimed to explore the influence of silica nanoparticle (SiNP)-induced female reproductive dysfunction. In this study, 80 female mice were randomly divided into four groups including a control group and three concentrations of SiNP groups (7, 21, 35 mg/kg). Mice were exposed to the vehicle control and silica nanoparticles by tracheal perfusion every 3 days a total of five times in 15 days. Then, half of the mice in each group were sacrificed on 15 and 30 days after the first dose, respectively. Our findings indicated that SiNPs can result in ovarian damage, cause an imbalance of sex hormones, increase the number of atretic and primary follicles, and induce oxidative stress and DNA strand breaks in ovary by day 15. The protein expressions of ATM, CHK-2, P53, E2F1, P73, BAX, Caspase-9, and Caspase-3 were significantly increased, while expressions of RAD51 were down-regulated after SiNP exposure by days 15. Estradiol increased, while progesterone increased in low dose and decreased in high dose after SiNP exposure by 15 days. However, these changes were recovered by 30 days. The results suggest that SiNPs can cause reversible damage to follicles in mice. SiNPs could primarily cause DNA damage and DNA damage response through oxidative stress, while DNA damage repair failure because of severe DNA damage activated the mitochondrial apoptosis pathway and therefore resulted in apoptosis of granulosa cell. In addition, the disorder of reproductive endocrine function caused by SiNPs could be another reason for SiNP-induced reproductive dysfunction in mice. These events in turn induce the follicles to undergo atresia.

Elucidation of functional chemical groups responsible of compost phytotoxicity using solid-state 13 C NMR spectroscopy under different initial C / N ratios

Abstract

More than 1 million tons of fresh organic wastes is produced in the Souss-Massa region in Morocco. Tomato organic residues represent more than 25% of the total organic wastes and are deposited in uncontrolled landfills. Thus, composting can represent a valuable and pertinent solution to this environmental problem. The objectives of this experiment are to identify the potential functional groups responsible for compost phytotoxicity and to determine the optimum initial carbon to nitrogen ratio (C/N) for maximum recovery of tomato residues. The experiment consisted of the variation of the initial C/N ratios (25, 30, 35, and 40) using mixtures of different raw materials (tomato residues, melon residues, olive mill pomace, and sheep manure). Physicochemical parameters (pH, electrical conductivity, C/N ratio, and humic acid/fulvic acid ratio) were determined and spectroscopic analyses (UV-vis and NMR-¹³C) were performed during the composting process along with quality parameters (germination and phytotoxicity tests) at the end. The results showed that the compost with the initial C/N ratio of 35 is the most humified with the least phytotoxic effect. The germination and phytotoxicity tests were negatively correlated with the methoxyl/N-alkyl-C ratio and O-alkyl-C. These two functional groups are probably the origin of phytotoxicity expression in compost quality tests. Thus, a simple and precise quality test could be performed to evaluate directly the phytotoxicity and maturity of compost.

Tracheocutaneous Fistula Closure with Turnover Flap and Polydioxanone Plate

Summary: An alternative surgical treatment is proposed for closure of tracheocutaneous fistulas. The authors present a new technique for reconstruction of persistent tracheocutaneous fistula resultant from temporary tracheostomy. The single-stage closure under local anesthesia involves a fistulous tract turnover flap with a perforated 0.15 mm polydioxanone plate between the flap and the subcutaneous closure. This article presents 3 cases of persistent tracheocutaneous fistula treated by this method. At follow-up examination after follow-up, no recurrent fistula formation had occurred, and no respiratory deformity was present.

Time for Values: Responding Educationally to the Call from the Past

Abstract

This paper rethinks the fostering task of the teacher in a time when it, paradoxically, has tended to become marginalized and privatized despite its public urgency. Following post-holocaust thinkers such as Hannah Arendt and Zygmunt Bauman, the position explored here is radical in the sense that it takes 'the crisis of traditions' and the erosion of a common moral ground or value basis seriously, and it is conservative in the sense that it insists on responding educationally to the call from the past by returning to (a) the moral character of our existence and (b) our own embeddedness in the incompleteness of living traditions. The argument is that there is a difference between educating for common values—which entails a belief in pre-existing commonalities—and making values common in and through education. The latter, we argue, entails an aspiration for continuously creating new commonalities and for cultivating the ability to act and judge as a thinking moral agent in specific, lived and worldly cases. In this sense, the fostering task of the teacher is to create commonality of what is not (yet) common, turning the liberal democratic values of the past into contested objects of study.

The environmental pollutant BDE-209 regulates NO/cGMP signaling through activation of NMDA receptors in neurons

Abstract

The common flame retardant decabrominated diphenyl ether (BDE-209) is a persistent organic pollutant. Epidemiological studies have revealed that prenatal or postnatal exposure to BDE-209 can result in delayed cognitive development, and BDE-209 has been shown to be toxic to cultured neurons with maturation interference effects. However, its neurotoxic mechanism remains unclear. Nitric oxide/cyclic guanosine monophosphate (NO/cGMP) signaling plays an important role in regulating neuronal maturation. We examined the influence of BDE-209 (100, 200, and 400 nM) on NO production and cGMP levels signaling in rodent neurons in vitro, with or without pretreatment N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonism. We found that nanomolar concentrations of BDE-209 affected levels of the second messengers NO and cGMP, and that these effects could be blocked by NMDA receptor antagonism. Moreover, BDE-209 activation of NMDA receptors inhibited the expression of phosphodiesterases (PDEs), which modulate intracellular cGMP levels, and increased the Bcl-2/Bax ratio, favoring apoptosis induction. Our studies implicate the NMDA-NO/cGMP pathway in the pathogenic mechanism through which BDE-209 induces neurotoxicity.

Dry flue gas desulfurization by-product application effects on plant uptake and soil storage changes in a managed grassland

Abstract

Environmental regulations mandate that sulfur dioxide (SO₂) be removed from the flue gases of coal-fired power plants, which results in the generation of flue gas desulfurization (FGD) by-products. These FGD by-products may be a viable soil amendment, but the large amounts of trace elements contained in FGD by-products are potentially concerning. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of land application of a high-Ca dry FGD (DFGD) by-product on trace elements in aboveground biomass and soil. A high-Ca DFGD by-product was applied once at a rate of 9 Mg ha⁻¹ on May 18, 2015 to small plots with mixed-grass vegetation. Soil and biomass were sampled prior to application and several times thereafter. Aboveground dry matter and tissue As, Co, Cr, Hg, Se, U, and V concentrations increased (P < 0.05) following application, but did not differ (P > 0.05) from pre-application levels or the unamended control within 3 to 6 months of application. Soil pH in the amended treatment 6 months after application was greater (P < 0.05) than in the unamended control. Soil Ca, S, and Na contents also increased (P < 0.05), following by-product application compared to the unamended control. High-Ca DFGD by-products appear to be useful as a soil amendment, but cause at least a temporary increase in tissue concentrations of trace elements, which may be problematic for animal grazing situations.

Spatial distributions of hexachlorobutadiene in agricultural soils from the Yangtze River Delta region of China

Abstract

Hexachlorobutadiene (HCBD) is one of the persistent organic pollutants (POPs) listed by the Stockholm Convention and poses potential risks to human health and ecosystems. To reveal the regional-scale pollution status of HCBD in agricultural soils from fast-developing areas, an extensive investigation was conducted in the core Yangtze River Delta (YRD), China. The detectable concentrations of HCBD in 241 soil samples ranged from 0.07 to 8.47 ng g⁻¹ dry weight, with an average value of 0.32 ng g⁻¹ and a detection rate of 59.3%. Industrial emissions and intensive agricultural activities were the potential source of HCBD. The concentrations of HCBD were highly associated with the soil physicochemical properties such as organic matter contents. Higher concentrations of HCBD were found in paddy fields than other land-use types. The concentrations of HCBD were much lower than those of organochlorine pesticides and polychlorinated biphenyls. Significant positive correlations were found between HCBD and most organochlorine pesticides. HCBD was not found in ten vegetable samples due to its low concentration and detection rate. A positive relationship was observed between the level of HCBD and the biomass of fungi, indicating that the fungi in soils might be influenced by the existence of HCBD. The potential risks of HCBD to ecosystems and health of inhabitants were estimated to be negligible. The finding from this study provides an important basis for soil quality assessment and risk management of HCBD in China.

Biochar effects on uptake of cadmium and lead by wheat in relation to annual precipitation: a 3-year field study

Abstract

Biochar has been widely studied for its ability to reduce plant uptake of heavy metals by lowering metal bioavailabilities through adsorption and pH-driven fixation reactions. However, the long-term effect of biochar on heavy metal bioavailabilities in alkaline soils under natural redox condition is rarely studied. Here, we report a study examining the effects of biochar on bioavailability and partitioning of cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) among different soil fractions over 3 years in a field study with wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Plots were established on two similar soils having low and high levels of contamination, both of which were amended in the first year with wheat straw biochar at 0, 20, and 40 t ha⁻¹. Precipitation patterns varied greatly over the study period, with 2014 having record drought, which was followed by 2 years having extreme flooding events. Results showed a significant increase in grain yield and reductions in Cd and Pb concentrations in wheat grain in the biochar-amended soils in 2014. In contrast, bioavailable (exchangeable) heavy metal concentrations and plant uptake of Cd and Pb were significantly higher in the subsequent very wet years in 2015 and 2016, where the effects of biochar were much more variable and had an overall lesser effect on reducing heavy metal uptake. The results suggest that fluctuations in soil pH and redox caused by periodic drought and flood cycles strongly drive metal cycling through mobilization and immobilization of metals associated with different mineral phases. Under these conditions, biochar may have reduced efficacy for reducing heavy metal uptake in wheat.

Drug Delivery Strategies for Chemoprevention of UVB induced skin cancer: a Review

Abstract

Annually, more skin cancer cases are diagnosed than the collective incidence of the colon, lung, breast and prostate cancer. Persistent contact with sunlight is a primary cause for all the skin malignancies. UVB radiation induces reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in the skin which eventually leads to DNA damage and mutation. Various delivery approaches for the skin cancer treatment/prevention have been evolving and are directed towards improvements in terms of delivery modes, therapeutic agents and site-specificity of therapeutics delivery. The effective chemoprevention activity achieved is based on the efficiency of the delivery system used and the amount of the therapeutic molecule deposited in the skin. In this article, we have discussed different studies performed specifically for the chemoprevention of UVB induced skin cancer. Ultra-flexible nanocarriers, transethosomes nanocarriers, silica nanoparticles, silver nanoparticles, nanocapsule suspensions, microemulsion, nanoemulsion and polymeric nanoparticles which have been used so far to deliver the desired drug molecule for preventing the UVB induced skin cancer.

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Effects of blue light on inflammation and skin barrier recovery following acute perturbation. Pilot study results in healthy human subjects

Abstract

Background/purpose

While growing evidence supports the therapeutic effect of 453 nm blue light in chronic inflammatory skin diseases, data on its effects on acutely-perturbed human skin are scarce. In this study we investigated the impact of 453 nm narrow-band LED light on healthy skin following acute perturbation.

Methods

Tape stripping and histamine iontophoresis were performed on the forearm of 22 healthy volunteers on two consecutive weeks. In one week, challenges were followed by irradiation for 30 minutes. In the other week (control), no light was administered. Reactions were evaluated up to 72 hours thereafter by transepidermal water loss (TEWL), diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, and skin surface biomarkers.

Results

Skin barrier disruption resulted in upregulation of IL-1α at 24 hours after tape stripping (p=0.029). In contrast, irradiation abrogated this effect (p>0.05). Irradiation also resulted in higher TEWL at 24 hours and in higher b* value at 72 hours after tape stripping compared to the control (p=0.034 and p=0.018, respectively). At 30 minutes following histamine iontophoresis and irradiation, a trend towards a higher a* value compared to the control was observed (p=0.051).

Conclusion

We provide the first, in vivo evidence that blue light at 453 nm exerts biological effects on acutely-perturbed healthy human skin.

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Prise en charge des cicatrices hypopigmentées post-brûlure

Publication date: Available online 16 November 2017
Source:Annales de Chirurgie Plastique Esthétique
Author(s): M. Schmidt, K. Serror, M. Chaouat, M. Mimoun, D. Boccara
ObjectifL'hypopigmentation définitive des cicatrices est une complication fréquente après les brûlures profondes traitées par cicatrisation dirigée, et peut entraîner des séquelles esthétiques importantes. Le traitement chirurgical a pour but d'enlever les tissus cicatriciels puis d'apporter des mélanocytes sains, en limitant la surface des zones donneuses. Cette revue détaille les différents traitements proposés pour prendre en charge les cicatrices hypopigmentées post-brûlures, et en précise les indications.MéthodesLes articles publiés entre 1985 et 2016 ont été recherchés sur Pubmed. Les études sur le traitement des cicatrices hypopigmentées étaient incluses uniquement si elles étaient secondaires à des brûlures. Les traitements ont été évalués en fonction de la région et la surface de la cicatrice, la couleur de la peau et l'efficacité de la repigmentation.RésultatsSeize études ont été incluses. Les traitements non chirurgicaux comme le maquillage et le tatouage, et les traitements chirurgicaux comme la greffe de peau mince pleine, les microgreffes, les greffes enfouies, la suspension cellulaire de mélanocytes et kératinocytes autologues, et la culture de cellules épithéliales, ont été comparés.ConclusionLa greffe de peau mince pleine est un traitement fiable, particulièrement pour les petites lésions hypopigmentées car cette méthode nécessite une zone donneuse de la même taille que la zone traitée. La suspension cellulaire peut être une alternative pour les lésions plus étendues. De plus une démarcation entre la greffe et la peau normale peut exister, et quand une couleur précise est attendue en particulier sur la face, le tatouage et la microgreffe sont efficaces.ObjectivePermanent hypopigmentation of burn scars is a common consequence after partial and full thickness burns that heal by secondary intent, and they can cause severe aesthetic issues. The surgical goals for effective treatment of postburn hypopigmentation are to remove scar tissues, and to produce healthy melanocytes, with minimal donor site morbidity. This article reviews the current literature about the different ways to treat hypopigmentation following burn injuries and discusses the indications.MethodsThe PubMed database was searched for articles published from 1985 and up to 2016. Papers with regards to the management of hypopigmented lesions were included only if scars were following burn injuries. The treatments were assessed according to body region treated, surface involved, skin color, effectiveness on restoring skin pigmentation.ResultsSixteen studies were included in this review. Non-surgical treatments like makeup and tattooing, and surgical treatments including thin skin grafting, chip skin grafting, punch grafting, non-cultured keratinocyte-melanocyte cell suspension, and cultured epidermal cells were all compared.ConclusionThin skin grafting is a reliable treatment especially for patient who suffer from small hypopigmented lesions as this method requires a donor skin of the same size. The cell suspension procedure may be beneficial for larger scars. Moreover demarcation between skin graft and normal skin may exist and when a precise color match is required, particularly in the head, tattooing and chip skin grafting produce a good pigmentation outcome.

Mercury in organs of Pacific walruses ( Odobenus rosmarus divergens ) from the Bering Sea

Abstract

The Pacific walrus (Odobenus rosmarus divergens) is still used as an important source of protein-rich food by indigenous peoples of Chukotka, Alaska, and other Arctic regions. Total mercury (THg) concentration was measured in eight internal organs of walruses. Samples were taken from 22 individuals (11 males and 11 females). Age of the animals ranged from 1 to 30 years. All the walruses were harvested by local hunters from the coastal waters off the Chukchi Peninsula (Russia) during the autumn of 2011. Total mercury concentration in the samples was determined by atomic absorption method. No statistically significant difference in the level of mercury was found between males and females. Mercury was detected in all the organs of the studied walruses. The highest total mercury concentration was recorded from excretory organs: liver and kidneys. The level of mercury in liver (mean = 1.87 μg/g, range = 0.05–5.87) was by an order of magnitude higher than in kidneys (mean = 0.54 μg/g, range = 0.09–1.64.); in kidneys, it was by an order of magnitude higher than in the rest of the organs. The analyzed organs can be arranged in the order of decreasing Hg concentration as follows: liver >> kidney >> muscle > spleen ≥ heart ≥ intestine > lung ≥ testis. The mercury concentration values in walruses from the coastal waters off the Chukchi Peninsula are lower than those obtained from walruses in Alaska and the Canadian Arctic. Our findings may provide a basis for the further long-term monitoring of the condition of the Pacific walrus population and pollution of the Arctic ecosystem.

Tauroursodeoxycholic acid alleviates secondary injury in the spinal cord via up-regulation of CIBZ gene

Abstract

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is generally divided into primary and secondary injuries, and apoptosis is an important event of the secondary injury. As an endogenous bile acid and recognized endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress inhibitor, tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA) administration has been reported to have a potentially therapeutic effect on neurodegenerative diseases, but its real mechanism is still unclear. In this study, we evaluated whether TUDCA could alleviate traumatic damage of the spinal cord and improve locomotion function in a mouse model of SCI. Traumatic SCI mice were intraperitoneally injected with TUDCA, and the effects were evaluated based on motor function assessment, histopathology, apoptosis detection, qRT-PCR, and western blot at different time periods. TUDCA administration can improve motor function and reduce secondary injury and lesion area after SCI. Furthermore, the apoptotic ratios were significantly reduced; Grp78, Erdj4, and CHOP were attenuated by the treatment. Unexpectedly, the levels of CIBZ, a novel therapeutic target for SCI, were specifically up-regulated. Taken together, it is suggested that TUDCA effectively suppressed ER stress through targeted up-regulation of CIBZ. This study also provides a new strategy for relieving secondary damage by inhibiting apoptosis in the early treatment of spinal cord injury.

Adjuvant radiotherapy in sinonasal mucosal melanoma: A retrospective analysis

Abstract

Objectives

Evaluation of outcome after curative treatment for sinonasal mucosal melanoma, focused on the effect of adjuvant radiotherapy on recurrence and survival. Design. Retrospective chart analysis. Setting. Tertiary referral hospital. Participants. 51 patients with primary sinonasal mucosal melanoma who underwent surgical resection with curative intention between 1980 and 2016 at Erasmus Medical Center Rotterdam. Main outcome measures. Patients were categorised into two groups: surgery alone and surgery with adjuvant radiotherapy. Log-rank test was used to compare rates of recurrence and survival between treatment groups. Predictors for treatment modality, recurrence and survival were assessed with multivariate statistical analysis.

Results

Of all patients, 23.5% developed local recurrence and 47.1% developed distant metastasis. Estimated 5-year disease free survival was 25.2% and 5-year overall survival was 38.1%. 43 patients (84.3%) were treated with postoperative radiotherapy. Patients who underwent surgery with adjuvant radiotherapy presented more often with high tumour stage, tumour involving multiple sites and positive margins. Postoperative radiotherapy seemed to be associated with better local control (p=0.549). No effect was found on occurrence of distant metastasis and overall survival. Positive margin status was an independent negative predictor for distant metastasis-free survival and overall survival

Conclusions

Our treatment outcomes are consistent with literature. Postoperative radiotherapy seems to be associated with improved local control despite advanced disease and positive margin status in this treatment group.

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General illness and psychological factors in patients with chronic nasal symptoms

Abstract

Objectives

Only a minority of patients referred to specialists with sinonasal symptoms have clear evidence of chronic rhinosinusitis. This study aims to estimate the prevalence of and associations between (i) general illness factors (fatigue, autonomic dysfunction) and (ii) psychological factors (anxiety, depression, somatisation, personality traits) in patients presenting with sinonasal symptoms.

Design

The following validated questionnaires were administered to patients: the Sino-Nasal Outcome Test-22 (SNOT-22) to identify symptom burden, Composite Autonomic Symptom Score-31 (COMPASS-31) measuring autonomic function, Chalder fatigue questionnaire, Patient Health Questionnaire-15 (PHQ-15) addressing somatisation symptoms, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and the International Personality Item Pool-50 (IPIP-50). Comparisons were made with normative and general population data, and relationships were analysed using nonparametric correlation.

Setting

Secondary care ENT outpatients.

Participants

Adults referred with chronic sinonasal symptoms.

Main outcome measures

SNOT-22, COMPASS-31, Chalder, PHQ-15, HADS, and IPIP-50 questionnaire scores.

Results

Sixty-one patients were included. There was a high prevalence of all general and psychological factors assessed compared with controls. Total SNOT-22 scores showed significant correlation with Chalder fatigue scores, total autonomic dysfunction score, anxiety, depression, somatisation tendencies, and the emotionally unstable personality trait. Emotional instability and psychological dysfunction correlated significantly with sleep and psychological subscales of SNOT-22 but not the rhinological or ear/facial subscales.

Conclusion

Patients with sinonasal symptoms demonstrate high prevalence and complex associations of general illness factors, psychological distress and certain personality traits. The SNOT-22 is a valuable tool, but it's utility is limited by correlations with these confounding factors (e.g. psychological factors) that may exaggerate the total score. Use of the SNOT-22 component subscales is likely to provide more clinically meaningful and discriminant information.

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Transport Distraction Osteogenesis in Reconstruction of Condyle: Use of a 3D Model for Vector Planning

Abstract

Introduction

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a complex joint, and it allows bilateral synchronous rotatory and translatory movements. TMJ reconstruction has evolved as an important step in the management of conditions affecting the TMJ like ankylosis, traumatic injuries and congenital deformities. Distraction osteogenesis (DO) is a biological process of forming new bone and adjacent soft tissues by gradual and controlled traction applied on osteotomized bone segments.

Case report

Here is a case report of bilateral TMJ ankylosis which was managed effectively by resection of ankylotic mass and reconstruction of TMJ by transport distraction osteogenesis with preoperative vector planning using a 3D printed model.

Conclusion

Distraction osteogenesis can be considered as an effective means of condylar reconstruction for an anatomical and functional TMJ with minimal complications. Use of 3D models can help making such complex TMJ reconstruction procedures simpler.

Highly immersive virtual reality laparoscopy simulation: development and future aspects

Abstract

Purpose

Virtual reality (VR) applications with head-mounted displays (HMDs) have had an impact on information and multimedia technologies. The current work aimed to describe the process of developing a highly immersive VR simulation for laparoscopic surgery.

Methods

We combined a VR laparoscopy simulator (LapSim) and a VR-HMD to create a user-friendly VR simulation scenario. Continuous clinical feedback was an essential aspect of the development process. We created an artificial VR (AVR) scenario by integrating the simulator video output with VR game components of figures and equipment in an operating room. We also created a highly immersive VR surrounding (IVR) by integrating the simulator video output with a \(360{^{\circ }}\) video of a standard laparoscopy scenario in the department's operating room.

Results

Clinical feedback led to optimization of the visualization, synchronization, and resolution of the virtual operating rooms (in both the IVR and the AVR). Preliminary testing results revealed that individuals experienced a high degree of exhilaration and presence, with rare events of motion sickness. The technical performance showed no significant difference compared to that achieved with the standard LapSim.

Conclusion

Our results provided a proof of concept for the technical feasibility of an custom highly immersive VR-HMD setup. Future technical research is needed to improve the visualization, immersion, and capability of interacting within the virtual scenario.

A Comparison of Academic Journal Impact in Dermatology vs. Similarly Sized Medical Specialties

Abstract

Purpose of review

A dearth of research exists on how dermatology compares to similarly sized medical specialties in terms of number of papers published and scholarly impact of top journals. We investigate the impact factor, 5-year impact factor, number of journals with impact factor greater than 2, total documents published, and H5-index of the top 5 journals in dermatology.

Recent findings

The impact of journals in dermatology has not been well described in the literature. We review the methods by which the impact of publications can be assessed and present an approach to interpreting the scope and impact of journal publications. We further identify how dermatology compares to similarly sized specialties in terms of such metrics.

Summary

Our results reveal that the Journal of Investigative Dermatology, the highest-ranking dermatology journal for both impact factor (7.2) and SCImago Journal Rank (2.6), ranked second to last among top journals of comparable size. Lancet Neurology and Gastroenterology, by comparison, had impact factors of 21.9 and 16.7, respectively. These findings may result from the relatively low number of academic and fellowship-trained dermatologists, as well as the outpatient nature of dermatology. A positive correlation was observed between total number of academic physicians in a field and impact factor, 5-year impact factor, Source Normalized Impact per Paper (SNIP), percentage of journals with an impact factor greater than 2, and H5-index. Further studies could investigate ways to address barriers to research in dermatology to allow for increased scientific impact.

Feasibility of real-time molecular profiling for patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma without MGMT promoter-hypermethylation – the NCT Neuro Master Match (N 2 M 2 ) pilot study

Abstract

Introduction

O⁶-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) promoter methylation status is a predictive biomarker in glioblastoma patients. Glioblastoma without hypermethylated MGMT promoter are largely resistant to treatment with temozolomide. These patients are in particular need of new treatment approaches, which are offered by biomarker-driven clinical trials with targeted drugs based on molecular characterization of individual tumors.

Methods

In preparation for an upcoming clinical study, a comprehensive molecular profiling approach was undertaken on tissues from 43 glioblastoma patients harboring an unmethylated MGMT promoter at diagnosis. The diagnostic pipeline covered various levels of molecular characteristics including whole-exome sequencing, low-coverage whole-genome sequencing, RNA sequencing as well as microarray-based gene expression profiling and DNA methylation arrays.

Results

Complex multilayer molecular diagnostics were feasible in this setting with a median turn-around time of 4–5 weeks from surgery to the molecular tumor board. In 35% of cases potentially relevant therapeutic decisions were derived from the data. Alterations were most frequently found in receptor tyrosine kinases, members of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase / Akt / mechanistic target of rapamycin and mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway as well as cell cycle control and p53 regulation cascades. Individual tumors harbored clonal alterations such as oncogenic fusions of tyrosine kinases which constitute promising targets for targeted therapies. A prioritization algorithm is proposed to allocate patients with multiple targets to the potentially best treatment option.

Conclusion

With this feasibility study, a comprehensive molecular profiling approach for patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma harboring an unmethylated MGMT promoter is presented. Analyses in this pilot cohort serve as a basis for trials based on targetable alterations and on the question of allocation of patients to the best treatment arm.

Analysis of an optimal public transport structure under a carbon emission constraint: a case study in Shanghai, China

Abstract

Along with the rapid development of the transportation industry, the problems of the energy crisis and transport emissions have become increasingly serious. The success of traffic emission reduction is related to the realization of global low-carbon goals. Placing priority on public transport is the internationally recognized traffic development model. This paper takes Shanghai, China, as an example to examine the optimal public transport structure. Five factors were selected from personal and public perspectives, including travel costs, crowding degree, occupied area, traffic emissions, and operating subsidies. The objective functions of these factors were transformed into satisfaction functions, and a multi-objective programming model was used to solve for the optimal proportions of the ground bus and rail transit, and the carbon emission reduction potential was analyzed in different scenarios. The study showed that the actual proportion of rail transit in Shanghai was slightly lower than the optimal value, and accompanied by low satisfaction with each factor relative to the optimal value. It was difficult to achieve the traffic emission reduction targets by only reducing satisfaction with other factors except carbon emissions assuming a fixed proportion of public transport. As the proportion of total travel represented by public transport increased, rail transit became the main mode of public transport and the usage trend was more obvious, but the structure of public transport gradually reached a relatively stable state after a certain level of development. Compared to reducing carbon emissions by changing satisfaction with other factors, it was easier to achieve traffic emission reduction targets by increasing the proportion of public transport. To increase the proportion of public transport travel and achieve the goal of traffic reduction in the future, further improvements are needed in the quality of public transport system services, public transport priority development must be differentiated, and the profitability of the public transport industry itself must be enhanced.

Liver fibrosis is associated with cutaneous inflammation in the imiquimod-induced murine model of psoriasiform dermatitis

Summary

Background

Psoriasis associates several extra-cutaneous manifestations. Little is known about hepatic parameters specifically associated with psoriasis.

Objective

To study whether psoriasiform dermatitis is associated with liver injury.

Methods

We studied liver parameters of inflammation and fibrosis in a murine model of psoriasiform dermatitis induced by topical application of imiquimod for nine weeks.

Results

Topical treatment with imiquimod induced a form of psoriasiform dermatitis reminiscent of the human disorder, characterized by thickened and scaly skin, psoriasiform epidermal hyperplasia, altered keratinocyte differentiation, and cutaneous overexpression of interleukin-17A. Mice with dermatitis displayed hepatitis, as shown by elevation of plasma transaminase levels, as well as portal and periportal hepatitis characterized by T lymphocyte (CD3ε⁺) and polymorphonuclear cell (Gr1⁺) infiltrates. The hepatitis progressed toward liver fibrogenesis, as shown by excessive Sirius red staining, consistent with the expression of alpha-smooth muscle actin by hepatic stellate cells.

Conclusions

These results indicate that liver inflammation and fibrosis is associated with experimental psoriasiform dermatitis. Our results suggest that psoriatic inflammation may be associated with specific liver injury.

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Serum thymus and activation-regulated chemokine (TARC) is associated with the severity of drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms/drug-induced hypersensitivity syndrome (DRESS/DIHS)

Abstract

Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms/drug-induced hypersensitivity syndrome (DRESS/DIHS) is a severe adverse drug-induced reaction with reactivation of human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6).^1-3 We previously reported that serum thymus and activation-regulated chemokine (TARC) levels were markedly increased in patients with DIHS and suggested TARC as a useful diagnostic marker of DIHS in the early stage.^4,5 In this study, we determined whether serum TARC levels correlate with the severity of clinical symptoms and laboratory data in patients with DRESS/DIHS.

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A Phase I Randomised Controlled Trial to Evaluate Safety and Clinical Effect of Topically Applied GSK2981278 Ointment in a Psoriasis Plaque Test

Abstract

RORγt, a truncated isoform of retinoic acid receptor-related orphan receptor gamma (RORγ), is a transcription factor involved in Th17 cell differentiation. It is expressed in a few distinct types of immune cells and described as the master regulator of Th17 cytokine expression¹. RORγ has identical ligand-binding domains as RORγt²; consequently, compounds targeting RORγ are also expected to modulate Th17 cell activity.

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