Review of historical aquatic toxicity and bioconcentration data for the brominated flame retardant tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA): effects to fish, invertebrates, algae, and microbial communities

Abstract

This paper summarizes the historical and recent research on the aquatic toxicology and bioconcentration potential of tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA), a major flame retardant in electronics. Historical studies on TBBPA are presented in detail, and are compared with more recent research. The historical studies have not been published to date, though they were pivotal in regulatory assessments by the European Union, Canada, and the USA. These assessments have enabled the use of TBBPA as a flame retardant in electronic applications, to the present. The studies were conducted under a Test Rule by the US Environmental Protection Agency in 1987, and were sponsored by member companies of the North American Flame Retardants Alliance (NAFRA) through the American Chemistry Council. The studies were conducted under Good Laboratory Practice procedures, and include 6 acute toxicity tests of TBBPA with fish, invertebrates, algae, and microbes, eight chronic tests, and three bioconcentration studies with fish and invertebrates. Methods and empirical data for each study are detailed in an electronic supplement. Results of the NAFRA studies are compared with recent findings on TBBPA toxicity. Molluscan shell growth may be uniquely sensitive to TBBPA, more sensitive than chronic fish or crustacean toxicity endpoints. Several of the NAFRA studies and several independent studies have reported toxicities exceeding the empirical water solubility limits of TBBPA (in the range of 2.0 mg/L depending on pH). The validity of these results is discussed.

LncRNA LINC00152 promoted glioblastoma progression through targeting the miR-107 expression

Abstract

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) LINC00152 plays important roles in the progression of some tumors. However, the role of LINC00152 in human l glioblastoma is still unknown. In this study, we indicated that LINC00152 expression level was upregulated in glioblastoma tissues and cell lines. Overexpression of LINC00152 promoted the U87 and LN229 cell proliferation and invasion. Moreover, overexpression of LINC00152 suppressed the E-cadherin expression, where ectopic expression of LINC00152 promoted the N-cadherin, Vimentin, and Snail expression. These results suggested that LINC00152 enhanced epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) program in the glioblastoma cell. Overexpression of LINC00152 suppressed the miR-107 expression in the U87 cell and enhanced the HMGA2 expression, which is a direct target gene of miR-107. In addition, we showed that the miR-107 expression was downregulated in the glioblastoma tissues and cell lines. Interesting, the expression of LINC00152 was negatively related with miR-107 expression in the glioblastoma tissues. Furthermore, LINC00152 promoted the glioblastoma cell proliferation and invasion through inhibiting miR-107 expression. These data suggested that LINC00152 acted as oncogene roles in the glioblastoma cell partly through targeting the miR-107 expression.

Skow on robust passage and the moving spotlight theory

Issue Information

Journal of Cutaneous Pathology, Volume 45, Issue 5, May 2018.

Allocating on coal consumption and CO 2 emission from fair and efficient perspective: empirical analysis on provincial panel data of China

Abstract

This paper considers a problem of how to allocate resource effectively and equitably among provinces. To address the problem, a total factor resource input-oriented data envelopment analysis (DEA) model is used to evaluate the energy and environmental efficiency for 30 provinces in China during 2009–2013 in this paper. Based on the evaluation results, from efficient and fair perspective, a revised DEA-based resource allocation model is established. It is worth pointing out that the model takes the input orientation and output orientation into account at the same time and can be used to allocate coal consumption and carbon emission by 2020 for 30 provinces in China. Results indicate that if the Chinese government wants to fulfill the CO₂ emission reduction targets of 40–45% by 2020, and coal consumption intensity reduction target during 13th Five-Year Plan, inefficient provinces will undertake more coal consumption and carbon emission intensity reduction obligation share. And provinces with historical high coal consumption and high CO₂ emission intensity will have greater potential of coal consumption and carbon emission intensity reduction. In addition, this paper set several scenarios of gross domestic product (GDP) growth rate, under the scenarios analysis, finds the growth rate of GDP has negative effect on reduction of coal consumption and carbon dioxide emissions intensity. This research provides more realistic practical significance for achieving sustainable economic development.

Correction to: Formation of brominated and chlorinated dioxins and its prevention during a pilot test of mechanochemical treatment of PCB and PBDE contaminated soil

Abstract

The destruction of persistent organic pollutants(POPs) is a large challenge in particular in developing and emerging economies.

Comparison of different advanced degradation processes for the removal of the pharmaceutical compounds diclofenac and carbamazepine from liquid solutions

Abstract

Carbamazepine and diclofenac are two examples of drugs with widespread geographical and environmental media proliferation that are poorly removed by traditional wastewater treatment processes. Advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) have been proposed as alternative methods to remove these compounds in solution. AOPs are based on a wide class of powerful technologies, including UV radiation, ozone, hydrogen peroxide, Fenton process, catalytic wet peroxide oxidation, heterogeneous photocatalysis, electrochemical oxidation and their combinations, sonolysis, and microwaves applicable to both water and wastewater. Moreover, processes rely on the production of oxidizing radicals (•OH and others) in a solution to decompose present pollutants. Water radiolysis-based processes, which are an alternative to the former, involve the use of concentrated energy (beams of accelerated electrons or γ-rays) to split water molecules, generating strong oxidants and reductants (radicals) at the same time. In this paper, the degradation of carbamazepine and diclofenac by means of all these processes is discussed and compared. Energy and byproduct generation issues are also addressed.

Dietary patterns and serum of DDT concentrations among reproductive-aged group of women in Bangladesh

Abstract

This research was conducted in order to propose ways to reduce human exposure to DDT, especially for women of reproductive age in Bangladesh, and to find a relation between DDT exposure levels in serum and questionnaire information including sociodemographic and food frequency (FFQ). In this study, a significant relationship was found between the education level and BMI, and the serum p,p′-DDE concentration. This result suggests that people with higher education (relating to higher income) and BMI in Bangladesh actively buy expensive foodstuff, like meat and/or fatty fish, which relates to a higher fat intake. Additionally, a weak positive relationship between p,p′-DDE concentration in serum and the frequency of beef consumption was observed among the nullipara women subgroup. In a previous study, beef and fish showed large contributions on DDT intake of Bangladesh population. Those results suggest that the control of fatty food consumption such as meat (beef) and marine fish might help to regulate the levels of DDT.

Flushes, neurodermatology, and surroundings

To the Editor: As a dermatologist engaged in consultations in neurologic settings for almost 2 decades, I have read the review about cutaneous flushing by Sadeghian et al,1 and this compels me to put forward some specifications.

Reply to: “Facial erythromelalgia?”

To the Editor: A few predominantly facial cases of potential erythromelalgia have been described, but these appear to be exceedingly rare.1-4 In 1 of the case reports, the condition was mistaken for other dermatologic conditions (rosacea and contact dermatitis) for years until the patient developed symptoms of erythromelalgia elsewhere.1 Another case report highlights the importance of keeping this in the differential diagnosis to avoid confusion with dermatologic connective tissue disorders that involve the face.

Activated mTORC1 signaling: The common driving force of type 2 diabetes and hidradenitis suppurativa

To the Editor: The results of the recent meta-analysis by Bui et al have confirmed that hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is significantly associated with an increased prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).1 According to the authors, this association could be due to the fact that HS patients tend to be more obese.1 In this regard, we think that altered mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) signaling might contribute and explain the connection between HS and T2DM. mTOR is the core constituent of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase–related kinase protein family that forms at least 2 multiprotein complexes known as mTORC1 and mTORC2.

Introducing a curriculum in ethics and professionalism for dermatology residencies

There is general agreement on what constitutes ethical reasoning and professional behavior, but standardized methods to teach these skills in dermatology residency are currently unavailable. We introduce a model curriculum designed to impart the knowledge and skills to meet the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education Dermatology Milestones for Professionalism over a 3-year cycle.

Journal Based CME Instructions and Information

Performance of a computer-aided digital dermoscopic image analyzer for melanoma detection in 1,076 pigmented skin lesion biopsies

Digital dermoscopic image analysis of pigmented skin lesions (PSLs) has become increasingly popular, despite its unclear clinical utility. Unbiased, high-powered studies investigating the efficacy of commercially available systems are limited.

Facial erythromelalgia?

To the Editor: I enjoyed reading the excellent reviews of the many causes of cutaneous flushing by Sadeghian et al.1,2 One cause of facial flushing mentioned is erythromelalgia. I write to suggest that the term erythromelalgia be restricted to patients with additional flushing of their feet and/or hands.

Answers to CME examination

Editorial Board

JAAD Case Reports Article List

Table of Contents

Dermatology Calendar

Information for Readers

CME examination

Treatment of pincer nail deformity using dental correction principles

To the Editor: Pincer nail deformity (PND) is characterized by excessive transverse curvature of the nail plate. There is no treatment of choice. Superelastic nickel-titanium has been used to bend PND to its normal shape in previous reports, and the procedure involves drilling a hole in the nail plate or applying a hook structure to fix the material to the nail.1-3 In this study, we used dental correction methods to improve PND.

CME examination

Desquamative gingivitis

Desquamative gingivitis is a clinical finding with several potential etiologies. Among the most common are oral lichen planus, cicatricial pemphigoid, and pemphigus vulgaris, though various other differential diagnoses exist. The presence of desquamative gingivitis often results in poor oral hygiene, which can have downstream consequences, including periodontitis and tooth loss. Though certain mucosal findings may be suggestive of a particular diagnosis, a thorough history, physical examination, and appropriate dermato- and immunopathologic assessment is necessary for narrowing this broad differential diagnosis.

Comment on “The role of the ugly duckling sign in patient education”

To the Editor: There are important caveats regarding the study by Ilyas et al regarding the role of the ugly duckling sign in patient education, both in the design and conclusions of the study itself, as well as in the premise of ugly duckling identification and melanoma recognition.1

Desquamative gingivitis

Desquamative gingivitis is a clinical finding with several potential etiologies, and therefore histologic examination should be performed to confirm the diagnosis before the implementation of systemic therapy. The best methods for obtaining a mucosal biopsy specimen are discussed to aid the dermatologist in approaching these patients, and indications for additional testing, such as immunofluorescence studies, are reviewed. Desquamative gingivitis is uncommon, and there are no systematic guidelines to assist the physician in treatment, producing a practice gap in management.

Fate of Lu(III) sorbed on 2-line ferrihydrite at pH 5.7 and aged for 12 years at room temperature. II: insights from STEM-EDXS and DFT calculations

Abstract

Transformation products of two-line ferrihydrite associated with Lu(III) were studied after 12 years of aging using aberration-corrected high-angle annular dark field scanning transmission electron microscopy (HAADF-STEM), high-efficiency energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDXS), and density functional theory (DFT). The transformation products consisted of hematite nanoparticles with overgrown goethite needles. High-efficiency STEM-EDXS revealed that Lu is only associated with goethite needles, and atomic-resolution HAADF-STEM reveals structural incorporation of Lu within goethite, partially replacing structural Fe sites. This finding corroborates those recently obtained by AsFlFFF and EXAFS spectroscopy on the same sample (Finck et al. 2018). DFT calculations indicate that Lu incorporation within goethite or hematite are almost equally likely, suggesting that experimental parameters such as temperature and reaction time which affect reaction kinetics, play important roles in determining the Lu uptake. It seems likely that these results may be transferable to predict the behavior of chemically homologous trivalent actinides.

Dual Coverage of the Inferior Pole with Conjoined Fascial Flap and Acellular Dermal Matrix for Immediate One-Stage Breast Reconstruction with a Prosthetic Implant

Abstract

Background

Elevation of a conjoined fascial flap composed of the pectoralis major, serratus anterior, and external oblique fascia is a type of surgical technique using autologous tissue to cover the lower pole after immediate one-stage direct-to-implant (DTI) breast reconstruction. However, volumetric breast implants hinder use of this technique alone. For better structural stability and more aesthetically favorable breast contour in large breasts, we have devised a technique involving dual coverage of the lower pole by a conjoined fascial flap and acellular dermal matrix (ADM).

Methods

Twenty Asian patients underwent DTI breast reconstruction from March 2013 to May 2014. ADM was used to cover the inferomedial quadrant of the breast, and a conjoined fascial flap was elevated to cover the remaining inferolateral quadrant. Both patient- and plastic surgeon-reported outcome measures were assessed using questionnaires.

Result

For every domain of the patient- and plastic surgeon-reported questionnaires, the mean scores were between satisfied and very satisfied. Two patients developed a seroma and one patient developed partial skin flap necrosis. Both seromas resolved after a series of aspirations. The necrotic skin flap was revised under local anesthesia 3 weeks after the reconstructive surgery.

Conclusion

The use of dual coverage of the inferior pole with a conjoined fascial flap and ADM for immediate DTI among patients with large breasts is supported by high scores in both patient- and plastic surgeon-reported outcome measures, as well as low complication rates.

Level of Evidence IV

This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266.

Phase 1 studies to assess the safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetics of JTE‐052 (a novel Janus kinase inhibitor) ointment in Japanese healthy volunteers and patients with atopic dermatitis

The Journal of Dermatology, EarlyView.

Toll‐like receptors 2 and 3 enhance melanogenesis and melanosome transport in human melanocytes

Pigment Cell &Melanoma Research, EarlyView.

Issue Information

Skin Research and Technology, Volume 24, Issue 2, Page i-iv, May 2018.

Pressure heel ulcers in patients with type 2 diabetes: Is it T.I.M.E. to customise wound bed preparation according to different heel areas?

International Wound Journal, EarlyView.

Energy and environmental impact analysis of rice cultivation and straw management in northern Thailand

Abstract

Rice cultivation and energy use for rice production can produce the environmental impacts, especially related to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Also, rice straw open burning by farmers generally practiced after harvesting stage in Thailand for removing the residues in the rice field is associated with emissions of air pollutants, especially particulate matter formation that affects human health and global climate. This study assessed the environmental burdens, consisting of GHG emissions, energy use, and particulate matter formation (PM10), from rice cultivation in Thailand by life cycle assessment (LCA) and compared the environmental burdens of rice straw management scenarios: open burning, incorporation into soil, and direct combustion for electricity generation. The data were collected from the rice production cooperative in Chiang Mai province, northern Thailand, via onsite records and face-to-face questionnaires in 2016. The environmental impacts were evaluated from cradle-to-farm gate. The results showed that the total GHG emissions were 0.64 kg CO₂-eq per kilogram of paddy rice, the total energy use was 1.80 MJ per kilogram of paddy rice and the PM10 emissions were 0.42 g PM10-eq per kilogram of paddy rice. The results of rice straw management scenarios showed that rice straw open burning had the highest GHG and PM10 emissions. However, rice straw utilization by incorporation into soil and direct combustion for electricity generation could reduce these impacts substantially.

Biodegradation tests of mercaptocarboxylic acids, their esters, related divalent sulfur compounds and mercaptans

Abstract

Mercaptocarboxylic acids and their esters, a class of difunctional compounds bearing both a mercapto and a carboxylic acid or ester functional group, are industrial chemicals of potential environmental concern. Biodegradation of such compounds was systematically investigated here, both by literature search and by experiments (Closed Bottle Test OECD 301D and Manometric Respirometry Test OECD 301F). These compounds were found either readily biodegradable or at least biodegradable to a significant extent. Some related compounds of divalent sulfur were tested for comparison (mercaptans, sulfides, disulfides). For the two relevant monofunctional compound classes, carboxylic acids/esters and mercaptans, literature data were compiled, and by comparison with structurally similar compounds without these functional groups, the influence of COOH/COOR' and SH groups on biodegradability was evaluated. Thereby, an existing rule of thumb for biodegradation of carboxylic acids/esters was supported by experimental data, and a rule of thumb could be formulated for mercaptans. Concurrent to biodegradation, abiotic processes were observed in the experiments, rapid oxidative formation of disulfides (dimerisation of monomercaptans and cyclisation of dimercaptans) and hydrolysis of esters. Some problems that compromise the reproducibility of biodegradation test results were discussed.

In vitro water resistance testing using SPF simulation based on spectroscopic analysis of rinsed sunscreens

International Journal of Cosmetic Science, EarlyView.

Deficiency of the interleukin‐36 receptor antagonist dramatically improved by secukinumab

The Journal of Dermatology, EarlyView.

Pilot study on the correlation between dermoscopic patterns and fluorescence in situ hybridization findings using whole‐slide digital imaging for acral volar melanocytic lesions

The Journal of Dermatology, EarlyView.

Pitfall in interpretation of kappa coefficients, in reference to the disagreement between Dr Shinichi Watanabe and Drs Tsunemi and Hiruma concerning the efficacy of the Dermatophyte Test Strip

The Journal of Dermatology, EarlyView.

Abdominal Pain in a Normal Host

(See page 1475 for the Photo Quiz.)

News

Abdominal Pain in a Normal Host

(See pages 1476–7 for the Answer to the Photo Quiz.)

Cover

In the Literature

Characterization of a di- n -butyl phthalate-degrading bacterial consortium and its application in contaminated soil

Abstract

Dibutyl phthalate (DBP), as a plasticizer, is widely used in China, and it is easily released into diverse environments. In this study, we have obtained a stable bacterial consortium (B1) enriched from municipal sewage treatment plant activated sludge. The obtained bacterial consortium B1 was capable of degrading DBP and was mainly composed of Pandoraea sp. and Microbacterium sp. From the initial concentrations of 35–500 mg L⁻¹, DBP was efficiently degraded by the consortium, with the degradation rates above 92% within 3 days. The optimal temperature for DBP degradation was 30 °C and consortium B1 could adapt to a wide range of pH (5.5–8.5). The analysis of Illumina sequencing further showed that the relative abundance of Pandoraea was increased at the beginning of the degradation, while Microbacterium was decreased. In the later stage of the degradation, the change of the relative abundance of Pandoraea and Microbacterium was opposite. Apart from DBP, consortium B1 could also utilize dimethyl phthalate (DMP), di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP), and phthalic acid (PA) as the sole carbon. Moreover, adding B1 to DBP-contaminated soil could greatly improve the removal rate of DBP, suggesting that B1 has a great potential for the bioremediation of DBP-contaminated environments.

Characterization of biosurfactant from yeast using residual soybean oil under acidic conditions and their use in metal removal processes

Abstract

This study aimed at the production of biosurfactants from yeasts under acidic conditions using residual soybean oil as a carbon source, as well as the biosurfactant produced in the solubilization of metals in sewage sludge. The yeast Meyerozyma guilliermondii was considered the best producer in both pH 4.0 and 2.0, therefore the product obtained by this yeast was characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) and ¹H Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. Moreover, it was applied in metal removal assays in anaerobic sewage sludge. The spectra obtained in FT-IR suggested that M. guilliermondii's biosurfactant had a similar structure to glycolipids from the sophorolipid class and it was confirmed by ¹H NMR spectroscopy. In the bioleaching assays, the application of biosurfactant (2%) produced by M. guilliermondii with pH adjusted to 2.0 was able to solubilize 15.9% of cadmium from the sewage sludge.

Publishing activities improves undergraduate biology education

Abstract

To improve undergraduate biology education, there is an urgent need for biology instructors to publish their innovative active learning instructional materials in peer-reviewed journals. To do this, instructors can measure student knowledge about a variety of biology concepts, iteratively design activities, explore student learning outcomes, and publish the results. Creating a set of well-vetted activities, searchable through a journal interface, saves other instructors time and encourages the use of active-learning instructional practices. For authors, these publications offer new opportunities to collaborate and can provide evidence of a commitment to using active-learning instructional techniques in the classroom.

Our experience of the necessity of adenoidectomy or adenotonsillectomy at the time of ventilation tube insertion in 11 941 children with middle ear effusion

Clinical Otolaryngology, EarlyView.

The correlation between active anterior rhinomanometry results and nasal obstruction symptoms scores after inferior turbinate reduction: A prospective cohort study about sixty‐five patients

Clinical Otolaryngology, EarlyView.

Analysis of asymmetries in air pollution with water resources, and energy consumption in Iran

Abstract

Iran should pay special attention to its excessive consumption of energy and air pollution due to the limited availability of water resources. This study explores the effects of the consumption of energy and water resources on air pollution in Iran from 1971 to 2014. It utilizes the non-linear autoregressive distributed lag approach to establish a robust relationship between the variables which show that both long- and short-run coefficients are asymmetrical. The positive and negative aspects of the long-run coefficients of energy consumption and water resources were found to be 0.19, − 1.63, 0.18, and 2.36, respectively, while only the negative ones were significant for energy consumption. Based on the cumulative effects, it can be established that there are important and significant differences in the responses of air pollution to positive and negative changes in water productivity and energy consumption. In particular, CO₂ gas emissions are affected by negative changes in H₂O productivity both in terms of the total and the GDP per unit of energy use in Iran. In regard to short-run results, considerable asymmetric effects occur on all the variables for CO₂ emissions. Based on the results obtained, some recommendations are presented, which policymakers can adopt in efforts to address the issues of pollution and consumption.

Impact of antioxidant additives on the performance and emission characteristics of C.I engine fuelled with B20 blend of rice bran biodiesel

Abstract

This manuscript presents the impact of addition of antioxidant additives to rice bran biodiesel blend on the performance and emission characteristics of compression ignition (C.I) engine. Rice bran methyl ester (RBME) was produced from rice bran oil by transesterification using sodium hydroxide as catalyst. An experimental investigation was conducted on a single-cylinder four-stroke C.I engine to analyze the performance and emission characteristics of rice bran methyl ester (RBME) blended with diesel at 20% by volume (B20) with and without addition of 1000 ppm of two monophenolic antioxidant additives, butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT). The results showed that the BHA- and BHT-treated B20 blend decreased the brake specific fuel consumption (BSFC) by 2.1 and 1.2% and increased the brake thermal efficiency (BTE) by 1.04 and 0.5% compared to B20. The BHA- and BHT-treated B20 blend produced mean reductions in NOx emission of 12.2 and 9.6%, respectively, compared to B20. The carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrocarbon (HC) emissions of BHA- and BHT-treated B20 were increased by 14.8–16.6% and 10.6–11.2%, respectively, compared to B20. However the emission levels were lower than those of diesel.

Effect of different bulking agents on water variation and thermal balance and their respective contribution to bio-generated heat during long-term storage sludge biodrying process

Abstract

Biodrying was first used for the post-treatment of long-term storage sludge with vinasse as bulking agents. The effect of different bulking agents on water and heat variation and their respective contributions to bio-generated heat during storage sludge biodrying were investigated. Three different bulking agents (beer lees and distillers grains, with conventional straw used for comparison) were mixed with storage sludge for biodrying for an 18-day period. The results revealed the treatment with beer lees as bulking agent achieved the best performance with the highest water removal capacity (658 g kg⁻¹ initial water). The extent of organic degradation in the mixture was related to the degradation ability of the bulking agents. The degradation of C- and H-containing materials (e.g., carboxylic acid) accounted for volatile solids (VS) loss. Water and thermal analyses showed that evaporation was the main way of water loss (accounting for 90%), while evaporation heat was the main component of heat consumption (accounting for 56.67–60.62%).The biodegradation of bulking agents contributed a high proportion of the bio-generated heat consumed by water evaporation (82.35–86.67%).

Connecting gastrointestinal cancer risk to cadmium and lead exposure in the Chaoshan population of Southeast China

Abstract

Cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) pose a serious threat to human health because of its carcinogenicity. China ranks first according to the Global Cancer Report for 2014 in newly diagnosed gastrointestinal cancers and cancer deaths. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the association of Cd and Pb burden with the risk of gastrointestinal cancers in a hospital-based case-control study from southern regions of China, Chaoshan area. A total of 279 hospitalized patients were recruited in this study, of which 167 were gastrointestinal cancer cases (70 esophageal cancer, 51 gastric cancer, and 46 colorectal cancer), and 112 controls were recruited from two hospitals in the Chaoshan area of southeast China. Basic clinical data and information on gender, age, and other demographic characteristics were collected from medical records. Blood Cd and Pb levels were detected by graphite furnace atomizer absorption spectrophotometry (GFAAS). Blood Cd/Pb levels and over-limit ratios between cases and controls were compared by Mann-Whitney U and Kruskal-Wallis H tests. We used logistic regression to estimate odds ratios (ORs) as measures of relative risk and explored the relationships between blood Cd/Pb levels and gastrointestinal cancer risk and clinicopathological characteristics. Median levels of blood Cd and Pb in cases (2.12 and 60.03 μg/L, respectively) were significantly higher than those of controls (1.47 and 53.84 μg/L, respectively). The over-limit ratios for Cd (≥ 5 μg/L) and Pb (≥ 100 μg/L) in the cases were both higher than that of controls. Blood Cd levels had a tendency to accumulate in the human body with gender, age, and tobacco smoking, while blood Pb levels only were associated with tobacco smoking. The logistic regression model illustrated that gastrointestinal cancers were significantly associated with blood Cd levels and blood Pb levels. The concentrations of Cd and Pb in patients with T3 + T4 stage were markedly higher than in patients with T1 + T2. On the other hand, blood Cd levels were dramatically increased in the distant –metastasis (M1). Blood Cd and Pb levels are significantly higher in gastrointestinal cancers compared to controls. Cd and Pb appear to be risk factors for gastrointestinal cancers in Chaoshan region, and higher levels of Cd and Pb may promote the occurrence and progression of gastrointestinal cancers.

Performance assessment of laboratory and field-scale multi-step passive treatment of iron-rich acid mine drainage for design improvement

Abstract

Multi-step passive systems for the treatment of iron-rich acid mine drainage (Fe-rich AMD) perform satisfactorily at the laboratory scale. However, their field-scale application has revealed dissimilarities in performance, particularly with respect to hydraulic parameters. In this study, the assessment of factors potentially responsible for the variations in performance of laboratory and field-scale multi-step systems was undertaken. Three laboratory multi-step treatment scenarios, involving a combination of dispersed alkaline substrate (DAS) units, anoxic dolomitic drains, and passive biochemical reactors (PBRs), were set up in 10.7-L columns. The field-scale treatment consisted of two PBRs separated by a wood ash (WA) reactor. The parameters identified as possibly influencing the performances of the laboratory and field-scale experiments were the following: AMD chemistry (electrical conductivity and Fe and SO₄²⁻ concentrations), flow rate (Q), and saturated hydraulic conductivity (k_sat). Based on these findings, the design of an efficient passive multi-step treatment system is suggested to consider the following: (1) Fe pretreatment, using materials with high k_sat and low HRT. If a PBR is to be used, the Fe load should be < 26 g/m³ substrate/day (Fe < 200 mg/L) and SO₄²⁻ < 110 g/m³ substrate/day; (2) PBR/DAS filled with a mixture with at least 20% of neutralizing agent; (3) include Q and k_sat (> 10⁻³ cm/s) in the long-term prediction. Finally, mesocosm testing is strongly recommended prior to construction of full-scale systems for the treatment of Fe-rich AMD.

Sedimentary chronology reinterpreted from Changshou Lake of the Three Gorges Reservoir Area reveals natural and anthropogenic controls on sediment production

Abstract

Sedimentary archives preserved in geomorphic sinks provide records of historical sediment dynamics and its related natural and anthropogenic controls. This study reinterpreted sedimentary processes in Changshou Lake of the Three Gorges Reservoir Area in China by combining a rainfall erosivity index with multiple tracing proxies, and the impacts of natural and anthropogenic drivers on sediment production were also explored. Erosive rainfalls with low frequency and large magnitude in the rainy season contribute to a substantial proportion of annual total rainfall, which thus can be used to infer erosion and sediment yield events. The sedimentary chronology was determined by comparing rainfall erosivity index with depth distribution of ¹³⁷Cs and absolute particle size, which revealed annual sedimentation rates ranging from 1.1 to 2.3 cm a⁻¹. The multi-proxy dating index and variation of sedimentation rate divided the sediment profile into three major periods. The reference period (1956–1982) displays low variability of TOC, TN, trace metal concentrations, and mean sedimentation rate. In the stressed period (1982–1998), industrial and sewerage discharge led to input and deposition of TOC, TN, and trace metals (e.g., Cd, Co, Cu, Cr, and Ni). The highest annual sediment accumulation rate of 2.3 cm a⁻¹ may be ascribed to the 1982 big flood event. In the present period (1998–2013), increased TOC, TN and decreased trace metals in the top layers of the sediment core indicated changes in lake ecology. Fish farming promoted algal growth and primary productivity which caused eutrophication until 2004–2005. The reduced mean sedimentation rate of 1.7 cm a⁻¹ between 1998 and 2004, and thereafter, may be attributed to soil and water conservation and reforestation policies implemented in the Longxi catchment. Human activities such as deforestation, cultural and industrial revolution, and lake eutrophication associated with fish farming since 1989, therefore led to appreciable limnological variations. Overall, the dated sedimentary profile from Changshou Lake displays high consistency with archived historical events and reflects the impact of both natural and anthropogenic controls on sediment production.

Novel association of a papuloerythroderma of Ofuji phenotype with dermatitis herpetiformis

International Journal of Dermatology, EarlyView.

The management of livedoid vasculopathy focused on direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs): four case reports successfully treated with rivaroxaban

International Journal of Dermatology, EarlyView.

Clinical practice guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Turkey

International Journal of Dermatology, EarlyView.

FEM-based elasticity reconstruction using ultrasound for imaging tissue ablation

Abstract

Purpose

Success of ablation treatment depends on the accurate placement of the target ablation focus and the complete destruction of the pathological tissue. Thus, monitoring the formation, location, and size of the ablated lesion is essential. As ablated tissue gets stiffer, an option for ablation monitoring is ultrasound elastography, for imaging the tissue mechanical properties. Reconstruction of elasticity distribution can be achieved by solving an inverse problem from observed displacements, based on a deformable tissue model, commonly discretized by the finite element method (FEM). However, available reconstruction techniques are prone to noise and may achieve suboptimal accuracy.

Methods

We propose a novel inverse problem formulation and elasticity reconstruction method, in which both the elasticity parameters and the model displacements are estimated as independent parameters of an unconstrained optimization problem. Total variation regularization of spatial elasticity distribution is introduced in this formulation, providing robustness to noise.

Results

Our approach was compared to state of the art direct and iterative harmonic elastography techniques. We employed numerical simulation studies using various noise and inclusion contrasts, given multiple excitation frequencies. Compared to alternatives, our method leads to a decrease in RMSE of up to 50% and an increase in CNR of up to 11 dB in numerical simulations. The methods were also compared on an ex vivo bovine liver sample that was locally subjected to ablation, for which improved lesion delineation was obtained with our proposed method. Our method takes \(\sim 4\,\hbox {s}\) for \(20\times 20\) reconstruction grid.

Conclusions

We present a novel FEM problem formulation that improves reconstruction accuracy and inclusion delineation compared to currently available techniques.

Radiotherapie des kutanen malignen Melanoms

Zusammenfassung

Hintergrund

Das Melanom galt früher als strahlenresistenter Tumor. Publikationen der letzten 20 Jahre konnten zeigen, dass die Radiotherapie in der primären und in der Rezidivsituation sowie auch bei Metastasen einen wichtigen therapeutischen Beitrag leisten kann.

Material und Methode

Diese Arbeit basiert auf einer selektiven Literaturrecherche in der Datenbank PubMed zum Thema „Radiotherapie und Melanom".

Ergebnisse und Schlussfolgerung

Die Radiotherapie nimmt bei der definitiven Behandlung kutaner Melanome eher eine untergeordnete Rolle ein. Eine Ausnahme stellt das Lentigo-maligna-Melanom dar, wo sich bei Patienten, die nicht operabel sind, durch eine Bestrahlung sehr gute lokale Kontrollraten erzielen lassen. In der postoperativen Situation kann bei R1- oder R2-resezierten Tumoren bzw. bei knapp resezierten desmoplastischen Tumoren eine Bestrahlung mit dem Ziel der lokalen Kontrolle durchgeführt werden. Bei Vorliegen von Risikofaktoren (Zahl und Größe der befallenen Lymphknoten, Kapseldurchbruch, Rezidiv) sollte eine adjuvante Bestrahlung der Lymphknotenregion erfolgen, um die lokale Tumorkontrollrate zu erhöhen. Bei Vorliegen von symptomatischen Knochenmetastasen lassen sich die Beschwerden durch eine palliative Radiotherapie gut kontrollieren. Bei der Behandlung einer Hirnmetastasierung sollte eine lokale Radiotherapie (z. B. Radiochirurgie) der Ganzhirnbestrahlung vorgezogen werden. Dabei kann eine Radiotherapie mit Ipilimumab auch simultan kombiniert werde; eine Kombination mit BRAF-Inhibitoren sollte dagegen sequenziell erfolgen.

Improving and monitoring air quality

Abstract

Since the authorization of the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990, the air quality in the USA has significantly improved because of strong public support. The lessons learned over the last 25 years are being shared with the policy analysts, technical professionals, and scientist who endeavor to improve air quality in their communities. This paper will review how the USA has achieved the "high" standard of air quality that was envisioned in the early 1990s. This document will describe SO₂ gas emission reduction technology and highlight operation of emission monitoring technology. This paper describes the basic process operation of an air pollution control scrubber. A technical review of measures required to operate and maintain a large-scale pollution control system will be described. Also, the author explains how quality assurance procedures in performance of continuous emission monitoring plays a significant role in reducing air pollution.