Medicine by Alexandros G. Sfakianakis: 08/25/18

Σάββατο 25 Αυγούστου 2018

How did cyanobacteria first embark on the path to becoming plastids?: Lessons from protist symbioses

Abstract

Symbioses between phototrophs and heterotrophs (a.k.a 'photosymbioses') are extremely common, and range from loose and temporary associations to obligate and highly specialized forms. In the history of life, the most transformative was the 'primary endosymbiosis,' wherein a cyanobacterium was engulfed by a eukaryote and became genetically integrated as a heritable photosynthetic organelle, or plastid. By allowing the rise of algae and plants, this event dramatically altered the biosphere, but its remote origin over one billion years ago has obscured the sequence of events leading to its establishment. Here we review the genetic, physiological, and developmental hurdles involved in early primary endosymbiosis. Since we cannot travel back in time to witness these evolutionary junctures, we will draw on examples of unicellular eukaryotes (protists) spanning diverse modes of photosymbiosis. We also review experimental approaches that could be used to recreate aspects of early primary endosymbiosis on a human timescale.

Adjuvant radiotherapy as a risk factor for developing capsular contracture in women after breast implant surgery

I wish to congratulate Bachour and colleagues for their article1 in which they investigated risk factors for developing capsular contracture in women after breast implant surgery in a systematic review of the literature. Longer duration of follow-up, breast reconstructive surgery in patients with a history of breast cancer, subglandular implant placement, postoperative hematoma, and a textured implant surface were found to be a presumptive increased risk factors. However, authors did not take adjuvant radiotherapy into consideration as a risk factor in breast cancer patients.

Commentary – Consensus research priorities for facial palsy: a Delphi survey of patients, carers, clinicians and researchers

Facial paralysis is a devastating medical condition with approximately 50 cases per 100,000 in the United States.1 The psychological and social distress in individuals with facial paralysis is well documented.2 The overall societal burden and costs are less well understood. With divergent priorities and finite healthcare and research funds, the need for focused research efforts to maximize treatment outcomes is ever more important. This study by Hamlet et al highlights a novel attempt to develop research priorities for facial paralysis using a Delphi survey of a multi-disciplinary group of facial nerve experts, patients and caregivers.

Variation in the perioperative care of women undergoing abdominal-based microvascular breast reconstruction in the United Kingdom (The optiFLAPP Study)

Abdominal-based microvascular breast reconstruction constitutes approximately one fifth of reconstructions following mastectomy for breast cancer. Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols have been implemented to improve patient care. The aim of this project was to identify variation in the perioperative care of women undergoing microvascular breast reconstruction to inform development of an ERAS protocol.

Behavioral activity patterns of adult and juvenile Greater Flamingos ( Phoenicopterus roseus ) with alteration of climatic pattern at Uchalli Lake, Punjab, Pakistan

Abstract

A study was carried out at Uchalli Lake, District Khushab on Greater Flamingos (Phoenicopterus roseus) to find their behavioral activity pattern. The hypothesis that local climatic temperature affects the wintering behavior of Greater Flamingos was tested. Data were collected for a period of 3 days in March and 10 days in April using focal animal analysis. Each day was divided into four periods (7–8 a.m., 10–11 a.m., 1–2 p.m., and 4–5 p.m.). Activity patterns included characters like feeding, resting, flying, walking, preening, aggression, and alert. Results showed that feeding was the major activity for adults (51.06%) and juveniles (56.51%). Juveniles spent more time (t = − 2.02, p < 0.05) feeding than adults. There was a highly significant difference (t = 3.20, p < 0.01) in alert between adults and juveniles across time periods. Adults spent more time alert (8.3%) than juveniles (4.49%). Only aggression and alert in adults and walking and alert in juveniles was found significantly correlated to change with temperature. The findings of the present study highlighted the need of in-depth eco-ethological study of Greater Flamingo and hydrology of wetland.

Contamination of Indian sea salts with microplastics and a potential prevention strategy

Abstract

This study reports the contamination of Indian sea salts with different microplastic particles, as a consequence of using contaminated sea water. Samples from all eight brands of investigated sea salts were found contaminated, and concentrations of these particles ranged from 103 ± 39 to 56 ± 49 particles kg⁻¹ of salt. Both fibers and fragments were observed with large variation in size. Eighty percent of the extracted fibers and the fragments were smaller than 2000 μm and 500 μm respectively. Extracted particles were mostly polyesters, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyamide, polyethylene, and polystyrene. Their total mass concentration was also estimated as 63.76 μg kg⁻¹ of salt. These results are significant, since India is a leading producer and exporter of sea salts. A simple sand filtration of artificially contaminated sea water could effectively (> 85% removal by weight and > 90% removal by number) remove these microplastics and has the potential for preventing the transfer of microplastics into the salt from contaminated sea waters.

Isolation and characterization of phosphate solubilizing bacteria from rhizosphere soils of the Yeyahu Wetland in Beijing, China

Abstract

Phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB) can convert insoluble forms of phosphorus (P) to accessible forms. 11 strains of PSB, including five inorganic phosphate solubilizing bacteria (IPSBs) and six organic phosphate solubilizing bacteria (OPSBs), were isolated from rhizosphere soils of three plants Scirpus planiculmis, Zizania latifolia, and Phrnagmites australis in the Yeyahu Wetland of Beijing, China to investigate P-solubilizing activities. In addition, the distributions of P fractions in soil samples were also observed. All strains evaluated above 1.0 by the ratio of transparent circle diameter to colony diameter (D/d) on Ca₃(PO₄)₂ or lecithin plates were identified by 16S rRNA sequencing. Results showed that Ca-bound P (Ca-P) was the main species of inorganic P (IP), and highly resistant organic P (HR-OP) accounted for the most part of organic P (OP). These strains were identified as bacterial species of Enterobacter asburiae, Acinetobacter sp., Bacillus cereus strain, and so on. The most efficient IPSB strain could convert over 430 mg L⁻¹ orthophosphate, while the equivalent OPSB strain only liberated less than 4 mg L⁻¹ in liquid culture, which indicated that IPSBs have a better P-solubilizing ability than OPSBs in rhizosphere soils of the Yeyahu Wetland and IPSBs are likely to regulate the P transformation process in this wetland.

Graphical abstract

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Influence of earthworm bioturbation on metals phytoavailability and human gastric bioaccessibility

Abstract

At the global scale, urban agriculture is increasingly developing in cities due to demographic growth and sustainable food concerns. But, urban soils are frequently polluted with metals. In urban gardens, organic matter is also commonly added both to valorize organic household waste and to promote biophysicochemical fertility. As earthworms promote the decomposition and the recycling of soil organic matter, they can also influence the biogeochemical cycle of metals in urban polluted soils. In order to produce safe vegetables in urban areas, it is crucial to highlight the mechanisms involved in complex soil-earthworm-plant ecosystems. An experiment was set up to examine these relationships using lettuce cultivated in controlled conditions with RHIZOtest® devices. Thanks to the RHIZOtest® devices, metal transfer and bioaccessibility were for the first time compared for urban polluted soil without (1—urban soil polluted with Pb, Cd, Cu, and Zn: essential or toxic metals currently found in environment, SNB) and with bioturbation (2—this metal-polluted soil subjected to earthworm bioturbation, SB) and earthworm casts (3—earthworm casts produced in this polluted soil and naturally enriched in organic matter and microorganisms, T). Metal concentration, phytoavailability, and human gastric bioaccessibility were determined in the different samples. Results showed that earthworm bioturbation increased the phytoavailability of all the metals. For the experimental condition SB, the phytoavailability of metals was increased up to 75% compared to SNB. In addition, surprisingly, metal phytoavailability was always superior in SB compared to earthworm casts (T). Moreover, earthworms led to an increase in Zn gastric bioaccessibility up to 10% in the soils in the same way as for phytoavailability, meaning Zn bioaccessibility in SB > T > SNB, whereas it remained unchanged in the lettuces. These data are important to promote sustainable agriculture activities in urban areas; actually, databases concerning different experimental conditions are needed to develop decision support tools.

Maximization of CO 2 storage for various solvent types in indirect carbonation using paper sludge ash

Abstract

This study aimed to maximise the amount of CO₂ storage by indirect carbonation using paper sludge ash (PSA), which is an alkaline industrial waste. The properties of the following three types of solvents were considered: acids (acetic acid and hydrochloric acid), ammonium salts (ammonium chloride and ammonium acetate) and others (sodium citrate and water). When carbon dioxide was injected into calcium leachates prepared from PSA using acids, carbonation did not occur, and using ammonium salts as solvent, the carbonation efficiency was low. However, after pH swing of the leachates using sodium hydroxide and ammonia solution for acid and ammonium salt solvents, up to 324 kg CO₂/(ton PSA) and 175 kg CO₂/(ton PSA) were stored, respectively. When carbon dioxide was injected into calcium leachates prepared from PSA using sodium citrate or water, solid was initially generated which later dissolved. In order to solve this problem, CO₂ injection was stopped just before the pH of the solution reached 10.5 for sodium citrate and 8.3 for water, resulting in the storage of 136 kg CO₂/(ton PSA) and 29 kg CO₂/(ton PSA), respectively. Solids obtained through carbonation were pure calcium carbonate.

Quantification of the impact of the offshore petrochemical industrial park on ambient ozone using photochemical grid modeling and assessment monitoring

Abstract

This study integrated the results of photochemical grid modeling and assessment monitoring to quantify the impact of the offshore petrochemical industrial park (OPIP), with area of 26.03 km², on ambient ozone in a coastal region of Taiwan. A highly repetitive ozone-spreading phenomenon in the adjacent OPIP area was observed, which shows that ozone spreading follows a clear cycle between offshore and inland areas during the prevailing periods of ozone events (≥ 120 ppb). The incremental ratio of ambient ozone for the OPIP on ozone event days during the southwest and northeast monsoons in 2011–2016 ranged from 1.05 to 1.25 (average = 1.15) and 1.04–1.27 (average = 1.17), respectively. Data from ten photochemical assessment monitoring stations surrounding the OPIP in 2016 showed that the ratio of monthly average concentrations of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) during the northeast monsoon to the southwest monsoon was approximately 1.5. The ratio of the monthly latent incremental amount of ozone to the total volatile organic amount in the same month during the northeast and southwest monsoons was in the ranges of approximately 0.84–0.97 and 1.01–1.12, respectively. Moreover, the latent incremental amount of ozone during the daytime was greater than that at night. The results indicate that the observed ozone concentration increases as the latent incremental amount of ozone or ambient VOCs decreases.

Borohydride method modification in synthesizing nano zero valent iron and its application in DDT removal

Abstract

Among the methods used in the literature for the synthesizing of nano zero valent iron (nZVI), borohydride is the most commonly used method; it is seen that different variables are used together. In this study, optimum nano zero valent iron (nZVI) synthesizing method using borohydride method has been modified by using multiple optimization method in terms of both particle size and zeta potential. Selected independent variables are selected as iron sulfate concentration, ethanol ratio, and flow rate of borohydride solution. With the optimum synthesis method determined, the lowest particle size was obtained as 70 nm only when the particle size was taken into consideration, whereas 88.2 nm nZVI could be produced when both the particle size and the zeta potential were taken into consideration. In addition, the removal of DDT, which is the most commonly used persistent organic pollutant pesticides in the world, was investigated by nZVI synthesized. Different initial DDT concentration was investigated by expressing oxidation reduction potential (ORP) difference, removal rates, and oxidation byproducts. When DDD and DDE concentrations are considered, it is found that DDT is more likely to oxidize in DDD in all studied initial DDT concentrations. Removal rate was higher than 80% with initial concentrations lower than 125 μg/L, which is a high concentration that could be found in surface waters.

Measuring Biodiversity and Extinction – Present and Past

Abstract

How biodiversity is changing in our time represents a major concern for all organismal biologists. Anthropogenic changes to our planet are decreasing species diversity through the negative effects of pollution, habitat destruction, direct extirpation of species, and climate change. But major biotic changes – including those that have both increased and decreased species diversity – have happened before in Earth's history. Biodiversity dynamics in past eras provide important context to understand ecological responses to current environmental change. The work of assessing biodiversity is woven into ecology, environmental science, conservation, paleontology, phylogenetics, evolutionary and developmental biology, and many other disciplines; yet, the absolute foundation of how we measure species diversity depends on taxonomy and systematics. The aspiration of this symposium, and complementary contributed talks, was to promote better understanding of our common goals and encourage future interdisciplinary discussion of biodiversity dynamics. The contributions in this collection of papers bring together a diverse group of speakers to confront several important themes. How can biologists best respond to the urgent need to identify and conserve diversity? How can we better communicate the nature of species across scientific disciplines? Where are the major gaps in knowledge about the diversity of living animal and plant groups, and what are the implications for understanding potential diversity loss? How can we effectively use the fossil record of past diversity and extinction to understand current biodiversity loss?

Effects of sunlight, microbial activity, and temperature on the declines of antibiotic lincomycin in freshwater and saline aquaculture pond waters and sediments

Abstract

The residues of lincomycin (LIN), an antibiotic administered to aquatic animals, are often detected in aquatic environments. This study investigated effects of three environmental factors, sunlight, microbial activity, and temperature, on declines of spiked LIN in waters and sediment slurry samples collected from freshwater tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus) and marine shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) culture ponds. The results showed that sunlight, temperature, and microbial activity all accelerated LIN transformation in the water and slurry samples. In matrixes of all water and slurry samples, LIN transformation was significantly faster under light conditions [half-life (t_1/2) = 24–53 days] than under dark conditions (t_1/2 = 154–2897 days). Microbial activity also accelerated LIN transformation; the t_1/2 of LIN was shorter after nonsterile treatment (t_1/2 = 12–809 days) than after sterile treatment (t_1/2 = 154–2897 days). Moreover, LIN transformation was faster at 28 °C (t_1/2 = 18–38 days) than at 20 and 12 °C (t_1/2 = 34 and 462 days, respectively) in both slurry samples. The results revealed that LIN transformation in aquaculture pond water and sediment was either slow or stagnant. Sunlight, microbial activity, and temperature can accelerate LIN transformation to reduce LIN residue levels.

Long-term changes in nitrogen and phosphorus emission into the Vistula and Oder catchments (Poland)—modeling (MONERIS) studies

Abstract

Modeling (MONERIS) studies allowed calculation of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) emission into the Vistula and Oder basins (Poland), and facilitated estimation of N and P retention in these catchments in 1995–2015. In the discussion of results, data of other authors were used in order to get an insight into N (1880–2015) and P emission (1955–2015) into the Oder basin. Population growth and agricultural intensification were responsible for respective 5.3-fold and 3.5-fold increase in N and P emission into the Oder basin, with the maximum (135,000 tons N year⁻¹; 14,000 tons P year⁻¹) observed at the turn of the 1980s/1990s. Pro-ecological activities during the economic transition period (since 1989) covered various sectors of the economy including agriculture, environmental protection related to, e.g., construction of a large number of waste water treatment plants (WWTPs). Consequently, in 1985–2015, the emission into the Oder basin decreased from the abovementioned maxima to 94,000 tons N year⁻¹ and to 5000 tons P year⁻¹, whereas in 1995–2015, the emission into the Vistula basin decreased from 170,000 to 140,000 tons N year⁻¹ and from 14,200 to 10,600 tons P year⁻¹. In 1995–2015, groundwater, tile drainage, and WWTPs played a key role in N emission, while erosion, overland flow, WWTPs, and urban areas played a predominant role in P emission. The relative shares of nutrient emission pathways in overall N and P emission were considerably changing over time. Extreme weather conditions have a great impact on increased (floods) or decreased (droughts) nutrient emission; particularly, N emission is susceptible to variable weather conditions. In total, approximately 91,000 tons of N and 7600 tons of P were retained annually in the river basins.

Investigation of the rheological behavior of activated sludge in response to CeO 2 nanoparticles and potential mechanism

Abstract

With the rapid development of CeO₂ nanoparticles (NPs), the released CeO₂ NPs entering into wastewater treatment plants might bring the challenges for sludge pumping and mixing. In this study, we firstly elucidated the rheological behavior of 4.0 wt% sludge at various concentrations of CeO₂ NPs. With the increase of CeO₂ NPs to 5 mg/L, the shear stress at any given shear rate was reduced and the limiting viscosity was also decreased, indicating the sludge became more flowability. The dynamic sweep tests further demonstrated the decreased elastic behavior and weakened internal structure in response to low concentrations of CeO₂ NPs (≤ 5 mg/L). However, 20 mg/L CeO₂ NPs had negative effects on the rheological evolution of sludge, namely, better solid-like property and higher elastic structure. These results were mainly attributed to the combination of the decreased β-d-glucopyranose polysaccharides which support the rigid structure of sludge and the dramatically increased protein content (especially in 20 mg/L CeO₂ NPs). These results can potentially provide novel information for the efficient design of sludge treatment when coped with CeO₂ NPs.

Graphical abstract

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Variation in the perioperative care of women undergoing abdominal-based microvascular breast reconstruction in the United Kingdom (The optiFLAPP Study)

Publication date: Available online 25 August 2018

Source: Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery

Author(s): Matthew D. Gardiner, optiFLAPP Collaborative

Abstract

Introduction

Methods

Surveys were developed for plastic surgeons, anaesthetists and the lead clinician for breast reconstruction at each unit. These assessed most aspects of perioperative care. A team of medical student collaborators was identified. This team created a list of surgeons and anaesthetists in the United Kingdom by unit. REDCap was used to record their responses.

Results

Nineteen (19/39, 49%) lead clinicians, 83 (83/134, 62%) plastic surgeons and 71 (71/100, 71%) anaesthetists from units across the UK completed the surveys. Marked variation was identified in the clinician responses when compared with the national and international guidance. This variation covered many aspects of patient care including antibiotic and fluid prescribing, surgical technique, postoperative care and recording of patient outcomes.

Conclusions

The optiFLAPP national practice survey has demonstrated variation in the perioperative care of women undergoing abdominal-based microvascular breast reconstruction. We propose a large prospective audit to assess current protocols and support development of randomised controlled trials.

Adjuvant radiotherapy as a risk factor for developing capsular contracture in women after breast implant surgery

Publication date: Available online 25 August 2018

Source: Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery

Author(s): Kadri Altundag

Commentary – Consensus research priorities for facial palsy: a Delphi survey of patients, carers, clinicians and researchers

Publication date: Available online 25 August 2018

Source: Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery

Author(s): John J. Chi

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

Publication date: Available online 24 August 2018

Source: Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery

Author(s): Michał P. Zarzecki, Patrick Popieluszko, Alexander Zayachkowski, Przemysław A. Pękala, Brandon M. Henry, Krzysztof A. Tomaszewski

ABSTRACT

Introduction

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.

Methods

Major online medical databases (Pubmed, EMBASE, ScienceDirect, and Web of Science) were extensively searched for terms pertaining to the SPA, the DPA, their anatomy and variations. Articles reporting data on the SPA and/or the DPA were collected and their data extracted. Furthermore, a reference search was performed, allowing to pinpoint any articles that were not previously found. The collected data was analysed using MetaXL 5.3.

Results

The analysis included thirty-six studies (n=4841 palmar arches). The SPA was found to be complete in 81.3%, with the radio-ulnar anastomosis being the most common variant (72.0%). The incomplete SPA was present in 18.7%, with the ulnar artery supplying the third finger from both radial and ulnar side as the most prevalent in 34.8%. The DPA was found to be complete in 95.2%.

Conclusion

In this study, the SPA was predominantly complete, with the anastomosis between the radial and the ulnar artery being prevalent most often. Furthermore, the DPA was also complete in the vast majority of cases. The palmar arches and their variations should be kept in mind when considering the use of palmar vasculature for cardiac catheterization and other medical procedures, due to the risk of iatrogenic ischaemic hand complications.

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

Publication date: Available online 24 August 2018

Source: Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery

Author(s): Hai-Peng Liu, Ying Shao, Bing Li, Meng-Ru Sun, Xiao-Jie Yu, Duo Zhang

Summary

Purpose

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.

Methods

A retrospective study of 31 consecutive Chinese patients who underwent revision surgeries between January 2013 and December 2015 was undertaken through a review of medical records. All of these patients underwent surgical correction of high folds using a pretarsal orbicularis oculi flap, with postoperative follow-up ranging from 6 months to 4 years. Postoperative outcomes were reviewed, evaluated, and analyzed.

Results

In this study of 31 women who underwent secondary revision procedure of the high eyelid fold using a pretarsal orbicularis oculi muscle flap, mean follow-up time was 8.2 (range 6–48) months. All flaps survived without significant complications. There was no reported incidence of hematoma or infection in early postoperative complications. Clinical effectiveness was satisfactory in most of patients who underwent fold repair (26/31, 83.9%). However, 5 patients (16.1%) expressed dissatisfaction with postoperative outcomes; of these, 4 patients (12.9%) had mild asymmetry, whereas surgical revision was required in only 1 patient (3.2%).

Conclusion

Secondary blepharoplasty to correct the high fold is a challenging procedure for plastic surgeons. Use of the pretarsal orbicularis oculi muscle flap for correction of the high fold is safe and effective, with better biomechanics and a satisfying aesthetic outcome. This provides a novel treatment option in limited secondary revision techniques.

The Role of Oncolytic Viruses in the Treatment of Melanoma

Abstract

Purpose of Review

Oncolytic virotherapy is a new approach to the treatment of cancer and its success in the treatment of melanoma represents a breakthrough in cancer therapeutics. This paper provides a review of the current literature on the use of oncolytic viruses (OVs) in the treatment of melanoma.

Recent Findings

Talimogene laherparepvec (T-VEC) is the first OV approved for the treatment of melanoma and presents new challenges as it enters the clinical setting. Several other OVs are at various stages of clinical and pre-clinical development for the treatment of melanoma. Reports from phase Ib-III clinical trials combining T-VEC with checkpoint blockade are encouraging and demonstrate potential added benefit of combination immunotherapy.

Summary

OVs have recently emerged as a standard treatment option for patients with advanced melanoma. Several OVs and therapeutic combinations are in development. Immunooncolytic virotherapy combined with immune checkpoint inhibitors is promising for the treatment of advanced melanoma.

Circumferential distribution and clinical characteristics of esophageal cancer in lower esophagus: differences related to histological subtype

Abstract

Background

Esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) is frequently found on the right-anterior wall of the distal esophagus in short-segment Barrett's esophagus (SSBE) patients. However, the endoscopic characteristics of EAC in cases with long-segment BE (LSBE) and squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) in the lower esophagus remain to be fully evaluated. Here, we determined the circumferential distribution and clinical characteristics of esophageal cancer occurring in the lower esophagus based on histological subtype.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 150 patients with esophageal cancer (ESCC, n = 100; EAC, n = 50) diagnosed at our hospital or a related facility between January 2002 and June 2017, including information regarding endoscopic findings, etiology, and clinical parameters.

Results

Of the 100 patients with ESCC, 28 lesions were located in the lower esophagus, though characteristic circumferential distribution was not seen regardless of location. Those showed a greater frequency of smoking and drinking habit and gastric mucosal atrophy as compared to patients with EAC. Consistent with the previous reports, EAC in SSBE (n = 41) was frequently located on the right-anterior wall. Likewise, EAC at the esophagogastric junction (EGJ) in LSBE was frequently located on the right-anterior wall, while EAC distant from the EGJ showed no characteristic circumferential distribution.

Conclusion

Our results showed no circumferential predilection for ESCC in the lower esophagus, suggesting that development of this type of lesion may be less affected by gastroesophageal reflux. In addition, EAC at the EGJ was frequently found on the right-anterior wall irrespective of BE length.

The assessment of the esophageal motility of children with esophageal disorders by the detailed observation of the pH–multichannel intraluminal impedance waveform and baseline impedance: screening test potential

Abstract

Background

The present study aimed to evaluate whether the detailed observation of pH/MII waveforms and the analysis of baseline impedance (BI) values could detect esophageal dysmotility in pediatric patients with esophageal disorders.

Patients and methods

Eleven patients with congenital esophageal disorder in whom pH/MII was conducted from April 2011 to June 2015, were enrolled in this study. The diagnoses of the patients were as follows: postoperative esophageal atresia (EA), n = 6; esophageal achalasia (EAch), n = 4; and congenital esophageal stenosis (CES), n = 1. The characteristics of the pH/MII waveform, pathological GERD, BI value, and the average BI value of the 2 distal channels (distal BI; DBI) were analyzed in each disorder.

Results

Two EA (33%) patients and one EAch (25%) patient were diagnosed with GERD. The mean DBI values of the EA, EAch and CES patients was 912 ± 550, 2153 ± 915 and 1392 Ω, respectively. The EA patients showed consistently low DBI values. One CES patient and two infantile EAch patients showed postprandial prolonged low DBI values. Whereas, the pH/MII waveforms of the adolescent EAch patients were difficult to interpret due to their extremely low BI values.

Conclusions

The present study demonstrated that the detailed observation of the pH/MII waveforms in all channels and the analysis of BI were useful for evaluating esophageal motility in children with congenital esophageal disorders. In particular, infantile patients with EAch showed DBI findings that were distinct from those of adult EAch patients. Considering the difficulty of performing esophageal manometry in young children, the detailed observation of the pH/MII waveform may help in the diagnosis of esophageal dysmotility in children.

Divergence in larval diapause induction between the rice and water-oat populations of the striped stem borer, Chilo suppressalis (Walker) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae)

Abstract

Differences in diapause traits can result in the seasonal reproductive isolation of host plant-associated insect populations and thereby facilitate the population divergence. The striped stem borer, Chilo suppressalis, has two host plant-associated populations: rice population and water-oat population. Several studies have found evidence that seasonal reproductive isolation between these populations is at least partially due to interpopulation differences in diapause. However, there still lack unambiguous evidence comparing characteristics of diapause induction for both populations. We compared the photoperiodic response and the age of peak photoperiod sensitivity of these populations and used RNA-Seq to compare the molecular response of diapause induction between populations. The photoperiodic response of the two populations differed at 25 °C; the critical night length of larvae from the rice population was 11 h and 20 min, whereas no obvious critical night length was in those from the water-oat population. In rice population, larvae were most sensitive to photoperiod at 9–12 days of age, whereas in water-oat population, larvae were the most sensitive to photoperiod at 9–10 days of age. The RNA-Seq results indicated that there were several differences in the molecular response of diapause induction and small overlap in differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between populations. Furthermore, GO analysis indicated that both rice and water-oat population's DEGs were significantly enriched in heme and iron binding. Besides, water-oat population's DEGs were significantly enriched in metabolizing nutrients but rice population's DEGs do not. Thus, our results described differences in diapause induction between rice and water-oat populations of C. suppressalis which could affect the timing of diapause and thereby contribute to the seasonal reproductive isolation of these host plant-associated populations. In conclusion, this work suggests that difference in diapause induction could promote the population divergence in insects associated with different host plants.

Temporal trends of contaminants in Arctic human populations

Abstract

The first Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Programme (AMAP) report was published in 1998 and followed by three assessment reports of human health (AMAP 2003, 2009 and 2015). The focus area of the AMAP reports was to monitor levels of environmental contaminants in the Arctic and to assess the health effects connected with detected levels in Arctic countries. This review gives an overview of temporal trends of contaminants and their health effects in humans of the Arctic based on data published by AMAP, as well as Russian scientific literature. Several time series of 31 contaminants in humans of the Arctic from different cohorts are reported. The lengths of time series and periods covered differ from each other. International restrictions have decreased the levels of most persistent organic pollutants in humans and food webs. Percentage changes for contaminants in human biological matrices (blood samples from children, mothers and males and breast milk samples) for the period of sampling showed declining trends in most of the monitored Arctic locations, with the exception of oxychlordane, hexachlorobenzene (HCB), 2,2′,4,4′,5,5′-hexabromodiphenyl ether (PBDE153) and perfluorinated compounds (PFCs).

Lipomodelage en reconstruction mammaire

Publication date: Available online 24 August 2018

Source: Annales de Chirurgie Plastique Esthétique

Author(s): E. Delay, T. Savu, M. Atanasiu

Résumé

Le lipomodelage du sein, ou lipofilling du sein, consiste à réaliser une greffe de tissu graisseux, provenant d'une zone graisseuse de la partie inférieure du corps, dans le sein. Cette technique, initialement décriée, a pris progressivement une place centrale en reconstruction mammaire. L'information préopératoire est importante : elle se faite de façon orale, et également par la remise de fiches d'information de la Société française de chirurgie plastique, reconstructrice, et esthétique (SOFCPRE) sur ce sujet, que l'on peut télécharger sur www.plasticiens.org. Après une infiltration au sérum adrénaliné (1 mg d'adrénaline dans 500 mL), la technique de prélèvement graisseux se fait à la canule fine de façon atraumatique en appliquant une faible dépression sur la seringue sur la seringue. La graisse est ensuite préparée par une centrifugation courte (15 s à 3200 tours/s). Le transfert graisseux doit être fait délicatement en déposant de fins « spaghettis graisseux » dans tout le sein reconstruit (réseau tridimensionnel). Sur la fin du transfert graisseux, des fasciotomies sont réalisées pour libérer les tractus fibreux, et un complément graisseux de 30 à 50 mL est réalisé. Les indications de cette technique sont multiples. Le lipomodelage a progressivement pris une place centrale en reconstruction mammaire et peut être appliqué en complément de toutes les techniques de reconstruction. Les indications du lipomodelage exclusif sont, elles, beaucoup plus rares : sein de petit volume chez une patiente présentant une stéatomérie importante. Enfin, le lipomodelage du sein a apporté une solution remarquable pour le traitement des séquelles du traitement conservateur du cancer du sein. Finalement, le lipomodelage du sein est une avancée majeure en reconstruction du sein. Il a permis d'améliorer de façon très significative la qualité des reconstructions mammaires, qu'elles soient autologues, ou en combinaison avec une prothèse.

Summary

Breast Lipomodeling, or Breast Lipofilling, consists in performing a graft of fatty tissue, from an area of the lower body, and moving it to the breast. This method, initially decried, has progressively taken a major place in breast reconstruction. Preoperative information is important: information must be given verbally and also by information forms from the French for French Society of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery (SOFCPRE) that can be downloaded from www.plasticiens.org. After the infiltration of adrenalized serum (1 mg of adrenaline in 500 mL of physiological serum), taking the fatty tissue requires a fine canula, and, non traumatically, applying a light vacuum to the syringe. The tissue is then prepared by a short centrifugation (15 s at 3200 rotations/s). The transfer has to be done by gently placing fine "fatty spaghettis" in the entire reconstructed breast (3D network). On the end of the fat transfer, fasciotomies are realized to free the fibrous tracts, and 30 to 50 mL of tissue are added. The indications of this technique are many. Lipomodeling has progressively taken the center stage in breast reconstruction, and can be applied in addition to all reconstruction techniques. The indication of exclusive lipomodeling are much rarer: patient with very small breast and important steatomery. Ultimately, breast lipomodeling has provided a remarkable solution for the approach of the sequelae of conservative treatment in breast cancer. Finally, lipomodeling of the breast is a major advance in breast reconstruction. It has significantly improved the quality of breast reconstructions, whether autologous, or in combination with a prosthesis.

Conclusion

Publication date: Available online 24 August 2018

Source: Annales de Chirurgie Plastique Esthétique

Author(s): C. Bruant Rodier

Diversity in flower colorations of Ranunculus asiaticus L. revealed by anthocyanin biosynthesis pathway in view of gene composition, gene expression patterns, and color phenotype

Abstract

Anthocyanin biosynthesis is one of the best studied secondary metabolisms. However, related pathways were generally concluded based on anthocyanin components; most studies focused on the backbone forming of anthocyanidins (cyanidin, delphinidin, and pelargonidin) of model or commercial plants, while anthocyanin modification was less discussed, and non-model plants with abundant colorations were less researched either. Ranunculus asiaticus L. has great diversity in flower colorations, not only indicating its value in researching anthocyanin biosynthesis but also implying it is unique in this regard. Based on transcriptome sequencing and gene annotation of three varieties (10 samples) of Ranunculus asiaticus L., 176 unigenes from 151,136 unigenes were identified as involved in anthocyanin biosynthesis, among which, 74 unigenes were related to anthocyanin modification; 61 unigenes were responsible for glycosylation at C3 and C5 with 3-monosaccharides of glucose, 3-biosides of rutinose, sophorose, or sambubiose to form 3Gly-, 3Gly5Gly-, 3Gly3′Gly-, 3Gly2′′Gly-, 3Gly2′′Xly-, 3Gly2′′Rly-glycosylated anthocyanins, etc.; 2 unigenes transferred –CH₃; 11 unigenes of BAHD family catalyzd the aromatic or malonyl acylation at 6′′ / 6′′′′position of 3/5-O-glucoside. Based on gene composition, a putative pathway was established. The pathway was validated by flower colorations, and gene expression patterns where F3H, F3′H, 3GT, 5GT, and FMT2 were highly expressed in varieties colored as lateritious and carmine, while variety with purple flowers had high expression of F3′5′H and 3MAT. In view of anthocyanin biosynthesis pathway of Ranunculus asiaticus L., great diversity in its flower colorations was illustrated via the complete branches (F3H, F3′H and F3′5′H) as well as complete modifications (glycosylation, methylation, and acylation), and besides, via the higher percentage of C3 glycosylation than C5 glycosylation.

In vitro susceptibility of Microsporum spp and mammalian cells to Eugenia caryophyllus essential oil, eugenol and semisynthetic derivatives

Mycoses, Volume 0, Issue ja, -Not available-.

The differences of cell wall in roots between two contrasting soybean cultivars exposed to cadmium at young seedlings

Abstract

The plant root cell wall (CW) is the first structure that comes into contact with extracellular cadmium (Cd), and it plays an important role in the absorption, immobilization, and translocation of Cd in the roots. However, the differences in the cell wall components between Cd-tolerant and Cd-sensitive cultivars are unclear. A hydroponic experiment was carried out to investigate the differences in the concentrations of Cd, total sugars, and uronic acid in pectin, hemicellulose 1, hemicellulose 2, cellulose, and lignin, as well as pectin methylesterase enzyme activity (PME) in the roots of two soybean cultivars that differ with respect to Cd tolerance exposed to 0 and 23 μM Cd treatments. The bound forms of Cd in the roots were found to differ between the two soybean genotypes; 50.2% of the Cd in the root cell wall accumulates in the pectin in the highly Cd-tolerant and low Cd-accumulating cultivar HX3, while 50.6% of the root cell wall Cd accumulates in cellulose in the Cd-sensitive and high Cd-accumulating cultivar BX10. The total sugar and uronic acid concentrations of the cell wall components increased in response to Cd stress, while the concentrations of total sugars and uronic acid in BX10 were higher than in HX3 (except for hemicellulose 1). Increased demethylation of pectin may be the main reason that Cd is mainly concentrated in the primary wall in HX3, because the PME activity was higher in HX3 than it was in BX10 under Cd treatment. Furthermore, BX10 had a higher lignin concentration after Cd treatment, and showed the same change in cellulose. Cd in the root cell wall of BX10 was fixed in the secondary cell wall, which may be a result of the coupling to cellulose and lignin. In conclusion, root cell walls in soybean cultivars that differ in Cd tolerance may possess different mechanisms to prevent Cd from entering cells, and the sequestration of Cd in different cell wall components may determine the differences in Cd tolerance between the two genotypes.

Photocatalytic treatment of petroleum industry wastewater using recirculating annular reactor: comparison of experimental and modeling

Abstract

In this study, the treatment of petroleum wastewater has been investigated by applying heterogeneous photocatalytic process using a recirculating annual reactor. An attempt has been made to study the effect of operating parameters such as TiO₂ load, initial concentration of the pollutant, emitted photonic flux, and pH of the solution. The degradation efficiency of toluene and benzene, as target molecules, was studied. In fact, result showed that the toluene is better degraded alone than when it is in a mixture. The rate of elimination of toluene separately was 89.5%, while it was 76.19 and 79.55% in the binary (toluene/benzene) and the ternary mixtures (toluene/benzene/xylene), respectively. Moreover, the mineralization of the solution decreased more rapidly when toluene was pure with a rate of 83.13% compared to binary and ternary mixtures. A mathematical model is proposed taking into account the parameters influencing the process performances. The mass transfer step, the degradation, and the mineralization kinetics of the pollutants were defined as model parameters. To build the model, mass balances are written in bulk region and catalyst phase (solid phase). The degradation mechanism on solid phase is divided in two stages. Firstly, the removal of toluene gives an equivalent intermediate (EI). Secondly, EI is oxidized into carbon dioxide (CO₂). This approach gives a good agreement between modeling and empirical data in terms of degradation and mineralization. It also allows for the simulation of toluene kinetics without knowing the plausible chemical pathway. A satisfactory fit with experimental data was obtained for the degradation and mineralization of toluene.

Reply to ‘Pruritic arthropod bite‐like papules in T‐cell large granular lymphocytic leukaemia and chronic myelomonocytic leukaemia’

Clinical and Experimental Dermatology, EarlyView.

Post‐bariatric surgery hidradenitis suppurativa: a new patient subset associated with malabsorption and micronutritional deficiencies

Clinical and Experimental Dermatology, EarlyView.

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Σάββατο 25 Αυγούστου 2018

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