Coagulation behavior of kaolin-anionic surfactant simulative wastewater by polyaluminum chloride-polymer dual coagulants

Abstract

In this study, polyaluminum chloride (PAC) and cationic polymers were used to treat kaolin suspension in the presence of sodium dodecyl benzene sulfonate (SDBS). Effects of PAC dosage, pH, and rotation rate on the coagulation efficiency and floc properties were studied. And the interaction of chemicals and kaolin-SDBS was discussed. Results showed that dual coagulants could decrease the influence of SDBS on the turbidity removal compared with PAC. PAC + polyacrylamide dual coagulant showed superior performance, and the maximal removal ratios of turbidity and dissolved organic carbon were 98.5 and 42.2%, respectively. Optimal coagulation performance was achieved at pH 5–7, where charge neutralization of Al hydrolysates and bridging of polyacrylamide were the primary mechanisms. And flocs with compact structure and small size were formed. Flocs coagulated by PAC were prone to be broken at the pH of raw water after introducing high rotation rate. After dosing polyacrylamide, floc size was enhanced under alkaline condition. Meanwhile, flocs showed stronger recoverability and an open structure because the regeneration mechanism was mainly the bridging effect of polyacrylamide.

Analysis of the transmission characteristics of China’s carbon market transaction price volatility from the perspective of a complex network

Abstract

Research on the price fluctuation transmission of the carbon trading pilot market is of great significance for the establishment of China's unified carbon market and its development in the future. In this paper, the carbon market transaction prices of Beijing, Shanghai, Tianjin, Shenzhen, and Guangdong were selected from December 29, 2013 to March 26, 2016, as sample data. Based on the view of the complex network theory, we construct a price fluctuation transmission network model of five pilot carbon markets in China, with the purposes of analyzing the topological features of this network, including point intensity, weighted clustering coefficient, betweenness centrality, and community structure, and elucidating the characteristics and transmission mechanism of price fluctuation in China's five pilot cities. The results of point intensity and weighted clustering coefficient show that the carbon prices in the five markets remained unchanged and transmitted smoothly in general, and price fragmentation is serious; however, at some point, the price fluctuates with mass phenomena. The result of betweenness centrality reflects that a small number of price fluctuations can control the whole market carbon price transmission and price fluctuation evolves in an alternate manner. The study provides direction for the scientific management of the carbon price. Policy makers should take a positive role in promoting market activity, preventing the risks that may arise from mass trade and scientifically forecasting the volatility of trading prices, which will provide experience for the establishment of a unified carbon market in China.

Combining Follicular Unit Extraction and Scalp Micropigmentation for the Cosmetic Treatment of Alopecias

Two relatively new modalities, follicular unit extraction (FUE) and scalp micropigmentation have changed the treatment of hair loss, to reduce the number of procedures and the total costs of the hair restoration process. These 2 modalities augment each other when treating patients with thinning hair and balding. The explosion of FUE procedures (which reflected 52.6% of the hair transplant procedures performed in 2016, up from 48.5%) and the appearance of more and more new physicians offering hair restoration technologies employing FUE have caused a 20% annual growth in this industry over the past few years. This article reviews the use of FUE and scalp micropigmentation when used in combination.

Enhanced photocatalytic activity using GO/TiO 2 catalyst for the removal of DCA solutions

Abstract

This work aimed to optimize high-performance photocatalysts based on graphene oxide/titanium dioxide (GO/TiO₂) nanocomposites for the effective degradation of aqueous pollutants. The catalytic activity was tested against the degradation of dichloroacetic acid (DCA), a by-product of disinfection processes that is present in many industrial wastewaters and effluents. GO/TiO₂ photocatalysts were prepared using three different methods, hydrothermal, solvothermal, and mechanical, and varying the GO/TiO₂ ratio in the range of 1 to 10%. Several techniques were applied to characterize the catalysts, and better coupling of GO and TiO₂ was observed in the thermally synthesized composites. Although the results obtained for DCA degradation showed a coupled influence of the composite preparation method and its composition, promising results were obtained with the photocatalysts compared to the limited activity of conventional TiO₂. In the best case, corresponding to the composite synthesized via hydrothermal method with 5% of GO/TiO₂ weight ratio, an enhancement of 2.5 times of the photocatalytic degradation yield of DCA was obtained compared to bare TiO₂, thus opening more efficient ways to promote the application of photocatalytic remediation technologies.

Growth, extracellular alkaline phosphatase activity, and kinetic characteristic responses of the bloom-forming toxic cyanobacterium, Microcystis aeruginosa , to atmospheric particulate matter (PM 2.5 , PM 2.5–10 , and PM >10 )

Abstract

Atmospheric particulate matter (APM), commonly seen and widely excited in environment, appears great enough to influence the biochemical processes in aquatic microorganisms and phytoplankton. Understanding the response of cyanobacteria to various factors is fundamental for eutrophication control. To clarify the response of cyanobacteria to APM, the effects of PM_2.5, PM_2.5–10, and PM_>10 on Microcystis aeruginosa were researched. Variabilities in cell density, chlorophyll a, soluble protein, malondialdehyde, extracellular activity, and kinetic parameters of alkaline phosphatase were evaluated by lab-cultured experiments. Results showed that the PM_2.5 had a slight stimulation impact on the growth and enhanced both of the 48- and 72-h extracellular alkaline phosphatase activity (APA), the affinity of alkaline phosphatase for substrate, and the 72-h maximum enzymatic reaction velocity (V_max). Moreover, the stimulations in extracellular APA and V_max enhanced with the increasing exposure concentrations. We also found there were no obvious distinctions on the effects of growth and alkaline phosphatase in M. aeruginosa between PM_2.5–10 and PM_>10 exposure groups. Obviously, inhibitory effects on growth existed in 4.0 and 8.0 mg/L PM_2.5–10 and 8.0 mg/L PM_>10 at 120 h. Furthermore, PM_2.5–10 and PM_>10 exerted inhibitory effects on the extracellular APA during the 72-h exposure. Simultaneously, the V_max was notably inhibited and the affinity of alkaline phosphatase for substrate was more inseparable compared with control in PM_2.5–10 and PM_>10 treatments. Nevertheless, the inhibitors in extracellular APA and kinetic parameters were unrelated to PM_2.5–10 and PM_>10 exposure concentrations. Two-way ANOVA results revealed that there were significant interactions between exposure concentration and diameter of APM on the 120-h cell density, soluble protein content, APA, and 72 h APA of M. aeruginosa. These results in our study would be meaningful to further researches on relationships between APM deposition and cyanobacterial bloom.

Risk assessment of heavy metals in Vembanad Lake sediments (south-west coast of India), based on acid-volatile sulfide (AVS)-simultaneously extracted metal (SEM) approach

Abstract

Contamination of estuarine system due to heavy metals is a severe issue in tropical countries, especially in India. For the evaluation of the risk due to heavy metals, the current study assessed spatial and temporal variation of acid-volatile sulfide (AVS), simultaneously extracted metal (SEM), and total metal concentration as toxicity indicator of aquatic sediments in Vembanad Lake System (VLS), India. Surface sediment samples collected from 12 locations from the northern portion of VLS for 4 years during different seasons. The results suggest, in post-monsoon season, 91% of the sampling locations possessed high bioavailability of metals and results in toxicity to aquatic biota. The average seasonal distribution of SEM during the period of observations was in the order post-monsoon > pre-monsoon > monsoon (1.76 ± 2.00 > 1.35 ± 0.60 > 0.80 ± 0.54 μmol/g). The concentration of individual metals on ∑SEM are in the order SEM Zn > SEM Cu> SEM Cd ≈ SEM Pb > SEM Hg. Considering annual ΣSEM/AVS ratio, 83% of the sites cross the critical value of 'One,' reveals that active sulfide phase of the sediment for fixing the metals is saturated. The molar ratio (differences between SEM and AVS) and its normalized organic carbon ratio reveals that in the post-monsoon season, about 42% of the sites are in the category of adverse effects are possible. The study suggests the toxicity and mobility of the metals largely depend on the available AVS, and the current situation may pose harm to benthic organisms.

Paraben degradation using catalytic ozonation over volcanic rocks

Abstract

Parabens are widely used as antimicrobial and preservatives in pharmaceutical and personal care products and are continuously reaching the water streams. Conventional wastewater treatments are proven inefficient on the removal of this kind of contaminants from wastewater. Therefore, catalytic ozonation appears as a suitable option, due to the oxidant power of ozone and its high capacity of hydroxyl radical generation in the presence of a suitable catalyst. The main drawback of catalytic ozonation is related with the choice of stable and active catalysts at low cost. On this way, two volcanic rocks were tested to enhance the removal of a mixture of parabens by ozonation, improving their degradation. Indeed, catalytic ozonation with volcanic rock allowed total paraben degradation using a transferred ozone dose (TOD) of 55 mg/L which corresponds to a reduction of about threefold the amount of TOD comparatively with single ozonation (170 mg/L of TOD). Due to the presence of semiconductors on volcanic rock composition, the effect of UVA irradiation on paraben degradation was analyzed. The neutral and basic conditions enhanced catalytic ozonation comparatively to acid conditions. Higher pH values allowed a total methylparaben degradation with 35 mg O₃/L, whereas for low pH values, 55 mg O₃/L was required. The use of a radical scavenger proven that hydroxyl radicals are the main responsible for paraben degradation with catalytic ozonation. This was confirmed through the analysis of the by-products, where 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid (3,4-diHBA), 2,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid, and hydroquinone were quantified.

A Novel Adjustable Concept for Permeable Gas/Vapor Protective Clothing: Balancing Protection and Thermal Strain

Abstract

Armed forces typically have personal protective clothing (PPC) in place to offer protection against chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) agents. The regular soldier is equipped with permeable CBRN-PPC. However, depending on the operational task, these PPCs pose too much thermal strain to the wearer, which results in a higher risk of uncompensable heat stress. This study investigates the possibilities of adjustable CBRN-PPC, consisting of different layers that can be worn separately or in combination with each other. This novel concept aims to achieve optimization between protection and thermal strain during operations. Two CBRN-PPC (protective) layers were obtained from two separate manufacturers: (i) a next-to-skin (NTS) and (ii) a low-burden battle dress uniform (protective BDU). In addition to these layers, a standard (non-CBRN protective) BDU (sBDU) was also made available. The effect of combining clothing layers on the levels of protection were investigated with a Man-In-Simulant Test. Finally, a mechanistic numerical model was employed to give insight into the thermal burden of the evaluated CBRN-PPC concepts. Combining layers results in substantially higher protection that is more than the sum of the individual layers. Reducing the airflow on the protective layer closest to the skin seems to play an important role in this, since combining the NTS with the sBDU also resulted in substantially higher protection. As expected, the thermal strain posed by the different clothing layer combinations decreases as the level of protection decreases. This study has shown that the concept of adjustable protection and thermal strain through multiple layers of CBRN-PPC works. Adjustable CBRN-PPC allows for optimization of the CBRN-PPC in relation to the threat level, thermal environment, and tasks at hand in an operational setting.

How to Quantitatively Assess Dermal Exposure to Volatile Organic Compounds

Creta et al. (2017) present a method to assess dermal exposure to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) using activated charcoal cloth (ACC Perma-Tec^TM pads). They clearly demonstrate that in a controlled environmental chamber charcoal cloth patches adsorb vapour in the same way as organic vapour monitors (3M^TM 3500). There was a high degree of linearity between the response of the two measurement systems when tested against 181 different VOCs. However, the authors did not undertake any field tests of their system and, surprisingly for a sampler designed to measure dermal exposure, they did not test it using a liquid challenge. They also do not report the mass of VOC required to saturate the adsorbent—a key issue for effective quantification of dermal exposure. Finally, they did not consider how their measurements might relate to dermal uptake, which presumably is the purpose of the sampling system.

Phosphorylation of intracellular signaling molecules in peripheral blood cells from psoriasis patients on originator or biosimilar infliximab

Abstract

Background

Psoriasis vulgaris is a chronic, inflammatory skin disease characterized by a dysregulated immune response and it is associated with substantial systemic comorbidities. Biological drugs like tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors can ameliorate the disease but are expensive. Biosimilar drugs have the same amino acid sequence as the originator, but differences in manufacturing can affect biological activity, efficacy and tolerability.

Objectives

We aimed to explore potential differences in intracellular phosphorylation of signaling molecules in peripheral blood cells from TNF inhibitor infliximab treated psoriasis patients compared to healthy controls, and to investigate if the phosphorylation pattern was influenced by switching from originator infliximab to biosimilar CT-P13.

Methods

By flow cytometry, we measured phosphorylation of NF-κB, ERK1/2, p38 MAPK and STAT3 before and after TNF stimulation in monocytes and T, B, natural killer and CD3⁺CD56⁺ cells from 25 psoriasis patients treated with infliximab and 19 healthy controls.

Results

At inclusion, phosphorylation levels of peripheral blood mononuclear cells were increased in psoriasis patients compared to healthy controls, even though clinical remission had already been achieved. Phosphorylation levels declined in both patients on originator and biosimilar infliximab during continued treatment. No significant differences were detected between the two medications after 12 months.

Conclusions

Psoriasis patients on infliximab have higher activation levels of PBMC than healthy controls, possibly reflecting systemic inflammation. Switching from originator infliximab to biosimilar CT-P13 did not affect phosphorylation levels or clinical parameters, suggesting that CT-P13 is a non-inferior treatment alternative to originator infliximab.

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The role of adult attachment orientation and coping in psychological adjustment to living with skin conditions

Abstract

Background

Skin conditions can be associated with significant psychological distress. Investigation of attachment orientation and associated use of coping strategies is a promising perspective from which to investigate psychological adjustment to skin conditions.

Objectives

To examine the role of adult attachment orientation, conceptualised as two dimensions: attachment avoidance and attachment anxiety, in psychological adjustment (appearance related distress and skin related quality of life) and the mediating role of two coping strategies: defeatism and activity.

Methods

Attachment avoidance and attachment anxiety (ECR), use of coping strategies (COPE), appearance related distress (DAS 24) and skin related quality of life (Skindex-16) were assessed through a cross-sectional online survey in 207 adults with skin conditions. Multiple mediation analyses were performed using PROCESS path analysis.

Results

Overall, higher attachment avoidance and higher attachment anxiety were associated with higher appearance related distress and greater impact on emotions and functioning aspects of quality of life. For attachment anxiety, the relationship was fully explained by more frequent use of defeatism coping. For attachment avoidance, the relationship was partially explained by more frequent use of defeatism coping (and in the case of appearance related distress also more frequent use of activity coping), and higher attachment avoidance was also associated with poorer psychological adjustment in a way that could not be explained by use of assessed coping strategies.

Conclusions

Insecure attachment orientation (high attachment avoidance or high attachment anxiety) is linked to poorer adjustment. People with insecure attachment might benefit from psychological interventions that target underlying attachment orientation.

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Lymphoedema in Lentigo Maligna patients treated with imiquimod, a long term adverse effect

Abstract

Lentigo Maligna (LM) is a potential precursor lesion of Lentigo Maligna Melanoma (LMM). It is treated to prevent progression to LMM. A recent epidemiological study reports a progression rate of 2.0-2.6% over a course of 25 years¹. The gold standard of treatment is surgical excision with 5 mm margin². Topical application of imiquimod cream is an off-label alternative.

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Efficacy of anti-PD-1 on skin carcinomas and melanoma metastases in an Xeroderma Pigmentosum patient

Abstract

Xeroderma pigmentosum is an orphan disease of poor prognosis. We report one case of parallel efficacy with anti-PD-1 antibody on both melanoma and skin carcinoma in a xeroderma pigmentosum patient.

A 17-year old patient presented with metastatic melanoma and multiple non melanoma skin cancers. He was treated with pembrolizumab, a monoclonal anti-PD-1 antibody, at the dose of 2mg/Kg 3 weeks apart. Parallel therapeutic efficacy of anti-PD1 was observed in metastatic melanoma and skin carcinomas, and maintained at week 24.

This observation suggests anti-PD1 may be considered in patients with XP and metastatic melanoma as well as advanced non melanoma skin cancer.

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Novel POFUT1 mutation associated with hidradenitis suppurativa-Dowling Degos Disease firm up a role for Notch signalling in the pathogenesis of this disorder

Abstract

We read with great interest the article by Pavlovsky et al;¹ describing PSENEN mutations associated with hidradenitis suppurativa-Dowling Degos Disease (HS-DDD) and suggesting a role for Notch signalling in the pathogenesis of this disorder. The literature also describes mutations in the POFUT1 gene as causative genetic defects in Dowling Degos Disease.² Decreased Notch activity is associated with mutations in POFUT1.

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Effects of Photobiomodulation on SOFAT, a T-cell-derived Cytokine, May Explain Accelerated Orthodontic Tooth Movement

Abstract

Orthodontic tooth movement is based on mechanical forces inducing bone remodeling and several methods have been proposed to increase tooth movement, including photobiomodulation. This study evaluated, in an animal model, the effects of photobiomodulation on SOFAT – a secreted osteoclastogenic factor of activated T cells and RANK-L during tooth movement. The results showed that tooth displacement, RANK-L and SOFAT levels were significantly greater compared to control group. SOFAT may play an important role in bone remodeling during orthodontic movement, possibly increasing the osteoclast cells at the compression area and bone remodeling activity.

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Identification of dihydrogambogic acid as a matrix metalloproteinase 1 inhibitor by high-throughput screening.

Related Articles

Identification of dihydrogambogic acid as a matrix metalloproteinase 1 inhibitor by high-throughput screening.

Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2017;10:499-502

Authors: Li Y, Voorhees JJ, Fisher GJ

PMID: 29270028 [PubMed]

Appearance and History: the Autographic/Allographic Distinction Revisited

Abstract

Nelson Goodman notoriously distinguished between autographic works, whose instances should be identified by taking history of production into account, and allographic works, whose instances can be identified independently of history of production. Scholars such as Jerrold Levinson, Flint Schier, and Gregory Currie have criticized Goodman's autographic/allographic distinction arguing that all works are such that their instances should be identified by taking history of production into account. I will address this objection by exploiting David Davies' distinction between e-instances and p-instances of a work, thereby restating the autographic/allographic distinction. Then, I will show that this way of restating this distinction leads us to effective accounts of relevant related phenomena such as forgery, plagiarism, and digital technologies. Finally, I will show the theoretical advantages of my account of the autographic/allographic distinction in comparison with an alternative account recently proposed by Jason D'Cruz and P.D. Magnus.

Impact of homologous recombination deficiency biomarkers on outcomes in patients with triple-negative breast cancer treated with doxorubicin-based adjuvant chemotherapy (SWOG S9313)

Abstract

Background

Homologous recombination deficiency (HRD) causing alterations have been reported in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). We hypothesized that TNBCs with HRD alterations might be more sensitive to anthracycline plus cyclophosphamide-based chemotherapy and report on HRD status and BRCA1 promoter methylation (PM) as prognostic markers in TNBC patients treated with adjuvant doxorubicin (A) and cyclophosphamide (C) in SWOG9313.

Patients and Methods

425 TNBC patients were identified from S9313. HRD score, tumor BRCA1/2 sequencing and BRCA1 PM, were performed on DNA isolated from FFPE tissue. Positive HRD status was defined as either a deleterious tumor BRCA1/2 (tBRCA) mutation and/or a pre-defined HRD score ≥ 42. Markers were tested for prognostic value on DFS and OS using Cox regression models adjusted for treatment assignment and nodal status.

Results

HRD status was determined in 89% (379/425) of cases. Of these, 67% were HRD-positive (27% with tBRCA mutation, 40% tBRCA negative but HRD score ≥42). HRD-positive status was associated with a better DFS (HR = 0.72; 95% CI 0.51– 1.00; p=0.049) and non-significant trend towards better OS (HR = 0.71; 95% CI 0.48– 1.03; p=0.073). High HRD score (≥42) in tBRCA-negative patients (n=274) was also associated with better DFS (HR = 0.64; 95% CI 0.43-0.94; p=0.023) and OS (HR = 0.65; 95% CI 0.42-1.00; p=0.049). BRCA1 PM was evaluated successfully in 82% (348/425) and detected in 32% of cases. The DFS HR for BRCA1 PM was similar to that for HRD, but did not reach statistical significance (HR = 0.79; 95% CI 0.54-1.17; p=0.25).

Conclusions

HRD positivity was observed in two-thirds of TNBC patients receiving adjuvant AC and was associated with better DFS. HRD status may identify TNBC patients who receive greater benefit from AC based chemotherapy and should be evaluated further in prospective studies.

Clinical Trials Number

Int0137 (The trial pre-dates Clinicaltrial.Gov website establishment)

Safety of an anti-PD-1 immune checkpoint inhibitor in a liver transplant recipient

anti-PD-1liver transplantation

CNS response to osimertinib in patients with T790M-positive advanced NSCLC: pooled data from two Phase II trials

Background

Central nervous system (CNS) metastases are common in patients with non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Osimertinib has shown systemic efficacy in patients with CNS metastases and early clinical evidence shows efficacy in the CNS. To evaluate osimertinib activity further, we present a pre-specified subgroup analysis of CNS response using pooled data from two Phase II studies: AURA extension (NCT01802632) and AURA2 (NCT02094261).

Patients and methods

Patients with T790M-positive advanced NSCLC, who had progressed following prior epidermal growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitor treatment, received osimertinib 80 mg once daily (n = 411). Patients with stable, asymptomatic CNS metastases were eligible for enrolment; prior CNS treatment was allowed. Patients with ≥1 measurable CNS lesion (per RECIST 1.1) on baseline brain scan by blinded independent central neuroradiology review (BICR) were included in the evaluable for CNS response set (cEFR). The primary outcome for this CNS analysis was CNS objective response rate (ORR) by BICR; secondary outcomes included CNS duration of response (DoR), disease control rate (DCR) and progression-free survival (PFS).

Results

Of 128 patients with CNS metastases on baseline brain scans, 50 were included in the cEFR. Confirmed CNS ORR and DCR were 54% (27/50; 95% confidence interval [CI] 39, 68), and 92% (46/50; 95% CI 81, 98), respectively. CNS response was observed regardless of prior radiotherapy to the brain. Median CNS DoR (22% maturity) was not reached (range: 1–15 months); at 9 months, 75% (95% CI 53, 88) of patients were estimated to remain in response. Median follow up for CNS PFS was 11 months; median CNS PFS was not reached (95% CI 7, not calculable). The safety profile observed in the cEFR was consistent with the overall patient population.

Conclusions

Osimertinib demonstrated clinically meaningful efficacy against CNS metastases, with a high DCR, encouraging ORR, and safety profile consistent with that previously reported.

ClinicalTrials.gov number

NCT01802632; NCT02094261

Bioinformatics for dermatology – why we should learn about code

Abstract

The era of high throughput sequencing (HTS; otherwise known as next-generation sequencing) has revolutionised dermatological research. New publications describing successful translational research based on interpretation of omics data from dermatological sources appear each month. Bioinformatics refers to the tools used to collect, classify and analyse such datasets.

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Case of femoral pseudarthrosis due to Scedosporium apiospermum in an immunocompetent patient with successful conservative treatment and review of literature

Summary

Scedosporium apiospermum is a ubiquitous filamentous fungus, commonly found in soil, sewage, and polluted waters. It is rarely pathogenic but can cause a broad spectrum of clinical diseases, which can be localized or disseminate to distant organs. The disseminated form of the disease is mostly seen among immunocompromised patients. However, some rare cases of disseminated disease have been reported in immunocompetent individuals. Treatment of these infections is challenging because of their natural resistance to many antifungal agents.

Here, we report the case of a 57-year-old immunocompetent patient diagnosed with femoral pseudarthrosis due to Scedosporium apiospermum, despite having no obvious clinical sign of infection. Previously, the patient had undergone four iterative femoral surgeries following a road traffic accident which occurred 20 years before. During its last surgery for pseudarthrosis, no clinical or biological signs of infection were present. Per operative samples tested positive for S. apiospermum. The patient was successfully treated with oral voriconazole during 6 months with an excellent tolerance.

We also provide a review of literature on bone and joint infections due to Scedosporium spp. (S. apiospermum, S. boydii and S. aurantiacum), discussing the evolution of their management and outcome which seems to improve since the use of voriconazole.

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Interactions between Candida albicans and Candida glabrata in biofilms: influence of the strain type, culture medium and glucose supplementation

Summary

The relationship among Candida species may be influenced by several factors. Thus, this study evaluated the interactions between Candida albicans and Candida glabrata in biofilms, varying the strain type, culture medium and glucose supplementation. Biofilms were formed for 48 h in SDB or RPMI 1640, supplemented with 0, 1 or 5% glucose. Each strain of C. albicans was combined with two strains of C. glabrata, generating 4 biofilm associations, which were quantified by colony-forming units (CFUs), total biomass and metabolic activity. Data were analyzed by ANOVA and Tukey's HSD test (α = 0.05). For CFUs, all associations were classified as indifferent for biofilms formed in RPMI 1640, while for SDB the interactions were antagonistic for C. albicans and indifferent for C. glabrata. The association of reference strains resulted in a dual-species biofilm with biomass significantly higher than that observed for each single biofilm developed in SDB. The metabolic activity of dual-species biofilms did not significantly differ from that found for single ones, except for co-culture of the reference strains. Glucose supplementation and culture media had a significant influence on all parameters. In conclusion, the type strain, culture medium and glucose supplementation influenced the interactions between C. albicans and C. glabrata.

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Autopsy and biopsy study of Paracoccidioidomycosis and Neuroparacoccidioidomycosis with and without HIV coinfection

Abstract

Background

Paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) is a systemic mycosis prevalent among immunocompetent patients in Latin America.

Objective

This study aimed to describe the frequency, demographics, and clinical characteristics of central nervous system PCM (NPCM) and PCM in an endemic region, and the impact of human immunosuppression virus (HIV) co-infection.

Patients/Methods

This was a retrospective study of autopsy and biopsy reports from the Medical Pathology Section of the Hospital de Clinicas, UFPR, Curitiba, Southern Brazil, between 1951 and 2014.

Results

PCM was present in 0.1% of 378,323 cases examined, with 5.7% being NPCM. Infection was prevalent in working-age men, agricultural workers, and rural residents. Numbers of HIV autopsy cases increased over time, while those of PCM cases decreased. Prevalence of co-infection of HIV/PCM and HIV/NPCM was 1.6%, and 0.4%, respectively. Adrenals were affected more frequently in the NPCM group compared with the PCM group. Mortality was higher on NPCM group.

Conclusion

The clinical course of PCM in HIV patients resembles an acute/subacute infection. Association of NPCM and HIV is rare, and while diagnosis of NPCM is difficult, it should be considered a differential diagnosis in HIV patients who live in, or have visited, endemic areas and present with neurological symptoms.

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