Amiloidosis macular atípica

Publication date: Available online 27 November 2017
Source:Piel
Author(s): María Arteaga Henríquez, Vania Lukoviek Araya, Rosa Nieves Rodríguez Rodríguez, Eva Fagundo González

Hypochlorous Acid Versus Povidone-Iodine Containing Irrigants: Which Antiseptic is More Effective for Breast Implant Pocket Irrigation?

Abstract

Background

Capsular contracture induced by chronic subclinical infection is a major cause of poor outcomes and reoperation in breast implant surgery. The use of pocket irrigation with antiseptic/antibiotic has been shown to reduce the incidence of contracture. A new formulation of hypochlorous acid solution PhaseOne has been proposed as potential agent for irrigation.

Objectives

This study aimed to test the efficacy of hypochlorous acid solution PhaseOne for use in breast pocket irrigation as an alternative to povidone iodine solution Betadine.

Methods

The efficacy of PhaseOne, a hypochlorous acid formulated wound and skin cleanser, was tested in vitro against planktonic and biofilm Staphylococcus aureus with or without biological soil and in an implant attachment assay. Its activity was compared with Betadine containing 10% povidone iodine.

Results

Our findings showed that PhaseOne was unable to eradicate planktonic and/or biofilm S. aureus in the presence of either tryptone soy broth or bovine calf serum (protein soil) in a variety of in vitro assays.

Conclusions

We advise that povidone iodine containing irrigants are superior to hypochlorous acid containing irrigants in the clinical setting and should remain the recommended solution for pocket irrigation to reduce bacterial contamination at breast implants surgery.

A review on pesticide removal through different processes

Abstract

The main organic pollutants worldwide are pesticides, persistent chemicals that are of concern owing to their prevalence in various ecosystems. In nature, pesticide remainders are subjected to the chemical, physical, and biochemical degradation process, but because of its elevated stability and some cases water solubility, the pesticide residues persist in the ecosystem. The removal of pesticides has been performed through several techniques classified under biological, chemical, physical, and physicochemical process of remediation from different types of matrices, such as water and soil. This review provides a description of older and newer techniques and materials developed to remove specific pesticides according to previous classification, which range from bioremediation with microorganisms, clay, activated carbon, and polymer materials to chemical treatment based on oxidation processes. Some types of pesticides that have been removed successfully to large and small scale include, organophosphorus, carbamates, organochlorines, chlorophenols, and synthetic pyrethroids, among others. The most important characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages of techniques and materials for removing pesticides are described in this work.

Correction to: Heavy metal and nutrient uptake in plants colonizing post-flotation copper tailings

Abstract

The correct presentation of Table 4 is shown in this paper.

Study on the pollution status and control measures for the livestock and poultry breeding industry in northeastern China

Abstract

Livestock and poultry breeding industry is one of the main economic pillars of northeastern China. However, the amount of pollutants produced is much higher than that in other parts of China. Through a questionnaire survey, indoor experiment, and outdoor experiment, it was found that the resource utilization rate of livestock and poultry manure in the northeastern region is low, with the pollution of livestock and poultry breeding mainly including air and water pollution. The alarm level of cultivated land and manure is II. While the livestock and poultry breeding is relatively concentrated area, its level is higher than grade II. Based on the pollution status of small farms, biogas can be produced through fermentation, along with the preparation of organic fertilizer, to completely utilize the manure and straw, while obtaining higher economic value, and effectively controlling the pollution from livestock and poultry breeding.

Correction to: Strict anaerobic side-stream reactor: effect of the sludge interchange ratio on sludge reduction in a biological nutrient removal process

Abstract

The correct Fig. 1 is shown in this paper.

Alpha-defensins (α-Defs) in Crohn's disease: Decrease of ileal α-Def 5 via permanent methylation and increase in plasma α-Def 1-3 concentrations offering biomarker utility

SUMMARY

Background: An impaired expression of α-defensins (α-Defs) in the ileal mucosa and, conversely, increased levels in plasma, have been reported in Crohn's disease (CD). However, the specificity and correlation of these findings with the degree of inflammation are unclear. We aimed to characterize the concentration and utility of ileal and plasma α-Defs in CD and to analyze a potential epigenetic mechanism of α-Def expression.

Methods: Peripheral blood samples and ileal biopsies were obtained from patients at disease onset (aCD), from those who achieved remission (iCD), and from 2 control groups (healthy controls and non-CD-etiology ileitis patients). Plasma α-Defs 1-3 and 4 were detected by ELISA; α-Def 5 by immunolocalization. Methylation analysis of the α-Def 5 gene was performed using the MassARRAY EpiTYPER system.

Results: Plasma α-Defs 1-3 concentrations were significantly higher in aCD with ileal involvement (L1, L3) vs iCD or the control groups. The α-Defs 1-3 concentrations were also similar to healthy controls in patients with non-CD ileitis. There was a significant positive correlation between plasma α-Defs 1-3 levels in aCD and the endoscopic index, as well as with CRP levels. The immunopositivity scoring showed significantly reduced α-Def 5 expression in ileal inflamed (aCD) vs non-inflamed mucosa (iCD and healthy controls). The α-Def 5 gene showed a higher methylation status in CD patients than controls, regardless of the inflammation.

Conclusions: Plasma α-Defs 1-3 concentrations correlate with the degree of inflammation and appear to be specific biomarkers of ileal-CD at diagnosis. Ileal α-Def 5 expression is permanently downregulated by methylation. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Clinical consequences of upfront pathology review in the randomised PORTEC-3 trial for high-risk endometrial cancer

Abstract

Background

In the PORTEC-3 trial, women with high-risk endometrial cancer (HR-EC) were randomised to receive pelvic radiotherapy (RT) with or without concurrent and adjuvant chemotherapy (2 cycles of cisplatin 50 mg/m2 in week 1 and 4 of RT, followed by 4 cycles of carboplatin AUC5 and paclitaxel 175 mg/m2). Pathology review was required prior to patient enrolment. The aim of this analysis was to evaluate the role of central pathology review before randomisation.

Patients and methods

A total of 1295 cases underwent pathology review to confirm HR-EC in the Netherlands (n=395) and the United Kingdom (n=900), and for 1226/1295 (95%) matching review and original reports were available. 329 of these patients were enrolled in the PORTEC-3 trial: 145 in the Netherlands and 184 in the United Kingdom, comprising 48% of the total PORTEC-3 cohort of 686 participants. Areas of discrepancies were evaluated, and inter-observer agreement between original and review opinion was evaluated by calculating the kappa value (κ).

Results

In the 1226 pathology reviews, 6356 selected items were evaluable for both original and review pathology. In 43% of cases at least one pathology item changed after review. For 102 patients (8%), this discrepancy led to ineligibility for the PORTEC-3 trial, most frequently due to differences in the assessment of histological type (34%), endocervical stromal involvement (27%) and histological grade (19%). Lowest inter-observer agreement was found for histological type (κ = 0.72), lymph-vascular space invasion (κ = 0.72) and histological grade (κ = 0.70).

Conclusion

Central pathology review by expert gynaeco-pathologists changed histological type, grade or other items in 43% of women with HR-EC, leading to ineligibility for the PORTEC-3 trial in 8%. Upfront pathology review is essential to ensure enrolment of the target trial-population, and to avoid over- or undertreatment, especially when treatment modalities with substantial toxicity are involved.This study is registered with ISRCTN (ISRCTN14387080, http://ift.tt/HkCGY7) and with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT00411138).

Is Timing of Enrollment Associated with Birth Outcomes? Findings from a Healthy Start Program in Kansas

Abstract

Objective The Sedgwick County Healthy Babies Healthy Start (HBHS) program provides community-based services (including care coordination, interconception care and home visiting) aimed at reducing racial/ethnic disparities in poor birth outcomes. The purpose of this study is to assess the effectiveness of the Sedgwick County HBHS program by comparing the birth outcomes of program participants who enrolled prenatally and those who did not participate while pregnant. Methods In this retrospective cohort study, we used data drawn from the Sedgwick County HBHS program. The sample included 280 clients who were enrolled in the Sedgwick County HBHS program between September 2014 and December 2015. We performed logistic regression analyses to assess the associations between enrollee type (prenatal enrollee vs. interconceptional enrollee) and birth outcomes (low birth weight, preterm birth). Results The majority of the sample consisted of racial/ethnic minority women (32.1% non-Hispanic black, 31.8% Hispanic). After adjusting for covariates, women who enrolled in the Sedgwick County HBHS program prenatally were less likely than women who were not enrolled during pregnancy to have a preterm birth (OR 0.19, [CI 08, 0.43]) and deliver a low birth weight infant (OR 0.31, [CI 0.10, 0.97]). Conclusions for Practice Women, particularly minority women, who participate in the HBHS program experienced better birth outcomes than women who did not participate in the program during pregnancy. However, findings also suggest that interconceptional enrollees may stand to benefit from continued participation in the program.

Kenneth Warren and the Great Neglected Diseases of Mankind Programme: The Transformation of Geographical Medicine in the US and Beyond By Conrad Keating

ISBN 978-3-319-50145-1, Springer International Publishing, Cham, Switzerland (Telephone: 800-777-4643, E-mail: onlineservice@springer.com, Website: http://ift.tt/2lK1H8r), 2016, 150 pp., $29.99 Hardcover

Nickle(II) ions exacerbate bleomycin-induced pulmonary inflammation and fibrosis by activating the ROS/Akt signaling pathway

Abstract

Nickle (Ni) is a heavy metal found in particulate matter. We previously reported that Ni ions are strongly associated with high apoptosis rates and high expression of IL-1β in human bronchial epithelial cells following exposure to PM2.5; however, the effects of Ni ions on pulmonary fibrosis have not been fully elucidated. In the current study, we evaluated whether Ni ions can exacerbate bleomycin (BLM)-induced pulmonary fibrosis in a mouse model and illustrated the potential mechanism. Ni ions inhibited cell proliferation and induced apoptosis in A549 and MRC-5 cells. BLM-induced lung injury and fibrosis in mice were significantly enhanced by nickel treatment, and these findings were also supported by inflammatory cell accumulation in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and elevated levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines in lung tissues. Ni ions also increased extracellular matrix protein levels, including those of type I collagen and MMP9 in mouse lung tissues and cell lines. Moreover, Ni ions promoted the phosphorylation of AKT in this mouse model. The effect of increased collagen levels and MMP9 expression was inhibited by blocking the AKT phosphorylation. Together, these findings suggest AKT activation as a critical contributor to this Ni-exacerbated pulmonary fibrotic process.

Heterogeneous activation of peroxymonosulfate by hierarchical CuBi 2 O 4 to generate reactive oxygen species for refractory organic compounds degradation: morphology and surface chemistry derived reaction and its mechanism

Abstract

Activation of peroxymonosulfate (PMS) by a novel hierarchical CuBi₂O₄ generated reactive oxygen radical for degradation refractory organic compounds in aqueous solution, which would be controlled by the morphology and surface chemistry of solid catalyst. It's found that the activation ability of CuBi₂O₄ toward PMS was highly dependent on the morphology and surface hydroxyl group, as using rhodamine B (RhB) as the model compound. The spherical CuBi₂O₄, which possessed higher density of surface hydroxyl group, exhibited better catalytic activity in RhB degradation than scattered cluster CuBi₂O₄, and as-prepared CuBi₂O₄ could efficiently activated PMS to degrade RhB within a wide pH range as an absolute heterogeneous process. The emerging organic chemicals, including bisphenol A, 1H-benzotriazole, and carbamazepine, could also be effectively removed in this novel CuBi₂O₄/PMS. Furthermore, activation mechanism of PMS by as-prepared CuBi₂O₄ was proposed, the existence of surface hydroxyl group bonded with Cu(II), and inward electron transfer cycling reaction between Cu(II)/Cu(I) facilitated the effective activation of PMS to generate SO₄^·− and ·OH. In addition, the intermediates of RhB formed in this process were identified by silylation derivatation-GC-MS and LC-high-resolution MS/MS, and degradation pathway was proposed.

Attelle nasale externe sur-mesure après rhinoplastie, introduction au concept de « tissu-modelage »

Publication date: Available online 27 November 2017
Source:Annales de Chirurgie Plastique Esthétique
Author(s): E. Auclair, W. Noel
Les auteurs rapportent leur expérience de 2 ans (43 patients) d'utilisation d'une attelle « sur-mesure » constituée de thermoplastique qui est moulée sur le nouveau nez au terme de la rhinoplastie, selon un procès comparable à celui utilisé par les dentistes pour fabriquer les gouttières. Cette attelle sera portée plusieurs semaines afin de guider la cicatrisation dans une direction désirée. Le moulage du nez peut-être re-sculpté pour guider la cicatrisation vers un meilleur résultat. Légère, lavable, discrète, notre attelle a l'avantage de pouvoir être portée plusieurs semaines sans inconfort dans le but d'améliorer l'efficacité de la contention.The authors report their experience of 2 years (43 patients) using a customized splint consists of thermoplastic which is molded on the new nose after rhinoplasty, according to a process comparable to that used by dentists to make the gutters. This splint will be applied several weeks to guide healing in a desired direction. The molding of the nose can be re-sculpted to guide the scarring to a better result. Lightweight, washable, discreet, our splint works to the advantage to be worn without discomfort for several weeks in order to improve the efficiency of contention.

Fixation des greffes de peau mince dans les brûlures de l’enfant : étude des avantages de la colle de cyanoacrylate versus agrafes

Publication date: Available online 27 November 2017
Source:Annales de Chirurgie Plastique Esthétique
Author(s): P. Curings, P.-L. Vincent, R. Viard, P. Gir, J.-P. Comparin, D. Voulliaume
IntroductionLes brûlures de l'enfant posent des problèmes spécifiques en ce qui concerne les soins locaux et les suites postopératoires. Contrairement à l'adulte qui peut bénéficier d'anesthésies locorégionales, le geste chirurgical nécessite systématiquement une anesthésie générale. Pour diminuer la durée opératoire, on utilise des agrafes cutanées plutôt que des fils de suture ; cependant, leur ablation lors du pansement de vérification de greffe nécessite une analgésie importante voire une deuxième anesthésie générale. Nous étudions l'intérêt de la colle cutanée type cyanoacrylate pour la fixation des greffes.Matériel et méthodesUne étude comparative est réalisée de 2012 à 2016. Cent dix-huit enfants ont été inclus, présentant une brûlure concernant moins de 5 % de la surface corporelle totale. Soixante-douze enfants ont bénéficié d'une fixation par agrafage cutané, 46 par colle cutanée. Nous avons évalué la qualité de prise de la greffe, la sédation nécessaire au premier pansement, la durée d'hospitalisation après la greffe, la quantité de colle utilisée et les complications éventuelles.RésultatsIl existe des différences entre les deux groupes sur l'âge et la surface corporelle brûlée (le groupe agrafe présente des patients plus âgés et d'une surface brûlée plus étendue). Le taux de prise était de 100 % dans les deux groupes. Le pansement de vérification de greffe a pu être réalisé sans analgésie ou sous analgésie légère chez tous les enfants du groupe colle cutanée, alors qu'il a nécessité une anesthésie générale chez 64 % des patients du groupe agrafes. La durée moyenne d'hospitalisation après la greffe était de 4,9jours dans le groupe colle cutanée contre 6,5jours dans le groupe agrafes. Aucune complication n'a été observée.ConclusionL'utilisation de colle cutanée permet de positionner les greffes rapidement et ne nécessite pas de deuxième temps d'anesthésie. Elle réduit donc la durée de séjour jusqu'à 25 %. Le gain médico-économique est majeur par rapport à l'utilisation d'agrafes cutanées, pour un résultat final équivalent et sans inconvénient rencontré.IntroductionLocal postoperative care and burn wound management can present with a certain degree of difficulty in the pediatric population. While the use of skin staples as a method of skin graft fixation is a well-known, rapid and simple method, their removal can be painful and may necessitate some sedation or even general anesthesia. We studied in this article the advantages and economic value of using the cyanoacrylate glue as a fixation method for skin grafts.Materials and methodsA comparative study was carried out from 2012 to 2016. Hundred and eighteen infants with burns up to 5% of total body surface area were included in the study. Seventy-two infants had split thickness skin grafts fixed with skin staples. Forty-six infants had split thickness skin grafts fixed with cyanoacrylate glue. We compared the quality of graft, the sedation used during the first postoperative dressing, the length of hospital stay, the amount of glue used and the presence of complications.ResultsThere is a difference between the two groups studied in terms of age and total burn surface area. The rate of graft take was 100% in both groups. The first postoperative dressing was carried out without the use of powerful analgesia in the cyanoacrylate group, while it was necessary to use general anesthesia in 64% of the skin staples group. The average length of stay in hospital after skin grafting was 4.9 days for the cyanoacrylate glue versus 6.5 days in the skin staples group. No complications were noted in the 2 groups.ConclusionThe use of cyanoacrylate glue allows rapid fixation of skin grafts and avoid general anesthesia for postoperative cares. Subsequently the length of hospital stay is reduced within 25%. The medico-economic value of glue protocol is highly significant compared to skin staples, while having similar good results and without significant problems.

The Walking Dead: sequential nuclear and organelle destruction during hair development

Abstract

Background

Transition of hair shaft keratinocytes from actively respiring, nucleated cells to structural cells devoid of nucleus and cytoplasm, is key to hair production. This form of cell "death", or cornification, requires cellular organelle removal to allow the cytoplasm to become packed with keratin filament bundles that further require cross-linking to create a strong hair fibre. Although these processes are well described in epidermal keratinocytes, there is a lack of understanding of such mechanisms specifically in the hair follicle.

Objectives

To gain insights into cornification mechanisms within the hair follicle and thus improve our understanding of normal hair physiology.

Methods

Scalp biopsies and hair pluck samples were obtained from healthy human donors and analysed microscopically following immunohistochemical staining.

Results

A focal point of respiratory activity was evident in keratogenous zone cells within the hair shaft that also exhibited nuclear damage. Nuclear degradation occurred via both caspase-dependant and -independent pathways. Conversely, mitophagy was driven by Bnip3L and restricted to the boundary of the keratogenous zone at Adamson's Fringe.

Conclusions

We propose a model of stepwise living-dead transition within the first 1 mm of hair formation, whereby fully functional, nucleated cells first consolidate required functions by degrading nuclear DNA, yet continue to respire and provide the source of ROS required for keratin cross-linking. Finally, as the cells become packed with keratin bundles, Bnip3L expression triggers mitophagy to rid the cells of the last remaining "living" characteristic thus completing the march from "living" to "dead" within the hair follicle.

This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Effect of burn rehabilitation program on improving quality of life (QoL) for hand burns patients: a randomized controlled study

Abstract

Background

Burn injuries, including hands are one of the most devastating injuries. Hand burns do not often play a major role in the mortality. But, they represent a huge problem that may eventually lead to chronic disabilities, lifelong impairment, and significant functional and occupational limitations. These comorbidities can negatively affect a patient's quality of life (QoL) besides, making re-integration into society is difficult. This study aims to investigate the effect of our designated burn rehabilitation program on improving quality of life of hand burns patients.

Methods

A randomized controlled study was conducted for 12 months at Mansoura University Burn Center. It included 60 adult patients with hand burns who were randomly divided and assigned to a study and control groups. Both groups underwent basic rehabilitation. A newly designed program was implemented for the study group. Data were collected using three tools; bio-socio demographic characteristics, the Burn Health Knowledge Questionnaire, and the Burn Specific Health Scale-Brief (BSHS-B). The quality of life of patients with hand burns was evaluated three times.

Results

One month and three months after implementing the burn rehabilitation program, the total mean scores for the QoL of patients in the study group improved from 31.1 ± 11.3 to 118.5 ± 21.3 and 135.4 ± 24.3, respectively (P < 0.001). In addition, the changes in QoL of the patients in the control group significantly improved from 24.8 ± 12.1 to 57.6 ± 19.1 and 87.5 ± 23.8, respectively (P < 0.001). Despite this steady improvement in the control group, the mean scores on the QoL sub-scales and total mean scores remained lower than those in the study group.

Conclusions

Based on the results obtained in the current study, the design and implemention of a burn rehabilitation programme based on clinical knowledge improves the quality of life of patients with burns. Therefore, this program is recommended for use early as a part of the treatment process for patients with burns.

Level of Evidence: Level I, risk/prognostic study.

Theoretical investigations on the kinetics of Cl atom initiated reactions of series of 1-alkenes

Abstract

The temperature-dependent rate coefficients were calculated for the reactions of Cl atoms with propene (R₁), 1-butene (R₂), 1-pentene (R₃), and 1-hexene (R₄) over the temperature range of 200–400 K. Canonical variational transition state theory (CVT) with small curvature tunneling (SCT) and conventional transition state theory (CTST) in combination with MP2/6-31G(d,p), MP2/6-31G+(d,p), and MP2/6–311 + G(d,p) level of theories were used to calculate the kinetic parameters. The obtained rate coefficients at 298 K for the reactions of Cl atoms with propene, 1-butene, 1-pentene, and 1-hexene are 1.36 × 10⁻¹⁰ cm³ molecule⁻¹ s⁻¹, 1.53 × 10⁻¹⁰ cm³ molecule⁻¹ s⁻¹, 4.61 × 10⁻¹⁰ cm³ molecule⁻¹ s⁻¹, and 4.76 × 10⁻¹⁰ cm³ molecule⁻¹ s⁻¹, respectively. In all these reactions, strong negative temperature dependence was observed over the studied temperature range. Cl atom addition across the double bond is the most dominant pathway. The contribution of abstraction channels towards their global rate coefficients was observed to be increasing from propene to 1-hexane. Atmospheric implications such as effective lifetimes and thermodynamic parameters of the test molecules were investigated in the present study.

Multi-analytical methodology to diagnose the environmental impact suffered by building materials in coastal areas

Abstract

This work is focused on the development of an innovative multi-analytical methodology to estimate the impact suffered by building materials in coastal environments. With the aim of improving the in situ spectroscopic assessment, which is often based on XRF and Raman spectrometers, diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform (DRIFT) spectroscopy was implemented in the diagnosis study. In this way, the additional benefits from DRIFT were compared to the usual in situ analyses of building materials, which often have interferences from fluorescence and reststrahlen effects. The studies were extended to the laboratory scale by μ-X-ray fluorescence (μ-XRF) cross-section mapping and ion chromatography (IC), and the IC quantitative data were employed to develop thermodynamic models using the ECOS-RUNSALT program, with the aim of rationalizing the behavior of soluble salts with variations in the temperature and the relative humidity (RH). The multi-analytical methodology allowed identification of the most significant weathering agents and classification of the severity of degradation according to the salt content. The suitability of a DRIFT portable device to analyze these types of matrices was verified. Although the Kramers-Kronig algorithm correction proved to be inadequate to decrease the expected spectral distortions, the assignment was successfully performed based on the secondary bands and intensification of the overtones and decreased the time needed for in situ data collection. In addition, the pollutants' distribution in the samples and the possible presence of dangerous compounds, which were not detected during the in situ analysis campaigns, provided valuable information to clarify weathering phenomena.

Physical and/or Sexual Abuse Are Associated with Negative Health Outcomes Among Transgender Women of Color Living with HIV

Violence and Gender , Vol. 0, No. 0.

Adsorption of aquaculture pollutants using a sustainable biopolymer

Abstract

Intensive aquaculture needs to adopt techniques that are able to contribute towards sustainability. Closed systems that employ water recirculation can combine intensive production with environmental sustainability, since there is no exchange of water or discharge of effluents into the environment. In order to achieve this, effective filtration systems are required to ensure that the water quality is satisfactory for the cultivation of aquatic organisms. Chitosan, an industrial waste material derived from crustacean farming, is a renewable natural material that is biodegradable and possesses adsorbent characteristics. In this work, chitosan foam was incorporated in filters and was evaluated as an adsorbent of aquaculture pollutants, adding value to the material and at the same time providing a use for industrial waste. The foam was characterized by scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy, apparent density, and water absorption capacity. It was used to remove ammonia, nitrite, orthophosphate, and turbidity from aquaculture effluents. The foam consisted of a bilayer with smooth and porous sides, which presented low density, flexibility, and high water absorption capacity. The best proportion of the foam, in terms of the mass of foam per volume of solution (% m v⁻¹), was 0.10, which resulted in removal of 32.8, 57.2, 89.5, and 99.9% of ammonia, nitrite, orthophosphate, and turbidity, respectively. This biopolymer produced is biodegradable, and when saturated with organic compounds from aquaculture, and no longer suitable for reuse as a filter material, it can be employed as a fertilizer, hence closing the sustainability cycle of the aquaculture production chain.

NALT M cells are important for immune induction for the common mucosal immune system

Abstract

Nasopharynx-associated lymphoid tissue (NALT) is one of the major constituents of the mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT), and has the ability to induce antigen-specific immune responses. However, the molecular mechanisms responsible for antigen uptake from the nasal cavity into the NALT remain largely unknown. Immunohistochemical analysis showed that CCL9 and CCL20 were co-localized with GP2 in the epithelium covering NALT, suggesting the existence of M cells in NALT. In analogy with the reduced number of Peyer's patch M cells in CCR6-deficient mice, the number of NALT M cells was drastically decreased in CCR6-deficient mice compared to the wild-type mice. Translocation of nasally administered Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium into NALT via NALT M cells was impaired in CCR6-deficient mice, whereas S. Typhimurium demonstrated consistent co-localization with NALT M cells in wild-type mice. When wild-type mice were nasally administered with an attenuated vaccine strain of S. Typhimurium, the mice were protected from a subsequent challenge with wild-type S. Typhimurium. Antigen-specific fecal and nasal IgA was detected after nasal immunization with attenuated vaccine strain of S. Typhimurium only in wild-type mice but not in CCR6-deficient mice. Taken together, these observations demonstrate that NALT M cells are important as a first line of defense against infection by enabling activation of the common mucosal immune system (CMIS).

Fine needle aspiration cytology for parotid lesions, can we avoid surgery?

Abstract

Objective

Salivary gland neoplasms are rare tumors, with most arising in the parotid gland. Fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) is a common method for pre-operative evaluation of parotid masses, although its usefulness is controversial. This study was designed to evaluate the accuracy of FNAC in a large cohort of patients, with emphasis on diagnosis of benign tumors and especially Warthin tumor which can be managed conservatively.

Study Design

Retrospective case series with chart review.

Setting

Tertiary medical center.

Subjects and Methods

From 1991 to 2014, all patients 18 or older with both pre-operative FNAC and post-operative pathology report were included. Patients with a history of head and neck malignancy, sialoadenitis or had undergone prior oncological treatment were excluded.

Results

470 patients were available for analysis. Overall accuracy was 82.6%. Positive predictive value (PPV) varied between 88.6-94.3% for pleomorphic adenoma and 77.1-100% for Warthin tumor, with values varying depending on different patient charcteristics (e.g. age, smoking status). For pathologically proven malignant tumors, the FNAC diagnosis was benign or non-diagnostic in 26% of cases.

Conclusion

FNAC has limited utility in confirming a benign diagnosis of a parotid mass for most patients, although for some sub-populations the PPV may be high enough to defer surgery.

This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Mediterranean diet: fresh herbs and fresh vegetables decrease the risk of Androgenetic Alopecia in males

Abstract

It is well established that Androgenetic Alopecia (AGA) occurs in genetically predisposed individuals but little is known of its non-genetic risk factors. The aim of the study was to investigate the role of the Mediterranean diet in determining the risk of AGA. A hospital-based case-control study was conducted in the outpatient clinics of the hospital "Istituto Dermopatico dell'Immacolata, Rome, Italy". We included 104 males and 108 controls not affected by AGA. Controls were frequency matched to cases. Information on socio-demographic characteristics, medical history, smoking and diet were collected for all patients. Logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratio and 95% confidence intervals. After controlling for age, education, body mass index and family history of AGA, protective effects for AGA were found for high consumption (≥ 3 times weekly) of raw vegetables (OR 0.43; 95% CI 0.21–0.89) and high consumption of fresh herbs (3 or more regularly) (OR 0.44; 95% CI 0.22–0.87). We suggest that some foods of the Mediterranean diet, say fresh herbs and salad, may reduce the risk of AGA onset.

Obstacle diagnosis of green competition promotion: a case study of provinces in China based on catastrophe progression and fuzzy rough set methods

Abstract

As "green" and "sustainable" become the new themes of regional economic development, green competitiveness will undoubtedly become a new engine for regions to solve environmental, resource use, and other global problems to fit the new development themes. Unfortunately, the performance of regional green competitiveness is not always satisfactory due to various shortcomings. In this study, we abandoned the conventional research approach that directly explores the factors that promote regional green competitiveness and analyzed, instead, the obstacles to green competitiveness among provinces in China. The barrier degree was calculated for each obstacle using a catastrophe progression method and fuzzy rough set. Results showed that (a) resource and environmental problems have become increasingly prominent and have been the most common obstacles to promoting green competitiveness of provinces in China and (b) the obstacles to improving regional green competitiveness showed spatial differences and peculiarity according to the barrier degree. The outcome of the study can help policy makers to better understand and prioritize implementation strategies to develop effective action and policy interventions toward more successful construction of regional green competitiveness.

The Epistemology of Rational Constructivism

Abstract

Rational constructivism is one of the leading theories in developmental psychology. But it is not a purely psychological theory: rational constructivism also makes a number of substantial epistemological claims about both the nature of human rationality and several normative principles that fall squarely into the ambit of epistemology. The aim of this paper is to clarify and defend both theses and several other epistemological claims, as they represent the essential epistemological dimensions of rational constructivism.

Current status of cancer immunotherapy for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

Abstract

Background

Immunotherapy has become a promising treatment strategy for cancer. Immune checkpoint blockade with anti-CTLA4 mAb and anti-PD-1 mAb has demonstrated clear evidence of objective responses including improved overall survival and tumor shrinkage, driving renewed enthusiasm for cancer immunotherapy in multiple cancer types including esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). There are several clinical trials using anti-PD1 mAb for ESCC in early phases and the results are currently promising.

Results and Conclusions

In this review, recent advances in cancer immunotherapy for ESCC are discussed with particular focus on immune checkpoint inhibitors and cancer vaccine.

Induction of a viable but non-culturable state in Salmonella Typhimurium by thermosonication and factors affecting resuscitation

Abstract

The objective of this work was to analyze the effects of thermosonication (TS) on induction of a viable but non-culturable (VBNC) state in Salmonella Typhimurium and to examine incubation factors affecting subsequent resuscitation of cells. A TS treatment of 380 W at 53°C for 30 min induced the VBNC state in S. Typhimurium cells in BPY broth, apple/carrot juice, physiological saline and phosphate buffer solution. The logarithmic and decline phases of growth were more sensitive to the TS treatment compared to stationary phase cells. Meanwhile, VBNC S. Typhimurium could be resuscitated back to culturable cells by using suitable incubation temperatures and media. Addition of Tween 20 hindered resuscitation, compared to the use of beef peptone yeast (BPY) medium alone. The optimal growth temperature (i.e. 37°C) was the most suitable temperature to resuscitate cells from the VBNC state. The VBNC incidence index decreased with the addition of sodium pyruvate during TS treatment, as it accelerated resuscitation. The results demonstrated that free radicals produced during TS processing and the growth phase of cells affected induction of the VBNC state in S. Typhimurium. However, the kinds and amount of free redicals generated during TS treatment should be analyzed in the feature.

In Vivo Reflectance Confocal Microscopy Image Interpretation for the Dermatopathologist

Abstract

Reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) is a technology utilized for bedside diagnosis of cutaneous pathology by non-invasive, in vivo, cellular-level imaging. With the recent establishment of reimbursement codes by the US Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services (CMS), RCM is now likely to be employed by clinical dermatologists and impact decision making on skin cancer management. Dermatopathologists, therefore, would benefit from learning how to interpret RCM images and how RCM findings correlate with histopathological criteria of diagnosis. This review briefly explains the principles behind RCM image acquisition, describes the key RCM features of normal skin, and delineates the RCM characteristics of frequently-observed benign and malignant neoplasms.

Mineralocorticoid receptor blockade improves glucocorticoid-induced skin atrophy but partially ameliorates anti-inflammatory actions in an irritative model in human skin explants

Abstract

We recently demonstrated that blockade of the mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) effectively ameliorated GC-induced skin atrophy in healthy human skin explants and epidermal MR knock-out mice. However, whether MR blockade improves the therapeutic index of GCs in skin pathology was not investigated.

We assessed the effects of GCs, MR antagonists (MRA), or both, in SDS-treated human skin explants. All treatments restored SDS-augmented epidermal thickness but only GC plus MRA restored the expression of COL1A1. However, MRA alone or in combination with GCs may exert a dual role in regulating inflammatory cytokines. Thus, although combined treatment may be beneficial to improve irritative skin, extensive in vivo testing is required to establish whether the anti-inflammatory effects of GCs are maintained in the presence of MRA.

This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Core information set for informed consent to surgery for oral or oropharyngeal cancer: a mixed methods study

Abstract

Objectives

To develop a core information set for informed consent to surgery for oral/oropharyngeal surgery. A core information set is baseline information rated important by patients and surgeons, and is intended to improve patients' understanding of the intended procedure.

Design

A mixed methods study. Systematic reviews of scientific and written healthcare literature, qualitative interviews and observations, Delphi surveys, and group consensus meetings identified information domains of importance for consent.

Setting

A regional head and neck clinic in the United Kingdom. Questionnaire participants were recruited from around the UK.

Participants

Patients about to undergo, or who had previously undergone, surgery for oral/oropharyngeal cancer. Healthcare professionals involved in the management of head and neck cancer.

Main outcome measures

The main outcome was a core information set.

Results

Systematic reviews, interviews and consultation observations yielded 887 pieces of information that were categorised into 87 information domains. Survey response rates were 67% (n=50) and 71% (n=52) for patient and healthcare professional groups in round one. More than 90% responded in each group in the second round. Healthcare professionals were more likely to rate information about short-term or peri-operative events as important while patients rated longer-term issues about survival and quality of life. The consensus-building process resulted in an agreed core information set of 13 domains plus two procedure-specific domains about tracheostomy and free flap surgery.

Conclusion

This study produced a core information set for surgeons and patients to discuss before surgery for oral/oropharyngeal cancer. Future work will optimise ways to integrate core information into routine consultations.

This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Counting experiments

Abstract

In this paper, I show how one might resist two influential arguments for the Likelihood Principle by appealing to the ontological significance of creative intentions. The first argument for the Likelihood Principle that I consider is the argument from intentions. After clarifying the argument, I show how the key premiss in the argument may be resisted by maintaining that creative intentions sometimes independently matter to what experiments exist. The second argument that I consider is Gandenberger's (Br J Philos Sci 66(3):475–503, 2015) rehabilitation of Birnbaum's (J Am Stat Assoc 57(298):269–306, 1962) proof of the Likelihood Principle from the (supposedly) more intuitively obvious principles of conditionality and sufficiency. As with the argument from intentions, I show how Gandenberger's argument for his Experimental Conditionality Principle may be resisted by maintaining that creative intentions sometimes independently matter to what experiments exist.

Expanding hospital HIV testing in the Bronx, New York and Washington, D.C.: Results from the HPTN 065 study

Abstract

Background

HIV testing is critical for both HIV treatment and prevention. Expanding testing in hospital settings can identify undiagnosed HIV infections.

Methods

To evaluate the feasibility of universally offering HIV testing during emergency department (ED) visits and inpatient admissions, 9 hospitals in the Bronx, New York and 7 in Washington DC undertook various efforts to encourage staff to offer HIV testing routinely. Outcomes included the percentage of encounters with an HIV test, the change from year 1 to year 3, and the percentages of tests that were HIV-positive and new diagnoses.

Results

From February 1, 2011 to January 31, 2014, HIV tests were conducted during 6.5% of 1,621,016 ED visits and 13.0% of 361,745 inpatient admissions in Bronx hospitals and 13.8% of 729,172 ED visits and 22.0% of 150,655 inpatient admissions in DC, with wide variation by hospital. From year 1 to year 3, testing was stable in the Bronx (6.6% to 6.9% of ED visits, 13.0% to 13.6% of inpatient admissions), but increased in DC (11.9% to 15.8% of ED visits, 19.0% to 23.9% of inpatient admissions). Overall, in the Bronx 0.4% (408) of ED HIV tests were positive, 0.3% (277) were new diagnoses; 1.8% (828) of inpatient tests were positive, 0.5% (244) were new diagnoses. In DC, 0.6% (618) of ED tests were positive, 0.4% (404) were new diagnoses; 4.9% (1349) of inpatient HIV tests were positive, 0.7% (189) were new diagnoses.

Conclusion

Hospitals consistently identified previously undiagnosed HIV infections, but universal offer of HIV testing proved elusive.

Systematicity Without Epistemic Warrant?

Abstract

In his latest book, Hoyningen-Huene develops a theory of the 'nature of science' which distinguishes science from 'other forms of knowledge' on the basis that science has a higher degree of systematicity than them. He analyses systematicity along nine dimensions. I argue that Hoyningen-Huene fails to offer a cogent account of the nature of science and that the chief weakness of his view is that he leaves out of the picture the whole issue of the epistemic warrant for scientific theories and their claim to a better understanding of the nature of reality.

Examining polyquaternium polymers deposition on human excised hair fibers

Summary

Background

Polyquaterniums (PQs) as important ingredients of hair products are synthetic cationic polymers and are used in commercial hair volumizers and conditioners.

Methods

Three different grades of polymers including PQ 87, 68, and 46 with various concentrations were used, and their hair deposition efficacy was measured at 5 different pH values using hair diameters measurements by digital micrometer. Deposition durability of polymer layer on the hair surface was tested by a defined washing test. Optical microscopic images and polarized light images were also taken from treated and untreated samples for further investigation. Attenuated total reflectance (ATR) spectral were recorded from hair samples to prove the polymer deposition and probable interaction with hair fibers.

Results

PQ-68 with the highest molecular weight (300 kDa) at pH = 9 exhibited the best hair deposition efficacy. The results revealed that the deposition of polymers is directly proportional to the pH values. The best results were seen at pH = 9, and at the lowest pH (pH = 5), the efficiency of polymers was approximately equal to zero. The best resistance against washing was shown by PQ-44 at pH = 6. ATR successfully tracked the presence of the polymers on the hair fibers and also proposed specific wave numbers for each polymeric agent, individually.

Conclusions

In general, two main parameter which can mainly influence the deposition efficacy of PQs are the type of polymer or its molecular weight and also the positive charge density on the polymer molecules.

Lymphocyte-independent pathways underlie the pathogenesis of murine cytomegalovirus-associated secondary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis

Summary

Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) constitutes a spectrum of immunological disorders characterized by uncontrolled immune activation and key symptoms such as fever, splenomegaly, pancytopenia, hemophagocytosis, hyperferritinemia and hepatitis. In genetic or primary HLH, hyperactivated CD8⁺ T cells are the main drivers of pathology. However, in acquired, secondary HLH, the role of lymphocytes remains vague. In the present study the involvement of lymphocytes in the pathogenesis of a cytomegalovirus-induced model of secondary HLH was explored. We previously reported CD8⁺ T cells to be redundant in this model and therefore focused on CD4⁺ helper and regulatory T cells. CD4⁺ T cells were markedly activated and skewed towards a pro-inflammatory T_helper1 transcription profile in mice displaying a severe and complete HLH phenotype. Counter to expectations, regulatory T cells were not reduced in numbers and were in fact more activated. Therapeutic strategies targeting CD25^high hyperactivated T cells were ineffective to alleviate disease, indicating that T cell hyperactivation is no pathogenic factor in cytomegalovirus-induced murine HLH. Moreover, even though T cells were essential in controlling viral proliferation, CD4⁺ T cells, in addition to CD8⁺ T cells, were dispensable in the development of the HLH-like syndrome. In fact, no T or B cells were required for induction and propagation of HLH disease, as evidenced by the occurrence of cytomegalovirus-associated HLH in SCID mice. These data suggest that lymphocyte-independent mechanisms can underlie virus-associated secondary HLH, accentuating a clear distinction with primary HLH. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Prevalence of Bifid Mandibular Canal Amongst Indian Population: A Radiographic Study

Abstract

Background

Bifid mandibular canal (BMC) is a normal anatomical variation and has been less studied in the Indian population. This study was aimed at estimating the prevalence of BMC amongst Indian population.

Materials and Methods

The study sample comprised of 5800 digital orthopantomograms (OPGs) which were from four zones of India, i.e. North India, South India, East India, and West India (1700 OPGs from each zone). Any pathological or normal digital OPGs having age between 15 and 80 years in the format of jepg or jpg image were included, while OPGs of operated case of hemimandibulectomy and blurred in which mandibular canal was not traceable were excluded from this study. Each radiograph was assessed for BMC based on the classification given by RP Langlais. Four examiners (two Oral and Maxillofacial surgeons and two Oral and Maxillofacial Radiologists) individually assessed every OPG for the presence of BMC. BMC was considered present, if all the examiners detected it independently.

Results

There were 5800 OPGs examined, out of which 2576 were of women and 3224 were of men. Bifid mandibular canals were observed in 135 (2.3%) out of 5800 digital panoramic images. There was no statistically significant correlation found with regard to age. Bifid mandibular canals were found with a female-to-male ratio of 1:1.2. The most frequently encountered type of BMC was type II (1.34%) followed by type I (0.72%), type IV (0.15%), and type III (0.1%).

Herausforderungen durch pluviale Überflutungen – Grundlagen, Schäden und Lösungsansätze

Zusammenfassung

Die Anzahl der Berichte über Hochwasserereignisse fernab von Gewässern und daraus resultierende Schäden, ausgelöst von Niederschlagsereignissen und den daraus entstehenden Abflussprozessen, steigt in Österreich in den letzten Jahren an. Vor allem in der Steiermark werden zurzeit einige Untersuchungen bzw. Projekte durchgeführt, die sich dem Thema der pluvialen Überflutungen über verschiedenste Ansätze nähern. Anhand einer durchgeführten Untersuchung im Rahmen der Dokumentation und Analyse der Hochwassersaison 2016 in der Steiermark an betroffenen Gebäuden werden die Entstehung pluvialer Überflutung, die dadurch entstehenden Schäden und die sich ergebenden Konsequenzen beleuchtet. Da pluvialen Hochwässern sowohl unterschiedliche Prozesse zugrunde liegen, als auch verschiedenste Fachbereiche Aufgaben in der Vorsorge, der Bewältigung und der Nachsorge übernehmen, liegt der Schwerpunkt der Bearbeitung auf einem integralen Betrachtungsansatz. Die Daten aus dem laufenden Projekt bilden eine wichtige Grundlage für weitere strategische Überlegungen im Umgang mit diesem sensiblen Thema.

Formulation and characterization of garlic ( Allium sativum L.) essential oil nanoemulsion and its acaricidal activity on eriophyid olive mites (Acari: Eriophyidae)

Abstract

Green and nanoacaricides including essential oil (EO) nanoemulsions are important compounds to provide new, active, safe acaricides and lead to improvement of avoiding the risk of synthetic acaricides. This study was carried out for the first time on eriophyid mites to develop nanoemulsion of garlic essential oil by ultrasonic emulsification and evaluate its acaricidal activity against the two eriophyid olive mites Aceria oleae Nalepa and Tegolophus hassani (Keifer). Acute toxicity of nanoemulsion was also studied on male rats. Garlic EO was analyzed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and the major compounds were diallyl sulfide (8.6%), diallyl disulfide (28.36%), dimethyl tetrasulfide (15.26%), trisulfide,di-2-propenyl (10.41%), and tetrasulfide,di-2-propenyl (9.67%). Garlic oil nanoemulsion with droplet size 93.4 nm was formulated by ultrasonic emulsification for 35 min. Emulsification time and oil and surfactant ratio correlated to the emulsion droplet size and stability. The formulated nanoemulsion showed high acaricidal activity against injurious eriophyid mites with LC₅₀ 298.225 and 309.634 μg/ml, respectively. No signs of nanoemulsion toxicity were noted in treating rats; thus, it may be considered non-toxic to mammals. Stability of garlic oil nanoemulsion, high acaricidal activity, and the absence of organic toxic solvents make the formulation that may be a possible acaricidal product. Results suggest the possibility of developing suitable natural nanoacaricide from garlic oil.

Application of the Fenton’s process in a bubble column reactor for hydroquinone degradation

Abstract

The aim of this study was to assess the degradation and mineralization of hydroquinone (HQ) by the Fenton's process in a bubble column reactor (BCR). The effect of the main operating variables, namely, air flow rate, effluent volume, hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) concentration, catalyst (Fe²⁺) dose, initial pH, and temperature, were assessed. For all air flow rates tested, no concentration gradients along the column were noticed, evidencing that a good mixing was reached in the BCR. For the best conditions tested ([H₂O₂] = 500 mg/L, [Fe²⁺] = 45 mg/L, T = 24 °C, Q _air = 2.5 mL/min, pH = 3.0, and V = 5 L), complete HQ degradation was reached, with ~ 39% of total organic carbon (TOC) removal, and an efficiency of the oxidant use—η _H2O2—of 0.39 (ratio between TOC removed per H₂O₂ consumed normalized by the theoretical stoichiometric value); moreover, a non-toxic effluent was generated. Under these conditions, the intermediates and final oxidation compounds identified and quantified were a few carboxylic acids, namely, maleic, pyruvic, and oxalic. As a strategy to improve the TOC removal, a gradual dosage of the optimal H₂O₂ concentration was implemented, being obtained ~ 55% of mineralization (with complete HQ degradation). Finally, the matrix effect was evaluated, for which a real wastewater was spiked with 100 mg/L of HQ; no reduction in terms of HQ degradation and mineralization was observed compared to the solution in distilled water.

Characterization of PM 2.5 and identification of transported secondary and biomass burning contribution in Seoul, Korea

Abstract

The chemical and seasonal characteristics of fine particulates in Seoul, Korea, were investigated based on 24-h integrated PM_2.5 measurements made over four 1-month periods in each season between October 2012 and September 2013. The four-season average concentration of PM_2.5 was 37 μg m⁻³, and the major chemical components were secondary inorganic aerosol (SIA) species of sulfate, nitrate, and ammonium (49%), followed by organic matter (34%). The mass concentration and most of the chemical components of PM_2.5 showed clear seasonal variation, with a winter-high and summer-low pattern. The winter-to-summer sulfate ratio and the winter organic carbon (OC)-to-elemental carbon (EC) ratio were unusually high compared with those in previous studies. Strong correlations of both the sulfate level and the sulfur oxidation ratio with relative humidity, and between water-soluble OC (WSOC) and SIA in winter, suggest the importance of aqueous phase chemistry for secondary aerosols. A strong correlation between non-sea salt sulfate and Na⁺ levels, a high Cl⁻/Na⁺ ratio, and an unusual positive correlation between the nitrogen oxidation ratio and temperature during the winter indicate the influence of transported secondary emission sources from upwind urban areas and from China across the Yellow Sea. Despite the absence of local forest fires and the regulation of wood burning, a high levoglucosan concentration and its correlations with OC and WSOC indicate that Seoul was affected by biomass burning sources in the winter. The unusually high water-insoluble OC (WIOC)-to-EC ratio in winter implies additional transported combustion sources of WIOC. The strong correlation between WIOC and levoglucosan suggests the likely influence of transported biomass burning sources on the high WIOC/EC ratio during the winter.

Phosphate and ammonium adsorption of sesame straw biochars produced at different pyrolysis temperatures

Abstract

The adsorption of \( \mathrm{N}{\mathrm{H}}_4^{+} \) and \( {\mathrm{PO}}_4^{3-} \) by sesame straw biochars (C-300, C-500, and C-700) prepared under different temperatures (300, 500, and 700 °C) was investigated in this study. The physicochemical properties of the biochars were characterized using Brunauer–Emmett–Teller method, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectrometry. In batch experiments, C-300 showed the best \( \mathrm{N}{\mathrm{H}}_4^{+} \) adsorption capacity of 3.45 mg/g because of its abundant surface functional groups at low pyrolysis temperature. C-700 achieved the optimal \( {\mathrm{PO}}_4^{3-} \) adsorption capacity of 34.17 mg/g because of its high Ca, Mg, and Al contents and high surface area at high pyrolysis temperature. The isothermal study showed that the Langmuir–Freundlich model could sufficiently describe the \( \mathrm{N}{\mathrm{H}}_4^{+} \) and \( {\mathrm{PO}}_4^{3-} \) adsorption values, indicating the multiple adsorption processes of nutrients on biochars. The maximum \( \mathrm{N}{\mathrm{H}}_4^{+} \) adsorption capacity was 93.61 mg/g on C-300, whereas the maximum \( {\mathrm{PO}}_4^{3-} \) adsorption capacity was as high as 116.58 mg/g on C-700. Kinetic study showed that \( \mathrm{N}{\mathrm{H}}_4^{+} \) adsorption on C-300 was mainly controlled by intraparticle diffusion, and the pseudo-second-order model could well describe \( {\mathrm{PO}}_4^{3-} \) adsorption on C-700.

Effect of gasoline fumes on reproductive function in male albino rats

Abstract

The increase in the frequency of exposure to gasoline fumes and the growing incidence of infertility among humans has been a major concern and subject of discussion over the years in Nigeria. We therefore present the reproductive effect of gasoline fumes on inhalation exposure in 40 male albino rats. The rats were randomized into five experimental treatments (T) with eight rats per treatment. T1 (control) was exposed to distilled water while T2, T3, T4, and T5 were exposed to gasoline fumes in exposure chambers for 1, 3, 5, and 9 h daily respectively for 12 weeks. Serum level of testosterone, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), prolactin, oxidative stress markers in the testicular tissue, epididymal sperm health assessment, and testicular histopathology of the rats were used as a diagnostic marker of reproductive dysfunction. Significant (p < 0.05) alterations in the levels of all the reproductive hormones and oxidative stress markers assayed were observed in rats exposed to gasoline fume. Significant reductions (p < 0.05) in sperm count and percentage motility in the exposed rats were observed. Significant (p < 0.05) increased in abnormal sperm cells characterized by damaged head, bent tail, damaged tail, and without head were also observed in the exposed rats. Histopathologically, severe degenerative testicular architectural lesions characterized by alterations in all the generations of sperm cells and reduction of interstitial cells were seen in the exposed rats. Gasoline fume is thus said to interfere with spermatogenesis and impair fertility in male gonad.

Experimental investigation of urea injection parameters influence on NO x emissions from blended biodiesel-fueled diesel engines

Abstract

The present work submits an investigation about the effect of urea injection parameters on NO_x emissions from a four-stroke four-cylinder diesel engine fueled with B20 blended biodiesel. An L₉(3⁴) Taguchi orthogonal array was used to design the test plan. The results reveal that increasing urea concentration leads to lower NO_x emissions. Urea flow rate increment has the same influence on NO_x emission. The same result is obtained by an increase in spray angle. Also, according to the analysis of variance (ANOVA), urea concentration and then urea flow rate are the most effective design parameters on NO_x emissions, while spray angle and mixing length have less influence on this pollutant emission. Finally, since the result of confirmation test is in good agreement with the predicted value based on the Taguchi technique, the predictive capability of this method in the present study could be deduced.

Aplasia cutis congenita: Evaluation of signs suggesting extracutaneous involvement

Abstract

Specific clinical features of aplasia cutis congenita may indicate the presence of underlying cranial or cerebrovascular defects, allowing for early recognition and intervention. Most information about aplasia cutis congenita exists as individual case reports, with few large-scale studies. We conducted a 7-year retrospective chart review of 90 cases of aplasia cutis congenita and identified clinical characteristics including morphology, number of lesions, anatomic location, presence of hair collar sign, associated cutaneous features, histology, and imaging results. The anatomic location of the lesion (vertex, midline) (P = .01), presence of hair collar sign (P < .001), vascular stains (P < .001), and nodules (P = .007) were found to be strong clinical indicators of skull or cerebrovascular involvement.

In vivo reflectance confocal microscopy in daily practice: Image features correlated to histopathology

Abstract

Background

In vivo reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) represents a promising technique for noninvasive visualization of skin lesions. In the clinical daily practice, doctors want to know the relationship between the RCM images and the skin pathological changes.

Objective

The aim of this study was to identify the basic skin pathological changes under RCM, and use RCM terminology to describe these pathological changes.

Methods

A total of 100 patients were recruited and were evaluated both by RCM and histopathologic examination. Ten healthy volunteers were also recruited as control. RCM examinations were done and biopsies of the lesions at the same site of RCM examination were performed for histopathology analysis.

Results

The pathological changes including hyperkeratosis, parakeratosis, acanthosis, papilloma, spongiosis, pustule, vacuolar degeneration, hyperpigmentation, changes of collagen fibers, and vascular changes can be imaged by RCM and corresponded well to their histopathology. RCM failed to find the atypical keratinocytes in two squamous cell carcinoma cases because of the hyperkeratosis and failed to find the vascular changes in one port wine stain cases because of the limitation of detecting depth.

Conclusion

Features correlating well to histopathology are observed on RCM. RCM can be used as an auxiliary diagnosis tool for the clinical diagnosis.

Persistence of contact allergy: a retrospective analysis

Summary

Background

Studies have shown that not all positive patch test reactions are reproducible upon retesting, that is, persistent. Non-persistent reactions might represent initial false-positive reactions, meaning that patients might unnecessarily avoid allergens.

Objectives

To investigate the occurrence of both persistent and non-persistent patch test reactions, to explore possible explanations, and to investigate whether allergen-specific differences exist.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was performed on patients who were patch tested at least twice between 1 January 1995 and 31 October 2016, with at least one positive patch test reaction to an allergen that had been retested. Both univariable and multivariable analyses were performed to investigate the influence of several factors on persistence.

Results

Of 274 retested positive reactions in 119 patients, 183 (66.8%) reactions remained positive. The strongest predictor for non-persistence in both univariable and multivariable analyses was strength of the first patch test, with weak positive reactions being significantly less persistent. Regarding allergen groups, metals and fragrances were less persistent than other allergens.

Conclusion

Weak positive reactions have a low persistence rate, and the dermatologist should be conservative in advising the patient on avoidance of these allergens, especially if clinical relevance is uncertain.

Assessing the validity of self-reported history of rash caused by metal or jewellery

Summary

Background

The use of metal-containing bio-devices is becoming increasingly common. Self-reported history of dermatitis with metal exposure is not established as being predictive for metal allergy.

Objectives

To assess the validity of two screening questions addressing metal allergy.

Methods

At Massachusetts General Hospital Contact Dermatitis Clinic, 2132 consecutive patients were asked either 'Do you get rashes when jewellery touches your skin' (Q1; N = 1816) or 'Do you get rashes when metal touches your skin?' (Q2; N = 316) before being patch tested.

Results

Testing showed that 20% of subjects had positive reactions to nickel, 7.4% had positive reactions to cobalt, and 5.8% had positive reactions to chromium. Q1 was 40% sensitive (95%CI: 35–45%). The positive predictive value (PPV) was 51%, and the negative predictive value (NPV) was 82%. Q2 was 77% sensitive (95%CI: 68–84%). The PPV was 71%, and the NPV was 84%. Q2 was 37% more sensitive than Q1 (p < 0.0001), with a higher relative risk (RR) (4.75, p < 0.001) than Q1 (RR = 3.01, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Patient-reported metal allergy, although not perfect, is a reasonable method for metal allergy screening to help identify those needing further objective evaluation by patch testing.