Probing the toxicity mechanism of multiwalled carbon nanotubes on bacteria

Abstract

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have emerged recently as superior adsorbent materials for the removal of recalcitrant pollutants. The potential of combining the sorption capability of CNTs with bacterial degradation for pollutant removal, however, necessitates further investigation of the mechanisms of CNTs' toxicity towards bacterial cells. In this study, we used a panel of stress-responsive recombinant Escherichia coli bioluminescence bacterial strains to explore the possible mechanisms of toxicity of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). The effects of MWCNTs on markers of oxidative stress, protein, DNA, and membrane damage enabled the exposition of some of the mechanisms of their antimicrobial properties. Using both a bioluminescence bioreporter panel and live/dead staining, we observed that membrane damage played a role in the toxicity of MWCNTs. A subsequent viability study using three strains of bacteria—two gram-negative (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa) and one gram-positive (Bacillus subtilis)—showed significant MWCNT toxicity in hypotonic water and phosphate-buffered saline solution, compared with the MWCNT toxicity towards the same bacteria incubated in isotonic-rich media. Using a field-emission scanning electron microscope, we demonstrated that membrane damage is caused largely by MWCNTs trapping bacteria and piercing the cell walls. As a result of our observations, we propose integrating MWCNTs and bacteria degradation for pollutant removal in nutrient-rich media to minimize the toxicity effect of CNTs.

Does the air condition system in busses spread allergic fungi into driver space?

Abstract

The aim of this study was to establish whether the air-conditioning system in buses constitutes an additional source of indoor air contamination with fungi, and whether or not the fungi concentration depends on the period from the last disinfection of the system, combined with replacement of the cabin dust particle filter. The air samples to fungi analysis using impact method were taken in 30 buses (20 with an air-conditioning system, ACS; 10 with a ventilation system, VS) in two series: 1 and 22 weeks after cabin filter replacement and disinfection of the air-conditioning system. During one test in each bus were taken two samples: before the air-conditioning or ventilation system switched on and 6 min after operating of these systems. The atmospheric air was the external background (EB). After 1 week of use of the system, the fungi concentrations before starting of the ACS and VS system were 527.8 and 1053.0 cfu/m³, respectively, and after 22 weeks the concentrations were 351.9 and 1069.6 cfu/m³, respectively. While in the sample after 6 min of ACS and VS system operating, the fungi concentration after 1 week of use was 127.6 and 233.7 cfu/m³, respectively, and after 22 weeks it was 113.3 and 324.9 cfu/m³, respectively. Results do not provide strong evidence that air-conditioning system is an additional source of indoor air contamination with fungi. A longer operation of the system promoted increase of fungi concentration in air-conditioned buses only.

Generation of highly potent organic fertilizer from pernicious aquatic weed Salvinia molesta

Abstract

Utilization of Salvinia molesta, an aquatic weed which is notorious for its allelopathy and invasiveness, has been explored by its vermicomposting. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and plant bioassay tests were conducted to analyze the composition and fertilizer value of S .molesta vermicompost. Germination and seedling growth tests were performed in soil supplemented with vermicompost at levels ranging from 0.75 to 40% by weight of the soil on three common food plants, ladies finger (Abelmoschus esculentus), cucumber (Cucumis sativus), and green gram (Vigna radiata). The influence of S. molesta's vermicompost on some of the physicochemical and biological attributes of the soil was also studied. FT-IR analysis revealed that S. molesta loses its allelopathy, as the chemical compounds that are responsible for it are largely destroyed, in the course of its vermicomposting. There is also an indication that a portion of lignin content of S. molesta is degraded. Vermicompost enhanced the germination success and promoted the morphological growth and biochemical content of the plant species studied. It also bestowed plant friendly physicochemical and biological attributes to the soil. The findings raise the prospect that billions of tons of S. molesta biomass―which not only goes to waste at present but is also a cause of serious harm to the environment―may become utilizable in organic agriculture.

Residue behavior and risk assessment of imidacloprid applied on greenhouse-cultivated strawberries under different application conditions

Abstract

A risk assessment for imidacloprid applied on strawberries under different conditions was performed after residue determination using the quick, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe (QuEChERS) method. The application conditions were varied according to the applied dosage, addition of a plant oil or organosilicon surfactant, water volume, and sprayer type. The degradation dynamics of imidacloprid on strawberries followed first-order kinetics. At applied doses of 30–60 g a.i. ha⁻¹, the half-lives of imidacloprid were 2.89–3.46, 1.98–3.65, and 2.57–2.77 days after application without a surfactant or with a plant oil or organosilicon surfactant, respectively. For water volumes of 112.5, 225, 450, 675, and 900 L ha⁻¹, the half-lives of imidacloprid applied in the presence of the plant oil surfactant were 3.30, 7.70, 5.33, 7.70, and 6.30 days, respectively. The half-lives after application with a knapsack mist duster, electric sprayer, and manual sprayer were 2.16, 5.77, and 7.70 days, respectively. The health risk assessment revealed risk quotients less than 1 in all cases, indicating that the application of imidacloprid poses a low health risk to humans after a pre-harvest interval of 10 days under our application conditions. The risk assessment results can provide reference data for setting a reasonable maximum residue limit for imidacloprid on strawberries in China.

Cumulative impacts from multiple human activities on seagrass meadows in eastern Mediterranean waters: the case of Saronikos Gulf (Aegean Sea, Greece)

Abstract

Ecosystem-based management (EBM) addresses the fundamental need to account for cumulative impacts of human activities with the aim of sustainably delivering ecosystem services. The Saronikos Gulf, a large embayment of the Aegean Sea, provides a wide range of ecosystem services that are impacted by multiple human activities, deriving from the metropolitan area of Athens (situated at the northeast part of the Gulf). The anthropogenic impacts affect the status of several marine ecosystem components, e.g., seagrass meadows. Cymodocea nodosa meadows are only present at the most confined western part of the Gulf, whereas Posidonia oceanica meadows are mainly distributed in the inner and outer part of the Gulf. The aim of this study is to assess the cumulative impacts from multiple human activities on the seagrass meadows in the Gulf. The main results indicated that most impacted meadows are P. oceanica in the inner part of the Gulf, adjacent to the most urbanized coastal areas, and near port infrastructures. Land-based pollution, as well as physical damage and loss seem to be the main pressures exerted on the meadows. Understanding cumulative impacts is crucial for informing policy decisions under an EBM approach.

The role of body image concern, sexual body image, and sexual self-esteem in the happiness of women seeking rhinoplasty surgery

Abstract

Background

This study aims to investigate the role of body image concern, sexual body image, and sexual self-esteem in the happiness of women seeking rhinoplasty surgery.

Methods

This study had a descriptive correlational design. Cases were defined as subjects who presented to beauty centers in Tehran. A convenience sample of 65 women participated. Each woman completed Oxford Happiness Inventory (OHI), Body Image Concern Inventory (BICI), Body Exposure during Sexual Activities Questionnaire (BESAQ), and Sexual Self-Esteem Index for Woman-Short Form (SSEI-W-SF). The data were analyzed with Pearson correlation coefficient and stepwise regression.

Results

The results showed that that there is a significant relationship between happiness with body image concern, sexual body image, and sexual self-esteem of people seeking rhinoplasty surgery (P < 0.05). Body image concern and sexual body image could predict 23% of the variance of happiness (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

A lower rate of body image concern predicts higher happiness in women seeking rhinoplasty surgery.

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

Regulatory B cells induced by ultraviolet B through toll-like receptor 4 signalling contribute to the suppression of contact hypersensitivity responses in mice

Summary

Background

Ultraviolet (UV) B irradiation is known to suppress contact hypersensitivity (CHS) responses in mouse models by suppressing immune responses. However, the cellular mechanisms responsible for UVB-induced systemic suppression remain unclear. Regulatory B cells have been reported to play an inhibitory role during CHS. It is presently unknown whether regulatory B cells contribute to the effect of UVB phototherapy.

Objective

To investigate the inductive effect of UVB on regulatory B cells and the underlying mechanisms by using a CHS mouse model.

Methods

CHS was induced with oxazolone, and evaluated by histopathology, flow cytometry, and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction.

Result

We found that UVB irradiation induced regulatory B cell expansion and ameliorated CHS. UVB-induced regulatory B cells contribute to systemic immunosuppression by inhibiting the proliferation of T cells. Moreover, we determined that toll-like receptor (TLR) 4, the expression of which was upregulated in B cells after UVB exposure, played an essential role in the induction of regulatory B cells.

Conclusion

Our data identified regulatory B cells as regulators of UVB-induced immunosuppression in CHS, and suggest the importance of the UVB–TLR4 axis in the generation of regulatory B cells.

Occurrence, distribution and composition of aliphatic and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in sediment cores from the Lower Fox River, Wisconsin, US

Abstract

The Lower Fox River is a 39 mile section which supports approximately 270,000 rural inhabitants across 18 counties, 303,000 metropolitan residents in Green Bay and Appleton, Wisconsin, and several large industrial complexes such as paper mills and power plants. This paper presents the distribution and concentrations of aliphatic (n-alkanes) and aromatic hydrocarbons (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons [PAHs]) as well as total organic carbon (TOC) in the Lower Fox River to identify the sources of hydrocarbon contamination. Excluding one outlier, percent TOC values were between 0.73 and 19.9% with an average value of 6.74%. Total n-alkanes ranged from 3.51 μg/g to 117 μg/g and showed a strong presence of odd carbon-numbered n-alkane ratios (range of C25 to C35), suggesting source input from terrestrial biomass. The mean polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) concentration was 24,800 ng/g. High molecular weight PAH concentrations dominated the distribution of hydrocarbon contaminants. Cross-plots of PAHs were used to compare diagnostic source ratios of benz[a]anthracene (BaA), chrysene (Chr), fluoranthene (Flu), pyrene (Pyr), anthracene (Ant), phenanthrene (Phe), indeno[1,2,3-cd]pyrene (InP), and benzo[g,h,i]perylene (BghiP) by depth and area. PAH ratios varied slightly with the core depth. Deeper core sections indicated the presence of biomass combustion while the upper core sections indicated combustion of both petroleum and biomass. The PAH toxicity of one core was estimated using toxicity equivalency factors, and the benzo[a]pyrene toxic equivalence quotient totaled 2,293 ng/g-dry wt. Levels of PAHs in sediments are compared with established regulatory values and recommendations are made.

A two-center, assessor-blinded, prospective trial evaluating the efficacy of a novel hypertonic draining cream for cellulite reduction: A Clinical and instrumental (Antera 3D CS) assessment

Summary

Introduction

Gynoid lipodystrophy, also known as cellulite, is a very common skin alteration representing mainly a cosmetic problem rather than a real disease. An effective treatment of cellulite has not been well established. The initial phase of cellulite is characterized by subdermal tissue edema with interstitial fluids retention. A new hypertonic topical product with draining action (HTC) containing NaCl 13%, escine, caffeine, and beta-sitosterol has been recently developed. A 28-day double-blind placebo-controlled study has shown that this cream is able to reduce thigh circumference and the thickness of adipose tissue. No data so far are available regarding an objective evaluation of skin appearance for a longer application period.

Study aim

To evaluate the clinical efficacy of 2-month HCT treatment with clinical and instrumental assessments.

Subjects and methods

In a prospective, 2-center, assessor-blinded trial 20 women (mean age 34 years) with cellulite of Grade I-III in severity were enrolled after their informed consent. HTC was applied once daily for 60 days. Primary outcomes of the trial were the evolution of thigh circumference measurements (assessed at baseline, after 1 and 2 months) and the computer-analysis of skin profilometry (ie, skin volumes) of a prespecified target area evaluated by means of Antera 3D CS digitalized images (assessed at baseline and at the end of the trial). Secondary outcome was the orange peel severity score (from 0 to 5) before and after pitch test.

Results

All subjects concluded the study period. Thigh circumference was reduced by −0.88 (right)/−1.2 cm (left) and by −1.8(right)/−2.1 (left) cm, after 30 and 60 days of treatment, respectively (P = .001, Wilcoxon test vs baseline). Antera 3D profilometry of the target zone showed a significant reduction in skin depression expressed in mm³ of −56% (from 59.7 to 26.73 mm³) after HTC application. Orange peel (no pitch test) mean (SD) score was 2.3 (1) at baseline, 2.0 (1) and 1.8 (0.8) after 1 and 2 months (P = .0031), respectively. After-pitch orange peel score was significantly reduced after treatment (from 3.3 to 2.2).

Conclusion

Once daily application of HTC for 2 months has confirmed its efficacy in the improvement of objective and subjective assessments of cellulite parameters.(Trial Number registration: ISRCTN15111614).

Immediate effect and safety of HIFU single treatment for male subcutaneous fat reduction

Summary

Background

The increasing search for procedures for fat reduction is related to dissatisfaction with body shape. High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) has been proven effective in body sculpting when used noninvasively to reduce subcutaneous fat and improve body contour.

Aims

This study aimed to evaluate the immediate effect and safety of HIFU single treatment for male localized fat and body remodeling.

Patients/Methods

Twenty-four male subjects (18 to 59 years old) with BMI ≤ 30 kg/cm² and at least 2 cm of abdominal fat received a single HIFU treatment session. Individuals were subjected to abdominal measurements before and after procedure. In addition, biochemical analyses of blood samples were performed to assess possible inflammatory effects or oxidative stress induction by the treatment.

Results

High-intensity focused ultrasound was found to be an effective treatment in reducing localized adiposities in the abdominal region. A significant decrease (0.6%) was observed in infraumbilical circumference of subjects submitted to HIFU single treatment when compared with control subjects. The laboratory parameters did not present any appreciable changes.

Conclusion

This study further strengthens the current view that HIFU is an effective and safe tool for localized fat reduction.

Subcutaneous granuloma annulare involving the scalp

Abstract

Subcutaneous granuloma annulare (SGA) is an uncommon subtype of granuloma annulare. There are few reports of this entity solely affecting the scalp. We report a case of biopsy-proven SGA in a 21-month-old boy with six asymptomatic, rock-hard scalp nodules.

Hyperpigmentation of the hard palate mucosa in a patient with chronic myeloid leukaemia taking imatinib

Abstract

Background

Imatinib mesylate is an inhibitor of the tyrosine kinase Bcr–Abl and a first-line treatment for Philadelphia chromosome-positive chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML). Dermatological side effects include superficial oedema, pustular eruption, lichenoid reactions, erythroderma, and skin rash. Depigmentation of the skin and/or mucosa is uncommon, and hyperpigmentation is rare.

Case presentation

We present the case of a 63-year-old Caucasian male with widespread hyperpigmentation of the hard palate associated with a 9-year history of imatinib therapy to treat CML. He did not complain of any symptoms. Clinical examination did not reveal any abnormal pigmentation of the skin or other region of the oral mucosa. He did not smoke cigarettes or drink alcohol. His medication regimen was a proton pump inhibitor, a beta-blocker, cardioaspirin, atorvastatin, and imatinib 400 mg/day. Histopathologically, melanin and haemosiderin deposits were evident in the lamina propria. The lesion persisted, with no clinical change, through several follow-ups. We reviewed the literature to explore the possible relationship between oral hyperpigmentation and long-term imatinib mesylate treatment.

Conclusions

We diagnosed oral pigmentation associated with imatinib intake based on the medical history and clinical features of the pigmented macules. Oral pigmentation may have a variety of causes, and differential diagnosis requires nodal analysis. Clinicians should be aware of possible oral mucosal hyperpigmentation in patients taking imatinib mesylate. Such pigmentation is benign and no treatment is needed, but surveillance is advisable.

Three-dimensional surgical simulation for facial asymmetry: soft tissue-, skeleton-, and occlusion-based planning

Spectrum of health condition in methyl isocyanate (MIC)-exposed survivors measured after 30 years of disaster

Abstract

Health effects of methyl isocyanate (MIC) exposure were mostly reported on the one-time acute exposure in Bhopal population. Epidemiological survey conducted by the Indian apex body of health research has been reported as Technical Reports, which were lacking in peer review by the expert epidemiologic scientists. The present pilot survey was aimed to measure the health effects 30 years post disaster in MIC-exposed survivors. Questionnaire-based survey has captured every health complaint in 168 individuals and grouped as systemic functions for interpreting the long-term effects of MIC. Key health parameters, including reproductive outcome and respiratory/orthopedic/general morbidity, were prevalent among the severely exposed population compared to control and moderately exposed groups. The collective incidence of diabetes, hypertension, and cancer also was prevalent in the severely exposed group. Ophthalmic morbidity was almost similar in the three groups, rather with higher incidence in the control group, though not statistically significant. Among all health parameters, reproductive, ophthalmic, and respiratory effects were prevalent over others. Although the incidence of health problems has been declined among the survivors, long-term effect is apparent as scars of one-time acute exposure might trigger sequel of long-term effects. Additionally, acquisition of genetic rearrangements, survival of T cell sub-populations, variable latency of chemical effect on DNA nucleosides, nutritional status, occupational exposure, living environment, lifestyle, and overall gene–environment interaction might perturb individual immunity and favor onset of long-term illness in a scenario of background exposure to MIC. However, the exercise should be continued on a larger sample size for drawing a conclusive result on long-term MIC effect on survivors' health.

Temporal dynamics of total and free-living nitrogen-fixing bacterial community abundance and structure in soil with and without history of arsenic contamination during a rice growing season

Abstract

Despite the fact that the nitrogen (N) fixers act as the key regulator of ecosystem process, a detailed study of their abundance, diversity, and dynamics in arsenic (As)-contaminated rice fields is missing so far. DNA extracted from soil followed by 16S rRNA and nifH gene-based real-time qPCR, clone library analysis, and DNA sequencing were used to examine the status of the total and diazotrophic communities in two agricultural fields with and without arsenic contamination history during one rice cultivation season. In general, higher nifH and 16S rRNA gene copy numbers were observed in rice growing soils with lesser As than that with higher As. Elevated levels of 16S rRNA and nifH genes in soil is directly associated with total and nitrogen fixers abundance in the agricultural land without As contamination history through the cultivation period, but the copy number of 16S rRNA gene was decreased, and the nifH gene remained unchanged in the As-contaminated land. Additionally, Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA) indicated the possible suppression of nifH gene abundance by soil pH, phosphate, and As content. Increased abundance of total and Acidobacterial lineages in low As-containing soil and the detection of several uncultured groups among nifH gene sequence in higher frequency indicated the presence of novel nifH bearing bacterial groups. Conversely, the abundance of copiotrophic Proteobacterial lineages gradually increased in soil with higher As. Herein, our study demonstrated that the dynamics of free-living nitrogen-fixing bacterial communities were perturbed due to As contamination in agricultural land.

Robert acland (1941-2016) innovator, microsurgeon, anatomist and teacher

The breadth and depth of Robert (Bob) Acland's contribution to Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery merits communication to younger generations. From early days at boarding school Bob took a great interest in acquiring precision skills in metalwork and carpentry which were to prepare him for later innovations in the design and manufacture of prototype microsurgical instruments. He then worked with suppliers and manufacturers to market the microsurgical instrumentation which is in international use today.

Silver oxide nanoparticles alleviate indomethacin-induced gastric injury: a novel antiulcer agent

Abstract

Silver and silver oxides are gaining interest in medical applications for their prominent antibacterial and antimicrobial potentials. Recent studies suggest that nanosilver oxide has remarkable anti-inflammatory effects and enhances wound healing. Nevertheless, its effect on gastric ulcer has not yet been illustrated. Thus the current study aimed to explore the prospect protective effect of nanosilver oxide against indomethacin-induced gastric ulcer. A new approach has been followed to synthesize nanosilver oxide. X-ray diffraction, UV–Vis spectroscopy and transition electron microscope techniques have been successfully used to characterize the synthesized nanoparticles. Treatment of ulcerated rats with different doses of nanosilver oxide especially (175 and 350 ppm/p.o.) alleviated adverse effects of indomethacin-induced gastric injury as demonstrated by decreasing ulcer index and elevating % of ulcer inhibition. These positive effects excelled those exerted by the reference antiulcer drug omeprazole. Nanosilver oxide suppressed gastric inflammation by reducing myeloperoxidase, tumor necrosis alpha, interleukin 1beta and interferon gamma. Moreover, nanosilver oxide halted gastric oxidative stress via inhibiting lipid  peroxidation and enhancing glutathione and paraoxonase-1. Regarding gastric apoptosis, nanosilver oxide down regulated the expression of caspase 9, tumor protein 53, and nuclear factor kappa B and allograft inflammatory factor-1 genes. These findings emphasize the antiulcerogenic potential of nanosilver oxide against indomethacin-induced gastric ulcers which are multi-factorial including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antiapoptotic effects.

When propriety is improper

Abstract

We argue that philosophers ought to distinguish epistemic decision theory and epistemology, in just the way ordinary decision theory is distinguished from ethics. Once one does this, the internalist arguments that motivate much of epistemic decision theory make sense, given specific interpretations of the formalism (for example, that epistemic utility functions be at least as psychologically real as ordinary utility functions are for decision theory). Making this distinction also causes trouble for the principle called Propriety, which says, roughly, that the only acceptable epistemic utility functions make probabilistically coherent credence functions immodest (expect themselves to be least inaccurate). We cast doubt on this requirement, but then argue that epistemic decision theorists should never have wanted such a strong principle in any case.

Isolation of monocrotophos-degrading strain Sphingobium sp. YW16 and cloning of its Tn opdA

Abstract

The bacterial strain Sphingobium sp. YW16, which is capable of degrading monocrotophos, was isolated from paddy soil in China. Strain YW16 could hydrolyze monocrotophos to dimethylphosphate and N-methylacetoacetamide and utilize dimethylphosphate as the sole carbon source but could not utilize N-methylacetoacetamide. Strain YW16 also had the ability to hydrolyze other organophosphate pesticides. A fragment (7067 bp) that included the organophosphorus hydrolase gene, opdA, was acquired from strain YW16 using the shotgun technique combined with SEFA-PCR. Its sequence illustrated that opdA was included in TnopdA, which consisted of a transpose gene, a putative integrase gene, a putative ATP-binding protein gene, and opdA. Additionally, a conjugal transfer protein gene, traI, was located downstream of TnopdA. The juxtaposition of TnopdA with TraI suggests that opdA may be transferred from strain YW16 to other bacteria through conjugation. OpdA was able to hydrolyze a wide range of organophosphate pesticides, with the hydrolysis efficiency decreasing as follows: methyl parathion > fenitrothion > phoxim > dichlorvos > ethyl parathion > trichlorfon > triazophos > chlorpyrifos > monocrotophos > diazinon. This work provides the first report of opdA in the genus Sphingobium.

War and poverty

Abstract

Because the poorest people tend to die from easily preventable diseases, addressing poverty is a relatively cheap way to save lives. War, by contrast, is extremely expensive. This article argues that, since states that wage war could alleviate poverty instead, poverty can render war unjust. Two just war theory conditions prove relevant: proportionality and last resort. Proportionality requires that war does not yield excessive costs in relation to the benefits. Standardly, just war theorists count only the direct costs: the death and destruction wrought by war. This article argues that it can sometimes be appropriate to add the opportunity costs of a failure to alleviate poverty. Last resort is the condition that there must be no better alternative means of achieving the same just end for which the war is waged. This article argues that there are some cases in which alleviating poverty may constitute a better alternative. These are cases in which the most fitting description of the just end for war is sufficiently general that poverty alleviation offers a means to pursue it. The idea that poverty can sometimes render war unjust has, to date, been largely overlooked. It is, nevertheless, an idea with profound implications since, once taken seriously, war becomes much harder to justify. Wars that, in every other respect, seem just may prove disproportionate or unnecessary given the alternative of alleviating poverty.

A dilemma for Epicureanism

Abstract

Perhaps death's badness is an illusion. Epicureans think so and argue that agents cannot be harmed by death when they're alive (because death hasn't happened yet) nor when they're dead (because they do not exist by the time death comes). I argue that each version of Epicureanism faces a fatal dilemma: it is either committed to a demonstrably false view about the relationship between self-regarding reasons and well-being or it is involved in a merely verbal dispute with deprivationism. I first provide principled reason to think that any viable view about the badness of death must allow that agents have self-regarding reason to avoid (or seek) death if doing so would increase their total well-being. I then show that Epicurean views which do not preserve this link are subject to reductio arguments and so should be rejected. After that, I show that the Epicurean views which accommodate this desideratum are involved in a merely verbal dispute with deprivationism.

Preparation of Fe-Cu-kaolinite for catalytic wet peroxide oxidation of 4-chlorophenol

Abstract

Fe-Cu-kaolinites were prepared by co-precipitation and hydrothermal methods, and characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscope (SEM), where 2 wt.% natural kaolinite was dispersed, and the ratios of (Al + Fe + Cu)/clay = 10 mmol/g and Al/(Fe + Cu) = 5/1 were maintained. The effect of different drying methods (vacuum drying, ethanol exchange drying, freeze-drying, microwave drying, normal oven drying) and different Fe/Cu molar ratio (0/2, 0.4/1.6, 0.8/1.2, 1/1, 1.2/0.8, 1.6/0.4, 2/0) was also assessed. Catalytic wet peroxide oxidation (CWPO) reaction of 4-chlorophenol (4-CP) was used to probe the reactivity and activity of the materials prepared. The results showed that Fe and Cu could be successfully intercalated into the interlayer of kaolinite by hydrothermal method, where specific surface area and pore volume increased by 19 times and 7 times, respectively; the intensity of basal space (001) reflection peak was reduced by 80%, and tip width was doubly increased. The catalyst possessed higher reactivity, with 85.5% of 4-CP conversion being observed, whereas only 15.2% of 4-CP was removed over raw kaolinite. High-power microwave drying (720 W) was the best drying method, because it resulted in greater microstructure and thus higher reactivity (85.3% of 4-CP conversion), with lower active metal (Fe or Cu) leaching (3.96 mg L⁻¹). Fe/Cu molar ratio of 0.8–1.0/1.2–1.0 was considered as the optimum ratio in pillaring solution, for maintaining higher catalytic activity (85–90% of 4-CP conversion) and lower metal (Fe or Cu) leaching (7–9.3 mg L⁻¹).

Toxic effects of linear alkylbenzene sulfonate on Chara vulgaris L.

Abstract

Linear alkylbenzene sulfonate (LAS) is a common organic pollutant in freshwater environments. Studies have shown that the toxicity of LAS to aquatic plants is directly related to the LAS concentration and depends on the plant species. A 2-week exposure experiment was designed to investigate the toxicity of LAS for the submerged plant Chara vulgaris L. and focused on the effects on growth, photosynthetic pigment content, and antioxidant enzyme activity. The results showed that when exposed to lower LAS doses (≤ 1.0 mg l⁻¹), the dry weight of C. vulgaris was significantly reduced. Compared to those of the control group, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and peroxidase (POD) activities significantly increased, while no significant effect was observed for catalase (CAT) activity. Malondialdehyde (MDA) content significantly increased in the LAS treatment groups except for the LAS concentration of 1.0 mg l⁻¹. The content of carotenoids was significantly lower in plant groups exposed to lower concentrations of LAS, while carotenoid content significantly increased at the highest concentration of LAS (5.0 mg l⁻¹). LAS treatment did not significantly affect chlorophyll a and b or total chlorophyll content. The results showed that 5.0 mg l⁻¹ causes some oxidative damage to C. vulgaris but that this concentration was far below the lethal concentration of LAS to C. vulgaris and did not produce severe effects on growth. C. vulgaris plants had some resistance to LAS stress (in the group with ≤ 5.0 mg l⁻¹). SOD, POD, and carotenoids were more sensitive to the effects of LAS stress and may be considered as response indicators for LAS stress.

DNA methylation of the CDC2L1 gene promoter region decreases the expression of the CDK11p58 protein and reduces apoptosis in keloid fibroblasts

Abstract

The excessive growth of fibroblasts in keloid is closely related to the status of gene methylation. The aim of this project was to study whether keloid development is related to DNA methylation in the CDC2L1 gene promoter region. DNA methylation of the promoter of this gene was analyzed by bisulfite sequencing and verified by DNA methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction. The results showed that the DNA methylation rate of CpG islands in the CDC2L1 gene promoter region was 50.0% (12/24) in patient keloid tissues and 0% (0/24) in normal skin-tissues from healthy controls. Patient keloid tissues with (n = 12) DNA methylation of the CDC2L1 gene promoter showed higher growth rates than those without (n = 12). Samples from keloid tissues with DNA methylation of the CDC2L1 gene promoter region had dramatically lower levels of CDK11p58 protein than samples from keloid tissues without DNA methylation of the CDC2L1 gene promoter region or healthy normal skin-tissues. In the fibroblasts with DNA methylation of the CDC2L1 gene promoter region from keloid tissues treated with DNA methyl-transferase inhibitor 5 aza 2′-deoxycytidine (5-aza-dC) for 48 h, CDK11p58 levels in the fibroblasts were significantly increased in a dose-dependent manner; the apoptotic rate of the fibroblasts was significantly higher in the treated group than in the non-treated group. This study revealed that DNA methylation exists in the CDC2L1 gene promoter region in keloid tissue fibroblasts. DNA methylation of the CDC2L1 gene promoter region dramatically inhibits the expression of CDK11p58 protein in keloid tissues. A specific demethylation drug, 5-aza-dC, suppressed DNA methylation of the promoter region, which increased the expression of CDK11p58. The elevated expression of CDK11p58 resulted in increased fibroblast apoptosis, thus restraining the development of keloids.

Colistin Pharmacokinetics in Pediatrics

Reply to Magréault et al

Dose suggestions for intravenous colistin in pediatric patients: Caution required

colistincolistimethatepediatric patientsdose suggestionscaution

Long-term therapeutic impact of the timing of ART in patients diagnosed with primary HIV-1 infection

Abstract

Background

We aimed to determine the consequences of delayed HIV-1 infection diagnosis by comparing long-term outcomes depending on the time of combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) initiation in patients diagnosed during primary HIV infection (PHI).

Methods

We selected patients from the ANRS PRIMO cohort, treated for ≥36 months, with sustained HIV-RNA< 50 copies/mL: 77 treated within one month following PHI diagnosis (immediate ART) and 73 treated >12 months after infection (deferred ART). We measured inflammatory biomarkers from PHI through the last visit on cART, and CD4 ⁺ and CD8 ⁺ T-cell activation and plasma ultrasensitive(us) HIV-RNA at the last visit. Inflammation/activation levels were compared with those of uninfected controls. We modelled the dynamics of CD4 ⁺ counts, CD4:CD8 ratios, and HIV-DNA levels on cART using mixed models.

Results

Patients were mostly Caucasian men (79%). The decrease of HIV-DNA levels on cART was more marked in the immediate than deferred-ART group, leading to a sustained long-term mean difference of -0.6 log₁₀copies/10₆PBMCs. Immediate-ART led to improved CD4⁺ T-cell counts and CD4:CD8 ratios over the first four years of cART. At the last visit (median, 82 months of cART), there was no difference between groups in CD4⁺ T-cell counts, CD4:CD8 ratio, usHIV-RNA or inflammation/activation marker levels. Long-term suppressive cART failed to fully normalize inflammation levels or CD8⁺ T-cell activation, which were not associated with immunovirological marker levels.

Conclusion

ART initiated during PHI promotes the long-term reduction of HIV reservoir size. In patients with sustained virologic suppression, long-term inflammation may be driven by non-HIV-related factors.

Elizabethkingia in Children: A Comprehensive Review of Symptomatic Cases Reported from 1944–2017

Abstract

Elizabethkingia species often exhibit extensive antibiotic resistance and result in high morbidity and mortality, yet no systematic reviews exist that thoroughly characterize and quantify concerns for infected infants and children. We performed a review of literature and identified an initial 902 articles; 96 articles reporting 283 pediatric cases met our inclusion criteria and were subsequently reviewed. Case reports spanned 28 countries and ranged from 1944 to 2017. Neonatal meningitis remains the most common presentation of this organism in children, along with a range of other clinical manifestations. The majority of reported cases occurred as isolated cases, rather than within outbreaks. Mortality was high but has decreased in recent years, although neurologic sequelae among survivors remains concerning. Child outcomes can be improved through effective prevention measures and early identification and treatment of infected patients.

Determination and environmental risk assessment of synthetic musks in the water and sediments of the Jiaozhou Bay wetland, China

Abstract

Human activity in estuarine areas has resulted in pollution of the aquatic environment, but little is known about the levels of synthetic musks (SMs) in river water and sediments in estuarine areas. This study investigated the concentrations and distribution of SMs in the Jiaozhou Bay wetland, including celestolide, phantolide, traseolide, galaxolide (HHCB), tonalide (AHTN), musk xylene and musk ketone (MK). The SMs HHCB, AHTN and MK were detected at concentrations of 10.7–208, not detected (ND)–59.2 and ND–13.6 ng/L, respectively, in surface water samples and 13.1–27.3, 3.06–14.5 and 1.33–18.8 ng/g (dry weight; dw), respectively, in sediment samples. Based on the calculated total organic carbon (TOC) concentrations, there was no significant correlation between SMs and TOC in sediment samples (p > 0.05). The hazard quotients were 0.204, 0.386 and 0.059 for AHTN, HHCB and MK, respectively, which indicated no serious environmental impact, because these values are all less than 1. The concentrations of SMs decreased as the distance to the Xiaojianxi refuse landfill increased in both surface water and sediments. Compared with previous studies, the concentration of SMs in the Jiaozhou Bay wetland was relatively high. Therefore, more attention should be paid to SMs because of their persistent impact on human health and the environment.

Analysis method for PCBs in reclaimed oil using a fast-GC triple stage quadrupole mass spectrometer with the 13-component quantitation method

Abstract

It is necessary for companies supplying reclaimed oil to analyze polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), because there is a possibility of the presence of contaminants due to trace-level PCBs in the reclaimed oil. However, common analysis methods of PCBs are time-consuming and complicated. Fast-GC triple stage quadrupole mass spectrometer with the 13-component quantitation method is an official method for analyzing PCBs in insulating oil in Japan. This method is extremely fast and simplified. The purpose of this study involves an investigation of the aforementioned fast and simple method for potential use in the analysis of reclaimed oil. Furthermore, it was attempted to combine the method with sample preparation involving only hexane dilution. The effect of sample dilutions corresponding to 100, 300, and 500 times was evaluated for reducing the matrix effect. The matrix effect was suppressed at a dilution ratio equal to or exceeding 300 times. Calibration curves of four points, namely 0.01, 0.05, 0.1, and 0.5 ng/mL, (ignored origin) by using an internal standard method were prepared for the 13 components. The square of regression coefficient (R²) values of all calibration curves exceeded 0.997. This method was adopted for the analysis of reclaimed oil containing 0.5 μg/mL PCBs, which corresponds to the judgment criteria, and accurate quantitation (accuracy value, 94.0–102%) and good repeatability (%RSD, 3.6%) were obtained. Furthermore, the required sensitivity was maintained even when 800 samples were analyzed without a cleaning ion source and an exchanging analysis column.

Repository Corticotropin Injection exerts direct acute effects on human B cell gene expression distinct from the actions of glucocorticoids

Summary

Repository corticotropin injection (RCI, H.P Acthar® Gel) has been approved for use in the management of multiple autoimmune and inflammatory diseases for over a half-century, but its mechanism of action is not well understood. We used RNA –Seq methods to define RCI-regulated mRNAs in cultured human B cells under conditions of activation by IL4 and CD40 ligand. Following IL4/CD40L activation and RCI treatment we found up-regulation of 115 unique mRNA transcripts and downregulation of 80 unique mRNAs. The effect on these RNA levels was dose-dependent for RCI and was distinct from changes in mRNA expression induced by treatment with a potent synthetic glucocorticoid. RCI-downregulated mRNAs were observed to include a significant over-representation of genes critical for B cell proliferation under activating conditions. These data confirm that RCI exerts direct effects on human B cells to modulate mRNA expression in specific pathways of importance to B cell function and that, at the molecular level, the effects of RCI are distinct from those exerted by glucocorticoids. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Areolar lymphocytoma in a child: A rare cutaneous presentation of borreliosis

Abstract

Lyme disease is a common tick-borne infection caused by Borrelia burgdorferi in the United States, where infection is most prevalent in the northeastern and mid-Atlantic states. Although classically associated with erythema migrans, Lyme disease caused by Borrelia species found in Europe may also present with other cutaneous findings. Here we report the case of a girl who was clinically diagnosed with Lyme disease based on her history of recent travel and the appearance of an areolar lymphocytoma; this was confirmed by testing. Testing for European Lyme disease does not follow the testing algorithm that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends and may be easily missed. Our case serves as an important reminder that common infections can have varying presentations depending on their region of acquisition and may require specialized testing for accurate diagnosis.

Excellent response to ustekinumab in a 9-year-old girl with severe psoriasis

Abstract

We report the case of a 9-year-old girl with severe plaque psoriasis refractory to multiple topical and systemic therapies. Physical examination revealed extensive, erythematous plaques with overlying thick scales that covered more than 80% of her body surface area, which included the face, scalp, trunk, and limbs. Because of the severity of the disease and lack of treatment response to other systemic therapies, she was treated with ustekinumab. Three weeks after ustekinumab was initiated, her psoriatic lesions fully cleared.

Acral-accentuated exanthem in an infant with parechovirus meningitis

Abstract

We report a case of an infant who had presented with fever and an acral-accentuated rash, for which his cerebrospinal fluid returned positive for parechovirus. He was treated symptomatically and discharged well, with no long-term complications.

New onset of psoriasis during nivolumab treatment for lung cancer

Successful treatment with i.v. immunoglobulin for localized cutaneous immunoglobulin light chain kappa-positive amyloidosis associated with dermatomyositis

Case of epidermolysis bullosa acquisita with concomitant anti-laminin-332 antibodies

Abstract

Subepidermal autoimmune blistering disease including bullous pemphigoid, pemphigoid gestationis, mucous membrane pemphigoid, anti-laminin-γ1 pemphigoid, linear immunoglobulin A bullous disease and epidermolysis bullosa acquisita (EBA), are all characterized by direct immunofluorescence microscopy or immunoglobulin deposition on the basement membrane zone. Among them, EBA is a rare acquired subepidermal autoimmune blistering disease of the skin and mucous membranes reactive with type VII collagen, a major component of the epidermal basement membrane zone. Anti-laminin-332-type mucous membrane pemphigoid has pathogenic autoantibodies against laminin-332, which is a basement membrane heterotrimeric protein composed of α3, β3 and γ2 laminin chains. We describe a 73-year-old Japanese man presenting with multiple, annular, tense blisters on the lower legs and oral lesions. Despite the severe clinical manifestations, the disease was successfully controlled by combination therapy of oral prednisolone and mizoribine. This case was confirmed to have autoantibodies to both type VII collagen and laminin-332 α3 chain by indirect immunofluorescence of 1 mol NaCl-split normal human skin, various immunoblot analyses and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. This case was a rare case of EBA with concomitant anti-laminin-332 antibodies.

Preventive use of berberine in inhibition of lead - induced renal injury in rats

Abstract

The kidney is one of the main organs affected by lead toxicity. We investigated the effects of berberine on lead-induced nephrotoxicity in adult male Wistar rats. Animals received an aqueous solution of lead acetate (500 mg Pb/L in the drinking water) and/or berberine (50 mg/kg, i.g.) for 8 weeks. Lead caused an increase in malondialdehyde (P < 0.001) and total oxidant status (P < 0.01), and a decrease in reduced glutathione (P < 0.001), catalase (P < 0.01), superoxide dismutase (P < 0.001), and total antioxidant capacity (P < 0.05). Berberine prevented the prooxidant and antioxidant imbalance induced by lead (P < 0.001). Berberine corrected the increased relative kidney weight (P < 0.05) and biomarkers of renal function (creatinine (P < 0.001), urea (P < 0.05), uric acid (P < 0.001), albumin (P < 0.01), and total protein (P < 0.05)) in lead group. It also attenuated lead-induced abnormal renal structure. The results confirmed renoprotective effects of berberine in an animal model of lead-induced nephrotoxicity by molecular, biochemical, and histopathological analysis through inhibiting lipid peroxidation and enhancing antioxidant defense system mechanisms. Therefore, berberine makes a good candidate to protect against the deleterious effect of chronic lead intoxication.

Neuroprotective potential of crocin against malathion-induced motor deficit and neurochemical alterations in rats

Abstract

In several epidemiological studies, an association between pesticide exposure and the incidence of Parkinson's disease (PD) has been reported. Increasing evidence showed that oxidative stress plays an important role in the pathogenesis of PD. The present study investigated the preventive effect of crocin, saffron active components, on malathion (an organophosphate pesticide (OP))-induced Parkinson-like behaviors in rat. Rats were divided into eight groups: control (normal saline), malathion (100 mg/kg/day, i.p), crocin (10, 20, or 40 mg/kg/day, i.p) plus malathion, levodopa (10 mg/kg/day, i.p) plus malathion, crocin (40 mg/kg/day, i.p), and PEG (vehicle of levodopa) groups. Treatments were continued for 28 days. The neurobehavioral tests which include open field, rotarod and catalepsy were performed on day 28. The activity of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) in serum, the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH), TNF-α, and IL-6 in striatum at the end of treatments were evaluated. Results showed that malathion induced neurobehavioral impairments together with elevation of MDA, TNF-α and IL-6 levels, reduction of GSH, and AChE activity. Crocin (10, 20, and 40 mg/kg) improved neurobehavioral impairments induced by malathion but not AChE activity. Crocin (10, 20, and 40 mg/kg) or levodopa plus malathion decreased MDA and increased GSH. Also crocin (10 mg/kg) decreased TNF-α and IL-6 levels in striatum. In summary, subchronic malathion exposure induced Parkinson-like behavior in rat. Crocin exhibited protective effects against malathion-induced Parkinson-like behavior through reducing lipid peroxidation, improvement of motor deficit and anti-inflammatory effects.

Primary cutaneous secretory carcinoma: a previously overlooked low grade sweat-gland carcinoma

Abstract

Twelve cases of primary cutaneous secretory carcinoma (PCSC) have been published; nine of them showed the ETV6-NTRK3 translocation and an additional case had a heterozygous deletion of ETV6 in 25% of cells (Table 1).^1-7 These cutaneous tumors are related to secretory breast carcinoma (SBC) and mammary analogue secretory carcinoma (MASC) from the salivary glands, with all sharing a balanced chromosomal translocation of t(12;15)(p13;q25) that leads to ETV6-NTRK3 gene fusion.

Case of papuloerythroderma of Ofuji-like eruption during the course of bullous pemphigoid

Dendritic cell targeted HIV-1 gag protein vaccine provides help to a recombinant Newcastle disease virus vectored vaccine including mobilization of protective CD8+ T cells

Abstract

Introduction

Recombinant Newcastle Disease virus (rNDV) vectored vaccines are safe mucosal applicable vaccines with intrinsic immune-modulatory properties for the induction of efficient immunity. Like all viral vectored vaccines repeated inoculation via mucosal routes invariably results to immunity against viral vaccine vectors. To obviate immunity against viral vaccine vectors and improve the ability of rNDV vectored vaccines in inducing T cell immunity in murine air way we have directed dendritic cell targeted HIV-1 gag protein (DEC-Gag) vaccine; for the induction of helper CD4⁺ T cells to a Recombinant Newcastle disease virus expressing codon optimized HIV-1 Gag P55 (rNDV-L-Gag) vaccine.

Methods

We do so through successive administration of anti-DEC205-gagP24 protein plus polyICLC (DEC-Gag) vaccine and rNDV-L-Gag. First strong gag specific helper CD4⁺ T cells are induced in mice by selected targeting of anti-DEC205-gagP24 protein vaccine to dendritic cells (DC) in situ together with polyICLC as adjuvant. This targeting helped T cell immunity develop to a subsequent rNDV-L-Gag vaccine and improved both systemic and mucosal gag specific immunity.

Results

This sequential DEC-Gag vaccine prime followed by an rNDV-L-gag boost results to improved viral vectored immunization in murine airway, including mobilization of protective CD8⁺ T cells to a pathogenic virus infection site.

Conclusion

Thus, complementary prime boost vaccination, in which prime and boost favor distinct types of T cell immunity, improves viral vectored immunization, including mobilization of protective CD8⁺T cells to a pathogenic virus infection site such as the murine airway.

In complementary prime boost vaccination we have exploited helper CD4 T cells induced by a dendritic cell targeted HIV-1 gag protein vaccine to provide help to a recombinant NDV-gag vaccine. This improved protective T cell immunity in murine airway.

The Development of the Genital Psoriasis Sexual Frequency Questionnaire (GenPs-SFQ) to Assess the Impact of Genital Psoriasis on Sexual Health

Abstract

Introduction

Patient-reported outcome measures (PROs) exist for psoriasis but not genital psoriasis (GenPs).

Methods

This cross-sectional, qualitative study in patients with moderate-to-severe GenPs was conducted to support development of a PRO for measuring the impact of GenPs on sexual activity and to establish content validity. The impacts of GenPs were identified in a literature review. Findings from the literature review were discussed with clinicians, and then patients with GenPs were interviewed.

Results

From the literature review, 52 articles, 44 abstracts, and 41 clinical trials met predefined search criteria. Of these, 11 concepts emerged as having theoretical support for use as measurable impacts of psoriasis symptoms on patients; these concepts included sexual functioning and general health-related quality of life (HRQoL). These concepts were confirmed and expanded upon by two clinicians who routinely care for patients with GenPs. Interviews were then conducted with GenPs patients (n = 20) to discuss the impact of GenPs on their HRQoL. Eighty percent of patients reported that GenPs impacted sexual frequency. The two-item GenPs Sexual Frequency Questionnaire (GenPs-SFQ) was developed to assess limitations on sexual activity frequency because of GenPs. Cognitive debriefing with an additional 50 patients with GenPs confirmed the utility and understandability of the GenPs-SFQ.

Conclusion

The GenPs-SFQ may have utility in clinical trials involving GenPs patients and in routine clinical practice.

Funding

Eli Lilly and Company.

Plain Language Summary

Plain language summary available for this article.

The Development of a Patient-Reported Outcome Measure for Assessment of Genital Psoriasis Symptoms: The Genital Psoriasis Symptoms Scale (GPSS)

Abstract

Introduction

Patient-reported outcome measures (PROs) specific for genital psoriasis (GenPs) have not been described.

Methods

In this cross-sectional, qualitative study in patients with moderate-to-severe GenPs, we sought to develop a PRO useful for GenPs symptom assessment. A literature review was performed to identify relevant psoriasis or GenPs symptoms and existing PROs that may be useful in the evaluation of symptom severity in GenPs patients. The literature review findings were discussed with clinicians, and then patients with GenPs.

Results

Relevant psoriasis or GenPs symptoms from the literature review included itch, pain, scaling, redness/erythema, and stinging/burning. The validity of these symptoms for GenPs and potentially relevant PROs was corroborated by clinical experts. After gap analysis, a draft symptom scale consisting of Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) items was constructed. We then conducted interviews with GenPs patients (n = 20) to support content validity and use of the draft symptom NRS items in routine practice and in clinical trials. Participants identified and confirmed relevant symptoms and evaluated the utility of the draft PRO. A new PRO was developed: the Genital Psoriasis Symptoms Scale (GPSS). Cognitive debriefing and cultural adaptation/translation interviews with a second group of patients confirmed cultural appropriateness of the GPSS.

Conclusion

The GPSS may be useful for assessing symptoms before, during, and after treatment in routine clinical practice and in clinical trials involving patients with GenPs.

Funding

Eli Lilly & Company.

Plain Language Summary

Plain language summary available for this article.