The good, the bad, and the ugly of environmental quality benchmarks: EQSPAE-2016 dedicated to Dr. Peter Michael Chapman (1951–2017)

Correction to: Molecular identification of Leishmania spp. isolates causes cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) in Sanliurfa Province, Turkey, where CL is highly endemic

Abstract

In published article (Molecular Identification of Leishmania spp. Isolates Causes Cutaneous Leishmaniasis (CL) in Sanliurfa Province, Turkey, Where CL is Highly Endemic) Table 1 titled "The pH values of yogurts collected from villages in Turkey" doesn't belong to this article.

Effects of maharishi yoga asanas on mood states, happiness, and experiences during meditation

Sonja Gobec, Frederick Travis

International Journal of Yoga 2018 11(1):66-71

Context/Background: Many studies showed positive effects of Yoga Asanas. There is no study on Maharishi Yoga Asanas yet. This research replicated and expanded observed improvements on the profile of mood states (POMS) as a result of 2-week Maharishi Yoga Asanas course. Thirteen college students taking part in a 4-week course on Maharishi Yoga Asanas were matched with 13 students taking other courses at the university. Aims and Objective: The main objective of the study was to assess the effects of Maharishi Yoga Asanas on mood states, degree of happiness, and experiences in Transcendental Meditation (TM) practice. Methods: All students were given two psychological tests and additional question before and after their 4-week course: POMS, Meditation Depth Questionnaire, and question about the degree of happiness. Results: Repeated measure MANOVA showed the 4-week Maharishi Yoga Asanas course resulted in significant increase in happiness during the day and significant improvements in (1) sense of personal self, (2) transpersonal qualities, and (3) transpersonal self during their TM practice. Conclusion: This research shows that Maharishi Yoga Asanas affect more than body and mind. Rather they influence much deeper levels of one's subjectivity including one's transpersonal self.

Yoga into cancer care: A review of the evidence-based research

Ram P Agarwal, Adi Maroko-Afek

International Journal of Yoga 2018 11(1):3-29

To cope with cancer and its treatment-related side effects and toxicities, people are increasingly using complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). Consequently, integrative oncology, which combines conventional therapies and evidence-based CAM practices, is an emerging discipline in cancer care. The use of yoga as a CAM is proving to be beneficial and increasingly gaining popularity. An electronic database search (PubMed), through December 15, 2016, revealed 138 relevant clinical trials (single-armed, nonrandomized, and randomized controlled trials) on the use of yoga in cancer patients. A total of 10,660 cancer patients from 20 countries were recruited in these studies. Regardless of some methodological deficiencies, most of the studies reported that yoga improved the physical and psychological symptoms, quality of life, and markers of immunity of the patients, providing a strong support for yoga's integration into conventional cancer care. This review article presents the published clinical research on the prevalence of yoga's use in cancer patients so that oncologists, researchers, and the patients are aware of the evidence supporting the use of this relatively safe modality in cancer care.

Response to comment on “sleep quality and body composition variations in obese male adults after 14 weeks of yoga intervention: A randomized controlled trial” by Rshikesan et al., 2017

PB Rshikesan, Subramanya Pailoor, Deepeshwar Singh

International Journal of Yoga 2018 11(1):85-85

Exploration of lower frequency EEG dynamics and cortical alpha asymmetry in long-term rajyoga meditators

Kanishka Sharma, Sushil Chandra, Ashok Kumar Dubey

International Journal of Yoga 2018 11(1):30-36

Background: Rajyoga meditation is taught by Prajapita Brahmakumaris World Spiritual University (Brahmakumaris) and has been followed by more than one million followers across the globe. However, rare studies were conducted on physiological aspects of rajyoga meditation using electroencephalography (EEG). Band power and cortical asymmetry were not studied with Rajyoga meditators. Aims: This study aims to investigate the effect of regular meditation practice on EEG brain dynamics in low-frequency bands of long-term Rajyoga meditators. Settings and Design: Subjects were matched for age in both groups. Lower frequency EEG bands were analyzed in resting and during meditation. Materials and Methods: Twenty-one male long-term meditators (LTMs) and same number of controls were selected to participate in study as par inclusion criteria. Semi high-density EEG was recorded before and during meditation in LTM group and resting in control group. The main outcome of the study was spectral power of alpha and theta bands and cortical (hemispherical) asymmetry calculated using band power. Statistical Analysis: One-way ANOVA was performed to find the significant difference between EEG spectral properties of groups. Pearson's Chi-square test was used to find difference among demographics data. Results: Results reveal high-band power in alpha and theta spectra in meditators. Cortical asymmetry calculated through EEG power was also found to be high in frontal as well as parietal channels. However, no correlation was seen between the experience of meditation (years, hours) practice and EEG indices. Conclusion: Overall findings indicate contribution of smaller frequencies (alpha and theta) while maintaining meditative experience. This suggests a positive impact of meditation on frontal and parietal areas of brain, involved in the processes of regulation of selective and sustained attention as well as provide evidence about their involvement in emotion and cognitive processing.

Effectiveness of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy in patients with bipolar affective disorder: A case series

Suvarna Shirish Joshi, Mahendra Prakash Sharma, Shivarama Varambally

International Journal of Yoga 2018 11(1):77-82

The present investigation was undertaken to examine the effects of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) on interepisodic symptoms, emotional regulation, and quality of life in patients with bipolar affective disorder (BPAD) in remission. The sample for the study comprised a total of five patients with the diagnosis of BPAD in partial or complete remission. Each patient was screened to fit the inclusion and exclusion criteria and later assessed on the Beck Depressive Inventory I, Beck Anxiety Inventory, Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale, Acceptance and Action Questionnaire-II, and The World Health Organization Quality of Life Assessment-BREF. Following preassessments, patients underwent 8–10 weeks of MBCT. A single case design with pre- and post-intervention assessment was adopted to evaluate the changes. Improvement was observed in all five cases on the outcome variables. The details of the results are discussed in the context of the available literature. Implications, limitations, and ideas for future investigations are also discussed.

Yoga offers cardiovascular protection in early postmenopausal women

Sinha M Praveena, Gandhi Asha, Mondal Sunita, Jain Anju, Biswas Ratna

International Journal of Yoga 2018 11(1):37-43

Context: Postmenopause, an estrogen deficient state comes with increased incidence of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Yoga has been described as having a beneficial effect on heart rate variability (HRV), a marker for cardiac autonomic activity which can assess cardiovascular risk, in various populations. Aim: the aim of the study was to study the effect of 3-month long Yoga practice on HRV in early postmenopausal women. Settings and Design: A prospective longitudinal study of 67 women within 5 years of menopause between 45 and 60 years of age attending menopause clinic of Department of Gynaecology, Sucheta Kriplani Hospital fulfilling inclusion and exclusion criteria and consenting were enrolled for the study. Subjects and Methods: HRV of 37 cases (Yoga group) and 30 controls (non-Yoga group) was recorded pre and 3-month postintervention. Statistical Analysis Used: GraphPad Prism Version 5 software was used. Values are a mean and standard error of mean. Statistical significance was set up at P < 0.05. Results: In HRV, frequency domain analysis showed a significant fall in low frequency (LF) in normalized units (nu) and LF: high frequency (HF) ratio and significant rise in HF in nu in the Yoga group (depicting parasympathetic dominance) against a significant rise in LF (nu) and LF: HF ratio and significant fall in HF (nu) in non-Yoga group (indicating sympathetic dominance). Time domain analysis showed a significant decrease in Standard Deviation of NN intervals in Non-Yoga group against nonsignificant changes in Yoga group indicating deterioration in parasympathetic activity in non-Yoga group. Conclusions: Three-month long Yoga practice improved HRV in early postmenopausal women significantly and has the potential to attenuate the CVD risk in postmenopausal women.

Cancer: Prevention and rehabilitation through yoga

HR Nagendra

International Journal of Yoga 2018 11(1):1-2

Yoga-based postoperative cardiac rehabilitation program for improving quality of life and stress levels: Fifth-year follow-up through a randomized controlled trial

Eraballi Amaravathi, Nagendra Hongasandra Ramarao, Nagarathna Raghuram, Balaram Pradhan

International Journal of Yoga 2018 11(1):44-52

Objectives: This study was aimed to assess the efficacy of yoga-based lifestyle program (YLSP) in improving quality of life (QOL) and stress levels in patients after 5 years of coronary artery bypass graft (CABG). Methodology: Three hundred patients posted for elective CABG in Narayana Hrudayalaya Super Speciality Hospital, Bengaluru, were randomized into two groups: YLSP and conventional lifestyle program (CLSP), and follow-up was done for 5 years. Intervention: In YLSP group, all practices of integrative approach of yoga therapy such as yama, niyama, asana, pranayama, and meditation were used as an add-on to conventional cardiac rehabilitation. The control group (CLSP) continued conventional cardiac rehabilitation only. Outcome Measures: World Health Organization (WHO)-QOL BREF Questionnaire, Perceived Stress Scale, Positive and Negative Affect Scale (PANAS), and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) were assessed before surgery and at the end of the 5th year after CABG. As data were not normally distributed, Mann–Whitney U-test was used for between-group comparisons and Wilcoxon's signed-rank test was used for within-group comparisons. Results: At the end of 5 years, mental health (P = 0.05), perceived stress (P = 0.01), and negative affect (NA) (P = 0.05) have shown significant improvements. WHO-QOL BREF score has shown improvements in physical health (P = 0.046), environmental health (P = 0.04), perceived stress (P = 0.001), and NA (P = 0.02) in YLSP than CLSP. Positive affect has significantly improved in CLSP than YLSP. Other domains of WHO-QOL-BREF, PANAS, and HADS did not reveal any significant between-group differences. Conclusion: Addition of long-term YLSP to conventional cardiac rehabilitation brings better improvements in QOL and reduction in stress levels at the end of 5 years after CABG.

A comparative study on the effects of vintage nonpharmacological techniques in reducing myopia (Bates eye exercise therapy vs. Trataka Yoga Kriya)

Komal Krishna Tiwari, Rahul Shaik, B Aparna, Rajesh Brundavanam

International Journal of Yoga 2018 11(1):72-76

Background: Human eye captures light rays as they come and fall on the retina and convert them into an image. However, in myopia, light rays fall in front of retina, causing blurring of image. Correction of this is generally done using correcting devices such as corrective glasses and contact lenses. Existence of some alternative therapies is also noticed in literature. Aim: To compare the effects of Bates eye exercises and Trataka Yoga Kriya on myopia. Materials and Methodology: Ethical clearance was obtained from the institution, and informed consent was taken from participants. In this randomized comparative study, 24 participants (48 eyes) were taken based on inclusion and exclusion criteria and were randomly divided into two groups: Group A and Group B, where Bates eye exercise therapy and Trataka Yoga Kriya were given, respectively, for 8 weeks. Participants were assessed for their refractive errors and visual acuity pre- and post-intervention. Results: Data were analyzed by SPSS version 20. Results obtained revealed that both Bates exercises and Trataka Yoga Kriya were not significantly effective in reducing refractive errors and in improving visual acuity (P value of refractive error in right eye: 0.4250; left eye: 0.4596; P value of visual acuity in right eye: 0.5691; left eye: 0.8952). Conclusion: This study concludes that nonpharmacological approaches such as eye exercises and Trataka Yoga Kriya are not significant on myopia.

Effect of modified slow breathing exercise on perceived stress and basal cardiovascular parameters

G Sunil Naik, GS Gaur, GK Pal

International Journal of Yoga 2018 11(1):53-58

Context: Different types of breathing exercises have varied effects on cardiovascular parameters and the stress levels in an individual. Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the effect of a modified form of isolated alternate nostril, slow breathing exercise on perceived stress, and cardiovascular parameters in young, male volunteers. Settings and Design: This was a randomized control study carried out at Advanced Centre for Yoga Therapy Education and Research, Department of Physiology, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research, Puducherry in 2014. Subjects and Methods: Hundred healthy male volunteers were randomized into control group, n = 50 and slow breathing group (study), n = 50. Slow breathing exercise training was given to study group for 30 min a day, 5 times/week for 12 weeks, under the supervision of certified yoga trainers. Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) using Cohen's questionnaire, anthropometric parameters such as body mass index (BMI), waist-hip ratio (WHR), and cardiovascular parameters such as heart rate (HR), systolic blood pressure (SBP), and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were recorded at baseline and after 12 weeks. The control group did not receive any intervention. Slow breathing exercise training was provided for the study group. During the study period, one volunteer opted out of the study group due to personal reasons. Results: HR, SBP, DBP, and PSS decreased significantly (P < 0.05) in the study group following 12 weeks slow breathing exercise training, while no significant change (P > 0.05) was observed in BMI and WHR. There was no significant change in the control group. Conclusion: Twelve weeks of modified slow breathing exercise reduced perceived stress and improved the cardiovascular parameters. The above results indicate that our modified slow breathing exercise is effective in reducing stress and improving the cardiovascular parameters.

The Conclusions Are Unsupported by the Data, Are Based on Invalid Analyses, Are Incorrect, and Should be Corrected: Letter Regarding “Sleep Quality and Body Composition Variations in Obese Male Adults after 14 weeks of Yoga Intervention: A Randomized Controlled Trial”

David B Allison

International Journal of Yoga 2018 11(1):83-84

Effects of multimodal mandala yoga on social and emotional skills for youth with autism spectrum disorder: An exploratory study

Lyn Gorbett Litchke, Ting Liu, Stephanie Castro

International Journal of Yoga 2018 11(1):59-65

Context: Youth with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) demonstrates impairment in the ability to socially and emotionally relate to others that can limit participation in groups, interaction with peers, and building successful life relationships. Aims: The aim of this exploratory study was to examine the effects of a novel multimodal Mandala yoga program on social and emotional skills for youth with ASD. Subjects and Methods: Five males with ASD attended 1 h yoga sessions, twice a week for 4 weeks. Multimodal Mandala yoga comprised 26 circular partner/group poses, color and tracing sheets, rhythmic chanting, yoga cards, and games. Treatment and Research Institute for ASD Social Skills Assessment (TSSA) scores were collected before and after the eight yoga sessions. The Modified Facial Mood Scale (MFMS) was used to observe mood changes before and after each yoga class. Paired sample t-tests were conducted on TSSA and MFMS scores to compare social and emotional differences post the 4-week camp. Narrative field notes were documented after each of the eight yoga sessions. Results: A significant improvement from pre- to post-test was found in overall TSSA (t(4) = −5.744, P = 0.005) and on respondent to initiation (t(4) = −3.726, P = 0.020), initiating interaction (t(4) = −8.5, P = 0.039), and affective understanding and perspective taking subscales (t(4) = −5.171 P = 0.007). Youth's MFMS scores increased from 80% to 100% at the end of eight yoga sessions demonstrating a pleasant or positive mood. Thematic analysis of the narrative notes identified three key factors associated with the yoga experience: (a) enhanced mood and emotional expression, (b) increased empathy toward others, and (c) improved teamwork skills. Conclusion: This multimodal Mandala yoga training has implication for developing positive social and emotional skills for youth with ASD.

The principles and practice of yoga in health care

Hemant Bhargav

International Journal of Yoga 2018 11(1):86-87

Comparative habitat use by takin in the Wanglang and Xiaohegou Nature Reserves

Abstract

We investigated the habitat use characteristics of takin in Wanglang and Xiaohegou Nature Reserves to detect whether takin has the different habitat use patterns in different environments. We found that takin has similarities and differences in habitat use in these two nature reserves. Takin at Wanglang usually used the habitats with greater bamboo coverage and bamboo density, whereas takin at Xiaohegou usually used the habitats with a lower canopy. The results of a logistic regression analysis showed that bamboo density, herb-cover proportion, and tree size contributed significantly to the difference between takin plots at Wanglang and Xiaohegou, with an overall correct prediction rate of 92.3%, indicating that these are the main factors discriminating habitat use characteristics of takin in these two nature reserves. Considering takin has different habitat use characteristics in different areas, different protection measures should be taken to protect different takin populations. Based on the habitat use characteristics of takin at Wanglang and Xiaohegou, we summarized adaptation of takin to environments as general adaptation, regional adaptation, and special adaptation.

Spatial variations and sources of trace elements in recent snow from glaciers at the Tibetan Plateau

Abstract

Trace elements (TEs) could pose a potential threat to the environment and human health and hence they have been paid attention increasingly at present. This study presents the acid-leached concentrations of TEs (e.g., Al, As, Ba, Co, Cr, Cs, Cu, Fe, Li, Mn, Mo, Pb, Rb, Sb, Sr, Ti, Tl, U, V) and dust content sampled from Qiumianleike (QMLK), Meikuang (MK), Yuzhufeng (YZF), Xiaodongkemadi (XDKMD), Gurenhekou (GRHK) glaciers on the Tibetan Plateau (TP) from April to May in 2013. A nonparametric Jonckheere-Terpstra Method was used to test the trend of spatial distribution of TEs. The statistical analysis indicates that TEs were the highest in the QMLK glacier, lowest in the YZF glacier, and comparable in the other three glaciers. Comparison with other glaciers of the plateau, the statistical analysis on As, Cu, Mo, Pb, and Sb shows that their concentrations had, in general, a decreasing distribution characteristic from the north to the south of TP, which indicates that the northern TP is loading more atmospheric-polluted impurity than central and southern TP. Enrichment factor (EF) analysis indicates that Rb, V, U, Cr, Ba, Cs, Li, As, Co, Mn, Tl, Sr, and Cu originated mainly from crustal dust, while anthropogenic inputs such as nonferrous metals melting, coal combustion, and traffic emission made an important contribution to the Mo, Pb, and Sb. Evidences from air mass back trajectories show that TEs in the five studied glaciers might not only come from surrounding areas of glaciers but also might be long-range transported by atmosphere from the Central Asia and South Asia and deposited on these glaciers.

Health status of Pelophylax ridibundus (Amphibia: Ranidae) in a rice paddy ecosystem in Southern Bulgaria and its importance in assessing environmental state: haematological parameters

Abstract

Pollution effects on haematological parameters in Pelophylax ridibundus individuals were investigated; animals were collected from two sites in Southern Bulgaria: the Tsalapitsa rice fields (RF) and the Vacha river (reference site, RS). Blood analysis showed significant differences between the haematological parameters of RBC, WBC, Hb, packed cell volume (PCV) and frogs' leucogram from RF and those from RS. These findings provide information on long-term background pollution of the habitat (RF) under investigation. In our view, the erythropenia, leucopenia, hypоchromia, lower values of PCV, St-neutrophilia, Sg-neutropenia, basopenia, eosinophilia, monocytosis and lymphopenia that were found in Pelophylax ridibundus individuals inhabiting the Tsalapitsa rice fields were probably caused by the pesticides and fertilizers that enter the paddy cages during the rice production process. The present study proves the practical usefulness of haematological parameters of Pelophylax ridibundus individuals in bioindication analyses for environmental assessment of agroecosystems.

Wet nitrogen deposition across the urban-intensive agricultural–rural transect of a small urban area in southwest China

Abstract

Understanding of the spatial and temporal variation of the flux of atmospheric nitrogen (N) deposition is essential for assessment of its impact on ecosystems. However, little attention has been paid to the variability of N deposition across urban-intensive agricultural–rural transects. A continuous 2-year observational study (from January 2015 to December 2016) was conducted to determine wet N deposition across the urban-intensive agricultural–rural transect of a small urban area in southwest China. Significantly spatial and temporal variations were found in the research area. Along the urban-intensive agricultural–rural transect, the TN and NH₄⁺-N deposition first increased and then decreased, and the NO₃⁻-N and dissolved organic N (DON) deposition decreased continuously. Wet N deposition was mainly affected by the districts of agro-facilities, roads and build up lands. Wet NH₄⁺-N deposition had non-seasonal emission sources including industrial emissions and urban excretory wastes in urban districts and seasonal emission sources such as fertilizer and manure volatilization in the other districts. However, wet NO₃⁻-N deposition had seasonal emission sources such as industrial emissions and fireworks in urban district and non-seasonal emission sources such as transportation in the other districts. Deposition of DON was likely to have had similar sources to NO₃⁻-N deposition in rural district, and high-temperature-dependent sources in urban and intensive agricultural districts. Considering the annual wet TN deposition in the intensive agricultural district was about 11.1% of the annual N fertilizer input, N fertilizer rates of crops should be reduced in this region to avoid the excessive application, and the risk of N emissions to the environment.

Insights into the effect and interaction mechanism of bisphenol S on lipids hydrolysis in sludge through multi-spectra, thermodynamics, and molecule docking analysis

Abstract

As an alternative to bisphenol A, bisphenol S (BPS) is widely used in industrial production and daily life, which is then discharged into sewage treatment plants and accumulates in sludge. In this research, impact and interaction mechanism of BPS on lipids hydrolysis in sludge is studied from the respect of soluble organic matter and volatile organic fatty acids (VFAs). Multi-spectra, thermodynamics, molecule docking, and enzyme activity assay are applied to elucidate the effect mechanism of BPS on lipids hydrolysis. Results show that lipids hydrolysis is restrained due to the denaturation of lipase with BPS exposure. The interaction mechanism is involved in hydrophobic bond and hydrogen bond interaction in the activity region of lipase. This interaction not only results in an unfolding skeleton structure of lipase and a less hydrophobic microenvironment of tyrosine and tryptophan residues but also leads to fluorophore static quenching with the formation of lipase-BPS complex. The experimental results and the combined research methods not only contribute to the development of novel technique for sludge treatment containing micropollutant but also profit to clarify the interaction mechanism between other micropollutant and enzymes.

Proteolytic extracts of three Bromeliaceae species as eco-compatible tools for leather industry

Abstract

Most tanneries use high proportions of Na₂S and CaO during the dehairing step, resulting in effluents of high alkalinity and large amounts of suspended solid, besides the risk of liberating the toxic H₂S. Solid waste rich in protein is another environmental problem of tanneries. Enzymes are an interesting technological tool for industry due to their biodegradability, nontoxic nature, and nonpolluting effluent generation. In the leather industry, proteases have been chosen as a promising eco-friendly alternative to Na₂S/CaO dehairing. Extracts with high proteolytic activity have been obtained from fruits of Bromeliaceae species: Bromelia balansae Mez (Bb), Bromelia hieronymi Mez (Bh), and Pseudananas macrodontes (Morr.) Harms (Pm). In this work, Bb, Bh, and Pm have been studied for application in the leather industry, focusing in their dehairing properties. Enzymatic activities were measured against collagen, keratin, elastin, and epidermis while a dehairing assay was performed by employing cowhide. All extracts showed similar activity on collagen and epidermis, while Bh and Pm were the most active against keratin at the same caseinolytic unit (CU) values; Bh was the only extract active against elastin. Bb (1 CU/ml), Bh (1.5 CU/ml), and Pm (0.5 CU/ml) were able to depilate cowhide. Desirable characteristics of dehairing were observed for all extracts since hair pores did not show residual hair, grain surface was clean and intact, and collagen fiber bundles of dermis were not damaged. In conclusion, results here presented show that proteolytic extracts of Bromeliaceae species are promising eco-compatible tools for leather industry.

Sesquiterpenoids with antialgal activity against the common red tide microalgae from marine macroalga Porphyra yezoensis

Abstract

Previous studies showed that methanol extracts from Porphyra yezoensis significantly inhibited Karenia mikimitoi and Skeletonema costatum. Five sesquiterpenoids (1–5) were successfully isolated from this marine macroalga through a combination of silica gel column chromatography and repeated preparative thin-layer chromatography in this paper. Their structure was identified as gossonorol (1), 7,10-epoxy-ar-bisabol-11-ol (2), cyclonerodiol (3), cadinol, (4) and 4-cadinen-1-ol (5) on the basis of spectroscopic data. These sesquiterpenoids were isolated from Porphyra yezoensis for the first time, and cyclonerodiol (3) and cadinol (4) isolated from marine macroalgae for the first time. Further, a quantitative relationship between the inhibition of algal growth and the concentration of each antialgal sesquiterpenoid (gossonorol, 7,10-epoxy-ar-bisabol-11-ol and cyclonerodiol) was determined and important parameters, e.g., EC_50-96h for future practical HAB control are to be obtained. Results showed that three sesquiterpenoids (1–3) had selective antialgal activity against the growth of red tide microalgae (Amphidinium carterae, Heterosigma akashiwo, Karenia mikimitoi, Phaeocystis globosa, Prorocentrum donghaiense, and Skeletonema costatum). More than two test red tide microalgae were significantly inhibited by these three sesquiterpenoids (1–3). Their antialgal activity against red tide microalgae has not been previously reported. Furthermore, EC_50-96h of gossonorol (1) and 7,10-epoxy-ar-bisabol-11-ol (2) for specific test red microalgae were not only significantly less than 10 μg/mL, but also were smaller than/or very close to those of potassium dichromate. Gossonorol (1) and 7,10-epoxy-ar-bisabol-11-ol (2) possessed good application potential than potassium dichromate as a characteristic antialgal agent against the specific harmful red tide microalgae (Heterosigma akashiwo, Phaeocystis globosa, and Prorocentrum donghaiense) (or Heterosigma akashiwo and Karenia mikimitoi).

The Many Connections Between Autophagy and Kidney Disease

By Yoskaly Lazo-Fernandez, PhD

The first description of what is called today an autophagosome was given in a paper published in 1957. Its author employed electron microscopy to observe the neonatal features of mouse kidneys¹. Autophagosomes where then described as large round bodies found in the cytoplasm, primarily of proximal tubule epithelial cells, and consisting of an amorphous material containing concentrically lamellar structures and mitochondria. It was not by chance that these structures were found in kidney tubules, because autophagy plays an essential role in kidney function both in health and disease^2,3. This blog will briefly introduce the main pathophysiological areas of connection between autophagy and the kidneys. Future blogs will expand on these topics.

Autophagy is a protective mechanism that results in the degradation of dangerous protein aggregates, infectious agents, and defective organelles, which prevents inflammation, oxidative stress and apoptosis. Consequently, defects in autophagy in the kidneys, as well as in other organs, lead to cellular injury. Specific kidney conditions that have been associated with autophagy defects include acute kidney injury⁴, chronic kidney disease⁵, renal fibrosis⁶, glomerular disease⁷, renal autoimmune and inflammatory responses⁸, polycystic kidney disease⁹, diabetic nephropathy¹⁰ and metabolic acidosis¹¹.

In general, conditions that affect nutrient or oxygen levels in kidney cells will induce a strong protective autophagy response. For example, hypoxia is a dangerous condition particularly common in the kidneys and strongly correlated with both acute kidney injury and with end stage chronic kidney diseases. Ischemic insults induce apoptosis or necrosis in kidney epithelial cells, as well as kidney vasoconstriction, inflammation and fibrosis. Low oxygen levels cause dissociation of the key autophagy inhibitor mTORC1 from its target ULK1¹², independently from energy-signaling, thus allowing ULK1 to activate autophagy as a protective mechanism.

Immunohistochemistry: HIF-1 alpha Antibody (H1alpha67) [NB100-105] - Staining of HIF1 alpha in human kidney. Renal tubular epithelium showed moderate membranous, cytoplasmic and nuclear staining, and glomeruli showed faint to moderate nuclear staining.

The The other most common connection between autophagy and kidney diseases is the deregulation of nutrient-sensing signals, usually observed during aging and in diabetes- or obesity-mediated kidney changes. In these cases, prolonged high intracellular levels of glucose cause stimulation of mTORC1's activity leading to chronic inhibition of autophagy. Kidney injury then follows from the accumulation of the damage caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS) and protein aggregates, particularly of advanced glycation end products¹³.

Autophagy induction through the inhibition of mTORC1 signaling, both pharmacologically and by calorie restriction, has thus been reported as beneficial in numerous models of kidney disease^14–16. Other disease- and cell-specific autophagy related targets are being actively studied in the search of new therapies, offering new hope for the more than 15% of adults in the United States that suffer from kidney diseases.

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Yoskaly Lazo Fernandez, PhD
Emory University, Department of Medicine/Renal Division
Dr. Lazo-Fernandez is interested in understanding the dietary factors that contribute to the development of hypertension and other chronic diseases.

References

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14. Satriano, Sharma. Autophagy and metabolic changes in obesity-related chronic kidney disease. Nephrology Dialysis Transplantation. 2013;28(suppl_4):iv29-iv36. doi:10.1093/ndt/gft229.
    
15. Inoki, Huber. Mammalian target of rapamycin signaling in the podocyte. Current Opinion in Nephrology and Hypertension. 2012;21(3):251. doi:10.1097/mnh.0b013e3283520f38.
    
16. Kitada, Takeda, Nagai, Ito, Kanasaki, Koya. Dietary Restriction Ameliorates Diabetic Nephropathy through Anti-Inflammatory Effects and Regulation of the Autophagy via Restoration of Sirt1 in Diabetic Wistar Fatty (fa/fa) Rats: A Model of Type 2 Diabetes. Experimental Diabetes Research. 2011;2011:908185. doi:10.1155/2011/908185.

 

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Septolobular Panniculitis in Disseminated Lyme Borreliosis

Abstract

Lyme disease classically evolves through clinical manifestations according to the stage of illness. Because many of the systemic symptoms are nonspecific, and because serology may yield false negative results, cutaneous findings merit even greater importance to diagnosis. The prototypical skin lesion, erythema migrans (EM), occurs early and is the only independently diagnostic clinical feature according to the guidelines of the Infectious Disease Society of America. EM itself has protean guises, being, at times, vesicular, indurated, necrotic, purpuric, solid, or targetoid, but it is not the sole Borrelia-associated skin lesion. Acrodermatitis chronica atrophicans and borrelial lymphocytoma cutis are other well-known skin manifestations. A rare cutaneous manifestation that is increasingly reported in Lyme patients is panniculitis, which develops after dissemination of the spirochete. We present such a case in a patient who was initially treated for cellulitis as well as neck and radicular leg pain, thereby expanding the cutaneous spectrum of Lyme disease.

Objective evaluation of nipple position after 336 breast reductions

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Blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm with centrocyte-like morphology clinically simulating a melanocytic nevus

Abstract

Blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm (BPDCN) is a rare hematologic malignancy originating from immature or resting plasmacytoid dendritic cells.(1) Since the most recently revised nomenclature by consensus in 2008 by the World Health Organization (WHO), 21 cases of BPDCN have been reported in the literature.

Dead-Survivors, the Living Dead, and Concepts of Death

Abstract

The author introduces and critically analyzes two recent, curious findings and their accompanying explanations regarding how the folk intuits the capabilities of the dead and those in a persistent vegetative state (PVS). The dead are intuited to survive death, whereas PVS patients are intuited as more dead than the dead. Current explanations of these curious findings rely on how the folk is said to conceive of death and the dead: either as the annihilation of the person (via the secular conception of death), or that person's continuation as a disembodied being (via folk dualism). The author argues that these two conceptions are incompatible and inconsistent with each other and the evidence. Contrariwise, the author argues that the folk intuition about dead-survivors and the living dead are more easily explained by appealing to cross-culturally established concepts: the folk biological concept of death the existential (metaphorical) concept of death, and the concept of social death.

Targeting the fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 in gastric cancer: promise or pitfall?

Ann Oncol 2017; 28: 1207–1216 (doi: 10.1093/annonc/mdx081)

A phase II study of temsirolimus added to low-dose weekly carboplatin and paclitaxel for patients with recurrent and/or metastatic (R/M) head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC)

Ann Oncol 2017; 28: 2533–2538 (doi: 10.1093/annonc/mdx346)

Incidence and management of diarrhea in patients with HER2-positive breast cancer treated with pertuzumab

Ann Oncol 2017; 28: 761–768 (doi: 10.1093/annonc/mdw695)

Phototherapie der entzündlichen Akne

Zusammenfassung

Verfahren der Phototherapie könnten sich als neue Ansätze der Aknebehandlung etablieren, die das Risiko bakterieller Resistenzen nicht steigern und bei günstigem Sicherheitsprofil potenziell wirksam sind. Nach aktuellen Studiendaten bewirkt die photodynamische Therapie eine Verringerung entzündlicher Läsionen und eine deutliche Verbesserung der Akne. Allerdings besteht keine Einigkeit über die optimale Durchführung im Rahmen der Aknebehandlung. Neben der topisch angewendeten photodynamischen Therapie wurden die Intense-pulsed-light-Methode (hochenergetische Lichtblitze), gepulste Farbstofflaser, Kaliumtitanylphosphatlaser, Infrarotdiodenlaser und polychromatische Lichtquellen (Rotlicht, Rot-blau-Licht) als alternative Verfahren eingeführt. Da gut konzipierte Studien zur Wirksamkeitsprüfung im Vergleich zu traditionellen Pharmakotherapien fehlen und die Methoden nicht standardisiert sind, sollten Verfahren wie Laser‑, Intense-pulsed-light- und photodynamische Therapie gegenwärtig nicht als Erstlinienbehandlung der entzündlichen Akne betrachtet werden.

Nachtdienst in der Hautklinik

308 nm-Excimerlaser

Zusammenfassung

Die 308 nm-Excimerlasertherapie von Hypopigmentierungen und Vitiligo ist der herkömmlichen UV-Therapie hinsichtlich Ergebnissen und Sicherheit meist überlegen. Sie ist insbesondere vorteilhaft, wenn Herde gezielt behandelt werden können, ohne die übrige Haut zu belasten. Es sind weniger Sitzungen mit geringerer kumulativer Dosierung nötig. Verschiedene Kombinationstherapien können das Resultat verbessern, Auswahlkriterien wie früher Behandlungsbeginn und häufigere Sitzungen mit geringeren Abständen erleichtern die Entscheidung, welche Patienten wie behandelt werden sollen und wie am meisten erreicht wird.

Signal attenuation maps for needle enhancement and localization in 2D ultrasound

Abstract

Purpose

We propose a novel framework for enhancement and localization of steeply inserted hand-held needles under in-plane 2D ultrasound guidance.

Methods

Depth-dependent attenuation and non-axial specular reflection hinder visibility of steeply inserted needles. Here, we model signal transmission maps representative of the attenuation probability within the image domain. The maps are employed in a contextual regularization framework to recover needle shaft and tip information. The needle tip is automatically localized by line-fitting along the local-phase-directed trajectory, followed by statistical optimization.

Results

The proposed method was tested on 300 ex vivo ultrasound scans collected during insertion of an epidural needle into freshly excised porcine and bovine tissue. A tip localization accuracy of \(0.55\pm 0.06\,\hbox {mm}\) was achieved.

Conclusion

The proposed method could be useful in challenging procedures where needle shaft and tip are inconspicuous. Improved needle localization results compared to previously proposed methods suggest that the proposed method is promising for further clinical evaluation.

Neighborhood Disadvantage and Neighborhood Affluence: Associations with Breastfeeding Practices in Urban Areas

Abstract

Objective To estimate the associations between neighborhood disadvantage and neighborhood affluence with breastfeeding practices at the time of hospital discharge, by race-ethnicity. Methods We geocoded and linked birth certificate data for 111,596 live births in New Jersey in 2006 to census tracts. We constructed indices of neighborhood disadvantage and neighborhood affluence and examined their associations with exclusive (EBF) and any breastfeeding in multilevel models, controlling for individual-level confounders. Results The associations of neighborhood disadvantage and affluence with breastfeeding practices differed by race-ethnicity. The odds of EBF decreased as neighborhood disadvantage increased for all but White women [Asian: Adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 0.82 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.69–0.97); Black: AOR 0.77 (95% CI 0.70–0.86); Hispanic: AOR 0.78 (95% CI 0.70–0.86); White: AOR 0.99 (95% CI 0.91–1.08)]. The odds of EBF increased as neighborhood affluence increased for Hispanic [AOR 1.19 (95% CI 1.08–1.31)] and White [AOR 1.12 (95% CI 1.06–1.18)] women only. The odds of any breastfeeding decreased with increasing neighborhood disadvantage only for Hispanic women [AOR 0.85 (95% CI 0.79–0.92)], and increased for White women [AOR 1.16 (95% CI 1.07–1.26)]. The odds of any breastfeeding increased as neighborhood affluence increased for all except Hispanic women [Asian: AOR 1.31 (95% CI 1.13–1.51); Black: AOR 1.19 (95% CI 1.07–1.32); Hispanic: AOR 1.08 (95% CI 0.99–1.18); White: AOR 1.30 (95% CI 1.24–1.38)]. Conclusions Race-ethnic differences in associations between neighborhood disadvantage and affluence and breastfeeding practices at the time of hospital discharge indicate the need for specialized support to improve access to services.

Determination of point of zero charge of natural organic materials

Abstract

This study evaluates different methods to determine points of zero charge (PZCs) on five organic materials, namely maple sawdust, wood ash, peat moss, compost, and brown algae, used for the passive treatment of contaminated neutral drainage effluents. The PZC provides important information about metal sorption mechanisms. Three methods were used: (1) the salt addition method, measuring the PZC; (2) the zeta potential method, measuring the isoelectric point (IEP); (3) the ion adsorption method, measuring the point of zero net charge (PZNC). Natural kaolinite and synthetic goethite were also tested with both the salt addition and the ion adsorption methods in order to validate experimental protocols. Results obtained from the salt addition method in 0.05 M NaNO₃ were the following: 4.72 ± 0.06 (maple sawdust), 9.50 ± 0.07 (wood ash), 3.42 ± 0.03 (peat moss), 7.68 ± 0.01 (green compost), and 6.06 ± 0.11 (brown algae). Both the ion adsorption and the zeta potential methods failed to give points of zero charge for these substrates. The PZC of kaolinite (3.01 ± 0.03) was similar to the PZNC (2.9–3.4) and fell within the range of values reported in the literature (2.7–4.1). As for the goethite, the PZC (10.9 ± 0.05) was slightly higher than the PZNC (9.0–9.4). The salt addition method has been found appropriate and convenient to determine the PZC of natural organic substrates.

A novel succinate dehydrogenase subunit B germline variant associated with head and neck paraganglioma in a Dutch kindred: a family based study

Abstract

Objective

In the Netherlands, the majority of hereditary head and neck paragangliomas (HNPGL) are caused by germline variants in the succinate dehydrogenase genes (SDHD, SDHB, SDHAF2). Here, we evaluate a four-generation family linked to a novel SDHB gene variant with the manifestation of a HNPGL.

Design

a family based study.

Setting

The VU University Medical Center (VUmc) Amsterdam, a tertiary clinic for Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery.

Participants and main outcome measures

The index patients presented with an embryonic rhabdomyosarcoma and a non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Array-based comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) analysis and multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) revealed a novel deletion of exon 1-3 in the SDHB gene, suspected to predispose to paraganglioma (PGL)/pheochromocytoma (PHEO) syndrome type 4. Subsequently, genetic counseling and DNA testing was offered to all family members at risk. Individuals that tested positive for this novel SDHB gene variant were counseled and additional clinical evaluation was offered for the identification of HNPGL and/or PHEO.

Results

The DNA of 18 family members was tested, resulting in the identification of 10 carriers of the exon 1-3 deletion in the SDHB gene. One carrier was diagnosed with a carotid body PGL and serum catecholamine excess, which was surgically excised. Negative SDHB immunostaining of the carotid body tumour confirmed that it was caused by the SDHB variant. The remaining 9 carriers showed no evidence of PGL/PHEO.

Conclusion

Deletion of exon 1-3 in the SDHB gene is a novel germline variant associated with the formation of hereditary HNPGL.

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Clinical evaluation of a new laser-ablated titanium implant for bone-anchored hearing in 34 patients: 1 year experience

Abstract

In specific patient groups, i.e. children or patients with compromised bone quality, the incidence of implant loss of for bone conduction hearing implants is much higher; further implant optimization is, therefore, needed.

The new laser-ablated titanium implant for bone-anchored hearing implantation has an enlarged contact area for osseointegration compared to the standard implant, aiming to improve implant loss rates.

This retrospective multicenter study is the first to assess the performance of this implant in healthy adults 1 year after surgery.

With excellent survival rates, good soft tissue tolerability, and few complications, the implant is safe to use in healthy adults.

This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Erythema elevatum diutinum with pustule formation: An unusual finding