Reproductive Control Among Women with Violent Partners in Paraguay

Violence and Gender, Ahead of Print.

Do the Ages of Mass Shooters Matter? Analyzing the Differences Between Young and Older Offenders

Violence and Gender, Ahead of Print.

Health insurance and the ongoing debate of quality and quantity

Health disparities are differences in health among different groups of people. Generally related to socioeconomic factors, they culminate in differential outcomes among people suffering from similar conditions. Health disparities span all of health care—from management of chronic conditions (hypertension) to more acute conditions (cancer). An often-cited result is a widening gap in life expectancy between groups. Beyond survival, health disparities have a profound impact on general well-being. Multiple factors contribute to health disparities, including income inequality, which has increased dramatically and has been associated with a widening gap in life expectancy.¹ Wealthier individuals have greater flexibility when considering options. The relationship between health care outcomes and income is likely more complicated than available monetary resources. Education has consistently correlated with health outcomes. New technology created a demand for skilled labor demanding higher wages while simultaneously decreasing demand for less skilled labor. Better jobs afforded by advanced education provide access to higher quality insurance. Education (in conjunction with financial potential) may increase access to and adaptation of healthful behaviors—smoking cessation, weight loss, etc—and improves compliance with complex therapies. Rising income inequalities promote geographic segregation of high- and low-income populations, resulting in differential diffusion of positive and negative influences. Health care access and type of insurance are other determinants of disparities. The article by Brown et al in this issue reports that the type of insurance correlates with treatment and outcome in glioblastoma patients.²

Revival of the VEGF ligand family?

The failure of anti-angiogenic drugs to increase the survival of glioblastoma (GBM) patients was certainly one of the most disappointing results of the last 10 years in neuro-oncology. A meta-analysis of available clinical trials with various compounds and encompassing more than 4300 patients confirmed the lack of survival benefit either as first- or second-line treatment.¹ Despite this, the use of bevacizumab, a monoclonal antibody against vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) and the most promising anti-angiogenic agent on the market, remains a matter of debate. Bevacizumab is approved for recurrent GBM in several countries, including the US, Australia, and Japan,² and although not approved by the European Medical Agency, it continues to be used in some European countries as a salvage therapy. There is lingering hope that a subpopulation of patients benefiting from the drug may be identified and/or that a combination treatment may be effective.

High PAH degradation and activity of degrading bacteria during alfalfa growth where a contrasted active community developed in comparison to unplanted soil

Abstract

PAH biodegradation in plant rhizosphere has been investigated in many studies, but the timescale of degradation and degrading bacteria activity was rarely considered. We explored the impact of plants on the temporal variability of PAH degradation, microbial abundance, activity, and bacterial community structure in a rhizotron experiment. A historically contaminated soil was spiked with PAHs, planted or not with alfalfa, over 22 days with sampling once a week. In both conditions, most of the spiked PAHs were dissipated during the first week, conducting to polar polycyclic aromatic compound production and to decreased richness and diversity of bacterial communities. We showed a rapid impact of the rhizosphere on PAH degradation via the increased activity of PAH-degrading bacteria. After 12 days, PAH degradation was significantly higher in the planted (100% degradation) than in unplanted (70%) soil. Gram-negative (Proteobacteria) PAH-dioxygenase genes and transcripts were higher in planted than unplanted soil and were correlated to the spiked PAH degradation. Conversely, Gram-positive (Actinobacteria) PAH-dioxygenase gene transcription was constant over time in both conditions. At 12 days, plant growth favored the activity of many Gammaproteobacteria (Pseudomonadaceae, Stenotrophomonas, and Acinetobacter) while in unplanted soil Alphaproteobacteria (Sphingomonadaceae, Sphingobium, and Magnetospirillum) and Actinobacteria (Iamia, Geodermatophilaceae, and Solirubrobacterales) were more active.

Considerable radioactivity levels in the granitic rocks of the central areas of the Eastern Desert, Egypt

Abstract

The distribution of the natural radioisotopes ²³⁸U, ²²⁶Ra, ²³²Th, and ⁴⁰K in addition to their radiological parameters in granitic rock samples from five different localities (Gebel El-Missikat, Gebel El-Gidamy, Gebel Ria El-Garra, Gebel El-Aradiya, and Gebel Kab Amira) in the central area of the Eastern Desert, Egypt, was measured using high purity germanium (HPGe) detector-based γ-spectrometry. The average activity concentrations of ²³⁸U, ²²⁶Ra, ²³²Th, and ⁴⁰K in all five studied areas are higher than the corresponding global average values. The highest average activity concentrations of ²³⁸U and ²²⁶Ra were observed in Gebel El-Missikat, whereas the highest average value of ²³²Th activity concentration was found at Gebel El-Gidamy, and the highest concentration of ⁴⁰K was obtained at Gebel El-Aradiya. The radiological hazard parameters radium equivalent (Ra_eq), external hazard index (H_ex), internal hazard index (H_in), absorbed dose rate (ADR), annual effective dose rate (AEDR) outdoors, annual gonadal dose equivalent (AGDE), and excess lifetime cancer risks (ELCR) were calculated to assess the radiation hazards associated with the rock samples. The average values of these parameters are higher than the recommended reference levels. The obtained data provide a valuable future database for estimating the impact of radioactive contamination in the studied area and in the places where the rocks are used.

Removal of tetracycline from aqueous solution by biochar derived from rice straw

Abstract

Antibiotic pollution has drawn considerable attention and the removal of antibiotic from water is crucial. In the present study, biochars were produced from rice straw under different pyrolytic temperatures of 300 °C, 500 °C, and 700 °C (RSBC300, RSBC500, and RSBC700, respectively). The biochars were used to remove tetracycline (TC) from aqueous solution and the influence of different experimental conditions on TC removal was investigated. The results showed that the order of adsorption was as follows: RSBC700 > RSBC500 > RSBC300. A pseudo-second-order model and Langmuir isotherm model described the adsorption process of TC on biochars. Maximum adsorption capacity could reach 50.72 mg g⁻¹ at 35 °C based on Langmuir fitting. Initial pH of the solution had little influence on TC removal. The inhibitory effect of Ca²⁺ on TC removal was greater than that of Na⁺. High system temperature was beneficial for TC removal. Minerals in RSBC500 affected TC removal and minerals in RSBC300 and RSBC700 had little influence on TC removal. TC removal rate decreased from 58.86 to 27.84% when the minerals were removed from RSBC500. The main mechanism involved in high-temperature biochar and TC adsorption included EDA π-π interactions and electrostatic interactions. Therefore, high-temperature biochar derived from rice straw has the potential to act as an adsorbent to remove tetracycline from aqueous solution.

Association of Risk of Obstructive Sleep Apnea With Thyroid Eye Disease: Compressive Optic Neuropathy

Purpose: To evaluate the association of risk of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and thyroid eye disease-compressive optic neuropathy (TED-CON). Methods: The authors performed a retrospective observational study. All TED patients evaluated by the principal investigator over the past 5 years were screened with the snoring tired observed pressure (STOP)-Bang questionnaire to assess their risk for OSA. Patients were grouped into 2 age-matched cohorts based on the presence (TED-CON) or absence of CON. The groups were then compared using chi-square analysis for binary variables and Student t test for continuous variables. Results: Three hundred twenty-six patients were identified to have TED. Of those, 109 were enrolled in the study. The prevalence of high risk of OSA was significantly higher in the TED-CON (59.2%) when compared with the noncompressive TED group (32.8%; p = 0.006). Conclusions: Obstructive sleep apnea and TED have each been independently associated with elevated serologic and tissue inflammatory mediators. The systemic inflammation associated with OSA has been implicated in the pathogenesis of disease states aggravated by untreated OSA. Effective treatment of OSA decreases the levels of circulating inflammatory mediators. Currently, smoking is the only known modifiable risk factor in TED. There is evidence to implicate the pathologic elevation of inflammatory cytokines in the mechanism of smoking on TED. This preliminary investigation reveals a significantly greater prevalence of OSA risk factors among patients with TED-CON, suggesting that this may be another modifiable risk factor associated with TED. Based on screening with the STOP-Bang questionnaire, there is a higher percentage of patients at high risk of OSA with TED with CON than with TED without CON. Accepted for publication July 8, 2018. The authors have no financial or conflicts of interest to disclose. Presented at American Society of Oculoplastic and Reconstructive Surgery on October 14, 2016 in Chicago, IL. Address correspondence and reprint requests to Larissa A. Habib, M.D., 243 Charles St, Boston, MA 02114. E-mail: habiblarissa@gmail.com © 2018 by The American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Inc., All rights reserved.

Efficacy of Care for Blind Painful Eyes

Purpose: Pain relief for a blind painful eye often follows an escalating paradigm of interventions. This study compares the efficacy of common interventions. Methods: A retrospective chart review of blind painful eye cases was conducted at a single tertiary institution from April 2012 to December 2016. Demographics, etiology, treatment, and pain level were assessed. Results: Among 99 blind painful eyes, 96 eyes initially received medical therapy (topical steroids, cycloplegics, and/or hypotensives), with pain relief in 39% of eyes. Minimally invasive interventions (laser cyclophotocoagulation, retrobulbar injection, or corneal electrocautery) were performed 41 times in 36 eyes, 34 of which had failed medical therapy, and led to pain relief in 75% of eyes. Evisceration or enucleation was performed in 28 eyes, and long-term pain relief was achieved in 100% of eyes. Surgery allowed discontinuation of oral analgesics in 100% of cases versus 20% for minimally invasive therapy (p = 0.005) and 14% for medical therapy (p = 0.0001). Compared with medical therapy, minimally invasive therapy was 2.5 times more likely to achieve lasting pain relief (p = 0.003) and surgical therapy 35.6 times more likely to achieve lasting pain relief (p = 0.011). High initial pain score was associated with nonsurgical treatment failure. Conclusions: Medical therapy provides pain relief in a moderate number of patients with a blind painful eye. When medical therapy fails, minimally invasive therapy and surgical interventions are successively more effective in relieving ocular pain. High initial pain score is a risk factor for nonsurgical therapy failure and may merit an earlier discussion of surgical intervention. Accepted for publication July 3, 2018. Supported in part by NIH-NEI EY002162–Core Grant for Vision Research and by an unrestricted grant from Research to Prevent Blindness. The authors have no conflicts of interest to disclose. Poster presentation at ASOPRS 48th Annual Fall Scientific Symposium in New Orleans, LA on November 9, 2017. Address correspondence and reprint requests to M. Reza Vagefi, M.D., 10 Koret Way, K201, San Francisco, CA 94143. E-mail: reza.vagefi@ucsf.edu © 2018 by The American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Inc., All rights reserved.

Clinical and Magnetic Resonance Imaging Characteristics of Postfenestration Optic Nerve Sheath Pseudomeningoceles

Purpose: The clinical significance of postoperative pseudomeningocele formation following optic nerve sheath fenestration (ONSF) has not been fully characterized. A literature review identifies 9 previously published cases the authors believe demonstrate pseudomeningocele formation and approximately 19 other similar findings that were either transient or less defined blebs. This study was undertaken to more clearly define the clinical, radiographic, and histopathologic features associated with this entity. Methods: Sixteen-year, single-center, retrospective chart review of all ONSF cases performed by 2 surgeons. Clinical data, intracranial pressure, radiographic imaging, and histopathology of clinically detected pseudomeningoceles after ONSF were reviewed. Results: Eighty-six eyes in 57 patients underwent ONSF (28 unilateral, 12 bilateral sequential, 17 bilateral simultaneous). Forty-nine of 57 patients had elevated intracranial pressure preoperatively (41 idiopathic intracranial hypertension, 4 venous thrombosis, 2 meningitis, 1 arteriovenous malformation, and 1 sarcoid). In 32 patients undergoing postoperative imaging, 4 eyes (4.7%) in 4 patients developed well-defined pseudomeningoceles, of which 3 were symptomatic and 2 required surgical revision. Each pseudomeningocele developed in the setting of elevated preoperative intracranial pressure (350, 360, 430, 500 mm H20). Magnetic resonance imaging and/or computed tomography revealed sharply demarcated fluid-filled sacs adjacent to the optic nerve. The contents of these sacs were hypointense on T1-weighted imaging, hyperintense on T2-weighting, variably enhanced with contrast, and hypointense on fluid attenuated inversion recovery, and were thus consistent with cerebrospinal fluid. Histopathologic analysis of one of these outpouchings demonstrated an acellular, fibrocollagenized lining consistent with pseudomeningocele. Three eyes in 3 additional patients had less well-defined findings on imaging interpreted as bleb-like or cyst-like change. Conclusions: Pseudomeningoceles following ONSF may be asymptomatic or may cause symptomatic orbital mass effect and rarely visual loss, amendable to surgical excision. Post-ONSF pseudomeningoceles are identified on computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging to occur at the locations of fenestration sites and contain cerebrospinal fluid communicating with the subdural space that may act as a "filtration" bleb in some cases. Imaging findings may represent a spectrum spanning intraorbital cerebrospinal fluid leakage, partial walling off of bleb, or fully developed cysts. Resection of optic nerve pseudomeningoceles is considered in symptomatic cysts or eyes with papilledema that fails to improve. Accepted for publication June 22, 2018. Supported, in part, by an unrestricted Grant from Research to Prevent Blindness, Inc., New York, NY; Fund for the New Jersey Blind, Newark, NJ; Lions Eye Research Foundation of New Jersey, Newark, New Jersey; The Eye Institute of New Jersey, Newark, New Jersey; and the Gene C. Coppa Memorial Fund. The authors have no conflicts of interest to disclose. Presented at a podium at the American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery 47th Annual Fall Scientific Symposium on October 14, 2016 in Chicago, IL, and a poster presentation at the North American Neuro-Ophthalmology Society 43rd Annual Meeting on April 4, 2017 in Washington, DC. Address correspondence and reprint requests to Roger E. Turbin, M.D., F.A.C.S., Institute of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, 90 Bergen Street, DOC Room 6177, Newark, NJ 07103. E-mail: turbinre@njms.rutgers.edu © 2018 by The American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Inc., All rights reserved.

Massive Orbital Extension of a Congenital Dacryocystocele in a 9 Month Old

No abstract available

Ophthalmic Eosinophilic Granulomatosis With Polyangiitis (Churg–Strauss Syndrome): A Systematic Review of the Literature

Purpose: To review and summarize the clinical features, presentations, diagnostic modalities, and management of ophthalmic manifestations of eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA, formerly Churg–Strauss Syndrome). Methods: A systematic PubMed search of all English articles on EGPA with ophthalmic involvement was performed. Emphasis was placed on English-language articles, but any article with an abstract translated into English was also included. Only those cases that satisfied the American Rheumatology criteria (1990) for diagnosis were included. Data examined included epidemiology, pathogenesis, presentations, diagnostic modalities, and management. Results: There was a wide range in ophthalmic manifestations of EGPA. In order of most frequent presentation to least frequent, these include central retinal artery or vein occlusion, ischemic optic neuropathy, conjunctival nodules, orbital myositis, proptosis, dacryoadenitis, retinal vasculitis/infarcts/edema, cranial nerve palsy, and amaurosis. The 46 qualifying cases were divided into the categories of ischemic vasculitis versus idiopathic orbital inflammation due to prognostic significance. Ischemic vasculitis cases tended to be older patients (p = 0.03), unilateral (p = 0.006), require immunosuppressive therapy beyond steroids (p = 0.015), and were less likely to show improvement on therapy (p = 0.0003). Conclusions: Prompt diagnosis of EGPA by the ophthalmologist can decrease patient morbidity and mortality. This requires knowledge of likely ophthalmic EGPA presentations, as well as recommended workups and treatment. Accepted for publication June 27, 2018. The authors have no financial or conflicts of interest to disclose. Address correspondence and reprint requests to Anne Barmettler, M.D., Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Montefiore Medical Center Bronx, NY 10467. E-mail: annebarmettler@gmail.com © 2018 by The American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Inc., All rights reserved.

Embryologic and Fetal Development of the Human Orbit

Purpose: To review the recent data about orbital development and sort out the controversies from the very early stages during embryonic life till final maturation of the orbit late in fetal life, and to appreciate the morphogenesis of all the definitive structures in the orbit in a methodical and timely fashion. Methods: The authors extensively review major studies detailing every aspect of human embryologic and fetal orbital morphogenesis including the development of extraocular muscles, orbital fat, vessels, nerves, and the supportive connective tissue framework as well as bone. These interdisciplinary studies span almost a century and a half, and include some significant controversial opposing points of view which the authors hopefully sort out. The authors also highlight a few of the most noteworthy molecular biologic studies regarding the multiple and interacting signaling pathways involved in regulating normal orbital morphogenesis. Results: Orbital morphogenesis involves a successive series of subtle yet tightly regulated morphogenetic events that could only be explained through the chronological narrative used by the authors. The processes that trigger and contribute to the formation of the orbits are complex and seem to be intricately regulated by multifaceted interactions and bidirectional cross-talk between a multitude of cellular building raw materials including the developing optic vesicles, neuroectoderm, cranial neural crest cells and mesoderm. Conclusions: Development of the orbit is a collective enterprise necessitating interactions between, as well as contributions from different cell populations both within and beyond the realm of the orbit. A basic understanding of the processes underlying orbital ontogenesis is a crucial first step toward establishing a genetic basis or an embryologic link with orbital disease. Accepted for publication May 23, 2018. The authors have no financial or conflicts of interest to disclose. Diane Rothrock served as a guest editor for this submission. Address correspondence and reprint requests to Hatem A. Tawfik, M.D., Villa 49 Safari, Golf City, Alobur, Cairo, Egypt. E-mail: hatem35@gmail.com © 2018 by The American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Inc., All rights reserved.

Un-segregated waste disposal: an alarming threat of antimicrobials in surface and ground water sources in Delhi

Abstract

Exposure of active pharmaceutical compounds (APCs) to the environment during human use is of potential importance in the emergence of drug resistance, changing soil microbiota and their residual effect on living organisms. Thus, this study aimed to assess the extent of exposure of APCs in the hydrologic cycle in and around New Delhi. This study analyzed the presence of 28 drugs from different classes in the surface water (river Yamuna) and aquifers collected from 48 places in Delhi (within the radius of 40 km). The collected water samples were quantified for APCs content using LC-MS/MS. This study revealed that aquifers are extensively affected in most areas based on the accumulation of APCs in water resources to the levels > 0.01 μg/L. Interestingly, a geographical plot of total APCs studied indicated clustering in aquifers with such high levels closer to an unscientific landfill. This 30-year-old un-segregated landfill is found to drain leachate into surface water that had high APCs. This study further revealed that apart from therapeutic usage, the main source of ecological exposure could be due to the disposal of unused and expired pharmaceutical compounds into landfills. For the first time, this study revealed the existence of antimicrobial agents and other APCs in the aquifers of Delhi with levels > 0.1 μg/L, which is a matter of serious concern in terms of multi-drug resistance and other environmental perils. This study warrants the enforcement of regulations for the disposal of unused/expired APCs in high-density population areas.

Combined Reflectance Confocal Microscopy–Optical Coherence Tomography for Basal Cell Carcinoma

This pilot study of 85 lesions from 55 patients assesses the accuracy of a handheld imaging device that combines reflective confocal microscopy (RCM) and optical coherence tomography (OCT) to detect, diagnose, and estimate the depth of basal cell carcinoma in adults.

Palatal Swelling in a Patient With Refractory Leukemia

A man in his 20s with acute myeloid leukemia presented with rapidly growing, severely painful oral lesions on the left hard palate. What is your diagnosis?

Association Between Autoantibody Phenotype and Cutaneous Adverse Reactions to Hydroxychloroquine

This cohort study examines myositis-specific autoantibodies observed during hydroxychloroquine therapy in patients with dermatomyositis to determine whether certain subsets of patients are more likely to experience a skin eruption.

Dupilumab for the Treatment of Recalcitrant Bullous Pemphigoid

This case report describes the use of dupilumab to treat recalcitrant bullous pemphigoid.

Pathogenetic Characteristics of Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Hidradenitis Suppurativa

This case-control study investigates the mesenchymal stem cell profile in patients with hidradenitis suppurativa and in healthy controls, with punch biopsy samples from axillary skin analyzed for immunophenotypic profiles.

How Should AI Screen for Skin Cancer and Deliver Diagnostic Predictions to Patients?

This Viewpoint describes the current state of deep learning algorithms used in artificial intelligence and discusses their potential use in dermatology screening and diagnosis, including mobile apps for patient use.

Research Award of the Jörg Wolff Foundation under the patronage of the European Society for Photobiology

Christophe Bouton and Philippe Huneman: Time of Nature and the Nature of Time: Philosophical Perspectives of Time in Natural Sciences

Nature, Science and Life in a Silent Universe: Bernulf Kanitscheider (1939–2017)

Multiethnic comparison of facial skin aging

Overt signs of skin aging can differ in type, onset and magnitude across individuals of different races. To understand the molecular basis for these differences, we conducted a study with women of four races/ethnicities spanning in age from 20 to mid-70s; we named this study the MultiDecades and Ethnic (MDE) Study. U.S. women volunteers were African-American, Hispanic and Chinese with ∼25 women in the age groups of 20-24, 40-44, and 60-64 years, and European-descended Caucasian women across each decade from 20-24 to 70-74 years.

The use of EpiPen for urticaria pigmentosa: Beneficial or burdensome?

Objective: To evaluate the frequency of EpiPen prescription in children diagnosed with urticaria pigmentosa (UP) and the utility of prophylactic EpiPen prescription for potential anaphylactic reactions in children with UP.

Influenza in New Zealand Before 1918: A Preliminary Report

Abstract

This paper aims to test the hypothesis of possible fatal immunological reactions to the A/H1N1 virus of the 1918 "Spanish" influenza pandemic caused by previous exposure to the A/H3N8 virus of the 1890–2 "Russian" influenza pandemic. Reconstruction of mortality peaks from influenza and excess pneumonia deaths in New Zealand before 1918 from newspapers and official death records enables comparison with peaks of influenza mortality by age in 1918 from individual death records. Influenza outbreaks in 1885, 1890–2, 1894 and 1898 appear to match mortality peaks for males in the 1918 pandemic. Peaks of female deaths in 1918 correspond to the previous influenza outbreaks of 1887 and 1890–2. The peak mortality for both sexes was in the age-groups 28–32 years. While lending strong support to the hypothesis of fatal immunological reaction derived from early exposure to a different influenza virus, this study also raises more puzzles: given that the A/H1N1 virus of 1918 was exceptionally virulent, why did so few children aged 5–15 die from it? Influenza normally kills only the very young and the very old. And why did twice as many European males than females die in the young-adult age-groups, while Māori males and females died at almost identical rates?

Association Between Twenty-Year Trajectories of Non-Occupational Physical Activity From Midlife to Old Age and Biomarkers of Cardiovascular Disease: A 20-Year Longitudinal Study of British Men

Abstract

The trajectories of physical activity (PA) from midlife into old age and their associations with established and novel cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors in later life remain unclear. This study examined associations between 20-year non-occupational PA trajectories and a range of CVD biomarkers at 60–79 years. 3,331 men (mean baseline age = 50.2 ± 5.8 years) recruited in 1978–80 were followed up after 12, 16 and 20 years, reporting habitual non-occupational PA at each wave. At the 20-year follow up, surviving men attended a physical examination and provided a fasting blood sample. Group-based trajectory modelling was used to identify trajectories. Adjusted regression analyses examined the association between trajectory group membership and several cardiometabolic, cardiac and inflammatory markers at follow up. Three distinct 20-year trajectories were identified: low decreasing (21.3%), light stable (51.8%) and moderate increasing (27.0%). Compared to the low decreasing group, membership of the light stable and moderate increasing trajectory groups was associated with a more favorable cardiometabolic profile, lower levels of inflammation and endothelial dysfunction. Although following a moderate increasing PA trajectory was most favorable, more modest but sustained doses of PA into old age may be sufficient to lower CVD risk.

Response to Letter-to-the-Editor: “On the ongoing discussion about the risk of lung cancer due to diesel engine exhaust” by Matthias Mohner

Re: AJE-00608-2018 – On the ongoing discussion about the risk of lung cancer due to diesel engine exhaust

On the ongoing discussion about the risk of lung cancer due to diesel engine exhaust

Age-specific Excess Mortality Patterns During the 1918-1920 Influenza Pandemic in Madrid, Spain

Abstract

Although much progress has been made to uncover age-specific mortality patterns of the 1918 influenza pandemic in populations around the world, more studies in different populations are needed to make sense of the heterogeneous mortality impact of this deadly pandemic. Here we assess the absolute and relative magnitude of 3 pandemic waves in city of Madrid between 1918-1920 based on age-specific all-cause and respiratory excess death rates. We estimate excess death rates using a Serfling model with a parametric bootstrapping approach to calibrate baseline mortality levels with quantified uncertainty. We then estimate excess all-cause and pneumonia and influenza mortality rates for different pandemic waves and age groups. Age-specific analyses reveal the youngest and oldest experienced the highest excess mortality rates, and young adults faced the highest standardized mortality risk. Waves differed in strength; the peak standardized mortality risk occurred during the herald wave in spring 1918, but the highest excess rates occurred during the fall and winter of 1918-1919. We find little evidence to support a 'w'-shaped age-specific excess mortality curve. Our results indicate acquired immunity may have tempered a protracted fall wave, but recrudescent waves following the initial two outbreaks heightened the total pandemic mortality impact.

Evaluation of a dry filter for dust removal under laboratory conditions in comparison to practical use at a laying hen barn

Abstract

The high amount of particulate matter from poultry houses in the exhaust air, especially at different types of laying hen barns, is the main challenge farmers are faced with concerning emissions. As a possibility for the mitigation of particulate matter in the outgoing air, a dry filter based on the principle of centrifugal force was investigated under laboratory and field conditions. Aerosol spectrometers were used for continuous measurements in raw and clean gas. Field experiments took place under summer and winter conditions, so that filter efficiency under different climate conditions could be compared and measurement values at the barn were continuously collected over 24-h periods. Data collected under laboratory conditions showed a high efficiency of the dry filter, whereas results of the field experiments differed in each size fraction of the particulate matter. These differences may be explained by the fact that under laboratory conditions, better circumstances for correct measuring were created, e.g., laminar flow of the air.

Profiling of heavy metal and pesticide residues in medicinal plants

Abstract

Application of medicinal plant to cure ailments has been practiced by several civilizations. Nowadays, contamination of heavy metals and pesticide residues in medicinal plant is a serious concern, due to toxic effects on human health. The present study was designed with an aim to quantify the heavy metals and pesticide residues in the 20 medicinal herbs, frequently sold in the local market as raw material without any quality assurance. The concentrations of the elements are as follows: copper (2.42–19.14 μgg⁻¹), cadmium (0.01–2.10 μgg⁻¹), chromium (17.63–58.63 μgg⁻¹), iron (7.61–322.6 μgg⁻¹), and lead (13.00–54.47 μgg⁻¹), whereas total metal concentration ranged between 44.73 and 385.15 μgg⁻¹. Among the organic pesticides, HCH (1.63–6.44 μgg⁻¹) and DDT (0.63–7.14 μgg⁻¹) isomers were found to be present in medicinal plant material. Result showed that lead and chromium concentrations in the herbs were above the permissible limits set by WHO. These herbs should be regularly checked for quality assurance before using raw or as a herbal formulation to avoid chronic exposure of metal and pesticides to human being.

Photocatalytic degradation of azo dye using core@shell nano-TiO 2 particles to reduce toxicity

Abstract

Clean and safe water is fundamental for human and environmental health. Traditional remediation of textile dye-polluted water with chemical, physical, and biological processes has many disadvantages. Due to this, nano-engineered materials are drawing more attention to this area. However, the widespread use of nano-particles for this purpose may lead to photocatalytic degradation of xenobiotics, while increasing the risk of nano-particle-induced ecotoxicity. Therefore, we comparatively evaluated the toxicity of novel synthesized core@shell TiO₂ and SiO₂ nano-particles to embryonic stages of Danio rerio and Xenopus laevis. The ability of photocatalytic destruction of the synthesized nano-particles was tested using toxic azo dye, disperse red 65, and the effects of reducing the toxicity were evaluated. The reflux process was used to synthesize catalysts in the study. The samples were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy, X-ray diffractometry, BET surface area, and UV–vis-diffuse reflectance spectra. It was determined that the synthesized nano-particles had no significant toxic effect on D. rerio and X. laevis embryos. On the other hand, photocatalytic degradation of the dye significantly reduced lethal effects on embryonic stages of the organisms. Therefore, we suggest that specific nano-particles may be useful for water remediation to prevent human health and environmental impact. However, further risk assessment should be conducted for the ecotoxicological risks of nano-particles spilled in aquatic environments and the relationship of photocatalytic interaction with nano-particles and xenobiotics.

Optimizing Glioma Detection using an EGFR‐Targeted Fluorescent Affibody

Photochemistry and Photobiology, Volume 0, Issue ja, -Not available-.

The effectiveness of hyperbaric oxygen therapy for healing chronic venous leg ulcers: A randomised, double blind, placebo‐controlled trial

Wound Repair and Regeneration, Volume 0, Issue ja, -Not available-.

Crusted lesions on the face of a child

Pediatric Dermatology, EarlyView.

Paradoxical uveitis and pyoderma gangrenosum in a patient with psoriatic arthritis under infliximab treatment

JDDG: Journal der Deutschen Dermatologischen Gesellschaft, EarlyView.

Presence of molluscum contagiosum virus within an epidermal cyst

JDDG: Journal der Deutschen Dermatologischen Gesellschaft, EarlyView.

Rapid development of atypical fibroxanthoma during vismodegib treatment

Clinical and Experimental Dermatology, EarlyView.

Facial Microfiber Tissue with plant extracts: A new cosmetic concept shows whitening efficacy in Asian volunteers

Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, EarlyView.

The role of systemic treatments for skin lightening

Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, EarlyView.

Skin care and rejuvenation by cosmeceutical facial mask

Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, EarlyView.

JCD Commentary August 2018

Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, Volume 17, Issue 4, Page 577-577, August 2018.

Issue Information

Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, Volume 17, Issue 4, Page 569-569, August 2018.