Ornamental hyperaccumulator Mirabilis jalapa L. phytoremediating combine contaminated soil enhanced by some chelators and surfactants

Abstract

Mirabilis jalapa L. is an ornamental plant of the composite family, which was found hyperaccumulating Cd. Due to its larger biomass, developed root system, root exudation, and microbial interactions, certain organic pollutants in its rhizosphere can be effectively degraded. Thus, M. jalapacan be used to co-remediate heavy metal and organic pollutant co-contaminated soil. The aim of this paper is to explore the remediation capacity of M. jalapa for Cd-PAHs co-contaminated soil in the presence of five chelators or surfactants. The concentrations of Cd and PAHs in collected soil samples were 0.85 mg kg⁻¹ Cd and 1.138 mg kg⁻¹ PAHs (16 kinds of priority control polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons by USEPA). The chelators or surfactants of EDTA, EGTA, CA, TW80, and SA were respectively spiked to the pots according to the experiment design at 1 month before the plant harvested. The results showed that the capacity of Cd in shoot of M. jalapa was 7.99 μg pot⁻¹ without any addition (CK4, M. jalapa in original soil without amendment). However, Cd capacity in shoot of M. jalapa was increased (p < 0.05) by 31.7%, 181.7%, and 107.4% in treatment of R_EGTA, R_CA and R_{EGTA + SA}, respectively. As for the degradation of PAHs in soil, there was no significant decrease (p < 0.05) in the treatment of CK2 (original soil spiked with 0.9 SA without M. jalapa), CK3 (original soil spiked with 0.3 TW80 without M. jalapa), and CK4 compared to the control CK1 (original soil without M. jalapa and amendment). When amendments were added to soils with M. jalapa,the PAHs concentrations in soils significantly decreased (p < 0.05) by 21.7%, 23.8%, 27.0%, 19.8%, 21.8%, 31.2%, and 25.5% for the treatment of R_{EDTA + SA}, R_{EDTA + T80}, R_{EGTA + SA}, R_{EGTA + T80}, R_{CA + T80}, R_{SA + T80 + EDTA}, and R_{SA + T80 + CA}, respectively. Basically, Cd capacity in shoot of M. jalapa was improved by chelators. PAHs degradation was caused by the existence of surfactants in rhizosphere of M. jalapa. But the roles of different chelators or surfactants were quite distinct. In short, the Cd capacity in the shoot and PAHs degradation in the rhizosphere of M. jalapa in the treatment of R_{EGTA + SA} were all significantly increased (p < 0.05), which was more practical for M. jalapa phytoremediating Cd-PAHs co-contaminated soil.

The vitamin D3 analog, maxacalcitol, reduces psoriasiform skin inflammation by inducing regulatory T cells and downregulating IL-23 and IL-17 production

Psoriasis is a Th1/Th17-mediated inflammatory dermatosis treated with topical corticosteroids and vitamin D3 analogs (VD3 As).

Subcutaneous infection with dematiaceous fungi in Card9 knockout mice reveals association of impair neutrophils and Th cell response

Phaeohyphomycosis refers to a group of severe, invasive and intractable fungal infection, which is caused by dematiaceous fungi with a yeast-like, hyphal, or pseudohyphal morphology in tissue. Exophiala, Phialophora, Fonsecaea and Cladosporium species have been reported as common etiologic agent[1,2]. Both innate and adaptive immune responses have been proved to be required for effective containment of fungal infections[3]. As the convergent role of innate and adaptive anti-fungal immune pathway, CARD9 plays an essential role in antifungal immunity[4].

Preoperative percutaneous arthrography provides detailed information for treatment of Wassel type IV thumb duplication

: We aimed to detect whether percutaneous arthrography can provide detailed information for surgery for Wassel type IV thumb duplication prior to skin incision.

Upper blepharoplasty revision technique: Correction of the high fold using the pretarsal orbicularis oculi flap

With the growing popularity of upper lid blepharoplasty, there have been increasing reports of unsatisfactory outcomes that have necessitated a revision surgery. This study aimed to evaluate aesthetic outcomes of surgical correction of the high fold using a pretarsal orbicularis oculi flap, and to highlight the key practice points of this surgical procedure in secondary blepharoplasty.

Endoscopic assisted retrograde release of posterior interosseous nerve: Preliminary results of a new technique

Open surgical release of posterior interosseous nerve(PIN) has been well defined in literature with different surgical approaches. In this retrospective study, we aimed to present outcomes of endoscopic assisted retrograde release of posterior interosseous nerve.

Autologous Fat Grafting after Breast Conserving Surgery – Breast-Imaging Changes and Patient-Reported Outcome

Autologous fat grafting (AFG) to the breast is known to cause radiologic breast-imaging changes. However, these changes have primarily been investigated in breast augmentation settings, whereas the radiologic breast-imaging changes after AFG in breast conserving surgery (BCS) patients have only been sparsely studied.

The Surgical Anatomy of the Superficial and Deep Palmar Arches: a Meta-Analysis

The following study aimed to find the pooled prevalence estimate of anatomical variations in the palmar vasculature, namely the superficial palmar arch (SPA) and the deep palmar arch (DPA). The importance of understanding the vasculature of the hand is critical with the increasing use of hand microsurgery.

Clinical results and quality of life after reconstruction following sacrectomy for primary bone malignancy

Sacrectomy is a rare and demanding surgical procedure resulting in major soft tissue defects and spinopelvic discontinuity. No consensus is available on the optimal reconstruction algorithm. Therefore, the present study evaluated the results of sacrectomy reconstruction and its impact on patients' quality of life.

Technical refinements to a validated autologous fat harvesting technique

Dear Sir,

Absorbable Sutures for Carpal Tunnel Decompression: A Cochrane Review Summary

Carpal tunnel decompression (CTD) is the most common elective hand operation, with approximately 73,000 procedures performed annually in England1. After CTD, skin closure may be achieved with absorbable or non-absorbable sutures. Our Cochrane review2 collates the evidence comparing absorbable versus non-absorbable sutures for skin closure after CTD and we have summarised our findings below.

The amounts of melanin pigment causing color differences between the vermilion and lip mucosa

Text

Techniques to enable identification and safe elevation of the Posterior interosseous artery flap.

The distally-based, pedicled posterior interosseous artery (PIA) flap can be a useful option for reconstruction of dorsal hand defects, particularly following trauma.1,2 The flap is generally thin and pliable and avoids sacrificing a major vessel supplying the hand. It can be raised as a skin flap, adipofascial variant, or the super-thin fascia-only type.

γ-H2AX foci as indication for the DNA damage in erythrocytes of medaka ( Oryzias latipes ) intoxicated with 4-nonylphenol

Abstract

The present study aimed to investigate the genotoxicity in erythrocytes induced after exposure of medaka (Oryzias latipes) to 4-nonylphenol (4-NP). Adult female medaka fish were exposed to 4-NP at three sublethal concentrations for 15 days to compare their sensitivity with that of catfish as an aquatic model. Comet assay and γ-H2AX were used as biomarkers to detect DNA damage in erythrocytes. Exposure to 4-NP resulted in an increase in the tail moment in a dose-dependent manner. The highest level of DNA damage was recorded after exposure to 100 μg/l 4-NP. The number of foci was increased after exposure to 4-NP, indicating damage to DNA. The present results confirmed the high level of morphological alterations and apoptosis of erythrocytes detected in the first part of this study. 4-NP induced genotoxic effects in medaka, which were found to be more sensitive than catfish after exposure to 4-nonylphenol.

Graphical abstract

ᅟ

Elucidating the molecular pathogenesis of glioma: integrated germline and somatic profiling of a familial glioma case series

Abstract

Background

The genomic characterization of sporadically arising gliomas has delineated molecularly and clinically distinct subclasses of disease. However, less is known about the molecular nature of gliomas that are familial in origin. We performed molecular subtyping of 163 tumor specimens from individuals with a family history of glioma and integrated germline and somatic genomic data to characterize the pathogenesis of 20 tumors in additional detail.

Methods

Immunohistochemical analyses were performed on formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tumor sections to determine molecular subtypes of glioma. For 20 cases, tumor DNA was exome sequenced on an Illumina HiSeq 2000 platform and copy number profiling was performed on the Illumina HumanOmniExpress BeadChip. Genotypes at glioma risk polymorphisms were determined from germline DNA profiled on the Illumina Infinium OncoArray and deleterious germline mutations were identified from germline sequencing data.

Results

All 3 molecular subtypes of sporadic glioma were represented in the overall case series, including molecular glioblastoma (n = 102), oligodendroglioma (n = 21), and astrocytoma (n = 20). Detailed profiling of 20 of these cases showed characteristic subtype-specific alterations at frequencies comparable to sporadic glioma cases. All 20 cases had alterations in genes regulating telomere length. Frequencies of common glioma risk alleles were similar to those among sporadic cases, and correlations between risk alleles and same-gene somatic mutations were not observed.

Conclusions

This study illustrates that the molecular characteristics of familial tumors profiled largely recapitulate what is known about sporadic glioma and that both germline and somatic molecular features target common core pathways involved in gliomagenesis.

Historical trends and assessment of radionuclides and heavy metals in sediments near an abandoned mine, Lavrio, Greece

Abstract

Two sediment cores (coastal and offshore) and surface sediments were collected near an abandoned mine area in the marine environment of Oxygono Bay at Lavreotiki peninsula to investigate temporal and spatial variations among radionuclides and trace metals/major elements. Lavreotiki was and still is well known for the mining and metallurgical activities, which lasted from ancient times to nowadays (early 1980s). Gamma-ray and X-ray fluorescence measurements were held to determine the radionuclide and trace metal/major element concentrations, respectively. The sedimentation rate at Oxygono Bay coastal core was determined using the ²¹⁰Pb and ¹³⁷Cs tracers, while the enrichment factors were estimated to assess the anthropogenic influence due to metals in a spatial (surface sediments) and a temporal (coastal core sediments) basis. The mass flux at the coastal core was utilized to provide a baseline information at Lavreotiki peninsula. The trace metal/major element profiles were indeed associated with the mining activity in the area, revealing the mining history. The ERICA Tool was incorporated to estimate the dose rates due to natural and ¹³⁷Cs radioactivity in the marine organisms and the values were found below the screening levels.

The effect of innovation on CO 2 emissions of OCED countries from 1990 to 2014

Abstract

Human activities are accelerating CO₂ emissions all over the world most especially in high-income nations, spurring the rise in greenhouse gas emissions. For decades, technologies have been developed and patented in response to the environmental problems. There is an outcry for innovative ways to combat the environmental menace. This attests to the enormity of research being done, in recent years, to investigate how innovation can help mitigate CO₂ emissions. This research aims at investigating into the effect of innovation on CO₂ emissions in 28 OCED countries at an individual level for the recent period 1990 to 2014. The source of data for our utilized variables is the World Bank Indicators. Our study employed three key models based on the STIRPAT model, the economic-EKC growth model, and the innovation-EKC model. The findings of our study revealed that innovation plays a key role towards mitigation of CO₂ emissions in most OECD countries. Its impact, however, varies across the countries, depending on some key factors and channels elucidated in this paper. Additionally, our study asserts that improvement in GDP per capita leads to the rise in CO₂ in most OECD economies, although mitigate emissions in few OECDs; hence, the economic-EKC model is not valid for most economies. Non-renewable energy accelerates emissions whiles renewable energy sources mitigate emissions. Research and development (R&D) improves environmental quality and the EKC for both economic growth and innovation, valid for a few economies of the OECDs. We conclude that innovation is necessary in mitigating CO₂ emissions; hence, governments and policy makers should invest and promote innovative renewable energy sources.

Photoactivated [Mn(CO)3Br(μ-bpcpd)]2 induces apoptosis in cancer cells via intrinsic pathway

Publication date: Available online 23 August 2018

Source: Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology B: Biology

Author(s): P. Vidhyapriya, D.D. Divya, Bala. Manimaran, N. Sakthivel

Abstract

Carbon monoxide releasing molecules (CORMs) are metal based organic compounds that release carbon monoxide (CO) spontaneously or upon activation. PhotoCORMs are capable of releasing CO on light based activation. This group of molecules is used in photodynamic therapy due to their ability to release CO in a controlled manner. In the present investigation, the release of CO from [Mn(CO)₃Br(μ-bpcpd)]₂ (MnCORM) upon irradiation at λ_max 365 nm was assessed spectrophotometrically using myoglobin assay and confirmed by liquid FT-IR spectroscopic analysis. Further, the cytotoxic potential of MnCORM on normal cells (HEK 293) and cancer cell lines such as lung (A549), cervical (HeLa), breast (MDA MB-231) and colon (HCT-15) was evaluated. The IC₅₀ values of MnCORM were found to be 21.37 ± 1.72, 24.12 ± 1.03, 21.89 ± 0.59 and 13.69 ± 0.91 μM on cervical (HeLa), lung (A549), colon (HCT-15) and breast (MDA MB-231) cancer cells respectively. An inquest into the nature of cell death was confirmed based on the nuclear and cytological examinations, flow cytometric analyses and protein expression studies. The AO/EB dual staining and cytological evaluation of the treated cells revealed that the cell death might be due to apoptosis. The flow cytometric analysis of propidium iodide (PI) stained cells showed a significant amount of sub-G1 hypodiploid cells due to MnCORM treatment. The MnCORM-induced apoptosis was mediated through the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), specifically superoxide radicals leading to loss of mitochondrial membrane potential. The intrinsic pathway of apoptosis was elucidated based on the expression studies of pro-apoptotic and apoptotic proteins such as bcl-2, bax, cyt c, cleaved caspase-3, cleaved caspase-9 and cleaved PARP. Due to its innate potential to release CO upon photoactivation and its ability to induce apoptosis via intrinsic pathway, the MnCORM molecule could be exploited for controlled release and photodynamic cancer therapy.

Graphical Abstract

Endoscopic assisted retrograde release of posterior interosseous nerve: Preliminary results of a new technique

Publication date: Available online 24 August 2018

Source: Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery

Author(s): Kadir Ertem, Okan Aslantürk, Emre Ergen, Mustafa Karakaplan, Ali Canbay, Miguel Angel Martin Ferrero

Summary

Purpose

Open surgical release of posterior interosseous nerve(PIN) has been well defined in literature with different surgical approaches. In this retrospective study, we aimed to present outcomes of endoscopic assisted retrograde release of posterior interosseous nerve.

Methods

From 2015 to 2017, 10 patients with radial tunnel syndrome and concomitant lateral epicondylitis treated endoscopic assisted retrograde posterior interosseous nerve release .

Results

Mean follow-up time was 24,6 months. Eighty percent of the patients had excellent and good results in final follow-up using the Roles and Maudsley criteria. All of patients but one were satisfied from the surgery in terms of the symptom relief and improved functional state

Conclusion

Our study showed that our endoscopic assisted technique could be a good alternative to open techniques. Complication rate of this new technique was similar to open techniques.

Clinical results and quality of life after reconstruction following sacrectomy for primary bone malignancy

Publication date: Available online 24 August 2018

Source: Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery

Author(s): Juha Kiiski, Hannu O Kuokkanen, Minna Kääriäinen, Ilkka S Kaartinen, Toni-Karri Pakarinen, Minna K Laitinen

Summary

Background

Sacrectomy is a rare and demanding surgical procedure resulting in major soft tissue defects and spinopelvic discontinuity. No consensus is available on the optimal reconstruction algorithm. Therefore, the present study evaluated the results of sacrectomy reconstruction and its impact on patients' quality of life.

Methods

A retrospective chart review was conducted for 21 patients who underwent sacrectomy for a primary bone tumour. Patients were divided into groups based on the timing of reconstruction: no reconstruction, immediate reconstruction, or delayed reconstruction. Quality of life was measured using the EQ-5D instrument before and after surgery in patients treated in the intensive care unit.

Results

The mean patient age was 57 (range 22-81) years. The most common reconstruction was gluteal muscle flap (n=9) and gluteal fasciocutaneous flap (n=4). Four patients required free tissue transfer, three latissimus dorsi flaps and one vascular fibula bone transfer. No free flap losses were noted. The need for unplanned re-operations did not differ between groups (p=0.397) and no significant differences were found for pre- and post-operative quality of life or any of its dimensions.

Discussion

Free flap surgery is reliable for reconstructing the largest sacrectomy defects. Even in the most complex cases, surgery can be safely staged and final reconstruction carried out within 1 week of resection surgery without increasing peri-operative complications. Sacrectomy does not have an immoderate effect on the measured quality of life.

The amounts of melanin pigment causing color differences between the vermilion and lip mucosa

Publication date: Available online 24 August 2018

Source: Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery

Author(s): Ikkei Takashimizu, Shunsuke Yuzuriha

Absorbable Sutures for Carpal Tunnel Decompression: A Cochrane Review Summary

Publication date: Available online 24 August 2018

Source: Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery

Author(s): Ryckie G Wade, Justin CR Wormald, Andrea Figus

Techniques to enable identification and safe elevation of the Posterior interosseous artery flap.

Publication date: Available online 24 August 2018

Source: Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery

Author(s): Dariush Nikkhah, Mark Pickford

Technical refinements to a validated autologous fat harvesting technique

Publication date: Available online 24 August 2018

Source: Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery

Author(s): C Lavelle, R Jeevan, A. Iqbal

Preoperative percutaneous arthrography provides detailed information for treatment of Wassel type IV thumb duplication

Publication date: Available online 24 August 2018

Source: Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery

Author(s): Qianqian Liu, Lei Zhong, Hong Li, Jun Liu, Zhe Zhu, Wenrui Qu, Rui Li

Summary

Purpose

: We aimed to detect whether percutaneous arthrography can provide detailed information for surgery for Wassel type IV thumb duplication prior to skin incision.

Methods

: Percutaneous arthrography of the metacarpophalangeal (MP) joints was performed in 8 infants. Of these, 3 patients had interphalangeal (IP) joints, in which thumb duplication at the MP joint (Wassel type IV) was detected on radiography. Based on the arthrographic findings, we designed the skin incision and determined whether and where osteotomies were required to correct the angular deformities before surgery.

Results

: Arthrography revealed the cartilaginous position and shape, shown as a black area on radiographs. Two patients demonstrated fibrous attachment between the proximal phalanx of the radial thumb and the capsule of the ulnar thumb. One patient had 2 completely separated MP joints. Cartilaginous connection between the 2 proximal phalanges was present in another 2 cases. The remaining 3 patients demonstrated a common joint between the duplicated proximal phalanges, sharing a common articular space with the MP joint, with the metacarpal head's surface forming 2 facets separated by a crease in the middle. IP joint arthrography was performed in 3 patients who presented with angular deformity.

Conclusions

: Percutaneous arthrography can provide detailed information prior to skin incision. Furthermore, our arthrographic findings coincided with the practical situations we observed intraoperatively. Our experience indicates that preoperative percutaneous arthrography should be applied routinely in more cases and classified based on articular configuration to aid in the selection of surgical treatment.

Autologous Fat Grafting after Breast Conserving Surgery – Breast-Imaging Changes and Patient-Reported Outcome

Publication date: Available online 24 August 2018

Source: Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery

Author(s): A.A. Juhl, S. Redsted, T. Engberg Damsgaard

SUMMARY

Background

Autologous fat grafting (AFG) to the breast is known to cause radiologic breast-imaging changes. However, these changes have primarily been investigated in breast augmentation settings, whereas the radiologic breast-imaging changes after AFG in breast conserving surgery (BCS) patients have only been sparsely studied.

Methods

All women scheduled to receive AFG to BCS defects at our institution between 2014 and 2015 were eligible to participate. Before and after AFG, participants underwent radiologic breast-imaging and completed patient-reported outcome measures for body image, aesthetic breast appearance, scar quality and fear of cancer recurrence. Moreover, an observer evaluated changes in the aesthetic breast appearance and scar quality.

Results

Of 49 eligible patients, 42 were included. Participants received 1-3 AFG procedures, with a mean total grafted volume of 135±74 mL. Post-AFG breast-imaging was performed 9±5 (range 2-25) months after the final AFG procedure. Comparison of pre- and post-AFG radiologic breast images revealed that 21% had developed calcifications, 85% had developed oil cysts and 3% had developed increased scarring. Five patients presented with breast-imaging changes that required biopsy or additional radiologic evaluation. Significant improvements in breast aesthetic appearance, body image and scar quality were observed. No major surgical complications occurred. Minor surgical complications were observed in 3%.

Conclusions

Using AFG to reconstruct BCS defects induces considerable radiologic breast-imaging changes. Although the patients experience significant improvements in body image, breast aesthetic appearance and scar quality, the long-term effect of the breast-imaging changes warrants further investigation.

Re: Wound outcomes in negative pressure dressings (WOUND) study - A randomised trial in lower limb skin cancer grafts

Publication date: Available online 23 August 2018

Source: Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery

Author(s): Roshan Vijayan, Dariush Nikkhah, Karl Walsh, Prateush Singh, Balj Dheansa

Influence of rainfall intensity and slope on suspended solids and phosphorus losses in runoff

Abstract

Suspended solids (SS) and phosphorus (P) losses in rainfall generated runoff can lead to the deterioration of surface water quality. Simulated rainfall experiments were conducted to investigate the effects of rainfall intensity (30, 50, 65, and 100 mm h⁻¹) and land slope (0°, 5°, and 10°) on SS and P losses in runoff from experimental rigs containing bare land soil and soil planted with grass (tall fescue). In addition, total phosphorus (TP), particulate phosphorus (PP), and dissolved phosphorus (DP) losses in runoff were also measured. Results showed that tall fescue could reduce loads of SS by 86–99.5%, PP by 92–98.5%, and TP by 55–89.8% in runoff compared with losses from bare soil; this is due to a combination reduced raindrop kinetic energy at the soil surface, reduced soil erodibility in the presence of plant roots and shoots, and an increase in roughness and consequently reduced overland flow velocity resulting in the trapping of particles. Linear relationships between losses of SS and TP and between TP and PP in runoff were significant (R² > 0.93) in both bare soil and grass. In addition, SS and TP losses increased greatly significantly with rainfall intensity and slope. The influence of rainfall intensity on SS and P losses was greater than the influence of slope. Simple linear regressions were constructed between losses of SS and P, the rainfall intensity (30 to 100 mm h⁻¹), and land slope (0° to 10°). The multiple regression equations of SS and P losses in runoff established in this study can provide a simple predicting approach for estimating the non-point source pollution load of SS and P arising from rainfall.

Groundwater–surface water exchange associated metals at two intertidal transects, Dan’ao Estuary, Daya Bay, China

Abstract

In the evaluation of aquatic environments in estuarine waters, the groundwater–surface water exchanges and associated metal fluxes are difficult to quantify and often ignored. This study made such an attempt based on field data at two intertidal transects in the estuarine wetland of Dan'ao River, the largest river flowing into Daya Bay, China. The results of groundwater–surface water exchange associated six common metals (Cu, Zn, As, Cd, Pb, and Cr) indicate the following: the cumulative concentrations of the six metals are ranked as seawater > groundwater > river water. Among all estuarine groundwaters, the sum of metal concentrations in rhizospheric groundwater at the upstream transect is the highest, owing to the enriching effects of mangrove rhizospheres on metals. The net fluxes of Cu, Zn, As, Cd, and Cr at the upstream transect are 4.8–13.8, 11.9–16.7, 147.8–190.2, 4.1–4.9, and 10.0–12.6 times higher than those at the downstream one. The much higher groundwater discharge rates at the upstream mangrove transect plays a vital role in increasing metal fluxes from groundwater to surface water in this estuary.

Twelve-year follow up of omalizumab therapy for anaphylaxis in two patients with systemic mastocytosis

Publication date: Available online 24 August 2018

Source: The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: In Practice

Author(s): Gregory M. Constantine, Peter B. Bressler, Daniel Petroni, Dean D. Metcalfe, Melody C. Carter

Children with East Asian-born parents have an increased risk of allergy but may not have more asthma in early childhood

Publication date: Available online 24 August 2018

Source: The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: In Practice

Author(s): Noor H.A. Suaini, Jennifer J. Koplin, Rachel L. Peters, Mari Sasaki, Justine A. Ellis, David J. Martino, Adrian J. Lowe, Mimi L.K. Tang, Anne-Louise Ponsonby, Lyle C. Gurrin, Shyamali C. Dharmage, Katrina J. Allen, HealthNuts study group

Abstract

Background

We previously reported that infants with Asian-born parents are three times more likely to have IgE-mediated food allergy than those with Australian-born parents. It is unknown whether this translates to increased risk of other allergic diseases later in childhood and whether ancestry interacts with other risk factors for allergic disease development.

Objective

To compare prevalence and risk factors for allergic rhinitis, asthma and aeroallergen sensitisation at age 6 between children with East Asian-born and Caucasian-born parents.

Methods

5276 1-year-old infants were recruited into a population-based longitudinal study of allergy. 4455 children participated in age 6 follow-up (84.4%), including 3015 with Caucasian-born parents and 415 with East Asian-born parents. Children underwent skin prick tests to aeroallergens and questionnaires captured data on asthma, eczema and allergic rhinitis.

Results

Compared to children with Caucasian-born parents, children of East Asian-born parents had more allergic rhinitis (19.9% [95%CI 14.9-26] versus 9.3% [95%CI 8-10.8], p<0.001) and aeroallergen sensitisation (64.3% [95%CI 57.5-70.5] versus 34.4% [95%CI 32.2-36.7], p<0.001) at age 6. Asthma was similar in both groups (9.1% [95%CI 6.2-13.2] versus 11.7% [95%CI 10.4-13.1]), p=0.21. Children with IgE-mediated food allergy and eczema in infancy were 3 times more likely to have asthma and 2 times more likely to have allergic rhinitis at age 6, irrespective of ancestry.

Conclusions

Children of East Asian ancestry born in Australia have a higher burden of most allergic diseases in the first 6 years of life, while asthma may follow a different pattern. IgE-mediated food allergy and eczema at age 1 increase the risk of asthma and allergic rhinitis irrespective of ancestry.

Liver injury, rash, and encephalopathy in a 23-year-old Asian man prescribed dapsone

Publication date: Available online 24 August 2018

Source: The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: In Practice

Author(s): Alex Wonnaparhown, Christina Chung, Steven Shadix, Rishi Patel, Summit Pandat, Dinora Chinchilla, Brett Lindgren, Jeremy Falk

Dietary and plasma polyunsaturated fatty acids are inversely associated with asthma and atopy in early childhood

Publication date: Available online 24 August 2018

Source: The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: In Practice

Author(s): Kathleen Lee-Sarwar, Rachel S. Kelly, Jessica Lasky-Su, Priyadarshini Kachroo, Robert S. Zeiger, George T. O'Connor, Megan T. Sandel, Leonard B. Bacharier, Avraham Beigelman, Nancy Laranjo, Diane R. Gold, Scott T. Weiss, Augusto A. Litonjua

Abstract

Background

Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) influence immune function and risk of allergic disease. Prior evidence of the effect of PUFA intake on childhood asthma and allergy is inconclusive.

Objectives

To investigate associations of PUFA plasma levels and dietary intake with asthma and allergy at age 3 years in this ancillary study of the Vitamin D Antenatal Asthma Reduction Trial (VDAART).

Methods

Plasma PUFA levels were reported as relative abundances from mass spectrometry profiling and dietary PUFA intake was derived from food frequency questionnaire responses. Associations between PUFA and outcomes, including asthma/recurrent wheeze, allergic sensitization and total IgE at age 3 years, were evaluated in adjusted regression models. Additional regression models analyzed the combined effects of antenatal vitamin D and early childhood PUFA on outcomes.

Results

Total, omega-3 and omega-6 plasma PUFA relative abundances were significantly (p < 0.05) inversely associated with both asthma/recurrent wheeze and allergic sensitization. Likewise, dietary PUFA intake was inversely associated with asthma/recurrent wheeze (p < 0.05 for omega-6 PUFA only). For both dietary and plasma measures of total, omega-3 and omega-6 PUFAs, inverse associations with outcomes were strongest among subjects with both high umbilical cord blood 25-hydroxyvitamin D and high PUFA at age 3 years.

Conclusion

PUFA dietary intake and plasma levels are inversely associated with asthma/recurrent wheeze and atopy at age 3 years. Antenatal vitamin D could modulate the effect of early childhood PUFA on risk of asthma and allergy.

Being realistic about motivation

Abstract

T.M. Scanlon's 'reasons fundamentalism' is thought to face difficulties answering the normative question—that is, explaining why it's irrational to not do what you judge yourself to have most reason to do. I argue that this difficulty results from Scanlon's failure to provide a theory of mind that can give substance to his account of normative judgment and its tie to motivation. A central aim of this paper is to address that deficiency. To do this, I draw on broadly cognitivist theories of emotion (those of, e.g., Martha Nussbaum and Robert Roberts). These theories are interesting because they view emotions as cognitive states from which motivation emerges. Thus, they provide a model Scanlon can use to develop a richer account of both the judgment-motivation connection and the irrationality of not doing what you judge yourself to have most reason to do. However, the success on this front is only partial—even this more developed proposal fails to give a satisfactory answer to the normative question.

Non-halophilic endophytes associated to the euhalophyte Arthrocnemum macrostachyum and their plant growth promoting activity potential

Abstract

Numerous microbial taxa establish natural relations with plants, and especially endophytes can be relevant in the development and growth promotion of their host. In this work we explore the diversity of non-halophilic microorganisms inhabiting the endosphere of the halophyte Arthrocnemum macrostachyum.A total of 1,045 isolates were recovered using standard non-saline media, which clustered into 22 operational phylogenetic units (OPUs) including seven putative new species and thirteen OPUs not previously detected as endophytes. The more abundant isolates corresponded to close relatives of Kushneria indalinina/K. marisflavi, Providencia rettgeri, Pseudomonas zhaodongensis and Bacillus safensis, which made up to ∼ 62% of the total isolates. We also isolated OPUs not detected by the culture-independent approach reinforcing the need of culturing to reveal the microbial diversity associated to plants. Additionally, the plant growth promoting activity was evaluated by representative strains of the more abundant OPUs (total = 94 strains) including also some previously isolated halophiles from the same plants. Under both saline and non-saline conditions, some strains principally those affiliated to Paenibacillus borealis, Staphylococcus equorum, Salinicola halophilus and Marinococcus tarijensis, presented growth promoting activity in Arabidopsis thaliana, which was evaluated as an increment of weight and root length.

Innovative training networks: Overview of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie PhD training model

Abstract

Doctoral training has changed in recent years with most PhDs now performed in structured programmes operated by university graduate schools. These schools generally superimpose a training framework onto the traditional research project to improve the education experience of the students and to prepare them for their careers. Often these are in the commercial sector, where the demand is high for graduates with relevant skills and training. The European Union promotes the development of transnational, training-focussed, PhD programmes called Innovative Training Networks (ITNs) through Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA). ITNs share many features of thematic PhD programmes, but they only recruit a single cohort of students, and they align with EU policy goals. These training networks are prestigious and very well-regarded within European academia. The authors of this article were participants in a yeast biotechnology ITN, YEASTCELL, which finished in 2017. Some interesting insights into the more and less successful aspects of the project arose during discussions at the final project workshop. The views of the participants are distilled here in a discussion of how an ITN could be structured to maximise the benefits for the three main stakeholders: students, supervisors, and industry partners.

Neue Ergebnisse zur Immuntherapie hämatologischer Neoplasien

Changes in anti‐citrullinated protein antibody isotype levels in relation to disease activity and response to treatment in early rheumatoid arthritis

Clinical &Experimental Immunology, Volume 0, Issue ja, -Not available-.

Transcutaneous Baha Attract system: long‐term outcomes of the French multicenter study

Clinical Otolaryngology, Volume 0, Issue ja, -Not available-.

Pilot study on a new concept of documenting the clinical relevance of patch test results in contact dermatitis patients

Contact Dermatitis, EarlyView.

The Spectrum of Histopathologic Findings in Pemphigoid: Avoiding Diagnostic Pitfalls

Journal of Cutaneous Pathology, Volume 0, Issue ja, -Not available-.

Treatments of uremic pruritus: A systematic review

Dermatologic Therapy, EarlyView.

Dermatological manifestations in cardiofaciocutaneous syndrome: A prospective multicentric study of 45 mutation‐positive patients

British Journal of Dermatology, Volume 0, Issue ja, -Not available-.

Sleep disturbance in psoriasis: a case‐controlled study

British Journal of Dermatology, EarlyView.

Use of high-strength electromagnetic radiation to remove phototrophic biofilms from terracotta artifacts

Abstract

A novel technique, effective in eliminating biodeteriogens from biofilms encrusting terracotta artifacts, is presented here. This method is based on the use of high-strength electromagnetic radiation (EMR) in the radiofrequency band. Shards of terracotta from historical pots at the Botanical Garden of Naples, Italy, were used. The shards, after sterilization, were inoculated with several phototrophic microorganisms previously isolated from whole terracotta pots. The newly formed biofilms were exposed to EMR amplitude modulated by a train of rectangular pulses with Tr = 200 ns repetition time and 10% duty cycle. The exposure protocol consisted of three applications of 2 h each, every other day. Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis analyses conducted on the newly formed biofilms showed that, after the first exposure to EMR, all species in the biofilms but one were still alive. The second exposure resulted in the disappearance of 9 out of 13 species that were initially present on the samples. After the third exposure, all species disappeared. Superficial layers of terracotta from the exposed samples, transferred to a culture medium at 24 °C for 72 h, did not show any re-growing of organisms. Petrographic analyses of the sampleswere carried out before and after the treatments; they showed that exposure to EMR did not cause structural alterations in the treated substrates. Moreover, the amplitude of the EMR that samples were exposed to was not high enough to cause any significant increase in the temperature of the substrates; that is, no thermal effect, which is the most relevant effect when matter or organisms containing water are exposed to EMR, was observed. Finally, the field strength of the EMR showed to be non-invasive for the artifacts and non-dangerous for operators and the environment as compared to other techniques adopted in the field of conservation of cultural heritage.

Association between bullous pemphigoid and psoriasis: Systematic review and meta‐analysis of case‐control studies

Australasian Journal of Dermatology, EarlyView.