Buffered local anesthetics reduce injection pain and provide anesthesia for up to 5 hours

Local anesthetics are manufactured as acidic solutions to increase their stability and shelf life [1]. The pH of lidocaine in preparations used for local anesthesia varies between 3.5 and 7.0 [2]. However, physiological pH lies between 7.35 and 7.45. The difference in pH in the tissue and the more acidic local anesthesia increases the number of hydrogen ions upon infiltration. Hydrogen ions activate nociceptors, which is thought be the reason why these agents cause pain on infiltration. The time taken for the tissue to transform the solution from the ionized to the unionized form could also delay the onset of anesthesia [1-3].

Shoulder-related donor site morbidity and patient-reported satisfaction after delayed breast reconstruction with pedicled flaps from the back: A comparative analysis

We report a study evaluating and comparing shoulder-related morbidity associated with delayed breast reconstruction using either the conventional latissimus dorsi (LD) flap or the thoracodorsal artery perforator (TAP) flap.

Keeping the fat on the right spot prevents contour deformity in temporalis muscle transposition.

The temporalis muscle transposition is a reliable, one-stage reanimation technique for longstanding facial paralysis. In the variation described by Rubin the muscle is released from the temporal bone and folded over the zygomatic arch towards the modiolus. This results in unsightly temporal hollowing and zygomatic bulging. We present a modification of this technique which preserves the temporal fat pad in its anatomical location, and conceals temporal hollowing and prevents zygomatic bulging.The data of 23 patients treated with this modification were analysed.

Wrist to forearm ratio as a median nerve shear wave elastography test in carpal tunnel syndrome diagnosis.

Shear wave elastography (SWE) is an operator independent, developing form of ultrasound examination. It measures tissue elasticity by tracking shear wave velocity. In tissues of greater stiffness, shear waves travel faster (1). The median nerve in carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is entrapped influencing its elasticity; therefore, SWE can become an accessible screening test in CTS diagnosis.

Dermoscopic features of onychotillomania: A study of 36 cases

Onychotillomania is a nail-picking disorder that is likely underreported and often misdiagnosed, The dermoscopic features of onychotillomania include scales, absence of the nail plate, wavy lines, hemorrhages, speckled dots, melanonychia, and nail bed pigmentation, Recognizing the common dermoscopic features of onychotillomania will assist the clinician in the diagnosis and management of this disorder.

Certolizumab Pegol for the Treatment of Chronic Plaque Psoriasis: Results Through 48 Weeks of a Phase 3, Multicenter, Randomized, Double-Blinded, Etanercept- and Placebo-Controlled Study (CIMPACT)

Certolizumab pegol is an Fc-free, PEGylated anti-tumor necrosis factor biologic.; In this phase 3 study, both certolizumab doses improved psoriasis symptoms at Week 12 that was maintained, following re-randomization, through Week 48 with a safety profile consistent with its class.; The higher dose of certolizumab may provide superior efficacy.

CME Part 1: Hair disorders in cancer patients

Cytotoxic chemotherapies, molecularly targeted therapies, immunotherapies, radiotherapy, stem cell transplants, and endocrine therapies may lead to hair disorders (including alopecia, hirsutism, hypertrichosis, pigmentary and textural hair changes). The mechanisms underlying these changes are varied and remain incompletely understood, hampering the development of preventive or therapeutic guidelines. The psychosocial impact of chemotherapy -induced alopecia has been well-documented mainly in the oncology literature, however the effect of other alterations such as radiation-induced alopecia, hirsutism, changes in hair color or texture on quality of life have not been described.

Tracking tumor kinetics in patients with germline CYLD mutations

Certolizumab Pegol for the Treatment of Chronic Plaque Psoriasis: Results through 48 Weeks from Two Phase 3, Multicenter, Randomized, Double-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled Studies (CIMPASI-1 and CIMPASI-2)

Certolizumab pegol is an Fc-Free, PEGylated anti-tumor necrosis factor biologic. In these phase 3 psoriasis studies, certolizumab pegol 200 mg and 400 mg every 2 weeks demonstrated statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvements versus placebo; no new safety signals were observed. Certolizumab pegol affords additional psoriasis treatment options.

CME Part 2: Hair disorders in cancer survivors Persistent chemotherapy-induced alopecia, persistent radiotherapy-induced alopecia, and hair growth disorders related to endocrine therapy or cancer surgery

With increasing survival rates across all cancers, survivors represent a growing population that is frequently affected by persistent or permanent hair growth disorders as a result of systemic therapies, radiotherapy, surgical procedures, and therapeutic transplants. These hair disorders include persistent chemotherapy-induced alopecia, persistent radiotherapy-induced alopecia, endocrine therapy-induced alopecia and hirsutism, post-surgery alopecia and localized hypertrichosis, alopecia attributed to therapeutic transplants, and to novel anticancer therapies.

Summary and Simulation of Reported Adverse Events from Epinephrine Autoinjectors and A Review of the Literature

Publication date: Available online 13 April 2018
Source:The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: In Practice
Author(s): Marcus Shaker, Dana Toy, Christopher Lindholm, Jeffrey Low, Erin Reigh, Matthew Greenhawt

Predicting Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria Symptom Return after Omalizumab Treatment Discontinuation: Exploratory Analysis

Publication date: Available online 12 April 2018
Source:The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: In Practice
Author(s): Marta Ferrer, Ana Giménez-Arnau, Diego Saldana, Nico Janssens, Maria-Magdalena Balp, Sam Khalil, Valéry Risson
BackgroundOmalizumab is highly effective in controlling chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) symptoms; however, patients can experience symptom return upon treatment discontinuation. Pivotal clinical trials have identified two categories of patients who experience symptom return: rapid and slow.ObjectiveTo identify potential predictors of the speed of symptom return after stopping omalizumab treatment.MethodsPhase III randomized controlled trial (RCT) data from ASTERIA I (n=319; 6x4-weekly injections of omalizumab 75, 150, 300 mg or placebo; NCT01287117) and ASTERIA II (n=323; 3x4-weekly injections of omalizumab 75, 150, 300 mg or placebo; NCT01292473) were pooled to identify predictors of symptom return after stopping omalizumab treatment (16-week follow-up). The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regularization regression model was used to select predictive variables and relapse probability was represented using heatmap visualizations. Model accuracy was tested using data from the GLACIAL phase III RCT (n=336; 6x4-weekly injections of omalizumab 300 mg or placebo; NCT0126493).ResultsOf 746 variables assessed, two were selected by the model as predictors of symptom return: baseline UAS7 (urticaria activity score over 7 days) and early area above the curve (AAC – determined by plotting the UAS7 scores across time points). Results suggest high baseline UAS7 and low UAS7 AAC (slow decrease of symptoms) indicate higher probability of rapid symptom return than low baseline UAS7 and high UAS7 AAC.ConclusionThese results suggest that the probability of rapid symptom return in CSU patients who discontinue treatment with omalizumab can be estimated based on baseline UAS7 and early treatment response.

Iodinated contrast media allergy in patients hospitalized for investigation of chest pain

Publication date: Available online 12 April 2018
Source:The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: In Practice
Author(s): Guy Topaz, Adi Karas, Nuha Kassem, Yona Kitay-Cohen, David Pereg, Lotan Shilo, Adi Zoref-Lorenz, Alon Y. Hershko
BackgroundIodinated contrast media (ICM) allergy may entail severe adverse events in patients who undergo percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Premedication protocols and low-osmolality contrast media have been thought to improve the outcomes of these individuals. Objective: To assess the prevalence and severity of allergic reactions during PCI in patients admitted for investigation of chest pain.MethodsThis is a retrospective analysis of 13,652 patients who were hospitalized with chest pain during the years 2010-2016, at the Department of Internal Medicine, Meir Medical Center. Patient records were screened for diagnosis of prior ICM allergy. Primary outcomes were: 1) records of previous allergy to ICM; 2) administration of anti-allergic premedication; 3) allergic reactions to the ICM during the procedure.ResultsA total of 13,652 patients were screened. Nine hundred thirty one individuals without prior ICM allergy were referred for PCI, of whom 2 had minor allergic reactions. Previously diagnosed ICM allergy was recorded for 216 subjects (mean age 65.5±10 years, 42% males). Of these, 32 were referred to in-hospital PCI. Premedication was administered in 10 cases only with no documented rationale for not treating the other 22. Only one of the pre-treated patients experienced a reaction attributed to allergy, showing no statistical advantage for premedication. No mortality was documented in the 30 days following PCI among the patients with known ICM allergy.ConclusionPCI did not induce substantial allergic reactions to ICM in patients with a previously diagnosed allergy. This study did not demonstrate an advantage for premedication.

Twenty years’ experience with anaphylaxis-like reactions to local anesthetics: genuine allergy is rare

Publication date: Available online 12 April 2018
Source:The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: In Practice
Author(s): Axel Trautmann, Matthias Goebeler, Johanna Stoevesandt
BackgroundAnaphylaxis-like reactions occur within minutes after application of local anesthetics (LA), most commonly during dental interventions. Impressive symptoms including respiratory distress or loss of consciousness frequently give rise to a suspicion of allergy and may prompt patients and treating physicians to refuse future LA injections.ObjectiveNon-allergic mechanisms are responsible for the majority of LA-induced immediate-type reactions. In view of the preponderance of non-allergic reactions, the question arises whether genuine LA allergy may be missed during routine testing procedures.MethodsWe retrospectively evaluated clinical data and test results from patients referred to our allergy clinic within the past 20 years for diagnostic work-up of LA-induced immediate-type reactions.ResultsOf 402 evaluated patients, 29 had an episode of acute urticaria within 30 minutes after LA injections, the remaining 373 had a history of mainly subjective cutaneous, respiratory, cardiovascular, and neurological complaints. Of the patients reporting urticaria with or without angioedema, 14 were diagnosed with a spontaneous episode of urticaria, 13 had allergic or non-allergic reactions to other agents and 2 had IgE-mediated LA allergy. LA allergy was definitely excluded by 771 subcutaneous provocation tests with skin test negative LA, thereby demonstrating the high predictive value of negative intradermal testing.ConclusionsSkin testing and provocative LA challenge are useful to exclude LA allergy, and this testing procedure seems to be appropriate to identify the extremely rare cases with IgE-mediated LA allergy.

Successful Rapid Oral Clindamycin Desensitization in a Pediatric Patient

Publication date: Available online 12 April 2018
Source:The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: In Practice
Author(s): Brittany E. Esty, Samantha Minnicozzi, Esther Chang Chu, Ana Dioun Broyles, Christina S.K. Yee

The Kinetics of Anti-Drug Antibodies, Drug Levels, and Clinical Outcomes in Infliximab-Exposed Patients with Immuno-Mediated Disorders

Publication date: Available online 13 April 2018
Source:The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: In Practice
Author(s): Nencini Francesca, Vultaggio Alessandra, Pratesi Sara, Cammelli Daniele, Milla Monica, Fiori Ginevra, Bagnoli Siro, Prignano Francesca, Romagnani Sergio, Maggi Enrico, Matucci Andrea
BackgroundHypersensitivity reactions (HRs) and loss of response (LOR) to infliximab (IFX) are related to drug immunogenicity characterized by anti-drug antibodies (ADA).ObjectiveTo analyse the timing of ADA appearance, and its relationship with drug levels and clinical outcomes in IFX-treated patients with different diseases.MethodsSamples were longitudinally collected before each infusion from 91 IFX-treated patients and were assayed for ADA and drug levels by ELISA and for IgE by CAP-system Clinical data were also monitored, regarding efficacy and safety of therapy.ResultsThe ADA onset occured quite early, irrespective of the type of disease, during the first year and more frequently andearlier during the second cycle of therapy. HR patients were more frequently ADA+ and with higher ADA titers compared to other patient groups. ADA onset tends to precede HRs and LOR; all HRs that occur after a period of drug interruption are preceded by ADA development. Before ADA detection, a progressive decline of IFX levels until a complete disappearance was observed. The ADA titre was maintained for years both in patients with ongoing therapy and in those who interrupted it. IgE ADA are more frequently developed in patients with higher and earlier ADA levels, but their rate of negativization is faster.ConclusionsThe present data suggest that most IFX-exposed patients develop ADA within the first year of treatment irrespective of disease type. The clinical outcome to the treatment is preceded by ADA development, which in turn, is aassociated with the reduction of drug serum levels. Both ADA evaluation, as well as therapeutic drug monitoring, may have a relevant impact on clinical practice, giving new insights to predict LOR and HR.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) levels in environmental media potentially impacted by reused or stored creosote-treated railway ties

Abstract

Disused creosote-treated railway ties are reused in France and many other countries and, in particular, for landscaping and other residential uses. Given the lack of data on the environmental fate of creosote-derived compounds released from used railway ties, a survey of different environmental media (i.e. soil, sediment, surface water, plants and outdoor air) was carried out at six sites located in France where old creosote-treated railway ties are stored or reused for different purposes. Maximum total polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) concentrations measured in soils ranged from 2 to 140 mg/kg dry weight. PAH impacts were limited both vertically and horizontally to several centimetres from the railway ties. At two sites, PAH levels in plants (up to 140 μg/kg fresh weight) appeared correlated to the levels measured in soils, suggesting a transfer from soils to the plants. PAHs in sediment were measured at concentrations of up to 280 mg/kg dry weight. As observed in soil, PAH concentrations decreased rapidly further away from the railway ties. Principal component analysis and hierarchical clustering on principal components indicate that PAHs detected in soils and sediments originated from unweathered to severely weathered creosote and could be strongly influenced by urban background. Results on outdoor air measurements show a degradation of air quality above old and fresh railway tie storage areas at a railway station and to a lesser extent in their vicinity. However, this degradation was low to moderate when compared to French regulatory values, ambient background levels reported in France, as well as health-based air comparison values.

Corrigendum to “Photosensitized rose bengal induced phototoxicity on human melanoma cell line under natural sunlight exposure” [J. Photochem. Photobiol. B Biol. 156(March 2016) 87–99]

Publication date: Available online 13 April 2018
Source:Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology B: Biology
Author(s): Ajeet K. Srivastav, Syed Faiz Mujtaba, Ashish Dwivedi, Saroj K. Amar, Shruti Goyal, Ankit Verma, Hari N. Kushwaha, Rajnish K. Chaturvedi, Ratan Singh Ray

Solution-combustion synthesis of doped TiO2 compounds and its potential antileishmanial activity mediated by photodynamic therapy

Publication date: Available online 13 April 2018
Source:Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology B: Biology
Author(s): A.A. Lopera, A.M.A. Velásquez, L.C. Clementino, S. Robledo, A. Montoya, L.M. de Freitas, V.D.N. Bezzon, C.R. Fontana, C.P. Garcia, M.A.S. Graminha
Photodynamic therapy has emerged as an alternative treatment for cutaneous leishmaniasis, and compounds with photocatalytic behavior are promising candidates to develop new therapeutic strategies for the treatment of this parasitic disease. Titanium dioxide TiO2 is a semiconductor ceramic material that shows excellent photocatalytic and antimicrobial activity under Ultraviolet irradiation. Due to the harmful effects of UV radiation, many efforts have been made in order to enhance both photocatalytic and antimicrobial properties of TiO2 in the visible region of the spectrum by doping or through modifications in the route of synthesis. Herein, Fe-, Zn-, or Pt- doped TiO2 nanostructures were synthesized by solution-combustion route. The obtained compounds presented aggregates of 100 nm, formed by particles smaller than 20 nm. Doping compounds shift the absorption spectrum towards the visible region, allowing production of reactive oxygen species in the presence of oxygen and molecular water when the system is irradiated in the visible spectrum. The Pt (EC50 = 18.2 ± 0.8 μg/mL) and Zn (EC50 = 16.4 ± 0.3 μg/mL) –doped TiO2 presented the higher antileishmanial activities under visible irradiation and their application as photosensitizers in photodynamic therapy (PDT) strategies for the treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis should be considered.

Graphical abstract

Warty squamous cell carcinoma of glans penis

Tasleem Arif, Mohammad Adil, Noora Saeed

Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology, and Leprology 2018 84(3):307-308

Painful ulcer of the pinna in an immunocompromised patient

E Gómez Moyano, M Ayala Blanca, F Jiménez Oñate, L Martínez Pilar

Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology, and Leprology 2018 84(3):369-372

Angioma serpiginosum in a bilateral distribution with acral involvement: An uncommon presentation

Deepak Jakhar, Deepika Pandhi, Archana Singal, Sonal Sharma

Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology, and Leprology 2018 84(3):338-341

Genetic and molecular aspects of androgenetic alopecia

Lizeth Martinez-Jacobo, César D Villarreal-Villarreal, Rocío Ortiz-López, Jorge Ocampo-Candiani, Augusto Rojas-Martínez

Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology, and Leprology 2018 84(3):263-268

Androgenetic alopecia is the most common form of progressive hair loss in humans. A genetic predisposition and hormonal status are considered as major risk factors for this condition. Several recent advances in molecular biology and genetics have increased our understanding of the mechanisms of hair loss in androgenetic alopecia. We review these advances and examine the trends in the genetic and molecular aspects of androgenetic alopecia.

Clinical profile and virology analysis of hand, foot and mouth disease cases from North Kerala, India in 2015–2016: A tertiary care hospital-based cross-sectional study

Sasidharanpillai Sabitha, Sarita Sasidharanpillai, Ramachandran E Sanjay, Manikoth Payyanadan Binitha, Najeeba Riyaz, Kunnummal Muhammed, Tapron Smitha, Aparna S Vidya, Kambiam Veettil Vaishnavi, Thalekkara Madhavan Saranya, Govindakaranavar Arunkumar

Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology, and Leprology 2018 84(3):328-331

Protective effects of glutamine on human melanocyte oxidative stress model

Liya Jiang, Zhen Guo, Yulong Kong, Jianhua Liang, Yi Wang, Keyu Wang

Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology, and Leprology 2018 84(3):269-274

Background: Vitiligo is a disorder caused by the loss of the melanocyte activity on melanin pigment generation. Studies show that oxidative-stress induced apoptosis in melanocytes is closely related to the pathogenesis of vitiligo. Glutamine is a well known antioxidant with anti-apoptotic effects, and is used in a variety of diseases. However, it is unclear whether glutamine has an antioxidant or anti-apoptotic effect on melanocytes. Aims: The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effects of glutamine on a human melanocyte oxidative stress model. Methods: The oxidative stress model was established on human melanocytes using hydrogen peroxide. The morphology and viability of melanocytes, levels of oxidants [reactive oxygen species and malondialdehyde], levels of antioxidants [superoxide dismutase and glutathione-S-transferase], and apoptosis-related indicators (caspase-3, bax and bcl-2) were examined after glutamine exposure at various concentrations. Expressions of nuclear factor-E2-related factor 2, heme oxygenase-1, and heat shock protein 70 were detected using western blot technique after glutamine exposure at various concentrations. Results: Our results demonstrate that pre-treatment and post-treatment with glutamine promoted melanocyte viability, increased levels of superoxide dismutase, glutathione-S-transferase and bcl-2, decreased levels of reactive oxygen species, malondialdehyde, bax and caspase-3, and enhanced nuclear factor-E2-related factor 2, heme oxygenase-1, and heat shock protein 70 expression in a dose dependent manner. The effect of pre-treatment was more significant than post-treatment, at the same concentration. Limitations: The mechanisms of glutamine activated nuclear factor-E2-related factor 2 antioxidant responsive element signaling pathway need further investigation. Conclusions: Glutamine enhances the antioxidant and anti-apoptotic capabilities of melanocytes and protects them against oxidative stress.

A case of drug-induced hypersensitivity syndrome induced by icotinib managed by intravenous immunoglobulin and systemic corticosteroids

Xiaomei Chen, Sheng Wang, Li Li

Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology, and Leprology 2018 84(3):350-352

Resistance to anti leprosy drugs in multi-bacillary leprosy: A cross sectional study from a tertiary care centre in eastern Uttar Pradesh, India

Satyendra Kumar Singh, Ajit Kumar, Gopal Nath, Tej Bali Singh, Mukti Nath Mishra

Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology, and Leprology 2018 84(3):275-279

Background: WHO MDT is the main drug regimen for treating leprosy and has been used for more than three decades. Many cases of relapse of leprosy have been reported, which points towards the emergence of drug resistance with the antileprotic drugs. Objectives: To find the resistance with the antileprotic drugs by detecting the mutations in drug resistance determining region of the rpoB, folP1 and gyrA genes of Mycobacterium leprae. Methods: Leprosy patients with bacterial index ≥2 were included in the study. The slides were further processed to extract genomic DNA, and polymerase chain reactions were performed to amplify the drug resistance determining region (DRDR) of rpoB, folP1 and gyrA genes. The samples in which genes could be amplified were subjected to DNA sequencing to detect mutations. Results: Out of 78 samples rpoB gene was amplified in 39 (50%), folP1 in 32 (41%) and gyrA in 45 (57.7%). In 20 (25.6%) samples no gene was amplified. Only 32 samples of rpoB, 25 samples of folP1 and 38 samples of gyrA gene were included in the study, rest were excluded due to sequencing error. No mutation was seen in rpoB gene and in folP1 gene. In gyrA gene samples mutations were seen in 8 (21%) samples, and were present at codon 91 GCA → GTA (Alanine → Valine). Limitations: Small sample size and less efficient method to detect resistance. Conclusion: Resistance is not a problem with conventional drugs in MDT. It is more common with quinolones.

Superficial granulomatous pyoderma: A great mimicker

Sheetanshu Kumar, Keshavamurthy Vinay, Davinder Parsad, Uma N Saikia, Muthu Sendhil Kumaran

Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology, and Leprology 2018 84(3):374-374

Association between human leukocyte antigen-DRB1 and human leukocyte antigen-DQB1 alleles and pemphigus vulgaris in Indian patients: A case–control study

Anuradha Priyadarshini, Renu George, Dolly Daniel, Santosh Varughese, Visalakshi Jayaseelan

Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology, and Leprology 2018 84(3):280-284

Background: HLA-DRB1*04, -DRB1*08, -DRB1*14, -DQB1*03 and -DQB1*05 are reported to have significant association with pemphigus vulgaris; however, this is partially dependent on ethnicity. This study was done to determine the HLA-DR and -DQ types prevalent in Indian patients with pemphigus vulgaris. Methods: A prospective case–control study was done for a period of 9 months in Christian Medical College Vellore, India. HLA typing was done by PCR-SSOP method in 50 cases and 50 healthy controls. Allele frequencies in cases and controls were compared and odds ratios with 95% confidence interval were calculated. Results: The mean age of the patients (29 females, 21 males) and that of controls (36 males, 14 females) were 41.3 ± 13.65 and 35.42 ± 11.09 years, respectively. HLA-DRB1*14 was present in 47 patients and 18 controls (OR, 27.85; 95% CI, 7.57–102.42) and HLA-DQB1*05 was seen in 47 patients and 24 controls (OR, 16.97; 95% CI, 4.66–61.80). The haplotype DRB1*14, DQB1*05 was present in 44 patients and 14 controls (OR, 18.86; 95% CI, 6.58–54.05). DRB1*15 was present in 7 cases and 16 controls (OR, 0.35; 95% CI, 0.13–0.94) and DQB1*06 was present in 8 cases and 19 controls (OR, 0.31; 95% CI, 0.12–0.80). HLA-DQB1*03 was associated with significantly higher pemphigus disease area index scores. Limitations: The main limitations were that the numbers studied were small as the study was conducted at a single center, and the haplotype analysis was limited only to the proband. PDAI scores could have been influenced by prior treatment. Conclusion: There was a significant association between HLA-DRB1*14 and HLA-DQB1*05 and pemphigus vulgaris in our patients. A negative association was seen with DRB1*15 and DQB1*06.

Reticular telangiectatic erythema associated with implantable automatic cardioverter defibrillator

Ximena Calderón-Castrat, Javier Cañueto, Concepción Román-Curto, Ángel Santos-Briz, Emilia Fernández-López

Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology, and Leprology 2018 84(3):334-336

Association of interleukin 1 receptor antagonist intron 2 variable number of tandem repeats polymorphism with vitiligo susceptibility in Gujarat population

Mala Singh, Mohmmad Shoab Mansuri, Shahnawaz D Jadeja, Yogesh S Marfatia, Rasheedunnisa Begum

Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology, and Leprology 2018 84(3):285-291

Background: Vitiligo is a multifactorial, polygenic, autoimmune skin disorder caused by selective destruction of melanocytes. Interleukin 1 receptor antagonist intron 2 polymorphism was found to be associated with various autoimmune disorders. Aims: We aimed to investigate the association of interleukin 1 receptor antagonist intron 2 variable number of tandem repeats polymorphism (rs2234663) with vitiligo to assess interleukin 1 receptor antagonist transcript levels and to perform possible genotype–phenotype correlation. Methods: Three hundred and seven vitiligo patients and 316 controls were enrolled in the study, genotyping of interleukin 1 receptor antagonist rs2234663 was performed by polymerase chain reaction, and relative gene expression of interleukin 1 receptor antagonist was carried out in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from patients (n = 36) and controls (n = 36) by real-time-PCR. Results: A significant difference was observed in the frequency of interleukin 1 receptor antagonist *A (1/2) genotype among patients with active and stable vitiligo (P = 0.0172). Interleukin 1 receptor antagonist*A (2/2) genotype and allele frequencies were significantly different between SV patients and controls (P = 0.0246 and P = 0.0046, respectively). Significant difference was also observed for interleukin 1 receptor antagonist*A2 (allele) in active and stable vitiligo patients (P = 0.0060). However, other comparisons did not show any significant difference in genotype and allele frequencies. Moreover, interleukin 1 receptor antagonist*A (3/2) genotype was observed only in patients whereas interleukin 1 receptor antagonist*A (5/2) was observed only in controls. Gene expression analysis showed no significant difference in interleukin 1 receptor antagonist transcript levels in patients compared to controls (P = 0.5962). Interestingly, genotype–phenotype correlation analysis revealed that individuals with IL1RN*A (2/2) exhibited higher interleukin 1 receptor antagonist expression compared to other major genotypes interleukin 1 receptor antagonist*A (1/2) (P = 0.01) and interleukin 1 receptor antagonist*A (1/1) (P = 0.03). Limitations: More case-control studies on interleukin 1 receptor antagonist rs2234663 polymorphism and gene expression from different ethnic populations are required to explore the impact of interleukin 1 receptor antagonist in vitiligo susceptibility. Conclusion: Interleukin 1 receptor antagonist*A2 might be a risk factor for progressive vitiligo.

Whole exome sequencing in a multi-generation family from India reveals a genetic variation c.10C>T (p.Gln4Ter) in keratin 5 gene associated with Dowling–Degos disease

Neha Virmani, Shamsudheen Karuthedath Vellarikkal, Ankit Verma, Rijith Jayarajan, Jagdish Sakhiya, Chirag Desai, Sridhar Sivasubbu, Vinod Scaria

Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology, and Leprology 2018 84(3):344-346

Hodgkin's lymphoma arising in a case of mycosis fungoides: An unusual association

Preeti Sharma, Surbhi Goyal, Amit Kumar Yadav, Jasmeet Singh, Ashish Kumar Mandal

Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology, and Leprology 2018 84(3):292-297

Mycosis fungoides is a cutaneous T-cell lymphoma with a high risk for developing secondary malignancies, especially B-cell lymphoproliferative disorders. About 40 cases of Hodgkin's lymphoma associated with mycosis fungoides have been reported in literature till date. We report a case of a 35-year-old gentleman who presented with intensely itchy reddish lesions all over the body. Multiple skin biopsies taken from the lesions on scalp and back confirmed the clinical diagnosis of mycosis fungoides. While on treatment, he presented with multiple bilateral cervical, axillary and inguinal lymphadenopathy 9 years after the primary diagnosis of mycosis fungoides. Excision biopsy of a cervical lymph node revealed partial effacement of architecture by a tumor comprising polymorphous background. Histopathology and immunohistochemistry revealed a diagnosis of Hodgkin's lymphoma - nodular sclerosis subtype. The patient was started on chemotherapy for stage IV Hodgkin's lymphoma. Our case emphasizes the importance of keeping secondary Hodgkin's lymphoma in mind while dealing with a patient of mycosis fungoides. Our case immunohistochemically supports the distinct etiopathogenesis of Epstein–Barr virus-negative Hodgkin's lymphoma vis-à-vis cutaneous mycosis fungoides.

Scholarships and travel grants for residents and young dermatologists from India

Keshavamurthy Vinay, Shraddha Uprety, Gitesh U Sawatkar

Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology, and Leprology 2018 84(3):355-361

Paraffin-embedded micrographic surgery for the treatment of dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans: Analysis of 33 patients

Adriana Martín-Fuentes, Esther De Eusebio-Murillo, Consuelo Sánchez Herreros, Adrian Ballano-Ruiz, Esther Jiménez Blázquez, Jesús Cuevas-Santos

Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology, and Leprology 2018 84(3):298-303

Background: Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans is a rare malignant tumor with a high rate of recurrence after surgery. Moh's micrographic surgery allows examination of all surgical margins to ensure complete removal. Objective: To evaluate the use of Moh's micrographic surgery using paraffin-embedded sections for the treatment of dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans. Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of 33 patients with dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans treated in our department with paraffin-embedded micrographic surgery between January 2002 and June 2015. Our cases included patients with primary untreated disease and also those with persistent disease previously treated surgically elsewhere, with histologically positive margins. Results: Tumors were most commonly located on the trunk. After the first stage of micrographic surgery, including an initial lateral margin, 20 (60.6%) tumors were completely excised, 11 (33.3%) tumors required two stages and one tumor each (3.0%) required 4 and 6 stages respectively. Patients were monitored for recurrence for a mean duration of 6.5 years. There was no recurrence in any of our 33 patients. Conclusions: Our results indicate that Moh's micrographic surgery with paraffin-embedded sections may be the method of choice to treat dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans with a low recurrence rate, while preserving surrounding normal healthy tissue.

Median raphe cyst of penis

Deepali Chandrakant Tarate, Swagata Arvind Tambe, Chitra Shivanand Nayak

Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology, and Leprology 2018 84(3):373-373

Steroid-resistant erythroderma and alopecia in a newborn

Rana A El Khoury, Elie H Maalouf, Elio G Kechichian, Roland R Tomb

Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology, and Leprology 2018 84(3):304-306

Epidemiology, treatment and prevention of herpes zoster: A comprehensive review

Elsam Koshy, Lu Mengting, Hanasha Kumar, Wu Jianbo

Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology, and Leprology 2018 84(3):251-262

Herpes zoster is a major health burden that can affect individuals of any age. It is seen more commonly among individuals aged ≥50 years, those with immunocompromised status, and those on immunosuppressant drugs. It is caused by a reactivation of varicella zoster virus infection. Cell-mediated immunity plays a role in this reactivation. Fever, pain, and itch are common symptoms before the onset of rash. Post-herpetic neuralgia is the most common complication associated with herpes zoster. Risk factors and complications associated with herpes zoster depend on the age, immune status, and the time of initializing treatment. Routine vaccination for individuals over 60 years has shown considerable effect in terms of reducing the incidence of herpes zoster and post-herpetic neuralgia. Treatment with antiviral drugs and analgesics within 72 hours of rash onset has been shown to reduce severity and complications associated with herpes zoster and post-herpetic neuralgia. This study mainly focuses on herpes zoster using articles and reviews from PubMed, Embase, Cochrane library, and a manual search from Google Scholar. We cover the incidence of herpes zoster, gender distribution, seasonal and regional distribution of herpes zoster, incidence of herpes zoster among immunocompromised individuals, incidence of post-herpetic neuralgia following a zoster infection, complications, management, and prevention of herpes zoster and post-herpetic neuralgia.

A review of pulse therapy in 74 patients with pemphigus

Gillian Roga, Mary Augustine

Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology, and Leprology 2018 84(3):331-333

Incorporation of zinc and copper by insects of different functional feeding groups in agricultural streams

Abstract

Metals from agricultural areas are responsible for soil contamination and are carried into aquatic ecosystems. In this context, we evaluated the incorporation of zinc and copper via three feeding strategies (shredding, herbivory and predators) in assemblages of stream insects. We collected aquatic insects in five agricultural streams and five natural streams in Atlantic forest biome to investigate the accumulation of copper and zinc in insects with different feeding strategies. We found no significant differences in the concentrations of copper and zinc between stream types among all insect-feeding groups compared. However, we observed that copper accumulate concentrations differed significantly among the shredders and predators in relation to their resource in streams, while zinc concentrations differed in the two feeding strategy. Therefore, the investigation of the transfer of copper and zinc by different feeding strategies in streams can contribute to the understanding of changes in aquatic insect assemblages related to agricultural activities around streams.

Comment on Castien et al. (2018) pressure pain thresholds over the cranio-cervical region in headache - a systematic review and meta-analysis

Biodegradation of CuTETA, an effluent by-product in mineral processing

Abstract

Polyamines such as triethylenetetramine (TETA) and other amine chelators are used in mineral processing applications. Formation of heavy metal complexes of these reagents as a by-product in effluent water is a recent environmental concern. In this study, Paecilomyces sp. was enriched from soil on TETA as the sole source of carbon and nitrogen and was found to degrade > 96 and 90% CuTETA complexes at initial concentrations of 0.32 and 0.79 mM respectively, following 96-h incubation. After destabilization, most of the copper (> 78%) was complexed extracellularly and the rest was associated with the cell. Mass spectroscopy results provided confirmation that copper re-complexed with small, extracellular, and organic molecules. There are no reports in the literature that Paecilomyces or any other organism can grow on TETA or CuTETA. This study is the first to show that biological destabilization of CuTETA complexes in mineral processing effluents is feasible.

Valorisation of tuna processing waste biomass: isolation, purification and characterisation of four novel antioxidant peptides from tuna by-product hydrolysate

Abstract

Tuna protein hydrolysate (TPH) was prepared by hydrolysis with Prolyve BS and fractionated by membranes process. The antioxidant activities of recovered peptide fractions were evaluated. Four novel antioxidant peptides that were isolated from nanofiltration retentate exhibited the highest antioxidant activity, using gel chromatography and reversed phase high-performance liquid chromatography. The amino acid sequences of isolated peptides were identified as Tyr-Glu-Asn-Gly-Gly (P2), Glu-Gly-Tyr-Pro-Trp-Asn (P4), Tyr-Ile-Val-Tyr-Pro-Gly (P7) and Trp-Gly-Asp-Ala-Gly-Gly-Tyr-Tyr (P8) with molecular weights of 538.46, 764.75, 710.78 and 887.85 Da, respectively. P2, P4, P7 and P8 exhibited good scavenging activities on hydroxyl radical (IC₅₀ 0.41, 0.327, 0.17 and 0.042 mg/ml), DPPH radical (IC₅₀ 0.666, 0.326, 0.451 and 0.377 mg/ml) and superoxide radical (IC₅₀ 0.536, 0.307, 0.357 and 0.115 mg/ml). P7 was effective against lipid peroxidation in the model system. The isolated peptides might be useful used as natural food additive in food industry and formulation of nutritional products.

Flux model to estimate the transport of mercury species in a contaminated lagoon (Ria de Aveiro, Portugal)

Abstract

The concentrations of dissolved and particulate inorganic mercury (IHg(II)) and methylmercury (MeHg) from the contaminated Laranjo Bay (main freshwater discharge from the Antuã River) were measured by species-specific isotope dilution during six sampling campaigns at high and at low tide. Different effective riverine concentrations were calculated, based on salinity profiles, for specific hydrological conditions. The export fluxes of total Hg and MeHg (324 and 1.24 mol year⁻¹, respectively) from the bay to the rest of the Aveiro Lagoon are much higher than the input fluxes from the Hg source (3.9 and 0.05 mol year⁻¹) and from the Antuã River (10.4 and 0.10 mol year⁻¹). Resuspension of contaminated sediments from Laranjo Bay is crucial for the transport of both IHg(II) and MeHg. Methylation and/or selective enrichment into biogenic particles is responsible for the mobilization of MeHg. Sorption of dissolved IHg(II) onto suspended particles limits its export flux. This is one of the rarest examples where both speciation fluxes and partitioning of mercury are studied in a contaminated coastal environment. Despite the lower fraction of total MeHg (relative to total Hg), the contaminated lagoon may have an impact on coastal areas, particularly if change in the lagoon geometry occurs, due to sea level rise.

Anesthesia for collagenase clostridium histolyticum injection in patients with dupuytren disease: A cohort analysis.

Publication date: Available online 12 April 2018
Source:Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery
Author(s): Rafael Sanjuan-Cerveró, Francisco J. Carrera-Hueso, Pedro Vazquez-Ferreiro, Clayton A. Peimer
Procedural pain is one of the most common adverse effects reported by patients with Dupuytren disease treated with collagenase clostridium histolyticum (CCH). The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of wrist block prior to CCH injection in reducing procedural pain and analyze its impact on adverse effects. We performed a prospective, single-centre study in which we compared two groups of patients in a consecutive cohort. In the first group (NO-BLOCK), wrist block was only performed before finger extension, while in the second group (BLOCK) it was performed before CCH injection and finger extension. Pain was assessed on a 10-item numerical rating scale. Our results show that pain scores were clearly lower in the BLOCK group than in the NO-BLOCK group: 4.72 vs 0.61 for CCH injection and 3.43 vs 0.82 for finger extension. Patients who rated CCH injection pain with a score of 4 or higher were 11 times more likely to experience pain during extension. There was a weak correlation between the use of wrist block for CCH injection and the occurrence of skin lacerations (Spearman's rho = -0.222, p < 0.01) and the presence of pruritus (Spearman's rho = 0.183, p < 0.07). In conclusion, wrist block prior to CCH injection is an effective measure of decreasing perceived pain throughout the different stages of CCH treatment in patients with Dupuytren disease.

Nicorandil reduces burn wound progression by enhancing skin blood flow

Publication date: Available online 12 April 2018
Source:Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery
Author(s): Jaehoon Choi, Junhyung kim, Woonhyeok Jeong, Ryeolwoo kim, Sang Woo Park, Hyoun Wook Lee, Ho Yun Chung
We assessed whether nicorandil, an adenosine triphosphate-sensitive K+ channel opener, reduces burn wound progression in a rat comb burn model. A total of 24 rats were used. Following thermal injury, one dose of nicorandil (10 or 30 mg/kg) was administered intragastrically twice-daily for 3 days. At days 1 and 3 after injury, skin was harvested for histopathologic examination and protein isolation. Rats treated with the 10 mg/kg and 30 mg/kg doses of nicorandil exhibited significantly increased tissue survival in the zone of stasis at days 1 and 3 after injury. The 10 mg/kg and 30 mg/kg nicorandil doses also significantly increased skin perfusion in the zone of stasis at days 1 and 3 after injury. At 30 mg/kg, nicorandil significantly reduced hypoxia inducible factor-1α expression in the zone of stasis at day 1 after injury and reduced inflammatory responses in the zone of stasis. The latter effect included decreased polymorphonuclear neutrophil leukocyte infiltration and interleukin-1β release at day 1 after injury. At 30 mg/kg, nicorandil also significantly reduced expression of nuclear factor-kB p65, a key transcriptional factor in the regulation of inflammatory mediators, in the zone of stasis at day 1 after injury. Our study demonstrates that a 30 mg/kg dosing schedule of nicorandil increases tissue survival in the zone of stasis by attenuating ischemia/reperfusion injury. This effect is mediated by enhancement of skin blood flow and reduction of the inflammatory response. Therefore, our findings suggest that nicorandil has potential clinical applications for patients with burns.

Buffered local anesthetics reduce injection pain and provide anesthesia for up to 5 hours

Publication date: Available online 13 April 2018
Source:Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery
Author(s): Josefine Bunke, Rafi Sheikh, Jenny Hult, Malin Malmsjö

Investigation of the physical and chemical characteristics of rural solid waste in China and its spatiotemporal distributions

Abstract

Despite governmental efforts toward the development of policies, funds, and technologies, the inherent characteristics of rural solid waste (RSW) discharge have led to great difficulties in RSW pollution control. However, establishing a realistic management strategy requires greater knowledge of RSW generation. Therefore, the RSW of 72 typical towns and villages from 12 provinces of China was analyzed for physicochemical characteristics, as well as its spatiotemporal distribution. The largest proportion of kitchen waste, coal ash, plastic, and paper of RSW was 33.70% ± 17.87%, 26.50% ± 17.61%, 13.48% ± 5.68%, and 10.75% ± 5.75%, respectively, in 2015. Although RSW had the potential for composting, it was still necessary to pay special attention to heavy metals pollution of RSW. The spatiotemporal distributions of RSW components were extremely non-homogenous, and significant variations existed in the kitchen residue, coal ash, plastic, and paper because of differences in economic growth, climatic changes, dietary habits, energy consumption structure, and consumer preferences. No obvious differences in RSW components were observed between villages and market towns. Overall, RSW treatment and management approaches should be considered based on local conditions of RSW generation.

Towards pesticide-free farming? Sharing needs and knowledge promotes Integrated Pest Management

Effect of biochar derived from barley straw on soil physicochemical properties, crop growth, and nitrous oxide emission in an upland field in South Korea

Abstract

This study was conducted to investigate soil quality, Chinese cabbage growth, and N₂O emission after biochar application in an upland field in South Korea. Each of the barley straw biochar (BC, applied at 10 ton ha⁻¹), inorganic fertilizer (IF, applied at N-P-K = 320–78–198 kg ha⁻¹), and BC + IF treatment areas were separated by a control (Cn) treatment area. Soils treated with BC and BC + IF treatments had lower bulk density and higher porosity than those in the Cn treatment areas. Soil chemical properties (pH, TN, Avail. P₂O₅, and CEC) after biochar addition were improved. In particular, soil pH and CEC related to crop nutrient availability were significantly increased in BC areas compared to those in Cn and IF areas. Fresh weights of Chinese cabbage grown under BC, IF, and BC + IF treatment conditions increased by 64.9, 78.4, and 112.0%, respectively, over that in the Cn treatment area. Total nutrient (TN, TP, and K) uptakes among the treatment areas were, in declining order, BC + IF (14.51 g plant⁻¹) > IF > BC > Cn. More interestingly, the BC application had a positive effect on growth of Chinese cabbage under IF application conditions, and there was a tight relationship between the effect of BC application on Chinese cabbage growth and that of agronomic IF application efficiency. Compared to the IF results, total N₂O flux was lower with BC (flux decreased by 60.6%) or BC + IF (flux decreased by 22.3%) treatments. These results indicate that Chinese cabbage yield, when cultivated in soil conditions such as those in an upland field in South Korea, can be increased by application of BC or a combination of BC and IF.

Panel estimation for renewable and non-renewable energy consumption, economic growth, CO 2 emissions, the composite trade intensity, and financial openness of the commonwealth of independent states

Abstract

This article investigates the long-run and causal linkages between economic growth, CO₂ emissions, renewable and non-renewable (fossil fuels) energy consumption, the Composite Trade Intensity (CTI) as a proxy for trade openness, and the Chinn-Ito index as a proxy for financial openness for a panel of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) region including Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, and Uzbekistan over the period of 1992–2015. It is the first time that CTI and the Chinn-Ito indexes are used in an economic-pollution model. Employing three panel unit root tests, panel cointegration estimation methods (DOLS and FMOLS), and two panel causality tests, the main empirical results provided evidence for the bidirectional long-run relationship between all the variables in all 12 sampled countries except for economic growth-renewable energy use linkage. The findings of causality tests indicated that there is a unidirectional short-run panel causality running from economic growth, financial openness, and trade openness to CO₂ emissions and from fossil fuel energy consumption to renewable energy use.

Emergency material allocation with time-varying supply-demand based on dynamic optimization method for river chemical spills

Abstract

Aiming to minimize the damage caused by river chemical spills, efficient emergency material allocation is critical for an actual emergency rescue decision-making in a quick response. In this study, an emergency material allocation framework based on time-varying supply-demand constraint is developed to allocate emergency material, minimize the emergency response time, and satisfy the dynamic emergency material requirements in post-accident phases dealing with river chemical spills. In this study, the theoretically critical emergency response time is firstly obtained for the emergency material allocation system to select a series of appropriate emergency material warehouses as potential supportive centers. Then, an enumeration method is applied to identify the practically critical emergency response time, the optimum emergency material allocation and replenishment scheme. Finally, the developed framework is applied to a computational experiment based on south-to-north water transfer project in China. The results illustrate that the proposed methodology is a simple and flexible tool for appropriately allocating emergency material to satisfy time-dynamic demands during emergency decision-making. Therefore, the decision-makers can identify an appropriate emergency material allocation scheme in a balance between time-effective and cost-effective objectives under the different emergency pollution conditions.

Integrative taxonomy and the operationalization of evolutionary independence

Abstract

There is growing agreement among taxonomists that species are independently evolving lineages. The central notion of this conception, evolutionary independence, is commonly operationalized by taxonomists in multiple, diverging ways. This leads to a problem of operationalization-dependency in species classification, as species delimitation is not only dependent on the properties of the investigated groups, but also on how taxonomists choose to operationalize evolutionary independence. The question then is how the operationalization-dependency of species delimitation is compatible with its objectivity and reliability. In response to this problem, various taxonomists have proposed to integrate multiple operationalizations of evolutionary independence for delimiting species. This paper first distinguishes between a standard and a sophisticated integrative approach to taxonomy, and argues that it is unclear how either of these can support the reliability and objectivity of species delimitation. It then draws a parallel between the measurement of physical quantities and species delimitation to argue that species delimitation can be considered objective and reliable if we understand the sophisticated integrative approach as assessing the coherence between the idealized models of multiple operationalizations of evolutionary independence.

Erratum

Publication date: Available online 12 April 2018
Source:Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology

Fumaric acid production using renewable resources from biodiesel and cane sugar production processes

Abstract

The microbial production of fumaric acid by Rhizopus arrhizus NRRL 2582 has been evaluated using soybean cake from biodiesel production processes and very high polarity (VHP) sugar from sugarcane mills. Soybean cake was converted into a nutrient-rich hydrolysate via a two-stage bioprocess involving crude enzyme production via solid state fermentations (SSF) of either Aspergillus oryzae or R. arrhizus cultivated on soybean cake followed by enzymatic hydrolysis of soybean cake. The soybean cake hydrolysate produced using crude enzymes derived via SSF of R. arrhizus was supplemented with VHP sugar and evaluated using different initial free amino nitrogen (FAN) concentrations (100, 200, and 400 mg/L) in fed-batch cultures for fumaric acid production. The highest fumaric acid concentration (27.3 g/L) and yield (0.7 g/g of total consumed sugars) were achieved when the initial FAN concentration was 200 mg/L. The combination of VHP sugar with soybean cake hydrolysate derived from crude enzymes produced by SSF of A. oryzae at 200 mg/L initial FAN concentration led to the production of 40 g/L fumaric acid with a yield of 0.86 g/g of total consumed sugars. The utilization of sugarcane molasses led to low fumaric acid production by R. arrhizus, probably due to the presence of various minerals and phenolic compounds. The promising results achieved through the valorization of VHP sugar and soybean cake suggest that a focused study on molasses pretreatment could lead to enhanced fumaric acid production.

Phthalate esters distribution in coastal mariculture of Hong Kong, China

Abstract

The aim of the study is to evaluate the impact of mariculture on phthalate esters speciation and distribution in sediments and cultured fish in the Hong Kong regions and near mainland China. Concentrations of ∑phthalate esters in mariculture surface sediments (0 to 5 cm) ranged from 0.20 to 54.3 mg/kg dw (mean 10.3 mg/kg dw), with the highest recorded at M2 (20.4 mg/kg dw). Concentrations of phthalate esters were not significantly (p > 0.05) enriched in surface and sediment cores at mariculture sites relative to the reference sediments, 1 to 2 km away in areas without mariculture activities. Among different congeners, only butyl benzyl phthalate (BBP) concentrations demonstrated a significant correlation (R² = 0.40, p < 0.05) with TOC values of sediments. The median concentrations of di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) and di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP) in the sediments were 1.57 and 6.96 times higher than the environmental risk levels (ERL), which may pose environmental risks. Results of health risk assessments revealed that the cultured fish (snubnose pompano, orange-spotted grouper, and red snapper) were safe for consumption, in terms of phthalate esters. This is the first study to assess the differences of phthalate esters contamination between mariculture and natural coastal sediments.

In situ co-precipitation preparation of a superparamagnetic graphene oxide/Fe 3 O 4 nanocomposite as an adsorbent for wastewater purification: synthesis, characterization, kinetics, and isotherm studies

Abstract

A superparamagnetic graphene oxide (GO)/Fe₃O₄ nanocomposite (MGO) was prepared by a facile in situ co-precipitation strategy, resulting in a prospective material for the application of graphene oxide in wastewater treatment. MGO was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), x-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The prepared adsorbent showed a high adsorption efficiency relevant to the purification of dye-contaminated wastewater and could be readily magnetically separated. The maximum adsorption capacity was ca. 546.45 mg g⁻¹ for the common cationic dye methylene blue (MB) and ca. 628.93 mg g⁻¹ for the anionic dye Congo red (CR). The adsorption processes fit the pseudo-second-order kinetic model well, which revealed that these processes may involve the chemical interaction between adsorbate and adsorbent. The thermodynamic parameters indicated that the adsorption reaction was an endothermic and spontaneous process. Furthermore, the prepared magnetic adsorbent had a wide effective pH range from 5 to 11 and showed good stability after five reuse cycles. The synthetic MGO showed great potential as a promising adsorbent for organic contaminant removal in wastewater treatment.