Immune consequences induced by photodynamic therapy in non-melanoma skin cancers: a review

Abstract

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is widely used in dermatology to treat precancerous skin lesions and superficial non-melanoma skin cancers (NMSCs), including premalignant actinic keratosis, cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma in situ, and superficial basal cell carcinoma. The long-term cure rates of PDT range from 70 to 90% in NMSC patients, with excellent cosmetic results and good tolerance. However, the mechanism of action of PDT on tumors is complex. PDT not only kills tumor cells directly but also rapidly recruits immune cells to release inflammatory mediators to activate antitumor immunity. PDT-induced tumor death, also called immunogenic cell death, can trigger both innate and adaptive immune response, further enhancing the antitumor effect. For instance, inoculation of tumor cells killed via PDT to animals triggered a stronger antitumor immunity in vivo than tumor cell lysates produced by other treatments. More importantly, many immunotherapy regimens based on the immune effect of PDT have been developed and demonstrated to be a promising therapeutic method for cancer in pre-clinical trials. Therefore, increasing efforts have been undertaken to investigate the immune responses associated with PDT. In the present review, we first introduce the antitumor effect and the associated mechanisms of PDT in cancers. Then, we summarize studies on the immune responses induced by PDT in NMSCs. We also discuss the potential mechanisms underlying the process.

Green synthesis of gold nanoparticles using Artemisia dracunculus extract: control of the shape and size by varying synthesis conditions

Abstract

In this study, selective green synthesis of gold nanoparticles (nAu) with the use of Tarragon extract (Artemisia dracunculus) was investigated. Characterization of the synthetized nAu was carried out using several techniques including: UV-Vis, SEM, zeta potential analysis, DLS, and ATR-FTIR. Based on measurements of Tarragon extract by HPLC-MS, significant chemical substances participating as reducing and stabilizing agents were identified. FTIR confirmed typical functional groups that could be found in these acids on the nAu surface, such as O-H, C=O and C-O. The effects of various parameters (concentration of Tarragon extract, Au precursor, and initial pH of the synthesis) on the shape and size of the nanoparticles have been investigated. UV-Vis and SEM confirmed the formation of nAu at various concentrations of the extract and Au precursor and showed correlation between the added extract concentration and shift in maximal absorbance towards higher frequencies, indicating the formation of smaller nanoplates. Zeta potential determined at various pH levels revealed that its value decreased with pH, but for all experiments in the pH range of 2.8 to 5.0, the value is below − 30 mV, an absolute value high enough for long-term nAu stability. In order to evaluate nAu catalytic activity, the reduction of 4-nitrophenol to 4-aminophenol by sodium borohydride was used as a model system. The reaction takes place 1.5 times faster on Au-triangles than on Au-spherical NPs.

Emissions of selected brominated flame retardants from consumer materials: the effects of content, temperature, and timescale

Abstract

The ubiquitous presence of brominated flame retardants (BFRs) in indoor air, dust, and even in human tissue could be attributed to their emissions from BFR-containing products. Nevertheless, the emission behavior of BFRs, especially novel BFRs from consumer materials, to the indoor environment has still not been well understood. To evaluate the effects of chemical content, temperature, and time on the emissions of BFRs, we used a batch of small glass chambers to conduct emission tests on carpet, computer casings, sound insulation, circuit boards, decorative laminate, and PVC floors at temperatures from 20 to 80 °C, as well as different emission times of up to 35 days. Seven BFRs were extracted from the tested materials with contents ranging from 50 to 35,803 μg g⁻¹, and four BFRs were detected with emission rates between 5.9 and 418 pg g⁻¹ h⁻¹ at room temperature (20 °C); 1,2,5,6,9,10-hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD) was considered to be the dominant compound, which was found in and could be emitted from all of the tested materials. Emission rates are significantly and positively correlated with both the contents of tested materials and the elevated temperature. These results indicate that BFR-containing products have the potential to be a major source of indoor contamination.

Development of and Selected Performance Characteristics of CANJEM, a General Population Job-Exposure Matrix Based on Past Expert Assessments of Exposure

Abstract

Objectives

We developed a job-exposure matrix called CANJEM using data generated in population-based case–control studies of cancer. This article describes some of the decisions in developing CANJEM, and some of its performance characteristics.

Methods

CANJEM is built from exposure information from 31673 jobs held by study subjects included in our past case–control studies. For each job, experts had evaluated the intensity, frequency, and likelihood of exposure to a predefined list of agents based on jobs histories and descriptions of tasks and workplaces. The creation of CANJEM involved a host of decisions regarding the structure of CANJEM, and operational decisions regarding which parameters to present. The goal was to produce an instrument that would provide great flexibility to the user. In addition to describing these decisions, we conducted analyses to assess how well CANJEM covered the range of occupations found in Canada.

Results

Even at quite a high level of resolution of the occupation classifications and time periods, over 90% of the recent Canadian working population would be covered by CANJEM. Prevalence of exposure of specific agents in specific occupations ranges from 0% to nearly 100%, thereby providing the user with basic information to discriminate exposed from unexposed workers. Furthermore, among exposed workers there is information that can be used to discriminate those with high exposure from those with low exposure.

Conclusions

CANJEM provides good coverage of the Canadian working population and possibly that of several other countries. Available in several occupation classification systems and including 258 agents, CANJEM can be used to support exposure assessment efforts in epidemiology and prevention of occupational diseases.

Genomic characterisation of an international Pseudomonas aeruginosa reference panel indicates that the two major groups draw upon distinct mobile gene pools

Abstract

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an important opportunistic pathogen, especially in the context of infections of cystic fibrosis (CF). In order to facilitate coordinated study of this pathogen, an international reference panel of P. aeruginosa isolates was assembled. Here we report the genome sequencing and analysis of 33 of these isolates and 7 reference genomes to further characterise this panel. Core genome single nucleotide variant phylogeny demonstrated that the panel strains are widely distributed amongst the P. aeruginosa population. Common loss of function mutations reported as adaptive during CF (such as in mucA and mexA) were identified amongst isolates from chronic respiratory infections. From the 40 strains analysed, 37 unique resistomes were predicted, based on the Resistance Gene Identifier method using the Comprehensive Antibiotic Resistance Database. Notably, hierarchical clustering and phylogenetic reconstructions based on the presence/absence of genomic islands (GIs), prophages and other Regions of Genome Plasticity (RGPs) supported the subdivision of P. aeruginosa into two main groups. This is the largest, most diverse analysis of GIs and associated RGPs to date, and the results suggest that, at least at the largest clade grouping level (Group 1 vs Group 2), each group may be drawing upon distinct mobile gene pools.

Environmental behaviors of spirotetramat in water

Abstract

Spirotetramat is a pesticide with bidirectional systemicity in both xylem and phloem. Currently, researches show that spirotetramat has definite toxicity to aquatic organism. This paper aims to study the environmental behaviors of spirotetramat in water, in the hope of providing guidance for security evaluation of spirotetramat. The researches in this paper showed that under lighting condition, the half-life period of spirotetramat in water was 13.59 days. In water, spirotetramat could be degraded into B-enol and B-keto. As seen from the residual concentrations of two products, B-enol was the dominant degradation product. Under different temperatures, the hydrolysis products of spirotetramat remain B-enol and B-keto. The temperature has little effect on the residual concentration of spirotetramat in water. The residual concentration of B-enol in water gradually increased with the extension of time but B-keto had no significant change. In the buffer solution of different pH values, the degradation rate of spirotetramat was significantly enhanced with the increase of solution pH value. The hydrolysis products of spirotetramat in buffer solution of different pH values were still B-enol and B-keto, and pH exerted certain influence on the residual concentration of B-enol in water. The hydrolysis conversion of spirotetramat has theoretical and practical significance for the safe and reasonable usage of it, as well as for the further evaluation of spirotetramat's ecological risk in water.

Effect of anhydrous ethanol/gasoline blends on performance and exhaust emissions of spark-ignited non-road engines

Abstract

Ethanol is a renewable fuel and it is considered an alternative to gasoline in Otto-cycle engines. The present study evaluated the behavior of exhaustion gas carbon monoxide (CO) and total hydrocarbons (THC) according to the levels of anhydrous ethyl alcohol (AEA) added to gasoline in different proportions (E0, E10, E20, E27, that is, pure gasoline and its blends with AEA at 10, 20, and 27% v/v) in the use of non-road single cylinder engines of different powers (13 and 6.5 hp), to the loads applied to engine-generators and the air-fuel ratio (A/F) admitted to the engine cylinders. Also, the performance of engine-generators was verified in terms of mass, specific and energetic consumption and efficiency of the evaluated systems for the same blends and loads. The results showed that an increase in the AEA content in the blend resulted in significant drops in CO and THC concentrations for both engine-generators, while fuel consumption showed a slight upward trend; the increases in applied loads resulted in an increase in CO and THC concentrations and fuel consumption. In general, a higher AEA content (oxygenated) in the blends had a greater effect on gaseous emissions compared to the effect on consumption and system efficiency.

Testing biomarker feasibility: a case study of Laeonereis culveri (Nereididae, Annelida) exposed to sewage contamination in a subtropical estuary

Abstract

The feasibility of biomarkers to accurately detect pollution in estuaries and coastal areas appears to be overestimated in the scientific literature, and is likely stemming from a bias towards publishing only positive results. Herein, we test the applicability of antioxidant capacity and lipid peroxidation to detect potential in situ sewage impacts on a subtropical estuary. We experimentally assessed variation in malondialdehyde (MDA, an indicator of lipid peroxidation) and total antioxidant capacity against peroxyl radicals (ACAP) through transplantations of the worm Laeonereis culveri from control to sewage-polluted areas. Variations in biomarkers were more related to natural environmental variability and small-scale heterogeneity among areas than to experimental exposure to sewage. Use of oxidative stress biomarkers is promising but further experimental work under real-life conditions is necessary to further validate and establish their accuracy and feasibility for practical purposes.

Interaction between copper and extracellular nucleic acids in the EPS of unsaturated Pseudomonas putida CZ1 biofilm

Abstract

The role of extracellular DNA (eDNA) in biofilm in heavy metal complexation has been little reported. In this study, the interaction between the extracellular fraction of unsaturated biofilms and Cu²⁺ was studied using random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) and synchrotron-based X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) analyses. Under Cu²⁺ stress, the amount of eDNA was about 10-fold higher than the treatment without Cu²⁺ stress, which was substantially more than the amount of intracellular DNA (iDNA) present in the biofilm. The eDNA content increased significantly under Cu²⁺ stress and higher eDNA contents were found in colloidal extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) than in capsular EPS in Luria-Bertani medium. It was found that the composition of eDNA was distinctly changed under conditions of Cu²⁺ stress compared with the treatments without Cu²⁺ treatments, with specific eDNA bands appearing under Cu²⁺ treatments as revealed by RAPD analyses. X-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) analysis assessing the molecular speciation of copper showed that copper in the secreted eDNA mainly existed as species resembling Cu₃(PO₄)₂, followed by Cu-citrate species. This study investigated the interaction between copper and eDNA in unsaturated Pseudomonas putida CZ1 biofilms. Potential function of eDNA in biofilms under Cu²⁺ stress was found.

Systematic Review of the Therapeutic Roles of Adipose Tissue in Dermatology

Adipose tissue is rich in stem cells that secrete trophic factors; Several studies have demonstrated improved outcomes in scarring, wound healing, and hair growth with adipose tissue treatments; The evidence on using adipose tissue to treat complex dermatologic conditions is not strong enough to justify changes to current clinical practice.

Double eyelid surgery using palpebral marginal incision technique in Asians

Approximately 50% of Asians do not have upper eyelid creases. To create a double eyelid, full-incision methods may leave obvious scars, and buried-suture methods cannot remove excess tissues. The new palpebral marginal incision technique hided the incision at upper palpebral margin, and removed the excess tissue, achieving scarless and natural double-eyelids.

Anatomic approximation approach to correction of transverse facial clefts

Transverse clefts of the oral cavity have significant impacts on both form and function. Many methods of repair have been described but there is no consensus on optimal approach. In addition, dissatisfaction with scars, distortion of form, and recurrent deformity have led to complex surgical designs that are difficult to understand and to reproduce. We describe a simple approach to repair that is based upon anatomic approximation of lip components and accurate repair of muscle.Twenty patients have undergone repair by the senior author, who devised the approach, and the corresponding author, who adopted it.

Viability of a modified GoPro for Professional Surgical Videography

There are multiple aspects to consider when deciding upon the best method of filming a surgical procedure. A jib with a precision, remote controlled pan and tilt head is ideal, however these systems are not only expensive, but require the presence of a video operator and the inherent difficulty in maneuverability during surgery. Ease of use, simplicity, and usability of footage are therefore the main factors evaluated in previous papers.2-4 We evaluated common complications of current and previously tested systems to develop a method of high quality surgical videography using a modified GoPro HERO5 video camera from Back-Bone Gear Inc.

Low drug survival of apremilast for psoriasis in a real-word-setting

Epidemiology of Staphylococcal Scalded Skin Syndrome in United States Adults

Review: Surgical Smoke: Risks Assessment and Mitigation Strategies

Dermatologists are repeatedly exposed to surgical smoke from lasers and electrosurgery.; There are relevant infectious, direct physical, chemical, and mutagenic risks of surgical smoke.; These risks can be minimized by use of respirator masks and smoke evacuation systems.

12-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (12-HETE) levels are increased in Actinic Keratoses (AK) and Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)

Screening effects of metsulfuron-methyl to collembolans and earthworms: the role of adjuvant addition on ecotoxicity

Abstract

Metsulfuron-methyl is a common active ingredient recommended for use in pre- and post-emergence control of annual grasses and broadleaf weeds in crops, usually applied with mineral oil as adjuvant to enhance its efficiency. Despite the increasing use of this herbicide, there are no information on its ecotoxicity effects to soil fauna. Avoidance and lethality tests were performed with earthworms and collembolans using tropical artificial soil contaminated with formulated products Ally® (600 g L⁻¹ metsulfuron-methyl) and Assist® (756 g L⁻¹ mineral oil) as adjuvant. Lethality test with earthworms showed no difference when tested with or without adjuvant. When Ally® was tested alone, it caused avoidance behavior only at high concentrations (5000 and 10,000 times field predicted dose). However, Assist® addition changed the response of soil invertebrates increasing the avoidance even at field predicted doses. The toxicity of the adjuvant was confirmed in tests exposing collembolans and earthworms to Assist® alone resulting in avoidance behavior. The results clearly show that the addition of mineral oil enhanced the ecotoxicity of metsulfuron-methyl. This study provides an important contribution to the knowledge on the toxicity of metsulfuron-methyl and indicates that adjuvants should be considered in risk assessment of pesticides, considering that under field conditions, these products are applied together.

Chemical composition of rainwater in the Sinos River Basin, Southern Brazil: a source apportionment study

Abstract

This study aimed to assess the chemical composition of the rainwater in three areas of different environmental impact gradients in Southern Brazil using the receptor model EPA Positive Matrix Factorization (EPA PMF 5.0). The samples were collected in a bulk sampler, from October 2012 to August 2014, in three sampling sites along with the Sinos River Basin: Caraá, Taquara, and Campo Bom. The major ions NH₄⁺, Na⁺, K⁺, Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, F⁻, Cl⁻, NO₃⁻, SO₄²⁻, and pH were analyzed, as well as identify the main emission sources. The most abundant cations and anions were Ca²⁺, Na⁺, Cl⁻, and SO₄²⁻, respectively. The mean pH value in the Sinos River Basin during the study period was 6.07 ± 0.49 (5.13–7.05), which suggests inputs of alkaline species into the atmosphere. The most important neutralizing agents of sulfuric and nitric acids in the Sinos River Basin are Ca²⁺ (NF = 1.36) and NH₄⁺ (NF = 0.57). The source apportionment provided by the EPA PMF 5.0 resulted in four factors, which demonstrate the influence of anthropogenic and natural sources, in the form of (a) industry/combustion of fossil fuels (F⁻ and SO₄²⁻), (b) marine contribution (Na⁺ and Cl⁻), (c) crustal contribution (K⁺, Ca²⁺, and NO₃⁻), and (d) agriculture/livestock (NH₄⁺). Therefore, this study allows a more appropriate understanding of factors that contribute to rainwater chemical composition and also to possible changes in air quality.

Low-thermal remediation of mercury-contaminated soil and cultivation of treated soil

Abstract

In this study, low-thermal technology was used to treat the mercury contaminated farmland soil from a chemical plant in Guizhou Province, China. A series of field planting experiments were also aimed at determining the content of total and methyl-Hg in crop plants after thermal treatment. The results showed that the mercury concentration in soils was reduced about 70% from 255.74 mg/kg to 80.63 mg/kg when treated at 350 °C for 30 min in engineering-scale experiments, and the treated soil retained most of its original soil. Organic-bound and residual mercury in treated soil were reduced by 64.1 and 56.4% by means of a sequential extraction procedure, respectively. The total and methyl-mercury concentrations in crops decreased significantly, and the degree of soil mercury accumulation to crop roots has been reduced significantly. The total Hg concentrations in potato and corn were lower than the mercury tolerance limits for food in China, and the Hg concentration of radish was close to the limit. The technology provides a more sustainable remediation method for treating mercury-contaminated farmland soil in future engineering applications.

Reduced arsenic availability and plant uptake and improved soil microbial diversity through combined addition of ferrihydrite and Trichoderma asperellum SM-12F1

Abstract

Arsenic (As) accumulation in agricultural soils is prone to crop uptake, posing risk to human health. Passivation shows potential to inactivate soil labile As and lower crop As uptake but often contributes little to improving the microbiota in As-contaminated soils. Here, the combined addition of ferrihydrite and Trichoderma asperellum SM-12F1 as a potential future application for remediation of As-contaminated soil was studied via pot experiments. The results indicated that, compared with the control treatment, the combined addition of ferrihydrite and T. asperellum SM-12F1 significantly increased water spinach shoot and root biomass by 134 and 138%, respectively, and lowered As content in shoot and root by 37 and 34%, respectively. Soil available As decreased by 40% after the combined addition. The variances in soil pH and As fractionation and speciation were responsible for the changes in soil As availability. Importantly, the combined addition greatly increased the total phospholipid fatty acids (PLFAs) and gram-positive (G+), gram-negative (G−), actinobacterial, bacterial, fungal PLFAs by 114, 68, 276, 292, 133, and 626%, respectively, compared with the control treatment. Correspondingly, the soil enzyme activities closely associated with carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus mineralization and antioxidant activity were improved. The combination of ferrihydrite and T. asperellum SM-12F1 in soils did not reduce their independent effects.

The Digital Phenotype: a Philosophical and Ethical Exploration

Abstract

The concept of the digital phenotype has been used to refer to digital data prognostic or diagnostic of disease conditions. Medical conditions may be inferred from the time pattern in an insomniac's tweets, the Facebook posts of a depressed individual, or the web searches of a hypochondriac. This paper conceptualizes digital data as an extended phenotype of humans, that is as digital information produced by humans and affecting human behavior and culture. It argues that there are ethical obligations to persons affected by generalizable knowledge of a digital phenotype, not only those who are personally identifiable or involved in data generation. This claim is illustrated by considering the health-related digital phenotypes of precision medicine and digital epidemiology.

FR-mSWAT: el «PASI/EASI» de la micosis fungoides

Publication date: Available online 10 June 2018
Source:Actas Dermo-Sifiliográficas
Author(s): A. Combalia, T. Estrach

Palbociclib as single agent or in combination with the endocrine therapy received before disease progression for estrogen receptor-positive, HER2-negative metastatic breast cancer: TREnd trial

Abstract

Background

The activity of palbociclib as a single agent in advanced breast cancer has not been extensively studied, with the only available clinical data limited to heavily pre-treated patients. Pre-clinical data suggests palbociclib may partially reverse endocrine resistance, though this hypothesis has not been evaluated in previous clinical studies. This phase II, open-label, multi-center study examined the activity of palbociclib monotherapy, as well as palbociclib given in combination with the same endocrine therapy (ET) that was received prior to disease progression, in post-menopausal women with moderately pre-treated, estrogen receptor-positive, HER2 negative advanced breast cancer.

Patients and Methods

Eligible women with advanced disease which had progressed on one or two prior ETs were randomized 1:1 to receive either palbociclib alone, or palbociclib in combination with the ET as previously received. Primary endpoint was clinical benefit rate (CBR); secondary endpoints included progression-free survival (PFS).

Results

Between October 2012 and July 2016, a total of 115 patients were randomized. The CBR was 54% (95% CI 41.5 - 63.7) for combination therapy, and 60% (95% CI 47.8 - 72.9) for monotherapy. Median PFS was 10.8 months (95% CI 5.6 - 12.7) for combination therapy, and 6.5 months (95% CI, 5.4 to 8.5) for monotherapy (hazard ratio [HR] 0.69; 95% CI 0.4 - 1.1, exploratory P-value = 0.12). Exploratory analyses revealed the PFS advantage for combination therapy was seen in the subgroup of patients who received prior ET for >6 months (HR 0.53; 95% CI 0.3 - 0.9, exploratory P-value = 0.02), but not in those who received prior ET for ≤6 months.

Conclusion

Palbociclib has clinical activity as a single agent in women with moderately pre-treated, oestrogen receptor-positive, HER2-negative advanced breast cancer. Palbociclib may have potential to reverse endocrine resistance in patients with a history of previous durable response to ET.

Clinical trial information

NCT02549430

Trastuzumab versus observation for HER2 non amplified early breast cancer with Circulating Tumor Cells (EORTC 90091-10093, BIG 1-12, Treat CTC): A randomized phase 2 trial

Abstract

Background

Trastuzumab improves the outcome of women with HER2 positive breast cancer. We aimed to assess whether trastuzumab decreases the detection rate of Circulating Tumor Cells (CTCs) in women with high risk, HER2 non-amplified, early breast cancer.Patients and Methods: The EORTC 90091-10093 BIG 1-12 Treat CTC is a phase 2 trial, conducted in 70 hospitals and 6 CTC laboratories across 5 European countries. Patients with centrally confirmed HER2 non-amplified breast cancer and ≥1 centrally confirmed CTC per 15mL of blood by CellSearch® following surgery and (neo)adjuvant chemotherapy were randomized (1:1) to 6 cycles of trastuzumab intravenously versus 18 weeks of observation. Randomization was stratified for center, locally confirmed estrogen receptor (ER) status and adjuvant versus neoadjuvant chemotherapy. The primary endpoint was rate of detection of ≥ 1 CTC per 15mL of blood at week 18. Secondary endpoints were invasive disease-free survival (iDFS) and cardiac safety.

Results

Between 30 April 2013 and 17 October 2016, 1317 patients were screened; 95 (7.2%) had detectable CTC(s), and 63 (4.8%) were randomized to trastuzumab (n = 31) or observation (n = 32). Fifty-eight patients were evaluable for the primary endpoint, 29 in each arm. In 9 of the 58 patients, CTC(s) were still detected at week 18: 5 in the trastuzumab and 4 in the observation arm (one-sided Fisher exact test, p = 0.765). An Independent Data Monitoring Committee recommended stopping further accrual for futility for the primary endpoint. Median follow-up at database lock was 13 months (IQR 4-16.5). The 1-year iDFS was 93.8% (95% CI 77.3-98.4) in the observation versus 84.8% (95% CI 63.4-94.2) in the trastuzumab arm. No grade 2-4 cardiac events were observed in the trastuzumab arm.

Conclusion

Trastuzumab does not decrease the detection rate of CTCs in HER2 non-amplified, non-metastatic breast cancer.

Modulation of Rb phosphorylation and antiproliferative response to palbociclib. The Preoperative-Palbociclib (POP) randomized Clinical Trial

Abstract

Background

The CDK4/6 inhibitor Palbociclib is a new standard treatment in hormone-receptor positive breast cancer patients. No predictive biomarkers have been identified and no pharmacodynamics has properly been described so far.

Patients and methods

Patients with early breast cancer were randomized 3:1 to oral palbociclib 125mg daily for 14 days until the day before the surgery vs. no treatment. Primary objective was antiproliferative response defined as a natural logarithm of Ki67 expression at day 15 below 1. Secondary end-points were subgroups analyses and safety. Exploratory analyses included search for predictive biomarkers. Immunostainings (Ki67, RB, pRB, p16, pAKT, pER, pCDK2, CyclinD1), FISH (CCND1) and gene expression arrays were performed at baseline and at surgery. In addition, activating PIK3CA and AKT1 mutations were assessed at baseline.

Results

74 patients were allocated to palbociclib and 26 to control. Most patients (93%) were hormone-receptor (HR)-positive, whereas 8% were HER2-positive. Palbociclib led to significantly more antiproliferative responses as compared to control (58% vs. 12%, p<0.001), and to a significantly higher Ki67 decrease (p < 0.001). In the HR-positive/HER2-negative subgroup, this antiproliferative effect was even more marked in the palbociclib arm as compared to control (70% vs. 9%, p<0.001). Palbociclib treatment led also to a significantly higher decrease from baseline in phospho-Rb as compared to control (p<0.001). Among treated patients, changes in Ki67 correlated with changes in phospho-Rb (Spearman rank r = 0.41, p<0.0001). Gene expression analyses confirmed a major effect on proliferation and cell cycle genes. Among treated patients, CCNE2 expression was significantly more decreased in anti-proliferative responders vs. non-responders (p=0.006).

Conclusion

Short-term pre-operative palbociclib decreases Ki67 in early breast cancer patients. Early decrease of Rb phosphorylation correlates with drug's effect on cell proliferation and could potentially identify patients with primary resistance.

Primary cutaneous lymphomas: ESMO Clinical Practice Guidelines for diagnosis, treatment and follow-up†

Double eyelid surgery using palpebral marginal incision technique in Asians

Publication date: Available online 11 June 2018
Source:Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery
Author(s): Shuo Fang, Weiye Zhu, Lihaoyang Zhu, Chao Yang
BackgroundApproximately 50% of Asians do not have upper eyelid creases. To create a double eyelid, full-incision methods may leave obvious scars, and buried-suture methods cannot remove excess tissues. The new palpebral marginal incision technique hided the incision at upper palpebral margin, and removed the excess tissue, achieving scarless and natural double-eyelids.MethodsThe modified technique involved the incision site and the positioning processes. The incision line is 1.0-1.5mm above the palpebral margin. A strip of orbicularis muscle beneath the positioned double eyelid must be removed. Then the orbital septum is exposed and a certain amount of orbital fat is removed. Next, the dermis and the tarsal plate are sutured orderly. Lastly, a strip of the redundant skin about 1-3 mm above the incision may be excised to correct blepharochalasis before the skin is closed.ResultsThis new technique was performed in 212 patients, including 56 patients with blepharochalasis had their skin excised during the surgery. The follow-up period ranged from 6 months to 3 years. Ninety-five percent of the patients responded excellent and good that they were satisfied with their surgery, and no significant complications occurred.ConclusionsThe advantages of the authors' technique are as follows: (1) minimal or even no surgical scarring is discernible on the eyelids even when they are closed; (2) solve the problem of excessive tissue and correct blepharochalasis; (3) the double eyelid fold is stable and nature for a long time.

Viability of a modified GoPro for Professional Surgical Videography

Publication date: Available online 11 June 2018
Source:Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery
Author(s): Timothy Zoltie, Michael Ho FRCS

Prenatal Exposure to Antibiotics and Risk of Childhood Obesity in a Multi-Center Cohort Study

Abstract

Mounting evidence has linked postnatal antibiotic use with body mass index (BMI) in children, but the influence of prenatal antibiotic use on offspring obesity risk remains unclear. We aimed to assess the association between fetal exposure to antibiotics and obesity at ages 4 and 7 years among 43,332 children using a multi-center prospective cohort of the U.S. Collaborative Perinatal Project (1959-1976). Antibiotic use was ascertained for mothers during pregnancy. Modified Poisson regression models were used to estimate risk ratios (RRs) of obesity (BMI > 95th percentile) and linear mixed models were applied to assess the association with BMI Z-score. Prenatal exposure to antibiotics repeatedly was associated with childhood obesity at age 7 years, and risk of obesity tended to increase with an increasing number of antibiotic exposures (2-3 times: RR = 1.22, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.04, 1.44; ≥ 4 times: RR = 1.34, 95% CI: 1.03, 1.73). The magnitude of association was strongest for repeated exposures in second trimester (RR = 1.40, 95% CI = 1.16, 1.71). Prenatal antibiotic use was not associated with obesity or BMI z-score at age 4 years. These findings support an increased risk of mid-childhood obesity with repeated use of antibiotics during pregnancy.

10-year changes in accelerometer-based physical activity and sedentary time during midlife: CARDIA Study

Abstract

To describe 10-year changes in accelerometer-determined physical activity (PA) and sedentary time in a midlife cohort, within and by race/sex groups. Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults participants (n = 962) who wore the accelerometer with valid wear (≥4 of 7 days, ≥10 hours per day) at baseline (2005-06; ages 38-50; ActiGraph 7164) and 10-year follow-up (2015-16; ages 48-60; ActiGraph wGT3X-BT). Data were calibrated to account for accelerometer model differences. Participants (aged 45.0 ± 3.5 years at baseline) experienced reductions in accelerometer counts overall [-65.5 (10.2) ct·min·d^-1], and within race/sex groups (all p < 0.001). Sedentary time increased overall [37.9 (3.7) min∙d^-1], and within race/sex groups, while light intensity PA [-30.6 (2.7) min∙d^-1] and moderate to vigorous intensity PA both declined overall [-7.5 (0.8) min∙d^-1], and within race/sex groups (all p < 0.001). Significant differences in 10-year change estimates were noted by race/sex groups for accelerometer counts, sedentary time, and moderate to vigorous intensity PA bouts with black men experiencing the greatest reductions in PA compared to other groups. PA declines during midlife were characterized by reductions in light intensity PA with increases in sedentary time, which may have important health consequences. Targeted efforts are needed to preserve PA, regardless of intensity level, across midlife.

New-Onset Asthma and Combat Deployment: Findings From the Millennium Cohort Study

Abstract

Recent reports suggest United States military service members who deployed in support of the recent conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan have higher rates of new-onset asthma than those who did not deploy. However, it is unknown whether combat experiences, in addition to deployment, contribute to new-onset asthma risk. This study aimed to longitudinally determine the risk factors for developing asthma, including combat deployment (categorized as deployed with combat experience, deployed without combat experience, and nondeployed), among Millennium Cohort Study participants from 2001 to 2013. A total of 75,770 participants completed a baseline and at least one triennial follow-up survey on deployment experiences, lifestyle characteristics, and health outcomes. Complementary log-log models stratified by sex were used to estimate the relative risk of developing asthma among participants who reported no history of asthma at baseline. In adjusted models, those who deployed with combat experience were 24%–30% more likely to develop asthma than those who did not deploy. Deployed personnel without combat experience were not at a higher risk for new-onset asthma compared with nondeployers. Further research is needed to identify specific features of combat that are associated with greater asthma risk to inform prevention strategies.

Photodegradation of cyclohexane and toluene using TiO 2 /UV/O 3 in gas phase

Abstract

Volatile organic compounds (VOC) are air pollutants usually found in urban and industrial areas. Heterogeneous photocatalysis is an interesting technique used to degrade these compounds. Several approaches may enhance this process; some studies have shown higher VOC conversions by adding ozone to the experimental system, once ozone increases the number of reactive radicals in the reaction. In this context, this work studied the conversion of cyclohexane and toluene by heterogeneous photocatalysis in gas phase, in the presence of titanium dioxide (TiO₂), UV light, and different concentrations of ozone. For fixed space times from 13.1 to 48.8 s, an average increase of 9% was reached in cyclohexane conversion when comparing the system with maximum concentration of ozone (0.8%) and the system without it. In addition, difference of less than 2% in the conversion of cyclohexane with different moisture fractions was observed. Toluene photodegradation was also analyzed in the presence of ozone and although the conversion was only about 40% for the space time of 25 s, this result was maintained during 4 h of experiment, with no catalyst deactivation as usually reported in the literature for aromatic compounds. Based on the results, ozone addition is an advantageous technique to improve the photodegradation of VOC.

Application of direct contact membrane distillation for saline dairy effluent treatment: performance and fouling analysis

Abstract

Membrane distillation is getting increasing attention thanks to its advantages in terms of energy consumption and final permeate quality in addition to its resistance against highly corrosive media which forms an appealing solution for industrial wastewater treatment. Despite its advantages, one of the most challenging issues in direct contact membrane distillation (DCMD) is membrane fouling and wetting. In the present research work, saline dairy effluent discharged from hard cheese industry was pretreated by macrofiltration (MAF) and ultrafiltration (UF) and processed by DCMD to investigate the extent of the aforementioned issues. Effluents pretreated by UF have led the best process performance with stable flux values at different operating conditions. Fouling has occurred in all the experiments, though their effect on the flux behavior and membrane wetting was different from one feed to the other. Changing the flow rate and the temperature difference have affected slightly the membrane wettability for all feed qualities. In all experiments, the permeate has maintained a good quality with low electrical conductivity that did not exceed 70 μS/cm and low total organic carbon < 2 mg/L.

Phytoavailability, bioaccumulation, and human health risks of metal(loid) elements in an agroecosystem near a lead-zinc mine

Abstract

Soil near a Pb-Zn-Mn mine was polluted by mining, which may have an impact on human health via the food chain. To evaluate the pollution effects, arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn) in vegetables were determined by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission and mass spectrometry. Lead species were analyzed by X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES). Phytoavailability of the elements was evaluated by bioaccumulation of the elements, the sequential extraction procedure, Pb species, and plant uptakes. The target health quotient (THQ) was calculated to evaluate the human health risks. It was found that (1) high concentrations of As, Cd, Cr, and Pb were detectable in vegetables, and bioaccumulation was in the order of Mn > Zn > Cr > Pb > Cu > As > Cd; (2) phytoavailability of the elements was controlled mainly by the soluble fraction, and a linear relationship observed between the soluble fraction and bioaccumulation; (3) a new Pb-fulvic acid complex (Pb-FA) was identified by XANES in rhizosphere soil, and high content of Pb organic matter (60%) and soluble Pb (18%) were found; (4) both Cd and Zn accumulated in both of the Amaranthaceae and the Apiaceae families, indicating that the plants in the same family have the same bioaccumulation trend for the elements in the same group; (5) agricultural activities and plant growing increased phytoavailability of As, Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn by decreasing the residual and raising the soluble and extractable fractions; (6) arsenic is top of the high health risks, followed by Pb, Cd, and Mn. Coriander, celery, and spinach were the top three highest health risks in the area.

Effects of soil improvement technology on soil quality in solar greenhouse

Abstract

Currently, cucumber cultivation is mainly through monoculture, as continuous culture leads to the decrease of crop yield and soil quality. In order to improve soil quality to achieve continuous monocultures, soil physicochemical properties, microbial biomass, content of phenolic compounds, and the size of bacterial, fungal, ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB), and Fusarium oxysporum were first evaluated in cucumber monoculture solar greenhouse. Soil improvement technology, including catch wheat (CW), calcium cyanamide disinfection (LN), and straw reactor technology (SR) during summer fallow period, was compared with conventional fallow (CK). Results showed that CW, LN, and SR all significantly increased soil pH, and LN and SR increased soil electrical conductivity (EC); however, CW decreased soil EC. Meanwhile, LN increased soil available N content significantly and SR increased available P content significantly. CW had negative effect on the accumulation of soil available nutrients, conversely, CW and SR had positive effect on the accumulation of microbial biomass carbon (MBC). All the treatments increased the total phenol content in the soil compared with CK. While CW increased the size of bacteria, AOB in the soil inhibited fungal and wilt pathogen size. LN also increased the size of soil bacteria and reduced the size of fungi. The comprehensive evaluation of all treatments showed that CW could control soil nutrient loss and improve the continuous cropping soil, making the soil transform from fungi to bacteria type. All the treatments accelerate the accumulation of phenolic compound, while whether or not developing autotoxicity requires further investigation.

Role of organic fouling layer on the rejection of trace organic solutes by nanofiltration: mechanisms and implications

Abstract

To investigate how the organic fouling layers on nanofiltration (NF) membrane surface and the strong matrix effect (particularly by Ca²⁺) influence the rejection of trace organic compounds (TOrCs), filtration experiments with two TOrCs, bisphenol A (BPA) and sulfamethazine (SMT), were carried out with virgin and organic-fouled NF membrane. Organic fouling layer on the membrane was induced by sodium alginate (SA) at different concentrations of Ca²⁺. The results indicated that NF membrane maintained consistently rejection of TOrCs with little influence by membrane fouling at lower Ca²⁺ concentration. In contrast, organic fouling caused at higher concentration of Ca²⁺ observably restrained the rejections of both BPA and SMT. Furthermore, based on the cake-enhanced concentration polarization (CECP) model, the rejection of TOrCs was divided to the real rejection and the mass transfer coefficient. Moreover, it was found that the decrease in rejection resulted by organic fouling was due to the real rejection that was restrained by fouling layer with irregular impact on the mass transfer coefficient. Although the mechanism of trace compounds rejection was complex, the controlling factors varied among foulants. Nevertheless, the steric effect of the cake layer played an important role in determining solute rejection by organic-fouled NF membrane.

Plant species diversity for vegetation restoration in manganese tailing wasteland

Abstract

Vegetation restoration is one of the most effective measures to restore degraded ecosystem in mining wasteland. A field experiment was conducted to study the effects of some site treatments' three different approaches on the benefits of selective vegetation in the manganese mine. Three different approaches included (1) exposed tailings, the control treatment (tailing site); (2) soil covering of 10-cm thickness (external-soil site), and (3) soil covering of 10-cm thickness, soil ameliorating (adding fowl dung), and seeding propagation of Cynodon dactylon (Linn.) Pers. (rehabilitation site). The results indicated that 18 herb species were taken from 8 families and 4 woody plants in three sites after 1 year. After 3 years, 29 species from 14 families were observed in 3 sites. Meanwhile, compared with tailing site, the plant species of rehabilitation site was more than tailing site, and the plant abundance of external-soil site was similar to rehabilitation site. It was worthy to be mentioned that the plant species of external-soil site and rehabilitation site had a better effect on the plant community coverage of herb layer as compared with tailing site. In summary, the plant species of rehabilitation site had the most species diversity and could be recommended as the ve-restoration modes in manganese tail wasteland.