Prevalence of sun protection behaviors in Hispanic youth residing in a high ultraviolet light environment

Abstract

Although rates of late-stage melanoma are rising in Hispanics, particularly those living in high ultraviolet light environments, little is known about the prevalence of sun protective behaviors in Hispanic children. We analyzed baseline data including frequency of sunburn, sun protective behaviors, level of U.S. acculturation, and skin phototype from a cross-sectional survey of 2003 Hispanic elementary school children in Los Angeles, California, who participated in a skin cancer prevention intervention. Although the Hispanic children reported frequently engaging in some sun protective behaviors, they also had a high rate of sunburn (59%) that exceeded previous national estimates for non-Hispanic white children (43%). Fewer U.S.-acculturated children reported more frequent shade-seeking at home (P = .02), along with less shade-seeking at school (P = .001) and more sunscreen use at school (P = .02). The surprisingly high rate of sunburn in Hispanic children suggests that the way in which they are practicing sun protection is not preventing sunburns. Sun safety interventions should be targeted toward Hispanic youth to provide them with practical methods of effective sun protection, in addition to education on the risks of high sun exposure.

New soft tissue filler derived from autologous keratin and fibroblast for neck wrinkles

Summary

Objective

To assess the effectiveness of injection of autologous keratin gel and fibroblast for neck aging as soft tissue filler.

Materials and methods

Totally 30 volunteers received treatment of autologous keratin and fibroblast for neck wrinkles and 5 of them received hyaluronic acid (HA) treatment as control. Clinical features of the volunteers were collected at 1st, 3rd, 6th, 12th, and 24th months after treatment. The volunteers were independently assessed using Lemperle's methods at different time points.

Results

The neck wrinkles ameliorated observably and no severe complications were reported after treatment. The effect and maintain time of autologous keratin and fibroblast were better than HA control.

Conclusion

Autologous keratin and fibroblast as soft tissue filler is an effective treatment option for neck rejuvenation with long-term efficacy for reversing of skin aging.

Delayed allergic hypersensitivity to hyaluronidase during the treatment of granulomatous hyaluronic acid reactions

Summary

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is now extensively employed for esthetic concerns. In the majority of cases, HA is considered to be safe, but mild-to-severe complications can occur in a few cases. Hyaluronidase is enzymes that degrade HA, also being suggested for the treatment of HA filler-induced complications. However, hyaluronidase has been reported to be a potential cause of allergic responses in some anesthetic and ophthalmic literature. However, there are few reports of allergic reactions to hyaluronidase in cosmetic medicine. We herein report on a 39-year-old Asian woman who developed a delayed allergic hypersensitivity to hyaluronidase in the treatment process of HA-related granulomatous reaction.

Serum homocysteine levels in acne patients

Summary

Objective

This study was designed to investigate serum homocysteine (HCY) levels in acne patients.

Methods

Acne patients (n = 124) and healthy volunteers (n = 70), matched in terms of both age and sex, were enrolled. Serum HCY levels for all subjects were measured by a clinical laboratory.

Results

Serum HCY levels in male and female patients with severe and moderate acne were significantly higher than in the healthy control group (P < .05). The constituent ratio of male and female acne patients with HCY above the normal range (10 mmol/L) was significantly higher than the healthy control group. The severity of acne patients was positively correlated with serum homocysteine concentration, (P < .01).

Conclusion

Hyperhomocysteinemia may be an independent risk factor for acne vulgaris. Detection of serum HCY is important for acne patients.

Severe Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis overlap syndrome—beyond skin involvement

Abstract

Stevens–Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) are rare but serious dermatologic diseases with many potential multisystem complications. We describe the case of an 8-year-old girl who developed severe SJS/TEN overlap syndrome (25% of her body surface area was affected) complicated by pancreatitis and bronchiolitis obliterans. These rare complications emphasize the need for careful, intensive monitoring of possible complications and an interdisciplinary team approach to provide optimal treatment and follow-up.

Demographic characteristics of teenage boys with horizontal striae distensae of the lower back

Abstract

Background

This study examines the clinical characteristics and demographics of teenage boys with horizontal striae distensae of the lower back in an outpatient setting.

Methods

Retrospective medical chart reviews and telephone survey studies were completed on an outpatient cohort of 12 boys 11 to 17 years of age with a clinical diagnosis of transverse striae distensae of the lower back at a single-center, university-based, pediatric dermatology practice. We evaluated the clinical features of the striae, participant demographic characteristics, and past medical history. A review of the literature concerning risk factors was conducted using PubMed and Google Scholar.

Results

Of the 14 patients we contacted, 12 agreed to participate. The average age of onset for the striae was 14.3 years. All boys were above the 50th percentile in height at the time of onset. Eight (66.7%) reported a significant growth spurt before the appearance of the stretch marks. Most were asymptomatic. None of the boys had a history of unmonitored exogenous steroid use or prior infection with Bartonella henselae or Borrelia burgdorferi. Only one (8.3%) had a chronic medical condition. Eleven (91.7%) had at least one first-degree relative with striae distensae.

Conclusion

Our results indicate that horizontal striae distensae of the lower back in adolescent boys is associated with a rapid growth spurt, tall stature, and family history of striae distensae. There is no association between this type of striae distensae and any chronic medical condition, bacterial infection, or exogenous steroid use. Thus a careful review of systems and counseling without further medical testing is reasonable management.

Juvenile mycosis fungoides with large-cell transformation: Successful treatment with psoralen with ultraviolet A light, interferon-alfa, and localized radiation

Abstract

Mycosis fungoides with large-cell transformation is historically associated with a poor prognosis. Pediatric cases of mycosis fungoides with large-cell transformation are rare, with only three other cases reported in the literature. We present the first case of a child with almost complete remission of his mycosis fungoides with large-cell transformation shortly after administration of psoralen plus ultraviolet A, interferon-alfa, and localized radiation.

New insights into pemphigoid diseases

Abstract

Pemphigus and pemphigoid diseases are organ-specific autoimmune blistering diseases (AIBD), characterized and caused by autoantibodies to structural components of the skin (1). The autoantigens targeted in pemphigus are desmoglein 1 and 3, two proteins of the desmosomal structure, while the autoantigens in pemphigoid diseases (PD) are components of the basal membrane. For example, bullous pemphigoid (BP), the most frequent PD is characterized by autoantibodies against type XVII collagen (COL17, BP180) and BP230, and epidermolysis bullosa acquisita (EBA) is caused by autoantibodies against type VII collagen (COL7).

This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Laryngeal candidiasis: our experience from sixty biopsy specimens

Persistent throat symptoms, such as dysphonia, globus and throat pain, are highly prevalent and are a significant cause of morbidity¹. In a number of cases a clear cause of these symptoms is not identified and many patients are treated empirically with lifestyle advice and/or anti-reflux medication².

This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Melanoma in Patients with GATA2 Deficiency

Summary

GATA2 deficiency is a recently described genetic disorder affecting hematopoietic stem cells and is associated with immunodeficiency, cutaneous findings, and hematologic malignancy. The risk of non-hematologic malignancies is unclear. To explore the incidence and clinical course of melanoma in GATA2 deficient patients we conducted a retrospective chart review of 71 patients with GATA2 deficiency. We identified two patients with melanoma, including an invasive melanoma presenting as a graft-versus-tumor effect following bone marrow transplantation. Our observations and published studies of melanoma biology suggest an association between decreased GATA2 expression and melanoma progression. These findings suggest that GATA2 deficient patients may have an increased risk of melanoma and should be observed closely for new or changing skin lesions.

This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Association of PD-L1 expression with treatment outcomes in patients with BRAF mutation–positive melanoma treated with vemurafenib or cobimetinib combined with vemurafenib

Summary

The prognostic significance of programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1) on treatment outcomes in patients receiving BRAF with or without MEK inhibitors is not well understood. This retrospective exploratory analysis evaluated the association of tumour PD-L1 expression with progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) among 210 patients in the coBRIM trial treated with cobimetinib plus vemurafenib or placebo plus vemurafenib. In the vemurafenib cohort, there was a trend of increased PFS and OS in those with PD-L1⁺ melanoma, with hazard ratios (HRs) (PD-L1⁺ versus PD-L1⁻) of 0.70 (95% CI, 0.46–1.07) and 0.69 (95% CI, 0.42–1.13) for PFS and OS, respectively. However, in patients treated with cobimetinib plus vemurafenib, a similar trend was not observed with HRs (PD-L1⁺ versus PD-L1⁻) of 1.04 (95% CI, 0.66–1.68) and 0.94 (95% CI, 0.57–1.57) for PFS and OS, respectively. The combination cobimetinib plus vemurafenib appears to overcome the poor prognosis associated with low PD-L1 expression.

This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Identifying and assessing human activity impacts on groundwater quality through hydrogeochemical anomalies and NO 3 − , NH 4 + , and COD contamination: a case study of the Liujiang River Basin, Hebei Province, P.R. China

Abstract

In the face of rapid economic development and increasing human activity, the deterioration of groundwater quality has seriously affected the safety of the groundwater supply in eastern China. Identifying and assessing the impact of human activities is key to finding solutions to this problem. This study is an effort to scientifically and systematically identify and assess the influence of human activities on groundwater based on irregularities in hydrochemical properties and water contamination, which are considered to directly result from anthropogenic activity. The combination of the hydrochemical anomaly identification (HAI) and the contaminant identification (CI) was proposed to identify the influence of human activities on groundwater quality. And the degree of abnormality was quantified by the background threshold value. The principal component analysis (PCA) and land use map were used to verify the reliability of the identification result. The final result show that the strong influence areas mainly distributed in the south of the basin and the affected indicators contained the major elements and NO₃⁻, NH₄⁺, COD. Impacts from anthropogenic activities can be divided into two types: mine drainage that disrupts natural water–rock interaction processes, agricultural cultivation, and sewage emissions that contribute to nitrate pollution.

Isolation of lead-resistant Arthrobactor strain GQ-9 and its biosorption mechanism

Abstract

In this study, lead-resistant bacterium Arthrobacter sp. GQ-9 with a resistant capability to cadmium, zinc, and copper was isolated from a heavy metal polluted soil. Microcalorimetry analysis was applied to assess the strain's microbial activity under Pb(II) stress and suggested that GQ-9's microbial activities under Pb(II) stress were stronger than a non-resistant strain. Biosorption batch experiments revealed that the optimal condition for adsorption of Pb(II) by GQ-9 was pH 5.5, a biomass dosage of 1.2 g L⁻¹, and an initial Pb(II) concentration of 100 mg L⁻¹ with a maximum biosorption capacity of 17.56 mg g⁻¹.Adsorption-desorption experiments and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis were applied to elucidate the biosorption mechanisms. Adsorption-desorption analysis showed that GQ-9 cells could sequester 56.60% of the adsorbed Pb(II) ions on the cell wall. FTIR analysis suggested that hydroxyl, carboxyl, amino, nitrile, and sulfhydryl groups and amide I, amide II bands on the GQ-9 cell wall participated in the complexation of Pb(II) ions. The present study illustrates that the lead-resistant bacteria GQ-9 has the potential for further development of an effective and ecofriendly adsorbent for heavy metal bioremediation.

Correction

Etzkorn JR, Sobanko JF, Elenitsas R, et al. Low recurrence rates for in situ and invasive melanomas using Mohs micrographic surgery with melanoma antigen recognized by T cells 1 (MART-1) immunostaining: Tissue processing methodology to optimize pathologic staging and margin assessment. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2015;72(5):840-50.

The mechanism of skin lipids influencing skin status

Skin lipids, compose of sebocyte-, keratinocyte-, and microbe- derived lipids, dramatically influence skin status by different mechanisms. (I) Physical chemistry function: They are "mortar" to establish the physico-chemical barrier function of skin; (II) Biochemistry function: They function as signals in the complex signaling network originating at the epidermal level; (III) Microecology function: Sebocyte- and keratinocyte-derived lipids vary the composition of microbial skin flora, and microorganisms metabolize them to produce lipids as signal starting signaling transduction.

Exploring the potential relationship between indoor air quality and the concentration of airborne culturable fungi: a combined experimental and neural network modeling study

Abstract

Indoor airborne culturable fungi exposure has been closely linked to occupants' health. However, conventional measurement of indoor airborne fungal concentration is complicated and usually requires around one week for fungi incubation in laboratory. To provide an ultra-fast solution, here, for the first time, a knowledge-based machine learning model is developed with the inputs of indoor air quality data for estimating the concentration of indoor airborne culturable fungi. To construct a database for statistical analysis and model training, 249 data groups of air quality indicators (concentration of indoor airborne culturable fungi, indoor/outdoor PM_2.5 and PM₁₀ concentrations, indoor temperature, indoor relative humidity, and indoor CO₂ concentration) were measured from 85 residential buildings of Baoding (China) during the period of 2016.11.15–2017.03.15. Our results show that artificial neural network (ANN) with one hidden layer has good prediction performances, compared to a support vector machine (SVM). With the tolerance of ± 30%, the prediction accuracy of the ANN model with ten hidden nodes can at highest reach 83.33% in the testing set. Most importantly, we here provide a quick method for estimating the concentration of indoor airborne fungi that can be applied to real-time evaluation.

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and hydroxylated PBDEs in human serum from Shanghai, China: a study on their presence and correlations

Abstract

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are becoming a public health concern because of their potential toxicity, from endocrine disruption system to neurodevelopmental impairments. Nonetheless, information on their levels in human blood is scarce. In this study, human serum samples collected in Shanghai, China, were analyzed for the concentrations of PBDEs and their hydroxylated metabolites (OH-PBDEs). Eight PBDE congeners and six OH-PBDE congeners were quantified in serum samples by gas chromatography with mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and high-performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS). As a result, total PBDE concentration ranged from 0.280 to 12.330 ng g⁻¹ on a lipid weight basis lw (median: 1.100 ng g⁻¹ lw) and the total OH-PBDE level ranged from 0.045 to 0.363 ng g⁻¹ (lw) (median: 0.187 ng g⁻¹ lw). Among them, BDE-47 and 6-OH-BDE-47 were the predominant PBDEs and OH-PBDEs, respectively. In addition, based on the results of the Bartelett X ² test, BDE-47 significantly (p < 0.05) correlated with BDE-28, BDE-100, BDE-85, and BDE-154, whereas 3′-OH-BDE-7 significantly (p < 0.01) correlated with 3-OH-BDE-47, 2-OH-BDE-68, and 6′-OH-BDE-99. Among all donors, no significant association between age and PBDEs (or OH-PBDEs) was found. Further research on the exposure routes in the environment and metabolic processing of PBDEs in human blood is necessary.

Comparison of bioaccumulation and elimination of Escherichia coli and male-specific bacteriophages by ascidians and bivalves

Abstract

Levels of Escherichia coli and male-specific bacteriophages (MSBs) were determined in the filter feeders obtained from retail markets, commercial farms, and wild beds in Korea. The accumulation and elimination of E. coli and MSBs were compared between ascidians and bivalves (oysters and mussels) during relaying and depuration. E. coli concentrations in ascidians from retail markets ranged between < 20 and 460 most probable number/100 g while MSBs were not detected. E. coli levels in bivalves from commercial farms and wild beds were not significantly different but bacterial levels in ascidians were consistently lower. Ascidians exhibited much lower ability than bivalves to accumulate E. coli and MSBs during relaying in a polluted coastal area. This study also shows that an equilibrium was developed between levels of microbes in water and ascidians and shellfish during relaying. E. coli and MSBs in ascidians decreased quickly during depuration in a clean seawater tank. However, after 1 day, E. coli in bivalves decreased by only 1.1–1.6 logs, and the elimination of MSBs was negligible. Therefore, depuration is an effective means to reduce the health risk of contaminated ascidians.

Modeling clinical efficacy of the S1P receptor modulator ponesimod in psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disorder with substantial impact on quality of life [1,2]. The most common form is plaque psoriasis. The disease is mediated by T cells [3] and manifests itself as inflammation of the skin with plaque formation and rapid growth of skin cells [4,5].

Sweat Mechanisms and Dysfunctions in Atopic Dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory dermatosis that involves a complex interplay between genetic, immunologic and environmental factors [1]. Barrier abnormalities play an important role in the pathogenesis of AD, as mutations in the gene for the structural protein filaggrin (FLG) result in increased epidermal permeability, decreased SC hydration and increased pH [2,3]. SC pH provides an acidic environment for optimal antimicrobial enzyme activity and surface microbiome diversity [4].

A novel anti-melanogenic agent, KDZ-001, inhibits tyrosinase enzymatic activity

Skin primarily consists of three different cell types: keratinocytes, fibroblasts, and melanocytes. Melanocytes are specialized cells that synthesize pigment, which is also known as melanin. Melanin is a heterogeneous biopolymer that is produced in melanosomes, which are organelles that synthesize, store, and transport melanin through a series of enzymatic reactions known as melanogenesis. Melanogenesis involves the catalysis of tyrosine by TYR-family proteins, including TYR and TYR-related protein 1/2 (TRP-1/2) [1,2].

Determination of selected elements in canned food sold in Jordan markets

Abstract

In this study, the concentrations of seven heavy metals including As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn in imported canned food samples of different brands including tuna, beef, sardines, and mushroom were determined. Samples were collected from popular Jordanian market, Irbid city, Northern Jordan (44 samples of each type). The metal concentrations in canned food samples were found to be in the range of 1.85–4.50 μg/g for As, 0.42–0.58 μg/g for Cd, 0.47–1.67 μg/g for Cr, 0.73–0.90 μg/g for Cu, 1.08–2.77 μg/g for Ni, 2.5–3.0 μg/g for Pb, and 0.43–2.25 μg/g for Zn. Results revealed that As and Pb have the highest concentrations in all samples analyzed, whereas, the lowest concentrations obtained were in Cd. For example, in canned sardine, the mean concentrations of heavy metals are 0.43 μg/g for Zn, 2.50 μg/g for Pb, 1.74 μg/g for Ni, 0.80 μg/g for Cu, 0.47 μg/g for Cr, 0.42 μg/g for Cd, and 1.85 μg/g for As. Whereas, the mean concentrations in canned tuna were 3.48 μg/g for As, 0.47 μg/g for Cd, 0.53 μg/g for Cr, 0.73 μg/g for Cu, 2.77 μg/g for Ni, 2.80 μg/g for Pb, and 1.63 μg/g for Zn. The results of this study indicated that the concentration of the tested elements including As, Cd, Cr, Ni, and Pb in canned food samples sold in Jordanian markets exceeded the permissible limits set by health organizations such as FAO/WHO. The results were compared with the literature values.

Social networks as a tool for science communication and public engagement: focus on Twitter

Abstract

Social networks have been used to teach and engage people about the importance of science. The integration of social networks in the daily routines of Faculty and Scientists is strongly recommended to increase their personal brand, improve their skills, enhance their visibility, share and communicate science to society, promote scientific culture, and even as a tool for teaching and learning. Here we review the use of Twitter in Science and comment our previous experience on using this social network as a platform for a Massive Online Open Course (MOOC) in Spain and Latin America. We propose to extend this strategy to a pan-European Microbiology MOOC in the near future.

Multiple Imputation for Incomplete Data in Epidemiologic Studies

Abstract

Epidemiologic studies are frequently susceptible to missing information. Omitting observations with missing variables remains a common strategy in epidemiologic studies, yet this simple approach can often severely bias parameter estimates of interest if the values are not missing completely at random. Even when missingness is completely random, complete case analysis can reduce efficiency of estimated parameters, because large amounts of available data are simply tossed out with the incomplete observations. Alternative methods to mitigate missing information, such as multiple imputation, are becoming an increasing popular strategy to retain all available information, reduce potential bias, and improve efficiency in parameter estimation. In this paper, we describe the theoretical underpinnings of multiple imputation, and we illustrate application of this method in a collaborative challenge to assess the performance of various techniques to dealing with missing data. We detail the steps necessary to perform multiple imputation on a subset of the Collaborative Perinatal Project, where the goal is to estimate the odds of spontaneous abortion associated with smoking during pregnancy.

Inverse Probability Weighted Estimation for Monotone and Nonmonotone Missing Data

Abstract

Missing data is of common occurrence in epidemiologic research. In this paper, three data sets with induced missing values from the Collaborative Perinatal Project, a multisite United States study conducted from 1959 to 1974, are provided as examples of prototypical epidemiologic studies with missing data. Our goal is to estimate the effect of maternal smoking behavior on spontaneous abortion while adjusting for numerous confounders. At the same time, we do not necessarily wish to evaluate the joint distribution among potentially unobserved covariates, which is seldom the subject of substantive scientific interest. The inverse probability weighting approach preserves the semiparametric structure of the underlying model of substantive interest, and clearly separates the model of substantive interest from the model used to account for the missing data. However, inverse probability weighting often will not result in valid inference if the missing data pattern is nonmonotone, even if the data are missing at random. We describe a recently proposed approach to model nonmonotone missing data mechanisms under missing at random for use to construct the weights in inverse probability weighted complete-case estimation, and we illustrate the approach in the three data sets described in the companion manuscript (Am J Epidemiol. 2017;000(0):000-000) of this issue of the journal.

Principled Approaches to Missing Data in Epidemiologic Studies

Abstract

Principled methods to appropriately analyze missing data have long existed; however, broad implementation of these methods remains challenging. In this and companion papers, we discuss issues of missing data in the epidemiologic literature. We provide details regarding missing data mechanisms and nomenclature and motivate principled analyses through a detailed comparison of multiple imputation and inverse probability weighting. We do so in the setting of a masked data-analytic challenge with missing data induced by known mechanisms to data from the Collaborative Perinatal Project, a multisite US study conducted from 1959 to 1974. We illustrate the deleterious effects of missing data with naïve methods and show how principled methods can sometimes mitigate such effects. For example when data were missing at random, naïve methods showed a spurious protective effect of smoking on spontaneous abortion, odds ratio (OR) of 0.43 (95% confidence interval, CI: 0.19, 0.93) while implementing principled methods multiple imputation (OR = 1.30, CI: 0.95, 1.77) or augmented inverse probability weighting (OR = 1.40, CI: 1.00, 1.97) provided estimates closer to the "true" full data effect (OR = 1.31, CI: 1.05, 1.64). We call for greater acknowledgement of and attention to missing data and for the broad use of principled missing data methods in epidemiologic research.

Editorial

Male Breast Cancer: Pink Ribbon Blues

Will liquid biopsies become our fluid transition to personalized immunotherapy?

ImmunotherapyPD-L1 expressionLiquid biopsyCirculating tumour cellsNon-small cell lung cancer

Secondary erythromelalgia: a tryptophan dietary supplement-induced case associated with elevated 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5HIAA) urinary levels

An extension of a multicenter, randomized, split-face clinical trial evaluating the efficacy and safety of chromophore gel-assisted blue light phototherapy for the treatment of acne

Abstract

A variety of laser/light-based devices have been reported to be effective for the treatment of acne, yet no long-term data on efficacy and safety have been published. A first 12-week clinical trial ("Main trial") recently demonstrated that the KLOX BioPhotonic System, an LED blue light device using photo-converter chromophores, can significantly improve moderate and severe facial acne vulgaris with an excellent safety profile. This Extension trial followed the Main trial, using the same BioPhotonic System, with the same dose and instructions for use, on patients having already completed treatment in the Main trial. Main objectives of this open-label long-term extension 12-week study were to evaluate the efficacy of the KLOX BioPhotonic System on the untreated hemiface during the Main trial, as well as the duration of response on the hemiface treated during the first 12-week Main trial. Despite their young age (mean age: 21.6 years) and their 12-week participation in the Main trial, 49 (54.4%) of the total number of patients who participated in the Main trial enrolled in this additional 12-week Extension trial. Baseline grading of acne was performed with the Investigator's Global Assessment (IGA) scale. For each patient, the hemiface randomly selected as a control during the Main trial received 6 weeks of treatment (twice weekly) and was then followed up for an additional 6 weeks. The first hemiface treated in the Main trial was consequently observed throughout the Extension trial, allowing for a further 12-week assessment of outcomes (total 24 weeks). In light of an additional 12 weeks of treatment on the contralateral face, the patient compliance rate was excellent, with 91.9% of the total number of patients receiving at least 80% of the treatments. Patients with a baseline IGA grade of 2 (mild) on the treated hemiface demonstrated a success rate of 58.3 and 66.7% at weeks 6 and 12, respectively. At these same time points, subjects with a baseline IGA grade of 3 (moderate) demonstrated a success rate of 81.8 and 90.0%. Patients with a baseline IGA grade of 4 (severe) demonstrated a success rate of 100% at both week 6 and week 12. When evaluating the originally treated hemifaces from the Main trial, the rate of return to baseline at 24 weeks was calculated to be 15.5%. This latter outcome confirmed the long duration of effect following treatment. The patient safety profile was also excellent, with very few related adverse events. The BioPhotonic System, which is comprised of LED blue light phototherapy and photo-converter chromophores, provides long-term efficacy and safety in the treatment of acne vulgaris, with a rate of compliance above what is generally observed in a young population of patients suffering from acne vulgaris, especially in light of sequential enrollment in a study treating one hemiface.

Regressed melanocytic nevi secondary to pembrolizumab therapy: an emerging melanocytic dermatologic effect from immune checkpoint antibody blockade

Abstract

Background

Immune checkpoint antibody blockade is an emerging therapeutic option for treating certain cancers including melanoma. This therapy is associated with dermatologic and systemic toxicities, some of which are more severe than others and may require withholding therapy.

Case reports

We report two patients with melanocytic nevi that regressed with pembrolizumab therapy. The first patient had stage IV BRAF K601E/L584F mutant melanoma that developed a regressed melanocytic nevus while being treated with pembrolizumab. The second patient had stage III BRAF V600R mutant melanoma that was treated with pembrolizumab and dabrafenib, and also developed a regressed melanocytic nevus. Both patients had good response to therapy and stable disease at 8 and 12 months of treatment, respectively.

Results

Regressed melanocytic nevi were observed in both patients treated with pembrolizumab for advance-stage melanoma. Immunohistochemical analysis of a regressed melanocytic nevus was associated with an inflammatory infiltrate rich in CD8+ T cells and CD163+, CD11c+ histiocytes.

Conclusion

Regressed melanocytic nevi are an emerging dermatologic effect from pembrolizumab therapy.

Syringe lubricant and adverse reactions

Autoantibodies to full body vascular cell junctions colocalize with MYZAP, ARVCF, desmoplakins I and II and p0071 in endemic pemphigus in Colombia, South America

Abstract

Background

We previously described a new variant of endemic pemphigus foliaceus in El Bagre, Colombia (El Bagre-EPF).

Methods

Here we aimed to investigate disease autoreactivity to vessels in all body organs/systems. We compared 57 patients and 57 controls from the endemic area, matched by demographics, age, sex, and work activity. We performed immunofluorescence, immunohistochemistry, confocal microscopy, immunoblotting, indirect immune electron microscopy studies, and autometallographic studies. We performed ultrasonography on large patient arteries, investigating for vascular anomalies. In addition, we reviewed autopsies on seven patients who died affected by El Bagre-EPF. We immunoadsorbed any positive vessel immunofluorescence with desmoglein (Dsg1), investigating for new autoantigens.

Results

Overall, 57/57 patients affected by El Bagre-EPF displayed autoantibodies to vessels in all the organs/systems of the body via all methods (P < 0.01). The autoreactivity was polyclonal, and the patient's antibodies colocalized with commercial antibodies to desmoplakins I and II, p0071, ARVCF, and MYZAP (all from Progen Biotechnik, Germany; P < 0.01; all present at cell junctions). Immunoadsorption with Dsg1 on positive vessel immunofluorescence showed that the immune response against the vessels was directed against non-Dsg1 antigen(s). Autometallographic studies showed deposits of metals and metalloids in vessel cell junctions and in erythrocytes of 85% of patients (P < 0.01).

Conclusions

Immune response to these vascular antigens is likely altering endothelial cells and vessel shapes, thus disturbing hemodynamic flow. The flow alterations likely lead to inflammation and may play a role in the atherogenesis often seen in these patients.

Anti-desmogleins autoantibodies detected by ELISA and blotting in bullous pemphigoid: what do they mean?

The “Duvic regimen” for erythrodermic flares secondary to Staphylococcus aureus in mycosis fungoides and Sézary syndrome

Polymorphous presentation of subcutaneous phaeohyphomycosis: a rare occurrence

Changing practices of hair relaxer use among black women in the United States

Human papillomavirus-associated cutaneous disease burden in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive patients: the role of human papillomavirus vaccination and a review of the literature

Abstract

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is related to the development of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma, oropharyngeal carcinoma, and anogenital malignancies. Patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) have impaired cell-mediated immunity, placing them at risk for more prolonged infection with a greater likelihood of disease expression. This presents important implications for screening and treatment of HPV in the HIV patient population. The use of prophylactic vaccines directed against HPV has been a promising clinical development, though the immunogenicity of these vaccines in the immunocompromised host and in patients with previously established HPV infections has not been well established. In this review, we describe the pathogenesis and epidemiology of HPV-related cutaneous malignancies in patients with HIV. We outline the current guidelines and recent advances in the field of HPV vaccination. It is our hope that increasing awareness of the HPV-related HIV comorbidities will lead to developments in preventative medicine capable of reducing the burden of these diseases. We recognize the importance of prevention as a primary defense against disease and hope that this article organizes and disseminates recent findings in the field of HPV-associated comorbidities in the HIV population.

Naturalizing the content of desire

Abstract

Desires, or directive representations, are central components of human and animal minds. Nevertheless, desires are largely neglected in current debates about the naturalization of representational content. Most naturalists seem to assume that some version of the standard teleological approach, which identifies the content of a desire with a specific kind of effect that the desire has the function of producing, will turn out to be correct. In this paper I argue, first, that this common assumption is unjustified, since the standard approach is in fact deeply problematic. Secondly, I propose an alternative account of the content of (basic) desires which, while generating plausible and determinate content ascriptions, avoids the main problem that plagues the standard approach, and is also preferable on other grounds.

Atomic force microscopy for biomechanical and structural analysis of human dermis: a complementary tool for medical diagnosis and therapy monitoring

Abstract

Skin mechanical properties are usually measured considering the entire skin thickness and very little is known about the mechanical behavior of individual skin layers. We propose atomic force microscopy (AFM) as a tool to quantify nanoscale changes in the biomechanical properties and ultrastructure of human papillary dermis exposed to different mechanical and physical stimuli. Samples from three human skin biopsies were studied: one stretched by obesity, one subjected to a high level of sun-exposure, and normal skin as control. Slices of the papillary dermis layer were harvested at controlled depths from each skin biopsy and 25 μm² areas of each slice were imaged and D-periodicity of collagen fibers measured by AFM, together with their stiffness. Standard histological analysis was also carried out in order to correlate biochemical properties and their distribution with stiffness and topography. We obtained similar stiffness values between the sample affected by obesity and the control sample at any depth level into the dermis, while the sun-exposed sample presented a significant lower stiffness. Additionally, all samples presented an increase in the stiffness at higher depths into the papillary dermis layer. Collagen fibers close to the epidermis of sample affected either by obesity and sun-exposure– the former even more than the latter – are thicker and present a larger D-period than those in the control sample. Our results open the possibility to use structural and mechanical analysis based on AFM as a complementary tool for medical diagnosis and therapy monitoring.

This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Interleukin-17 Alters the Biology of Many Cell Types Involved in the Genesis of Psoriasis, Systemic Inflammation, and Associated Comorbidities

Abstract

Psoriasis is a chronic, immune-mediated, systemic inflammatory disease that is defined by a characteristic skin reaction produced when elevated levels of inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-17 alter the growth and differentiation of skin cells. The pathogenesis of comorbid conditions associated with psoriasis, including psoriatic arthritis, cardiovascular disease, obesity, metabolic syndrome, liver disorders, renal disease, and depression are also largely affected by inflammation. In this review, we examine the effect of IL-17 on the inflammatory pathways in a variety of different cell types, including keratinocytes, as well as epithelial cells of the colon, kidney, gut, and liver. Additionally, we investigate the role of IL-17 in mediating the psoriasis-associated comorbidities detailed above.

This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Skin care products can aggravate epidermal function: studies in a murine model suggest a pathogenic role in sensitive skin

Summary

Background

Sensitive skin is defined as a spectrum of unpleasant sensations in response to a variety of stimuli. However, only some skin care products provoke cutaneous symptoms in individuals with sensitive skin. Hence, it would be useful to identify products that could provoke cutaneous symptoms in individuals with sensitive skin.

Objective

To assess whether vehicles, as well as certain branded skin care products, can alter epidermal function following topical applications to normal mouse skin.

Methods

Following topical applications of individual vehicle or skin care product to C57BL/6J mice twice daily for 4 days, transepidermal water loss (TEWL) rates, stratum corneum (SC) hydration and skin surface pH were measured on treated versus untreated mouse skin with an MPA5 device and pH 900 pH meter.

Results

Our results show that all tested products induced abnormalities in epidermal functions of varying severity, including elevations in TEWL and skin surface pH, and reduced SC hydration.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that mice can serve as a predictive model that could be used to evaluate the potential safety of skin care products in humans with sensitive skin.

Effects of rainfall intensity and slope gradient on runoff and sediment yield characteristics of bare loess soil

Abstract

Soil erosion is a universal phenomenon on the Loess Plateau but it exhibits complex and typical mechanism which makes it difficult to understand soil loss laws on slopes. We design artificial simulated rainfall experiments including six rainfall intensities (45, 60, 75, 90, 105, 120 mm/h) and five slopes (5°, 10°, 15°, 20°, 25°) to reveal the fundamental changing trends of runoff and sediment yield on bare loess soil. Here, we show that the runoff yield within the initial 15 min increased rapidly and its trend gradually became stable. Trends of sediment yield under different rainfall intensities are various. The linear correlation between runoff and rainfall intensity is obvious for different slopes, but the correlations between sediment yield and rainfall intensity are weak. Runoff and sediment yield on the slope surface both presents an increasing trend when the rainfall intensity increases from 45 mm/h to 120 mm/h, but the increasing trend of runoff yield is higher than that of sediment yield. The sediment yield also has an overall increasing trend when the slope changes from 5° to 25°, but the trend of runoff yield is not obvious. Our results may provide data support and underlying insights needed to guide the management of soil conservation planning on the Loess Plateau.

Mineralogical and geochemical characterization of waste rocks from a gold mine in northeastern Thailand: application for environmental impact protection

Abstract

Waste rocks from gold mining in northeastern Thailand are classified as sandstone, siltstone, gossan, skarn, skarn-sulfide, massive sulfide, diorite, and limestone/marble. Among these rocks, skarn-sulfide and massive sulfide rocks have the potential to generate acid mine drainage (AMD) because they contain significant amounts of sulfide minerals, i.e., pyrrhotite, pyrite, arsenopyrite, and chalcopyrite. Moreover, both sulfide rocks present high contents of As and Cu, which are caused by the occurrence of arsenopyrite and chalcopyrite, respectively. Another main concern is gossan contents, which are composed of goethite, hydrous ferric oxide (HFO), quartz, gypsum, and oxidized pyroxene. X-ray maps using electron probe micro-analysis (EPMA) indicate distribution of some toxic elements in Fe-oxyhydroxide minerals in the gossan waste rock. Arsenic (up to 1.37 wt.%) and copper (up to 0.60 wt.%) are found in goethite, HFO, and along the oxidized rim of pyroxene. Therefore, the gossan rock appears to be a source of As, Cu, and Mn. As a result, massive sulfide, skarn-sulfide, and gossan have the potential to cause environmental impacts, particularly AMD and toxic element contamination. Consequently, the massive sulfide and skarn-sulfide waste rocks should be protected from oxygen and water to avoid an oxidizing environment, whereas the gossan waste rocks should be protected from the formation of AMD to prevent heavy metal contamination.

The Genetic Basis of Seborrheic Dermatitis: A Review

Abstract

Seborrheic Dermatitis (SD) is a common inflammatory skin disease that presents as itchy, flaking skin in the seborrheic areas. Various environmental and intrinsic factors have been identified as predisposing factors for SD, but its etiology remains poorly understood. Although it was recognized that genetic factors play a role in SD etiology, there have not been studies that systematically review the literature specifically for causal mutations or protein deficiencies in SD. In this review, we searched various databases for gene mutations and protein deficiencies that cause SD or SD-like phenotype in humans and experimental animals, and summarize 11 gene mutations or protein deficiencies that were described in the literature. Most of the encoded proteins play a role either in the immune response (ACT1, C5, IKBKG/NEMO, STK4, 2C TCR) or epidermal differentiation (ZNF750, MPZL3). Understanding the genetic basis of SD can impart knowledge of the pathobiology of the disease and help identify novel therapeutic targets.

This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Long-term effect of the insoluble thread-lifting technique

Laser treatment of cutaneous angiokeratomas: A systematic review

Abstract

Angiokeratomas can present therapeutic challenges, especially in cases of extensive lesions, where traditional surgical methods carry high risks of scarring and hemorrhage. Argon, pulsed dye (PDL), neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG), copper vapor, potassium titanyl phosphate, carbon dioxide, and erbium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Er:YAG) lasers have emerged as alternative options. To review the use and efficacy of lasers in treating angiokeratomas. A PubMed search identified randomized clinical trials, cohort studies, case series, and case reports involving laser treatment of cutaneous angiokeratomas. Twenty-five studies were included. Quality ratings were assigned using the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine scheme. Several laser modalities are effective in treating multiple variants of angiokeratomas. Vascular lasers like PDL, Nd:YAG, and argon are the most studied and of these, PDL offers the safest side effect profile. Nd:YAG may be more effective for hyperkeratotic angiokeratomas. Combination treatment with multiple laser modalities has also demonstrated some success. Lasers are a promising treatment option for angiokeratomas, but current use is limited by the lack of treatment guidelines. There are limited high quality studies comparing laser treatments to each other and to non-laser options. Additional studies are needed to establish guidelines and to optimize laser parameters.

Monopolar radiofrequency treatment in Asian skin: An update

Cosmeceutical effect of ethyl acetate fraction of Kombucha tea by intradermal administration in the skin of aged mice

Summary

Background/purpose

Natural ingredients have been always an interesting approach to prolong youthful appearance of skin. One of the natural compounds is Kombucha tea (KT), which has been mainly used as an energy drink in Asian countries for a long time. Previous reports indicated that it has pharmaceutical and favorable wound repairing effects. The beneficial properties of KT are thought to be mainly due to the presence of fermentation products such as flavonoids and other polyphenols with inhibition of hydrolytic and oxidative enzymes and anti-inflammatory effects. These properties prompted us to study the anti-aging potential of KT and investigate its effective fraction in aged mice,

Methods

Kombucha tea was fractionated into chloroform, butanol, and ethyl acetate, and flavonoid content was determined. Young and old mice were used as control. KT ethyl acetate fraction (KEAf), which had the highest flavonoid content, was intradermally administered to old mice.

Results

Administration of KEAf significantly increased the collagen content, NAD⁺/NADH level, and concomitantly improved skin connective tissue abnormalities in the aged skin. No sensitivity or irritation was observed.

Conclusion

This finding suggested that KEAf can be a suitable candidate as a cosmetic product to improve aging-related skin abnormalities and regeneration of aged skin.

Skin care and cosmeceuticals: Attitudes and trends among trainees and educators

Summary

Introduction

Patients often seek skin care recommendations from their dermatologist. The objective of this study was to determine the degree of education dermatology residents receive on skin care and cosmeceutical products, the source of education, and the attitude of trainees and their educators toward skin care and cosmeceuticals.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey of dermatology residents and faculty via an online survey administered June 2015 and August 2015, respectively.

Results

In total, 104 dermatology residents and 50 dermatology faculty members completed the survey. Among the dermatology residents and faculty, equal distribution was represented across the country. The majority of residents and faculty (62% and 69%, respectively) report discussing skin care with up to 25% of their patients. Among resident participants, 76.5% "agree or strongly agree" that skin care and cosmeceutical education should be part of their education and the majority of residents (74.5%) report their education has been "too little or nonexistent" during residency. In contrast, the majority of the faculty (60%) reports their resident education is "just the right amount or too much" (P < .001).

Conclusions

Skin care and cosmeceutical recommendations are often discussed in dermatology visits. Dermatology residents feel that education on these products should be a part of their residency training.

Impaired permeability and antimicrobial barriers in type 2 diabetes skin are linked to increased serum levels of advanced glycation end-product

Abstract

Background

The incidence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) has been increasing rapidly, and the disease has become a serious sociomedical problem. Many skin problems, such as xerosis, pruritus, skin infections, and delayed wound healing, that might be related to chronic impairment of skin barrier function decrease the quality of life in DM patients. However, the status of the permeability and antimicrobial barrier of the skin in DM remains unknown.

Objective

This study aimed to elucidate skin barrier impairment in type 2 DM patients and its patho-mechanisms using classic animal models of type 2 DM.

Methods

Functional studies of the skin barrier and an analysis of stratum corneum (SC) lipids were compared between type 2 DM patients and age- and sex-matched non-diabetes controls. Also, functional studies on the skin barrier, epidermal lipid analyses, and electron microscopy and bio-molecular studies were performed using type 2 DM animal models, db/db and ob/ob mice.

Results

Type 2 DM patients presented with epidermal barrier impairments, including SC hydration, which was influenced by blood glucose control (HbA1c level). In the lipid analysis of SC, ceramides, fatty acids, and cholesterol were significantly decreased in type 2 DM patients compared with controls. Type 2 DM murine models presented with severe hyperglycemia, impairment of skin barrier homeostasis, decreases in epidermal proliferation and epidermal lipid synthesis, decreases in lamellar body (LB) and epidermal anti-microbial peptides (AMPs), an increase in receptors for advanced glycation end-product (AGE) in the epidermis, and an increase in serum AGE.

Conclusion

Impairment of the skin barrier was observed in type 2 DM, which results in part from a decrease in epidermal proliferation. Serum AGE and its epidermal receptors were increased in type 2 diabetic mice which display impaired skin barrier parameters such as epidermal lipid synthesis, LB production, epidermal AMP, and SC lipids.

This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Solvent Transfer—Efficiency of Risk Management Measures

Abstract

A series of laboratory simulations were conducted in order to determine the airborne protection that might be afforded by different combinations of workplace exposure controls typically encountered when handling volatile solvents (e.g. solvent transfer). These conditions, referred to as risk management measures (RMMs) under the Registration, Evaluation and Authorisation of Chemicals Regulation (REACH), are typically described using standard phrases in safety data sheets [and specifically those of the European Phrase Catalogue (EUPhraC)]. Ethanol was used as a model compound and its emissions were monitored continuously with a portable IR spectrometer at 3000 cm⁻¹. The average emission reduction performance of the investigated RMMs (e.g. containment, extract ventilation, drum pump) exceeded 90%. They present suitable ways to reduce airborne solvent exposure in a workplace and confirmed the initial expectations derived at by the European Solvents Industry Group (ESIG) and the European Centre For Ecotoxicology and toxicology of Chemicals (ECETOC) Targeted Risk Assessment (TRA) model.

Comparison of Respirable Mass Concentrations Measured by a Personal Dust Monitor and a Personal DataRAM to Gravimetric Measurements

Abstract

In 2016, the Mine Safety and Health Administration required the use of continuous monitors to measure respirable dust in mines and better protect miner health. The Personal Dust Monitor, PDM3700, has met stringent performance criteria for this purpose. In a laboratory study, respirable mass concentrations measured with the PDM3700 and a photometer (personal DataRam, pDR-1500) were compared to those measured gravimetrically for five aerosols of varying refractive index and density (diesel exhaust fume, welding fume, coal dust, Arizona road dust (ARD), and salt [NaCl] aerosol) at target concentrations of 0.38, 0.75, and 1.5 mg m⁻³. For all aerosols except coal dust, strong, near-one-to-one, linear relationships were observed between mass concentrations measured with the PDM3700 and gravimetrically (diesel fume, slope = 0.99, R² = 0.99; ARD, slope = 0.98, R² = 0.99; and NaCl, slope = 0.95, R² = 0.99). The slope deviated substantially from unity for coal dust (slope = 0.55; R² = 0.99). Linear relationships were also observed between mass concentrations measured with the pDR-1500 and gravimetrically, but one-to-one behavior was not exhibited (diesel fume, slope = 0.23, R² = 0.76; coal dust, slope = 0.54, R² = 0.99; ARD, slope = 0.61, R² = 0.99; NaCl, slope = 1.14, R² = 0.98). Unlike the pDR-1500, mass concentrations measured with the PDM3700 appear independent of refractive index and density, suggesting that it could have applications in a variety of occupational settings.

Comparative analysis of the protective effects of curcumin and N -acetyl cysteine against paracetamol-induced hepatic, renal, and testicular toxicity in Wistar rats

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the possible protective role of curcumin (CUR) vs. N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) against paracetamol (PCM)-induced oxidative damage and impairment of liver, kidney, and testicular functions, as well as hematotoxicity, in albino rats. A large single dose of PCM induced lipid peroxidation along with a significant decline in glutathione content and catalase activity in the liver, kidneys, and testicles. The apparent oxidative damage was associated with evident hepatic, renal, and testicular dysfunction, which was confirmed in histopathological lesions, and increased serum aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase activities. PCM decreased serum total protein, albumin, and globulin contents; increased bilirubin, urea, and creatinine contents; and induced hematotoxicity. PCM also reduced the sperm cell count, sperm motility, and alive sperm rate and increased the sperm abnormality rate. Pretreatment of PCM-intoxicated animals with CUR or NAC substantially alleviated the increase in malondialdehyde and maintained the antioxidants at control levels. These pretreatments also minimized liver, kidney, and testicular histopathological changes and normalized their functions. CUR similarly mitigated the PCM hemato- and hepatotoxicity compared with NAC. However, it exhibited a pronounced nephroprotection, rather than reproductive protection as did NAC. Our findings demonstrate that a large single dose of PCM is not only associated with hepatotoxicity but also nephrotoxicity and reproductive toxicity. Both CUR and NAC administration provided substantial organ protection with pronounced efficacy against PCM nephrotoxicity with CUR and reproductive toxicity with NAC, which was possibly mediated through their antioxidant activities, as well as their specific characteristics.

Characterization and valorization of biomass char: a comparison with biomass ash

Abstract

Organic matter derived from living, or recently living plant and animal, which can be used as fuel is called as biomass. It includes wood and agricultural waste such as dead plant etc. In India, majority of population depends largely upon agriculture as their primary source of income. Following every harvest, a huge amount of biomass is generated. It is mostly discarded as "agro waste"; however, recently, several uses of biomass and its derivatives have been reported. Thermochemical processing of biomass in absence of oxygen produces biomass char and flue gases which are of economic importance. However, it is necessary to characterize the physical and chemical properties of these components so as to utilize their potential benefit to the fullest. In this study, six different biomass remains that include mustard plant, groundnut plant, cotton plant, wheat plant, pigeon peas, and groundnut shell were pyrolyzed at 650 °C, in vertical downdraft fixed-bed biomass reactor. The flue gases were characterized in detail by gas chromatography. X-ray fluorescence, proximate, and ultimate analyses were performed on all BMC (biomass char) samples, and properties such as porosity, particle density, bulk density, point of zero charge, surface pH, surface charges, water-absorption capacity, and BET surface area were determined. SEM and FTIR were also carried out on all BMC samples. Our results showed that the surface area of biomass char varies from 38 to 138 m²/g. The solution pH for all BMC exceeds 8.6, thus confirmed the alkaline nature. Comparison between combustion products produced in the presence (biomass ash) and absence of oxygen (biomass char) is presented. BMC finds applications in agriculture, soil neutralizer, adsorbent, and soil additive. They have high amount of carbon and can act as a rich carbon source for the soil. Flue gases released contain methane and hydrogen which can also improve economic value for the char formation process.

The micronucleus test for the oral mucosa: global trends and new questions

Abstract

This study reviews global trends in the publication of papers on the micronucleus test of the exfoliated cells of the oral mucosa in mammals as an approach for environmental biomonitoring. This test has been widely used due to its precision for the detection of chromosome damage. Our temporal analysis showed a significant increase (p < 0.05) in the publication of papers on the oral mucosa over the past 33 years. Brazil was the country that published most papers (24% of the total), followed by India (16%), the USA (10%), Mexico (7%), and Turkey (6%). A further 30 countries contributed the other 37% of the papers. Overall, 99% of the micronucleus studies involved human subjects, and only 1% involved other mammals. As many wild mammals are subject to the same environmental pressures as humans, in particular chemical pollution, it seems likely that many species are equally susceptible to genotoxicogical damage. We emphasize the importance of applying this technique to the analysis of the oral mucosa of wild mammals, as well as the evaluation of its effectiveness, as observed in humans, and the expansion of the available approaches to the monitoring of environmental quality.

Degradation of the earthy and musty odorant 2,4,6-tricholoroanisole by persulfate activated with iron of different valences

Abstract

2,4,6-Trichloroanisole (TCA) is an odorous compound that is often detected in tap water and is difficult to be removed via water treatment. In this study, the transformation efficiency of TCA in the presence of persulfate (PS) activated by iron (Fe²⁺, Fe⁰, and Fe³⁺) was investigated for the first time. The effects of the activator dosage, oxidant dosage, pH, dosing method, chelating agents, humic acid, and temperature were evaluated. The degradation rate of TCA increased with increasing PS dosages (0.12–0.48 mM) and initial Fe²⁺ concentrations (0.12–0.96 mM), while it decreased with higher Fe²⁺ concentrations. Fe²⁺/PS and Fe⁰/PS systems achieved their best TCA removal efficiency at pH 7 and 2.5, respectively. According to the results of electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), the contribution of SO₄⁻• to TCA degradation was much higher than that of •OH. Gradual addition of Fe²⁺ improved TCA degradation compared to single addition. Citric acid (CA) promoted TCA degradation under Fe²⁺/PS at the beginning of the reaction, but inhibited it after 10 min. Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) improved the TCA removal rate with an EDTA/Fe²⁺ molar ratio of 0.5:1, while it decreased it at higher EDTA/Fe²⁺ molar ratios. Oxalic acid (OA) negatively affected TCA degradation with increasing OA/Fe²⁺ molar ratios. Among all of the chelating agents, only CA increased TCA degradation by Fe⁰/PS. Humic acid promoted TCA degradation by Fe²⁺/PS at the proper dosage (1 mg/L). Under our specific conditions and over the temperature ranging from 10 to 25 °C, no change was observed in the reaction kinetics. It was found that 2,4,6-trichlorophenol (TCP) was the only detected oxidation product. The presence of an Fe²⁺-Fe³⁺ redox cycle in iron-activated PS systems was confirmed by TCA degradation under the Fe³⁺/PS system.

A novel process for CO 2 capture by using sodium metaborate. Part I: effects of calcination

Abstract

This paper presents a comprehensive study on the carbonation of sodium metaborate (NaBO₂) and the synthesis of high added value chemicals via NaBO₂ and carbon dioxide (CO₂). Carbon dioxide (CO₂) is a greenhouse gas and NaBO₂ is a by-product of sodium borohydride (NaBH₄) hydrolysis reaction to produce H₂. Therefore their transformation into commercial chemicals is quite important in order to provide a mutual benefit to global warming issue and hydrogen economy. In the presented study, reaction parameters such as hydration factor, furnace type, calcination temperature, and environment are investigated at different levels and optimized. The effects of those key parameters on CO₂ fixation yield are discussed. It is found that 400 °C is a key temperature for dehydration and reaction steps. Both dehydrated NaBO₂ is obtained and maximum carbonation conversion is reached at 400 °C. Moreover, at relatively low temperatures (below 400 °C), a new reaction pathway is proposed and proved by thermodynamic calculations. Structural properties of NaBO₂ are exhibited differences regard to thermal exposure and the conversion is strictly related to the structural properties.

Silica nanoparticle exposure inducing granulosa cell apoptosis and follicular atresia in female Balb/c mice

Abstract

Given that the effects of ultrafine fractions (< 0.1 μm) on reproductive diseases are gaining attention, this study aimed to explore the influence of silica nanoparticle (SiNP)-induced female reproductive dysfunction. In this study, 80 female mice were randomly divided into four groups including a control group and three concentrations of SiNP groups (7, 21, 35 mg/kg). Mice were exposed to the vehicle control and silica nanoparticles by tracheal perfusion every 3 days a total of five times in 15 days. Then, half of the mice in each group were sacrificed on 15 and 30 days after the first dose, respectively. Our findings indicated that SiNPs can result in ovarian damage, cause an imbalance of sex hormones, increase the number of atretic and primary follicles, and induce oxidative stress and DNA strand breaks in ovary by day 15. The protein expressions of ATM, CHK-2, P53, E2F1, P73, BAX, Caspase-9, and Caspase-3 were significantly increased, while expressions of RAD51 were down-regulated after SiNP exposure by days 15. Estradiol increased, while progesterone increased in low dose and decreased in high dose after SiNP exposure by 15 days. However, these changes were recovered by 30 days. The results suggest that SiNPs can cause reversible damage to follicles in mice. SiNPs could primarily cause DNA damage and DNA damage response through oxidative stress, while DNA damage repair failure because of severe DNA damage activated the mitochondrial apoptosis pathway and therefore resulted in apoptosis of granulosa cell. In addition, the disorder of reproductive endocrine function caused by SiNPs could be another reason for SiNP-induced reproductive dysfunction in mice. These events in turn induce the follicles to undergo atresia.

Elucidation of functional chemical groups responsible of compost phytotoxicity using solid-state 13 C NMR spectroscopy under different initial C / N ratios

Abstract

More than 1 million tons of fresh organic wastes is produced in the Souss-Massa region in Morocco. Tomato organic residues represent more than 25% of the total organic wastes and are deposited in uncontrolled landfills. Thus, composting can represent a valuable and pertinent solution to this environmental problem. The objectives of this experiment are to identify the potential functional groups responsible for compost phytotoxicity and to determine the optimum initial carbon to nitrogen ratio (C/N) for maximum recovery of tomato residues. The experiment consisted of the variation of the initial C/N ratios (25, 30, 35, and 40) using mixtures of different raw materials (tomato residues, melon residues, olive mill pomace, and sheep manure). Physicochemical parameters (pH, electrical conductivity, C/N ratio, and humic acid/fulvic acid ratio) were determined and spectroscopic analyses (UV-vis and NMR-¹³C) were performed during the composting process along with quality parameters (germination and phytotoxicity tests) at the end. The results showed that the compost with the initial C/N ratio of 35 is the most humified with the least phytotoxic effect. The germination and phytotoxicity tests were negatively correlated with the methoxyl/N-alkyl-C ratio and O-alkyl-C. These two functional groups are probably the origin of phytotoxicity expression in compost quality tests. Thus, a simple and precise quality test could be performed to evaluate directly the phytotoxicity and maturity of compost.

Tracheocutaneous Fistula Closure with Turnover Flap and Polydioxanone Plate

Summary: An alternative surgical treatment is proposed for closure of tracheocutaneous fistulas. The authors present a new technique for reconstruction of persistent tracheocutaneous fistula resultant from temporary tracheostomy. The single-stage closure under local anesthesia involves a fistulous tract turnover flap with a perforated 0.15 mm polydioxanone plate between the flap and the subcutaneous closure. This article presents 3 cases of persistent tracheocutaneous fistula treated by this method. At follow-up examination after follow-up, no recurrent fistula formation had occurred, and no respiratory deformity was present.

Time for Values: Responding Educationally to the Call from the Past

Abstract

This paper rethinks the fostering task of the teacher in a time when it, paradoxically, has tended to become marginalized and privatized despite its public urgency. Following post-holocaust thinkers such as Hannah Arendt and Zygmunt Bauman, the position explored here is radical in the sense that it takes 'the crisis of traditions' and the erosion of a common moral ground or value basis seriously, and it is conservative in the sense that it insists on responding educationally to the call from the past by returning to (a) the moral character of our existence and (b) our own embeddedness in the incompleteness of living traditions. The argument is that there is a difference between educating for common values—which entails a belief in pre-existing commonalities—and making values common in and through education. The latter, we argue, entails an aspiration for continuously creating new commonalities and for cultivating the ability to act and judge as a thinking moral agent in specific, lived and worldly cases. In this sense, the fostering task of the teacher is to create commonality of what is not (yet) common, turning the liberal democratic values of the past into contested objects of study.

The environmental pollutant BDE-209 regulates NO/cGMP signaling through activation of NMDA receptors in neurons

Abstract

The common flame retardant decabrominated diphenyl ether (BDE-209) is a persistent organic pollutant. Epidemiological studies have revealed that prenatal or postnatal exposure to BDE-209 can result in delayed cognitive development, and BDE-209 has been shown to be toxic to cultured neurons with maturation interference effects. However, its neurotoxic mechanism remains unclear. Nitric oxide/cyclic guanosine monophosphate (NO/cGMP) signaling plays an important role in regulating neuronal maturation. We examined the influence of BDE-209 (100, 200, and 400 nM) on NO production and cGMP levels signaling in rodent neurons in vitro, with or without pretreatment N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonism. We found that nanomolar concentrations of BDE-209 affected levels of the second messengers NO and cGMP, and that these effects could be blocked by NMDA receptor antagonism. Moreover, BDE-209 activation of NMDA receptors inhibited the expression of phosphodiesterases (PDEs), which modulate intracellular cGMP levels, and increased the Bcl-2/Bax ratio, favoring apoptosis induction. Our studies implicate the NMDA-NO/cGMP pathway in the pathogenic mechanism through which BDE-209 induces neurotoxicity.

Dry flue gas desulfurization by-product application effects on plant uptake and soil storage changes in a managed grassland

Abstract

Environmental regulations mandate that sulfur dioxide (SO₂) be removed from the flue gases of coal-fired power plants, which results in the generation of flue gas desulfurization (FGD) by-products. These FGD by-products may be a viable soil amendment, but the large amounts of trace elements contained in FGD by-products are potentially concerning. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of land application of a high-Ca dry FGD (DFGD) by-product on trace elements in aboveground biomass and soil. A high-Ca DFGD by-product was applied once at a rate of 9 Mg ha⁻¹ on May 18, 2015 to small plots with mixed-grass vegetation. Soil and biomass were sampled prior to application and several times thereafter. Aboveground dry matter and tissue As, Co, Cr, Hg, Se, U, and V concentrations increased (P < 0.05) following application, but did not differ (P > 0.05) from pre-application levels or the unamended control within 3 to 6 months of application. Soil pH in the amended treatment 6 months after application was greater (P < 0.05) than in the unamended control. Soil Ca, S, and Na contents also increased (P < 0.05), following by-product application compared to the unamended control. High-Ca DFGD by-products appear to be useful as a soil amendment, but cause at least a temporary increase in tissue concentrations of trace elements, which may be problematic for animal grazing situations.

Spatial distributions of hexachlorobutadiene in agricultural soils from the Yangtze River Delta region of China

Abstract

Hexachlorobutadiene (HCBD) is one of the persistent organic pollutants (POPs) listed by the Stockholm Convention and poses potential risks to human health and ecosystems. To reveal the regional-scale pollution status of HCBD in agricultural soils from fast-developing areas, an extensive investigation was conducted in the core Yangtze River Delta (YRD), China. The detectable concentrations of HCBD in 241 soil samples ranged from 0.07 to 8.47 ng g⁻¹ dry weight, with an average value of 0.32 ng g⁻¹ and a detection rate of 59.3%. Industrial emissions and intensive agricultural activities were the potential source of HCBD. The concentrations of HCBD were highly associated with the soil physicochemical properties such as organic matter contents. Higher concentrations of HCBD were found in paddy fields than other land-use types. The concentrations of HCBD were much lower than those of organochlorine pesticides and polychlorinated biphenyls. Significant positive correlations were found between HCBD and most organochlorine pesticides. HCBD was not found in ten vegetable samples due to its low concentration and detection rate. A positive relationship was observed between the level of HCBD and the biomass of fungi, indicating that the fungi in soils might be influenced by the existence of HCBD. The potential risks of HCBD to ecosystems and health of inhabitants were estimated to be negligible. The finding from this study provides an important basis for soil quality assessment and risk management of HCBD in China.

Biochar effects on uptake of cadmium and lead by wheat in relation to annual precipitation: a 3-year field study

Abstract

Biochar has been widely studied for its ability to reduce plant uptake of heavy metals by lowering metal bioavailabilities through adsorption and pH-driven fixation reactions. However, the long-term effect of biochar on heavy metal bioavailabilities in alkaline soils under natural redox condition is rarely studied. Here, we report a study examining the effects of biochar on bioavailability and partitioning of cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) among different soil fractions over 3 years in a field study with wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Plots were established on two similar soils having low and high levels of contamination, both of which were amended in the first year with wheat straw biochar at 0, 20, and 40 t ha⁻¹. Precipitation patterns varied greatly over the study period, with 2014 having record drought, which was followed by 2 years having extreme flooding events. Results showed a significant increase in grain yield and reductions in Cd and Pb concentrations in wheat grain in the biochar-amended soils in 2014. In contrast, bioavailable (exchangeable) heavy metal concentrations and plant uptake of Cd and Pb were significantly higher in the subsequent very wet years in 2015 and 2016, where the effects of biochar were much more variable and had an overall lesser effect on reducing heavy metal uptake. The results suggest that fluctuations in soil pH and redox caused by periodic drought and flood cycles strongly drive metal cycling through mobilization and immobilization of metals associated with different mineral phases. Under these conditions, biochar may have reduced efficacy for reducing heavy metal uptake in wheat.

Drug Delivery Strategies for Chemoprevention of UVB induced skin cancer: a Review

Abstract

Annually, more skin cancer cases are diagnosed than the collective incidence of the colon, lung, breast and prostate cancer. Persistent contact with sunlight is a primary cause for all the skin malignancies. UVB radiation induces reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in the skin which eventually leads to DNA damage and mutation. Various delivery approaches for the skin cancer treatment/prevention have been evolving and are directed towards improvements in terms of delivery modes, therapeutic agents and site-specificity of therapeutics delivery. The effective chemoprevention activity achieved is based on the efficiency of the delivery system used and the amount of the therapeutic molecule deposited in the skin. In this article, we have discussed different studies performed specifically for the chemoprevention of UVB induced skin cancer. Ultra-flexible nanocarriers, transethosomes nanocarriers, silica nanoparticles, silver nanoparticles, nanocapsule suspensions, microemulsion, nanoemulsion and polymeric nanoparticles which have been used so far to deliver the desired drug molecule for preventing the UVB induced skin cancer.

This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Effects of blue light on inflammation and skin barrier recovery following acute perturbation. Pilot study results in healthy human subjects

Abstract

Background/purpose

While growing evidence supports the therapeutic effect of 453 nm blue light in chronic inflammatory skin diseases, data on its effects on acutely-perturbed human skin are scarce. In this study we investigated the impact of 453 nm narrow-band LED light on healthy skin following acute perturbation.

Methods

Tape stripping and histamine iontophoresis were performed on the forearm of 22 healthy volunteers on two consecutive weeks. In one week, challenges were followed by irradiation for 30 minutes. In the other week (control), no light was administered. Reactions were evaluated up to 72 hours thereafter by transepidermal water loss (TEWL), diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, and skin surface biomarkers.

Results

Skin barrier disruption resulted in upregulation of IL-1α at 24 hours after tape stripping (p=0.029). In contrast, irradiation abrogated this effect (p>0.05). Irradiation also resulted in higher TEWL at 24 hours and in higher b* value at 72 hours after tape stripping compared to the control (p=0.034 and p=0.018, respectively). At 30 minutes following histamine iontophoresis and irradiation, a trend towards a higher a* value compared to the control was observed (p=0.051).

Conclusion

We provide the first, in vivo evidence that blue light at 453 nm exerts biological effects on acutely-perturbed healthy human skin.

This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Prise en charge des cicatrices hypopigmentées post-brûlure

Publication date: Available online 16 November 2017
Source:Annales de Chirurgie Plastique Esthétique
Author(s): M. Schmidt, K. Serror, M. Chaouat, M. Mimoun, D. Boccara
ObjectifL'hypopigmentation définitive des cicatrices est une complication fréquente après les brûlures profondes traitées par cicatrisation dirigée, et peut entraîner des séquelles esthétiques importantes. Le traitement chirurgical a pour but d'enlever les tissus cicatriciels puis d'apporter des mélanocytes sains, en limitant la surface des zones donneuses. Cette revue détaille les différents traitements proposés pour prendre en charge les cicatrices hypopigmentées post-brûlures, et en précise les indications.MéthodesLes articles publiés entre 1985 et 2016 ont été recherchés sur Pubmed. Les études sur le traitement des cicatrices hypopigmentées étaient incluses uniquement si elles étaient secondaires à des brûlures. Les traitements ont été évalués en fonction de la région et la surface de la cicatrice, la couleur de la peau et l'efficacité de la repigmentation.RésultatsSeize études ont été incluses. Les traitements non chirurgicaux comme le maquillage et le tatouage, et les traitements chirurgicaux comme la greffe de peau mince pleine, les microgreffes, les greffes enfouies, la suspension cellulaire de mélanocytes et kératinocytes autologues, et la culture de cellules épithéliales, ont été comparés.ConclusionLa greffe de peau mince pleine est un traitement fiable, particulièrement pour les petites lésions hypopigmentées car cette méthode nécessite une zone donneuse de la même taille que la zone traitée. La suspension cellulaire peut être une alternative pour les lésions plus étendues. De plus une démarcation entre la greffe et la peau normale peut exister, et quand une couleur précise est attendue en particulier sur la face, le tatouage et la microgreffe sont efficaces.ObjectivePermanent hypopigmentation of burn scars is a common consequence after partial and full thickness burns that heal by secondary intent, and they can cause severe aesthetic issues. The surgical goals for effective treatment of postburn hypopigmentation are to remove scar tissues, and to produce healthy melanocytes, with minimal donor site morbidity. This article reviews the current literature about the different ways to treat hypopigmentation following burn injuries and discusses the indications.MethodsThe PubMed database was searched for articles published from 1985 and up to 2016. Papers with regards to the management of hypopigmented lesions were included only if scars were following burn injuries. The treatments were assessed according to body region treated, surface involved, skin color, effectiveness on restoring skin pigmentation.ResultsSixteen studies were included in this review. Non-surgical treatments like makeup and tattooing, and surgical treatments including thin skin grafting, chip skin grafting, punch grafting, non-cultured keratinocyte-melanocyte cell suspension, and cultured epidermal cells were all compared.ConclusionThin skin grafting is a reliable treatment especially for patient who suffer from small hypopigmented lesions as this method requires a donor skin of the same size. The cell suspension procedure may be beneficial for larger scars. Moreover demarcation between skin graft and normal skin may exist and when a precise color match is required, particularly in the head, tattooing and chip skin grafting produce a good pigmentation outcome.

Mercury in organs of Pacific walruses ( Odobenus rosmarus divergens ) from the Bering Sea

Abstract

The Pacific walrus (Odobenus rosmarus divergens) is still used as an important source of protein-rich food by indigenous peoples of Chukotka, Alaska, and other Arctic regions. Total mercury (THg) concentration was measured in eight internal organs of walruses. Samples were taken from 22 individuals (11 males and 11 females). Age of the animals ranged from 1 to 30 years. All the walruses were harvested by local hunters from the coastal waters off the Chukchi Peninsula (Russia) during the autumn of 2011. Total mercury concentration in the samples was determined by atomic absorption method. No statistically significant difference in the level of mercury was found between males and females. Mercury was detected in all the organs of the studied walruses. The highest total mercury concentration was recorded from excretory organs: liver and kidneys. The level of mercury in liver (mean = 1.87 μg/g, range = 0.05–5.87) was by an order of magnitude higher than in kidneys (mean = 0.54 μg/g, range = 0.09–1.64.); in kidneys, it was by an order of magnitude higher than in the rest of the organs. The analyzed organs can be arranged in the order of decreasing Hg concentration as follows: liver >> kidney >> muscle > spleen ≥ heart ≥ intestine > lung ≥ testis. The mercury concentration values in walruses from the coastal waters off the Chukchi Peninsula are lower than those obtained from walruses in Alaska and the Canadian Arctic. Our findings may provide a basis for the further long-term monitoring of the condition of the Pacific walrus population and pollution of the Arctic ecosystem.

Tauroursodeoxycholic acid alleviates secondary injury in the spinal cord via up-regulation of CIBZ gene

Abstract

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is generally divided into primary and secondary injuries, and apoptosis is an important event of the secondary injury. As an endogenous bile acid and recognized endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress inhibitor, tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA) administration has been reported to have a potentially therapeutic effect on neurodegenerative diseases, but its real mechanism is still unclear. In this study, we evaluated whether TUDCA could alleviate traumatic damage of the spinal cord and improve locomotion function in a mouse model of SCI. Traumatic SCI mice were intraperitoneally injected with TUDCA, and the effects were evaluated based on motor function assessment, histopathology, apoptosis detection, qRT-PCR, and western blot at different time periods. TUDCA administration can improve motor function and reduce secondary injury and lesion area after SCI. Furthermore, the apoptotic ratios were significantly reduced; Grp78, Erdj4, and CHOP were attenuated by the treatment. Unexpectedly, the levels of CIBZ, a novel therapeutic target for SCI, were specifically up-regulated. Taken together, it is suggested that TUDCA effectively suppressed ER stress through targeted up-regulation of CIBZ. This study also provides a new strategy for relieving secondary damage by inhibiting apoptosis in the early treatment of spinal cord injury.

Adjuvant radiotherapy in sinonasal mucosal melanoma: A retrospective analysis

Abstract

Objectives

Evaluation of outcome after curative treatment for sinonasal mucosal melanoma, focused on the effect of adjuvant radiotherapy on recurrence and survival. Design. Retrospective chart analysis. Setting. Tertiary referral hospital. Participants. 51 patients with primary sinonasal mucosal melanoma who underwent surgical resection with curative intention between 1980 and 2016 at Erasmus Medical Center Rotterdam. Main outcome measures. Patients were categorised into two groups: surgery alone and surgery with adjuvant radiotherapy. Log-rank test was used to compare rates of recurrence and survival between treatment groups. Predictors for treatment modality, recurrence and survival were assessed with multivariate statistical analysis.

Results

Of all patients, 23.5% developed local recurrence and 47.1% developed distant metastasis. Estimated 5-year disease free survival was 25.2% and 5-year overall survival was 38.1%. 43 patients (84.3%) were treated with postoperative radiotherapy. Patients who underwent surgery with adjuvant radiotherapy presented more often with high tumour stage, tumour involving multiple sites and positive margins. Postoperative radiotherapy seemed to be associated with better local control (p=0.549). No effect was found on occurrence of distant metastasis and overall survival. Positive margin status was an independent negative predictor for distant metastasis-free survival and overall survival

Conclusions

Our treatment outcomes are consistent with literature. Postoperative radiotherapy seems to be associated with improved local control despite advanced disease and positive margin status in this treatment group.

This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

General illness and psychological factors in patients with chronic nasal symptoms

Abstract

Objectives

Only a minority of patients referred to specialists with sinonasal symptoms have clear evidence of chronic rhinosinusitis. This study aims to estimate the prevalence of and associations between (i) general illness factors (fatigue, autonomic dysfunction) and (ii) psychological factors (anxiety, depression, somatisation, personality traits) in patients presenting with sinonasal symptoms.

Design

The following validated questionnaires were administered to patients: the Sino-Nasal Outcome Test-22 (SNOT-22) to identify symptom burden, Composite Autonomic Symptom Score-31 (COMPASS-31) measuring autonomic function, Chalder fatigue questionnaire, Patient Health Questionnaire-15 (PHQ-15) addressing somatisation symptoms, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and the International Personality Item Pool-50 (IPIP-50). Comparisons were made with normative and general population data, and relationships were analysed using nonparametric correlation.

Setting

Secondary care ENT outpatients.

Participants

Adults referred with chronic sinonasal symptoms.

Main outcome measures

SNOT-22, COMPASS-31, Chalder, PHQ-15, HADS, and IPIP-50 questionnaire scores.

Results

Sixty-one patients were included. There was a high prevalence of all general and psychological factors assessed compared with controls. Total SNOT-22 scores showed significant correlation with Chalder fatigue scores, total autonomic dysfunction score, anxiety, depression, somatisation tendencies, and the emotionally unstable personality trait. Emotional instability and psychological dysfunction correlated significantly with sleep and psychological subscales of SNOT-22 but not the rhinological or ear/facial subscales.

Conclusion

Patients with sinonasal symptoms demonstrate high prevalence and complex associations of general illness factors, psychological distress and certain personality traits. The SNOT-22 is a valuable tool, but it's utility is limited by correlations with these confounding factors (e.g. psychological factors) that may exaggerate the total score. Use of the SNOT-22 component subscales is likely to provide more clinically meaningful and discriminant information.

This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Transport Distraction Osteogenesis in Reconstruction of Condyle: Use of a 3D Model for Vector Planning

Abstract

Introduction

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a complex joint, and it allows bilateral synchronous rotatory and translatory movements. TMJ reconstruction has evolved as an important step in the management of conditions affecting the TMJ like ankylosis, traumatic injuries and congenital deformities. Distraction osteogenesis (DO) is a biological process of forming new bone and adjacent soft tissues by gradual and controlled traction applied on osteotomized bone segments.

Case report

Here is a case report of bilateral TMJ ankylosis which was managed effectively by resection of ankylotic mass and reconstruction of TMJ by transport distraction osteogenesis with preoperative vector planning using a 3D printed model.

Conclusion

Distraction osteogenesis can be considered as an effective means of condylar reconstruction for an anatomical and functional TMJ with minimal complications. Use of 3D models can help making such complex TMJ reconstruction procedures simpler.

Highly immersive virtual reality laparoscopy simulation: development and future aspects

Abstract

Purpose

Virtual reality (VR) applications with head-mounted displays (HMDs) have had an impact on information and multimedia technologies. The current work aimed to describe the process of developing a highly immersive VR simulation for laparoscopic surgery.

Methods

We combined a VR laparoscopy simulator (LapSim) and a VR-HMD to create a user-friendly VR simulation scenario. Continuous clinical feedback was an essential aspect of the development process. We created an artificial VR (AVR) scenario by integrating the simulator video output with VR game components of figures and equipment in an operating room. We also created a highly immersive VR surrounding (IVR) by integrating the simulator video output with a \(360{^{\circ }}\) video of a standard laparoscopy scenario in the department's operating room.

Results

Clinical feedback led to optimization of the visualization, synchronization, and resolution of the virtual operating rooms (in both the IVR and the AVR). Preliminary testing results revealed that individuals experienced a high degree of exhilaration and presence, with rare events of motion sickness. The technical performance showed no significant difference compared to that achieved with the standard LapSim.

Conclusion

Our results provided a proof of concept for the technical feasibility of an custom highly immersive VR-HMD setup. Future technical research is needed to improve the visualization, immersion, and capability of interacting within the virtual scenario.

A Comparison of Academic Journal Impact in Dermatology vs. Similarly Sized Medical Specialties

Abstract

Purpose of review

A dearth of research exists on how dermatology compares to similarly sized medical specialties in terms of number of papers published and scholarly impact of top journals. We investigate the impact factor, 5-year impact factor, number of journals with impact factor greater than 2, total documents published, and H5-index of the top 5 journals in dermatology.

Recent findings

The impact of journals in dermatology has not been well described in the literature. We review the methods by which the impact of publications can be assessed and present an approach to interpreting the scope and impact of journal publications. We further identify how dermatology compares to similarly sized specialties in terms of such metrics.

Summary

Our results reveal that the Journal of Investigative Dermatology, the highest-ranking dermatology journal for both impact factor (7.2) and SCImago Journal Rank (2.6), ranked second to last among top journals of comparable size. Lancet Neurology and Gastroenterology, by comparison, had impact factors of 21.9 and 16.7, respectively. These findings may result from the relatively low number of academic and fellowship-trained dermatologists, as well as the outpatient nature of dermatology. A positive correlation was observed between total number of academic physicians in a field and impact factor, 5-year impact factor, Source Normalized Impact per Paper (SNIP), percentage of journals with an impact factor greater than 2, and H5-index. Further studies could investigate ways to address barriers to research in dermatology to allow for increased scientific impact.

Feasibility of real-time molecular profiling for patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma without MGMT promoter-hypermethylation – the NCT Neuro Master Match (N 2 M 2 ) pilot study

Abstract

Introduction

O⁶-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) promoter methylation status is a predictive biomarker in glioblastoma patients. Glioblastoma without hypermethylated MGMT promoter are largely resistant to treatment with temozolomide. These patients are in particular need of new treatment approaches, which are offered by biomarker-driven clinical trials with targeted drugs based on molecular characterization of individual tumors.

Methods

In preparation for an upcoming clinical study, a comprehensive molecular profiling approach was undertaken on tissues from 43 glioblastoma patients harboring an unmethylated MGMT promoter at diagnosis. The diagnostic pipeline covered various levels of molecular characteristics including whole-exome sequencing, low-coverage whole-genome sequencing, RNA sequencing as well as microarray-based gene expression profiling and DNA methylation arrays.

Results

Complex multilayer molecular diagnostics were feasible in this setting with a median turn-around time of 4–5 weeks from surgery to the molecular tumor board. In 35% of cases potentially relevant therapeutic decisions were derived from the data. Alterations were most frequently found in receptor tyrosine kinases, members of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase / Akt / mechanistic target of rapamycin and mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway as well as cell cycle control and p53 regulation cascades. Individual tumors harbored clonal alterations such as oncogenic fusions of tyrosine kinases which constitute promising targets for targeted therapies. A prioritization algorithm is proposed to allocate patients with multiple targets to the potentially best treatment option.

Conclusion

With this feasibility study, a comprehensive molecular profiling approach for patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma harboring an unmethylated MGMT promoter is presented. Analyses in this pilot cohort serve as a basis for trials based on targetable alterations and on the question of allocation of patients to the best treatment arm.

Analysis of an optimal public transport structure under a carbon emission constraint: a case study in Shanghai, China

Abstract

Along with the rapid development of the transportation industry, the problems of the energy crisis and transport emissions have become increasingly serious. The success of traffic emission reduction is related to the realization of global low-carbon goals. Placing priority on public transport is the internationally recognized traffic development model. This paper takes Shanghai, China, as an example to examine the optimal public transport structure. Five factors were selected from personal and public perspectives, including travel costs, crowding degree, occupied area, traffic emissions, and operating subsidies. The objective functions of these factors were transformed into satisfaction functions, and a multi-objective programming model was used to solve for the optimal proportions of the ground bus and rail transit, and the carbon emission reduction potential was analyzed in different scenarios. The study showed that the actual proportion of rail transit in Shanghai was slightly lower than the optimal value, and accompanied by low satisfaction with each factor relative to the optimal value. It was difficult to achieve the traffic emission reduction targets by only reducing satisfaction with other factors except carbon emissions assuming a fixed proportion of public transport. As the proportion of total travel represented by public transport increased, rail transit became the main mode of public transport and the usage trend was more obvious, but the structure of public transport gradually reached a relatively stable state after a certain level of development. Compared to reducing carbon emissions by changing satisfaction with other factors, it was easier to achieve traffic emission reduction targets by increasing the proportion of public transport. To increase the proportion of public transport travel and achieve the goal of traffic reduction in the future, further improvements are needed in the quality of public transport system services, public transport priority development must be differentiated, and the profitability of the public transport industry itself must be enhanced.

Liver fibrosis is associated with cutaneous inflammation in the imiquimod-induced murine model of psoriasiform dermatitis

Summary

Background

Psoriasis associates several extra-cutaneous manifestations. Little is known about hepatic parameters specifically associated with psoriasis.

Objective

To study whether psoriasiform dermatitis is associated with liver injury.

Methods

We studied liver parameters of inflammation and fibrosis in a murine model of psoriasiform dermatitis induced by topical application of imiquimod for nine weeks.

Results

Topical treatment with imiquimod induced a form of psoriasiform dermatitis reminiscent of the human disorder, characterized by thickened and scaly skin, psoriasiform epidermal hyperplasia, altered keratinocyte differentiation, and cutaneous overexpression of interleukin-17A. Mice with dermatitis displayed hepatitis, as shown by elevation of plasma transaminase levels, as well as portal and periportal hepatitis characterized by T lymphocyte (CD3ε⁺) and polymorphonuclear cell (Gr1⁺) infiltrates. The hepatitis progressed toward liver fibrogenesis, as shown by excessive Sirius red staining, consistent with the expression of alpha-smooth muscle actin by hepatic stellate cells.

Conclusions

These results indicate that liver inflammation and fibrosis is associated with experimental psoriasiform dermatitis. Our results suggest that psoriatic inflammation may be associated with specific liver injury.

This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Serum thymus and activation-regulated chemokine (TARC) is associated with the severity of drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms/drug-induced hypersensitivity syndrome (DRESS/DIHS)

Abstract

Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms/drug-induced hypersensitivity syndrome (DRESS/DIHS) is a severe adverse drug-induced reaction with reactivation of human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6).^1-3 We previously reported that serum thymus and activation-regulated chemokine (TARC) levels were markedly increased in patients with DIHS and suggested TARC as a useful diagnostic marker of DIHS in the early stage.^4,5 In this study, we determined whether serum TARC levels correlate with the severity of clinical symptoms and laboratory data in patients with DRESS/DIHS.

This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

A Phase I Randomised Controlled Trial to Evaluate Safety and Clinical Effect of Topically Applied GSK2981278 Ointment in a Psoriasis Plaque Test

Abstract

RORγt, a truncated isoform of retinoic acid receptor-related orphan receptor gamma (RORγ), is a transcription factor involved in Th17 cell differentiation. It is expressed in a few distinct types of immune cells and described as the master regulator of Th17 cytokine expression¹. RORγ has identical ligand-binding domains as RORγt²; consequently, compounds targeting RORγ are also expected to modulate Th17 cell activity.

This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Nāgārjuna’s Fictional World

Q-switched 532nm laser energy causes significant vascular damage in the capillary plexus – how does this affect laser tattoo removal?

Abstract

Tattoos can be effectively removed using Q-switched and picosecond lasers at four wavelengths – 1064, 755, 694 and 532nm^1,2,3,4. However, there are two particular problems with the 532nm line. Firstly, it is well absorbed by the melanin in the epidermis, due to its relatively high absorption coefficient⁵, (μ_{a_mel} = 56 cm⁻¹ for typical Caucasian skin). Secondly, 532nm is also strongly absorbed in the haemoglobin located in the capillary plexus⁵ (μ_{a_HbO} = 260 cm⁻¹).

This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

How well are reporting guidelines and trial registration used by dermatology journals to limit bias? A meta-epidemiological study

Abstract

Reporting guidelines were created to ensure research is reported in a transparent, complete manner that minimizes reporting bias. Further, these guidelines assist editors and peer reviewers when reviewing manuscripts for publication and readers when critically appraising published articles ¹. Though reporting guidelines and trial registration have been associated with improved reporting quality, the full effect of these guidelines has yet to manifest because many journals do not require their use ².

This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

The expanding spectrum of clinical phenotypes associated with PSTPIP1 mutations: from PAPA to PAMI syndrome and beyond

Abstract

Mutations in the PSTPIP1 gene encoding proline-serine-threonine-phosphatase interactive protein 1 were first identified in an autosomal dominant syndrome called PAPA associated with pyogenic sterile arthritis, pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) and cystic acne.^1,2. We report a patient with an autoinflammatory syndrome called PSTPIP1-associated myeloid-related proteinemia inflammatory (PAMI) syndrome.³ A 23-year-old man had a 3-year-history of skin ulcerations.

This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.