The essence of agency is discovered, not defined: a minimal mindreading argument

Abstract

In this paper I give a novel argument for this view that the AGENT concept has an externalist semantics. The argument argues the conclusion from two premises: first, that our first relationships to agents is through a subpersonal mechanism which requires for its function an agential proto-concept which refers directly; and second, that there is a continuity of reference between this proto-concept and the mature concept AGENT. I argue the first on the basis of results in the developmental psychology of social cognition. I argue the second on the basis of a process of elimination, by considering three possibilities for the relationship between the two concepts. On the basis of these two premises the conclusion is drawn that AGENT is a concept that refers directly. That has the following consequences for the philosophy of action: first, that "action" is not an appropriate term for reductive analysis, as the causal theory of action assumes; and second, that we should be looking to the appropriate empirical disciplines for an elucidation of the concept.

Effect of metals on zooplankton abundance and distribution in the coast of southwestern Taiwan

Abstract

Three transects were established along the southwestern coast of Taiwan; transects from north to south were respectively extended from the Kaohsiung Harbor, Kaoping River estuary, and Fangshan River estuary. Six metals including Pb, Cd, Cr, Cu, Zn, and Ni were analyzed in the zooplankton and seawater samples. A total of 24 groups of zooplankton were identified. Calanoid was the frequently collected group and accounted for greater than 40% of the relative abundance of zooplankton. Results showed that metal concentrations in seawater close to coast were higher than those in the outside of transect. The mean of metal concentrations in zooplankton followed the hierarchy: Zn > Cu > Pb > Ni > Cr > Cd. On the whole, metal concentrations in zooplankton from sampling sites in the coastal region were observed to be higher than those in the offshore region. The bioconcentration factor of zooplankton ranged within 10³–10⁵ for all studied metals and indicated that zooplankton in the seawater of southwestern Taiwan can accumulate metal even at background concentrations of metals. The value of diversity indices exhibited an increase in the distance to the coast, whereas the abundance showed no significant correlation with that. Consequently, the lowest mean abundance of zooplankton and the highest average metal bioaccumulation were found in transect outside Kaohsiung Harbor, representing that Kaohsiung Harbor has the contamination of anthropogenic metals that results in the impact on zooplankton.

Differential sensitivity to the antifouling chemical medetomidine between wood frog and American toad tadpoles with evidence for low-dose stimulation and high-dose inhibition of metamorphosis

Abstract

Antifouling chemicals are legacy contaminants in aquatic ecosystems. Previous experiments have shown that a 14-day exposure to the antifouling chemical medetomidine delays metamorphosis and reduces body mass in wood frog tadpoles. In the present study, we exposed wood frog tadpoles to medetomidine for 3, 7, and 10 days at 100 nM, 1 μM, and 10 μM. We also exposed American toad tadpoles to medetomidine for 3 days at four concentrations (10 nM, 100 nM, 1 μM, and 10 μM) in static renewal experiments. In each experiment, we measured growth, frequency and time to metamorphosis, and mass at metamorphosis. In both species, medetomidine significantly slowed development as measured by the Gosner stage. After 34 days in culture, wood frog tadpoles exposed to 1 and 10 μM medetomidine for as few as 3 days were significantly less developed compared to controls. Toads exposed to 1 μM medetomidine for 3 days were also significantly less developed on day 27, but by day 34, there was no difference from controls. For wood frogs, medetomidine significantly affected time to metamorphosis with a trend for tadpoles at lower concentrations metamorphosing sooner than those at higher concentrations. While medetomidine affected time to metamorphosis in wood frogs, it did not affect fresh mass, dry mass, or mortality compared to controls. Wood frog tadpoles that did not metamorphose after over 90 days in culture were more frequent in high-concentration groups than in the control. In toads, 10 μM medetomidine was 100% lethal within 23 days, but at the same concentration and duration, no wood frog tadpoles died. Lower concentrations were also significantly lethal to toads compared to controls, but tadpoles that survived in 10 and 100 nM metamorphosed sooner than those in 1 μM. Fresh mass of toad tadpoles exposed to 1 μm was significantly smaller at metamorphosis compared to that of controls. Medetomidine also affected the behavior of tadpoles. In toads, medetomidine significantly reduced both percent activity and startle response. In wood frogs, medetomidine significantly reduced percent activity, but increased startle response. We discuss our finding of low-dose stimulation and high-dose inhibition of different life history endpoints in terms of hormetic mechanisms. The differential sensitivity between species in terms of mortality, frequency of metamorphosis, and behavior highlights the potential negative environmental effects of medetomidine to amphibians.

Benzo(a)pyrene parallel measurements in PM 1 and PM 2.5 in the coastal zone of the Gulf of Gdansk (Baltic Sea) in the heating and non-heating seasons

Abstract

Parallel measurements of PM₁ and PM_2.5 aerosols were conducted in the urbanized coastal zone of the southern Baltic Sea. The main aim of the research was to assess and determine annual, seasonal (heating and non-heating), and daily concentration variability of benzo(a)pyrene in aerosols, these being the most dangerous constituents to human health. The average annual concentration of benzo(a)pyrene (B(a)P) was equal to 2.6 ng·m⁻³ in PM₁ and 4.6 ng·m⁻³ in PM_2.5, and both values were several times higher than the level of 1 ng·m⁻³ which was set out in the CAFE Directive. High mean daily concentrations of B(a)P persisted for 50 and 65% of the study period in PM1 and PM2.5, respectively. In order to determine the sources of B(a)P in both aerosol fractions, organic (OC) and elemental (EC) carbon concentrations were examined. The highest concentrations of all carbon species were reported during the heating season under local or regional land advection and at low air temperatures. The origin of pollutants was the same and was primarily related to the combustion of fossil fuels in the communal-utility sector. During the non-heating period, the role of transportation, both land and marine, increased and may have been significant in creating higher concentrations of carbon compounds in PM₁ and PM_2.5. Regardless of the size of the aerosol fractions, B(a)P loads introduced into the Baltic coastal zone were several times higher during the heating period compared to the non-heating season.

Graphical abstract

ᅟ

A Qualitative Analysis of Disclosing Sexual Victimization by #NotOkay During the 2016 Presidential Election

Violence and Gender, Ahead of Print.

Effects of Cr 2 O 3 nanoparticles on the chlorophyll fluorescence and chloroplast ultrastructure of soybean ( Glycine max )

Abstract

Chromic oxide nanoparticles (Cr₂O₃ NPs) are widely used in commercial factories and can cause serious environmental problems. However, the mechanism behind Cr₂O₃ NP-induced phytotoxicity remains unknown. In this study, the effects of Cr₂O₃ NPs on the growth, chlorophyll fluorescence, SEM-EDS analysis, and chloroplast ultrastructure of soybean (Glycine max) were investigated to evaluate its phytotoxicity. The growth of soybean treated with various Cr₂O₃ NP suspensions (0.01, 0.05, 0.1, and 0.5 g L⁻¹) was significantly inhibited. Specially, shoot and root biomass decreased by 9.9 and 46.3%, respectively. Besides, the maximum quantum yield of PSII (Fv/Fm) as well as the photochemical quenching (qP) decreased by 8–22 and 30–37%, respectively, indicating that the photosynthetic system was damaged when treated with Cr₂O₃ NPs. Moreover, the inhibition was confirmed by the reduction of Rubisco and MDH enzyme activity (by 54.5–86.4 and 26.7–96.5%, respectively). Overall, results indicated that the damage was caused by the destruction of chloroplast thylakoid structure, which subsequently reduced the photosynthetic rate. Our research suggests that Cr₂O₃ NPs can be transported and cause irreversible damage to soybean plants by inhibiting the activity of electron acceptors (NADP+) and destroying ultrastructure of chloroplasts, providing insights into plant toxicity issues.

Graphical abstract

ᅟ

Ethnic differences and comorbidities of 909 Prurigo Nodularis patients

•Prurigo nodularis (PN) is a pruritic dermatosis of unknown etiology.•PN is associated with an increased risk of chronic kidney disease, diabetes, Hepatitis C, HIV, and several psychiatric comorbidities•Clinicians should be aware of psychiatric, metabolic, and infectious disease associations when treating PN patients.

Steroid-Induced Changes Noted On Trichoscopy Of Patients With Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia

Thalidomide and thromboprophylaxis in dermatological indications: An unmet need for more evidence

Thromboprophylaxis and thalidomide in the non-cancer setting: toward an algorithm based on patient’s history and underlying disease? Reply to MS#JAAD-D-18-00595

Cutaneous toxicity as a predictive biomarker for clinical outcome in patients receiving anticancer therapy

•There is an association between clinical outcomes and development of cutaneous toxicities due to anticancer therapeutics.•Vitiligo, rash, nail toxicity, or alopecia induced by anticancer therapeutics may be potential biomarkers in predicting treatment efficacy.•Identification of cutaneous toxicities may be an early and non-invasive way to determine cancer treatment efficacy.

In situ pilot test for bioremediation of energetic compound-contaminated soil at a former military demolition range site

Abstract

Bioremediation was performed in situ at a former military range site to assess the performance of native bacteria in degrading hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine (RDX) and 2,4-dinitrotoluene (2,4-DNT). The fate of these pollutants in soil and soil pore water was investigated as influenced by waste glycerol amendment to the soil. Following waste glycerol application, there was an accumulation of organic carbon that promoted microbial activity, converting organic carbon into acetate and propionate, which are intermediate compounds in anaerobic processes. This augmentation of anaerobic activity strongly correlated to a noticeable reduction in RDX concentrations in the amended soil. Changes in concentrations of RDX in pore water were similar to those observed in the soil suggesting that RDX leaching from the soil matrix, and treatment with waste glycerol, contributed to the enhanced removal of RDX from the water and soil. This was not the case with 2,4-DNT, which was neither found in pore water nor affected by the waste glycerol treatment. Results from saturated conditions and Synthetic Precipitation Leaching Procedure testing, to investigate the environmental fate of 2,4-DNT, indicated that 2,4-DNT found on site was relatively inert and was likely to remain in its current state on the site.

The hierarchical porous structure bio-char assessments produced by co-pyrolysis of municipal sewage sludge and hazelnut shell and Cu(II) adsorption kinetics

Abstract

The co-pyrolysis technology was applied to municipal sewage sludge (MSS) and hazelnut shell with alkaline activating agent K₂CO₃ under N₂ atmosphere. The innovative bio-char produced by co-pyrolysis had significant physical and chemical characteristics. The specific surface area reached 1990.23 m²/g, and the iodine absorption number was 1068.22 mg/g after co-pyrolysis at 850 °C. Although hazelnut shell was a kind of solid waste, it also had abundant cellulose resource, which could contribute to porous structure of bio-char during co-pyrolysis with MSS and decrease total heavy metals contents of raw material to increase security of bio-chars. Meanwhile, the residual fractions of heavy metals in bio-char were above 92.95% after co-pyrolysis at 900 °C except Cd to prevent heavy metals digestion, and the bio-char presented significant immobilization behavior from co-pyrolysis technology. Moreover, the yield and the iodine absorption number of bio-chars under different process variables were analyzed, and it was confirmed that appropriate process variables could contribute the yield and the iodine absorption number of bio-char and prevent to etch pore structure excessively to collapse. The changes of surface functional groups and crystallographic structure before and after co-pyrolysis were analyzed by FTIR and XRD, respectively. The hierarchical porous structure of bio-char was presented by SEM and N₂ adsorption-desorption isotherm. The Cu(II) adsorption capacity of the bio-char was 42.28 mg/g after 24 h, and surface functional groups acted as active binding sites for Cu(II) adsorption. Langmuir model and pseudo-second-order model can describe process of Cu(II) adsorption well.

Multi-ray medical ultrasound simulation without explicit speckle modelling

Abstract

Purpose

To develop a medical ultrasound (US) simulation method using T1-weighted magnetic resonance images (MRI) as the input that offers a compromise between low-cost ray-based and high-cost realistic wave-based simulations.

Methods

The proposed method uses a novel multi-ray image formation approach with a virtual phased array transducer probe. A domain model is built from input MR images. Multiple virtual acoustic rays are emerged from each element of the linear transducer array. Reflected and transmitted acoustic energy at discrete points along each ray is computed independently. Simulated US images are computed by fusion of the reflected energy along multiple rays from multiple transducers, while phase delays due to differences in distances to transducers are taken into account. A preliminary implementation using GPUs is presented.

Results

Preliminary results show that the multi-ray approach is capable of generating view point-dependent realistic US images with an inherent Rician distributed speckle pattern automatically. The proposed simulator can reproduce the shadowing artefacts and demonstrates frequency dependence apt for practical training purposes. We also have presented preliminary results towards the utilization of the method for real-time simulations.

Conclusions

The proposed method offers a low-cost near-real-time wave-like simulation of realistic US images from input MR data. It can further be improved to cover the pathological findings using an improved domain model, without any algorithmic updates. Such a domain model would require lesion segmentation or manual embedding of virtual pathologies for training purposes.

Force estimation from OCT volumes using 3D CNNs

Abstract

Purpose

Estimating the interaction forces of instruments and tissue is of interest, particularly to provide haptic feedback during robot-assisted minimally invasive interventions. Different approaches based on external and integrated force sensors have been proposed. These are hampered by friction, sensor size, and sterilizability. We investigate a novel approach to estimate the force vector directly from optical coherence tomography image volumes.

Methods

We introduce a novel Siamese 3D CNN architecture. The network takes an undeformed reference volume and a deformed sample volume as an input and outputs the three components of the force vector. We employ a deep residual architecture with bottlenecks for increased efficiency. We compare the Siamese approach to methods using difference volumes and two-dimensional projections. Data were generated using a robotic setup to obtain ground-truth force vectors for silicon tissue phantoms as well as porcine tissue.

Results

Our method achieves a mean average error of \({7.7 \pm 4.3}\,{\hbox {mN}}\) when estimating the force vector. Our novel Siamese 3D CNN architecture outperforms single-path methods that achieve a mean average error of \({11.59 \pm 6.7}\,{\hbox {mN}}\) . Moreover, the use of volume data leads to significantly higher performance compared to processing only surface information which achieves a mean average error of \({24.38 \pm 22.0}\,{\hbox {mN}}\) . Based on the tissue dataset, our methods shows good generalization in between different subjects.

Conclusions

We propose a novel image-based force estimation method using optical coherence tomography. We illustrate that capturing the deformation of subsurface structures substantially improves force estimation. Our approach can provide accurate force estimates in surgical setups when using intraoperative optical coherence tomography.

Arsenic uptake, transformation, and release by three freshwater algae under conditions with and without growth stress

Abstract

This study was carried out using indoor controlled experiments to study the arsenic (As) uptake, biotransformation, and release behaviors of freshwater algae under growth stress. Three freshwater algae, Microcystis aeruginosa, Anabaena flosaquae, and Chlorella sp., were chosen. Two types of inhibitors, e.g., Cu²⁺ and isothiazolinone, were employed to inhibit the growth of the algae. The algae were cultivated to a logarithmic stage in growth media containing 0.1 mg/L P; then, 0.8 mg/L As in the form of arsenate (iAs^V) was added, while both inhibitors were simultaneously added at dosages of 0.1 and 0.3 mg/L, with no addition of inhibitors in the control. After 2 days of exposure, the average growth rate (μ_2d) was measured to represent the growth rates of the algae cells; the extra- and intracellular As concentrations in various forms, i.e., arsenate, arsenite (iAs^III), monomethyl arsenic (MMA), and dimethyl arsenic (DMA), were also measured. Without inhibitors, the average growth rate followed the order of M. aeruginosa, Chlorella sp., and A. flosaquae, with the growth rate of M. aeruginosa significantly higher than that of the other two algae. However, when Cu²⁺ was added as an external inhibitor, the order of the average growth rate for the three algae became partially reversed, suggesting differentiation of the algae in response to the inhibitor. This differentiation can be seen by the reduction in the average growth rate of M. aeruginosa, which was as high as 1730% at the 0.3-mg/L Cu²⁺ dosage when compared with the control, while for the other two algae, much fewer changes were seen. The great reduction in M. aeruginosa growth rate was accompanied by increases in extracellular iAs^V and iAs^III and intracellular iAs^V concentrations in the algae, indicating that As transformation is related to the growth of this algae. Much fewer or neglectable changes in growth were observed that were consistent with the few changes in the extra- and intracellular As speciation for the other two algae with Cu²⁺ inhibition and all the three algae with isothiazolinone inhibition, corroborating the above hypothesis again. All the algae tested in this study demonstrated great abilities for As transformation and release, as seen by the much higher rates of 86.11–99.98% and 81.11–99.89% for transformation and release when compared to the control, respectively. When inhibitors were added, the transformation and release values of only A. flosaquae decreased remarkably down to 72.37–86.79% and 64.67–85.24%, respectively, while no changes were seen for these values in the other two algae, indicating that growth stress did not affect the As transformation and release of the other algae. The biological productivity of As by the three algae followed the order of M. aeruginosa, Chlorella sp., and A. flosaquae, which was generally consistent with the As transformation and release in conditions with and without inhibitors, suggesting that the As behavior in the algae that was related to growth stress largely differed among algae species.

Distribution and health risks of aerosol black carbon in a representative city of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau

Abstract

Although aerosol black carbon (BC) exerts strong influences on human health, research on potential health risks of aerosol BC around the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau is very limited. This is the very first study to investigate the distribution of aerosol BC in a typical city of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and the resulting health risks. The results showed that the maximal real-time (5-min monitoring interval) concentration of aerosol BC was 22.34 μg/m³, much higher than day- and week-averaged concentrations which were in the range of 1.28–6.15 and 1.93–4.63 μg/m³, respectively. The health risks were evaluated using four different health endpoints including low birth weight (LBW), percentage lung function decrement of school-aged children (PLFD), cardiovascular mortality (CM), and lung cancer (LC). The highest risks of LBW, PLFD, CM, and LC had reached 69.5, 184.4, 67.4, and 31.8 numbers of equivalent passively smoked cigarettes (PSC), respectively. The concentrations and health risks of aerosol BC in the study area are at a middle level among the global cities/regions. In comparison, the cities of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau are experiencing high potential health risks resulting from aerosol BC to need more effective prevention and control of air pollution.

The 3D reconstructions of female pelvic autonomic nerves and their related organs based on MRI: a first step towards neuronavigation during nerve-sparing radical hysterectomy

Abstract

Objectives

To present in vivo female pelvic autonomous innervation and the relationship between nerves and their related organs by three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction based on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Methods

Thirty patients with cervical cancer who underwent pelvic MRI and agreed to undergo additional magnetic resonance neurography (MRN) sequences were enrolled in the present study. MRI images from the same patient were acquired using T2-weighted fat saturation (T2W FS) and 3D-STIR-SPACE sequences. Detailed two-dimensional (2D) segmentation and 3D reconstruction of pelvic autonomic nerves (PAN) were performed on the basis of the images of the two sequences using 3D reconstruction software. The 2D segmentation and 3D reconstruction of pelvic organs were based on T2W FS images. The consistency of the 3D models of pelvic autonomous innervation constructed from the two sequences were analysed and compared, the pelvic autonomous innervation was presented, and the relationship between nerves and their related organs was characterised.

Results

The 3D reconstructions of PAN were successfully obtained from 3D-STIR-SPACE and T2W FS sequences in 30 patients and showed high correspondence. T2W FS images also enabled 3D reconstructions of pelvic organs to visualise the 3D distribution of PAN and the positional relationships between nerves and their related organs.

Conclusion

The pelvic autonomic nerves and their related organs can be reconstructed on the basis of MRI to present personalised 3D anatomical information and offer individualised guidance during nerve-sparing radical hysterectomy (NSRH).

Key points

• Nerve-sparing radical hysterectomy is a developing trend in cervical cancer surgery

• MRI allows reconstructions of pelvic autonomic nerves and their related organs

• The 3D reconstructions provide detailed 3D anatomical information on nerves

LGE-CMR-derived texture features reflect poor prognosis in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy patients with systolic dysfunction: preliminary results

Abstract

Objectives

To evaluate the prognostic value of texture features based on late gadolinium enhancement cardiac magnetic resonance (LGE-CMR) images in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) patients with systolic dysfunction.

Methods

67 HCM patients with systolic dysfunction (41 male and 26 female, mean age ± standard deviation, 46.20 years ± 13.38) were enrolled. All patients underwent 1.5 T CMR cine and LGE imaging. Texture features were extracted from LGE images. Cox proportional hazard analysis and Kaplan-Meier analysis were used to determine the association of texture features and traditional parameters with event free survival.

Results

Family history (hazard ratio [HR]=2.558, 95 % confidence interval [CI]=1.060–6.180), NYHA III-IV (HR=5.627, CI=1.652–19.173), left ventricular ejection fraction (HR=0.945, CI=0.902–0.991), left ventricular end-diastolic volume index (HR=1.006, CI=1.000–1.012), LGE extent (HR=1.911, CI=1.348–2.709) and three texture parameters [X0_H_skewness (HR=0.783, CI=0.691–0.889), X0_GLCM_cluster_tendency (HR=0.735, CI=0.616–0.877) and X0_GLRLM_energy (HR=1.344, CI=1.173–1.540)] were significantly associated with event free survival in univariate analysis (p<0.05). The HR of LGE extent (HR=1.548 [CI=1.046–2.293], 1.650 [CI=1.122–2.428] and 1.586 [CI=1.044–2.409] per 10 % increase, p<0.05) remained significant when adjusted by one of the three texture features.

Conclusion

Increased LGE heterogeneity (higher X0_GLRLM_energy, lower X0_H_skewness and lower X0_GLCM_cluster_tendency) was associated with adverse events in HCM patients with systolic dysfunction.

Key Points

• Textural analysis from CMR can be applied in HCM.

• Texture features derived from LGE images can capture fibrosis heterogeneity.

• CMR texture analysis provides prognostic information in HCM patients.

Stereotactically navigated percutaneous microwave ablation (MWA) compared to conventional MWA: a matched pair analysis

Abstract

Purpose

To compare CT-navigated stereotactic microwave ablation (SMWA) to non-navigated conventional MWA (CMWA) for percutaneous ablation of liver malignancies.

Methods

A matched pair analysis of 36 patients who underwent MWA of primary or secondary liver malignancies (10 hepatocellular carcinoma and 8 metastases) was conducted. A total of 18 patients undergoing SMWA were included in this prospective study. Patients were matched in terms of tumor size, liver segment and entity to retrospective CMWA procedures. The endpoints were procedure time, accuracy of needle placement, technical success rate, complication rate and dose-length product (DLP).

Results

The procedure durations were 23.9 min (SD 3.7) for CMWA and 21.8 min (SD 16.3) for SMWA (p = 0.22). The procedural accuracy for SMWA and CMWA was identical for both groups (3.7 mm). The total DLP was significantly lower for SMWA than for CMWA (2115 mGy cm (SD 276) vs. 3109 mGy cm (SD 1137), respectively; p < 0.01). Complete ablation without residual tumor was observed in 94% (17 of 18) of SMWA and in 83% (15 of 18) of CMWA patients (p = 0.31). No complications occurred.

Conclusions

SMWA is highly accurate and reduces the radiation dose without increasing the procedure time.

Folliculotropic mycosis fungoides

JDDG: Journal der Deutschen Dermatologischen Gesellschaft, EarlyView.

Slowly growing exophytic hyperpigmented nodule of the calf

JDDG: Journal der Deutschen Dermatologischen Gesellschaft, EarlyView.

Pachyonychia of the toenail in a child

JDDG: Journal der Deutschen Dermatologischen Gesellschaft, EarlyView.

Genitogluteal porokeratosis: a clinical review

Respiratory Symptoms in Hospital Cleaning Staff Exposed to a Product Containing Hydrogen Peroxide, Peracetic Acid, and Acetic Acid

This correction presents modification to the results presented in the final version of the manuscript 'Respiratory Symptoms in Hospital Cleaning Staff Exposed to a Product Containing Hydrogen Peroxide, Peracetic Acid, and Acetic Acid', 10.1093/annweh/wxx087, which was published in Annals of Work Exposures and Health, Volume 62, Issue 1, 15 December 2017, Pages 28–40. Although several results were modified, the associations and overall conclusions of the article remain unaffected.

Use of Multiple Data Sources for Surveillance of Work-Related Chronic Low-Back Pain and Disc-Related Sciatica in a French Region

Abstract

Objectives

To compare the data of the French workers' compensation system (WCS) and three surveillance networks, and to determine the possibility of identifying the industry sectors most in need of programs for prevention of low-back pain (LBP).

Methods

This study compared four databases and two types of indicators in a west central region of France:• surveillance of musculoskeletal symptoms in the working population [LBP and disc-related sciatica (DRS) indicators; Cosali study]• surveillance of uncompensated work-related diseases (LBP and DRS indicators)• surveillance of lumbar disc surgery (LDS) in the general population (DRS indicator)• French WCS (disc herniation with radiculopathy caused by vibration or handling of materials; DRS indicator)People aged 20–59 were studied. The prevention index (PI) was used to rank industry sectors according to the number of cases and the prevalence/incidence rate.

Results

Construction and manufacturing were the first sectors in terms of PI for men in all databases and indicators. Moreover, transport and agriculture were not consistently highlighted. For women, manufacturing was the leading sector (except for the LDS study: health sector), followed by the health sector. Specific epidemiologic surveillance networks (LDS and Cosali studies) provided ranking of the greatest number of sectors out of the 17 classified. For DRS indicators, the LDS study classified 13 sectors for both genders, and for LBP indicators, the Cosali study ranked 8 and 7 sectors in men and women, respectively.

Conclusions

The results showed the complementarity of the four surveillance programs. A multi-component surveillance system allowed detection of industry sectors most in need of prevention programs.

Bovine Allergens in a Ruminant Clinic and Dairy Barns: Exposure Levels, Determinants, and Variability

Abstract

Background

Dairy farmers may develop specific sensitization and allergic airway diseases due to bovine allergens. However, dose–response relationships are lacking, and as yet little is known on bovine allergen exposure levels.

Objective

To investigate bovine allergen exposure levels in a ruminant clinic and dairy barns, and to assess exposure determinants and variability of exposure.

Methods

Samples were collected using active and passive airborne dust measurements in a ruminant clinic and several dairy barns. Bovine allergen levels were determined by sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Linear mixed models were applied to explore the association between bovine allergen exposure levels and potential exposure determinants. Day-to-day within-worker and between-worker exposure variability was determined, as well as how exposure determinants affect exposure variability.

Results

Bovine allergens were measureable in all samples. Personal bovine allergen exposure levels in the ruminant clinic ranged from 0.10 to 24.8 µg/m³, geometric mean (GM) 1.34 µg/m³. Exposure levels varied dependent on job titles. Personal exposure levels in dairy barns ranged from 0.10 to 46.8 µg/m³, GM 1.47 µg/m³. Type of bedding materials in the barns appeared to be a significant determinant of bovine allergen levels. Compost bedding, particularly, increased allergen levels. Milking by robot was the most important determinant explaining between-worker exposure variability, while bedding was important as well. Bovine allergen levels in stationary measurements were somewhat lower than personal measurements (GM ratio 0.47). Bovine allergens could be readily detected in electrostatic dust-fall collector measurements.

Conclusion

This study provides insight in bovine allergen exposure levels and their determinants, which is a first step to investigate dose–response relationships between sensitization/allergy associated with exposure to bovine allergen levels in future studies.

RE: “A DECADE OF WAR: PROSPECTIVE TRAJECTORIES OF POSTTRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER SYMPTOMS AMONG DEPLOYED US MILITARY PERSONNEL AND THE INFLUENCE OF COMBAT EXPOSURE”

FOUR AUTHORS REPLY

Improved visualisation of early cerebral infarctions after endovascular stroke therapy using dual-energy computed tomography oedema maps

Abstract

Objective

The aim was to investigate whether dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) reconstructions optimised for oedema visualisation (oedema map; EM) facilitate an improved detection of early infarctions after endovascular stroke therapy (EST).

Methods

Forty-six patients (21 women; 25 men; mean age: 63 years; range 24–89 years) were included. The brain window (BW), virtual non-contrast (VNC) and modified VNC series based on a three-material decomposition technique optimised for oedema visualisation (EM) were evaluated. Follow-up imaging was used as the standard for comparison. Contralateral side to infarction differences in density (CIDs) were determined. Infarction detectability was assessed by two blinded readers, as well as image noise and contrast using Likert scales. ROC analyses were performed and the respective Youden indices calculated for cut-off analysis.

Results

The highest CIDs were found in the EM series (73.3 ± 49.3 HU), compared with the BW (-1.72 ± 13.29 HU) and the VNC (8.30 ± 4.74 HU) series. The EM was found to have the highest infarction detection rates (area under the curve: 0.97 vs. 0.54 and 0.90, p < 0.01) with a cut-off value of < 50.7 HU, despite slightly more pronounced image noise. The location of the infarction did not affect detectability (p > 0.05 each).

Conclusions

The EM series allows higher contrast and better early infarction detection than the VNC or BW series after EST.

Key Points

• Dual-energy CT EM allows better early infarction detection than standard brain window.

• Dual-energy CT EM series allow better early infarction detection than VNC series.

• Dual-energy CT EM are modified VNC based on water content of tissue.

Quantitative MR spectroscopy reveals metabolic changes in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex of patients with temporal lobe epilepsy

Abstract

Objective

To characterize possible metabolic changes of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE).

Methods

Quantitative proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS) studies were performed on 24 TLE patients and 22 healthy controls. Metabolite concentrations were calculated using a linear combination model (LCModel) and corrected for cerebrospinal fluid contamination. Comparisons were performed between the TLE patients and the controls and between the left DLPFC and right DLPFC in each group. Pearson correlation coefficients were calculated between the metabolite concentrations and epilepsy duration and between the metabolite concentrations and voxel tissue composition: [gray matter (GM)/(GM+white matter (WM))].

Results

Metabolic asymmetry was found in controls between the left and right DLPFC, i.e., the NAA concentration of the left DLPFC was significantly higher than that of the right. However, such metabolic asymmetry was not observed in TLE patients. Compared with the controls, TLE patients showed significantly decreased NAA and Ins, and the reductions were greater in the left DLPFC. No significant correlation was found between the metabolite concentrations and epilepsy duration or between the metabolite concentrations and voxel tissue composition [GM/(GM+WM)].

Conclusions

This study suggests that TLE can produce metabolic changes to DLPFC that is remote from the seizure focus.

Key Points

• Magnetic resonance spectroscopy probes the brain metabolism noninvasively.

• Dorsolateral prefrontal reductions in NAA (a neuronal marker) and Ins are observed in TLE.

• Temporal lobe epilepsy can result in metabolic changes remote from the seizure focus.

Structured reporting of pelvic MRI leads to better treatment planning of uterine leiomyomas

Enforced fungal-algal symbioses in alginate spheres

Abstract

The thallus structure of the lichen symbiosis provides a fungal shelter for the growth of algal partners. The long-living thallus also provides a habitat for other fungi, but experimental studies, which could inform us about the details of their interactions have hardly been conducted. We present a new approach by embedding axenically cultured strains of fungi together with algae in alginate spheres, which allows easy transfer of co-cultures on solid media. As the growth rates of the organisms are differentially triggered by the underlying medium, alginate embedding can help to adjust optimal parameters for stable culture of the combined symbionts. In our experiments, direct contacts between hyphae and algae and the formation of layered structures were observed in a fungus that is living as a commensal in the host lichen without visible symbiotic structures. The growth of primary lichen symbionts cannot be accelerated by alginate embedding so far, but our approach could artificially enforce symbiotic interactions that are not normally observed in nature.

Improvement of dermal parameters in aged skin after oral use of a nutrient supplement

Skin acceptability of a cosmetic moisturizer formulation in female subjects with sensitive skin

Occurrence, distribution, and seasonal variation of antibiotics in an artificial water source reservoir in the Yangtze River delta, East China

Abstract

This study investigated the occurrence and variation of 11 antibiotics (including four sulfonamides (SAs), four fluoroquinolones (FQs), two tetracyclines (TCs), and one macrolide (ML)) and one SA synergist trimethoprim (TMP) in an artificial drinking water source reservoir in Yangtze River delta of East China. Water samples were collected each month from January to November in 2014 at the water inlet and outlet site of the reservoir. Sulfamethoxazole, sulfadiazine, and norfloxacin were detected with the high frequencies of 100, 92.31, and 97.85%, respectively. The total concentration showed the highest level in winter (229.14 ng/L) and the lowest one in summer (96.11 ng/L). FQs and TCs were the dominant species among all the antibiotics. The total amount of antibiotics detected in this reservoir showed a negative relationship with temperature (R² = 0.7565) in this area. From the inlet site to outlet site of this reservoir, all SAs as well as TMP showed decline trends in the four seasons, but other antibiotics including FQs, TCs, and MLs increased more or less in different seasons, especially for ciprofloxacin in winter (from 48.82 ng/L at inlet site to 80.36 ng/L at outlet site). Most antibiotics detected in this drinking water source reservoir had no direct health risk for human with different age groups (except ciprofloxacin for the group of 0–3 months), but still showed obvious ecological risk for algae and invertebrate. Among the three target organisms (algae, invertebrate, and fish), algae was the most sensitive for antibiotics, which was followed by invertebrate. Among the target antibiotics, sulfamethoxazole, ciprofloxacin, tetracycline, and oxytetracycline showed high ecological risk for algae (RQs > 1), and oxytetracycline also showed high risk for invertebrate (RQ = 1.34).

Validation, residue analysis, and risk assessment of fipronil and flonicamid in cotton ( Gossypium sp.) samples and soil

Abstract

Cotton crop is highly susceptible to attack by sucking pests. Being an important oilseed and feed crop, it is essential to monitor the pesticides and ensure health protection at consumer level. Therefore, a method was validated to estimate fipronil and flonicamid in various cotton samples and risk assessment was performed. Contamination of oil in the extracts from the various oil seeds and cake samples is a major problem as this oil contaminates the column and interferes with the detection of pesticides. The present manuscript for the first time describes successful analysis of the pesticides from various cotton samples including cotton oil, seed, and cake. Quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe (QuEChERS)-based methods were validated for estimation of fipronil and flonicamid in cotton samples and in soil by LC-MS/MS. Recoveries were within the acceptable range of 70–120% with relative standard deviation ≤ 20% and HorRat values < 0.3–1.3. R² was > 0.99. Matrix effects of 150 and 13.5% were observed for fipronil and flonicamid, respectively, in cotton leaves. Limits of quantitation (LOQs) were in the range of 0.0004 to 0.004 mg kg⁻¹ for fipronil and flonicamid. Cotton samples collected from a field study at different locations were analyzed. Half-life ranged from 2.2 to 5.8 for fipronil and 4.6 to 7.0 days for flonicamid. A pre-harvest interval of 33 days is suggested. The risk assessment studies at maximum residue level values showed HQ < 1 at pre-harvest interval (PHI). The methods being short and easy can be extended to estimate more types of pesticides in different oilseeds. Following a PHI of 33 days, fipronil and flonicamid can be used on cotton at standard dose. As the levels of fipronil and flonicamid were below determination limit in all the soils, the environmental risk is negligible.

Protective effect of carnosine and N -acetylcysteine against sodium nitrite-induced oxidative stress and DNA damage in rat intestine

Abstract

The widespread use of sodium nitrite (NaNO₂) as food preservative, rampant use of nitrogenous fertilizers for agricultural practices, and improper disposal of nitrogenous wastes have drastically increased human exposure to high nitrite levels causing various health disorders and death. In the present study, the protective effect of carnosine and N-acetylcysteine (NAC) against NaNO₂-induced intestinal toxicity in rats was investigated. Animals were given a single acute oral dose of NaNO₂ at 60 mg/kg body weight with or without prior administration of either carnosine at 100 mg/kg body weight/day for 7 days or NAC at 100 mg/kg body weight/day for 5 days. Rats were killed after 24 h, and intestinal preparations were used for the evaluation of biochemical alterations and histological abrasions. Administration of NaNO₂ alone decreased the activities of intestinal brush border membrane and metabolic enzymes and significantly weakened the anti-oxidant defense system. DNA damage was also evident as observed by increased DNA-protein crosslinking and fragmentation. However, prior administration of carnosine or NAC significantly ameliorated NaNO₂-induced damage in intestinal cells. Histological studies support these biochemical results, showing intestinal damage in NaNO₂-treated animals and reduced tissue injury in the combination groups. The intrinsic anti-oxidant properties of carnosine and NAC must have contributed to the observed mitigation of nitrite-induced metabolic alterations and oxidative damage. Based on further validation from clinical trials, carnosine and NAC can potentially be used as chemo-preventive agents against NaNO₂ toxicity.

Temporal and longitudinal biofilm matrix analysis of a biofilter treating ethyl acetate during ozonation

Abstract

The present paper focuses on the biofilm composition and pattern of biomass in gas biofiltration of ethyl acetate working under continuous addition of ozone (O₃). Two biofilters were operated for 230 days, one under continuous addition of O₃ (90 ppb_v) and another one without. Throughout the operation time, the extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), the main components in the extracellular matrix (ECM), were extracted from the biofilm and characterized qualitatively using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy with attenuated total reflectance (FTIR-ATR) and quantitatively by analyzing its main constituents: carbohydrates, proteins, and glucuronic acid. To date, EPS characterization has been attempted mainly with biofilm aggregates related to water treatment, not air biofiltration. The results of this study may be helpful and provide more information about EPS structure when O₃ was added. O₃ addition only affected the amount of EPS and not its composition. The greater effect was observed on carbohydrate content since it is the main component in EPS. The EPS/biomass ratio measured was twice lower with O₃ addition. Higher removal efficiency (RE) and mineralization rates were obtained with the biofilter subjected to O₃ addition, and a smaller volume of a reactor would be necessary to treat all contaminant under this condition. EPS content is only quantitatively reduced by O₃ addition, and at the low O₃ concentration applied_, no structural alteration is noted regarding the composition of the EPS.

Temozolomide for Immunomodulation in the Treatment of Glioblastoma

Abstract

Temozolomide is the most widely used chemotherapy for patients with glioblastoma (GBM) despite the fact that approximately half of treated patients have temozolomide resistance and all patients eventually fail therapy. Due to the limited efficacy of existing therapies, immunotherapy is being widely investigated for patients with GBM. However, initial immunotherapy trials in GBM patients have had disappointing results as monotherapy. Therefore, combinatorial treatment strategies are being investigated. Temozolomide has several effects on the immune system that are dependent on mode of delivery and the dosing strategy that may have unpredicted effects on immunotherapy. Here we summarize the immune modulating role of temozolomide alone and in combination with immunotherapies such dendritic cell vaccines, T cell therapy, and immune checkpoint inhibitors for patients with GBM.

High‐fluence 1064‐nm Q‐Switched Nd:YAG laser: Safe and effective treatment of café‐au‐lait macules in Asian patients

Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, EarlyView.