Παρασκευή 29 Δεκεμβρίου 2017
Does heavy metal exposure affect the condition of Whitethroat ( Sylvia communis ) nestlings?
Abstract
Anthropogenic pollution results in high concentrations of heavy metals in the environment. Due to their persistence and a high potential for bioaccumulation, metals are a real threat for birds breeding in industrial areas. The aim of the present study has been to explore the contents of heavy metals (arsenic As, cadmium Cd, chromium Cr, copper Cu, iron Fe, nickel Ni, lead Pb and zinc Zn) in the excreta of Whitethroat (Sylvia communis) nestlings living in polluted environment and to investigate the relationship between these contents and the nestlings' condition. Excrement samples contained all the studied elements. The contents of arsenic, cadmium, copper and zinc in the excreta of nestlings from nests located close to a slag dump were several times higher than in the soil near the dump, which suggested accumulation in food consumed by the birds. Condition parameters (body mass and haemoglobin concentration) were not related to heavy metal concentrations in the nestlings' excreta, except of Zn. It is possible that Whitethroats are able to detoxicate heavy metals to a certain extent. Detailed, multi-element analysis of the environment, food and bird tissues or excreta should be performed to explore relations between different chemicals and bird condition.
Effect of injection pressure on performance, emission, and combustion characteristics of diesel–acetylene-fuelled single cylinder stationary CI engine
Abstract
In this paper, the effect of injection pressure on the performance, emission, and combustion characteristics of a diesel-acetylene fuelled single cylinder, four-stroke, direct injection (DI) diesel engine with a rated power of 3.5 kW at a rated speed of 1500 rpm was studied. Experiments were performed in dual-fuel mode at four different injection pressures of 180, 190, 200, and 210 bar with a flow rate of 120 LPH of acetylene and results were compared with that of baseline diesel operation. Experimental results showed that highest brake thermal efficiency of 27.57% was achieved at injection pressure of 200 bar for diesel-acetylene dual-fuel mode which was much higher than 23.32% obtained for baseline diesel. Carbon monoxide, hydrocarbon, and smoke emissions were also measured and found to be lower, while the NOx emissions were higher at 200 bar in dual fuel mode as compared to those in other injection pressures in dual fuel mode and also for baseline diesel mode. Peak cylinder pressure, net heat release rate, and rate of pressure rise were also calculated and were higher at 200 bar injection pressure in dual fuel mode.
El futuro del tratamiento de las malformaciones capilares
Publication date: Available online 29 December 2017
Source:Actas Dermo-Sifiliográficas
Author(s): R. del Río
Removal of macro-pollutants in oily wastewater obtained from soil remediation plant using electro-oxidation process
Abstract
Electro-oxidation process by niobium boron-doped diamond (Nb/BDD) electrode was used to treat non-biodegradable oily wastewater provided from soil leachate contaminated by hydrocarbons. Firstly, the diffusion current limit and mass transfer coefficient was experimentally measured (7.1 mA cm−2 and 14.7 μm s−1, respectively), in order to understand minimum applied current density. Later on, the oxidation kinetic model of each pollutant was investigated in different current densities ranged between 3.8 and 61.5 mA cm−2. It was observed that direct oxidation was the main removal mechanism of organic and inorganic carbon, while the indirect oxidation in higher current density was responsible for nitrogen oxidation. Hydrocarbon in the form of colloidal particles could be removed by electro-flotation. On the other hand, electro-decomposition on the surface of cathode and precipitation by hydroxyl ions were the utmost removal pathway of metals. According to the initial experiments, operating condition was further optimized by central composite design model in different current density, treatment time, and electrolyte addition, based on the best responses on the specific energy consumption (SEC), chemical oxygen demand (COD), and total organic carbon (TOC) removal efficiency. Unde r optimum operating condition (current density = 23.1 mA cm−2, time = 120 min, Ti/Pt as a cathode, and Nb/BDD as the anode), electro-oxidation showed the following removal efficiencies: COD (84.6%), TOC (68.2%), oil and grease (99%), color (87.9%), total alkalinity (92%), Ntot (18%), NH4+ (31%), Ca (66.4%), Fe (71.1%), Mg (41.4%), Mn (78.1%), Ptot (75%), S (67.1%), and Si (19.1%).
Graphical abstract
Environmental significance statement
Soil treatment facilities are rapidly grown throughout the world, especially in North America due to its intense industrialization. High water content soil in humid area like Canada produces significant amount of leachate which is difficult to remove by physical and biological processes. Current treatment facility was modified by applying the electro-chemical oxidation process. The kinetic models of each macro-pollutant included carbon, nitrogen, phosphorous, and metals were developed to investigate their oxidation mechanism (graphical abstract). The efficiency of treatment was monitored in order to optimize the decisive operating parameters of electro-oxidation process. The result of this article could pave the way of future investigation on efficient treatment of variety of oily wastewater.
New insight of hybrid membrane to degrade Congo red and Reactive yellow under sunlight
Publication date: February 2018
Source:Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology B: Biology, Volume 179
Author(s): A. Rajeswari, E. Jackcina Stobel Christy, Anitha Pius
A study was carried out to investigate the degradation of organic contaminants (Congo red and Reactive yellow - 105) using cellulose acetate - polystyrene (CA-PS) membrane with and without ZnO impregnation. Scanning electron microscope (SEM), electron dispersive analysis of X-rays (EDAX), Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR), atomic force microscope (AFM) and thermogravimeric analysis (TG-DTA) analysis were carried out to characterize bare and ZnO impregnated CA-PS membranes. Membrane efficiency was also tested for pure water flux and antifouling performance. The modified membrane showed almost 85% water flux recovery. Blending of ZnO nanoparticles to CA-PS matrix could decrease membrane fouling and increase permeation quality of the membrane with above 90% of photocatalytic degradation efficiency for dyes. The rate of degradation of dyes was observed using UV–Vis spectrometer. Reusability of CA-PS-ZnO membrane was studied and no significant change was noted in the degradation efficiency until fourth cycle. Langmuir-Hinshelwood kinetic model well describes the photo degradation capacity and the degradation of dyes CR and RY – 105 exhibited pseudo-first order kinetics. The regression coefficient (R) of CR and RY - 105 found to be 0.99. The novelty of the prepared CA-PS-ZnO membrane is that it has better efficiency and high thermal stability than our previously reported material. Therefore, ZnO impregnated CA-PS membrane had proved to be an innovative alternative for the degradation of CR and RY - 105 dyes.
Graphical abstract
Surgical damage to the lymphatic system promotes tumor growth via impaired adaptive immune response
Both lymph nodes (LNs) and lymphatic channels from primary sites to regional LNs are critical for initiation of adaptive immunity. However, as LNs are common metastatic sites in skin cancers, LN biopsies or dissections are frequently performed. In addition, reconstructive skin flaps after tumor resection may damage lymphatic flow from primary sites to regional LNs.
Regulatory mechanisms of collagen expression by interleukin-22 signaling in scleroderma fibroblasts
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune disease characterized by irreversible and intractable tissue fibrosis of the skin and internal organs [1]. Previous findings indicate that inflammation, immune response and vascular damage lead to the activation of dermal fibroblasts, and then thickened dermis is resulted from uncontrolled excessive production of extracellular matrix (ECM) by the activated fibroblasts in the skin [2]. Although the mechanism of fibroblast activation in SSc is still unknown, many researchers have suggested that TGF-β1 may play a key role [3–5].
Skin cancer in the military: a systematic review of melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer incidence, prevention, and screening among active duty and veteran personnel
Occupational sun exposure is a well-studied risk factor for skin cancer development, but more work is needed to assess melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer risk among U.S. military personnel to improve education and screening efforts in this population.
Applicability of EULAR/ACR Classification Criteria for Dermatomyositis to Amyopathic Disease
Existing classification systems for idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIM) fail to classify and/or diagnose patients with amyopathic dermatomyositis (ADM).
SPF 100+ sunscreen is more protective against sunburn than SPF 50+ in actual-use: Results of a randomized, double-blind, split-face, natural sunlight exposure, clinical trial
The value of additional photoprotection provided by use of high SPF sunscreens is controversial and limited clinical evidence exists.
Use of Indocyanine Green for Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy: Case Series and Methods Comparison
Introduction: Sentinel lymph node biopsy is indicated for patients with biopsy-proven thickness melanoma greater than 1.0 mm. Use of lymphoscintigraphy along with vital blue dyes is the gold standard for identifying sentinel lymph nodes intraoperatively. Indocyanine green (ICG) has recently been used as a method of identifying sentinel lymph nodes. We herein describe a case series of patients who have successfully undergone ICG-assisted sentinel lymph node biopsy for melanoma. We compare 2 imaging systems that are used for ICG-assisted sentinel lymph node biopsy. Methods: Fourteen patients underwent ICG-assisted sentinel lymph node biopsy for melanoma using the SPY Elite system (Novadaq, Mississigua, Canada) and the Hamamatsu PDE-Neo probe system (Mitaka USA, Park City, Utah). We analyzed costs for 2 systems that utilize ICG for sentinel lymph node biopsies. Results: Intraoperative use of ICG for sentinel lymph node biopsies was successful in correctly identifying sentinel lymph nodes. There was no difference between the Hamamatsu PDE-Neo probe and SPY Elite systems in the ability to detect sentinel lymph nodes; however, the former was associated with a lower operating cost and ease of use compared with the latter. Conclusion: ICG-assisted sentinel lymph biopsy using the SPY Elite or the Hamamatsu PDE-Neo probe systems for melanoma are comparable in terms of sentinel node detection. The Neo probe system delivers pertinent clinical data with the advantages of lower cost and ease of operation.UCS protein function is partially restored in the Saccharomyces cerevisiae she4 mutant with expression of the human UNC45-GC, but not UNC45-SM
Abstract
A dedicated UNC45, Cro1, She4 (UCS) domain-containing protein assists in the Hsp90-mediated folding of the myosin head. Only weak sequence conservation exists between the single UCS protein of simple eukaryotes (She4 in budding yeast) and the two UCS proteins of higher organisms (the general cell and striated muscle UNC45s; UNC45-GC and UNC45-SM, respectively). In vertebrates, UNC45-GC facilitates cytoskeletal functions, whereas the 55% identical UNC45-SM assists assembly of the contractile apparatus of cardiac and skeletal muscles. A Saccharomyces cerevisiae she4Δ mutant, totally lacking any UCS protein, was engineered to express as its sole Hsp90 either the Hsp90α or the Hsp90β isoforms of human cytosolic Hsp90. A transient induction of the human UNC45-GC, but not UNC45-SM, could rescue the defective endocytosis in these she4Δ cells at 39 °C, irrespective of whether they possessed Hsp90α or Hsp90β. UNC45-GC-mediated rescue of the localisation of a Myo5-green fluorescent protein (GFP) fusion to cortical patches at 39 °C was more efficient in the yeast containing Hsp90α, though this may relate to more efficient functioning of Hsp90α as compared to Hsp90β in these strains. Furthermore, inducible expression of UNC45-GC, but not UNC45-SM, could partially rescue survival at a more extreme temperature (45 °C) that normally causes she4Δ mutant yeast cells to lyse. The results indicate that UCS protein function has been most conserved—yeast to man—in the UNC45-GC, not UNC45-SM. This may reflect UNC45-GC being the vertebrate UCS protein that assists formation of the actomyosin complexes needed for cytokinesis, cell morphological change, and organelle trafficking—events also facilitated by the myosins in yeast.
The Effect of the Removal of User Fees for Delivery at Public Health Facilities on Institutional Delivery in Urban Kenya
Abstract
Objectives In 2013, Kenya removed delivery fees at public health facilities in an effort to promote equity in access to health services and address high maternal mortality. This study determines the effect of the policy to remove user fees on institutional delivery in a population-based sample of women from urban Kenya. Methods Longitudinal data were collected from a representative sample of 8500 women from five cities in Kenya in 2010 with a follow-up interview in 2014 (response rate 58.9%). Respondents were asked about their most recent birth since 2008 at baseline and 2012 at endline, including the delivery location. Multinomial logistic regression is used, controlling for the temporal time trend and background characteristics, to determine if births which occurred after the national policy change were more likely to occur at a public facility than at home or a private facility. Results Multivariate findings show that women were significantly more likely to deliver at a public facility as compared to a private facility after the policy. Among the poor, the results show that poor women were significantly more likely to deliver in a public facility compared to home or a private facility after policy change. Conclusions for Practice These findings show Kenya's progress towards achieving universal access to delivery services and meeting its national development targets. The removal of delivery fees in the public sector is leading to increased use of facilities for delivery among the urban poor; this is an important first step in reducing maternal death.
Arsenic and/or copper caused inflammatory response via activation of inducible nitric oxide synthase pathway and triggered heat shock protein responses in testis tissues of chicken
Abstract
The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of arsenic (As) and copper (Cu) on the inflammatory response, and the protective roles of heat shock proteins (Hsps) in chicken testes. Seventy-two 1-day-old male Hy-line chickens were treated with 30 mg/kg feed of arsenic trioxide (As2O3) and/or 300 mg/kg feed of copper sulfate (CuSO4) for 4, 8, and 12 weeks. The histological changes, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) activity, and the expressions of Hsps and inflammatory cytokines were detected. The results showed that slight histology changes were obvious in the testis tissue exposure to treatment groups. The activity and the protein level of iNOS were increased compared to the control group. The mRNA levels of proinflammatory cytokines and inflammatory factors were increased as a whole. However, anti-inflammatory cytokines were inhibited. The mRNA and protein levels of Hsp60, Hsp70, and Hsp90 were upregulated. These results suggested that sub-chronic exposure to As and/or Cu induced testicular poisoning in chickens. Increased Hsps tried to protect chicken testis tissues from tissues damage caused by inflammation. In conclusion, testicular poisoning induced by As and/or Cu caused inflammatory response and heat shock protein response in chicken testis tissues.
Biogenic synthesis of silver nanoparticles using Piper betle aqueous extract and evaluation of its anti-quorum sensing and antibiofilm potential against uropathogens with cytotoxic effects: an in vitro and in vivo approach
Abstract
Urinary tract infections are the utmost common bacterial infections caused by Proteus mirabilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, and Serratia marcescens. These uropathogens resist the action of several antibiotics due to their ability to form biofilms. Most of these bacterial pathogens use the quorum sensing (QS) machinery to co-ordinate their cells and regulate several virulence factors and biofilm formation. On the other hand, the anti-quorum sensing (anti-QS) and antibiofilm potential of silver nanoparticles have been well reported against certain bacterial pathogens, but to the best of our knowledge, no report is available against the pathogenicity of uropathogens in particular S. marcescens and P. mirabilis. Therefore, the present study is primarily focused on the anti-QS and antibiofilm potential of Piper betle-based synthesized silver nanoparticles (PbAgNPs) against S. marcescens and P. mirabilis. Initially, the silver nanoparticles were synthesized by the aqueous extract of P. betle and characterized by UV-absorbance spectroscopy, XRD, FT-IR, SEM, TEM, and DLS. The synthesized silver nanoparticles were assessed for their anti-QS activity and the obtained results revealed that the PbAgNPs inhibited the QS-mediated virulence factors such as prodigiosin, protease, biofilm formation, exopolysaccharides and hydrophobicity productions in uropathogens. The gene expression analysis divulged the downregulation of fimA, fimC, flhD, and bsmB genes in S. marcescens and flhB, flhD, and rsbA genes in P. mirabilis, respectively. The in vivo Caenorhabditis elegans assays revealed the non-toxic and anti-adherence efficiency of PbAgNPs. Furthermore, the non-toxic effect of PbAgNPs was also confirmed through peripheral blood mononuclear cells and normal lung epithelial cells. Therefore, the contemporary study demonstrates the use of PbAgNPs as a possible alternative toward conventional antibiotics in controlling QS and biofilm-related uropathogen infections.
Predicting Cu and Zn sorption capacity of biochar from feedstock C/N ratio and pyrolysis temperature
Abstract
Biochars have been proposed for remediation of metal-contaminated water due to their low cost, high surface area and high sorption capacity for metals. However, there is a lack of understanding over how feedstock material and pyrolysis conditions contribute to the metal sorption capacity of biochar. We produced biochars from 10 different organic materials by pyrolysing at 450 °C and a further 10 biochars from cedar wood by pyrolysing at 50 °C intervals (250–700 °C). Batch sorption experiments were conducted to derive the maximum Cu and Zn sorption capacity of each biochar. The results revealed an exponential relationship between Cu and Zn sorption capacity and the feedstock C/N ratio and a sigmoidal relationship between the pyrolysis temperature and the maximum Cu and Zn sorption capacity. FTIR analysis revealed that as temperature increased, the abundance of functional groups reduced. We conclude that the high sorption capacity of high temperature biochars is due to an electrostatic attraction between positively charged Cu and Zn ions and delocalised pi-electrons on the greater surface area of these biochars. These findings demonstrate a method for predicting the maximum sorption capacity of a biochar based on the feedstock C/N ratio and the pyrolysis temperature.
Labour Market Segregation and Gender Differences in Sickness Absence: Trends in 2005–2013 in Finland
Abstract
Objectives
Women have higher sickness absence rate than men, but less is known of changes in this difference over time. We examined gender differences in sickness absence trends focusing on gender segregation in the labour market. Methods
We used large nationwide register data on Finnish wage earners aged 25–59 and generalized estimation equations based on repeated logistic regression to estimate the annual risk of sickness absence lasting at least 2 weeks. Results
Between 2005 and 2013, the age-adjusted proportion (%) of employees with all-cause sickness absence decreased from the initial levels of 10.6 among men and 15.1 among women by 16.7 and 13.6%, respectively. Among both genders, the largest decrease in sickness absence coincided with the peak of the economic recession in 2009. In sickness absence due to all causes and musculoskeletal diseases, also the excess decrease among men mainly occurred in 2009, and in sickness absence due to mental disorders 2 years later. In sickness absence due to all causes and musculoskeletal diseases, the increasing gender difference was mainly attributable to a larger decrease in sickness absence at the time of the recession in male-dominated groups, such as in manual and manufacturing work, than in other sectors and occupational classes. In mental disorders, the increasing gender difference was partly attributable to a later smaller decrease in sickness absence among female-dominated lower non-manual and lower income employment groups. The increasing gender differences did not result from differential distributional changes in employment or sociodemographic factors among the employed male and female populations. In fact, widening of the gender gap in sickness absence due to all causes and musculoskeletal diseases would have been even larger without faster increase among women in the educational level and in non-manual employment. Conclusions
Sickness absence decreased especially in male-dominated employment groups, resulting in a larger decrease in absences among men compared with women. More research is needed to ascertain whether these differential changes are attributable, for example, to reduced willingness to seek medical advice or increased presenteeism in male-dominated groups, or to increased work pressures in female-dominated groups. Selection mechanisms, i.e. men's increased ill-health-related exit from work through other routes than sickness absence, also cannot be ruled out.Pityriasis rubra pilaire
Publication date: Available online 28 December 2017
Source:Annales de Dermatologie et de Vénéréologie
Author(s): S. Quenan, E. Laffitte
Le pityriasis rubra pilaire est une dermatose hétérogène rare qui associe trois éléments sémiologiques à divers degrés : une papule cornée folliculaire, une kératodermie palmoplantaire orangée et des lésions érythématosquameuses parfois très étendues, avec des intervalles de peau saine. L'origine est peu claire, avec dans la majorité des cas des facteurs déclenchants traumatiques ou infectieux, probablement sur un terrain prédisposé. Dans d'autres cas, on retrouve une association à des désordres immunologiques ou bien dans des cas familiaux des anomalies génétiques de la kératinisation proches d'une ichtyose. Devant la grande variabilité sémiologique, plusieurs classifications ont été proposées, sur des critères cliniques et évolutifs. L'évolution est variable en fonction des formes cliniques. La prise en charge thérapeutique est mal codifiée et il n'y a pas d'essai thérapeutique disponible du fait de la rareté de la maladie. Les meilleurs résultats semblent cependant être obtenus avec les rétinoïdes oraux, avec en seconde ligne le méthotrexate et la ciclosporine. Les nouveaux inhibiteurs du tumor necrosis factor et les anti-interleukines 12/23 semblent changer la stratégie thérapeutique.Pityriasis rubra pilaris is a rare heterogeneous dermatosis associating three clinical signs to different degrees: follicular corneal papules, reddish-orange palmoplantar keratoderma and erythematosquamous lesions that may in some cases be very extensive, interspersed with patches of healthy skin. The aetiology is unclear, and in most cases, the trigger factors consist of trauma or infection, probably in subjects with an existing predisposition. In other cases, the condition is associated with immunological disorders or, in familial cases, genetic keratinisation abnormalities similar to ichthyosis. Given the widely varying signs, several classifications have been proposed, based on clinical criteria and outcomes. The outcome varies in accordance with the clinical forms involved. Therapeutic approaches are poorly qualified and there have been no clinical trials due to the rarity of the disease. However, the best results appear to have been obtained using oral retinoids, with second-line therapy comprising methotrexate and cyclosporine. The landscape of therapeutic strategy seems to be changing with the advent of new anti-tumour necrosis factor and anti-interleukin-12/23 antibodies.
Troubles de kératinisation : toujours du nouveau !
Publication date: Available online 28 December 2017
Source:Annales de Dermatologie et de Vénéréologie
Author(s): O. Dereure
Anaplastic Kaposi's sarcoma: 5 cases of a rare and aggressive type of Kaposi's sarcoma
Publication date: Available online 28 December 2017
Source:Annales de Dermatologie et de Vénéréologie
Author(s): M. Chapalain, G. Goldman-Lévy, N. Kramkimel, A. Carlotti, N. Franck, C. Lheure, V. Audard, M.-F. Avril, A.-G. Marcelin, D. Damotte, B. Terris, S. Aractingi, N. Dupin
BackgroundAnaplastic Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) is a rare form of KS characterized clinically by the development of a tumour mass with unusual local aggressiveness and histologically by a specific architecture and cytological morphology. A very small number of limited series in endemic countries have established characteristics common to these anaplastic forms of KS. We present five patients with an anaplastic form in a context of KS ongoing for several years in a non-endemic country.Materials and methodsWe collected 5 cases of anaplastic KS followed in our department over a period of 20years. We describe the main developmental, clinical, virological and histological features.ResultsThe cases involved 4 men and 1 woman whose mean age at diagnosis of anaplastic KD was 70years, with an average time of 25years between initial diagnosis of KD and anaplastic transformation. Our patients were all treated with chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy (RT) prior to diagnosis of anaplastic transformation. All patients had a tumour mass of the lower limbs developing in classically indolent KS with associated chronic lymphoedema. Progression was very aggressive locally with deep invasion of the soft tissues as well as osteoarticular involvement, without visceral dissemination. At present, three patients are dead, one patient is showing partial response, and one patient is in locoregional progression. Diagnosis of the disease was based on histopathological findings. The tumour cells were undifferentiated, pseudo-cohesive, and chiefly organized in sheets. The mitotic count was high (27 mitoses per 10 fields at high magnification). Necrosis was constant.DiscussionTo our knowledge, this is the first series describing anaplastic Kaposi's sarcoma in a non-endemic country. The severity of the prognosis, despite the absence of visceral dissemination, is related to the local aggressiveness of anaplastic KS and to its resistance to radiotherapy and chemotherapy, with amputation being required in certain cases.
On Educating While Hoping for the Impossible: Gabriel Marcel’s Absolute Hope as a Rejection of Educational Instrumentalism
Abstract
Over the last 20 years, there has been an increase in philosophical inquiries of hope both in philosophy of mind and of virtue as well as in the philosophy of education. This paper wishes to add to this discussion by presenting the analysis of hope by French existentialist philosopher and theologian Gabriel Marcel and examining its possible contribution to educational practices and beliefs. As one of the very few modern, systematic accounts of hope, Marcel's provocative conception of it and his critique of its common "technical" use could prove promising when applied to educational theory and practice. Following Marcel, I argue that in hope we find a complex and possibly contradictory view of the future: as a result of planning and technical problem-solving on one hand, and on the other, as an inclination towards the mysterious and radically unexpected. I suggest that maintaining educational hope within the tension between the planned and the unexpected, and specifically rejecting a complete disenchantment of the educational act, could help in securing education from being reduced to instrumental training and socializing, opening it up to new and unimaginable possibilities.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy: An alternative treatment for radiation-induced cutaneous ulcers
Abstract
Radiotherapy is a widely recognised treatment for non-melanoma skin cancer. We report three cases of radiation-induced skin ulcers in which hyperbaric oxygen therapy was administered in 90-min sessions, 5 days a week at 2.4 absolute atmospheres in a multiplace hyperbaric chamber. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is an outpatient treatment that does not displace other classical treatments and may be used as an adjunct therapy.
Reducing the Risk of Postpartum Depression in a Low-Income Community Through a Community Health Worker Intervention
Abstract
Objectives To clarify the effectiveness of perinatal social support interventions in reducing postpartum depression among minority, low-income women. Methods The Transdisciplinary Research Consortium for Gulf Resilience on Women's Health supported a community-based participatory research project to improve perinatal health among low-income, first-time pregnant women living in a vulnerable Gulf Coast region. Community health workers (CHWs) were partnered with recruited women, and used a mix of mobile technology and home visits to develop a supportive relationship during the perinatal period. Results Women enrolled in the CHW-led intervention had lower (F: 2.38, p = 0.04) average postpartum depression scores (EPDS) 6 months postpartum than a comparison population. The difference, however, was not seen among women in the intervention group who reported relatively poor relationships with their CHWs. Conclusions for Practice Results reinforce the evidence that perinatal social support can affect postpartum depression outcomes. CHWs are increasingly utilized by public programs to reach at-risk populations. We discuss the potential efficacy of CHW programs, but also, the need to pair outreach with effective monitoring and evaluation of the relationship development between CHW and clients.
Does a History of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus Affect Key Outcomes in Women Participating in a Diabetes Prevention Program?
Abstract
Objectives To evaluate lifestyle change outcomes among women with and without a history of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) enrolled in the Montana Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP). Methods Participation, self-monitoring behavior, weight loss, and cardiometabolic risk reduction were compared among 5091 women at high-risk for type 2 diabetes, with and without a history of GDM, enrolled in the Montana DPP between 2008 and 2015. Results Women with a history of GDM (6% of enrolled women, n = 283) were significantly younger than women without GDM. No significant differences in participation, self-monitoring fat intake, achievement of the physical activity goal, or weight loss were found among women with and without a history of GDM. Overall, women lost an average of 5.0 kg (± 6.5), and 45 and 29% of women achieved 5 and 7% weight loss, respectively. Both groups lost significant and comparable amounts of weight. After adjusting for age and other factors, no differences were found in achievement of ≥ 5% weight loss (AOR 0.84; 95% CI 0.61–1.16) or the ≥ 7% weight loss goal (AOR 1.04; 95% CI 0.73–1.47) among women with and without a history of GDM. Conclusions for Practice Our findings suggest that women with and without a history of GDM successfully participate in and achieve significant weight loss in the DPP. Health care providers should identify and refer women with risk factors for type 2 diabetes, including a history of GDM, to a DPP within their community.
Biomonitoring of polychlorinated biphenyls in Bavaria/Germany—long-term observations and standardization
Abstract
In the 1980s, it was demonstrated that semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs) like polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) accumulate in plant leaves. Plants are at the base of the food chain, and therefore a starting point for transfer of PCBs to animals and related human exposure. For two decades, the Environment Agency of the German federal state of Bavaria (LfU) has been operating long-term monitoring stations to measure the impact of organic air pollutants. Standardized ryegrass, curly kale, and spruce needles are used as bioindicators for the atmospheric entries of PCBs into vegetation. From the end of 1990s to 2009, there was a marked decline in the concentrations of indicator PCBs (i-PCBs) and a minor decline in PCB-TEQ levels. After 2009, the concentrations leveled off. In rural areas, the median concentrations of Σ6 i-PCB in ryegrass and curly kale were about 3 and 4 μg/kg dm in 2000, and have been about 0.5 and 1 μg/kg dm since 2009, respectively. Concentrations in spruce needles fell from 0.9 to 0.4 μg/kg dm. Median PCB-TEQ concentrations in the bioindicator plants ranged from 0.05 to 0.23 ng/kg dm between 2002 and 2009 and from 0.15 to 0.05 ng/kg dm after 2009. Indicator PCB and PCB-TEQ concentrations were several times higher at the urban station in Munich than at the rural areas, reflecting the emissions from in-use PCB stocks in the building sector. The likely reason of the slower decrease of PCB-TEQ compared to i-PCBs is the formation of PCB-126 by dechlorination of industrial PCBs in open applications.
Efficient removal of Hg 2+ in aqueous solution with fishbone charcoal as adsorbent
Abstract
The Hg2+ removal performance of fishbone charcoal prepared from discarded fishbone has been investigated in this work. The XRD, FTIR, and BET results demonstrated that the main composition of fishbone charcoal was hydroxyapatite and the specific surface area was 117 m2/g. The adsorption experiments indicated that fishbone charcoal had an extremely high adsorption capacity for Hg2+ (243.77 mg/g). The excellent Hg2+ adsorption capacity might be ascribed to the ion exchange of Hg2+ to the Ca2+ in the structure of fishbone charcoal, complexation of Hg2+ with ≡Ca(OH)2+ on the surface of fishbone charcoal, as well as electrostatic interaction between electronegative fishbone charcoal surface and cation Hg2+. This work transformed kitchen garbage (i.e., fishbone) into an effective mercury adsorbent with considerable capacity, giving a perspective sight for the utilization of solid waste.
Persistent organochlorine pesticides in aquatic environments and fishes in Taiwan and their risk assessment
Abstract
Organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) are ubiquitous contaminants with high bioaccumulation and persistence in the environment; they can have adverse effects in humans and animals. This study examined residual concentrations in water, sediments, and fishes as well as the association between the health risks of OCPs and fish consumption in the Taiwanese population. Various water and sediment samples from Taiwanese aquaculture and fish samples from different sources were collected and analyzed through gas chromatography tandem mass spectrometry to determine the concentrations of 20 OCPs, namely, aldrin; cis-chlordane; trans-chlordane; dieldrin; endrin; alpha-endosulfan; beta-endosulfan; heptachlor; hexachlorobenzene; alpha-hexachlorocyclohexane; beta-hexachlorocyclohexane; lindane; mirex; pentachlorobenzene; o,p′-dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT); p,p′-DDT; and DDT metabolites (o,p'-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethane [DDD]; p,p'-DDD; o,p'-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene [DDE]; and p,p'-DDE). None of the analyzed samples was positive for OCP contamination, suggesting no new input pollution from the land through washing into Taiwanese aquaculture environments. However, OCP residues were detected in fishes caught along the coast, namely, skipjack tuna and bigeye barracuda, and in imported fishes, such as codfish and salmon. DDT was the predominant pesticide. The contamination pattern of persistent organic pollutants was as follows: dieldrin > cis-chlordane > hexachlorobenzene, with average concentrations ranging from 0.09 to 2.74 ng/g. The risk was assessed in terms of the estimated daily intake (EDI) for potential adverse indices; the EDI of OCP residues was lower than 1% of the acceptable daily intake established by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and World Health Organization. The assessed risk was negligible and considered to be at a safe level, suggesting no association between fish consumption and risks to human health in Taiwan. However, a continuous monitoring program for OCP residues in fishes is necessary to further assess the possible effects on human health.
Complex upper arm reconstruction using an antero-lateral thigh free flap after an extravasation of Yttrium-90-ibritumomab Tiuxetan: A case report and literature review
Source:Annales de Chirurgie Plastique Esthétique
Author(s): A. Baus, C. Keilani, C.-S. Bich, F. Entine, M. Brachet, P. Duhamel, J.-C. Amabile, J.V. Malfuson, E. Bey
Yttrium-90-Ibritumomab Tiuxetan (Zevalin®) is used in the treatment of non- Hodgkin's lymphoma. Extravasation is an iatrogenic complication that is fortunately rare. However, the treatment of this complication is often complex due to the risk of extensive skin necrosis and unpredictable evolution of localized irradiation. This vesicant drug requires emergency management when extravasation occured. Radiations burns have specificities. Therefore, wound coverage involves specific plastic surgical techniques. Here, we report the case of a man presenting a chronic and extensive skin necrosis of upper arm treated with an antero-lateral thigh free flap. Moreover, we compare our experience of Zevalin® extravasation management to other past publications and propose recommendations to prevent this unacceptable complication.
Melasma, a photoaging disorder
Summary
Melasma is a common hyperpigmentary disorder. The impact on the quality of life of affected individuals is well demonstrated, demanding new therapeutic strategies. However, the treatment of melasma remains highly challenging. Melasma is often considered as the main consequence of female hormone stimulation on a predisposed genetic background. Although these two factors do contribute to this acquired pigmentary disorder, the last decade has revealed several other key players and brought new pieces to the complex puzzle of the pathophysiology of melasma. Here, we summarize the latest evidence on the pathophysiology of melasma and we suggest that melasma might be a photoaging skin disorder affecting genetically predisposed individuals. Such data must be taken into consideration by clinicians as they could have a profound impact on the treatment and the prevention of melasma.
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Using single-cell multiple omics approaches to resolve tumor heterogeneity
It has become increasingly clear that both normal and cancer tissues are composed of heterogeneous populations. Genetic variation can be attributed to the downstream effects of inherited mutations, environment...
Microfocused ultrasound in combination with diluted calcium hydroxylapatite for improving skin laxity and the appearance of lines in the neck and décolletage
Summary
Background
Skin laxity and wrinkling on the neck and décolletage reveal age as reliably as the face.
Objective
To evaluate the combined use of microfocused ultrasound with visualization (MFU-V; Ultherapy®) and diluted calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA; Radiesse®) for treating the neck and décolletage.
Methods
Subjects with moderate-to-severe lines on the neck and/or décolletage were retrospectively enrolled. MFU-V was applied using 7 and 10 MHz transducers followed by subdermal injection of CaHA diluted 1:1 with lidocaine solution. Photographs at baseline and 90 days were assessed by two independent, blinded evaluators using three scales: Merz Aesthetics décolleté wrinkles, Fabi-Bolton chest wrinkle, and Allergan transverse neck lines scales.
Results
A total of 47 subjects were treated as follows: 29 (neck only), five (décolletage only), and 13 (both areas). Mean neckline score improved from 2.6 (moderate-to-severe lines) at baseline to 1.3 (mild lines) 90 days after treatment (P < .001). Mean décolletage scores improved from 2.6 and 3.3 (moderate-to-severe wrinkles) on the Merz Aesthetics and Fabi-Bolton scales, respectively, to 1.1 and 1.8 (mild wrinkles), respectively, after treatment (both P < .001). Both procedures were well tolerated with high subject satisfaction.
Conclusions
Combining MFU-V with 1:1 diluted CaHA is effective for improving the appearance of neck and décolletage lines and wrinkles.
Axially Decorated SiIV-phthalocyanines Bearing Mannose- or Ammonium-conjugated Siloxanes: Comparative Bacterial Labelling and Photodynamic Inactivation
Abstract
Herein we present a comparative study about the photoinactivation of Staphylococcus aureus (Gram-positive model) and Escherichia coli (Gram-negative model) employing a neutral and a dicationic axially functionalized SiIV phthalocyanine. Depending on the charge of the siloxane moiety (neutral monosaccharide or cationic ammonium salt), different interactions with the bacteria were observed and a differential photoinactivation was facilitated. The intensity of the fluorescence labelling correlated with the photoinactivation of the two types of bacteria: while the neutral species only significantly affected the Gram-positive cells, we observed that the positively charged photosensitizer interacted both with the Gram-positive and with the Gram-negative models. The dicationic photosensitizer labelled both models with a characteristic deep-red fluorescence and photoinactivated both classes of prokaryotes. In general, our study clearly demonstrates that axially ammoniumsiloxane-functionalized Si(IV) phthalocyaninates constitute excellent photosensitizers due to their weak aggregation in aqueous environments. In particular, we also show that charge-based targeting with axial ammonium groups leads towards broad spectrum SiIV phthalocyanines for photodynamic inactivation of bacteria.
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Publication date: Available online 25 July 2018 Source: Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology B: Biology Author(s): Marco Ballestr...
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Editorial AJR Reviewers: Heartfelt Thanks From the Editors and Staff Thomas H. Berquist 1 Share + Affiliation: Citation: American Journal...
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DFOhpBjLqN4&t=1s , Η ΘΕΡΑΠΕΙΑ ΓΙΑ ΟΛΕΣ ΤΙΣ ΑΣΘΕΝΕΙΕΣ 1 Περιεχόμενα Σύντομο βιογραφικό Πρόλογος μεταφραστ...
