Residue characteristics of sludge from a chemical industrial plant by microwave heating pyrolysis

Abstract

Sludge from biological wastewater treatment procedures was treated using microwave heating pyrolysis to reduce the environmental impact of a chemical plant. In this study, major elements, trace elements, PAHs and nitro-PAHs in raw sludge, and pyrolysis residues were investigated. The contents of major element from raw sludge were carbon 46.7 ± 5.9%, hydrogen 5.80 ± 0.58%, nitrogen 6.81 ± 0.59%, and sulfur 1.34 ± 0.27%. Trace elemental concentrations including Zn, Mn, Cr, Cd, As, and Sn were 0.410 ± 0.050, 0.338 ± 0.008, 0.063 ± 0.006, 0.019 ± 0.001, 0.004 ± 0.001, and 0.003 ± 0.002 mg/g, respectively. For various pyrolysis temperatures, Ca, Fe, Sr, Cr, and Sn contents remained at almost the same level as those in raw sludge. Results indicated that these elements did not easily volatilize. The content of 16 PAH species was about 4.78 μg/g in the raw sludge and 23–65 μg/g for pyrolysis residues associated with various temperatures. The content of ten nitro-PAHs was about 58 ng/g for the raw sludge and 141–744 ng/g for pyrolysis residues. The total nitro-PAH content was highest at 600 °C and then decreased when the temperature was over 600 °C. Total nitro-PAH content was about 247 ng/g at 800 °C.

Potential contributions of dissolved organic matter to monomethylmercury distributions in temperate reservoirs as revealed by fluorescence spectroscopy

Abstract

The monomethylmercury (MMHg) concentrations, water quality parameters (e.g., pH, suspended particles, total phosphorus, sulfate, and chlorophyll-a), and compositions of dissolved organic matter (DOM) were analyzed to understand how the quality of DOM is related to the MMHg distributions in the surface waters of 14 reservoirs. The excitation-emission matrix (EEM) fluorescence spectroscopy identified six fluorescence peaks, and a parallel factor analysis (PARAFAC) of EEM spectra identified three components of DOM: microbial humic-like (C1), terrestrial humic-like (C2), and protein-like DOM (C3). Using the observation data, the principal component analysis (PCA) were carried out to understand the relative importance of the fluorescence properties of DOM, representing DOM quality, on the MMHg distribution. The loading plot of PCA showed a strong positive correlation between the MMHg and protein regions of the EEM spectra and no correlation between MMHg and the terrestrial humic regions of the EEM, suggesting that autochthonous DOM production is a key factor in increasing MMHg concentration in reservoir water. The preliminary mass flux estimation, which was carried out to identify the major sources of MMHg in Okjeong reservoir, revealed that the major sources are sediment diffusion and water column methylation. Because the studied reservoirs are located remotely from a large-sized river and industrial region, most MMHg in reservoir water is likely diffused from the surface sediment or produced in the water column, and these sources tend to increase in reservoirs enriched with autochthonous DOM. It is suggested that EEM fluorescence can improve our ability to trace the major sources of MMHg in diverse reservoirs.

Nanoemulsion of Dill essential oil as a green and potent larvicide against Anopheles stephensi

Abstract

Indiscriminate use of industrial larvicides causes environment pollution and resistance against the larvicides in mosquitoes. Essential oils (EOs) have many biological activities such as larvicidal effects which have been proposed as new alternatives for industrial ones. Many components of EOs are volatile, thus, should be formulated to retain their activity. Components of Dill EO were identified by GC-MS analysis. Larvicidal activity (LA) of bulk Dill EO (non-formulated) was evaluated against Anopheles stephensi in line with WHO guideline for lab tests. For the first time, nanoemulsions of Dill EO were prepared. Various nanoemulsions having fixed amounts of Dill EO 1.2%, comparable with lethal concentration (LC) at 90% of bulk Dill EO, were prepared having tween 20 (5–30%) with/out ethanol (5–30%). LA of two selected nanoemulsions were then evaluated and compared with that of bulk Dill EO. Five ingredients of oil, with high amounts, were identified as p-Cymenealpha (20.81%), alpha-Phellandrene (20.75%), Carvone (10.97%), Dill ether (9.88%), and cis-Sabinol (3.61%). LC of Dill EO at 50 and 90% were found as 38.8 and 65 ppm, respectively, against 3rd and 4th instar larvae of An. stephensi (Beech-Lab strain). Particle size (PS) ranges of nanoemulsions were 10.7–1880.0 nm. LA of optimum nanoemulsion (PS: 10.7 nm) was significantly better than that of bulk Dill EO. The preparation showed stability against 200 times dilution during larvicidal tests and performed significantly better than the nanoemulsion which was not stable after dilution. To obtain improved efficiency against larvae using nanoemulsions of EOs, the nanoemulsion should be resistant against dilution. Such a stable and green nanoemulsion may be used as alternative to industrial larvicides.

Risk exposure assessment of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in drinking water and atmosphere in central eastern China

Abstract

We examined per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in air from eight cities, and in water from six drinking-water treatment plants (DWTPs), in central eastern China. We analyzed raw and treated water samples from the DWTPs for 17 ionic PFASs with high-performance liquid chromatography/negative-electrospray-ionization tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC/(–)ESI-MS/MS), and analyzed the gas and particle phases of atmospheric samples for 12 neutral PFASs by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA) were the dominant compounds in drinking water, and fluorotelomer alcohols (FTOHs) dominated in atmospheric samples. Of all the compounds in the treated water samples, the concentration of PFOA, at 51.0 ng L⁻¹, was the highest. Conventional treatments such as coagulation (COA), flocculation (FOC), sedimentation (SED), and sand filtration (SAF) did not remove PFASs. Advanced treatments, however, including ultrafiltration (UF) and activated carbon (AC), removed the majority of PFASs except for shorter-chain PFASs such as perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA) and perfluoropentanoic acid (PFPA). We also investigated human exposure to PFASs via drinking water and the atmosphere and found that the mean daily intake of PFASs was 0.43 ng kg⁻¹ day⁻¹.

Systemic sclerosis complicated with localized scleroderma-like lesions induced by Köbner phenomenon

Scleroderma is a chronic disease of unknown etiology characterized by skin fibrosis and is divided into two clinical entities: systemic sclerosis (SSc) and localized scleroderma (LSc, or morphea) [1]. SSc is a multisystem autoimmune and vascular disorder resulting in extensive tissue fibrosis of the skin and certain internal organs [2]. LSc differs from SSc in that it is not accompanied by Raynaud's phenomenon, acrosclerosis, and internal organ involvement, and is classified into 5 subtypes; circumscribed morphea, linear scleroderma, generalized morphea, pansclerotic morphea, and mixed morphea [3].

The Burden of Inbox-Messaging Systems and Its Effect on Work-Life Balance in Dermatology

Fibrous Cephalic Plaques in Tuberous Sclerosis Complex

Fibrous cephalic plaques (FCPs) stereotypically develop on the forehead of tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) patients. They constitute a major feature for TSC diagnosis, and may present before other TSC-related cutaneous hamartomas.

A systematic review of validated sinus surgery simulators

Abstract

Background

Simulation provides a safe and effective opportunity to develop surgical skills. A variety of endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) simulators have been described in the literature. Validation of these simulators allows for effective utilisation in training.

Objective of review

To conduct a systematic review of the published literature to analyse the evidence for validated ESS simulation.

Search strategy

Pubmed, Embase, Cochrane and Cinahl were searched from inception of the databases to January 11^th, 2017.

Evaluation method

12,516 articles were retrieved of which 10,112 were screened following the removal of duplicates. 38 full text articles were reviewed after meeting the search criteria. Evidence of face, content, construct, discriminant and predictive validity was extracted.

Results

20 articles were included in the analysis describing 12 ESS simulators. 11 of these simulators had undergone validation; 3 virtual reality, 7 physical bench models and 1 cadaveric simulator. 7 of the simulators were shown to have face validity, 7 had construct validity and 1 had predictive validity. None of the simulators demonstrated discriminate validity.

Conclusion

This systematic review demonstrates that a number of ESS simulators have been comprehensively validated. Many of the validation processes, however, lack standardisation in outcome reporting, thus limiting a meta-analysis comparison between simulators.

This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Prevalence of skin disease in a population based sample of adults out of five European countries

Abstract

Background

There is a lack of prevalence data on skin diseases in the general adult population, most studies were carried out in small, national or consecutive clinical samples.

Objectives

To determine the prevalence of common skin disease in the general European population and to additionally assess differences in the characteristics of treatment between countries.

Methods

A random sample consisting out of 12,377 subjects aged 18 to 74 years was drawn from the general population of five European countries (Germany, Italy, The Netherlands, Portugal and Sweden). This was a cross-sectional study and all participants were interviewed with a standardized questionnaire assessing the occurrence of 10 common skin diseases during lifetime, past year and past month. If a skin disease was reported we additionally assessed who performed diagnosis and treatment and if drugs were prescribed.

Results

The most common skin disease was warts (41.3%) followed by acne (19.2%) and contact dermatitis (15.0%). In general females were more often affected by skin diseases compared to males, only in skin cancer the prevalence in males was slightly higher. The prevalence of skin diseases in northern countries (Germany, Netherlands & Sweden) was in general higher than in the southern countries (Italy & Spain). In the Netherlands the treatment of skin diseases was less often performed by a dermatologist compared to the other countries.

Conclusion

The prevalence estimates reported in this study are derived from a representative sample of the general population. Data assessment was performed comprehensively across countries, thus country specific prevalence estimates are comparable.

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Simultaneous purifying of Hg 0 , SO 2 , and NO x from flue gas by Fe 3+ /H 2 O 2 : the performance and purifying mechanism

Abstract

Hg⁰, SO₂, and NOx result in heavily global environmental pollution and serious health hazards. Up to now, how to efficiently remove mercury with SO₂ and NOx from flue gas is still a tough task. In this study, series of high oxidizing Fenton systems were employed to purify the pollutants. The experimental results showed that Fe³⁺/H₂O₂ was more suitable to purify Hg⁰ than Fe²⁺/H₂O₂ and Cu²⁺/H₂O_2. The optimal condition includes Fe³⁺ concentration of 0.008 mol/L, Hg⁰ inlet concentration of 40 μg/m³, solution temperature of 50 °C, pH of 3, H₂O₂ concentration of 0.7 mol/L, and O₂ percentage of 6%. When SO₂ and NOx were taken into account under the optimal condition, Hg⁰ removal efficiency could be enhanced to 91.11% while the removal efficiency of both NOx and SO₂ was slightly declined, which was consistent to the analysis of purifying mechanism. The removal efficiency of Hg⁰ was stimulated by accelerating the conversion of Fe²⁺ to Fe³⁺, which resulted from the existence of SO₂ and NOx. The results of this study suggested that simultaneously purifying Hg⁰, SO₂, and NOx from flue gas is feasible.

Application of protein typing in molecular epidemiological investigation of nosocomial infection outbreak of aminoglycoside-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Abstract

Pseudomonas aeruginosan has emerged as an important pathogen elated to serious infections and nosocomial outbreaks worldwide. This study was conducted to understand the prevalence of aminoglycoside (AMG)-resistant P. aeruginosa in our hospital and to provide a scientific basis for control measures against nosocomial infections. Eighty-two strains of P. aeruginosa were isolated from clinical departments and divided into AMG-resistant strains and AMG-sensitive strains based on susceptibility test results. AMG-resistant strains were typed by drug resistance gene typing (DRGT) and protein typing. Five kinds of aminoglycoside-modifying enzyme (AME) genes were detected in the AMG-resistant group. AMG-resistant P. aeruginosa strains were classified into three types and six subtypes by DRGT. Four protein peaks, namely, 9900.02, 7600.04, 9101.25 and 10,372.87 Da, were significantly and differentially expressed between the two groups. AMG-resistant P. aeruginosa strains were also categorised into three types and six subtypes at the distance level of 10 by protein typing. AMG-resistant P. aeruginosa was cloned spread in our hospital; the timely implementation of nosocomial infection prevention and control strategies were needed in preventing outbreaks and epidemic of AMG-resistant P. aeruginosa. SELDI-TOF MS technology can be used for bacterial typing, which provides a new method of clinical epidemiological survey and nosocomial infection control.

Cistus monspeliensis L. as a potential species for rehabilitation of soils with multielemental contamination under Mediterranean conditions

Abstract

The Iberian Pyrite Belt (IPB; SW of the Iberian Peninsula) is one of the most important volcanogenic massive sulphide ore deposits in the world. Cistus monspeliensis L. is a native woody shrub that grows spontaneously in non-contaminated soils as well as in soils with multielemental contamination from the IPB. In this study, different ecophysiological parameters of C. monspeliensis growing in soils with different levels of metal(loid)s were evaluated to assess the potential of this species for revegetation of degraded areas. Composite samples of plants and rhizosphere soils were sampled in São Domingos and Lousal mines and in a reference area without soil contamination (Pomarão, Portugal) (Portuguese sector of IPB). Classical characterisation of the soils and quantification of their total and available metal(loid) concentrations were done. Multielemental concentration was determined in plants (shoots and roots). Ecophysiological parameters were also determined in shoots: concentrations of pigments (chlorophylls, anthocyanins and carotenoids), antioxidants (glutathione and ascorbate) and hydrogen peroxide as well as activities of several antioxidative enzymes. Although mining soils present high total concentrations of potentially hazardous elements, their available fractions were low and similar among studied areas. Soil pH as well as concentrations of extractable P, total concentrations of As, Cd and Ni and concentrations of Cu, Cr, Ni, Pb and Sb in the soil available fraction differentiate the studied areas. Only concentrations of Cd, Pb and Sb in roots and shoots were explained by the concentrations of the same elements in the soil available fraction. Although the majority of elements were translocated from roots to shoots, the shoots concentrations were below the toxic values for domestic animals and only As, Mn and Zn reached phytotoxic concentrations. Ecophysiological parameters were similar independently of the studied area. Due to its adaptability, tolerance and standard plant features, C. monspeliensis is a good choice for rehabilitation of soils with multielemental contamination under similar climatic characteristics.

Understanding sunscreen SPF performance using cross polarized UVA reflectance photography

Abstract

Objective

Objective methods for understanding sunscreen behaviour in vitro before they are applied to the skin have failed to keep pace with the ever-increasing demands for higher SPF scores where the products are absorbing more and more similar levels of UV. A novel method for visualizing the spreading and location of SPF ingredients based on cross polarized UVA reflectance photography is described here which gives new insights into the formation of final film morphology and how it correlates with in vivo SPF efficacy for a set of test products.

Methods

High resolution UVA based images of sunscreen films spread onto PMMA plates were captured using a modified commercial SLR camera in a custom imaging system. Visual grading and image analysis were used to describe the overall UVA absorbance and streakiness of the resultant films, and the data compared with both in vivo and calculated in vitro SPF scores for the products.

Results

Differences were observed between the products in terms of how they spread during application. A strong correlation was observed between the evenness of the resultant film as determined from the photographs and final in vivo SPF scores.

Conclusions

Cross polarized UVA reflectance photography has been demonstrated to be a valuable new method for assessing sunscreen distribution after spreading, and to differentiate product based on film morphology, as well as strongly correlating with final in vivo behaviour.

This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Effects of rice straw mulching on N 2 O emissions and maize productivity in a rain-fed upland

Abstract

In the hilly areas of southern China, uplands and paddies are located adjacent to each other. Using rice straw as mulch for upland soil may improve crop production and partially replace chemical fertilizers, which may mitigate N₂O emissions. A field experiment was conducted to investigate the potential of rice straw mulching for mitigating N₂O emissions and increasing crop production. The treatments included no mulching (CK), 5000 kg ha⁻¹ of straw mulching (SM5), and 10,000 kg ha⁻¹ of straw mulching (SM10). Moreover, all the treatments received equivalent amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium from chemical fertilizers plus rice straw. Relative to CK, cumulative N₂O emissions decreased by 23.1 and 33.5% with SM5 and SM10, respectively. Significant positive correlations were observed between N₂O fluxes and soil water-filled pore space (WPFS) (r ² = 0.495, P < 0.05) and between seasonal cumulative N₂O fluxes and the chemical N fertilization rate (r ² = 0.814, P < 0.05). These findings indicate that soil WPFS was the key environmental factor in N₂O emissions and that the substitution of chemical nitrogen fertilizer with rice straw was the main driver of N₂O mitigation. Relative to CK, the maize yield increased by 16.5 and 29.6% with SM5 and SM10, respectively, which can be attributed primarily to the increases in soil moisture. The chemical fertilizer input could be decreased and N₂O emissions could be mitigated through straw mulching, while achieving improved crop yield. This management strategy has great potential, and this study provides an important reference for low-carbon agriculture.

Efficient fluoride removal using Al-Cu oxide nanoparticles supported on steel slag industrial waste solid

Abstract

A SSW/Al-Cu formed from an industrial solid waste and Al-Cu Nps are utilized for the removal of fluoride from aqueous solutions. The SSW/Al-Cu was obtained by a chemical reduction method. The SSW/Al-Cu was characterized by TEM, SEM, FT-IR, XRD, BET, and pH_zpc techniques. The Nps were formed as bimetallic oxides and deposited in the form of spheroidal particles forming agglomerations. The sizes of these particles range from 1 to 3 nm. The surface area and average pore width of SSW/Al-Cu were 2.99 m²/g and 17.09 nm, respectively. The adsorption kinetics were better described using the second-order model, pointing to chemical adsorption with an equilibrium time of 540 min. The thermodynamic parameters obtained here confirm the spontaneous and endothermic nature of the process. The percentage of fluoride removal was 89.5% using the four-bladed disk turbine, and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling demonstrated that using the four-bladed disk turbine helped improve the fluoride removal process. The maximum adsorption capacity was 3.99 mg/g. The Langmuir-Freundlich model best describes the adsorption process, which occurred by a combination of mechanisms, such as electrostatic interactions between the ions involved in the process. This study proves that the chemical modification of this waste solid created an efficient bimetallic nanomaterial for fluoride removal. Furthermore, the method of preparation of these nanocomposites is quite scalable.

Removal of Procion Red dye from colored effluents using H 2 SO 4 -/HNO 3 -treated avocado shells ( Persea americana ) as adsorbent

Abstract

The treatment of colored effluents containing Procion Red dye (PR) was investigated using H₂SO₄ and HNO₃ modified avocado shells (Persea americana) as adsorbents. The adsorbent materials (AS–H₂SO₄ and AS–HNO₃) were properly characterized. The adsorption study was carried out considering the effects of adsorbent dosage and pH. Kinetic, equilibrium, and thermodynamic aspects were also evaluated. Finally, the adsorbents were tested to treat simulated dye house effluents. For both materials, the adsorption was favored using 0.300 g L⁻¹ of adsorbent at pH 6.5, where, more than 90% of PR was removed from the solution. General order model was able to explain the adsorption kinetics for both adsorbents. The Sips model was adequate to represent the isotherm data, being the maximum adsorption capacities of 167.0 and 212.6 mg g⁻¹ for AS–H₂SO₄ and AS–HNO₃, respectively. The adsorption processes were thermodynamically spontaneous, favorable (− 17.0 < ΔG ⁰ < − 13.2 kJ mol⁻¹), and exothermic (ΔH ⁰ values of − 29 and − 55 kJ mol⁻¹). AS–H₂SO₄ and AS–HNO₃ were adequate to treat dye house effluents, attaining color removal percentages of 82 and 75%. Avocado shells, after a simple acid treatment, can be a low-cost option to treat colored effluents.

Treatment of produced water originated from oil and gas production wells: a pilot study and cost analysis

Abstract

Produced water originated from oil and gas production wells was treated by a pilot-scale system including pre-treatment (chemical precipitation), pre-filtration, and post-filtration units. Pre-filtration unit consisted of sand filter, granulated activated carbon (GAC) filter, and ultrafiltration (UF) membrane. Post-filtration unit included reverse osmosis (RO) membrane unit. In this study, two different RO membranes including sea water (SW) and brackish water (BW) membranes were comparatively evaluated in terms of treatment and filtration performance. Besides, a cost analysis was conducted for a real scale RO membrane unit by using the data obtained from the pilot plant study. Average fluxes of 12.7 and 9.4 L/m² h were obtained by SW and BW membrane units, respectively. Higher COD and conductivity removal efficiencies were obtained by SW membrane in comparison to BW membrane. Total cost of 0.88 €/m³ was estimated for a RO plant treating produced water with a flowrate capacity of 300 m³/d.

Multiple annular pigmented rings on the submammary fold

Publication date: Available online 26 November 2017
Source:Dermatologica Sinica
Author(s): Liu Xia, Cheng Tan

Skin care services and disease prevalence in Taiwan: A nationwide study

Publication date: Available online 13 December 2017
Source:Dermatologica Sinica
Author(s): Ying-Xiu Dai, Tzeng-Ji Chen, Yun-Ting Chang
Background/ObjectiveNumerous studies have suggested that dermatologists are superior to nondermatologists in managing skin diseases. However, it is still not known whether the public are convinced that dermatologists should be the primary caretakers for the skin. This study sought to characterize the delivery of skin care services, with a particular focus on the epidemiology of skin diseases and the distributions of patients and their visits to dermatologists and nondermatologists.MethodsThe cohort datasets were drawn from Taiwan's National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD) and contained all the original claims data for one million beneficiaries enrolled in 2010. We analyzed the epidemiologic profiles of this population-based cohort for 2013. Descriptive statistics were applied to examine the epidemiology of skin diseases and the distributions of visits and patients according to physician specialty.ResultsWe identified 989,039 persons who remained in the cohort in 2013. Of those, 351,330 (or 35.5%) had skin diseases, and made 989,514 ambulatory care visits in 2013. Visits to dermatologists accounted for 62.2% of these visits. Among the patients with skin diseases, 52.6% of patients made visits to dermatologists, compared with 32.6% who visited nondermatologists and 14.8% who visited both in 2013. In this cohort, dermatitis and eczema had the highest prevalence (16.2%), followed by fungal infections (6.3%) and pruritus (5.5%).ConclusionDermatologists play major roles in providing skin care services in Taiwan. This finding might be partially explained by the weak role of primary care physicians and the perceptions of patients toward dermatologists and nondermatologists in Taiwan.

Multiple milia occurring after local injection of collagenase Clostridium histolyticum (CCH)

Publication date: Available online 26 November 2017
Source:Dermatologica Sinica
Author(s): Takahiro Shiratori, Haruhisa Kato

Clearance and hyperpigmentation of chronic psoriatic plaques by tegafur/gimercil/oteracil potassium (TS-1)

Publication date: Available online 24 November 2017
Source:Dermatologica Sinica
Author(s): Kozo Nakai, Junko Moriue, Emiko Ishikawa, Ayako Nishiura, Tetsuya Moriue, Yasuo Kubota

Generalized Dowling-Degos disease with an initiation codon mutation of KRT5 mutation

Publication date: Available online 1 December 2017
Source:Dermatologica Sinica
Author(s): Fu-Nien Hsieh, Sheau-Chiou Chao, Julia Yu-Yun Lee

Knowledge and attitudes towards vitiligo in the general population: A survey based on the simulation video of a real situation

Publication date: Available online 28 November 2017
Source:Dermatologica Sinica
Author(s): Premjit Juntongjin, Chulaphan Rachawong, Winitra Nuallaong
Background/ObjectiveVitiligo is a common pigmentary disorder. Significant psychological effects and social discrimination was noticed among vitiligo patients. The severity of the negative impact is related to the society's attitude and knowledge. Therefore, this study aims to investigate knowledge and attitudes among general population towards vitiligo.MethodsA cross-sectional study design was created using a survey based on the simulation video of the real situation. The participants were recruited from healthcare and non-healthcare workers attending Thammasat Hospital and Thammasat University. Demographic data, knowledge and attitudes towards the person in the video were recorded.ResultsTotal 101 subjects completed the questionnaires. Less than one-fourth of the participants recognized this condition as vitiligo and realized that it was a hereditary disease. Around two-third known that it did not transmit via direct contact. In attitude perceptions, the lowest attitude score was in starting to date a vitiligo victim while the highest attitude score was found when individuals already married with vitiligo patients. Moreover, sufficient knowledge tended to have more positive attitudes towards the disease significantly (p < 0.004).ConclusionsMisconceptions about vitiligo in this study seems to be higher than previous reports. This may be due to the visualized based questionnaires instead of asking from the word 'vitiligo' directly. Therefore, educational knowledge about disease recognition, causes and mode of transmission should be encouraged for public.

Verrucous acquired lymphangiectasia arising from a surgical scar in a 14-year-old girl

Publication date: Available online 26 November 2017
Source:Dermatologica Sinica
Author(s): Teng-Li Lin, Yi-Ju Chen, Chi-Shun Yang, Chao-Kuei Juan

Diagnostic accuracy measures for vertical and transverse scalp biopsies in cicatricial and non-cicatricial alopecias

Publication date: Available online 26 November 2017
Source:Dermatologica Sinica
Author(s): Kambiz Kamyab-Hesari, Nessa Aghazadeh, Pedram Nourmohammad-pour, Alireza Ghanadan, Azita Nikoo, Fatameh Gholamali, Mommad-Javad Nazemi, Ziba Rahbar
BackgroundScalp biopsy provides worthwhile diagnostic clues to diagnose the noncicatricial or cicatricial type of alopecia. Although a pair of vertically and horizontally sectioned pathology samples would be ideal, the diagnostic yield of vertical (V) or transverse (T) sectioning in different types of cicatricial and non-cicatricial alopecia is not studied. Also, when a single biopsy is submitted and/or the sample is not large enough for a combined V and T sectioning from a single specimen (such as HoVert technique), the decision to make the most appropriate sectioning would be challenging, specifically depending on the type of alopecia suspected clinically.MethodsA prospective study included 194 patients with two 4 mm-punch biopsies, one was sectioned vertically and the other horizontally. The V and T diagnoses were compared with the final diagnosis. The kappa coefficient of agreement, sensitivity, specificity, likelihood ratio (LR), diagnostic odd ratio (DOR) and concordance were estimated.ResultsThe most common types of alopecia were lichen planopilaris (62, 31%), androgenic alopecia (36, 18%) and central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia (26, 13%). The perifollicular inflammatory cell types, presence of pigmented cast and sebaceous hyperplasia were adequately detected in the in T (p < .001). The subcutaneous inflammation was better detected in V (p < .001). The T revealed higher diagnostic accuracy compared with V especially for noncicatricial alopecia (DOR, 157.5 vs. 21.2, p < .001).ConclusionsThe accurate diagnosis of alopecia requires both vertical and transverse section examination. Techniques providing both horizontal and vertical sections may be best suited for this indication. However, when expertise in such novel techniques are lacking, the higher diagnostic accuracy for T section justifies using T section for noncicatricial alopecia, if patient consented for single biopsy.

Sun-related risk factors, perceived seriousness of disease and accompanying non-melanoma skin cancer in patients with actinic keratoses

Publication date: Available online 26 November 2017
Source:Dermatologica Sinica
Author(s): Sevgi Akarsu, Ozlem Ozbagcivan, Turna Ilknur, Fatma Semiz, Emel Fetil
BackgroundActinic keratoses are the most common premalignant skin lesions worldwide. They are of public health importance since their presence has been associated with the significantly increased incidence of non-melanoma skin cancers (NMSCs), especially when they are numerous and have coalesced into an area with severe photodamage. The current study aimed to evaluate the relationships between sun-related risk factors, perceived seriousness of actinic keratosis (AK), skin cancer examination (SCE) history, and newly detected NMSC in AK patients.MethodsIn this descriptive, cross-sectional, case–control study, firstly we examined the demographics, phenotypic traits, sun exposure history, cancer history and newly detected NMSC with full-body skin examinations in AK patients (n = 198) and controls. Secondly, the effects of these parameters, AK knowledge and AK-related clinical findings on the perceived seriousness of AK, SCE history and the presence of newly detected NMSC in AK patients were evaluated.ResultsThe presence of newly detected NMSC was significantly higher in patients aged ≥65 years, with personal or family skin cancer history, higher AK severity and photoaging grade; however, it was observed that these cases did not perceive AK as a serious illness and did not visit a physician for an SCE previously.ConclusionThis is the first study evaluating sun-related risk factors, knowledge and perceived seriousness of disease and SCE findings of AK patients in Turkey. Our results indicate that national health awareness campaigns and skin cancer scanning programs should be developed especially for the patients under the sun-related risks of AKs and NMSC occurrence.

Bullous pyoderma gangrenosum induced by a local injection of guadecitabine in a patient with acute myeloid leukemia

Publication date: Available online 26 November 2017
Source:Dermatologica Sinica
Author(s): Yi-Chun Hou, Chih-Chiang Chen

Analysis on clinical characteristics and drug resistance of Candida parapsilosis bloodstream infections in West China Hospital, China, from 2012 to 2015

Publication date: Available online 15 December 2017
Source:Journal de Mycologie Médicale
Author(s): Y. Liu, M. Kang, H. Ye, Z. Zong, X. Lv
Objective of the studyCandida parapsilosis has emerged as an important cause of bloodstream infections (BSI) in the health care setting. We aimed to describe the clinical characteristics and drug resistance of C. parapsilosis BSI in West China Hospital of Sichuan University in China and provide the basis for prevention and treatment of this disease.PatientsWe retrospectively collected and analyzed patients presented in our hospital reported with C. parapsilosis BSI from January 2012 to January 2015.Materials and methodsData regarding age, gender, the department distribution, the potential clinical risk factors and the result of clinical treatment and prognosis were retrospectively evaluated. As to the antifungal drugs susceptibility testing, we used Etest method for determining the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of amphotericin B, fluconazole, voriconazole, caspofungin and flucytosine for all the clinical isolates of C. parapsilosis. Standard quality strains were used as the controls.ResultsMost of the patients with C. parapsilosis BSI were over 60-year-old (37.5%) or within 10years old (28.13%). Among patients, 78.13% came from an intensive care unit or had undergone surgery in the past several months. The major risk factors associated with an increased risk of infection included the use of broad-spectrum antibacterial drugs and deep vein indwelling. The overall mortality of patients with C. parapsilosis BSI was 31.25%. The drug sensitivity tests revealed that all isolates were sensitive to amphotericin B and flucytosine. Two and 1 isolates were found susceptible to fluconazole and voriconazole in a dose-dependent manner, respectively. Only 1 isolate was resistant to fluconazole. 4 isolates (12.5%) were medium sensitive to caspofungin, but no one showed drug resistance.ConclusionIn summary, elders and newborns were more vulnerable to C. parapsilosis infections. C. parapsilosis was found frequently as pathogens leading to BSI in patients admitted to ICU and departments of surgery and often causing a high mortality rate. C. parapsilosis rarely showed drug resistance at present, so common antifungal drugs could be used for treatment. Recommendations for using of antifungal drugs focused on paying close attention to possible drug resistance trend.

Monitoring of hydrogen peroxide production under photodynamic treatment using protein sensor HyPer

Publication date: January 2018
Source:Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology B: Biology, Volume 178
Author(s): Anna A. Brilkina, Nina N. Peskova, Varvara V. Dudenkova, Anastasia A. Gorokhova, Evgenia A. Sokolova, Irina V. Balalaeva
An interest to H2O2 accumulation under photodynamic treatment can be explained by its participation in intracellular signal cascades. It is important not only to detect H2O2 generation, but also to trace the dynamics of its intracellular content. In the present study the dynamics of cellular H2O2 content under photodynamic treatment was analyzed using genetically encoded reversible H2O2-sensitive sensor HyPer. Real-time detecting of H2O2 production after photodynamic treatment was performed using the protein sensor and individual features of action of different photosensitizers were revealed.Photodynamic treatment with a number of chlorin and phthalocyanine photosensitizers was found to induce secondary production of H2O2 in the cells. Three types of dynamic responses were registered: monotonous increase of H2O2 level during the entire observation time in the presence of Fotoditazin and Holosens; transient short-term accumulation in the presence of Radachlorin and Phthalosens; and relatively low-level stable increase in the presence of Photosens. The listed photosensitizers differ significantly in intracellular localization and physicochemical properties, which can determine the differences in the response of H2O2 after the photodynamic treatment. In general, it has been shown that the rapid transient H2O2 response is typical for hydrophobic compounds localized in membrane cell structures, whereas in the presence of more hydrophilic dyes a prolonged monotonous H2O2 accumulation occurs.

Graphical abstract

Facile and eco-friendly fabrication of AgNPs coated silk for antibacterial and antioxidant textiles using honeysuckle extract

Publication date: January 2018
Source:Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology B: Biology, Volume 178
Author(s): Yuyang Zhou, Ren-Cheng Tang
Recently, there is a growing trend towards the functionalization of silk through nanotechnology for the prevention of fiber damage from microbial attack and the enhancement of hygienic aspects. Considering sustainable development and environmental protection, the eco-friendly fabrication of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs)-modified silk using natural extracts has currently become a hot research area. This study presents a facile strategy for the fabrication of colorful and multifunctional silk fabric using biogenic AgNPs prepared by honeysuckle extract as natural reductant and stabilizing agents. The influences of pH and reactant concentrations on the AgNPs synthesis were investigated. The color characteristics and functionalities of AgNPs treated silk were evaluated. The results revealed that the particle size of AgNPs decreased with increasing pH. The diameter of AgNPs decreased with increasing amount of honeysuckle extract and reducing amount of silver nitrate. The transmission electron microscopy image showed that the AgNPs were spherical in shape with a narrow size distribution. The treated silk showed excellent antibacterial activities against E. coli and S. aureus, and certain antioxidant activity. Both of the antibacterial and antioxidant activities were well maintained even after 30 washing cycles. This work provides a sustainable and eco-friendly approach to the fabrication of AgNPs coated silk for colorful and long-term multifunctional textiles using honeysuckle extract.

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Photodynamic inactivation of bacteriophage MS2: The A-protein is the target of virus inactivation

Publication date: January 2018
Source:Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology B: Biology, Volume 178
Author(s): Hussaini Majiya, Oluwapelumi O. Adeyemi, Nicola J. Stonehouse, Paul Millner
Singlet oxygen mediated oxidation has been shown to be responsible for photodynamic inactivation (PDI) of viruses in solution with photosensitisers such as 5, 10, 15, 20-tetrakis (1-methyl-4-pyridinio) porphyrin tetra p-toluenesulfonate (TMPyP). The capsids of non-enveloped viruses, such as bacteriophage MS2, are possible targets for viral inactivation by singlet oxygen oxidation. Within the capsid (predominantly composed of coat protein), the A-protein acts as the host recognition and attachment protein. The A-protein has two domains; an α-helix domain and a β-sheet domain. The α-helix domain is attached to the viral RNA genome inside the capsid while the β-sheet domain, which is on the surface of the capsid, is believed to be the site for attachment to the host bacteria pilus during infection. In this study, 4 sequence-specific antibodies were raised against 4 sites on the A-protein. Changes induced by the oxidation of singlet oxygen were compared to the rate of PDI of the virus. Using these antibodies, our results suggest that the rate of PDI is relative to loss of antigenicity of two sites on the A-protein. Our data further showed that PDI caused aggregation of MS2 particles and crosslinking of MS2 coat protein. However, these inter- and intra-capsid changes did not correlate to the rate of PDI we observed in MS2. Possible modes of action are discussed as a means to gaining insight to the targets and mechanisms of PDI of viruses.

Evaluation of local anesthetic effects of Lidocaine-Ibuprofen ionic liquid stabilized silver nanoparticles in Male Swiss mice

Publication date: January 2018
Source:Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology B: Biology, Volume 178
Author(s): Qiliang Jiang, Shashuang Yu, Xingwang Li, Chuangen Ma, Aixiang Li
A simple approach for the synthesis of Lidocaine-Ibuprofen ionic liquid stabilized silver nanoparticles (IL-AgNPs) was reported in this work. The shape, size and surface morphology of the Lidocaine-Ibuprofen ionic liquid stabilized AgNPs were characterized by using spectroscopic and microscopic techniques such as Ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV–Visible), X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, Selected area electron diffraction (SAED), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM). TEM analysis showed the formation of 20–30nm size of IL-AgNPs with very clear lattice fringes. SAED pattern confirmed the highly crystalline nature of fabricated IL stabilized AgNPs. EDS results confirmed the formation of nanosilver. The fabricated IL-AgNPs were studied for their local anesthetic effect in rats. The results of local anesthetic effect showed that the time for onset of action by IL-AgNPs is 10min, which is significantly higher than that for EMLA. Further, tactile test results confirmed the stronger and faster local anesthetic effect of IL-AgNPs when compared to that of EMLA.

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New platinum (II) and palladium (II) complexes of coumarin-thiazole Schiff base with a fluorescent chemosensor properties: Synthesis, spectroscopic characterization, X-ray structure determination, in vitro anticancer activity on various human carcinoma cell lines and computational studies

Publication date: January 2018
Source:Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology B: Biology, Volume 178
Author(s): Ömer Şahin, Ümmühan Özmen Özdemir, Nurgül Seferoğlu, Zuhal Karagöz Genc, Kerem Kaya, Burcu Aydıner, Suat Tekin, Zeynel Seferoğlu
A new coumarin-thiazole based Schiff base (Ligand, L) and its Pd(II), Pt(II) complexes; ([Pd(L)2] and [Pt(L)2]), were synthesized and characterized using spectrophotometric techniques (NMR, IR, UV–vis, LC-MS), magnetic moment, and conductivity measurements. A single crystal X-ray analysis for only L was done. The crystals of L have monoclinic crystal system and P21/c space group. To gain insight into the structure of L and its complexes, we used density functional theory (DFT) method to optimize the molecules. The photophysical properties changes were observed after deprotonation of L with CN⁻ via intermolecular charge transfer (ICT). Additionally, as the sensor is a colorimetric and fluorimetric cyanide probe containing active sites such as coumarin-thiazole and imine (CH=N), it showed fast color change from yellow to deep red in the visible region, and yellow fluorescence after CN⁻ addition to the imine bond, in DMSO. The reaction mechanisms of L with CN⁻, F⁻ and AcO⁻ ions were evaluated using ¹H NMR shifts. The results showed that, the reaction of L with CN⁻ ion was due to the deprotonation and addition mechanisms at the same time. The anti-cancer activity of L and its Pd(II) and Pt(II) complexes were evaluated in vitro using MTT assay on the human cancer lines MCF-7 (human breast adenocarcinoma), LS174T (human colon carcinoma), and LNCAP (human prostate adenocarcinoma). The anti-cancer effects of L and its complexes, on human cells, were determined by comparing the half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values. The activity results showed that, the Pd(II) complex of L has higher anti-tumor effect than L and its Pt(II) complex against the tested human breast adenocarcinoma (MCF-7), human prostate adenocarcinoma (LNCAP), and human colon carcinoma (LS174T) cell lines.

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Elevated CO2 leads to carbon sequestration by modulating C4 photosynthesis pathway enzyme (PPDK) in Suaeda monoica and S. fruticosa

Publication date: January 2018
Source:Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology B: Biology, Volume 178
Author(s): Sonam Yadav, Avinash Mishra, Bhavanath Jha
The C4 halophytic species Suaeda monoica and S. fruticosa, possess the C4 photosynthesis pathway without Kranz anatomy were grown at ambient (470ppm CO2) and elevated (850ppm CO2) atmospheric CO2 under control containment facility to study the plant response under CO2 stress condition. The relative growth of both Suaeda species was enhanced with atmospheric CO2 enrichment compared to control (ambient) condition. The photosynthesis rate was found 2.5μmolCO2m⁻²s⁻¹ in both species under stress condition compared to about 1.9μmolCO2m⁻²s⁻¹ under control conditions. About 0.3molH2Om⁻²s⁻¹ conductance was detected under an unstressed condition which decreased significantly to ~0.07molH2Om⁻²s⁻¹ on the 6th day of stress treatment. Similarly, transpiration rate was also decreased significantly from 4.4–5.2mmolH2Om⁻²s⁻¹ to 1.7–1.9 under stress condition. In contrast, VpdL increased significantly from 1.9kPa to 2.5kPa under stress condition. A higher total chlorophyll content observed in S. monoica (56.36mgg⁻¹ tissue) compared to S. fruticosa (33.12mgg⁻¹ tissue) under unstressed (control) condition. A significant increase was found in the total chlorophyll content of S. fruticosa (45.47mgg⁻¹ tissue) with stress treatment compared to control (33.12mgg⁻¹ tissue). In contrast, the total chlorophyll decreased in S. monoica (51.58mgg⁻¹ tissue) under similar stress condition compared to control plants (56.36mgg⁻¹ tissue). About 6–6.8mg total sugar per gram tissue found under control condition which enhanced further (7.5 to 11mgg⁻¹ tissue) under stress condition. Similarly, total reducing sugar (~2mgg⁻¹ tissue) and total starch content (6.5–11mgg⁻¹ tissue) increased under stress condition. About 6.5- and 3- fold higher expression of PPDK gene was observed for S. monoica and S. fruticosa, respectively under CO2 stress condition. PPDK (1.2- and 1.5- fold) and antioxidant enzymes; APX (12.7- and two-fold), CAT (2.2- and 6.4- fold) and SOD (4.6- and 94- fold) enhanced significantly in S. fruticosa and S. monoica, respectively under high CO2 stress condition compared to control plants. Overall, it was observed that PPDK enzyme plays a key role in C4 photosynthesis pathway and S. monoica is a potential candidate to be explored further for the saline agricultural and CO2 capture.

Photoluminescent reduced graphene oxide quantum dots from latex of Calotropis gigantea for metal sensing, radical scavenging, cytotoxicity, and bioimaging in Artemia salina: A greener route

Publication date: January 2018
Source:Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology B: Biology, Volume 178
Author(s): Balaji Murugesan, Jegatheeswaran Sonamuthu, Nithya Pandiyan, Boomi Pandi, Selvam Samayanan, Sundrarajan Mahalingam
In this work, we report the fabrication of green fluorescent reduced graphene oxide quantum dots (rGOQDs) from the latex of Calotropis gigantea by simple one-step microwave assisted greener route. The latex of Calotropis gigantea calcined at 300°C and its ethanolic extract is used for the synthesis of QDs, The rGOQDs showed particle size ranging from 2 to 8nm and it exhibited green fluorescent in longer UV region at 360–520nm. The rGOQDs graphitic nature was confirmed by RAMAN and XRD analysis. The FTIR, XPS demonstrate that presence of functional groups such as CO, COC, –OH, hence it's addressing them as rGOQDs. It is used to design the greener and economically adopted fluorescent probe for the detection of Pb²⁺ ions. It provides simple and appropriate for the selective and sensitive detection of Pb²⁺ ions in water purification process. It also trapped the free radicals and neutralized that and act as an excellent radical scavenger in DPPH radical scavenging assessment. These rGOQDs showed excellent biocompatibility on brine shrimp nauplii (Artemia salina) up to 160μg/mL for 24h incubation. Furthermore, rGOQDS were demonstrated as fluorescent bioimaging probe selectively in the inner digestion part of Artemia salina. In summary, stable, economically viable, highly biocompatible, greener method based rGOQDs were prepared for heavy metal ion detecting, radical scavenging, bioimaging applications which can play a vital role in the future nanotechnology-based biomedical field.

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Simulated photoperiod influences testicular activity in quail via modulating local GnRHR-GnIHR, GH-R, Cnx-43 and 14-3-3

Publication date: January 2018
Source:Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology B: Biology, Volume 178
Author(s): Somanshu Banerjee, Chandra Mohini Chaturvedi
The hypothalamo-hypophyseal-gonadal axis mediated differential photosexual responses in quail kept under different simulated photoperiodic conditions have been studied in details. Local testicular GnRH-GnIH and their receptor system has been hypothesized to be modulated in quail showing different photo-sexual responses and thus influence the testicular activity and steroidogenesis through local (paracrine and autocrine) action. To validate this hypothesis, we studied the expression of gonadotropin releasing hormone receptor (GnRH-R), gonadotropin inhibiting hormone receptor (GnIH-R) mRNA, growth hormone receptor (GH-R), proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), 14-3-3, Connexin-43 (Cnx-43), steroidogenic factor-1 (SF-1), Steroidogenic Acute Regulatory protein (StAR), steroidogenic enzyme (3β HSD) in testis as well as androgen receptor (AR) in testis and epididymis of photosensitive (PS), scotorefractory (SR), photorefractory (PR) and scotosensitive (SS) quail. Experimental findings clearly indicate the increased expression of GnIH-R mRNA and suppression of GnRH-R, GH-R, PCNA, 14-3-3, Connexin-43, SF-1, StAR, 3β HSD in testis as well as AR in testis and epididymis of PR and SS quail, while PS and SR quail exhibited the opposite results i.e., significantly decreased expression of GnIH-R mRNA and increased expression of GnRH-R, GH-R, PCNA, 14-3-3, Cnx-43, SF-1, StAR, 3β HSD in testis as well as AR in testis and epididymis. The significantly increased intra-testicular testosterone has been observed in the PS and SR quail while, PR and SS quail showed opposite results. Hence, we conclude that PS and SR quail showed significantly increased testicular activity and steroidogenesis while opposite pattern was observed in PR and SS quail.

Nigella sativa oil modulates the therapeutic efficacy of mesenchymal stem cells against liver injury in irradiated rats

Publication date: January 2018
Source:Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology B: Biology, Volume 178
Author(s): Rasha R. Radwan, Heba A. Mohamed
Stem cell transplantation is a novel strategy for regenerative medicine in liver disease. This study was conducted to explore the modulatory effect of Nigella sativa oil (NSO) on the therapeutic potential of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) against irradiation-induced liver damage in rats. Liver damage was induced by a total body exposure to a single dose of 7Gy. NSO (2mg/kg/day) was then given orally for 4 consecutive weeks starting 24h after irradiation with or without a single intravenous MSCs administration, then rats were sacrificed four weeks after exposure to γ radiation. Data revealed that irradiation elevated aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activities in serum, increased hepatic malondialdehyde (MDA) content and reduced hepatic superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity. Furthermore, it caused elevation in pro-inflammatory mediators such as interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) associated with reduction in anti-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-10 (IL-10) and it increased fibrogenic marker transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) in liver tissues. It was observed that combined NSO/MSCs therapy provided more beneficial tissue repair comparable to MSCs alone as demonstrated by modulating the tested parameters. Finally, these results were confirmed by histopathological examination. In conclusion, dual therapy with NSO and MSCs could serve as a promising approach for alleviating radiation-induced liver injury in patients with radiotherapy.

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Facile biological synthetic strategy to morphologically aligned CeO2/ZrO2 core nanoparticles using Justicia adhatoda extract and ionic liquid: Enhancement of its bio-medical properties

Publication date: January 2018
Source:Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology B: Biology, Volume 178
Author(s): Nithya Pandiyan, Balaji Murugesan, Jegatheeswaran Sonamuthu, Selvam Samayanan, Sundrarajan Mahalingam
In this study, a typical green synthesis route has approached for CeO2/ZrO2 core metal oxide nanoparticles using ionic liquid mediated Justicia adhatoda extract. This synthesis method is carried out at simple room temperature condition to obtain the core metal oxide nanoparticles. XRD, SEM and TEM studies employed to study the crystalline and surface morphological properties under nucleation, growth, and aggregation processes. CeO2/ZrO2 core metal oxides display agglomerated nano stick-like structure with 20–45nm size. GC–MS spectroscopy confirms the presence of vasicinone and N,N-Dimethylglycine present in the plant extract, which are capable of converting the corresponding metal ion precursor to CeO2/ZrO2 core metal oxide nanoparticles. In FTIR, the corresponding stretching for Ce-O and Zr-O bands indicated at 498 and 416cm⁻¹ and Raman spectroscopy also supports typical stretching frequencies at 463 and 160cm⁻¹. Band gap energy of the CeO2/ZrO2 core metal oxide is 3.37eV calculated from UV- DRS spectroscopy. The anti-bacterial studies performed against a set of bacterial strains the result showed that core metal oxide nanoparticles more susceptible to gram-positive (G+) bacteria than gram-negative (G−) bacteria. A unique feature of the antioxidant behaviors core metal oxides reduces the concentration of DPPH radical up to 89%. The CeO2/ZrO2 core metal oxide nanoparticles control the S. marcescent bio-film formation and restrict the quorum sensing. The toxicology behavior of CeO2/ZrO2 core metal oxide NPs is found due to the high oxygen site vacancies, ROS formation, smallest particle size and higher surface area. This type of green synthesis route may efficient and the core metal oxide nanoparticles will possess a good bio-medical agent in future.

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Synthesis, molecular docking, antimicrobial, antioxidant and toxicity assessment of quinoline peptides

Publication date: January 2018
Source:Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology B: Biology, Volume 178
Author(s): Muthu Thangaraj, Robert Moonsamy Gengan, Bibhuti Ranjan, Ramesh Muthusamy
A series of quinoline based peptides were synthesized by a one-pot reaction through Ugi-four component condensation of lipoic acid, cyclohexyl isocyanide, aniline derivatives and 2-methoxy quinoline-3-carbaldehyde derivatives under microwave irradiation. The products were obtained in excellent yields and high purity. Solvent optimization and the effect of microwave irradiation with various powers were also observed. All the synthesized compounds were characterized by FTIR, NMR spectral data and elemental analysis. A total of eight peptides were subjected to antimicrobial, antioxidant and toxicity evaluation. Among them, four peptides showed potential towards antibacterial screening with Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Enterococcus faecalis and Candida albicans, Candida utilis and three peptides showed antioxidant test positive (DPPH). Besides, toxicity of all the peptides were evaluated by using brine shrimp and it was observed that four peptides showed mortality rate less than 50% up to 48h. Molecular docking studies revealed that the higher binding affinity of the two peptides toward DNA gyrase than ciprofloxacin based on Libdock score. The described chemistry represents a facile tool to synthesize complex heterocycles of pharmaceutical relevance in a highly efficient and one-pot fashion. The advantages of this method are its green approach, inexpensive solvent, shorter reaction times and excellent yields.

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Harnessing the wine dregs: An approach towards a more sustainable synthesis of gold and silver nanoparticles

Publication date: January 2018
Source:Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology B: Biology, Volume 178
Author(s): N. González-Ballesteros, J.B. Rodríguez-González, M.C. Rodríguez-Argüelles
In recent years, the management of food waste processing has emerged as a major concern. One such type of food waste, grape pomace, has been shown to be a great source of bioactive compounds which might be used for more environmentally - friendly processes for the synthesis of nanomaterials. In this study, grape pomace of Vitis vinifera has been used for the obtainment of an aqueous extract. Firstly, the reducing activity, total phenolic content and DPPH scavenging activity of the aqueous extract were determined. Then, the aqueous extract was used for the synthesis of gold and silver nanoparticles. The formation of spherical and stable nanoparticles with mean diameters of 35.3±5.2nm for Au@GP and 42.9±6.4nm for Ag@GP was confirmed by UV–vis spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Furthermore, the functional group of biomolecules present in grape pomace extract, Au@GP and Ag@GP, were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy prior to and after the synthesis, in order to obtain information about the biomolecules involved in the reducing and stabilization process. This study is the first to deal with the use of Vitis vinifera grape pomace in obtaining gold and silver nanoparticles through an eco-friendly, quick, one-pot synthetic route.

Graphical abstract

Analysis of Aloe vera cytotoxicity and genotoxicity associated with endodontic medication and laser photobiomodulation

Publication date: January 2018
Source:Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology B: Biology, Volume 178
Author(s): Nayane Chagas Carvalho, Simone Alves Garcez Guedes, Ricardo Luiz Cavalcanti Albuquerque-Júnior, Diana Santana de Albuquerque, Adriano Antunes de Souza Araújo, Luiz Renato Paranhos, Samira Esteves Afonso Camargo, Maria Amália Gonzaga Ribeiro
This study aims to evaluate, in vitro, the effect of Aloe vera associated with endodontic medication, with or without laser photobiomodulation (FTL) irradiation in FP6 human pulp fibroblasts. The materials were divided into eight groups: CTR - control; CL - FTL alone; AA - Aloe vera with distilled water; AL - Aloe vera with distilled water and FTL; HA - calcium hydroxide P.A. with distilled water; HL - calcium hydroxide P.A. with distilled water and FTL; HAA - calcium hydroxide P.A. with Aloe vera and distilled water; HAL - calcium hydroxide P.A. with Aloe vera, distilled water, and FTL. The cytotoxicity was evaluated by MTT assay at 24, 48, and 72h and the genotoxicity by micronucleus test assay. This study was performed in triplicate. Data obtained in both tests were statistically analyzed by ANOVA and Tukey's tests (p≤0.05). Group AA presented high genotoxicity and low cytotoxicity. After 24, 48, and 72h, the group HAA significantly reduced the cell viability. Interaction with FTL showed slightly increase cell viability after 24 and 48h in groups CL and HL (p<0.001), despite the high genotoxicity in group CL and low genotoxicity in group HL. Group AL showed higher cell survival rate at 72h (p<0.05) and high genotoxicity (p<0.001). It was concluded that Aloe vera allowed higher cell viability in human pulp fibroblasts in the presence of calcium hydroxide or with FTL separately, but genotoxicity increased in these associations.

To reveal the nature of interactions of human hemoglobin with gold nanoparticles having two different morphologies (sphere and star-shaped) by using various spectroscopic techniques

Publication date: January 2018
Source:Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology B: Biology, Volume 178
Author(s): Madhurima Chakraborty, Somnath Paul, Ishani Mitra, Munmun Bardhan, Mridul Bose, Abhijit Saha, Tapan Ganguly
The nature of interactions between heme protein human hemoglobin (HHb) and gold nanoparticles of two different morphologies that is GNP (spherical) and GNS (star-shaped) have been investigated by using UV–vis absorption, steady state fluorescence, synchronous fluorescence, resonance light scattering (RLS), time resolved fluorescence, FT-IR, and circular dichroism (CD) techniques under physiological condition of pH ~7 at ambient and different temperatures. Analysis of the steady state fluorescence quenching of HHb in aqueous solution in the presence of GNP and GNS suggests that the nature of the quenching is of static type. The static nature of the quenching is also confirmed from time resolved data. The static type of quenching also indicates the possibility of formation of ground state complex for both HHb-GNP and HHb-GNS systems. From the measurements of Stern-Volmer (SV) constants KSV and binding constants, KA and number of binding sites it appears that HHb forms stronger binding with GNP relative to GNS. Analysis of the thermodynamic parameters indicates that the formation of HHb-GNP and HHb-GNS complexes are spontaneous molecular interaction processes (∆G<0). In both cases hydrogen bonding and van der Waals interactions play a dominant role (∆H<0, ∆S<0). Synchronous fluorescence spectroscopy further reveals that the ground state complex formations of HHb-GNP and HHb-GNS preferably occur by binding with the amino acid tyrosine through hydrogen bonding interactions. Moreover the α-helicity contents of the proteins as obtained from the circular dichroism (CD) spectra appears to be marginally reduced by increasing concentrations of GNP and GNS and the α-helical structures of HHb retain its identity as native secondary structure in spite of complex formations with GNP or GNS. These findings demonstrate the efficiency of biomedical applications of GNP and GNS nanoparticles as well as in elucidating their mechanisms of action as drugs or drug delivery systems in human.

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Amberlite IR-120 (H) mediated “on water” synthesis of fluorescent Ruthenium(II)-arene 8-hydroxyquinoline complexes for cancer therapy and live cell imaging

Publication date: January 2018
Source:Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology B: Biology, Volume 178
Author(s): Ashaparna Mondal, Sourav De, Santanu Maiti, Bidisha Sarkar, Ashok Kumar Sk, Rini Jacob, Anbalagan Moorthy, Priyankar Paira
A series of Ruthenium-Quinolinol complexes (3a–d & 4a–d) has been synthesized by employing a simple, efficient and environmental friendly condition. Catalytic role of Amberlite IRA-120(H) has been demonstrated. The structures of the new compounds were elucidated by the analysis of spectroscopic data. The stability of these complexes was measured by UV spectroscopy & time dependent NMR spectroscopy. These newly developed complexes were represented as potential anticancer agent against human breast carcinoma cell line (MCF-7), human Epitheloid Cervix Carcinoma (HeLa), human lung adenocarcinoma epithelial cell line (A549) and human colon cancer cell line (Caco-2). Most of the ruthenium complexes showed higher anticancer activity in MCF-7, HeLa and Caco-2 cell lines than cisplatin. A high selectivity (9–28 folds) was observed with these newly developed organoruthenium compounds in human cancer cell lines (MCF-7, HeLa and Caco-2) with respect to normal fibroblast cell line (MRC-5). Complex [(η6-hexamethylbenzene)RuCl(κ2-O,N-5-chloro-HyQ)]·Cl (4b), [(η6-hexamethylbenzene)RuCl(κ2-O,N-5,7-dibromo-HyQ)]·Cl (4c) and [(η6-hexamethylbenzene)RuCl(κ2-O,N-5-chloro-7-iodo-HyQ)]·Cl (4d) exhibited best cytotoxicity profiles in three reported human cancer cell lines (MCF-7, HeLa, Caco-2). Cellular imaging study was also performed with these newly developed organoruthenium compounds. Compound 4c might be utilized for cancer theranostic agents because of its significant quantum yield in water, high potency, selectivity and high cellular uptake in cancer cell lines.

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Photo-induced toxicity of tungsten oxide photochromic nanoparticles

Publication date: January 2018
Source:Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology B: Biology, Volume 178
Author(s): A.L. Popov, N.M. Zholobak, O.I. Balko, O.B. Balko, A.B. Shcherbakov, N.R. Popova, O.S. Ivanova, A.E. Baranchikov, V.K. Ivanov
We synthesised a new type of photochromic tungsten oxide nanoparticles, analysed their photocatalytic activity and carried out a thorough analysis of their effect on prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms. Ultrasmall hydrated tungsten oxide nanoparticles were prepared by means of hydrothermal treatment of tungstic acid in the presence of polyvinylpyrrolidone as a template, stabiliser and growth regulator. Tungstic acid was synthesised through an ion-exchange method using sodium tungstate solution and a strongly acidic cation exchange resin.Upon illumination, photochromic nanoparticles of WO3 were shown to increase greatly their toxicity against both bacterial (both gram-positive and gram-negative – P. aeruginosa, E. coli and S. aureus) and mammalian cells (primary mouse embryonic fibroblasts); under the same conditions, fungi (C. albicans) were less sensitive to the action of tungsten oxide nanoparticles. UV irradiation of primary mouse fibroblasts in the presence of WO3 nanoparticles demonstrated a time- and dose-dependent toxic effect, the latter leading to a significant decrease in dehydrogenase activity and an increase in the number of dead cells. WO3 nanoparticles were photocatalytically active under both UV light and even diffused daylight filtered through a window glass, leading to indigo carmine organic dye discolouration.The obtained experimental data not only show good prospects for biomedical applications of tungsten trioxide, but also demonstrate the need for clear control of biosafety when it is used in various household materials and appliances.

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Investigating the excited state optical properties and origin of large stokes shift in Benz[c,d]indole N-Heteroarene BF2 dyes with ab initio tools

Publication date: January 2018
Source:Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology B: Biology, Volume 178
Author(s): Yogesh Gawale, Nagaiyan Sekar
Density Functional Theory and Time Dependent Density Functional Theory computations reveal experimental trends accurately and provide an insight into the origin of red shifted optical spectra, large Stokes shift, nonlinear optical responses and quantitative description of the singlet-triplet energy gap of recently synthesized highly fluorescent membrane permeable benz[c,d]indole N-heteroarene BF2 rigidified BBN and BBC dyes. Our results benchmark the importance of the DFT functionals and polarization functions using the accurate basis set for the calculations of excitation energies, band gaps, dipole moment, non-linear optical properties and geometrical parameters. The anomalous increase in dipole moment in the excited state and pronounced geometric distortion are found to be responsible for the increased Stokes shift in BBN dyes. The resultant decrease in the HOMO–LUMO energy gap was found to be responsible for the red shift in BBC dyes. Enhanced nonlinear optical properties and inverse relationship between the Stokes shift and static hyperpolarizability were found in these dyes. Their possible potential therapeutic use as a photosensitizer in photodynamic therapy is proposed on the basis of vertical triplet energies resulting in the range of 0.78 to 0.88eV. The singlet–triplet energetic gaps suggest that the simple variation of the N-heteroarenes or their post functionalization can lead to the efficient generation of singlet oxygen. Further, we compared these new class of dyes with conventional aza-BODIPY and BODIPY dyes, thereby confirming their use as alternative promising candidates for nonlinear optics, triplet sensitizers, and imaging.

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Radioprotective effects of Silymarin on the sperm parameters of NMRI mice irradiated with γ-rays

Publication date: January 2018
Source:Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology B: Biology, Volume 178
Author(s): Daryoush Fatehi, Mohsen Mohammadi, Babak Shekarchi, Arash Shabani, Mohammad Seify, Ayoob Rostamzadeh
Free radicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS) are generated using various endogenous systems or from external sources such as exposure to different physiochemicals. Ionizing radiation damage to the cell can be caused by the direct or indirect effects of radiotherapy processes. Silymarin (SM), a flavanolignan compound, has been identified as a natural potent antioxidant with cytoprotection activities due to scavenging free radicals. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the radioprotective effect of SM on sperm parameters of mice induced by γ-rays. A total number of 40 adult, male NMRI mice were randomly divided into four equal groups. The control group was neither treated with SM nor irradiated by γ-rays. The second group was only irradiated with 2Gy of γ-rays. The third group was firstly treated with 50mg/kg of SM for 7 consecutive days, and one day later, last injections were irradiated by 2Gy of γ-rays. The fourth groups received only 50mg/kg of SM for 7 consecutive days. All the animals were treated intraperitoneally. Histopathological and morphometrical examinations were performed. The data were analyzed using ANOVA and Tukey post hoc test. A value of p<0.05 was considered significant. The results showed that in the radiation-only group when compared with those treated with SM and irradiated, a significant different was observed in testicular parameters and DNA damage (p<0.05). In conclusion, SM can be considered as a promising herbal radioprotective agent in complementary medicine which may play an important role to protect normal spermatocytes against possible effects of γ-radiation-induced cellular damage.

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Measurement of Disease Severity in a Population of Rosacea Patients

Publication date: Available online 16 December 2017
Source:Dermatologic Clinics
Author(s): Hossein Alinia, Sara Moradi Tuchayi, Sara M. James, Leah A. Cardwell, Sonali Nanda, Naeim Bahrami, Olabola Awosika, Irma Richardson, Karen E. Huang, Steven R. Feldman

Teaser

Severity of rosacea in populations is not well characterized. A validated self-assessment tool was used to study the relationship between rosacea severity and demographic factors. Subjects were adult patients with a clinical diagnosis of rosacea. Self-assessment severity scores were significantly higher in participants less than 60 years old (mean 3.43 ± 1.07) compared with those greater than or equal to 60 years old (mean 3.09 ± 1.13; P = .04). Self-assessment severity scores were significantly higher in men (3.6 ± 1.3) than women (3.2 ± 1.0; P = .04). The authors conclude that rosacea is more severe in men and younger patients.

Rosacea Triggers

Publication date: Available online 16 December 2017
Source:Dermatologic Clinics
Author(s): Hossein Alinia, Sara Moradi Tuchayi, Nupur U. Patel, Nishit Patel, Olabola Awosika, Naeim Bahrami, Leah A. Cardwell, Irma Richardson, Karen E. Huang, Steven R. Feldman

Teaser

A variety of triggers are thought to exacerbate rosacea. A validated self-assessment tool and survey was used to study the relationship between rosacea severity and triggers. Subjects were adult patients with a clinical diagnosis of rosacea. Increased severity of disease was significantly associated with consumption of many alcoholic beverages in 1 day and employment at a job requiring extensive sun exposure. The authors' findings may inform physician counseling practices; patients may be provided with practical measures for managing their rosacea, such as limiting alcohol consumption over short periods of time and increasing sun protection, especially in the summer.

Genetic Predisposition to Rosacea

Publication date: Available online 16 December 2017
Source:Dermatologic Clinics
Author(s): Olabola Awosika, Elias Oussedik

Teaser

Rosacea is a common inflammatory skin disease with a multifaceted pathophysiology, including environmental stressors and neurovascular and immune dysfunction affected by the presence of pathogens. The genetic component of this disorder is not well understood. However, a possible genetic origin in Northern European descendants, family inheritance, twin concordance, and genetic associations with autoimmune disorders attest the genetic predisposition to rosacea. Currently, one single-nucleotide polymorphism has been identified in association with rosacea and is intergenic between HLA-DRA and BTNL2. Additional associations with HLA alleles and immune-mediated disorders support the role of immune-regulating genes and innate and adaptive immunity in rosacea.

Medical Management of Facial Redness in Rosacea

Publication date: Available online 15 December 2017
Source:Dermatologic Clinics
Author(s): Abigail Cline, Sean P. McGregor, Steven R. Feldman

Teaser

Persistent centrofacial erythema is a predominant component of rosacea. The authors review the topical and systemic treatments for rosacea-related erythema and flushing to aid in treatment decision making in clinical practice. Databases were searched for literature pertaining to treatment options for erythema related to rosacea. The paucity of large-scale clinical trials in patients with the erythematotelangiectatic rosacea subtype makes it difficult to draw firm conclusions regarding treatment. Although certain topical and oral treatments appear to have modest benefit in reducing erythema, there is a need for high-quality, well-designed, and rigorously reported studies for the treatments for rosacea.

Rosacea Pathogenesis

Publication date: Available online 15 December 2017
Source:Dermatologic Clinics
Author(s): Christine S. Ahn, William W. Huang

Teaser

Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder that is not fully understood but involves the complex interplay of genetic factors, immune dysregulation, neurovascular dysregulation, presence of microorganisms, and environmental factors. Increased activation of the immune system occurs through multiple stimuli, including increased levels of cathelicidin and kallikrein 5, Toll-like receptor 2, matrix metalloproteinases, and mast cells within the skin. Their effects are enhanced by the presence of microorganisms and external triggers, such as UV radiation.

Assessment of Lingual Stability in Mandible Fracture: Monocortical Versus Bicortical Fixation Using FEM Analysis

Abstract

Aim of the study

The present study compares lingual stability of monocortical miniplate fixation with that of bicortical miniplate fixation in parasymphysis fracture using FEM analysis.

Materials and methods

Using multislice CT scanner, 3D FEM of patient's mandible was created. Fracture was simulated at parasymphysis region and fixed with 2-mm titanium miniplates and screws of length 8, 10, 12 mm, respectively. Loading force of 120 N applied at molar region and 62.8 N at incisor region. These three models were imported into ANSYS Workbench FEM software.

Result

There is no significant difference in results between bicortical fixation and monocortical fixation.

Conclusion

It was concluded that use of monocortical fixation provides sufficient lingual stability. This suggests monocortical fixation system is as reliable as bicortical fixation.

Triple-stapled quadrilateral anastomosis: a new technique for creation of an esophagogastric anastomosis

Abstract

Background

Esophagogastric anastomosis performed after esophagectomy is technically complex and often the source of postoperative complications. The best technique for this anastomosis remains a matter of debate. We describe a new all-stapled side-to-side anastomosis, which we refer to as triple-stapled quadrilateral anastomosis (TRIQ), that can be performed after minimally invasive surgery, and we report results of a retrospective evaluation of postoperative outcomes among the 60 patients in whom this anastomosis has been performed thus far.

Methods

The anastomosis is created by apposition of the posterior walls of the esophagus and stomach. A linear stapler is applied to create a V-shaped posterior anastomotic wall. The anterior wall is closed in a gentle chevron-like shape with the use of 2 separate linear staplers, resulting in a wide quadrilateral anastomosis. The anastomosis is then wrapped with a greater omentum flap.

Results

The patient group comprised 48 men and 12 women with a mean age of 67.8 years. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy was performed in 43 of these patients. Neither the thoracoscopic or laparoscopic procedure was converted to open surgery in any patient. The median operation time was 474 min (range 680–320 min). The intraoperative blood loss volume was 104.4 mL (range 240–30 mL). There were no anastomosis-related complications above Clavien-Dindo grade II.

Conclusions

TRIQ can be performed easily and safely, and good short-term outcome can be expected.

Angiogenic factors: role in esophageal cancer, a brief review

Abstract

Esophageal cancer has an aggressive behavior with rapid tumor mass growth and frequently poor prognosis; it is known as one of the most fatal types of cancer worldwide. The identification of potential molecular markers that can predict the response to treatment and the prognosis of this cancer has been subject of a vast investigation in the recent years. Among several molecules, various angiogenic factors that are linked to the tumor development, growth, and invasion, such as VEGF, HGF, angiopoietin-2, IL-6, and TGF-B1, were investigated. In this paper, the authors sought to review the role of these angiogenic factors in prognosis and hypothesize how they can be used as a treatment target.

Monitoring of heavy metal burden in wild birds at eastern/north-eastern part of Hungary

Abstract

Concentrations of different heavy metals (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Pb, Zn) were examined in the contour feathers of long-eared owl (Asio otus), little owl (Athene noctua), tawny owl (Strix aluco), barn owl (Tyto alba), Eurasian sparrowhawk (Accipiter nisus), rook (Corvus frugilegus), hooded crow (Corvus cornix), carrion crow (Corvus corone), common buzzard (Buteo buteo) and barn swallow (Hirundo rustica). The samples were collected from the Hortobágyi Madárpark (Bird Hospital Foundation) in Hungary. The bird species were classified into six groups based on their nourishment. Feathers were analysed by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES). The aim of our study was to determine the concentration of the above-mentioned heavy metals in the six different groups and to compare them by the groups, to find a possible connection between the concentrations and the age of birds and to get some information about the heavy metal burden of the environment. The highest As concentration was measured in little owl (0.65 ± 0.56 mg/kg). The highest Cd, Cr and Pb concentration was found in the feathers of barn swallow (0.13 ± 0.06 mg/kg; 1.69 ± 0.44 mg/kg; 5.36 ± 1.46 mg/kg), while the highest Cu and Hg concentration (65.45 ± 17.66 mg/kg; 2.72 ± 1.08 mg/kg) in sparrowhawk feathers and the highest Zn concentration in owls (157.21 ± 57.3 mg/kg). Statistically significant difference has been determined between the juvenile and adult crows in the case of Cd (p = 0.011). The higher concentration was measured in adults (0.14 ± 0.04 mg/kg) than that in juveniles (0.08 ± 0.02 mg/kg). Based on our results, the examined area is not contaminated by these heavy metals on that level, which can cause any adverse effect or poisoning in birds, so this region is safe to wildlife.

Efficiency of biogas slurry and Burkholderia phytofirmans PsJN to improve growth, physiology, and antioxidant activity of Brassica napus L. in chromium-contaminated soil

Abstract

Contamination of soil is a major problem globally with colligated danger for ecosystem and human health. Chromium (Cr) is a toxic heavy metal and caused harmful effect on growth and development of plants. Phytostabilization reduced the mobility of heavy metals with addition of amendments which can significantly decrease metal solubility in soil. Phytostabilization can be achieved by application of biogas slurry (BGS) and endophytic bacteria as amendments in the contaminated soils. The present study revealed that the Burkholderia phytofirmans PsJN and BGS improved the growth, physiology, and antioxidant activity and reduced Cr uptake under a pot experiment spiked with Cr (20 mg kg⁻¹ soil). The experiment was designed under completely randomized design, four treatments with three replications in normal and Cr-contaminated soil. The inoculation of endophytic bacteria improved the growth and physiology of Brassica. This study showed that the inoculation of endophytic bacteria stabilized the Cr levels in soil and minimized the uptake by the plant shoots and roots in BGS-amended soil. Similarly, activity of antioxidants such as catalase (CAT), reduced glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and glutathione s-transferase (GST) was decreased to normal with combined treatment of BGS and endophytic bacteria in Cr-stressed soil. Overall, the best results were analyzed by combined treatment of BGS and endophytic bacteria to improve growth, physiology, and antioxidant activity of Brassica and immobilize Cr in soil. Moreover, results emphasized the need to use BGS alone or in combination with endophytic bacteria to optimize crop performance, stabilize Cr concentration, and improve environmental efficiency.

Conceptuality and Non-conceptuality in Yogācāra Sources

Abstract

This paper investigates the Yogācāra notions of "conceptuality", represented by terms such as vikalpa, on the one hand, and of "non-conceptuality" on the other. The examination of the process of thinking as well as its absence has played a central role in the history of Yogācāra thought. The explanations of this process provided by Yogācāra thinkers in works such as the Yogācārabhūmi, the Mahāyānasūtrālaṃkāra and the Mahāyānasaṃgraha appear to be mainly concerned with the contents and the components of thoughts, categorizing them into different classes. These lists are far more than arbitrary collections. Instead they are meant to represent exhaustive summaries of a person's conceptual experience. The first part of the paper focusses on conceptuality, exploring (mostly Abhidharmic) definitions of the relevant terms and ideas. The second part is mainly an investigation of the question which parts of the Buddhist path to liberation were considered to involve conceptual activity and which were described as non-conceptual.

Comparison of superb micro-vascular imaging (SMI) and conventional Doppler imaging techniques for evaluating testicular blood flow

Abstract

Purpose

Superb micro-vascular imaging (SMI) is a new blood flow (BF) technique recently developed to outface the limitations of conventional Doppler imaging techniques (CDIT). SMI can observe micro-vascular BF and low-velocity BF. SMI is available in two modes as color SMI (cSMI) and monochrome SMI (mSMI). To evaluate testicular BF, we have compared color Doppler (CD), power Doppler (PD), cSMI, and mSMI techniques.

Patients and methods

A total of 156 patients (310 testes) were included in the study. We evaluated BF in the testes via CD, PD, cSMI, and mSMI techniques in a heterogenous patient group. Doppler examination was performed by observing the whole testis parenchyma within the examination area at the testicular hilus level at all examinations. Spot and linear flow color encoding determined in testis parenchyma were separately counted for every examination.

Results

SMI was found to be superior in all age groups and testis volumes for showing the BF. When we sequenced the examinations to show the BF in testis according to their priorities, it was found that mSMI > cSMI > PD > CD. As the testis volume decreases, a significant increase is observed in mSMI when compared to other examinations in showing vascularity in pediatric age groups, in cases diagnosed with undescended testis, and in cases that underwent surgery for undescended testis.

Conclusions

SMI renders more detailed vascular information on BF in the testes than CDIT. In particular, as the testis volume decreases, the priority of SMI showing BF increases. SMI should be a part of vascular examination in pediatric patients with small testis volume.

Should We Relinquish or Distribute the Benefits of Injustice?

The Logic of Deferral: Educational Aims and Intellectual Disability

Abstract

The educational aims described by educational philosophers rarely embrace the full range of differences in intellectual ability, adaptive behavior, or communication that children exhibit. Because envisioned educational aims have significant consequences for how educational practices, pedagogy, and curricula are conceptualized, the failure to acknowledge and embrace differences in ability leaves open the question of the extent to which students with intellectual disabilities are subject to the same aims as their "typically-developing" peers. In articulating and defending valued aims of education, educational philosophers tacitly or expressly concede that particular aims will be ill suited to many children with intellectual disabilities, and that separate aims will therefore apply to them. This paper evaluates the philosophical reasoning behind this conclusion that some people, by necessity, must be governed by separate educational aims, to be decided separately and secondarily. The author calls this the "deferral stance." First, the paper outlines concerns about a particular ability-biased social and epistemic context in which theorizing about educational aims takes place. The author then examines assumptions that underpin the logic of deferral, arguing that the logic proves flawed when subjected to conceptual and empirical scrutiny. The paper concludes by outlining an inclusive approach—the affirmative stance—to theorizing about educational aims that resists the logic of exclusion and deferral.

The Effect of Implant Type on Nipple Position Geometry and Aesthetics Following Tissue Expander Reconstruction After Nipple Sparing Mastectomy

Abstract

Background

While recent studies have reported modest to no difference in breast aesthetics for shaped and round implant types in breast augmentations, the anatomy and biomechanics in the setting of breast reconstruction is different.

Objectives

Accordingly, we endeavored to evaluate whether two implant types impacted nipple position and aesthetic features in prosthetic breast reconstruction.

Methods

A retrospective chart review was carried out on patients who underwent nipple-sparing mastectomy (NSM) with immediate tissue expander breast reconstruction. Patients were divided into two cohorts: smooth round implants and textured shaped implants. Postoperative photographs were evaluated to assess nipple displacement vis-à-vis a vector of maximal projection and aesthetic outcome for features of breast shape.

Results

Of 102 breasts meeting the inclusion criteria, 41 had tissue expander-implant reconstruction with anatomical shaped implants, and 61 had reconstruction with smooth round implants. The shaped implant cohort had less nipple deviation from the point of maximal projection (3.69 ± 6.24 vs 7.52 ± 10.50; P < 0.0001). Graded semi-quantitative aesthetic scores were also higher (4.04 ± 0.67 vs 3.72 ± 0.93; P = 0.0044) in the shaped implants than in the round cohort.

Conclusions

Unlike breast augmentation, there is a paucity of overlying breast tissue and larger dissected spaces in prosthetic breast reconstruction. Our analysis suggests that in this setting, textured anatomic implants result in less nipple deviation from the point of maximum projection and improved aesthetic outcomes compared to round implants. When considering implant choice in NSM reconstruction, the manifold risks of shaped textured implants must thus be informed by potential aesthetic benefits with respect to shape and enhanced nipple sensation.

Level of Evidence: 4

Commentary on: The Effect of Implant Type on Nipple Position Geometry and Aesthetics Following Tissue Expander Reconstruction After Nipple Sparing Mastectomy

When oncologically appropriate, the benefits of nipple-sparing mastectomy are substantial. The skin envelope and conus of the breasts are retained thus affording a reconstruction with greater projection by way of a soft tissue envelope that is more redundant centrally.¹ By contrast a skin sparing mastectomy that results from the lenticular excision of the nipple-areola complex has less surface area centrally and "pushes back" to deform the shape of the breast implant. Subsequent nipple reconstruction requires an additional procedure, may have an inferior aesthetic outcome, and when a local flap to perform nipple reconstruction is used, recruits even more skin from the central breast making the envelope even tighter. While the shape, positional stability, and cohesivity of a breast implant all have a role in determining the shape of a reconstructed breast, they may be counteracted by the compliance, surface area, and shape of the soft tissue envelope. It is the interaction of implant and soft tissue envelope characteristics that determine the final shape and point of maximal projection of the reconstructed breast.

Scandcleft randomised trials of primary surgery for unilateral cleft lip and palate: 6. Dental arch relationships in 5 year-olds.

Related Articles

Scandcleft randomised trials of primary surgery for unilateral cleft lip and palate: 6. Dental arch relationships in 5 year-olds.

J Plast Surg Hand Surg. 2017 Feb;51(1):52-57

Authors: Heliövaara A, Küseler A, Skaare P, Shaw W, Mølsted K, Karsten A, Brinck E, Rizell S, Marcusson A, Sæle P, Hurmerinta K, Rønning E, Najar Chalien M, Bellardie H, Mooney J, Eyres P, Semb G

Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM: Good dentofacial growth is a major goal in the treatment of unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP). The aim was to evaluate dental arch relationships at age 5 years after four different protocols of primary surgery for UCLP.
DESIGN: Three parallel randomised clinical trials were undertaken as an international multi-centre study by 10 cleft teams in five countries: Denmark, Finland, Sweden, Norway, and the UK.
METHODS: Three different surgical procedures for primary palatal repair (Arms B, C, D) were tested against a common procedure (Arm A) in the total cohort of 448 children born with non-syndromic UCLP. Study models of 418 patients (273 boys) at the mean age of 5.1 years (range = 4.8-7.0) were available. Dental arch relationships were assessed using the 5-year index by a blinded panel of 16 orthodontists. Kappa statistics were calculated to assess reliability. The trials were tested statistically with t- and Chi-square tests.
RESULTS: Good-to-very good levels of intra- and interrater reliability were obtained (0.71-0.94 and 0.70-0.87). Comparisons within each trial showed no statistically significant differences in the mean 5-year index scores or their distributions between the common method and the local team protocol. The mean index scores varied from 2.52 (Trial 2, Arm C) to 2.94 (Trial 3, Arm D).
CONCLUSION: The results of the three trials do not provide statistical evidence that one technique is better than the others. Further analysis of the possible influence of individual surgical skill and learning curve are being pursued in this dataset.
TRIAL REGISTRATION: ISRCTN29932826.

PMID: 27778528 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Tramadol ameliorates behavioural, biochemical, mitochondrial and histological alterations in ICV-STZ-induced sporadic dementia of Alzheimer’s type in rats

Abstract

Alzheimer disease represents a major public health issue with limited therapeutic interventions. We explored the possibility of therapeutic approach by repurposing of tramadol in a sporadic animal model of Alzheimer's type. Streptozocin (STZ 3 mg/kg; bilaterally) was injected to male SD rats through intracerebroventricular (ICV) route. Drug treatment was started just after streptozocin administration and continued for 3 weeks. The rats were killed on the 21st day following the last behavioral test, and cytoplasmic fractions of the hippocampus and pre-frontal cortex were prepared for the quantification of acetylcholinesterase, oxidative stress parameter, mitochondrial enzymes activity and histological examination. Tramadol (5, 10 and 20 mg/kg, i.p.) was used as a treatment drug, and memantine (10 mg/kg, i.p.) was used as a standard. Tramadol significantly attenuated behavioral, biochemical, mitochondrial and histological alterations at low (5 mg/kg) and intermediate (10 mg/kg) dose, suggesting its neuroprotective potential in ICV-STZ-treated rats. Further, the neuroprotective effect of tramadol (10 mg/kg) was comparable to memantine (10 mg/kg). In conclusion, our results indicate the effectiveness of tramadol in preventing ICV-STZ-induced cognitive impairment as well as mito-oxidative stress. Further, these findings reveal the possibility of MOR agonist as a therapeutic approach for sporadic Alzheimer disease.

Investigations of microbial degradation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons based on 13 C-labeled phenanthrene in a soil co-contaminated with trace elements using a plant assisted approach

Abstract

Co-contaminations of soils with organic and inorganic pollutants are a frequent environmental problem. Due to their toxicity and recalcitrance, the heterogeneous pollutants may persist in soil. The hypothesis of this study was that degradation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) is enhanced if heavy metals in soil are immobilized and their bioavailability reduced. For metal immobilization and enhanced biodegradation, distinct mineral and organic soil amendments (iron oxides, gravel sludge, biochar) were deployed in an incubation batch experiment. The second part of the experiment consisted of a greenhouse pot experiment applying fast-growing and pollution-tolerant woody plants (willow and black locust). Soil amendments initially immobilized NH₄NO₃-extractable zinc, cadmium, and lead; after 100 days of incubation, soil amendments showed reductions only for cadmium and a tendency to enhance arsenic mobility. In order to monitor the remediation success, a ¹³C-phenanthrene (PHE) label was applied. ¹³C-phospholipid fatty acid analysis (¹³C-PLFA) further enabled the identification of PHE-degrading soil microorganisms. Both experiments exhibited a similar PLFA profile. Gram-negative bacteria (esp. cy17:0, 16:1ω7 + 6, 18:1ω7c) were the most significant microbial group taking up ¹³C-PHE. Plants effectively increased the label uptake by gram-positive bacteria and increased the biomass of the fungal biomarker, although their contribution to the degradation process was minor. Plants tended to prolong PAH dissipation in soil; at the end of the experiment, however, all treatments showed equally low total PAH concentrations in soil. While black locust plants tended not to take up potentially toxic trace elements, willows accumulated them in their leaves. The results of this study show that the chosen treatments did not enhance the remediation of the experimental soil.

Biologic treatment sequences for plaque psoriasis: a cost-utility analysis based on 10 years of Dutch real-world evidence from BioCAPTURE

Abstract

Background

Treatment with biologics may be indicated for patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis, but comparative evidence on cost-effectiveness is limited. Switching of biologics is common, but it is unclear what the effect is of differences in sequences of biologics.

Objective

Evaluate the cost-effectiveness of different biologic treatment sequences for psoriasis based on real-world evidence.

Methods

A sequence model was developed to evaluate the costs and health effects of three consecutive lines of biologic treatments (for example adalimumab-etanercept-ustekinumab versus etanercept-ustekinumab-adalimumab) over a 10-year time horizon in the Netherlands. The model was populated with data from the Dutch BioCAPTURE registry and scientific literature. Analyses were conducted of cost per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) and uncertainty was addressed by probabilistic as well as scenario analyses.

Results

Treatment of psoriasis with biologics for a 10-year period was estimated to be associated with a cost of € 141,962 to € 148,442 per patient depending on the treatment sequence used. Cumulative health effects ranged from 7.79 to 8.03 QALYs. Starting with adalimumab or ustekinumab seems favourable concerning cost and utilities compared to strategies starting with etanercept, though credible intervals were partly overlapping.

Conclusions

The order in which biologics are used influences treatment cost-effectiveness, both in terms of costs and health effects. Initiation of a biologic treatment sequence for psoriasis may best be done with adalimumab or ustekinumab; etanercept seems less optimal from a health-economic perspective.

This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

The prevalence of antibody responses against Staphylococcus aureus antigens in patients with atopic dermatitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Staphylococcus (S.) aureus plays a role in the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis (AD), possibly via the expression of various virulence antigens. An altered antibody response towards these antigens might contribute to inflammation. We aimed to provide an overview of the varying prevalences and odds of antibody responses against S. aureus antigens in AD patients. Data were systematically obtained from Embase, Medline, Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane, PubMed and Google Scholar (up to February 12^th 2016). We selected all original observational and experimental studies assessing anti-staphylococcal antibodies in serum of AD patients. Prevalences and odds ratios (ORs) of immunoglobulin (Ig) E, IgG, IgM, IgA against S. aureus in AD patients versus healthy controls were pooled using the random-effects model. We calculated I² statistics to assess heterogeneity and rated study quality using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Twenty-six articles (2369 patients) were included of which 10 controlled studies. Study quality was fair to poor. AD patients had higher prevalences of IgE against staphylococcal enterotoxin (SE) A (OR 8.37, 95% CI 2.93-23.92) and SEB (OR 9.34, 95% CI 3.54-24.93) compared to controls. Prevalences of anti-staphylococcal IgE were 33% for SEA, 35% for SEB and 16% for toxic shock syndrome toxin (TSST)-1. However, study heterogeneity and imprecision should be taken into consideration when interpreting the results. Data on IgG, IgM and IgA as well as other antigens are limited. In conclusion, AD patients more often show an IgE antibody response directed against S. aureus superantigens compared to healthy controls supporting a role for S. aureus in the AD pathogenesis.

This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

La spongiose à éosinophiles

Publication date: Available online 15 December 2017
Source:Annales de Dermatologie et de Vénéréologie
Author(s): C. Lepelletier, M.-D. Vignon-Pennamen, M. Battistella