Publication date: Available online 23 March 2018
Source:Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery
Author(s): Valdas Macionis
The two-hundredth anniversary of K. F. Graefe's "Rhinoplasty", E. Zeis' naming of the specialty of plastic surgery in 1838, and the continuing discussion on what is plastic surgery have prompted this historical-conceptual review with an analytic semantic insight into the meaning of the word "plastic". A literature search has revealed that this term has a dual content composed of an artistic and a philosophic aspect. Progressive development of these two connotations can be traced from their birth in the ceramics and myths of the ancient Greece to their metamorphoses in the fine arts, science, and plasticity philosophy of our days. Although the names of plastic procedures and the title of the specialty carry both features, the philosophical notion is less evident. This article underlines the importance of etymological history in interpretation of the concept of plastic surgery.
Σάββατο 24 Μαρτίου 2018
History of plastic surgery: art, philosophy, and rhinoplasty
Heat Strain and Hydration of Japanese Construction Workers during Work in Summer
Anaerobic Phototrophic Processes of Hydrogen Production by Differents Strains of Microalgae Chlamydomonas sp.
Transcriptional and Post-translational Regulation of AccD6 in Mycobacterium smegmatis
Quantitative Imaging and Spectroscopic Technologies for Microbiology
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and exposure to diesel exhaust in a Danish cohort
Dietary Protein and Preservation of Physical Functioning Among Middle-aged and Older Adults in the Framingham Offspring Study
A Ten Year Immunopersistence Study of Hepatitis E Antibodies in Rural Bangladesh
Landmark Models for Optimizing the Use of Repeated Measurements of Risk Factors in Electronic Health Records to Predict Future Disease Risk
Antiretroviral Therapy and Mortality in Rural South Africa: A Comparison of Causal Modeling Approaches
Muscular disorder related to immune checkpoint inhibitors: forewarned is forearmed
Παρασκευή 23 Μαρτίου 2018
Metastasierungsweg und Lymphknotenausräumung beim Unterlippenkarzinom
Zusammenfassung
Bei den meisten bösartigen Neubildungen der Unterlippe handelt es sich um Plattenepithelkarzinome. Mit einer lymphogenen Metastasierungshäufigkeit von ca. 8 % lassen sie sich in ihrem Metastasierungsverhalten zwischen den Plattenepithelkarzinomen der Haut (4–5 %) und dem Mundhöhlenkarzinom (20–40 %) einordnen. Vorwiegend betroffen sind die submentalen und submandibulären Lymphknotenstationen (Level I a und I b), in absteigender Häufigkeit dann die Lymphknoten entlang der Hals-Gefäß-Nerven-Scheide (Level II, III und IV). Das Risiko von Lymphknotenmetastasen steigt mit zunehmender Tumordicke und höherem Entdifferenzierungsgrad (histologisches Grading). Aus der Kombination dieser Faktoren können Patienten mit erhöhtem Metastasierungsrisiko identifiziert werden. Weitere Risikofaktoren sind Tumorgröße, Immunsuppression, perineurales Wachstum, Lymphgefäßinvasion und häufige Rezidive. Bei Patienten mit erhöhtem Risiko für nodale Metastasen sollte auch bei im Staging unauffälligem Lymphknotenstatus (cN0) eine elektive Lymphknotenchirurgie in Erwägung gezogen werden. In der Regel ist dabei eine selektive funktionelle suprahyoidale (Level I und II) oder supraomohyoidale (Level I–III) Ausräumung ausreichend. Eine Erweiterung um weitere Level oder zum modifizierten radikalen Vorgehen ist nur bei Vorliegen von Metastasen notwendig. Alternativ kann auch eine Wächterlymphknotenbiopsie erfolgen, wobei hierzu umfangreiche evidenzsichernde Daten noch fehlen. Die Lymphknotenchirurgie kann sowohl zusammen mit der Primärtumorresektion und meist sofortigen Unterlippenrekonstruktion (einzeitiges Vorgehen) als auch später sekundär (zweizeitiges Vorgehen) erfolgen.
Prurigo Pigmentosa: An Itchy, Urticarial Eruption Confused for Food Allergy
Publication date: Available online 23 March 2018
Source:The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: In Practice
Author(s): Peter Capucilli, Joy Wan, James Corry, Jennifer H. Chuang, Rebecca L. Linn, Marissa J. Perman
Generalized Pruritus Relieved by NSAIDs in the Setting of Mast Cell Activation Syndrome
Publication date: Available online 23 March 2018
Source:The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: In Practice
Author(s): Katrina Kesterson, Zachary Nahmias, Jonathan R. Brestoff, Nancy D. Bodet, Andrew Kau, Brian S. Kim
Assessment of neurohepatic DNA damage in male Sprague–Dawley rats exposed to organophosphates and pyrethroid insecticides
Abstract
The current work was undertaken to test the genotoxic potential of chlorpyrifos (CPF), dimethoate, and lambda cyhalothrin (LCT) insecticides in rat brain and liver using the single cell gel electrophoresis (comet assay). Three groups of adult male Sprague–Dawley rats were exposed orally to one third LD50of CPF, dimethoate, or LCT for 24 and 48 h while the control group received corn oil. Serum samples were collected for estimation of malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx); the brain and liver samples were used for comet assay and for histopathological examination. Results showed that signs of neurotoxicity appeared clinically as backward stretching of hind limb and splayed gait in dimethoate and LCT groups, respectively. CPF, LCT, and dimethoate induced oxidative stress indicated by increased MDA and decreased GPx levels. CPF and LCT caused severe DNA damage in the brain and liver at 24 and 48 h indicated by increased percentage of DNA in tail, tail length, tail moment, and olive tail moment. Dimethoate induced mild DNA damage in the brain and liver at 48 h. Histopathological changes were observed in the cerebrum, cerebellum, and liver of exposed rats. The results concluded that CPF, LCT, and dimethoate insecticides induced oxidative stress and DNA damage associated with histological changes in the brain and liver of exposed rats.
Combined effects of photobiomodulation and alendronate on viability of osteoporotic bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells
Publication date: Available online 22 March 2018
Source:Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology B: Biology
Author(s): Somaye Fallahnezhad, Abdollah Amini, Behnam Hajihossainlou, Sufan Chien, Sara Dadras, Fatemehalsadat Rezaei, Mohammad Bayat
Osteoporotic bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSCs) are involved in the pathogenesis of Osteoporosis (OP). Photobiomodulation (PBM) has positive effects on healthy BMMSCs. The goal of current experiment was to evaluate the combined influence of photobiomodulation (PBM) and alendronate (ALN) incubation on ovariectomized induced osteoporosis(OVX)- BMMSC viability in vitro.15 female adult Wistar rats were distributed into the 2 groups: (1) 3healthy (sham)control rats, (2) 12 OVX- rats. All OVX rats underwent ovariectomy. After 3.5 months sham and OVX rats were euthanized and their MSC harvested and cultured in a complete osteogenic incubation medium (OM). As the next step, in sham and OVX groups flowcytometry and osteogenic differentiation assays were performed. OVX- rats were divided into (2) OVX-control, (3) OVX- PBM (HeNe laser, 623.8 nm, 1.2 J/cm2, one time), (4) OVX-ALN (10−8 M, three times incubations), and (5) OVX-PBM + ALN, Finally BMMSC viability of all five groups were evaluated using MTT (3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay.Based on our observations, PBM significantly increased optical density of OVX-BMMSCs (2.15 ± 0.11) compared to control –OVX-BMMSCs (1.55 ± 0.10) and healthy –BMMSCs (1.65 ± 0.10)(LSD test, both p < 0.05). Further, we found that both ALN, and ALN + PBM significantly increased optical densities of OVX-BMMSCs (24 h:2.40 ± 0.03;48 h:2.06 ± 0.00[ALN],both p < 0.01) and 1.88 ± 0.05[ALN + PBM], p < 0.05 compared to control –OVX-BMMSCs (24 h: 1.46 ± 0.01; 48 h: 1.83 ± 0.00 and 1.57 ± 0.08).It was concluded that PBM significantly increased cell viability of OVX-BMMSCs compared to control –OVX-BMMSCs and healthy –BMMSCs.
Ameliorative effects of nano-elemental selenium against hexavalent chromium-induced apoptosis in broiler liver
Abstract
The current study examined the ameliorative effects of nano-elemental selenium (Nano-Se) against chromium-VI (K2Cr2O7)-induced apoptosis in chickens. The expression of apoptosis-related genes was evaluated by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and western blot. A total of 60, one-day-old broiler chickens allotted to six equal groups, i.e., control group (standard diet), Cr(VI)-exposed group (K2Cr2O7 via drinking water), Nano-Se group (Nano-Se at 0.5 mg/kg via diet), protection group (K2Cr2O7 + Nano-Se), cure group (K2Cr2O7 for initial 2 weeks and then Nano-Se), and prevention group (opposite to the cure group) and were detected by the activities of pro-apoptosis (Bax, Caspase-3) and anti-apoptosis (Bcl-2) genes expression at day 35 of the experiment. Intense apoptosis was observed in liver tissues of chickens exposed to K2Cr2O7. The Nano-Se supplementation caused a significant decrease (P < 0.01) in the mRNA expression levels of Bax and Caspase-3 genes, while significantly elevated (P < 0.05) mRNA expression level of Bcl-2 gene was observed in Nano-Se experimental groups as compare to control and Cr(VI)-exposed group. The results quantified by the RT-qPCR were further confirmed by the western blot analysis. Altogether, these results suggest anti-apoptotic effects of Nano-Se in the chicken liver, which is interesting for further study. The present findings suggested that Nano-Se has protective effects against K2Cr2O7-induced apoptosis in broilers liver and can serve a key role as a protective agent against apoptosis.
Theory-Containment in Controversies: Neurath and Müller on Newton, Goethe, and Underdetermination
Abstract
Olaf Müller's book (More Light) develops a new case for underdetermination (prismatic equivalence), and, as he is focusing on theories of a 'limited domain', this assumes the containability of the theories. First, the paper argues that Müller's theory of darkness is fundamentally Newtonian, but for Newton's optical theory the type of theoretical structure Müller adopts is problematic. Second, the paper discusses seventeenth-century challenges to Newton (by Huygens and Lucas), changes in the proof-structure of Newton's optical theory, and how these affect Müller's reconstruction. Müller's book provides empirically equivalent theories, yet the historical theories were not empirically equivalent, and the same experiments were used to extract different bodies of evidence to rebut the opponent. Third, Goethe's multi-layered critique of Newton's experimental proof is investigated, including his developmental account of prismatic colours, the role of experimental series in rejecting Newton's observations, and his incorporation of the 'limited domain' of prismatic colours in a broader framework. Two key elements of Goethe's method, polarity and strengthening are discussed in contrast to Müller, who only utilises polarity in his account. Finally Neurath's attempts to come to grips with the optical controversies and the prism-experiments with 'blurred edges' are recalled. Müller also discusses in detail some of these experiments and heavily draws on Quine. Neurath developed Duhem's and Poincaré's conventionalist insights and had good reasons to be pessimistic about theory-containment. Their differences provide some additions to the history of the Duhem–Quine thesis.
Actualización sobre el tratamiento de moluscos contagiosos en los niños
Publication date: Available online 22 March 2018
Source:Actas Dermo-Sifiliográficas
Author(s): P. Gerlero, Á. Hernández-Martín
El molusco contagioso es una de las infecciones virales más frecuente en los niños. Aunque se trata de una infección de curso benigno y generalmente autolimitada, el tratamiento puede resultar complicado en la edad pediátrica cuando las lesiones son muy numerosas, están en áreas visibles, o producen molestias. Existen diversos tratamientos disponibles, cuya selección depende del número y localización de las lesiones, de la experiencia del médico que las trata, y de las preferencias de los padres o cuidadores. Este artículo proporciona una actualización sobre las diferentes terapias contra los moluscos contagiosos particularmente enfocadas a los pacientes pediátricos.Molluscum contagiosum is one of the most common viral infections in childhood. It is a benign and usually self-limiting infection, but its treatment in children can be challenging, particularly when the patient presents multiple lesions or when lesions are symptomatic or highly visible. Several treatment options exist. Choice of treatment depends on the number and location of lesions, the prior experience of the treating physician, and the preferences of the child's parents or carers. This article provides an update on treatment options for molluscum contagiosum, with a particular focus on immunocompetent pediatric patients.
Graphical abstract
Dermatitis alérgica de contacto a clorhexidina en dos pacientes pediátricos
Publication date: Available online 22 March 2018
Source:Actas Dermo-Sifiliográficas
Author(s): S. Córdoba, T. Sanz-Sánchez, E. Mohedano-Vicente, J. Borbujo
Comparing ordinary kriging and inverse distance weighting for soil as pollution in Beijing
Abstract
Spatial interpolation method is the basis of soil heavy metal pollution assessment and remediation. The existing evaluation index for interpolation accuracy did not combine with actual situation. The selection of interpolation methods needs to be based on specific research purposes and research object characteristics. In this paper, As pollution in soils of Beijing was taken as an example. The prediction accuracy of ordinary kriging (OK) and inverse distance weighted (IDW) were evaluated based on the cross validation results and spatial distribution characteristics of influencing factors. The results showed that, under the condition of specific spatial correlation, the cross validation results of OK and IDW for every soil point and the prediction accuracy of spatial distribution trend are similar. But the prediction accuracy of OK for the maximum and minimum is less than IDW, while the number of high pollution areas identified by OK are less than IDW. It is difficult to identify the high pollution areas fully by OK, which shows that the smoothing effect of OK is obvious. In addition, with increasing of the spatial correlation of As concentration, the cross validation error of OK and IDW decreases, and the high pollution area identified by OK is approaching the result of IDW, which can identify the high pollution areas more comprehensively. However, because the semivariogram constructed by OK interpolation method is more subjective and requires larger number of soil samples, IDW is more suitable for spatial prediction of heavy metal pollution in soils.
Detection of the natural origin hydrocarbon contamination in carbonate aquifers (central Apennine, Italy)
Abstract
The water–rock interaction is discussed in this study for some Central Apennine aquifers and their relative springs, where the geological and hydrogeological setting is potentially responsible for hydrocarbon contamination. The contamination is related to the presence of limestone formations with high organic content that are connected to the genesis of hydrocarbons in the Central-Southern Apennines. Thanks to a multidisciplinary approach based on a seasonal monitoring of hydrogeological, hydrogeochemical, organic chemical, and isotopic variables, and to a detailed geological analysis, it was possible to demonstrate that the bituminous schists within the bituminous dolomite formation (a Triassic Formation presents in the Gran Sasso acquifer), the bituminous intercalations within the Bolognano Formation (an Olocenic calcareous Formation in the Majella acquifer), and the petroleum-saturated rocks of the Bolognano Formation (in the Morrone acquifer) are all able to leach hydrocarbons into groundwater. The results suggest that more detailed studies are required for areas where lithologies with fossil organic components are present. Insights should further investigate the interaction between groundwater and rocks in terms of organic compounds as well as inorganic compounds. In particular, the study also suggests that the supplementary quantification of hydrocarbon compounds in bituminous rock and the leaching tests are analyses that provide reliable results. From the normative point of view, the results of the study can be useful when dealing with hydrocarbon contamination resulting from anthropogenic activities within catchments where formations with high concentration of organic matter are present. In these cases, it will possible to assess the natural background concentrations and review the threshold values upwards.
Clinical and Experimental Dermatology, Ahead of Print.
Clinical and Experimental Dermatology, Ahead of Print.
Active methods of mercury removal from flue gases
Abstract
Due to its adverse impact on health, as well as its global distribution, long atmospheric lifetime and propensity for deposition in the aquatic environment and in living tissue, the US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) has classified mercury and its compounds as a severe air quality threat. Such widespread presence of mercury in the environment originates from both natural and anthropogenic sources. Global anthropogenic emission of mercury is evaluated at 2000 Mg year−1. According to the National Centre for Emissions Management (Pol. KOBiZE) report for 2014, Polish annual mercury emissions amount to approximately 10 Mg. Over 90% of mercury emissions in Poland originate from combustion of coal.
The purpose of this paper was to understand mercury behaviour during sub-bituminous coal and lignite combustion for flue gas purification in terms of reduction of emissions by active methods. The average mercury content in Polish sub-bituminous coal and lignite was 103.7 and 443.5 μg kg−1. The concentration of mercury in flue gases emitted into the atmosphere was 5.3 μg m−3 for sub-bituminous coal and 17.5 μg m−3 for lignite. The study analysed six low-cost sorbents with the average achieved efficiency of mercury removal from 30.6 to 92.9% for sub-bituminous coal and 22.8 to 80.3% for lignite combustion. Also, the effect of coke dust grain size was examined for mercury sorptive properties. The fine fraction of coke dust (CD) adsorbed within 243–277 μg Hg kg−1, while the largest fraction at only 95 μg Hg kg−1. The CD fraction < 0.063 mm removed almost 92% of mercury during coal combustion, so the concentration of mercury in flue gas decreased from 5.3 to 0.4 μg Hg m−3. The same fraction of CD had removed 93% of mercury from lignite flue gas by reducing the concentration of mercury in the flow from 17.6 to 1.2 μg Hg m−3. The publication also presents the impact of photochemical oxidation of mercury on the effectiveness of Hg vapour removal during combustion of lignite. After physical oxidation of Hg in the flue gas, its effectiveness has increased twofold.
Disciplinary differences of the impact of altmetric
Variations in the relative abundance of Wolbachia in the gut of Nasutitermes arborum across life stages and castes
Australasian Journal of Dermatology, Ahead of Print.
Australasian Journal of Dermatology, Ahead of Print.
Πέμπτη 22 Μαρτίου 2018
Chronische Prurigo
Zusammenfassung
Chronische Prurigo ist eine Erkrankung, die mit chronischem Pruritus einhergeht und durch das Auftreten von meist hyperkeratotischen, pruritischen Papeln, Knoten und/oder Plaques gekennzeichnet ist. Patienten mit dieser schwer therapierbaren Erkrankung haben oft eine eingeschränkte Lebensqualität. Pruritische Erkrankungen unterschiedlicher Natur (dermatologisch, systemisch, neurologisch, psychiatrisch/psychosomatisch, multifaktoriell oder unbekannt) können durch wiederholtes Kratzen und das Eintreten von Sensibilisierungsprozessen zu chronischer Prurigo führen. Eine gründliche Diagnostik inklusive detaillierter Anamnese und körperlicher Untersuchung sowie gezielte komplementäre Untersuchungen sollen frühestmöglich initiiert werden. Die deutsche Leitlinie empfiehlt topische Steroide und Phototherapie als Optionen der 1. Wahl. Pimecrolimus und Capsaicin (topisch) sowie Antihistaminika, Antikonvulsiva und Immunsuppressiva (systemisch) stellen alternative Therapiemöglichkeiten dar.
Schwere Hautreaktionen auf neue Medikamente
Zusammenfassung
Stevens-Johnson-Syndrom (SJS), toxisch epidermale Nekrolyse (TEN) sowie eine spezifische Form des Hypersensitivitätssyndroms, das heute als „drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms" (DRESS) bezeichnet wird, zählen zu den schweren, meist arzneimittelinduzierten Hautreaktionen. Während SJS/TEN als eine Reaktionsform unterschiedlichen Schweregrades angesehen wird, muss DRESS durch eine Multiorganbeteiligung hiervon wie auch von anderen schweren Exanthemen unterschieden werden. Obwohl SJS/TEN allgemein als Arzneimittelreaktion gilt, sind insgesamt nur ca. drei Viertel der Fälle tatsächlich durch Arzneimittel ausgelöst. Nach Stellen der klinischen Diagnose gehört die Eruierung des möglichen Auslösers zu den wichtigsten Maßnahmen. Sollte es sich um medikamentöse Auslöser handeln, kommt dem Absetzen derselben eine Schlüsselrolle zu. Um das verursachende Arzneimittel identifizieren und absetzen zu können, muss eine sehr detaillierte und gründliche Medikamentenanamnese erhoben werden. Zu den Substanzen, die in pharmakoepidemiologischen Studien als Auslöser von SJS/TEN identifiziert oder bestätigt wurden, gehören Allopurinol, antibakterielle Sulfonamide, verschiedene Antiepileptika, Nevirapin sowie nichtsteroidale Antirheumatika vom Oxicam-Typ. Unter den Arzneimitteln, die DRESS induzieren, finden sich ebenfalls verschiedene Antiepileptika, aber auch Allopurinol, Sulfonamide und Minocyclin. Einzelfälle von SJS/TEN und DRESS im Zusammenhang mit der Anwendung neuer Medikamente, unter diesen auch sog. zielgerichtete Therapien und Biologika, wurden beobachtet.
Biologikanebenwirkungen bei Psoriasis
Zusammenfassung
Hintergrund
Die Einführung der Biologika hat die Therapie der mittelschweren bis schweren Plaquepsoriasis bahnbrechend verändert. Indem die biologischen Therapien der Psoriasis kontinuierlich erweitert werden, ist es besonders wichtig, die Wirksamkeit und Sicherheit der Substanzen nicht nur in klinischen Studien, sondern auch in langfristigen Anwendungsbeobachtungen im Rahmen von Registern zu ermitteln.
Ziel der Arbeit
Es erfolgt die Darstellung typischer Nebenwirkungen und signifikanter Risiken der Biologikatherapien im Rahmen der Psoriasis unter der Berücksichtigung psoriatischer Kontrollpopulationen.
Material und Methoden
Es wurde eine selektive Literatursuche in PubMed durchgeführt, und Studien zur Langzeitsicherheit im Rahmen der Psoriasisregister PsoBest, PSOLAR und BADBIR wurden ausgewertet.
Ergebnisse und Diskussion
Zur Beurteilung der langfristigen Sicherheit der Biologika ist es von besonderer medizinischer Bedeutung, die Verläufe an möglichst vielen Patienten in Langzeitregistern zu beobachten. Eine Tendenz zu verbesserten Nebenwirkungs- und Sicherheitsprofilen der neueren biologischen Medikamente scheint sich abzuzeichnen.
3D Deep Learning Angiography (3D-DLA) from C-arm Conebeam CT [INTERVENTIONAL]
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE:
Deep learning is a branch of artificial intelligence that has demonstrated unprecedented performance in many medical imaging applications. Our purpose was to develop a deep learning angiography method to generate 3D cerebral angiograms from a single contrast-enhanced C-arm conebeam CT acquisition in order to reduce image artifacts and radiation dose.
MATERIALS AND METHODS:A set of 105 3D rotational angiography examinations were randomly selected from an internal data base. All were acquired using a clinical system in conjunction with a standard injection protocol. More than 150 million labeled voxels from 35 subjects were used for training. A deep convolutional neural network was trained to classify each image voxel into 3 tissue types (vasculature, bone, and soft tissue). The trained deep learning angiography model was then applied for tissue classification into a validation cohort of 8 subjects and a final testing cohort of the remaining 62 subjects. The final vasculature tissue class was used to generate the 3D deep learning angiography images. To quantify the generalization error of the trained model, we calculated the accuracy, sensitivity, precision, and Dice similarity coefficients for vasculature classification in relevant anatomy. The 3D deep learning angiography and clinical 3D rotational angiography images were subjected to a qualitative assessment for the presence of intersweep motion artifacts.
RESULTS:Vasculature classification accuracy and 95% CI in the testing dataset were 98.7% (98.3%–99.1%). No residual signal from osseous structures was observed for any 3D deep learning angiography testing cases except for small regions in the otic capsule and nasal cavity compared with 37% (23/62) of the 3D rotational angiographies.
CONCLUSIONS:Deep learning angiography accurately recreated the vascular anatomy of the 3D rotational angiography reconstructions without a mask. Deep learning angiography reduced misregistration artifacts induced by intersweep motion, and it reduced radiation exposure required to obtain clinically useful 3D rotational angiography.
The New Low-Profile WEB 17 System for Treatment of Intracranial Aneurysms: First Clinical Experiences [INTERVENTIONAL]
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE:
The Woven EndoBridge (WEB) is an intrasaccular flow diverter intended to treat wide-neck aneurysms. The latest generation WEBs needed a 0.021-inch microcatheter in the small sizes. Recently, a lower profile range of WEBs compliant with a 0.017-inch microcatheter (WEB 17) has been introduced. We present the first clinical results of treatment of both ruptured and unruptured aneurysms with the WEB 17.
MATERIALS AND METHODS:Between December 2016 and September 2017, forty-six aneurysms in 40 patients were treated with the WEB 17. No supporting stents or balloons were used. Twenty-five aneurysms were ruptured (54%). There were 6 men and 34 women (mean age, 62 years; median, 63 years; range, 46–87 years). The mean aneurysm size was 4.9 mm (median, 5 mm; range, 2–7 mm).
RESULTS:There were 2 thromboembolic procedural complications without clinical sequelae and no ruptures. The overall permanent procedural complication rate was 0% (0 of 40; 97.5% CI, 0%–10.4%). Imaging follow-up at 3 months was available in 33 patients with 39 aneurysms (97.5% of 40 eligible aneurysms). In 1 aneurysm, the detached WEB was undersized and the remnant was additionally treated with coils after 1 week. This same aneurysm reopened at 3 months and was again treated with a second WEB. One other aneurysm showed persistent WEB filling at 3 months. Complete occlusion was achieved in 28 of 39 aneurysms (72%), and 9 aneurysms (23%) showed a neck remnant.
CONCLUSIONS:The WEB 17 is safe and effective for both ruptured and unruptured aneurysms. The WEB 17 is a valuable addition to the existing WEB size range, especially for very small aneurysms.
Endovascular Management of Acute Stroke in the Elderly: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis [ADULT BRAIN]
Background:
Acute ischemic stroke occurs more frequently, presents with more severe symptoms, and has worse outcomes in elderly patients. The safety and efficacy of endovascular therapy for acute stroke in this age group has not been fully established.
Purpose:We present the results of a systematic review and meta-analysis examining clinical, procedural, and radiologic outcomes of endovascular therapy for acute stroke in patients older than 80 years of age.
Data Sources:We searched PubMed, MEDLINE, and EMBASE from 1992 to week 35 of 2017 for studies evaluating endovascular therapy for acute stroke in the elderly.
Study Selection:Two independent reviewers selected studies and abstracted data. The primary end point was good functional outcome at 3 months defined as modified Rankin Scale score of ≤2.
Data Analysis:Data were analyzed using random-effects meta-analysis.
Data Synthesis:Seventeen studies reporting on 860 patients were included. The rate of good functional outcome at 3 months was 27% (95% CI, 21%–32%). Mortality at 3 months was 34% (95% CI, 23%–44%). Successful recanalization was achieved in 78% of patients (95% CI, 72%–85%). Procedure-related complications occurred in 11% (95% CI, 4%–17%). The incidence of intracranial hemorrhage was 24% (95% CI, 15%–32%), and for symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage, it was 8% (95% CI, 5%–10%). The mean time to groin was 251 minutes (95% CI, 224–278 minutes). Procedure time was 99 minutes (95% CI, 67–131 minutes).
Limitations:I2 values were above 50% for all outcomes, indicating substantial heterogeneity.
Conclusions:Good functional recovery in octogenarians treated with endovascular therapy for acute stroke can be achieved in a high proportion of patients despite the higher incidence of comorbidity in this cohort. Outcomes are inferior to those reported for younger patients; however, endovascular therapy can allow at least 1 in 4 patients older than 80 years of age to regain independent function at 3 months. More research is required to improve patient selection in the elderly, but age should not be a discriminator when deciding to offer endovascular therapy for patients with acute stroke.
Transforaminal Lumbar Puncture: An Alternative Technique in Patients with Challenging Access [SPINE]
SUMMARY:
Interlaminar lumbar puncture and cervical puncture may not be ideal in all circumstances. Recently, we have used a transforaminal approach in selected situations. Between May 2016 and December 2017, twenty-six transforaminal lumbar punctures were performed in 9 patients (25 CT-guided, 1 fluoroscopy-guided). Seven had spinal muscular atrophy and were referred for intrathecal nusinersen administration. In 2, CT myelography was performed via transforaminal lumbar puncture. The lumbar posterior elements were completely fused in 8, and there was an overlying abscess in 1. The L1–2 level was used in 2; the L2–3 level, in 10; the L3–4 level, in 12; and the L4–5 level, in 2 procedures. Post-lumbar puncture headache was observed on 4 occasions, which resolved without blood patching. One patient felt heat and pain at the injection site that resolved spontaneously within hours. One patient had radicular pain that resolved with conservative treatment. Transforaminal lumbar puncture may become an effective alternative to classic interlaminar lumbar puncture or cervical puncture.
Diagnosing Early Ischemic Changes with the Latest-Generation Flat Detector CT: A Comparative Study with Multidetector CT [INTERVENTIONAL]
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE:
One-stop management of mechanical thrombectomy–eligible patients with large-vessel occlusion represents an innovative approach in acute stroke treatment. This approach reduces door-to-reperfusion times by omitting multidetector CT, using flat detector CT as pre-mechanical thrombectomy imaging. The purpose of this study was to compare the diagnostic performance of the latest-generation flat detector CT with multidetector CT.
MATERIALS AND METHODS:Prospectively derived data from patients with ischemic stroke with large-vessel occlusion and mechanical thrombectomy were analyzed in this monocentric study. All included patients underwent multidetector CT before referral to our comprehensive stroke center and flat detector CT in the angiography suite before mechanical thrombectomy. Diagnosis of early ischemic signs, quantified by the ASPECTS, was compared between modalities using cross tables, the Pearson correlation, and Bland-Altman plots. The predictive value of multidetector CT– and flat detector CT–derived ASPECTS for functional outcome was investigated using area under the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis.
RESULTS:Of 25 patients, 24 (96%) had flat detector CT with sufficient diagnostic quality. Median multidetector CT and flat detector CT ASPECTSs were 7 (interquartile range, 5.5–9 and 4.25–8, respectively) with a mean period of 143.6 ± 49.5 minutes between both modalities. The overall sensitivity was 85.1% and specificity was 83.1% for flat detector CT ASPECTS compared with multidetector CT ASPECTS as the reference technique. Multidetector CT and flat detector CT ASPECTS were strongly correlated (r = 0.849, P < .001) and moderately predicted functional outcome (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, 0.738; P = .007 and .715; P = .069, respectively).
CONCLUSIONS:Determination of ASPECTS on flat detector CT is feasible, showing no significant difference compared with multidetector CT ASPECTS and a similar predictive value for functional outcome. Our findings support the use of flat detector CT for emergency stroke imaging before mechanical thrombectomy to reduce door-to-groin time.
Brain MRI Characteristics of Patients with Anti-N-Methyl-D-Aspartate Receptor Encephalitis and Their Associations with 2-Year Clinical Outcome [ADULT BRAIN]
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE:
Anti-N-methyl-D-aspertate receptor encephalitis is an autoimmune-mediated disease without specific brain MRI features. Our aim was to investigate the brain MR imaging characteristics of anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor encephalitis and their associations with clinical outcome at a 2-year follow-up.
MATERIALS AND METHODS:We enrolled 53 patients with anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor encephalitis and performed 2-year follow-up. Brain MRIs were acquired for all patients at the onset phase. The brain MR imaging manifestations were classified into 4 types: type 1: normal MR imaging findings; type 2: only hippocampal lesions; type 3: lesions not involving the hippocampus; and type 4: lesions in both the hippocampus and other brain areas. The modified Rankin Scale score at 2-year follow-up was assessed, and the association between the mRS and onset brain MR imaging characteristics was evaluated.
RESULTS:Twenty-eight (28/53, 53%) patients had normal MR imaging findings (type 1), and the others (25/53, 47%) had abnormal MRI findings: type 2: 7 patients (13%); type 3: seven patients (13%); and type 4: eleven patients (21%). Normal brain MRI findings were more common in female patients (P = .02). Psychiatric and behavioral abnormalities were more common in adults (P = .015), and autonomic symptoms (P = .025) were more common in pediatric patients. The presence of hippocampal lesions (P = .008, OR = 9.584; 95% CI, 1.803–50.931) and relapse (P = .043, OR = 0.111; 95% CI, 0.013–0.930) was associated with poor outcome.
CONCLUSIONS:Normal brain MRI findings were observed in half of the patients. Lesions in the hippocampus were the most common MR imaging abnormal finding. The presence of hippocampal lesions is the main MR imaging predictor for poor prognosis in patients with anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor encephalitis.
Cerebellar Growth Impairment Characterizes School-Aged Children Born Preterm without Perinatal Brain Lesions [PEDIATRICS]
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE:
Infants born preterm are commonly diagnosed with structural brain lesions known to affect long-term neurodevelopment negatively. Yet, the effects of preterm birth on brain development in the absence of intracranial lesions remain to be studied in detail. In this study, we aim to quantify long term consequences of preterm birth on brain development in this specific group.
MATERIALS AND METHODS:Neonatal cranial sonography and follow-up T1-weighted MR imaging and DTI were performed to evaluate whether the anatomic characteristics of the cerebrum and cerebellum in a cohort of school-aged children (6–12 years of age) were related to gestational age at birth in children free of brain lesions in the perinatal period.
RESULTS:In the cohort consisting of 36 preterm (28–37 weeks' gestational age) and 66 term-born infants, T1-weighted MR imaging and DTI at 6–12 years revealed a reduction of cerebellar white matter volume (β = 0.387, P < .001), altered fractional anisotropy of cerebellar white matter (β = –0.236, P = .02), and a reduction of cerebellar gray and white matter surface area (β = 0.337, P < .001; β = 0.375, P < .001, respectively) in relation to birth age. Such relations were not observed for the cerebral cortex or white matter volume, surface area, or diffusion quantities.
CONCLUSIONS:The results of our study show that perinatal influences that are not primarily neurologic are still able to disturb long-term neurodevelopment, particularly of the developing cerebellum. Including the cerebellum in future neuroprotective strategies seems therefore essential.
Factors Influencing Confidence in Diagnostic Ratings and Retreatment Recommendations in Coiled Aneurysms [INTERVENTIONAL]
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE:
Angiographic occlusion and retreatment of coiled aneurysms are commonly used as surrogate end points in clinical trials. We aimed to evaluate the influence of aneurysm, patient, and rater characteristics on the confidence of visual evaluation of aneurysm coiling and retreatment decisions.
MATERIALS AND METHODS:Twenty-six participants of the Advanced Course in Endovascular Interventional Neuroradiology of the European Society of Neuroradiology were asked to evaluate digital subtraction angiography examinations of patients who had undergone endovascular coiling, by determining the grade of aneurysm occlusion, the change between immediate postprocedural and follow-up angiograms, their level of confidence, the technical difficulty of retreatment, and the best therapeutic approach. The experience, knowledge, and skills of each participant were assessed. The influence of rater and case characteristics on indicated confidence in diagnostic ratings and retreatment recommendations was analyzed.
RESULTS:Interrater reliability was moderate regarding the assessment of aneurysm occlusion grade (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.581) and substantial regarding change (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.776). Overall confidence in the diagnostic rating was high (median, "very certain"). Confidence was statistically significantly higher in cases that were generally rated as "worse." The odds of recommending retreatment were significantly higher in cases that were generally rated with higher mean confidence.
CONCLUSIONS:Although overall confidence in the diagnostic rating was high, our study confirms the suboptimal interrater reliability of visual assessment of aneurysm occlusion as well as retreatment recommendations, rendering both questionable as primary outcome measures. Besides recurrence status, recommendation of retreatment is significantly influenced by patient age, aneurysm neck width, and characteristics of the therapist.
Toward methylation-based classification of central nervous system tumors
The relationship between urban form and air pollution depends on seasonality and city size
Abstract
Understanding how urban form is related to air pollution is important to urban planning and sustainability, but the urban form-air pollution relationship is currently muddled by inconsistent findings. In this study, we investigated how the compositional and configurational attributes of urban form were related to different air pollution measures (PM2.5, API, and exceedance) in 83 Chinese cities, with explicit consideration of city size and seasonality. Ten landscape metrics were selected to quantify urban form attributes, and Spearman's correlation was used to quantify the urban form-air pollution relationship. Our results show that the urban form and air pollution relationship was dominated by city size and moderated by seasonality. Specifically, urban air pollution levels increased consistently and substantially from small to medium, large, and megacities. The urban form-air pollution relationship depended greatly on seasonality and monsoons. That is, the relationship was more pronounced in spring and summer than fall and winter, as well as in cities affected by monsoons. Urban air pollution was correlated more strongly with landscape composition metrics than landscape configuration metrics which seemed to affect only PM2.5 concentrations. Our study suggests that, to understand how air pollution levels are related to urban form, city size and seasonality must be explicitly considered (or controlled). Also, in order to mitigate urban air pollution problems, regional urban planning is needed to curb the spatial extent of built-up areas, reduce the degree of urban fragmentation, and increase urban compactness and contiguity, especially for large and megacities.
Incidences of mortality of Indian peafowl Pavo cristatus due to pesticide poisoning in India and accumulation pattern of chlorinated pesticides in tissues of the same species collected from Ahmedabad and Coimbatore
Abstract
Incidences of mortality of Indian peafowl Pavo cristatus, the national bird (Schedule I Indian Wild Life Protection Act 1972), are rampant in India. Between January 2011 and March 2017, around 550 peafowl in 35 incidences were reported dead across the country. Due to the non-availability of fresh carcases, poisoning could not be confirmed. Birds which died due to kite string injuries in Ahmedabad (15) and accidents in Coimbatore (5) were tested for residues of chlorinated pesticides, namely hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH), dichloro-diphenyl-trichloroethane (DDT), endosulfan, heptachlor, dicofol, dieldrin and cholipyrifos. The liver, kidney and muscle were the tissues considered to document pesticide load. Total load ranged from BDL to 388.2 ng/g. DDT (95%) and HCH (80%) were detected more frequently. DDT (40%) and endosulfan (26%) contributed maximum to the total pesticide load followed by HCH (21%). Pesticide accumulation pattern among the organs was in the order of liver (123.9 ng/g) > kidney (91.9 ng/g) > muscle (19.5 ng/g) with significant difference (p < 0.05). Peafowl from Ahmedabad had significantly (p < 0.05) higher level of total pesticide (149.0 ng/g) than birds from Coimbatore (47.8 ng/g). Although varying levels of chlorinated pesticide were detected, they were below reported toxic limits. Nevertheless, persistence of chlorinated pesticides and poisoning due to modern pesticides across the entire distribution range of Peafowl in India is a cause for concern.
A 10 Point Plan to Demonstrate the Value of Dermatology in the Health Care System
In May 2017, the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) convened a Dermatology Specialty Summit, with representatives from 15 dermatology specialty societies, the American Board of Dermatology, and the Coalition of Skin Diseases in attendance. The Summit's goal was to identify opportunities to address and enhance the perception of dermatology in the House of Medicine, the role of data in the changing health care environment, and access to dermatologic care. Summit participants collectively identified a list of 10 action items that address opportunities in these areas of concern.
Highly cited articles in wind tunnel-related research: a bibliometric analysis
Abstract
Wind tunnels have been widely employed in aerodynamic research. To characterize the high impact research, a bibliometric analysis was conducted on highly cited articles related to wind tunnel based on the Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED) database from 1900 to 2014. Articles with at least 100 citations from the Web of Science Core Collection were selected and analyzed in terms of publication years, authors, institutions, countries/territories, journals, Web of Science categories, and citation life cycles. The results show that a total of 77 highly cited articles in 37 journals were published between 1959 and 2008. Journal of Fluid Mechanics published the most of highly cited articles. The USA was the most productive country and most frequent partner of internationally collaboration. The prolific institutions were mainly located in the USA and UK. The authors who were both first author and corresponding author published 88% of the articles. The Y index was also deployed to evaluate the publication characteristics of authors. Moreover, the articles with high citations in both history and the latest year with their citation life cycles were examined to provide insights for high impact research. The highly cited articles were almost earliest wind tunnel experimental data and reports on their own research specialty, and thus attracted high citations. It was revealed that classic works of wind tunnel research was frequently occurred in 1990s but much less in 2000s, probably due to the development of numerical models of computational fluid dynamic (CFD) in recent decades.
Mancozeb exposure results in manganese accumulation and Nrf2-related antioxidant responses in the brain of common carp Cyprinus carpio
Abstract
Manganese (Mn)-containing dithiocarbamates such as Mancozeb (MZ) have been shown to induce oxidative stress-related toxicity in rodents and humans. However, little is known about the neurotoxic effects induced by MZ in fish. In this study, carp (Cyprinus carpio) were exposed to non-lethal waterborne concentrations of MZ, and oxidative stress parameters as well as metal accumulation in fish brains were evaluated. The experimental groups were as follows: control, MZ 5 mg/L, and MZ 10 mg/L. Fish were exposed for 7 days, and then brain was removed and prepared for subsequent analysis of antioxidant enzymes, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and expression of Nrf2 and phosphoNrf2. In parallel, manganese (Mn) levels were evaluated in blood and brain tissues. Mn levels were significantly increased in blood and brain of MZ-exposed carps. In addition, a concentration-dependent increase (p < 0.05) in ROS levels was observed in parallel to increments (p < 0.05) in the activity of major antioxidant enzymes, such as GPx, GR, and GST. On the other hand, significant decreases (p < 0.05) in CAT and SOD activities were observed. The expression of total and phosphorylated forms of Nrf2 was significantly (p < 0.05) upregulated in the brain of carps exposed to Mz when compared to the control, indicating an activation of the Nrf2 antioxidant pathway. Our study showed for the first time the activation of the Nrf2/ARE pathway and bioaccumulation of Mn induced by MZ exposure in fish species, highlighting important mechanisms of action and its toxicological impacts to aquatic organisms.
Australasian Journal of Dermatology, Ahead of Print.
Australasian Journal of Dermatology, Ahead of Print.
Unusual clinical manifestation of laryngeal edema in a case of DRESS syndrome
Publication date: Available online 21 March 2018
Source:The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: In Practice
Author(s): Da Woon Sim, Young-Il Koh
Australasian Journal of Dermatology, Ahead of Print.
Australasian Journal of Dermatology, Ahead of Print.
Punicalagin and (–)-Epigallocatechin-3-Gallate Rescue Cell Viability and Attenuate Inflammatory Responses of Human Epidermal Keratinocytes Exposed to Airborne Particulate Matter PM10
Skin Pharmacol Physiol 2018;31:134–143
Concurrent removal of elemental mercury and SO 2 from flue gas using a thiol-impregnated CaCO 3 -based adsorbent: a full factorial design study
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) emitted from coal-based thermal power plants (CTPPs) can accumulate and bio-magnify in the food chain, thereby posing a risk to humans and wildlife. The central idea of this study was to develop an adsorbent which can concurrently remove elemental mercury (Hg0) and SO2 emitted from coal-based thermal power plants (CTPPs) in a single unit operation. Specifically, a composite adsorbent of CaCO3 impregnated with 2-mercaptobenimidazole (2-MBI) (referred to as modified calcium carbonate (MCC)) was developed. While 2-MBI having sulfur functional group could selectively adsorb Hg0, CaCO3 could remove SO2. Performance of the adsorbent was evaluated in terms of (i) removal (%) of Hg0 and SO2, (ii) adsorption mechanism, (iii) adsorption kinetics, and (iv) leaching potential of mercury from spent adsorbent. The adsorption studies were performed using a 22 full factorial design of experiments with 15 ppbV of Hg0 and 600 ppmV of SO2. Two factors, (i) reaction temperature (80 and 120 °C; temperature range in flue gas) and (ii) mass of 2-MBI (10 and 15 wt%), were investigated for the removal of Hg0 and SO2 (as %). The maximum Hg0 and SO2 removal was 86 and 93%, respectively. The results of XPS characterization showed that chemisorption is the predominant mechanism of Hg0 and SO2 adsorption on MCC. The Hg0 adsorption on MCC followed Elovich kinetic model which is also indicative of chemisorption on heterogeneous surface. The toxicity characteristic leaching procedure (TCLP) and synthetic precipitation leaching procedure (SPLP) leached mercury from the spent adsorbent were within the acceptable levels defined in these tests. The engineering significance of this study is that the 2-MBI-modified CaCO3-based adsorbent has potential for concurrent removal of Hg0 and SO2 in a single unit operation. With only minor process modifications, the newly developed adsorbent can replace CaCO3 in the flue-gas desulfurization (FGD) system.
Validación transcultural al español de la escala Hair Specific Skindex-29: una valiosa herramienta en nuestra consulta
Publication date: Available online 22 March 2018
Source:Actas Dermo-Sifiliográficas
Author(s): E. Martínez García
Alopecia areata y pustulosis palmoplantar: informe de 4 casos
Publication date: Available online 22 March 2018
Source:Actas Dermo-Sifiliográficas
Author(s): T. Hiraiwa, T. Yamamoto
The Multivector Gracilis Free Functional Muscle Flap for Facial Reanimation
Power Area Density in Inverse Spectra
Abstract
In recent years, inverse spectra were investigated with imaging optics and a quantitative description with radiometric units was suggested (Rang in Phänomenologie komplementärer Spektren, Logos, Berlin, 2015). It could be shown that inverse spectra complement each other additively to a constant intensity level. Since optical intensity in radiometric units is a power area density, it can be expected that energy densities of inverse spectra also fulfill an inversion equation and complement each other. In this contribution we report findings on a measurement of the power area density of inverse spectra for the near ultraviolet, visible and the infrared spectral range. They show the existence of corresponding spectral regions ultra-yellow and infra-cyan in the inverted spectrum and thereby present additional experimental evidence for equivalence of inverse spectra beyond the visible range.
Improved sorption of perfluorooctanoic acid on carbon nanotubes hybridized by metal oxide nanoparticles
Abstract
Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) are often used as adsorbent because of their strong adsorption capacity. However, due to the nature of MWCNTs, their ability to adsorb perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), a highly hydrophobic pollutant, is low. In this study, MWCNTs were modified by three nano metal oxides (nano iron oxide, copper oxide, and zinc oxide). The pristine (as the control) and modified MWCNTs were characterized by BET-N2, TEM, FTIR, XPS, and XRD, which showed that nano metal oxides were well hybridized on the surface of MWCNTs. Radioactive-labeled PFOA (14C-PFOA) was used to quantify it at trace level. Adsorption kinetics showed that intra-particle diffusion was the control step of PFOA adsorbing on metal oxides hybridized MWCNTs (MOHCNTs). Adsorption capacity of PFOA on the MOHCNTs was higher than that on the control due to electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions. In addition, PFOA formed inner-sphere complexes with metal oxide nanoparticles via ligand exchange. The alteration of PFOA adsorption capacity by increasing ionic strength was attributed to the aggregation degree of MWCNTs, electrostatic shielding, and/or salting out effect. The presence of Ca2+ increased the adsorption, owing to not only its higher electrostatic shielding ability than Na+ but also its formation of bridge between PFOA and MOHCNTs. PFOA adsorption on MOHCNTs strongly depended on medium pH value. These results provide an innovative approach for removing trace PFOA from liquid medium.
Community-led comparative genomic and phenotypic analysis of the aquaculture pathogen Pseudomonas baetica a390T sequenced by Ion semiconductor and Nanopore technologies
Earthworms are associated with subpopulations of Gammaproteobacteria irrespective of the total soil microbiota composition and stability
Trends in phototherapy utilization among Medicare beneficiaries in the United States, 2000-2015
Phototherapy is a cost-effective treatment for many dermatoses, yet emerging alternative therapies such as biologics led many to think that phototherapy utilization was declining.
Factors Associated with Advanced Stage Merkel Cell Carcinoma at Initial Diagnosis and the Use of Radiation Therapy: Results from the National Cancer Database
The stage of disease at initial diagnosis and the use of radiation therapy (RT) are important determinants of survival in patients with Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC).
Epidermal barrier and oxidative stress parameters improve during in 311 nm narrow band UVB phototherapy of plaque type psoriasis
Psoriasis is a multi-systemic inflammatory disease that results from dysregulation between epidermal keratinocyte homeostasis and both innate and acquired immunity. Epidermal barrier defect has been described in psoriatic lesions. Furthermore an imbalance between pro-oxidative stress and antioxidant defense mechanisms are known in psoriasis patients.
In-frame Val216-Ser217 deletion of KIT in mild piebaldism causes aberrant secretion and SCF response
Piebaldism (OMIM #172800) is a rare hereditary disease of melanocyte development and is histologically characterized by the absence of melanocytes in the affected skin and hair [1,2]. A white forelock of hair, often triangular in shape, is unique and may be the only manifestation in 80%–90% of cases. Irregularly shaped white patches may be observed in the face, trunk and extremities mostly in a symmetrical distribution. Based on the depigmented patches, piebaldism is classified into three phenotypes: mild, moderate and severe forms.
From Hostility to Hospitality: Teaching About Race and Privilege in a Post-election Climate
Abstract
Now more than ever the role of the other has been put into question and marginalized in a redefinition of an "American national self-protective identity" in the current post election climate. In philosophical terms, an identity of a radical other- implies that any change, any difference, any impurity can be conceived as posing a threat to identity. If a specific group of people is identified as preventing the self from being what it ought to be, the other is identified as a security threat. One option is to willingly conform to the assigned role as a threat. The opposite option I argue in my paper is one that can be achieved through the lens of a cosmopolitan framework of hospitality. By exploring the writings of French philosopher, feminist and psychoanalyst Luce Irigary's cosmopolitan pedagogy of difference rooted in the concept of hospitality from the point of view of education, I hope put forth an alternative phenomenological pedagogy, one that connects issues of positionality with those of an embodied anti-racist philosophy of difference. By using case studies from my own classroom, I hope to elucidate how educators can implement an anti-racist pedagogy in the current post election climate, by creating spaces for dialogue where students are engaging in an authentic discourse on the nature of their positionality.
Adaption and use of a quadcopter for targeted sampling of gaseous mercury in the atmosphere
Abstract
We modified a popular and inexpensive quadcopter to collect gaseous mercury (Hg) on gold-coated quartz cartridges, and analyzed the traps using cold vapor atomic fluorescence spectrometry. Flight times averaged 16 min, limited by battery life, and yielded > 5 pg of Hg, well above the limit of detection (< 0.2 pg). We measured progressively higher concentrations upon both vertical and lateral approaches to a dish containing elemental Hg, demonstrating that the method can detect Hg emissions from a point source. Using the quadcopter, we measured atmospheric Hg near anthropogenic emission sources in the mid-south USA, including a municipal landfill, coal-fired power plant (CFPP), and a petroleum refinery. Average concentrations (± standard deviation) immediately downwind of the landfill were higher at ground level and 30 m compared to 60 and 120 m (5.3 ± 0.5 ng m−3, 5.4 ± 0.7 ng m−3, 4.2 ± 0.7 ng m−3, and 2.5 ± 0.3 ng m−3, respectively). Concentrations were also higher at an urban/industrial area (Memphis) (3.3 ± 0.9 ng m−3) compared with a rural/background area (1.5 ± 0.2 ng m−3). Due to airspace flight restrictions near the CFPP and refinery, we were unable to access near-field (stack) plumes and did not observe differences between upwind and downwind locations. Overall, this study demonstrates that highly maneuverable multicopters can be used to probe Hg concentrations aloft, which may be particularly useful for evaluating Hg emissions from remote landscapes and transient sources that are inadequately characterized and leading to uncertainties in ecosystem budgets.
Effect of Cu(II) on the stability of oxyanion-substituted schwertmannite
Abstract
Schwertmannite, a Fe(III)-oxyhydroxysulfate mineral formed in acidic (pH 3~4), iron- and sulfate-rich acid mine drainage (AMD) environments, tends to undergo phase transformations with changes in pH and redox condition, which may depend on the presence of various trace anions and cations. In the present study, the effects of Cu(II) on the stability of arsenate-, chromate-, and molybdate-substituted schwertmannite were investigated. The release of Fe(III) and sulfate from schwertmannite seems to be accelerated in the presence of Cu(II) at pH ~ 3, while Cu(II) retarded the dissolution of schwertmannite at pH ~ 5. XRD and SEM results showed that pure schwertmannite and chromate-substituted schwertmannite underwent transformation to goethite over a 2-month period, the presence of Cu(II) enhanced the stability of the mineral's structure at both pH 3 and 5. However, the structures of arsenate- and molybdate-substituted schwertmannites showed no significant changes in the presence or absence of Cu(II) at both pH 3 and 5. During the phase transformation process, the amount of released oxyanions followed the sequence of chromate > molybdate > arsenate. Moreover, the release of arsenate and chromate from schwertmannite was retarded in the presence of Cu(II) at pH 5, whereas the release of molybdate was promoted. These results have important environmental implications for the stability of schwertmannite and its potential to immobilize contaminant trace elements under AMD conditions.
Performance modeling and valuation of snow-covered PV systems: examination of a simplified approach to decrease forecasting error
Abstract
The advent of modern solar energy technologies can improve the costs of energy consumption on a global, national, and regional level, ultimately spanning stakeholders from governmental entities to utility companies, corporations, and residential homeowners. For those stakeholders experiencing the four seasons, accurately accounting for snow-related energy losses is important for effectively predicting photovoltaic performance energy generation and valuation. This paper provides an examination of a new, simplified approach to decrease snow-related forecasting error, in comparison to current solar energy performance models. A new method is proposed to allow model designers, and ultimately users, the opportunity to better understand the return on investment for solar energy systems located in snowy environments. The new method is validated using two different sets of solar energy systems located near Green Bay, WI, USA: a 3.0-kW micro inverter system and a 13.2-kW central inverter system. Both systems were unobstructed, facing south, and set at a tilt of 26.56°. Data were collected beginning in May 2014 (micro inverter system) and October 2014 (central inverter system), through January 2018. In comparison to reference industry standard solar energy prediction applications (PVWatts and PVsyst), the new method results in lower mean absolute percent errors per kilowatt hour of 0.039 and 0.055%, respectively, for the micro inverter system and central inverter system. The statistical analysis provides support for incorporating this new method into freely available, online, up-to-date prediction applications, such as PVWatts and PVsyst.
Catalytic decomposition of PCDD/Fs on a V 2 O 5 -WO 3 /nano-TiO 2 catalyst: effect of NaCl
Abstract
The effect of NaCl addition on the properties, activity, and deactivation of a V2O5-WO3/nano-TiO2 catalyst was investigated during catalytic decomposition of gas-phase polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs). The extent of deactivation relates directly to the NaCl loading of the catalyst. Poisoning by sodium neutralizes acid sites, interacts strongly with active VOx species, and reduces the redox capacity of catalysts. In addition, NaCl is also a chlorine source and may actually accelerate the synthesis of new PCDD/Fs. Washing a catalyst with dilute sulfuric acid largely restores catalytic activity, breaking the interaction of Na+ ions and dispersed vanadia and removing Na from the catalyst surface. Consequently, catalyst acidity and redox capacity almost recover. Furthermore, sulfate residues react with surface adsorbed water to generate Brønsted acid sites, ensuing a surge of strong acidity of the catalysts.
Gender and Ageing at Work in Chile: Employment, Working Conditions, Work–Life Balance and Health of Men and Women in an Ageing Workforce
Τετάρτη 21 Μαρτίου 2018
Hematological and histopathological effects of silver nanoparticles in rainbow trout ( Oncorhynchus mykiss )—how about increase of salinity?
Abstract
Hematological and histopathological toxicities of silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) to rainbow trout were assessed in three water salinities: 0.4 ppt (low salinity), 6 ± 0.3 ppt (moderate salinity), and 12 ± 0.2 ppt (high salinity). The concentrations of Ag-NPs in the low salinity were 0.032, 0.1, 0.32, and 1 ppm, and in the moderate and high salinities were 3.2, 10, 32, and 100 ppm. The results indicated a concentration-dependently increased (thrombocyte, monocyte, and large lymphocyte) and decreased (neutrophil and small lymphocyte) white blood cell count in the Ag-NP treatments in the low salinity than the other ones in the moderate and high salinities. Red blood cell volume significantly increased in all of the experimental groups exposed to higher Ag-NP concentrations, especially those in the low salinity. In the moderate and high salinities, blood plasma total protein decreased in 10 and 32 ppm Ag-NP treatments, but albumin increased in the groups in the low salinity. Blood plasma ions (Cl−, Na+, K+, Ca2+, and Mg2+) showed high changes in the higher Ag-NP treatments. In all treatments, gill histological analysis demonstrated a time- and Ag-NP concentration-dependent extent of abnormalities, with the highest epithelial lifting in 1 ppm Ag-NPs in the low salinity and also the highest necrosis and aneurism in the 32 ppm treatments in other salinities. Lower Ag-NP concentrations in the low salinity led to fibrosis, villus fusion, inflammation, vacuolization, and microvillus hyperplasia in the gut, yet villi lifting and necrosis in 0.32 and 1 ppm of Ag-NPs were the main anomalies. In addition to the mentioned alterations, villi abolitions predominantly occurred in 32 ppm Ag-NP concentrations in the moderate and high salinities. Overall, despite exposing to lower Ag-NP concentrations, the fish kept in the low salinity demonstrated more vulnerability to Ag-NPs than those in the other salinities.
Alterations of antioxidant indexes and inflammatory cytokine expression aggravated hepatocellular apoptosis through mitochondrial and death receptor-dependent pathways in Gallus gallus exposed to arsenic and copper
Abstract
In this study, we sought to investigate the effects of sub-chronic exposure of arsenic (As) and copper (Cu) on oxidative stress, inflammatory response, and mitochondria and death receptor apoptosis pathways in chicken liver. Seventy-two 1-day-old male Hy-line chickens were treated with basal diet, 30 mg/kg arsenic trioxide (As2O3), or/and 300 mg/kg copper sulfate (CuSO4) for 4, 8, and 12 weeks. Study revealed that exposure to As or/and Cu undermined the antioxidant function and increased lipid peroxidation. Worse yet, liver cell swollen, vacuolar degeneration, and inflammatory cell infiltration were accompanied by an increase of the nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and its downstream inflammation-related genes after exposure to As or/and Cu. Furthermore, mitochondria swollen and chromatin condensation were found in As and Cu groups, and hepatocyte nuclear membrane rupture and markedly increased (P < 0.01) apoptosis index were observed in As combined with Cu group. Meanwhile, the transcription and protein expression levels of Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax), p53, cytochrome c (Cyt c), and caspase-3, 8, 9 were upregulated and B cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) was downregulated in As, Cu, and As + Cu groups in the liver tissues (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). Our results indicated that exposure to As or/and Cu could lead to oxidative stress, inflammatory response, and tissue damage and aggravate hepatocellular apoptosis through mitochondrial and death receptor-dependent pathways in chicken liver. And As and Cu showed a possible synergistic relationship in liver damage.
Detection of 2-aminoethylphosphonic acid in suspended particles in an ultraoligotrophic lake: a two-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance (2D-NMR) study
Abstract
Particulate organic phosphorus (P) compounds were examined in ultraoligotrophic Lake Saiko, Japan. A cartridge filter was used to collect sufficient amount of suspended particles for analysis by a two-dimensional NMR (1H-31P heteronuclear multiple bond correlation). 2-Aminoethylphosphonic acid (2-AEP), a phosphonate, was detected in suspended particles in Lake Saiko. The identity of the phosphonate was confirmed by comparison with a commercially available compound. Because 2-AEP is bioavailable, microorganisms can store and use this compound under extremely P-limited conditions. This is the first study to detect 2-AEP in an ultra-oligotrophic environment.
Correction to: Subcutaneous lipomas: A minimally invasive method for resection of subcutaneous lipomas preserving retaining ligaments
Abstract
The article Subcutaneous lipomas: A minimally invasivemethod for resection of subcutaneous lipomas preserving retaining ligaments, written by Akio Sakamoto, Takeshi Okamoto, Shuichi Matsuda, was originally published electronically on the publisher's internet portal (currently SpringerLink).
Implementation of GPU accelerated SPECT reconstruction with Monte Carlo-based scatter correction
Abstract
Objective
Statistical SPECT reconstruction can be very time-consuming especially when compensations for collimator and detector response, attenuation, and scatter are included in the reconstruction. This work proposes an accelerated SPECT reconstruction algorithm based on graphics processing unit (GPU) processing.
Methods
Ordered subset expectation maximization (OSEM) algorithm with CT-based attenuation modelling, depth-dependent Gaussian convolution-based collimator-detector response modelling, and Monte Carlo-based scatter compensation was implemented using OpenCL. The OpenCL implementation was compared against the existing multi-threaded OSEM implementation running on a central processing unit (CPU) in terms of scatter-to-primary ratios, standardized uptake values (SUVs), and processing speed using mathematical phantoms and clinical multi-bed bone SPECT/CT studies.
Results
The difference in scatter-to-primary ratios, visual appearance, and SUVs between GPU and CPU implementations was minor. On the other hand, at its best, the GPU implementation was noticed to be 24 times faster than the multi-threaded CPU version on a normal 128 × 128 matrix size 3 bed bone SPECT/CT data set when compensations for collimator and detector response, attenuation, and scatter were included.
Conclusions
GPU SPECT reconstructions show great promise as an every day clinical reconstruction tool.
Oral exposure of deltamethrin and/or lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced activation of the pulmonary immune system in Swiss albino mice
Abstract
The deltamethrin, a synthetic pyrethroid, is used worldwide and has been linked with several type of acute toxicity. However, effect of low level of deltamethrin alone or in combination with the microbial antigen on pulmonary system is not understood. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was used as antigen which is a key inflammatory component of gram-negative bacteria, which induces a distinctive pattern of cytokine release that regulates inflammation. The aim was to determine whether chronic exposure to a low level of deltamethrin alone or in combination with LPS impair the lung response in adult male Swiss albino mice. The mice were orally exposed to different doses of deltamethrin (0.1, 0.05, 0.005, 0.001 mg/kg bwt) and then immunized with LPS at the 60th day. None of the treatment groups contained residues of deltamethrin above the limits of quantification. Deltamethrin combined with LPS challenge caused significant lymphocytosis and neutropenia in group 1 (0.1 mg/kg) mice (P < 0.05). The highest dose of deltamethrin exposure (0.1 mg/kg bwt) alone altered the total cell count significantly in blood and total leukocyte count (TLC) and macrophage count in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. Microscopic pulmonary damage was evaluated by H&E staining and EM which indicated that two higher doses of deltamethrin, i.e., 0.1 and 0.05 mg/kg bwt, distinctly increased inflammatory cell infiltration and caused alveolar septa thickening and leukocyte infiltration into the alveolar septum (septal cell infiltration) in the lungs. Deltamethrin exposure alone and/or with endotoxin revealed different degrees of immunopositive reaction for Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and pro-inflammatory cytokine-like tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα) in different parts of the lungs. The expression of TLR4 and TNFα in the lung tissue was more pronounced in two higher dose groups. Thus, chronic low-level deltamethrin exposure may impair the main pro-inflammatory response in the lungs which is more pronounced in combination with LPS. Further research is required in direction of the mechanism of action of deltamethrin on the immune cell lineage and their differentiation.
Synthesis of NiO nanoparticles via a green route using Monsonia burkeana: The physical and biological properties
Publication date: Available online 21 March 2018
Source:Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology B: Biology
Author(s): P. Kganyago, L.M. Mahlaule-Glory, M.M. Mathipa, B. Ntsendwana, N. Mketo, Z. Mbita, N.C. Hintsho-Mbita
NiO nanoparticles have emerged as ideal candidates in various fields due to their magnetic, electrical and optical properties. The coupling of plant extracts that have anticancer and antibacterial properties with NiO nanoparticles has increased their usage in the biomedical field. In this work, we report on the novel synthesis of NiO nanoparticles using a local medicinal plant, Monsonia burkenea. The nickel nanoparticles were characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX), Scanning electron microscope (SEM), High-resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). FTIR showed that the extraction of the plant phytochemicals was successful and the green synthesized nanoparticles from plants contained the phytochemical groups that are found in the Monsonia burkeana plant. XRD and HRTEM confirmed the successful formation of NiO nanoparticles with an average particle size range of 20 nm. These results were also corroborated by elemental mapping and EDX, where the dominant groups were identified.The Monsonia burkeana NiO particles exhibited selective bactericidal activity against Gram-negative strains, such as E. coli and P. aeruginosa. Additionally, cytotoxicity studies showed the materials did not have any anti proliferative effect against A549 lung cancer cells but could be used as potential drug delivery vehicles against human cancers.
Graphical abstract
Authentication of an Italian PDO hazelnut (“Nocciola Romana”) by NIR spectroscopy
Abstract
Common hazelnuts are widely present in human diet all over the world, and their beneficial effects on the health have been extensively investigated and demonstrated. Different in-depth researches have highlighted that the harvesting area can define small variations in the chemical composition of the fruits, affecting their quality. As a consequence, it has become relevant to develop methodologies which would allow authenticating and tracing hazelnuts. In the light of this, the present work aims to develop a non-destructive method for the authentication of a specific high-quality Italian hazelnut, "Nocciola Romana," registered with a protected designation of origin (PDO). Thus, different samples of this fruit have been analyzed by near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy and then classification models have been built, in order to distinguish between the PDO fruits and the hazelnuts not coming from the designated region. In particular, two different classification approaches have been tested, a discriminant one, partial least squares-discriminant analysis, and a class-modeling one, soft independent modeling of class analogies. Both methods led to very high prediction capability in external validation on a test set (classification accuracy in one case, and sensitivity and specificity in the other, all higher than 92%), suggesting that the proposed methodologies are suitable for a rapid and non-destructive authentication of the product.
Biopsia selectiva del ganglio centinela de la región inguinal: técnica quirúrgica
Publication date: Available online 21 March 2018
Source:Actas Dermo-Sifiliográficas
Author(s): D. Moreno-Ramírez, J. Pérez-Anker, A. Perissinotti, R. Pigem, S. Podlipnik, I. Fragakis, T. Toledo Pastrana
Long-Term Neuroinflammation Induced by Influenza A Virus Infection and the Impact on Hippocampal Neuron Morphology and Function
Acute influenza infection has been reported to be associated with neurological symptoms. However, the long-term consequences of an infection with neurotropic and non-neurotropic influenza A virus (IAV) variants for the CNS remain elusive. We can show that spine loss in the hippocampus after infection with neurotropic H7N7 (rSC35M) and non-neurotropic H3N2 (maHK68) in female C57BL/6 mice persists well beyond the acute phase of the disease. Although spine number was significantly reduced at 30 d postinfection (dpi) with H7N7 or H3N2, full recovery could only be observed much later at 120 dpi. Infection with H1N1 virus, which was shown previously to affect spine number and hippocampus-dependent learning acutely, had no significant long-term effects. Spine loss was associated with an increase in the number of activated microglia, reduced long-term potentiation in the hippocampus, and impairment in spatial memory formation, indicating that IAV-associated inflammation induced functional and structural alterations in hippocampal networks. Transcriptome analyses revealed regulation of many inflammatory and neuron- and glia-specific genes in H3N2- and H7N7-infected mice at day 18 and in H7N7-infected mice at day 30 pi that related to the structural and functional alterations. Our data provide evidence that neuroinflammation induced by neurotropic H7N7 and infection of the lung with a non-neurotropic H3N2 IAV result in long-term impairments in the CNS. IAV infection in humans may therefore not only lead to short-term responses in infected organs, but may also trigger neuroinflammation and associated chronic alterations in the CNS.
SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT In the acute phase of influenza infection, neuroinflammation can lead to alterations in hippocampal neuronal morphology and cognitive deficits. The results of this study now also provide evidence that neuroinflammation induced by influenza A virus (IAV) infection can induce longer-lasting, virus-specific alterations in neuronal connectivity that are still detectable 1 month after infection and are associated with impairments in spatial memory formation. IAV infection in humans may therefore not only lead to short-term responses in infected organs, but may also trigger neuroinflammation and associated chronic alterations in the CNS.
Alzheimer's Disease and Sleep-Wake Disturbances: Amyloid, Astrocytes, and Animal Models
Sleep–wake abnormalities are common in patients with Alzheimer's disease, and can be a major reason for institutionalization. However, an emerging concept is that these sleep–wake disturbances are part of the causal pathway accelerating the neurodegenerative process. Recently, new findings have provided intriguing evidence for a positive feedback loop between sleep–wake dysfunction and β-amyloid (Aβ) aggregation. Studies in both humans and animal models have shown that extended periods of wakefulness increase Aβ levels and aggregation, and accumulation of Aβ causes fragmentation of sleep. This perspective is aimed at presenting evidence supporting causal links between sleep–wake dysfunction and aggregation of Aβ peptide in Alzheimer's disease, and explores the role of astrocytes, a specialized type of glial cell, in this context underlying Alzheimer's disease pathology. The utility of current animal models and the unexplored potential of alternative animal models for testing mechanisms involved in the reciprocal relationship between sleep disruption and Aβ are also discussed.
Dual Perspectives Companion Paper: Microglia-Mediated Synapse Loss in Alzheimer's Disease by Lawrence Rajendran and Rosa Paolicelli
Microglia-Mediated Synapse Loss in Alzheimer's Disease
Microglia are emerging as key players in neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). Thus far, microglia have rather been known as modulator of neurodegeneration with functions limited to neuroinflammation and release of neurotoxic molecules. However, several recent studies have demonstrated a direct role of microglia in "neuro" degeneration observed in AD by promoting phagocytosis of neuronal, in particular, synaptic structures. While some of the studies address the involvement of the β-amyloid peptides in the process, studies also indicate that this could occur independent of amyloid, further elevating the importance of microglia in AD. Here we review these recent studies and also speculate about the possible cellular mechanisms, and how they could be regulated by risk genes and sleep. Finally, we deliberate on possible avenues for targeting microglia-mediated synapse loss for therapy and prevention.
Dual Perspectives Companion Paper: Alzheimer's Disease and Sleep-Wake Disturbances: Amyloid, Astrocytes, and Animal Models by William M. Vanderheyden, Miranda M. Lim, Erik S. Musiek, and Jason R. Gerstner
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A Case of Diprosopus Tetraophthalmos: Ocular Findings and Surgical Treatment of Exposure KeratopathyDiprosopus is a rare variation of conjoined twinning. In this report, ophthalmic findings in an infant with diprosopus tetraophthalmos are p...
