Sun sensitivity and sun protective behaviors during sun exposure among indoor office workers in the American Midwest

Photodermatology, Photoimmunology &Photomedicine, EarlyView.

Chronic hand eczema: A prospective analysis of the Swiss CARPE registry focusing on factors associated with clinical and quality of life improvement

Contact Dermatitis, EarlyView.

Regulation of contact sensitivity in non‐obese diabetic (NOD) mice by innate immunity

Contact Dermatitis, EarlyView.

Allergic contact dermatitis caused by benzyl salicylate in hair products

Contact Dermatitis, EarlyView.

Attitudes to local anaesthesia in radiofrequency thermotherapy sleep surgery: Our experience in a single centre with 42 adult patients

Clinical Otolaryngology, EarlyView.

Effects of Bacillus subtilis and nanohydroxyapatite on the metal accumulation and microbial diversity of rapeseed ( Brassica campestris L.) for the remediation of cadmium-contaminated soil

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of the co-application of Bacillus subtilis and nanohydroxyapatite (NHAP) on plant growth, soil cadmium (Cd) dynamics, and the microbiological characteristics (such as enzyme activity and bacterial species richness) of the rhizosphere soil. Rapeseed was used as a model plant in pot experiments. Different concentrations of B. subtilis and 0.5% NHAP were applied alone and in combination to Cd-contaminated soil. The Cd contents in soils and plants as well as the rhizospheric microorganism diversity were assessed. The addition of B. subtilis or NHAP alone increased the soil Cd content and decreased the plant Cd content, while their co-application more effectively increased the soil and plant Cd contents than either treatment alone. B. subtilis and NHAP reduced the plant Cd content by 43.15–57.04% compared with that in the control. Rhizosphere community richness and bacterial diversity were significantly increased after co-application of B. subtilis and NHAP. Co-application of B. subtilis and NHAP effectively promoted rapeseed growth and improved Cd-contaminated soil remediation.

Hydrophilic modification and anti-fouling properties of PVDF membrane via in situ nano-particle blending

Abstract

Two hydrophilic poly-vinylidene fluoride (PVDF) ultrafiltration membranes were prepared via in situ embedment of nanoparticles (NP), i.e., TiO₂ and Al₂O₃, respectively, and their anti-organic-fouling and anti-biofouling were comprehensively investigated. Characterization of modified PVDF-NP membranes by XRD and FTIR exhibited that nanoparticles were embedded successfully. Series of fast filtration tests demonstrated that in contrary to virgin PVDF membrane, PVDF-NP membranes have high permeability and anti-organic-fouling ability by decreasing the possibility of organic matters deposition and accumulation. Co-existed Ca²⁺ in feed solution deteriorated the organic fouling in virgin PVDF and PVDF-NP membranes, which was mainly caused by gelation of macromolecular foulants. PVDF-NP membranes were used to form MBR modules for domestic wastewater treatment, and the long-term monitoring evidenced that hydrophilic modified membranes achieved stably high COD and \( {\mathrm{NH}}_4^{+}-\mathrm{N} \) rejection efficiencies, and better organic rejection capability than mAO process. PVDF-NP membranes possessed consistently high anti-biofouling ability to maintain stable membrane permeability.

Mercury, cadmium, and lead content in demersal sharks from the Macaronesian islands

Abstract

The overexploitation of shark and ray fishing as well as anthropogenic pollution in the sea has led to a large decline in their population, and because sharks occupy a high trophic position in the ecosystem, they could have high concentrations of heavy metals such as Hg, Pb, and Cd. This study is based on seven species of demersal sharks which were caught in the Macaronesian archipelagos (Tenerife, Gran Canaria, and the Azores Archipelago). Hg and Pb concentrations were found in the present study to be below those reported in other comparative studies, with the highest reported values of Hg and Pb being 281,738 μg/kg for Pb in Deania profundorum (Smith & Radcliffe, 1912) and 264,30 μg/kg for Hg in Centrophorus uyato, Rafinesque, 1810. As for Cd, the values found here are higher than those in the literature, the highest reported concentration being 120.36 μg/kg in Centrophorus squamosus (Bonnaterre, 1788).

Growth, physiological adaptation, and NHX gene expression analysis of Iris halophila under salt stress

Abstract

This study investigated the growth, physiological changes, and the transcript levels of NHX1 gene of Iris halophila in response to low NaCl concentration (50 mM) and high NaCl concentration (150 mM). Our results showed that both 50 and 150 mM NaCl had no obvious negative effects on plant growth; what is more, low NaCl concentration (50 mM) increased root length, root fresh weight, and the ratio of root length to leaf length compared with the control group. The malondialdehyde (MDA) contents in leaves and roots of I. halophila had no obvious difference as compared with control. Proline levels of I. halophila exhibited basically an enhancement under salt stress conditions. Particularly at 4 days, the proline contents in leaves reached 1.85 to 2.31-fold higher and the contents in roots reached 1.27 to 1.62-fold higher than that of control at 50 and 150 mM NaCl, respectively. The contents of the soluble sugar in leaves and roots of I. halophila under 150 mM NaCl at 7 days were 32.4 and 98.7% higher than that of control, respectively. The increase rate of K⁺ contents with the increasing concentration of salt was less than that of Na⁺ contents, but K⁺ contents in the seedlings under NaCl stress was still higher than Na⁺ contents and the ratio of K⁺ to Na⁺ was also greater than 1. The transcript levels of IhNHX1 in leaves of I. halophila at 4 and 7 days under 150 mM NaCl were higher than that of control; however, the transcript levels of IhNHX1 in roots had no significant difference compared with the control under low and high salt stress at 1, 4, and 7 days. Therefore, salt tolerance in I. halophila could be partially due to higher proline, soluble sugar, and K⁺ accumulation.

Volume change in the rectus abdominis muscle after deep inferior epigastric perforator flap harvest

Deep inferior epigastric perforator flap has less donor site morbidity than that of transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap. However, abdominal muscle atrophy and donor site complications caused by denervation during pedicle dissection cannot be avoided. This retrospective study investigated the change in rectus abdominis muscle volume after deep inferior epigastric perforator flap harvest. Of 395 patients who underwent unilateral deep inferior epigastric perforator flap breast reconstruction between August 2007 and July 2017, 25 patients with >2-year postoperative abdominal computed tomography data were evaluated.

Abnormal soft palate movements in patients with microtia

Microtia is a congenital malformation of the auricle, ranging in severity. It can be isolated or associated with (craniofacial) anomalies. Most of these anomalies together are described as being part of the oculo-auriculo-vertebral spectrum (OAVS). Velar abnormalities have been described to occur in patients with OAVS, however the incidence in patients with microtia without OAVS is largely unknown. The primary purpose of this study was to examine the prevalence of velar palsy in patients with isolated microtia, and in patients with microtia and signs of OAVS.

Comparing Transversus Abdominus Release and Anterior Component Separation Techniques in Reconstructing Midline Hernias – A Cadaveric Study

Midline hernias result in abdominal wall defects that can be reconstructed with autologous tissue utilizing component separation of the abdominal wall. The first technique described was anterior component separation described by Ramirez et al1 where the release of the external oblique aponeurosis allowed advancement of the rectus abdominus medially to the midline, thus allowing closure of ventral midline defects with autologous tissue. The technique, however, involved dissection of the subcutaneous tissues laterally which often created devascularized skin flaps and increased the risk of poor wound healing with the risk of skin necrosis.

Treatment of keloid scars with intralesional triamcinolone and 5-fluorouracil injections – a randomized controlled trial

Keloids have high recurrence rates. Current first-line therapy is triamcinolone (TAC) injection, but it has been suggested that approximately 50% of keloids are steroid -resistant. We compared the efficacy of intralesional 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and triamcinalone injections in a double-blind randomized controlled trial. Forty-three patients with 50 keloid scars were treated with either intralesional TAC or 5-FU-injections over 6 months.There was no statistically significant difference in the remission rate at 6 months between the 5-FU and TAC groups (46% vs 60%, respectively).

Erythematous‐violaceous plaques on the trunk and extremities of a child

JDDG: Journal der Deutschen Dermatologischen Gesellschaft, EarlyView.

Psychosocial distress and desire for support among skin cancer patients – impact of treatment setting

JDDG: Journal der Deutschen Dermatologischen Gesellschaft, EarlyView.

34‐year‐old patient with blackish macules on the dorsa of the hands and forearms

JDDG: Journal der Deutschen Dermatologischen Gesellschaft, EarlyView.

IgG4‐related disease with skin, submaxillary and pulmonary involvement

JDDG: Journal der Deutschen Dermatologischen Gesellschaft, EarlyView.

Ultrastructural changes of Trichophyton rubrum in tinea unguium after itraconazole therapy in vivo observed using scanning electron microscopy

Clinical and Experimental Dermatology, EarlyView.

The influence of ‘moral disengagement’ on conflict of interest: insights for dermatology from social psychology and qualitative research

British Journal of Dermatology, EarlyView.

Detection of anti‐BP180 NC16A autoantibodies after the onset of dipeptidyl peptidase‐IV inhibitor‐associated bullous pemphigoid: a report of three patients

British Journal of Dermatology, EarlyView.

Elevated serum interleukin‐29 levels in patients with Henoch–Schönlein purpura

Australasian Journal of Dermatology, EarlyView.

Scleroderma‐like cutaneous lesions during treatment with paclitaxel and gemcitabine in a patient with pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Review of literature

International Journal of Dermatology, EarlyView.

Primary extramammary Paget's disease of the skin: treatment and survival

International Journal of Dermatology, EarlyView.

A pigmented nodule on the neck

International Journal of Dermatology, EarlyView.

Topical 5‐fluorouracil in dermatologic disease

International Journal of Dermatology, EarlyView.

Difficult to diagnose small cutaneous melanoma metastases mimicking angiomas: utility of dermoscopy

International Journal of Dermatology, EarlyView.

Efficacy of PUVA in Russian patients with mastocytosis: a case series and review of literature

International Journal of Dermatology, EarlyView.

A case of melanocytic matricoma with prominent mitotic activity and melanocytic hyperplasia

International Journal of Dermatology, EarlyView.

Skin fragility, woolly hair syndrome with a desmoplakin mutation – a case from India

International Journal of Dermatology, EarlyView.

Exposure to Upper Arm Elevation During Work Compared to Leisure Among 12 Different Occupations Measured with Triaxial Accelerometers

Abstract

Regarding prevention of neck and shoulder pain (NSP), unsupported arm elevation is one factor that should be taken into account when performing work risk assessment. Triaxial accelerometers can be used to measure arm elevation over several days but it is not possible to differentiate between supported and unsupported arm elevation from accelerometers only. Supported arm elevation is more likely to exist during sitting than standing. The aim of the study was to evaluate the use of whole workday measurements of arm elevation with accelerometers to assess potentially harmful work exposure of arm elevation, by comparing arm elevation at work with arm elevation during leisure, in a population with diverse work tasks, and to assess how the exposure parameters were modified when upper arm elevation during sitting time was excluded. The participants, 197 workers belonging to 12 occupational groups with diverse work tasks, wore triaxial accelerometers on the dominant arm, hip, and back for 1–4 days to measure arm elevation and periods of sitting. None of the groups were found to have higher exposure to arm elevation during work compared to leisure. Even though some occupations where known to have work tasks that forced them to work with elevated arms to a large extent. A high proportion of arm elevation derived from sitting time, especially so during leisure. When arm elevation during sitting time was excluded from the analysis, arm elevation was significantly higher at work than during leisure among construction workers, garbage collectors, manufacturing workers, and domestic cleaners. Together this illustrates that it is not suitable to use whole workday measurments of arm elevation with accelerometer as a sole information source when assessing the risk for NSP due to arm elevation. Information on body posture can provide relevant contextual information in exposure assessments when it is known that the potential harmful exposure is performed in standing or walking.

Emissions into the Air from Bitumen and Rubber Bitumen—Implications for Asphalt Workers’ Exposure

Abstract

The risk among asphalt workers of developing adverse health effects may increase due to their occupational exposure. One area of special concern arises when rubber granules are mixed into bitumen to enhance asphalt properties. This research characterizes and compares bitumen and rubber bitumen regarding the emissions of and workers' exposure to particulates, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and benzothiazole. A laboratory and a field study were carried out. In the laboratory, two types of bitumen, one with and one without rubber, were heated up to two temperatures (140°C and 160°C). The concentrations and chemical compositions of the emissions were determined. In the field at asphalt work sites, both emissions and worker exposure measurements were performed. The methods applied included direct-reading sampling techniques next to the asphalt work area and personal sampling techniques on asphalt workers. The exposure measurements on asphalt workers for respirable dust, total dust, particle number and mass, and total PAH concentrations showed similar concentrations when both standard and rubber bitumen were used. The asphalt-surfacing machine operators were the workers with the highest observed exposure followed by the screed operators and roller drivers. Both laboratory and field measurements showed higher concentrations of benzothiazole when rubber bitumen was used, up to 7.5 times higher in the laboratory. The levels of naphthalene, benzo(a)pyrene, and total particles were lower for both types compared with the Swedish occupational exposure limits, 8-h time weighted average concentrations. Benzo(a)pyrene exceeded however the health-based guideline value given by the WHO for both types of bitumen. The study concludes that several air pollutants such as benzothiazole and PAHs are emitted into the air during asphalt work, but it is not evident if exposure to rubber bitumen possesses a higher risk than exposure to standard bitumen in terms of asphalt worker exposure.

Eosinophilic Esophagitis Is a Late Manifestation of the Allergic March

Publication date: Available online 25 June 2018
Source:The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: In Practice
Author(s): David A. Hill, Robert W. Grundmeier, Mark Ramos, Jonathan M. Spergel
BackgroundThe allergic march describes the natural history of allergic conditions as they develop during childhood. Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a chronic allergic inflammatory disease that can be triggered by specific foods. Despite its allergic pathophysiology, the epidemiologic relationship between EoE and established members of the allergic march is unknown.ObjectiveWe sought to determine whether EoE meets epidemiologic criteria for being considered a member of the allergic march.MethodsUsing a primary care birth cohort of 130,435 children, we determined the natural histories of atopic dermatitis (AD), IgE-mediated food allergy (IgE-FA), asthma, EoE, and allergic rhinitis (AR) in individual patients. We then performed case-control analyses to establish the extent that existing allergic conditions influence the rate of subsequent EoE diagnosis.ResultsA total of 139 children developed EoE during the observation period (prevalence of 0.11%). The peak age of EoE diagnosis was 2.6 years, as compared with 0.3 years, 1 year, 1.1 years, and 2.1 years for AD, IgE-FA, asthma, and AR, respectively. The presence of AD (hazard ratio [HR] 3.2, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.2-4.6), IgE-FA (HR 9.1, 95% CI 6.5-12.6), and asthma (HR 1.9, 95% CI 1.3-2.7) was independently and cumulatively associated with subsequent EoE diagnosis. The presence of AR was associated with subsequent EoE diagnosis (HR 2.8, 95% CI 2.0-3.9), and the presence of EoE was associated with subsequent AR diagnosis (HR 2.5, 95% CI 1.7-3.5).ConclusionsAllergic comorbidities are positively associated with EoE diagnosis. Together, our findings suggest that EoE is a late manifestation of the allergic march.

Photodynamic activity of Temoporfin nanoparticles induces a shift to the M1-like phenotype in M2-polarized macrophages

Publication date: Available online 25 June 2018
Source:Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology B: Biology
Author(s): Zhenxin Zhu, Claudia Scalfi-Happ, Anastasia Ryabova, Susanna Gräfe, Arno Wiehe, Ralf-Uwe Peter, Victor Loschenov, Rudolf Steiner, Rainer Wittig
The monocyte/macrophage cell lineage reveals an enormous plasticity, which is required for tissue homeostasis, but is also undermined in various disease states, leading to a functional involvement of macrophages in major human diseases such as atherosclerosis and cancer. We recently generated in vivo evidence that crystalline, nonfluorescent nanoparticles of the hydrophobic porphyrin-related photosensitizer Aluminum phthalocyanine are selectively dissolved and thus may be used for specific fluorescent labelling of rejected, but not of accepted xenotransplants. This led us to hypothesize that nanoparticles made of planar photosensitizers such as porphyrins and chlorins were preferentially taken up and dissolved by macrophages, which was verified by in vitro studies. Here, using an in vitro system for macrophage differentiation/polarization of the human monocyte THP-1 cell line, we demonstrate differential uptake/dissolution of Temoporfin-derived nanoparticles in polarized macrophages, which resulted in differential photosensitivity. More importantly, low dose photodynamic sensitization using Temoporfin nanoparticles can be used to trigger M1 re-polarization of THP-1 cells previously polarized to the M2 state. Thus, sublethal photodynamic treatment using Temoporfin nanoparticles might be applied to induce a phenotypic shift of tumor-associated macrophages for the correction of an immunosuppressive microenvironment in the treatment of cancer, which may synergize with immune checkpoint inhibition.

Measuring and comparing extinction events: Reconsidering diversity crises and concepts

Synopsis

To understand our present diversity crisis, it is natural to look to past crises for parallels and indicators. This is difficult because the present crisis is unlike the "Big Five" of the past: it is mostly terrestrial (with an increasing marine component), involves widespread habitat destruction and alteration of climate, and is largely anthropogenic, with confounding effects of differences in loss of diversity among continents and the difficulty of separating anthropogenic extinctions from natural Pleistocene and post-Pleistocene extinctions. In contrast, the "Big Five" crises of the geologic record are mainly marine (in the first two, no land vertebrates existed), and because marine taxa outnumber terrestrial taxa by a margin of about 25:1, global analyses of diversity crises have tended to lump together all phyla and environments. As a result, terrestrial evidence has been "swamped" statistically by the marine data. Both synchroneity and causality of terrestrial and marine events have usually been assumed, but without decisive data. Terrestrial vertebrate faunas do not seem to have been suddenly and catastrophically affected at the ends of the Permian, the Triassic, and the Cretaceous; rather, the pattern generally seems to be of steady turnover and replacement of groups and sometimes of slow decline.Here I suggest a revision of the concept of "mass extinction," which has no definitional limits on the application of the term with respect to duration, geography, ecology, or taxa affected. Unusual drops in taxonomic diversity have traditionally focused on increases in extinction rates, with scarce consideration of origination rates and their interplay with extinction rates. Analyses of hypothesized diversity crises should be operationally and situationally defined and statistically normalized through the histories of taxa and biotas, and should explicitly include both origination and extinction rates. The term "mass extinctions" would be usefully replaced by "diversity crises." These parameters require not absolute numerical (or percentage) limits but situational ones.

Oxidation of ethylenethiourea in water via ozone enhanced by UV-C: identification of transformation products

Abstract

Ethylenethiourea (ETU) is a toxic degradation product of one class of fungicide which is largely employed in the world, the ethylenebisdithiocarbamates. In this study, ETU was degraded by ozonation enhanced by UV-C light irradiation (O₃/UV-C) in aqueous medium. Degradation experiments were conducted at natural pH (6.8) and neutral pH (7.0, buffered). ETU was promptly eliminated from the reactive medium during ozonation in the presence and absence of light. Within the first few minutes of reaction conducted in natural pH, the pH decreased quickly from 6.8 to 3.0. Results show that ETU mineralization occurs only in the reaction conducted in neutral pH and that it takes place in a higher rate when enhanced by UV-C irradiation. Main intermediates formed during the O3/UV-C experiments in different conditions tested were also investigated and three different degradation mechanisms were proposed considering the occurrence of direct and indirect ozone reactions. At pH 7, ethylene urea (EU) was quickly generated and degraded. Meanwhile, at natural pH, besides EU, other compounds originated from the electrophilic attack of ozone to the sulfur atom present in the contaminant molecule were also identified during reaction and EU was detected within 60 min of reaction. Results showed that ozonation enhanced by UV-C promotes a faster reaction than the same system in the absence of light, and investigation of the toxicity is recommended.

Bio-concentration potential and associations of heavy metals in Amanita muscaria (L.) Lam. from northern regions of Poland

Abstract

Fruiting bodies of Amanita muscaria and topsoil beneath from six background areas in northern regions of Poland were investigated for the concentration levels of Ag, Al, Ba, Ca, Cd, Co, Cu, Fe, Hg, K, Mg, Mn, Na, Rb, Sr, and Zn. In addition, the bioconcentration factors (BCF values) were studied for each of these metallic elements. Similar to studies from other basidiomycetes, A. muscaria showed species-specific affinities to some elements, resulting in their bioconcentration in mycelium and fruiting bodies. This mushroom growing in soils with different levels of the geogenic metallic elements (Ag, Al, Ba, Ca, Co, Cu, Fe, Hg, K, Mg, Mn, Na, Rb, Sr, and Zn) showed signs of homeostatic accumulation in fruiting bodies of several of these elements, while Cd appeared to be accumulated at a rate dependent of the concentration level in the soil substrate. This species is an efficient bio-concentrator of K, Mg, Cd, Cu, Hg, Rb, and Zn and hence also contributes to the natural cycling of these metallic elements in forest ecosystems.

The right chance for temozolomide in metastatic colorectal cancer?

Pathological assessment of resection specimens after neoadjuvant therapy for metastatic melanoma

Abstract

Background

Clinical trials have recently evaluated safety and efficacy of neoadjuvant therapy among patients with surgically resectable regional melanoma metastases. To capture informative prognostic data connected to pathological response in such trials, it is critical to standardize pathologic assessment and reporting of tumor response after this treatment.

Methods

The International Neoadjuvant Melanoma Consortium meetings in 2016 and 2017 assembled pathologists from academic centers to develop consensus guidelines for pathologic examination and reporting of surgical specimens from AJCC (8^th Edition) stage IIIB/C/D or oligometastatic stage IV melanoma patients treated with neoadjuvant targeted or immune therapy. Patterns of pathologic response provided context to inform these guidelines.

Results

Based on our collective experience and guided by efforts in well-established neoadjuvant settings like breast cancer, procedures directing handling of pre- and post-neoadjuvant therapy treated melanoma specimens are provided to facilitate comparison of findings across different trials and centers. Definitions of pathologic response are provided together with guidelines for reporting and quantifying the extent of pathologic response. Finally, the spectrum of histopathologic responses observed following neoadjuvant targeted and immune checkpoint therapy is described and illustrated.

Conclusions

Standardizing pathologic evaluation of resected melanoma metastases following neoadjuvant targeted or immune-checkpoint therapy allows more robust stratification of patient outcomes. This includes recognizing the spectrum of histopathologic response patterns to neoadjuvant therapy and a standard approach to grading pathologic responses. Such an approach will facilitate comparison of results across clinical trials and inform ongoing correlative studies into the mechanisms of response and resistance to agents applied in the neoadjuvant setting.

Accuracy of data buoys for measurement of cyanobacteria, chlorophyll, and turbidity in a large lake (Lake Erie, North America): implications for estimation of cyanobacterial bloom parameters from water quality sonde measurements

Abstract

Microcystin (MCY)-producing harmful cyanobacterial blooms (cHABs) are an annual occurrence in Lake Erie, and buoys equipped with water quality sondes have been deployed to help researchers and resource managers track cHABs. The objective of this study was to determine how well water quality sondes attached to buoys measure total algae and cyanobacterial biomass and water turbidity. Water samples were collected next to two data buoys in western Lake Erie (near Gibraltar Island and in the Sandusky subbasin) throughout summers 2015, 2016, and 2017 to determine correlations between buoy sonde data and water sample data. MCY and nutrient concentrations were also measured. Significant (P < 0.001) linear relationships (R² > 0.75) occurred between cyanobacteria buoy and water sample data at the Gibraltar buoy, but not at the Sandusky buoy; however, the coefficients at the Gibraltar buoy differed significantly across years. There was a significant correlation between buoy and water sample total chlorophyll data at both buoys, but the coefficient varied considerably between buoys and among years. Total MCY concentrations at the Gibraltar buoy followed similar temporal patterns as buoy and water sample cyanobacterial biomass data, and the ratio of MCY to cyanobacteria-chlorophyll decreased with decreased ambient nitrate concentrations. These results suggest that buoy data are difficult to compare across time and space. Additionally, the inclusion of nitrate concentration data can lead to more robust predictions on the relative toxicity of blooms. Overall, deployed buoys with sondes that are routinely cleaned and calibrated can track relative cyanobacteria abundance and be used as an early warning system for potentially toxic blooms.

Gibberellins application timing modulates growth, physiology, and quality characteristics of two onion ( Allium cepa L.) cultivars

Abstract

Lack of scientific literature exists regarding the effects of gibberellic acid (GA₃) application timings on various phenological and physiological aspects of seed crop of locally available onion cultivars. Therefore, current study was planned in Vegetable Research Area, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad to optimize the growth stage for GA₃ application on seed production in two local onion cultivars (Phulkara and Dark Red) during 2013 and 2014. Application timings of gibberellins at 100 mg/L of H₂O were as (G₁) control (no spray), (G₂) foliar application at 2–3 leaf stage, (G₃) foliar application at 6–7 leaf stage, and (G₄) foliar application at the time of flowering. Data on average of both years showed that tallest plants (66.15 cm) and maximum number of leaves per plant (84.56) were noted in cv. Phulkara when GA₃ was applied at 2–3 leaf stage. Minimum number of days to initiate flowering (47.92) and maximum number of umbels per plant (15.45) were noted with GA₃ application at 6–7 leaf stage in Phulkara and Dark Red, respectively. The highest seed yield per umbel (2.94 g) was recorded in cv. Dark Red when GA₃ sprayed at 6–7 leaf stage, while GA₃ application at the time of flowering in the cv. Phulkara produced seeds with highest seedling vigor index (586.79). Overall, it appears that seed yield and quality characters were promoted by the application of GA₃ at different growth stages and could be valuable for seed production of onion.

Levels, distribution, and ecological risk of organochlorines in red mullet ( Mullus barbatus ) and annular sea bream ( Diplodus annularis ) from the Gulf of Izmir, Eastern Aegean, in 2009–2012

Abstract

Organochlorine (OCs) concentrations were measured in two fish species, Mullus barbatus and Diplodus annularis, collected from Izmir Gulf during 2009–2012 in order to explain the status of these contaminants in edible fish. No data is available on the levels of organochlorines in marine organism from Izmir Gulf. In both fish species from the study area, Aroclors were determined in higher concentrations than organochlorine pesticides (OCPs). Maximum concentrations of OCPs and PCBs measured in the edible part of D. annularis were 45–165 and 530–1591 ng g⁻¹ lipid weight (lw), respectively. DDTs (sum of DDT and metabolites) and cyclodienes ranged from 4–56 to 16–110 ng g⁻¹ lw, respectively. The levels of DDTs measured in the present study were generally comparable or lower than those found in studies from other Mediterranean and non-Mediterranean regions. The potential risks for fish consumers were assessed. Although the estimated daily intake (EDI) for DDTs, heptachlor, and drins through the sampled fish species by Izmir inhabitants was quite lower than the ADI (acceptable daily intake) established by the FAO/WHO, EDI for Aroclor 1254 was close to the ADI value of 20 ng g⁻¹ recommended by the IPCS (2000).

Isolation and identification of specific bacteriophage against enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) and in vitro and in vivo characterization of bacteriophage

Abstract

In recent years, the increasing resistance of enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) to commonly used antibiotics has made it difficult to choose the best treatment option. Bacteriophage therapy could be a potent alternative to antibiotic therapy for antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The aim of the present study was to isolate and identify a specific bacteriophage against enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC) and characterize bacteriophage in vitro and in vivo. The specific bacteriophage was isolated and the effect of phage therapy on 48 mice (Balb/c) was investigated. Animals were divided into six groups, including A: PBS (negative control), B: bacteria (positive control), C: bacteria + ciprofloxacin (after 24 hours), D: bacteria + bacteriophage (after 24 hours), E: bacteria + ciprofloxacin + bacteriophage (after 24 hours), and F: bacteriophage + bacteria (after 24 hours). Specific bacteriophage against EPEC was isolated from hospital sewage. The bacteriophage had an icosahedral head (120 nm) and a tail (138 nm). The single dose of the bacteriophage (2 × 10⁹ pfu ml⁻¹) was able to control the infection. Unfortunately, because of the misuse of antibiotics by EPEC infected patients, the antibiotic resistant bacteria will become prevalent in the future and the treatment of EPEC infection is going to become more difficult than ever.

A new approach to study attached biofilms and floating communities from Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains of various origins reveals diverse effects of divalent ions

Abstract

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen associated with nosocomial infections and disease complications. In the lungs of cystic fibrosis (CF) individuals, biofilm growth plays a crucial role in the persistence and antibiotic resistance of P. aeruginosa. Some strains, adapted to the CF lung microenvironment, show distinguishable phenotypes linked to biofilm production when compared to other strains. Using a novel image analysis quantification approach with crystal violet-stained biofilms, we compared the biofilm formation of four different P. aeruginosa isolates in 24-well plates: PAO1, the reference strain, LESB58 from CF patients' lungs, and PPF-1 and Urg-7, two environmental isolates from dental unit waterlines. We also observed the formation of biofilm-like structures (BLSs) floating in the medium and investigated growth inhibition of the attached biofilm and BLS with Mg²⁺ or Zn²⁺. Urg-7 produced the most attached biofilms, but not the most BLSs. Attached biofilms had different responses to cations than BLSs did, but the effect of the cations was similar for all strains. These results demonstrate some diversity of biofilm formation in P. aeruginosa and indicate that chemical inhibition of attached biofilm formation for a specific strain or isolate cannot be predicative of a result on other P. aeruginosa strains or on BLSs.

Death of scientific journals after 350 years

Abstract

Scientific journals have virtually disappeared as subscription-based familiar paper copies. These have been replaced by article by article access on internet sites (either subscription based paid for by libraries in multi-journal often million dollar 'Big Deal' packages, or by author prepayments of thousand dollars 'article processing fees' (Omary and Lawrence 2017) followed by open access). The result appears to be the death of the traditional scientific journal as a familiar means of communication, after nearly 350 years from the time of Anton van Leeuwenhoek and Robert Hooke (for 2 early microbiology examples). Rather than journals with page numbers, individual reports are accessed using titles or manuscript file code numbers. This commentary is knowingly provocative, describing the rapidly-changing situation in scientific publication at the beginning of the 21st century and predicting a bad future, basically the end of the long-time most-used vehicles for scientific communication, the paper scientific journal with volumes and issues. This view is not particular to this author and appears frequently today (e.g. The Scientist 2012; https://scholarlykitchen.sspnet.org/2016/10/26/revisiting-why-hasnt-scientific-publishing-been-disrupted-already/). This negative conclusion offers no better possibilities, as it is concluded that it is already too late and too far along this pathway for any meaningful middle ground. This commentary is intended for a broad group of potential readers, including authors and readers of this journal (who are active microbial scientists who need to adapt to individual manuscript identification numbers replacing volumes and page numbers), as well as the larger community interested broadly in scientific communication, and even our institutional librarians (who have experienced the disappearance of paper copies on their shelves, and especially unsustainable rapid increases in money costs at a time of very limited resources.

Metal release and sequestration from black slate mediated by a laccase of Schizophyllum commune

Abstract

Schizophyllum commune is a filamentous basidiomycete which can degrade complex organic macromolecules like lignin by the secretion of a large repertoire of enzymes. One of these white rot enzymes, laccase, exhibits a broad substrate specificity and is able to oxidize a variety of substances including carbonaceous rocks. To investigate the role of laccase in bioweathering, laccase gene lcc2 was overexpressed, and the influence on weathering of black slate, originating from a former alum mine in Schmiedefeld, Germany, was examined. The metal release from the rock material was enhanced, associated with a partial metal accumulation into the mycelium. A sequestration of metals could be shown with fluorescent staining methods, and an accumulation of Zn, Cd, and Pb was visualized in different cell organelles. Additionally, we could show an increased metal resistance of the laccase overexpressing strain.

The evaluation of elasticity after nonablative radiofrequency rejuvenation

Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, EarlyView.

VEGF-C Sustains VEGFR2 Activation under Bevacizumab Therapy and Promotes Glioblastoma Maintenance

Abstract

Background

Glioblastoma ranks among the most lethal cancers with current therapies offering only palliation. Paracrine vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) signaling has been targeted using anti-angiogenic agents, whereas autocrine VEGF/VEGF Receptor 2 (VEGFR2) signaling is poorly understood. Bevacizumab resistance of VEGFR2-expressing glioblastoma cells prompted interrogation of autocrine VEGF-C-VEGFR2 signaling in glioblastoma.

Methods

Autocrine VEGF-C/VEGFR2 signaling was functionally investigated using RNA interference and exogenous ligands in patient-derived xenograft lines and primary glioblastoma cell cultures in vitro and in vivo. VEGF-C expression and interaction with VEGFR2 in a matched pre- and post-bevacizumab treatment cohort were analyzed by immunohistochemistry and proximity ligation assay.

Results

VEGF-C was expressed by patient-derived xenograft glioblastoma lines, primary cells and matched surgical specimens before and after bevacizumab treatment. VEGF-C activated autocrine VEGFR2 signaling to promote cell survival, whereas targeting VEGF-C expression reprogrammed cellular transcription to attenuate survival and cell cycle progression. Supporting potential translational significance, targeting VEGF-C impaired tumor growth in vivo, with superiority to bevacizumab treatment.

Conclusions

Our results demonstrate VEGF-C serves as both a paracrine and autocrine pro-survival cytokine in glioblastoma, promoting tumor cell survival and tumorigenesis. VEGF-C permits sustained VEGFR2 activation and tumor growth, where its inhibition appears superior to bevacizumab therapy in improving tumor control.

Current perspectives on Mohs micrographic surgery for melanoma

Planning for agricultural return flow allocation: application of info-gap decision theory and a nonlinear CVaR-based optimization model

Abstract

A new methodology is proposed for sizing the required infrastructures for water and waste load allocation in river systems receiving return flow from agricultural networks. A nonlinear optimization model with a constraint based on conditional value at risk (CVaR) is developed to provide water and waste load allocation policies. The CVaR-based constraint limits the probabilistic losses due to existing uncertainties in available surface water. The deep uncertainties of return flow simulation model parameters, which have significant impacts on the simulated quantity and quality of agricultural return flows, are handled by using the info-gap theory. Total dissolved solid (TDS) is selected as water quality indicator and diverting a fraction of return flows to evaporation ponds is considered to control the TDS load of agricultural waste load dischargers. Quantity and TDS load of agricultural return flows over a 1-year cultivation period are simulated by using a calibrated SWAP agro-hydrological model. The results of many runs of SWAP model for different combinations of important uncertain parameters in their ranges of variations provide some response (impact) matrixes which are used in optimization model. The applicability of the proposed methodology is illustrated by applying it to the PayePol region in the Karkheh River catchment, southwest Iran. The selected strategy for water and waste load allocation in the study area is expected to provide total annual benefit of 48.64 million US dollars, while 7.84 million m³ of total return flow should be diverted to evaporation ponds. The results support the effectiveness of the methodology in incorporating existing deep uncertainties associated with agricultural water and waste load allocation problems.

Integrated adsorption-solar photocatalytic membrane reactor for degradation of hazardous Congo red using Fe-doped ZnO and Fe-doped ZnO/rGO nanocomposites

Abstract

In this work, synergistic effect of solar photocatalysis integrated with adsorption process towards the degradation of Congo red (CR) was investigated via two different approaches using a photocatalytic membrane reactor. In the first approach, sequential treatments were conducted through the adsorption by graphene oxide (GO) and then followed by photocatalytic oxidation using Fe-doped ZnO nanocomposites (NCs). In the second approach, however, CR solution was treated by photocatalytic oxidation using Fe-doped ZnO/rGO NCs. These nanocomposites were synthesized by a sol-gel method. The NCs were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), photoluminescence (PL), Fourier transmission infrared (FTIR), ultraviolet–visible (UV-vis) spectroscopy, and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). It was observed that Fe-doped ZnO could enhance the photoactivity of ZnO under solar light. When Fe-doped ZnO were decorated on GO sheets, however, this provided a surface enhancement for adsorption of organic pollutants. The photocatalytic performances using both approaches were evaluated based on the degradation of CR molecules in aqueous solution under solar irradiation. Nanofiltration (NF) performance in terms of CR residual removal from water and their fouling behavior during post-separation of photocatalysts was studied. Serious flux declined and thicker fouling layer on membrane were found in photocatalytic membrane reactor using Fe-doped ZnO/rGO NCs which could be attributed to the stronger π–π interaction between rGO and CR solution.

Fodder radish seed cake biochar for soil amendment

Abstract

In this work, fodder radish seed cake (FRSC) was pyrolyzed in a rotary kiln reactor at 0, 3, and 6 rpm, at final temperature of 500 °C. Maximum biochar yield was observed at 0 rpm (≈ 26 wt.%). Increase of the rotary speed decreased the volatile matter content and increased the ash content of the biochars. Biochars exhibited alkaline pH (≈ 9.0), low electrical conductivity (< 105.6 dS m⁻¹), and high cation exchange capacity (69 to 78 cmol_c kg⁻¹), as well as high nitrogen contents (≈ 80 g kg⁻¹). FTIR analysis presented biochars with similar spectra, with carboxyl and carbonyl groups within the structure, along with aromatic rings and nitrogen containing functions (amides). Biochar incubation experiments in an acrisol at different biochar doses (5 g L⁻¹ soil to 40 g L⁻¹ soil) were performed in order to evaluate changes in soil fertility parameters caused by FRSC biochar application. Results indicated that most of macro (N, P, K, Ca, Mg) and micronutrients (S, Cu, Zn, Mn, B, Na) increased with increase of the dosage, along with the decrease in Al and H+ Al contents. An increase in pH (from 4.25 to 5.33) was also observed, in electric conductivity (from 30.0 to 45.7 dS m⁻¹), and a decrease in soil real density (from 3.67 to 2.99 kg L⁻¹) at the dosage of 40 g char L⁻¹ soil.

Calibration and application of the Chemcatcher® passive sampler for monitoring acidic herbicides in the River Exe, UK catchment

Abstract

Acidic herbicides are used to control broad-leaved weeds. They are stable, water-soluble, and with low binding to soil are found frequently in surface waters, often at concentrations above the EU Drinking Water Directive limit of 0.10 μg L⁻¹. This presents a problem when such waters are abstracted for potable supplies. Understanding their sources, transport and fate in river catchments is important. We developed a new Chemcatcher^® passive sampler, comprising a 3M Empore™ anion-exchange disk overlaid with a polyethersulphone membrane, for monitoring acidic herbicides (2,4-D, dicamba, dichlorprop, fluroxypyr, MCPA, MCPB, mecoprop, tricolpyr). Sampler uptake rates (R_s  = 0.044–0.113 L day⁻¹) were measured in the laboratory. Two field trials using the Chemcatcher^® were undertaken in the River Exe catchment, UK. Time-weighted average (TWA) concentrations of the herbicides obtained using the Chemcatcher^® were compared with concentrations measured in spot samples of water. The two techniques gave complimentary monitoring data, with the samplers being able to measure stochastic inputs of MCPA and mecoprop occurring in field trial 1. Chemcatcher^® detected a large input of MCPA not found by spot sampling during field trial 2. Devices also detected other pesticides and pharmaceuticals with acidic properties. Information obtained using the Chemcatcher^® can be used to develop improved risk assessments and catchment management plans and to assess the effectiveness of any mitigation and remediation strategies.