Publication date: Available online 10 February 2018
Source:The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: In Practice
Author(s): Ruth Barranco Jimenez, Daiana Guillen Vera, Raquel Rivera-Díaz, Susana Cortijo-Cascajares, Ruth Mielgo Ballesteros, María del Carmen Diéguez Pastor
Σάββατο 10 Φεβρουαρίου 2018
Successful subcutaneous desensitization in a patient with allergy to ixekizumab
Use of pdC1-INH concentrate for long-term prophylaxis during pregnancy in hereditary angioedema with normal C1-INH
Publication date: Available online 10 February 2018
Source:The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: In Practice
Author(s): Juliana F.B. Garcia, Priscila Takejima, Camila Lopes Veronez, Marcelo V. Aun, Antonio A. Motta, Jorge Kalil, João Bosco Pesquero, Pedro Giavina-Bianchi
Simultaneous quantification of caffeine and chlorogenic acid in coffee green beans and varietal classification of the samples by HPLC-DAD coupled with chemometrics
Abstract
A chromatographic procedure (HPLC-DAD) using a relatively rapid gradient has been combined with a chemometric curve deconvolution method, multivariate curve resolution-alternating least squares (MCR-ALS), in order to quantify caffeine and chlorogenic acid in green coffee beans. Despite that the HPLC analysis (at these specific operating conditions) presents some coeluting peaks, MCR-ALS allowed their resolution and, consequently, the creation of a calibration curve to be used for the quantification of the analytes of interest; this procedure led to a high accuracy in the quantification of caffeine and chlorogenic acid present in the samples. In a second part of this study, the possibility of classifying the green coffee beans on the basis of their cultivar (Arabica or Robusta), by partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) and soft independent modeling of class analogies (SIMCA), has been explored. SIMCA resulted in 100% of sensitivity and specificity for the Arabica class, while for the Robusta, it reached 66.7% of sensitivity and 100% of specificity, or 100% of sensitivity and 100% of specificity, depending on the extraction procedure followed prior to the chromatographic analysis; PLS-DA achieved 100% of correct classification independently of the procedure used for the extraction.
Wet deposition of atmospheric nitrogen contributes to nitrogen loading in the surface waters of Lake Tanganyika, East Africa: a case study of the Kigoma region
Abstract
Lake Tanganyika, an African Great Lake, is a complex tropical ecosystem that has been subjected to extreme climate-related changes in the last century, including seasonal changes in temperature and rainfall, decreased overall annual rainfall, and greater frequency of rainstorms. Atmospheric nitrogen (N) is an important component of the lake's N loading, but how long-term and seasonal changes in precipitation affect this loading still needs clarification. This study aimed to improve our understanding of the seasonal features of N deposition in the lake, by monitoring atmospheric N deposition concentrations and fluxes from March 2013 to February 2014. There was a significant temporal variation in wet N depositions in the study area. The distribution of the annual rainfall into major (March–May 299.8 mm) and minor (October–December 343.2 mm) rainy seasons translated into 20 and 30% of N deposition. In September and January–February, there was 10 and 12% precipitation, representing 43 and 7% of N deposition in the lake. Nitrogen deposition was highest in September due to farmlands' burning during the dry season (June–August), leading to N accumulation in the atmosphere. In conclusion, the pattern of N deposition appears to be driven by the unique climatic characteristics of the lake basin and to be closely associated with local anthropogenic activities.
Effects of sewage sludge modified by coal gasification slag and electron beam irradiation on the growth of Alhagi sparsifolia Shap. and transfer of heavy metals
Abstract
A greenhouse experiment was performed to investigate the feasibility of sewage sludge modified by coal gasification slag pretreatment and electron beam irradiation in soil application for cultivation of Alhagi sparsifolia Shap. The results showed that modified sewage sludge had an active effect on the growth of Alhagi sparsifolia Shap. The sandy soil and modified sludge at the volume ratio of 2:1 were optimal, and the growth potential of Alhagi sparsifolia Shap. was highest. In the sandy soil, the values of bioconcentration factor of most heavy metals were below 1.0 except for Zn and Cu. The average bioconcentration factor values of heavy metals in Alhagi sparsifolia Shap. decreased in a sequence of Zn>Cu>Ni> Mn>Co>Pb>Cr>Fe>V>Cd>Mo for all treatments. Alhagi sparsifolia Shap. could decrease the eco-toxicity and bioavailability of Ni, Fe, and Mo in all mixed soil, and Alhagi sparsifolia Shap. could reduce the eco-toxicity and bioavailability of all heavy metals discussed in this study (except for Mn) in the mixed soil of SS:MSS = 2:1.
Diagnosis and Management of Pemphigus: recommendations by an International Panel of Experts
Several European countries recently developed international diagnostic and management guidelines for pemphigus, which have been instrumental in the standardization of pemphigus management,
The impact of underlying disease state on outcomes in patients with pyoderma gangrenosum: A national survey
It is unclear if the underlying disease affects the outcomes in pyoderma gangrenosum.
Comparative Effectiveness of Targeted Immunomodulators for the Treatment of Moderate-to-Severe Plaque Psoriasis: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis
The comparative effectiveness of available targeted immunomodulators for moderate-to-severe psoriasis has not been evaluated.
Suspended particulate matter determines physical speciation of Fe, Mn , and trace metals in surface waters of Loire watershed
Abstract
This study investigates the spatiotemporal variability of major and trace elements, dissolved organic carbon (DOC), total dissolved solids (TDS), and suspended particulate matter (SPM) in surface waters of several hydrosystems of the Loire River watershed in France. In particular, this study aims to delineate the impact of the abovementioned water physicochemical parameters on natural iron and manganese physical speciation (homoaggregation/heteroaggregation) among fine colloidal and dissolved (< 10 nm), colloidal (10–450 nm) and particulate (> 450 nm) phases in Loire River watershed. Results show that the chemistry of the Loire River watershed is controlled by two end members: magmatic and metamorphic petrographic context on the upper part of the watershed; and sedimentary rocks for the middle and low part of the Loire. The percentage of particulate Fe and Mn increased downstream concurrent with the increase in SPM and major cations concentration, whereas the percentage of colloidal Fe and Mn decreased downstream. Transmission electron microscopy analyses of the colloidal and particulate fractions (from the non-filtered water sample) revealed that heteroaggregation of Fe and Mn rich natural nanoparticles and natural organic matter to the particulate phase is the dominant mechanism. The heteroaggregation controls the partitioning of Fe and Mn in the different fractions, potentially due to the increase in the ionic strength, and divalent cations concentration downstream, and SPM concentration. These findings imply that SPM concentration plays an important role in controlling the fate and behavior of Fe and Mn in various sized fractions.
Graphical abstract
Physical speciation by heteroaggregation of (Fe-Mn) compounds: high [SPM] → [Fe-Mn] particulate faction; low {SPM] → [Fe-Mn] colloid-dissolved fraction.
Post-contrast acute kidney injury – Part 1: Definition, clinical features, incidence, role of contrast medium and risk factors
Abstract
Purpose
The Contrast Media Safety Committee (CMSC) of the European Society of Urogenital Radiology (ESUR) has updated its 2011 guidelines on the prevention of post-contrast acute kidney injury (PC-AKI). The results of the literature review and the recommendations based on it, which were used to prepare the new guidelines, are presented in two papers.
Areas covered in part 1
Topics reviewed include the terminology used, the best way to measure eGFR, the definition of PC-AKI, and the risk factors for PC-AKI, including whether the risk with intravenous and intra-arterial contrast medium differs.
Key Points
• PC-AKI is the preferred term for renal function deterioration after contrast medium.
• PC-AKI has many possible causes.
• The risk of AKI caused by intravascular contrast medium has been overstated.
• Important patient risk factors for PC-AKI are CKD and dehydration.
Determination of glomerular filtration rate (GFR) from fractional renal accumulation of iodinated contrast material: a convenient and rapid single-kidney CT-GFR technique
Abstract
Objectives
To develop a convenient and rapid single-kidney CT-GFR technique.
Methods
One hundred and twelve patients referred for multiphasic renal CT and 99mTc-DTPA renal dynamic imaging Gates-GFR measurement were prospectively included and randomly divided into two groups of 56 patients each: the training group and the validation group. On the basis of the nephrographic phase images, the fractional renal accumulation (FRA) was calculated and correlated with the Gates-GFR in the training group. From this correlation a formula was derived for single-kidney CT-GFR calculation, which was validated by a paired t test and linear regression analysis with the single-kidney Gates-GFR in the validation group.
Results
In the training group, the FRA (x-axis) correlated well (r = 0.95, p < 0.001) with single-kidney Gates-GFR (y-axis), producing a regression equation of y = 1665x + 1.5 for single-kidney CT-GFR calculation. In the validation group, the difference between the methods of single-kidney GFR measurements was 0.38 ± 5.57 mL/min (p = 0.471); the regression line is identical to the diagonal (intercept = 0 and slope = 1) (p = 0.727 and p = 0.473, respectively), with a standard deviation of residuals of 5.56 mL/min.
Conclusion
A convenient and rapid single-kidney CT-GFR technique was presented and validated in this investigation.
Key Points
• The new CT-GFR method takes about 2.5 min of patient time.
• The CT-GFR method demonstrated identical results to the Gates-GFR method.
• The CT-GFR method is based on the fractional renal accumulation of iodinated CM.
• The CT-GFR method is achieved without additional radiation dose to the patient.
Health risk assessment of drinking arsenic-containing groundwater in Hasilpur, Pakistan: effect of sampling area, depth, and source
Abstract
Currently, several news channels and research publications have highlighted the dilemma of arsenic (As)-contaminated groundwater in Pakistan. However, there is lack of data regarding groundwater As content of various areas in Pakistan. The present study evaluated As contamination and associated health risks in previously unexplored groundwater of Hasilpur-Pakistan. Total of 61 groundwater samples were collected from different areas (rural and urban), sources (electric pump, hand pump, and tubewell) and depths (35–430 ft or 11–131 m). The water samples were analyzed for As level and other parameters such as pH, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, cations, and anions. It was found that 41% (25 out of 61) water samples contained As (≥ 5 μg/L). Out of 25 As-contaminated water samples, 13 water samples exceeded the permissible level of WHO (10 μg/L). High As contents have been found in tubewell samples and at high sampling depths (> 300 ft). The major As-contaminated groundwater in Hasilpur is found in urban areas. Furthermore, health risk and cancer risk due to As contamination were also assessed with respect to average daily dose (ADD), hazard quotient (HQ), and carcinogenic risk (CR). The values of HQ and CR of As in Hasilpur were up to 58 and 0.00231, respectively. Multivariate analysis revealed a positive correlation between groundwater As contents, pH, and depth in Hasilpur. The current study proposed the proper monitoring and management of well water in Hasilpur to minimize the As-associated health hazards.
On Rationales for Cognitive Values in the Assessment of Scientific Representations
Abstract
Cognitive values like simplicity, broad scope, and easy handling are properties of a scientific representation that result from the idealization which is involved in the construction of a representation. These properties may facilitate the application of epistemic values to credibility assessments, which provides a rationale for assigning an auxiliary function to cognitive values. In this paper, I defend a further rationale for cognitive values which consists in the assessment of the usefulness of a representation. Usefulness includes the relevance of a representation regarding the investigation of a given problem and its practicability for the users. This rationale builds on the claim that any evaluation of scientific representations should pursue two aims: providing information about their credibility and providing information about their usefulness. Cognitive values relating to the usefulness of a representation and epistemic values relating to its credibility both perform a first-order function. Cognitive values are abstract, and several values with first-order functions may conflict in their application. Thus, in order for cognitive values to account for the sort of problem that is to be investigated by means of a representation, they need to be appropriately specified and weighed. Comprehensiveness, complexity, high resolution, and easy handling, for instance, may be required in a first-order function for model-based prediction of regional climate impacts but not for explaining how the global climate system works. Specifying and weighing cognitive and epistemic values relative to a given problem is a legitimate second-order function of social values.
Low power lasers on genomic stability
Publication date: Available online 10 February 2018
Source:Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology B: Biology
Author(s): Larissa Alexsandra da Silva Neto Trajano, Luiz Philippe da Silva Sergio, Ana Carolina Stumbo, Andre Luiz Mencalha, Adenilson de Souza da Fonseca
Exposure of cells to genotoxic agents causes modifications in DNA, resulting to alterations in the genome. To reduce genomic instability, cells have DNA damage responses in which DNA repair proteins remove these lesions. Excessive free radicals cause DNA damages, repaired by base excision repair and nucleotide excision repair pathways. When non-oxidative lesions occur, genomic stability is maintained through checkpoints in which the cell cycle stops and DNA repair occurs. Telomere shortening is related to the development of various diseases, such as cancer. Low power lasers are used for treatment of a number of diseases, but they are also suggested to cause DNA damages at sub-lethal levels and alter transcript levels from DNA repair genes. This review focuses on genomic and telomere stabilization modulation as possible targets to improve therapeutic protocols based on low power lasers. Several studies have been carried out to evaluate the laser-induced effects on genome and telomere stabilization suggesting that exposure to these lasers modulates DNA repair mechanisms, telomere maintenance and genomic stabilization. Although the mechanisms are not well understood yet, low power lasers could be effective against DNA harmful agents by induction of DNA repair mechanisms and modulation of telomere maintenance and genomic stability.
Laser Assisted Anticancer Activity of Benzimidazole Based Metal Organic Nanoparticles
Publication date: Available online 9 February 2018
Source:Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology B: Biology
Author(s): P.A. Praveen, R. Ramesh Babu, P. Balaji, A. Murugadas, M.A. Akbarsha
Recent studies showed that the photothermal therapy can be effectively used for the targeted cancerous cells destruction. Hence, in the present study, two benzimidazole based metal organic complex nanoparticles, dichloro cobalt(II) bis-benzimidazole (Co-BMZ) and dichloro copper(II) bis-benzimidazole (Cu-BMZ), were synthesized by reprecipitation method and their anti-cancer activity by means of photothermal effect has been studied. Transmission electron microscopy analysis shows that the particle size of Cu-BMZ is ∼100 nm and Co-BMZ is in the range between 100 and 400 nm. Zeta potential analysis ensures the stability of the synthesized nanoparticles. It is found that the nonlinear absorption of the nanoparticles increases with increase in laser power intensity. Phototoxicity of human lung cancer (A549) and the normal mouse embryonic fibroblast (NIH/3T3) cells was studied using a 650 nm laser. Even though both the cell lines were affected by laser irradiation, A549 cells show higher cell destruction and lower IC50 values than the normal cells. Docking studies were used to analyse the interaction site and the results showed that the Cu-BMZ molecules have higher dock score than the Co-BMZ molecules. The obtained results indicate that Cu-BMZ samples have lesser particle size, higher nonlinear absorption and higher interaction energy than the Co-BMZ samples.
Graphical abstract
Carnosine-graphene oxide conjugates decorated with hydroxyapatite as promising nanocarrier for ICG loading with enhanced antibacterial effects in photodynamic therapy against Streptococcus mutans
Publication date: Available online 9 February 2018
Source:Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology B: Biology
Author(s): Elham Gholibegloo, Ashkan Karbasi, Maryam Pourhajibagher, Nasim Chiniforush, Ali Ramazani, Tayebeh Akbari, Abbas Bahador, Mehdi Khoobi
Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) has been emerged as a noninvasive strategy to remove bacterial contaminants such as S. mutans from the tooth surface. Photosensitizer (PS), like indocyanine green (ICG), plays a key role in this technique which mainly suffers from the poor stability and concentration-dependent aggregation. An appropriate nanocarrier (NC) with enhanced antibacterial effects could overcome these limitations and improve the efficiency of ICG as a PS. In this study, various ICG-loaded NCs including graphene oxide (GO), GO-carnosine (Car) and GO-Car/Hydroxyapatite (HAp) were synthesized and characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Filed Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE-SEM), Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS), Zeta Potential and Ultraviolet-Visible spectrometry (UV–Vis). The colony forming unit and crystal violet assays were performed to evaluate the antimicrobial and anti-biofilm properties of PSs against S. mutans. The quantitative real-time PCR approach was also applied to determine the expression ratio of the gtfB gene in S. mutans. The zeta potential analysis and UV–Vis spectrometry indicated successful loading of ICG onto/into NCs. GO-Car/HAp showed highest amount of ICG loading (57.52%) and also highest aqueous stability after one week (94%). UV–Vis spectrometry analyses disclosed a red shift from 780 to 800 nm for the characteristic peak of ICG-loaded NCs. In the lack of aPDT, GO-Car@ICG showed the highest decrease in bacterial survival (86.4%) which indicated that Car could significantly promote the antibacterial effect of GO. GO@ICG, GO-Car@ICG and GO-Car/HAp@ICG mediated aPDT, dramatically declined the count of S. mutans strains to 91.2%, 95.5% and 93.2%, respectively (P < 0.05). The GO@ICG, GO-Car@ICG, GO-Car/HAp@ICG significantly suppressed the S. mutans biofilm formation by 51.4%, 63.8%, and 56.8%, respectively (P < 0.05). The expression of gtfB gene was considerably reduced to 6.0, 9.0 and 7.9-fold after aPDT in the presence of GO@ICG, GO-Car@ICG, GO-Car/HAp@ICG, respectively (P < 0.05). It could be concluded that the multi-functionalized GO as a novel nanocarrier could significantly enhance the ICG loading, stability, and improve its inhibitory effects as a photosensitizer in aPDT against S. mutans. These findings might provide opportunity for efficient treatment of local dental infections.
Graphical abstract
The expression and function of galectins in skin physiology and pathology
Abstract
The galectin family comprises β-galactoside-binding proteins widely expressed in many organisms. There are at least 16 family members, which can be classified into three groups based on their carbohydrate-recognition domains. Pleiotropic functions of different galectins in physiological and pathological processes through extracellular or intracellular actions have been revealed. In the skin, galectins are expressed in a variety of cells, including keratinocytes, melanocytes, fibroblasts, dendritic cells, lymphocytes, macrophages, and endothelial cells. Expression of specific galectins is reported to affect cell status, such as activation or death, and regulate the interaction between different cell types or between cells and the extracellular matrix. In vitro cellular studies, in vivo animal studies and studies of human clinical material have revealed the pathophysiologic roles of galectins in the skin. The pathogenesis of diverse non-malignant skin disorders, such as atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, contact dermatitis, and wound healing, as well as skin cancers, such as melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma, and cutaneous hematologic malignancy can be regulated by different galectins. Revelation of biological roles of galectins in skin may pave the way to future development of galectin-based therapeutic strategies for skin diseases.
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Phosphorus sorption capacity of biochars varies with biochar type and salinity level
Abstract
Biochar is recognized as an effective material for recovering excess nutrients, including phosphorus (P), from aqueous solutions. Practically, that benefits the environment through reducing P losses from biochar-amended soils; however, how salinity influences P sorption by biochar is poorly understood and there has been no direct comparison on P sorption capacity between biochars derived from different feedstock types under non-saline and saline conditions. In this study, biochars derived from wheat straw, hardwood, and willow wood were used to compare P sorption at three levels of electrical conductivity (EC) (0, 4, and 8 dS m−1) to represent a wide range of salinity conditions. Phosphorus sorption by wheat straw and hardwood biochars increased as aqueous solution P concentration increased, with willow wood biochar exhibiting an opposite trend for P sorption. However, the pattern for P sorption became the same as the other biochars after the willow wood biochar was de-ashed with 1 M HCl and 0.05 M HF. Willow wood biochar had the highest P sorption (1.93 mg g−1) followed by hardwood (1.20 mg g−1) and wheat straw biochars (1.06 mg g−1) in a 25 mg L−1 P solution. Although the pH in the equilibrium solution was higher with willow wood biochar (~ 9.5) than with the other two biochars (~ 6.5), solution pH had no or minor effects on P sorption by willow wood biochar. The high sorption rate of P by willow wood biochar could be attributed to the higher concentrations of salt and other elements (i.e., Ca and Mg) in the biochar in comparison to that in wheat straw and hardwood biochars; the EC values were 2.27, 0.53, and 0.27 dS m−1 for willow wood, wheat straw, and hardwood biochars, respectively. A portion of P desorbed from the willow wood biochar; and that desorption increased with the decreasing P concentration in the aqueous solution. Salinity in the aqueous solution influenced P sorption by hardwood and willow wood but not by wheat straw biochar. We conclude that the P sorption capacity of the studied biochars is dependent on the concentration of the soluble element in the biochar, which is dependent on the biochar type, as well as the salinity level in the aqueous solution.
Behaviour and risk assessment of fluopyram and its metabolite in cucumber ( Cucumis sativus ) fruit and in soil
Abstract
A field experiment was conducted to estimate residue persistence of fluopyram and its metabolite benzamide in cucumber fruits and soil and their risk assessment in humans and soil environment. Fluopyram (Kafka, 400 SC) was applied as soil drench twice at the interval of 15 days at the rate of 250 (standard dose) and 500 (double dose) g a.i. ha−1 (active ingredient per hectare). Cucumber fruits were collected at 0 (1 h), 1, 3, 5, 7, 10, 15, 20, 30, 40 and 50 days after second application. Soil samples were collected on 15th day after second application. Drench application resulted in detection of residues on the third day in standard dose at the levels of 0.056 mg kg−1 in cucumber fruit. The residue level increased until 20 days reaching 0.092 mg kg−1 followed by decrease to 0.068 mg kg−1 on 30th day after application. In double dose, the residues started accumulating from 0 day with initial levels of 0.093 mg kg−1 and persisted until 30th day. The levels varied between 0.123 and 0.184 mg kg−1 until 15th day of application followed by decrease to 0.127 mg kg−1 by 30th day. The residues reached below determination level (< 0.05 mg kg−1) on 40th day in both the doses after second application. The residue of metabolite benzamide was below determination level (< 0.05 mg kg−1) at both the doses. Hazard quotient (HQ) for residues levels at 15th and 30th day was less than one (HQ < 1). Hence, a pre-harvest interval of 15 days is suggested. Present data can be used to establish maximum residue limit (MRL) in India. The residue of fluopyram in soil on 15th day and the data on soil adsorption coefficient of fluopyram from literature suggests moderate mobility of fluopyram in soil. However, residues of metabolite of benzamide were not detected in soil. Further studies on translocation of fluopyram in soil over the time can be conducted for better understanding of environmental risk. To our knowledge, this is the first report on residue levels of fluopyram in any crop when applied as soil drench.
Salivary Levels of Angiopoietin 2 in Infants with Infantile Hemangiomas Treated with and without Systemic Propranolol
Abstract
Background
Infantile hemangiomas (IH) with functional or cosmetic concerns necessitate systemictreatment for which propranolol is the preferred treatment. However, the mechanism ofaction is unknown. Mouse models suggest the angiopoietin-2 (Ang2)/Tie-2 system isimplicated. Ang2 can promote endothelial growth or induce apoptosis depending on thepresence of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). This pilot study investigates thesaliva Ang2 levels in infants with IH treated with and without systemic propranolol.
Methods
Patients with clinically confirmed IH were recruited from an academic pediatric.dermatology center. Treatment was based on clinical evaluation. Saliva samples werecollected over six months. An ELISA determined Ang2 levels.
Results
Ang2 levels were detectable in 45% of samples. However, by the late time point only28% had detectable levels. There were no changes of Ang2 over time and there wereno differences in Ang2 levels between groups. However, Ang2 levels were correlatedwith baseline size and changes in size from baseline.
Conclusions
Ang2 is detectable in saliva of affected infants, but does not decrease with propranololtreatment. However, Ang2 levels are positively correlated with size and changes in size.Thus, Ang2 is not the primary factor in the mechanism of propranolol resulting in IHreduction.
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Cryptotanshinone reduces psoriatic epidermal hyperplasia via inhibiting the activation of STAT3
Abstract
The discovery of new therapeutic drugs with the efficacious and safe ability to prevent epidermal hyperplasia is extremely urgent for psoriasis. Cryptotanshinone (CTS), an active component isolated from the root of Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge, has been reported to have anti-bacterial and anti-tumor effects. However, its effects on psoriasis have not been reported. Here, we investigated the therapeutic effects of CTS on imiquimod (IMQ) induced psoriatic-like skin model and explored the underlying mechanisms. Our results revealed that CTS effectively alleviates IMQ-induced epidermal hyperplasia. In vitro studies also indicated that CTS potently inhibits the growth of keratinocytes. We further found that STAT3, a transcription factor for the cell growth, is the key mediator of CTS on the proliferation of keratinocytes. Taken together, our findings indicated that the curative effects of CTS on psoriasis are accomplished mainly through modulating STAT3, which providing evidences to develop CTS as a potential therapeutic agent for patients with psoriasis.
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Application of an 8% capsaicin patch normalizes epidermal TRPV1 expression but not the decreased intraepidermal nerve fibre density in patients with brachioradial pruritus
Abstract
Background
Topical capsaicin shows efficacy in the treatment of brachioradial pruritus, however its mechanisms of action remain unclear.
Objective
The effect of capsaicin on the epidermis (i.e. peripheral expression of non-neuronal sensory receptors on keratinocytes, morphological changes in innervation) is still unknown. We aimed to investigate the effect of topical capsaicin on keratinocyte expression of TRP channels and on the intraepidermal nerve fibre density (IENFD) in patients with brachioradial pruritus.
Methods
Thirty-one patients with brachioradial pruritus received an 8% capsaicin patch. Biopsies in lesional and non-lesional skin were taken to assess epidermal morphology, keratinocyte expression of TRP channels and IENFD before and 3 weeks after treatment.
Results
Treatment with the capsaicin patch led to a significant decrease in itch and paresthetic symptoms (p<0.05). Keratinocyte morphology is unaltered after capsaicin therapy. Reduced keratinocyte expression of TRPV1 in lesional skin (p=0.009; n=9) normalized three weeks after treatment (p=0.016; n=10), but not the IENFD, which remained reduced in lesional epidermis.
Conclusion
The normalization of the decreased TRPV1 expression may account for the effectiveness of topical capsaicin, which does not reconstitute the reduced IENFD, arguing for a role of epidermal TRPV1 in the maintenance of brachioradial pruritus.
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Distribution of phosphorous pools in western river sediments of the Urmia Lake basin, Iran
Abstract
Impact of anthropogenic loading of phosphorous (P) to an aquatic ecosystem can be qualitatively assessed by measuring the buildup and distribution of P in sediments and by differentiating bioavailable and recalcitrant P pools. Distribution of P pools in sediments is affected by the physico-chemical properties including specific elements, particle size distribution, pH, electrical conductivity (EC), and carbonate content. We applied X-ray fluorescence and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) methods to characterize sediments from western rivers in the Urmia Lake basin in Iran with a particular focus on properties that are relevant to P speciation. Phosphorous pools were sequentially extracted into operationally defined exchangeable (EXCH-P), iron and aluminum oxide-bound (Fe/Al-P), calcium-bound (Ca-P), and residual (RES-P) P pools. In river sediments, the size of P pool was found to be in the order of Ca-P > RES-P > Fe/Al-P > EXCH-P indicating small fraction of bioavailable P pool and Ca-P minerals being the most dominant P sink. Carbonate-related properties had an inverse relationship with bioavailable P pools in the river sediments studied. The principal component analysis (PCA) of the sequential extraction data with sediment properties revealed that four principal components described 82.7% of total variation. Similarly, particle size-related properties were found to have the highest eigenvalues in the first PC. Electron diffraction spectra (EDS) and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analyses showed a largely uniform distribution of P in the upstream sediment. However, limited evidence of local enrichment of P with Fe, Al, and Ca contents was observed in the downstream river sediments. Correlation of Fe/Al-P pool size with Al2O3 and SiO2 contents indicated that P was associated with Al oxide and clay minerals in the sediment matrix. Overall, the results from this study provide insights into the variability of upstream and downstream river processes and their relationship with P pools with regard to their bioavailability. These results are expected to be useful in assessing the potential impact of P loading on the aquatic ecosystem in the Urmia Lake basin.
Improvement studies on emission and combustion characteristics of DICI engine fuelled with colloidal emulsion of diesel distillate of plastic oil, TiO 2 nanoparticles and water
Abstract
Experimentation was conducted on a single cylinder CI engine using processed colloidal emulsions of TiO2 nanoparticle-water-diesel distillate of crude plastic diesel oil as test fuel. The test fuel was prepared with plastic diesel oil as the principal constituent by a novel blending technique with an aim to improve the working characteristics. The results obtained by the test fuel from the experiments were compared with that of commercial petro-diesel (CPD) fuel for same engine operating parameters. Plastic oil produced from high density polyethylene plastic waste by pyrolysis was subjected to fractional distillation for separating plastic diesel oil (PDO) that contains diesel range hydrocarbons. The blending process showed a little improvement in the field of fuel oil-water-nanometal oxide colloidal emulsion preparation due to the influence of surfactant in electrostatic stabilization, dielectric potential, and pH of the colloidal medium on the absolute value of zeta potential, a measure of colloidal stability. The engine tests with nano-emulsions of PDO showed an increase in ignition delay (23.43%), and decrease in EGT (6.05%), BSNOx (7.13%), and BSCO (28.96%) relative to PDO at rated load. Combustion curve profiles, percentage distribution of compounds, and physical and chemical properties of test fuels ascertains these results. The combustion acceleration at diffused combustion phase was evidenced in TiO2 emulsion fuels under study.
Catalytic oxidation of trichloroethylene from gas streams by perovskite-type catalysts
Abstract
Three perovskite-type catalysts including LaMnO3, La0.8Ce0.2MnO3, and La0.8Ce0.2 Mn0.8Ni0.2O3 are prepared using citric acid sol-gel method and evaluated as catalyst for the oxidation of trichloroethylene (TCE) in air with temperature ranging from 100 to 600 °C. The physicochemical properties of three perovskite-type catalysts were characterized by SEM, EDS, XRD, BET, and XPS to investigate the relationship with catalytic activities. The results show that the removal efficiency of TCE achieved with La0.8Ce0.2Mn0.8Ni0.2O3 (the best one) reaches 100% at 400 °C and the mineralization efficiency reaches 100% at 600 °C. The enhanced activity can be attributed to the addition of Ce and Ni which increases the surface areas, active oxygen species, and the redox ability of the Mn4+/Mn3+ ratio on the catalyst surface. As La0.8Ce0.2Mn0.8Ni0.2O3 is applied for TCE oxidation, the main intermediate chlorinated byproduct detected is tetrachloroethylene (C2Cl4) which is generated by the reaction of TCE and chlorine (Cl2). The activation energy for the TCE oxidation with La0.8Ce0.2Mn0.8Ni0.2O3 catalyst is 51 kJ/mol using kinetic models of power–law type.
Remotely Phototriggered, Transferrin-Targeted Polymeric Nanoparticles for the Treatment of Breast Cancer
Abstract
Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) has the worst prognosis amongst all sub-types of breast cancer. Currently no targeted treatment has been approved for TNBC. The goal of this study was to design a remotely triggered, targeted therapy for TNBC using polymeric nanoparticles and light. Active targeting of TNBC was achieved by conjugating the nanoparticles to a peptide (hTf) that binds to the transferrin receptor, which is overexpressed in TNBC. Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) was explored for TNBC treatment by remotely triggering benzoporphyrin derivative monoacid (BPD), a photosensitizer, using near infrared light. In this study, we investigated the use of actively targeting polymeric nanoparticles for PDT against TNBC using in vitro imaging and cytotoxicity studies. Fluorescence imaging confirmed that the BPD loaded nanoparticles showed greater fluorescence in TNBC cells compared to free BPD, but more importantly actively targeted nanoparticles displayed stronger fluorescence compared to passively targeted nanoparticles. Moreover, fluorescence imaging following competition with empty targeted nanoparticles validated the specificity of the targeted nanoparticles for TNBC cells. The PDT killing results were in line with the fluorescence imaging results, where actively targeting nanoparticles exhibited the highest phototriggered cytotoxicity in TNBC cells, making them an attractive nanoplatform for TNBC treatment.
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