The myth of the myth of supervenience

Abstract

Supervenience is necessary co-variation between two sets of entities (properties, facts, objects, etc.). In the good old days, supervenience was considered a useful philosophical tool with a wide range of applications in the philosophy of mind, metaethics, epistemology, and elsewhere. In recent years, however, supervenience has fallen out of favor, giving place to grounding, realization, and other, more metaphysically "meaty", notions. The emerging consensus is that there are principled reasons for which explanatory theses cannot be captured in terms of supervenience, or as the slogan goes: "Supervenience Is Nonexplanatory" (SIN). While SIN is widely endorsed, it is far from clear what it amounts to and why we should believe it. In this paper, I will distinguish various theses that could be meant by it, and will argue that none of them is both interesting and plausible: on some interpretations of 'explanatory', we have no reason to believe that supervenience is unexplanatory, while on other interpretations, supervenience is indeed unexplanatory, but widely accepted textbook cases of explanatory relations come out as unexplanatory, too. This result raises doubts as to whether there is any interesting sense in which SIN is true, and suggests that the contemporary consensus about supervenience is mistaken.

Emission and combustion profile study of unmodified research engine propelled with neat biofuels

Abstract

The current work focuses on the experimental investigation to analyze the combustion and emission characteristics of a direct injection diesel engine fueled with neat biodiesel (BD100) and different proportions of cyclohexanol blends as a fuel additive in various volume fractions. Cyclohexanol is dispersed into a neat biodiesel in a volume fraction of 10, 20, and 30 vol%. The biodiesel is produced from neem oil by the conventional transesterification process. The experimental results revealed that with the increased cyclohexanol fraction, the combustion was found smooth. The addition of cyclohexanol has a positive influence on various physical and chemical properties of neat biodiesel. The in-cylinder pressure is comparatively low for diesel followed by cyclohexanol and biodiesel blends when compared with neat biodiesel. This is due to shorter ignition delay period. The heat-release rate of neat biodiesel is the highest among all fuels. The overall HC emission of BD70COH30 is 12.19% lower than BD100 and 16.34% lower than diesel. The overall CO₂ emission of BD70COH30 is 13.91% higher than BD100 and 19.5% higher than diesel. The overall NO_x emission of BD70COH30 is 5.31% lower than BD100 at all load engine operations. The presence of 10, 20, and 30% of cyclohexanol in biodiesel decreased smoke emissions as compared with neat biodiesel and diesel. The overall smoke emission of BD70COH30 is 19.23% lower than BD100 and 25.51% lower than diesel. The overall CO emission of cyclohexanol blended with biodiesel by 30 vol% (BD70COH30) is 17% lower than neat biodiesel and 21.8% lower than diesel. Based on the outcome of this study, neem oil biodiesel and cyclohexanol blends can be employed as a potential alternative fuel for existing unmodified diesel engines owing to its lesser emission characteristics.

Therapeutic effect of the alkaloid extract of the cyanobacterium Spirulina platensis on the lipid profile of hypercholesterolemic male rabbits

Abstract

The authors' objectives are to investigate the therapeutic effect of alkaloid extract of cyanobacteria Spirulina platensis on the lipid profile of hypercholesterolemic male rabbits and to identify the active compounds in the alkaloid extract. Male rabbits were divided into four groups of six animals. The intact rabbits in the first group served as a negative control. The second group served as a positive control (hypercholesterolemic rabbits). Over a 4-week period, hypercholesterolemic rabbits in the third group received a low dose of alkaloid extract (33 mg/kg), and the hypercholesterolemic rabbits in the fourth group received a high dose (66 mg/kg). The results revealed that both doses of alkaloid extract significantly decreased levels of cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoproteins (LDL), and very low-density lipoproteins (VLDL) when compared to the control group, whereas the high-density lipoproteins (HDL) increased significantly compared to the control group. The active compounds in the alkaloid extract were identified using GC-mass. The most abundant compounds found in the extract were 1-(+)-ascorbic acid 2,6-dihexadecanoate, 9,12-octadecadienoic acid (Z, Z)-, hexadecanoic acid, 2-hydroxy-1- (hydroxymethyl) ethyl ester, and gamolenic acid.

Automatic segmentation of stereoelectroencephalography (SEEG) electrodes post-implantation considering bending

Abstract

Purpose

The accurate and automatic localisation of SEEG electrodes is crucial for determining the location of epileptic seizure onset. We propose an algorithm for the automatic segmentation of electrode bolts and contacts that accounts for electrode bending in relation to regional brain anatomy.

Methods

Co-registered post-implantation CT, pre-implantation MRI, and brain parcellation images are used to create regions of interest to automatically segment bolts and contacts. Contact search strategy is based on the direction of the bolt with distance and angle constraints, in addition to post-processing steps that assign remaining contacts and predict contact position. We measured the accuracy of contact position, bolt angle, and anatomical region at the tip of the electrode in 23 post-SEEG cases comprising two different surgical approaches when placing a guiding stylet close to and far from target point. Local and global bending are computed when modelling electrodes as elastic rods.

Results

Our approach executed on average in 36.17 s with a sensitivity of 98.81% and a positive predictive value (PPV) of 95.01%. Compared to manual segmentation, the position of contacts had a mean absolute error of 0.38 mm and the mean bolt angle difference of \(0.59^{\circ }\) resulted in a mean displacement error of 0.68 mm at the tip of the electrode. Anatomical regions at the tip of the electrode were in strong concordance with those selected manually by neurosurgeons, \(ICC(3,k)=0.76\) , with average distance between regions of 0.82 mm when in disagreement. Our approach performed equally in two surgical approaches regardless of the amount of electrode bending.

Conclusion

We present a method robust to electrode bending that can accurately segment contact positions and bolt orientation. The techniques presented in this paper will allow further characterisation of bending within different brain regions.

Global rigid registration of CT to video in laparoscopic liver surgery

Abstract

Purpose

Image-guidance systems have the potential to aid in laparoscopic interventions by providing sub-surface structure information and tumour localisation. The registration of a preoperative 3D image with the intraoperative laparoscopic video feed is an important component of image guidance, which should be fast, robust and cause minimal disruption to the surgical procedure. Most methods for rigid and non-rigid registration require a good initial alignment. However, in most research systems for abdominal surgery, the user has to manually rotate and translate the models, which is usually difficult to perform quickly and intuitively.

Methods

We propose a fast, global method for the initial rigid alignment between a 3D mesh derived from a preoperative CT of the liver and a surface reconstruction of the intraoperative scene. We formulate the shape matching problem as a quadratic assignment problem which minimises the dissimilarity between feature descriptors while enforcing geometrical consistency between all the feature points. We incorporate a novel constraint based on the liver contours which deals specifically with the challenges introduced by laparoscopic data.

Results

We validate our proposed method on synthetic data, on a liver phantom and on retrospective clinical data acquired during a laparoscopic liver resection. We show robustness over reduced partial size and increasing levels of deformation. Our results on the phantom and on the real data show good initial alignment, which can successfully converge to the correct position using fine alignment techniques. Furthermore, since we can pre-process the CT scan before surgery, the proposed method runs faster than current algorithms.

Conclusion

The proposed shape matching method can provide a fast, global initial registration, which can be further refined by fine alignment methods. This approach will lead to a more usable and intuitive image-guidance system for laparoscopic liver surgery.

IPCAI 2018 Special Issue: Information Processing for Computer-Assisted Interventions, 9th International Conference 2018—Part 1

Treatment outcome and prognostic factors of tonsillectomy for palmoplantar pustulosis and pustulotic arthro‐osteitis: A retrospective subjective and objective quantitative analysis of 138 patients

The Journal of Dermatology, EarlyView.

General dependencies and causality analysis of road traffic fatalities in OECD countries

Abstract

The road traffic accidents were responsible for material and human loss which was equal to 2.8 to 5% of gross national product (GNP). However, literature does not explore the elasticity coefficients and nexus of road traffic fatalities with foreign direct investment, health expenditures, trade openness, mobile subscriptions, the number of researchers in R&D department, and environmental particulate matter. This study filled this research gap by exploring the nexus between road traffic fatalities, foreign direct investment, health expenditures, trade openness, mobile subscriptions, the number of researchers, and environmental particulate matter in Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) countries by using panel data from 1995 to 2015. The panel Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) bound test was used for the detection of cointegration between the variables after checking the stationarity in selected variables with different panel unit root tests. Panel vector error correction model explored the causality of road traffic fatalities, foreign direct investment, PM2.5 in the environment, and trade openness in the long run. Road traffic fatalities showed short run bi-directional causality with foreign direct investment and health expenditures. The short run bi-directional causality was also observed between trade and foreign direct investment and cellular mobile subscriptions and foreign direct investment. The panel fully modified ordinary least square (FMOLS) and panel dynamic ordinary least square (DOLS) showed the 0.947% reduction in road fatalities for 1% increase in the health expenditures in OECD countries. The significant reduction in road fatalities was also observed due to 1% increase in trade openness and researchers in R&D, which implies the importance of trade and research for road safety. It is required to invest in the health sector for the safety of precious human lives like the hospitals with latest medical equipment and improvement in the emergency services in the country. The research and development activities should be enhanced especially for the health and transportation sectors. The trade of environment-friendly technology should be promoted for the protection of environment.

Chronic co-exposure to chlorpyrifos and deltamethrin pesticides induces alterations in serum lipids and oxidative stress in Wistar rats: mitigating role of alpha-lipoic acid

Abstract

The study evaluated the effect of combination of chlorpyrifos (CPF) and deltamethrin (DLT) on serum lipid profiles and oxidative stress in rats, and the mitigating role of alpha-lipoic acid (ALA). Thirty male rats were used for the 120-day study. Serum samples obtained at termination were evaluated for the levels of triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), malondialdehyde (MDA), and the activities of antioxidant enzymes. The levels of low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL), very low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (VLDL), and atherogenic index (AI) were calculated. The pesticide combination elevated the levels of TG, TC, LDL, VLDL, AI, and MDA, and decreased HDL level, and activities of CAT, SOD, and GPx. The alterations induced by CPF and DLT were alleviated by ALA, partly through its antioxidant properties. In conclusion, co-exposure to DLT and CPF altered serum lipids and increased oxidative stress changes in the rats, which were ameliorated by ALA.

Identification of toxic substances in phenol-acetone wastewater on activated sludge and selective toxicity removal performance with ferrous pretreatment

Abstract

We investigated the effects of toxic wastewater generated during the production of phenol-acetone on activated sludge and tested pretreatment methods to selectively remove the toxicity. We found that the microbial activity in the activated sludge was inhibited by the wastewater, in which cumene hydroperoxide (CHP) with a medium effective concentration (EC₅₀) of 225 mg L⁻¹ was the main toxic substance. We tested one pretreatment method with ferrous iron to selectively remove the CHP. The CHP decomposition process, which mainly produced acetophenone, was very quick. The CHP was selectively transformed into low-toxicity organics, and a maximum of 92% was removed when 1.08 mmol L⁻¹ of ferrous iron was added, for a reaction time of 10 min, a pH of 5, and a temperature of 25 °C, and the resulting wastewater only slightly inhibited the oxygen uptake rate of activated sludge. The acclimation of activated sludge was accelerated, and a COD removal rate of more than 85% was achieved within a week. Our results confirm that ferrous iron provides a cost-effective method to selectively remove toxins from wastewater.

Retention and release of hexavalent and trivalent chromium by chitosan, olive stone activated carbon, and their blend

Abstract

Shrimp shells and waste of olive stones were used as feedstock for the preparation of chitosan and activated carbon. The adsorption of Cr^VI and Cr^III species in aqueous solution by the materials prepared and their blend were studied by using the well-known kinetic and isotherm models, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscope. It was demonstrated that the rates of adsorption were controlled by diffusion inside particles and throughout the liquid film, and adsorption occurred spontaneously (− 26 < ∆G° < − 15 kJ/mol) in the range of 298–333 K, except for that involving Cr^III species and activated carbon. The maximum amounts of Cr species retained by the composite (146 mg of Cr^VI/g and 33 mg of Cr^III/g at 298 K) were three times greater than those of the basic constituents. Adsorption was markedly affected by temperature and pH, and Cr^VI species were substantially desorbed in acid mediums, particularly in acetic acid solution. The recovery of Cr^III species varied according to the adsorbent and the solution used. The immobilization of Cr^VI species (HCrO₄⁻ and CrO₄²⁻) and Cr^III species (Cr(OH)₂⁺ and Cr₃(OH)₄⁵⁺) by chitosan was accomplished by means of amine moieties and hydroxyls of D-glucosamine units of the biopolymer. The adsorption of Cr^VI species on activated carbon involved π electrons of aromatic rings as well as oxygenated sites (C–OH, C=O, C–O–C). In such a condition, Cr^VI was partially reduced into Cr^III. For the composite, the amino functional groups of chitosan and hydroxyls of both constituents were implicated in the linkage of the biopolymer and activated carbon, and the C–O–H and C–O–C functional groups of chitosan were involved in the retention of Cr^VI species. For Cr^III species, adsorption occurred preferentially on hydroxyls of the components, and consequently, the chains of the biopolymer recovered some flexibility.

A comparison between the four Geldart groups on the performance of a gas-phase annular fluidized bed photoreactor for volatile organic compound oxidation

Abstract

Heterogeneous photocatalytic oxidation (PCO) is a widely studied alternative for the elimination of volatile organic compounds (VOC) in air. In this context, research on novel photoreactor arrangements to enhance PCO rates is desired. Annular fluidized bed photoreactors (AFBPR) have yielded prominent results when compared to conventional thin film reactors. However, very few works aimed at optimizing AFBPR operation. In this study, TiO₂ photocalytic agglomerates were synthesized and segregated in specific size distributions to behave as Geldart groups A, B, C, and D fluidization. The TiO₂ agglomerates were characterized by XRD, FTIR spectra, and N₂ adsorption. Photocatalyst performances were compared in a 10-mm gapped AFBPR for degrading the model pollutant methyl-ethyl-ketone (MEK), using a 254-nm radiation source. Geldart group C showed to be inadequate for AFBPR operation due to the short operation range between fluidization and elutriation. In all the cases, photocatalytic reaction rates were superior to sole UV photolysis. Group A and group B demonstrated the highest reaction rates. Considerations based on mass transfer suggested that the reasons were enhanced UV distribution within the bed at lower flow rates and superior catalyst surface area at higher flow rates. Results also revealed that groups A, B, and D perform equally per catalyst area within an AFBPR if the fluidization numbers (FN) are high enough.

Notalgia paresthetica: cryolipolysis as a novel potential treatment

International Journal of Dermatology, EarlyView.

Acquired idiopathic generalised anhidrosis: A rare cause of sweating deficiency

Australasian Journal of Dermatology, EarlyView.

Trace elements concentration and distributions in coal and coal mining wastes and their environmental and health impacts in Shaanxi, China

Abstract

This study probe the probable impacts of coal mining pollution and its impacts on human's health and environment. A total of 144 samples including coal and coal wastes, soil, plants, foods, and water were collected from the Hancheng county and countryside of Shaanxi, China. All the samples were analyzed for trace elements using ICP-MS, OES, and AFS. Results showed that the concentration of Se, As, Cr, Cu, Pb, Cd, Co, Ni, Mo, U, Th (mgKg⁻¹), Fe, Mn, Al, Ti (%) etc., in coal and coal wastes were 7.5, 12.1, 275, 55, 54.2, 0.8, 14.8, 94.5, 8.9, 4.9, 17.2, 3.5, 0.02, 19, 0.7, respectively. While in soil 0.6, 12, 194, 27.5, 7.4, 0.6, 11.3, 83.4, 0.7, 1.7, 9.9, 3.1, 0.04, 10.5, and 0.4 for the above elements, respectively. In Hancheng foods, the average concentration of Se-0.09, As-0.15, Cr-1.8, Cu-3.2, Pb-0.4, Cd-0.02, Co-0.09, Ni-0.4, Mo-0.64, U-0.01, Th-0.03, Fe-129, Mn-15.6, Al-234, and Ti-5.2 in mgKg⁻¹, respectively, which are comparably higher than the countryside. The elemental concentration in groundwater of both areas was below the WHO-2004 standard. In Hancheng, the average daily intake (mgKg⁻¹bw/d) of Se 0.004–0.0038, As 0.004–0.13, Cr 0.055–0.06, Cd 0.001–0.004, Ni 0.018–13.91, Pb 0.05–0.001 adult-children, respectively. The toxic trace elements such as Cr, Cu, Mn, Pb, Ti, Cd, Co, Th, Fe, Al, and Mo caused non-carcinogenic risk with high morbidity in children than adults. By assessing environmental risks, coal and coal wastes caused high risk, food and plants faced moderate to high risk, while mountain and agriculture soil are prone to low to considerable risk. The pollution in Hancheng County is extreme as compared to the countryside. The study concluded that the contamination is geogenic in both the areas but coal mining enhance the metals contamination and has extensive impacts on the living community and environment of Hancheng areas.

Protective effects of Curcuma longa against neurobehavioral and neurochemical damage caused by cerium chloride in mice

Abstract

Cerium chloride (CeCl₃) is considered an environmental pollutant and a potent neurotoxic agent. Medicinal plants have many bioactive compounds that provide protection against damage caused by such pollutants. Curcuma longa is a bioactive compound-rich plant with very important antioxidant properties. To study the preventive and healing effects of Curcuma longa on cerium-damaged mouse brains, we intraperitoneally injected cerium chloride (CeCl₃, 20 mg/kg BW) along with Curcuma longa extract, administrated by gavage (100 mg/kg BW), into mice for 60 days. We then examined mouse behavior, brain tissue damage, and brain oxidative stress parameters. Our results revealed a significant modification in the behavior of the CeCl₃-treated mice. In addition, CeCl₃ induced a significant increment in lipid peroxidation, carbonyl protein (PCO), and advanced oxidation protein product levels, as well as a significant reduction in superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities. Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity remarkably increased in the brain of CeCl₃-treated mice. Histopathological observations confirmed these results. Curcuma longa attenuated CeCl₃-induced oxidative stress and increased the activities of antioxidant enzymes. It also decreased AChE activity in the CeCl₃-damaged mouse brain that was confirmed by histopathology. In conclusion, this study suggests that Curcuma longa has a neuroprotective effect against CeCl₃-induced damage in the brain.

Development and implementation of eco-genomic tools for aquatic ecosystem biomonitoring: the SYNAQUA French-Swiss program

Abstract

The effectiveness of environmental protection measures is based on the early identification and diagnosis of anthropogenic pressures. Similarly, restoration actions require precise monitoring of changes in the ecological quality of ecosystems, in order to highlight their effectiveness. Monitoring the ecological quality relies on bioindicators, which are organisms revealing the pressures exerted on the environment through the composition of their communities. Their implementation, based on the morphological identification of species, is expensive because it requires time and experts in taxonomy. Recent genomic tools should provide access to reliable and high-throughput environmental monitoring by directly inferring the composition of bioindicators' communities from their DNA (metabarcoding). The French-Swiss program SYNAQUA (INTERREG France-Switzerland 2017–2019) proposes to use and validate the tools of environmental genomic for biomonitoring and aims ultimately at their implementation in the regulatory bio-surveillance. SYNAQUA will test the metabarcoding approach focusing on two bioindicators, diatoms, and aquatic oligochaetes, which are used in freshwater biomonitoring in France and Switzerland. To go towards the renewal of current biomonitoring practices, SYNAQUA will (1) bring together different actors: scientists, environmental managers, consulting firms, and biotechnological companies, (2) apply this approach on a large scale to demonstrate its relevance, (3) propose robust and reliable tools, and (4) raise public awareness and train the various actors likely to use these new tools. Biomonitoring approaches based on such environmental genomic tools should address the European need for reliable, higher-throughput monitoring to improve the protection of aquatic environments under multiple pressures, guide their restoration, and follow their evolution.

Bird diversity and dissimilarity show contrasting patterns along heavy metal pollution gradients in the Urals, Russia

Abstract

The effects of industrial pollution on bird diversity have been widely studied using traditional diversity measures, which assume all species to be equivalent. We compared species richness and Shannon index with distance-based measures of taxonomic, functional, and phylogenetic diversity (the abundance-weighted mean nearest taxon distances), which describe within-community dissimilarity at terminal branches. Analysis of dissimilarity can shed light on the processes underlying community assembly, i.e., environmental filtering decreases dissimilarity whereas competitive exclusion increases it. In the 2-year study near Karabash and Revda copper smelters in Russia, point counts of nesting birds and habitat descriptions were taken at 10 sites (40 plots) along each pollution gradient. The abundance and diversity of birds showed good repeatability in both regions. The total density of birds, number of species per plot, and Shannon diversity decreased at high toxic load in both regions. The taxonomic, functional, and phylogenetic nearest taxon distances showed the same pattern within regions. Species dissimilarity within communities increased with pollution in Karabash (due to loss of functionally similar species), but did not change in Revda (due to mass replacement of forest species by species of open habitats). Pollution-induced changes in bird communities near Karabash were greater due to the stronger deterioration of the forest ecosystems and less favorable natural conditions (more arid climate, lower diversity and vitality of the tree stand and understorey) compared to Revda. This study emphasizes the need for a multi-level approach to the analysis of bird communities using traditional indices of diversity, functional, taxonomic, or phylogenetic distances between species and environmental variables.

Tracking nitrate sources in the Chaohu Lake, China, using the nitrogen and oxygen isotopic approach

Abstract

The Chaohu Lake is highly polluted and suffers from severe eutrophication. Nitrate is a key form of nitrogen that can cause water quality degradation. In this study, hydrochemical and dual isotopic approaches were utilized to identify the seasonal variation of nitrate sources in the Chaohu Lake and its inflowing rivers. The average nitrate concentrations ([NO₃⁻]) of the lake and its inflowing rivers were 89.9 and 140.8 μmol L⁻¹, respectively. The isotopic values of δ¹⁵N–NO₃⁻ and δ¹⁸O–NO₃⁻ in the lake ranged from − 1.01 to + 16.67‰ and from − 4.39 to + 22.20‰, respectively. The two major rivers had distinct isotopic compositions, with average δ¹⁵N–NO₃⁻ values of + 17.52 and + 3.51‰, and average δ¹⁸O–NO₃⁻ values of + 2.71 and + 7.47‰ for the Nanfei River and Hangbu River, respectively. The results show that soil organic ammonium and urban wastewater discharge were the main sources of nitrate in the Chaohu Lake, and nitrate assimilation was an important process affected [NO₃⁻] and isotopic compositions, especially in the western Chaohu Lake. The elevated [NO₃⁻] and δ¹⁵N–NO₃⁻ values in the western Chaohu Lake indicate the high influence of human activities. Urban wastewater discharge was the primary nitrate source in the Nanfei River and soil organic ammonium was the main source in the Hangbu River. Although nitrate from direct atmospheric deposition was low, its strong flushing effect can substantially improve riverine [NO₃⁻] and nitrate loading from terrestrial ecosystem. The relatively high nitrate fluxes from the Hangbu River indicate that nitrogen loading from agricultural watershed is unneglectable in watershed nitrogen sources reduction strategies.

Simultaneous accelerated solvent extraction and purification for the determination of 13 organophosphate esters in soils by gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry

Abstract

Through the optimization of extraction, purification, and determination parameters, a reliable and convenient analytical method for the simultaneous determination of 13 organophosphate esters in soils was developed. The method is based on one-step extraction and purification by accelerated solvent extraction and analysis by gas chromatography-ion trap tandem mass spectrometry. Under the optimal conditions, the method detection limits and method quantitation limits ranged from 0.10 to 0.22 ng/g and from 0.33 to 0.72 ng/g, respectively. The recoveries obtained were in the range of 81.7–107%, and the relative standard deviations were less than 12%. As compared to other methods, this proposed method was simple and time and solvent saving. The developed method was successfully applied to analyze organophosphate esters in soil samples collected from Liaohe estuarine wetland, China. Thirteen organophosphate esters were detected in all of the soil samples which indicated that Liaohe estuarine wetland has polluted by organophosphate esters.

Minimally invasive approach to suppurated cervical lymphadenitis in children: Our experience on 60 patients

Clinical Otolaryngology, EarlyView.

Transcanal Approach for Type 2 Tympanoplasty with Incus Interposition Ossiculoplasty: Our Experience on 134 Patients

Clinical Otolaryngology, EarlyView.

A case of generalized acquired cutis laxa

International Journal of Dermatology, EarlyView.

Stress and psoriasis

International Journal of Dermatology, EarlyView.

Paraneoplastic arthritis in a patient with Sézary syndrome

International Journal of Dermatology, EarlyView.

Drug survival of secukinumab for moderate‐to‐severe plaque psoriasis

British Journal of Dermatology, EarlyView.

Declining prevalence of allergic contact dermatitis caused by tosylamide formaldehyde resin in nail polish

Contact Dermatitis, EarlyView.

Contact allergy caused by methylisothiazolinone in a mouthwash as the likely trigger of oral pemphigus vulgaris

Contact Dermatitis, EarlyView.

The effect of treatment with anti‐interleukin‐17 in patients with allergic contact dermatitis

Contact Dermatitis, Volume 78, Issue 6, Page 431-432, June 2018.

Fenofibrate photoallergy – relevance of patch and photopatch testing

Contact Dermatitis, Volume 78, Issue 6, Page 413-414, June 2018.

Tacrolimus‐induced symmetric drug‐related intertriginous and flexural exanthema (SDRIFE)

Contact Dermatitis, Volume 78, Issue 6, Page 414-416, June 2018.

Issue Information

Contact Dermatitis, Volume 78, Issue 6, Page i-i, June 2018.

Standard practices and awareness concerning p‐phenylenediamine among salons that provide eyelash dyeing services

Contact Dermatitis, Volume 78, Issue 6, Page 433-434, June 2018.

Psoriasis patients’ preference for an aerosol foam topical formulation

Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, EarlyView.

Topical propranolol for infantile haemangiomas: a systematic review

Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, EarlyView.

Commentary on ‘Changing prevalence of diabetes mellitus in bullous pemphigoid: it is the dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitors’

Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, EarlyView.

Medically unexplained dermatologic symptoms still a problem

Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, EarlyView.

Fluorofenidone inhibits UV‐A induced senescence in human dermal fibroblasts via the mammalian target of rapamycin‐dependent SIRT1 pathway

The Journal of Dermatology, EarlyView.

Hearing impairment: A secondary symptom in a congenital ichthyosiform erythroderma patient with ABCA12 mutations

The Journal of Dermatology, EarlyView.

Mutations in mevalonate pathway genes in patients with familial or sporadic porokeratosis

The Journal of Dermatology, EarlyView.

Comparative study of the bactericidal effects of indocyanine green‐ and methyl aminolevulinate‐based photodynamic therapy on Propionibacterium acnes as a new treatment for acne

The Journal of Dermatology, EarlyView.

Bart's syndrome in a family affected three consecutive generations with mutation c.6007G>A in COL7A1

The Journal of Dermatology, EarlyView.

La e-dermatología en la formación del residente

Publication date: May 2018
Source:Actas Dermo-Sifiliográficas, Volume 109, Issue 4
Author(s): Lara Ferrándiz, David Moreno-Ramírez

Metástasis digital acral: presentación de 2casos clínicos

Publication date: Available online 1 May 2018
Source:Actas Dermo-Sifiliográficas
Author(s): A.J. Baños-Arévalo, N. López-Navarro, E. Gallego-Domínguez, E. Herrera
Las metástasis cutáneas aparecen en el 0,6-10,4% de los pacientes con tumores malignos y representan hasta el 2% de los tumores cutáneos. En algunos casos representan la primera manifestación de una neoplasia no conocida. Además pueden poner de manifiesto la progresión metastásica del tumor primario. Las metástasis de localización acral son particularmente raras. En la mayoría de los casos aparecen secundariamente a afectación ósea. Aunque la clínica es variable, generalmente se confunden con un proceso infeccioso o inflamatorio, retrasándose el diagnóstico. Cuando se localizan en los dedos de la mano la causa más frecuente es el carcinoma de pulmón, mientras que las localizadas en los dedos de los pies suelen deberse a tumores del tracto genitourinario. El estudio dermatopatológico en estos casos es fundamental para establecer el diagnóstico y orientar hacia el origen del tumor primario.Presentamos 2casos clínicos de metástasis digital acral. El primero de ellos representa el primer caso de la literatura de metástasis acral de mioepitelioma maligno (carcinoma mioepitelial) de mama y el otro una metástasis acral como manifestación inicial de carcinoma de pulmón.Cutaneous metastases appear in 0.6% to 10.4% of malignant tumors and account for 2% of all cutaneous tumors. Metastasis to the skin may arise from progression of a known primary tumor or provide the first sign of an unsuspected one. Acral metastases are particularly unusual. Most derive from bone tumors. Clinical signs vary and the lesions generally resemble infection or inflammation, leading to diagnostic delays. When metástasis involves the fingers, the primary tumor is usually lung carcinoma. In contrast, toe involvement usually derives from a tumor in the genitourinary tract. A pathologic diagnosis in these cases is necessary and will suggest the location of the primary tumor.We report 2 cases of metástasis to the fingers. One is the first report of acral metástasis of a myoepithelial carcinoma of the breast. The other concerns acral metástasis as the first sign of lung carcinoma.

Graphical abstract

Antineoplastic influence of nimesulide in chemically induced hepatocellular carcinoma by inhibition of DNA synthesis

Abstract

Hepatocellular carcinoma is emerging as one of the most common forms of cancer resulting in thousands of death worldwide. The purpose of this study was to screen nimesulide for anticancer activity in chemically induced hepatocellular carcinoma in Wistar rats as well as in BEL 7402 and HEP G2 cell lines. HCC in rats was induced by administering a single dose of diethyl nitrosamine (150 mg/kg) intraperitoneally. Duration of the in vivo study was 12 weeks and the anticancer potential was further confirmed by in vitro cell line study. Administration of DENA in Wistar rats significantly elevated the levels of serum biochemical parameters and α-feto protein. Treatment with different dose of nimesulide significantly decreased the markedly raised serum levels of biochemical parameters as well as maintained the histology of the liver tissues nearly similar to the normal. Further study of hepatocytes enzymes showed that treatment with nimesulide also improved the antioxidant enzyme levels. Our study also examined the cytotoxicity and DNA synthesis inhibition by nimesulide in BEL 7402 and Hep G2 cell lines. Cell viability was assessed by [³H]-thymidine uptake procedure. The results obtained by in vitro cell line study, histopathological and biochemical data concluded that nimesulide, a preferential COX-2 inhibitor, has anticancer activity, which is by first reducing the formation of reactive oxygen species and second by inhibiting the PGE₂ effect via Wnt signaling pathway (cell invasion, angiogenesis, and cell proliferation).

Editorial board

The Editor's Choice

Mitochondrial damage and cytoskeleton reorganization in human dermal fibroblasts exposed to artificial visible light similar to screen-emitted light

Human skin is the tissue most responsive to sunlight, which may impair its integrity and regeneration. Although the visible spectrum (400–700 nm) constitutes roughly 44% of sunlight [1], it was considered to have minimal impact on the skin because of its low energy. In recent decades, the visible part of the sunlight spectrum therefore received a little attention concerning its possible contribution to skin damage. However, observations of immediate skin pigmentation following exposure to visible light [2] sparked increased interest.

Distinct kinetics of two pathologies induced in mice by topical treatment with imiquimod cream: psoriasis-like inflammation and systemic autoimmunity

Perturbations of the immune system by a variety of microorganisms or endogenous molecules such as self-nucleic acids or antimicrobial peptides result in the activation of innate immunity through pattern recognition receptors (PRPs) and subsequent adaptive immunity to maintain the homeostasis of the body. However, abnormal responses of PRPs, including Toll-like receptors, can lead to the development of inflammatory diseases. It has been demonstrated that the TLR7 signaling pathway is involved in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in humans as well as in mouse models [1–3].

The Pedicled Anterolateral Thigh Phalloplasty

The anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap is a viable and reliable option for phalloplasty. The primary advantages of the ALT flap remain an inconspicuous donor site and flexibility in phallus length. The disadvantages of the ALT flap are a higher incidence of both flap and urethral complications compared with a radial forearm phalloplasty. Although the ALT phalloplasty can achieve the primary goals of standing micturition, penetrative intercourse, and an aesthetic phallus, multiple stages and revisions are often necessary. Careful patient selection is paramount in attaining acceptable results with the ALT phalloplasty technique.

Introduction to Phalloplasty

Phalloplasty represents the most complete genitoperineal transformation. Because it requires complex, staged procedures as well as the use of tissue from remote sites, patients must be well informed as to the nature of surgery. Surgical techniques for phalloplasty continue to evolve. Although many surgeons prefer the radial forearm free flap technique, a visible flap donor site makes this procedure less desirable for some patients. Other surgical options are available and include the anterolateral thigh flap, sometimes in conjunction with secondary flaps, and the musculocutaneous latissimus dorsi flap.

Penile Prostheses

Phalloplasty represents the most complete genitoperineal transformation for trans men. Although voiding while standing is a priority for most trans men, most patients want to use the neophallus for sexual experience after they are accustomed to their new voiding abilities. Different techniques have been used to obtain rigidity in the neophallus, often resulting in complications and failure. Implantation of an erectile prosthesis remains the best option for achieving sexual intercourse in trans men. This article discusses the current state of art of penile prostheses in trans men, including a description of the prostheses, techniques for implantation, and complications.

Radial Forearm

The radial forearm free flap phalloplasty provides a thin, potentially sensate, minimally hair-bearing cutaneous flap. Since its initial description, several modifications of the technique have emerged. The earliest dimensions described needed to be increased because of the increase amount of subcutaneous fat in the Western population. Incorporating a centrally placed neo-urethra with a distal extension that gets folded over to create a semblance of a neoglans eliminates the distal/meatal stenosis. Performing a urethral extension at a preliminary surgery and extending the neourethra proximally has improved the position of the neophallus and minimized proximal urethral strictures and fistulas in transgender men.

Male-to-Female Gender Reassignment Surgery

The major steps in vaginoplasty are orchiectomy, penile amputation, creation of the neovaginal cavity with lining, and reconstruction of urethral meatus, labia, and clitoris. During pedicled intestinal transfer, an intestinal segment is transferred in a dissected cavity between the bladder and rectum. The bowel harvest is performed by a total laparoscopic technique. It is imperative to create the labia majora and minora, the clitoris, and a clitoral hood to achieve the physiologic and aesthetic equivalent of female external genitalia. Intestinal vaginoplasty seems to be associated with a low rate of adverse events. Life-long vaginal hygiene and dilatation is recommended.

Hormone Therapy for Transgender Men

This article provides an account of the current understanding of hormone therapy options for transgender men and emphasizes the importance of continued physician-supervised monitoring for long-term care.

Primary Care for the Transgender and Gender Nonconforming Patient

All physicians are likely to encounter gender diverse patients, and some of these patients require medically necessary surgical procedures. It is optimal for surgeons to collaborate with other providers who interact with this patient population. Primary care physicians initiate treatment with consultation from mental health professionals and refer to surgeons when necessary. Best practices consist of preventative care, hormone therapy induction when indicated, monitoring of all health parameters, and continuing care medically and postoperatively.

Mental Health Evaluation for Gender Confirmation Surgery

The requests for medically necessary surgical interventions for transgender individuals have steadily increased over the past several years. So too has the recognition of the diverse nature of this population. The surgeon relies heavily on the mental health provider to assess the readiness and eligibility of the patient to undergo surgery, which the mental health provider documents in a referral letter to the surgeon. The mental health provider explores the individual's preparedness for surgery, expectations, and surgical goals and communicates with the surgeon and other providers to promote positive outcomes and inform multidisciplinary care.

Metoidioplasty

Transmasculine gender confirmation surgery remains challenging and demanding. As there is no perfect or standard procedure for creating male genitalia, practitioners continue to strive for better solutions. There are 2 goals in the surgical treatment of transgender persons: removal of the native genitalia and secondary sexual characteristics and creation of the desired genitalia and secondary sexual characteristics. In transmen, this often means removal of the uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries, and vagina and creation of the external genitalia. This article highlights metoidioplasty. Metoidioplasty with simultaneous removal of the internal genitalia may be performed in a single procedure.

Dermoscopy of the Hair and Nails, Second Edition, Antonella Tosti. CRC Press, Taylor & Francis Group, Boca Raton, FL (2016)

Publication date: March–April 2018
Source:Clinics in Dermatology, Volume 36, Issue 2
Author(s): Mark Juhl

Clinical Significance of Autoantibodies in Dermatomyositis and Systemic Sclerosis

Publication date: Available online 12 April 2018
Source:Clinics in Dermatology
Author(s): Danielle M. Tartar, Lorinda Chung, David F. Fiorentino
Autoimmune connective tissue diseases (AI-CTD), including dermatomyositis and systemic sclerosis, have a heterogeneous clinical presentation and prognosis; moreover, their clinical features are often incomplete and overlap with other rheumatic disorders, which can make diagnosis and prognostic stratification challenging. Specific autoantibodies have been associated with certain clinical findings as well as prognostic implications, and many new associations have been made over the last decade. While patient populations manifest considerable heterogeneity, autoantibodies can be used to help predict clinical features, prognosis, and response to therapy. In this review, the clinical and prognostic implications associated with disease-specific autoantibodies in dermatomyositis and scleroderma are summarized with an emphasis on how the clinician can use this information for patient care.

Systemic sclerosis - current concepts of skin and systemic manifestations

Publication date: Available online 12 April 2018
Source:Clinics in Dermatology
Author(s): David R. Pearson, Victoria P. Werth, Lisa Pappas-Taffer
Systemic sclerosis is an uncommon autoimmune connective tissue disease with multi-organ system involvement and significant associated morbidity and mortality. Cutaneous signs and symptoms are of particular importance as they may be recognized before systemic manifestations, allowing earlier risk stratification into the limited and diffuse cutaneous subtypes, as well as earlier initiation of treatment. Important cutaneous manifestations include Raynaud's phenomenon, digital ulcers, cutaneous sclerosis, calcinosis cutis, telangiectasias, pruritus, and dyspigmentation. Despite investigation of a wide variety of treatments, no FDA-approved pharmacologic therapies exist for systemic sclerosis, and data from high quality studies are limited. In the following review, we will discuss skin-directed therapies. While there is evidence to support specific treatments for Raynaud's phenomenon, digital ulcers, and cutaneous sclerosis, there are limited rigorous studies evaluating the treatment of other cutaneous signs and symptoms. Additional randomized-controlled trials and large observational studies are necessary to develop future evidence-based treatment options.

Editorial Board

Publication date: March–April 2018
Source:Clinics in Dermatology, Volume 36, Issue 2

Cutaneous Vasculitis in Rheumatologic Disease: - current concepts of skin and systemic manifestations

Publication date: Available online 10 April 2018
Source:Clinics in Dermatology
Author(s): Robert G. Micheletti
Cutaneous vasculitis may be limited to the skin, a manifestation of systemic vasculitis, or a sign of an important underlying disease state. A thorough and systematic approach is required for accurate diagnosis and evaluation of such patients in order to enable appropriate management of the vasculitis and any associated condition. Occasionally, cutaneous vasculitis is a manifestation or presenting sign of connective tissue disease, such as systemic lupus erythematosus, Sjögren syndrome, or another condition. Such patients are at risk for poor outcomes related to systemic manifestations of vasculitis, as well as increased severity of the underlying disease. Recognition of this important subset of patients with skin vasculitis enables appropriate work-up and successful management.

Raynaud's Phenomenon: current concepts of skin and systemic manifestations

Publication date: Available online 10 April 2018
Source:Clinics in Dermatology
Author(s): Thomas Stringer, Alisa N. Femia
Raynaud's phenomenon (RP) is a transient, acral, vasospastic phenomenon that manifests with characteristic color changes. This vasospasm, classically triggered by cold temperatures, may also be driven by shifts in temperature, climate, or emotional state. Primary RP (PRP) is a common condition without severe sequelae. Secondary RP (SRP), which may be driven by vascular, autoimmune, hematologic, or endocrine etiologies, can result in digital ulceration, irreversible ischemia and necrosis, and secondary infection. This review delineates the clinical manifestations of both primary and secondary RP as well as current understanding of RP epidemiology and pathogenesis. Proper examination, including nailfold capillary microscopy, and laboratory workup for secondary causes of RP are also discussed. The traditional armamentarium of therapies used for RP as well as newer medical and surgical options are also summarized with particular regard to the clinical evidence for their efficacy.

Eosinophilic Fasciitis: Current concepts of skin and systemic manifestations

Publication date: Available online 10 April 2018
Source:Clinics in Dermatology
Author(s): Nicole Fett, Megan Arthur
Eosinophilic fasciitis (EF) is an uncommon connective tissue disease characterized by abrupt onset of edema, followed by progressive induration of primarily the distal extremities. Patients may exhibit inflammatory arthritis, joint contractures, decreased mobility, and nerve entrapment. Almost half of patients with EF may have coexisting morphea plaques. Classic laboratory studies display peripheral eosinophilia, hypergammaglobulinemia, and elevated inflammatory markers. EF is included in the spectrum of scleroderma-like disorders and may be difficult to distinguish from other sclerosing skin disorders. Full thickness biopsy containing muscle and fascia is considered the gold standard for diagnosis and reveals sclerosis of the mid-deep dermis, subcutaneous fat, and thickening of the fascia. MRI has been increasingly utilized to augment diagnostic capabilities. Ultimately, the diagnosis of EF relies upon the combination of characteristic clinical, laboratory, imaging, and histologic findings. While some patients experience spontaneous remission, systemic corticosteroids (SCS) are the mainstay of treatment. Patients who fail to improve with SCS alone require the addition of a second immunosuppressive drug. Additionally, although data are limited, there is evidence to suggest that initial combination therapy with SCS, and methotrexate may be most beneficial.

Dermatomyositis – Current Concepts of Skin and Systemic Manifestations

Publication date: Available online 12 April 2018
Source:Clinics in Dermatology
Author(s): Ivan Bogdanov, Jana Kazandjieva, Razvigor Darlenski, Nikolai Tsankov
Dermatomyositis (DM) is a multifactorial chronic autoimmune disorder with characteristic skin changes and involvement of different organ systems including the muscles, blood vessels, joints, esophagus, and lungs. In terms of epidemiology, DM affects both children and adults—it is most often observed beyond the age of 40, but there is also a peak of incidence between 5 and 12 years of age. The current paradigm describing the pathophysiology of DM is an autoimmune attack on affected organs that is triggered by environmental factors such as UV exposure, drugs, infection, and lifestyle decisions in genetically susceptible individuals. Importantly, DM is also regarded as a paraneoplastic phenomenon, as cancer may precede, occur concurrently with, or follow the development of the clinical signs of DM. The cutaneous manifestations of DM can be categorized as pathognomonic, characteristic, compatible, less common, rare, recent, and non-specific. The treatment of DM is a difficult task due to its rarity, its multiple phenotypes, and the fact that the disease may affect multiple organs and is commonly treatment-refractory. The lack of randomized, controlled intervention trials and, until recently, the insufficiency of validated, clinically meaningful outcome instruments in part contribute to the lack of approved treatments.

Morphea: current concepts of skin and systemic manifestations

Publication date: Available online 10 April 2018
Source:Clinics in Dermatology
Author(s): Stephanie Florez-Pollack, Elaine Kunzler, Heidi T. Jacobe
Morphea is an inflammatory, sclerosing skin disorder that can involve the underlying soft tissues. Although the cause of morphea remains poorly investigated, genetic predisposition, immune dysregulation, and environmental factors have been implicated. Morphea is associated with cosmetic and functional sequelae, while internal organ involvement is rare. Early diagnosis and treatment are imperative to minimize damage such as limitation of range of motion. This review summarizes advances in diagnosis and treatment of morphea, allowing clinicians to better serve patients with this condition.

Cutaneous lupus erythematosus - reflecting on practice changing observations over the past 50years

Publication date: Available online 10 April 2018
Source:Clinics in Dermatology
Author(s): Jeffrey P. Callen
I discuss some of the historical observations that have led to our current understanding of the diagnosis, evaluation, and management of patients with cutaneous lupus erythematosus. In addition, I examine the relationship of skin lesions to systemic disease and highlight what I consider to be seminal advances in our knowledge including the development of a classification system for cutaneous lupus, the use of a validated scoring system to assess patients' disease activity and damage, expansion of our knowledge of the action spectrum of this disease, observations about drugs as causes of subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus, the risk of progression from 'pure' cutaneous disease to systemic disease, and some new observations about traditional therapies as well as some of the newer therapies that might be used.

Less common rheumatologic disorders: - current concepts of skin and systemic manifestations

Publication date: Available online 10 April 2018
Source:Clinics in Dermatology
Author(s): Taraneh Paravar
The cutaneous manifestations of the common rheumatologic disorders, such as systemic lupus erythematosus, dermatomyositis, and systemic sclerosis, are well known. In contrast, the dermatologic findings of less common rheumatologic disorders, including Sjögren syndrome, mixed connective tissue disease, and relapsing polychondritis, are less widely known. The cutaneous manifestations of these connective tissue disorders are reviewed.

Dual protective effect of ginger and rosemary extracts against CCl 4 -induced hepatotoxicity in rats

Abstract

The present study aimed to investigate the protective effect of aqueous extracts of ginger (GE) and rosemary (RE), both individually and in combination, on carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄)-induced liver injury in adult male rats. CCl₄ induced significant increase in liver enzymes, bilirubin, triglycerides, and total cholesterol while total protein, albumin, and globulin were significantly decreased. Also, the activity of cytochrome P₄₅₀ (CYP) and oxidative stress markers were found to be elevated with a concomitant decrease in the activity of antioxidant enzymes in hepatic tissue. Supplementation with extracts of ginger or rosemary effectively relieved most of the CCl₄-induced alterations when administered singly. The joint therapy of the two extracts was more effective. The histological investigation strongly confirmed the highly protective effect of the two plant extracts in the hepatocytes. These findings suggest that rosemary and ginger extracts are effective in improving both the function and structure of the hepatocytes through their potent antioxidant effect and point out to the possibility of using a combination of both as an adjunct therapy in liver diseases.

Bioaccumulation of As, Hg, and Se in tunas Thunnus albacares and Katsuwonus pelamis from the Eastern Pacific: tissue distribution and As speciation

Abstract

With the aim of knowing the distribution of As, Hg, and Se in skipjack (Katsuwonus pelamis, Linnaeus, 1758) and yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares, Bonnaterre, 1788) from the Eastern Pacific, elemental concentrations were determined in the muscle and liver; As species were also analyzed in the stomach content. Additionally, health risk for consumers was assessed. For both tunas, levels of As and Se were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in the liver than in the muscle. In K. pelamis, Hg concentrations in the muscle were significantly higher (p < 0.05) than those in the liver. In T. albacares, As, Hg, and Se showed a trend to increase with fish dimensions. Arsenic extractability was better in the muscle than in the liver of both species; in K. pelamis, As species were better extracted than in T. albacares. In both tuna species, the most extractable arsenic was arsenobetaine (AsB) and a minor part was dimethylarsinic acid (DMA). The liver contained mainly AsB with some DMA and arsenocholine (AsC). Hazard indexes (HI) indicated no risk from Hg and Se intake through these tuna species. Considering the individual contribution to the HI, Hg contributed more (80 to 86%) than Se. In the context of health risk, none of the As and Hg values were above the permissible limits; however, two samples of T. albacares (9%) and three samples of K. pelamis (12%) had Se concentrations over the limits. If Hg and Se in the edible portion of tuna are considered under the approach of the HBV_Se, tuna consumption is beneficial.

Application of feature selection and regression models for chlorophyll-a prediction in a shallow lake

Abstract

As a representative index of the algal bloom, the concentration of chlorophyll-a (Chl-a) is a key parameter of concern for environmental managers. The relationships between environmental variables and Chl-a are complex and difficult to establish. Two machine learning methods, including support vector machine for regression (SVR) and random forest (RF), were used in this study to predict Chl-a concentration based on multiple variables. To improve the model accuracy and reduce the input number, two feature selection methods, including minimum redundancy and maximum relevance method (mRMR) and RF, were integrated with regression models. The results showed that the RF model had a higher predictive ability than the SVR model. Furthermore, the less computational time cost and unnecessary prior data transformation also indicated a better applicability of the RF model. The comparison between ensemble models of mRMR-RF and RF-RF showed that the RF-RF yielded a better performance with fewer variables. Seven variables selected from the candidate predictors could interpret most information, and their potential implications to Chl-a were discussed based on the level of importance. Overall, the RF-RF ensemble model can be considered as a useful approach to determine the significant stressors and achieve satisfactory prediction of Chl-a concentration.

Le lambeau fasciocutané fibulaire en ilôt

Publication date: Available online 4 May 2018
Source:Annales de Chirurgie Plastique Esthétique
Author(s): A.-C. Masquelet, J. Gaillard, A. Cambon-Binder, R. Mauprivez
L'artère fibulaire émet le long de son parcours de nombreuses perforantes cutanées qui irriguent la face postéro-latérale de jambe. Ces perforantes sont reliées entre elle par des arcs anastomotiques qui constituent un véritable réseau supra-fascial. Nous présentons une courte série clinique de cinq cas de lambeau fascio cutané fibulaire en ilôt dont la palette cutanée et le pédicule adipo-fascial ont été prélevés en regard de l'axe fibulaire. Quatre lambeaux à point de pivot distal ont été réalisés pour des pertes de substance du tiers inférieur de jambe (3 cas) et de la face latérale du talon (1 cas). Un lambeau à point de pivot proximal a permis de réparer une perte de substance de la région du genou. Tous les lambeaux ont cicatrisé en totalité sans congestion veineuse. Le lambeau fascio cutané fibulaire offre de nombreux avantages : position opératoire de prélèvement qui permet un accès aisé à la face antéro-médiale de jambe, préservation du nerf sural et de la veine petite saphène, point de pivot du pédicule qui peut être choisi sur la projection du trajet de l'artère fibulaire. Sous réserve de placer au tiers moyen de jambe le point de pivot distal du pédicule adipo-fascial, il est possible d'associer un lambeau sural distal. En pratique, le lambeau fibulaire en ilôt nous paraît particulièrement indiqué pour les pertes de substance du tiers distal de jambe.The perforators of the fibular artery provide a well vascularised supra fascial network which allows to raise a proximally or a distally based island fascio cutaneous flap with an adipo-fascial pedicle. We present a short series of five cases of this flap for coverage of soft tissue defects involving the region of the knee, the distal third of the leg and the lateral aspect of the heel. All flaps healed entirely without venous congestion. The advantages of the fascio cutaneous fibular island flap are the supine operative position, the preservation of the sural nerve and the lesser saphenous vein and a pivot point which can be located at the middle third of the leg. According to our experience, the fascio cutaneous fibular island flap is especially indicated for repairing defects of the distal leg.

A novel strategy for water disinfection with a AgNPs/gelatin sponge filter

Abstract

Disinfection of bacteria in water with sustainable and energy-efficient methods is still a great challenge. Herein, a novel gelatin sponge with embedded AgNPs is fabricated via freeze-drying using gelatin as the reducing agent to synthesize AgNPs in situ. UV-vis spectroscopy, HRTEM, XRD, and XPS characterization prove the formation of AgNPs with an average size of 8.55 ± 0.35 nm. TEM and SEM images confirm the even distribution of AgNPs throughout the AgNPs/gelatin sponges. The composite sponge has a low bulk density of 20 ± 3.5 mg/cm³ and a pore size of 6.2 ± 1.5 μm. The AgNPs/gelatin sponges exhibit excellent antibacterial performance to E. coli in water, probably by destroying their cell membranes. The porous AgNPs/gelatin composite sponges are promising filter materials for water disinfection. The removal rate of AgNPs/gelatin composite sponges on E. coli reached almost 100%.

Graphical abstract

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Impact of Mono‐Fluorination on the Photophysics of the Flavin Chromophore

Photochemistry and Photobiology, EarlyView.

Gene therapy knockdown of VEGFR2 in retinal endothelial cells to treat retinopathy

Abstract

Inhibition of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) raises concerns for premature infants because VEGF is essential for retinovascular development as well as neuronal and glial health. This study tested the hypothesis that endothelial cell-specific knockdown of VEGF receptor 2 (VEGFR2), or downstream STAT3, would inhibit VEGF-induced retinopathy without delaying physiologic retinal vascular development. We developed an endothelial cell-specific lentiviral vector that delivered shRNAs to VEGFR2 or STAT3 and a green fluorescent protein reporter under control of the VE-cadherin promoter. The specificity and efficacy of the lentiviral vector-driven shRNAs were validated in vitro and in vivo. In the rat oxygen-induced retinopathy model highly representative of human ROP, the effects of endothelial cell knockdown of VEGFR2 or STAT3 were determined on intravitreal neovascularization (IVNV), physiologic retinal vascular development [assessed as area of peripheral avascular/total retina (AVA)], retinal structure, and retinal function. Targeted knockdown of VEGFR2 or STAT3 specifically in retinal endothelial cells by subretinal injection of lentiviral vectors into postnatal day 8 rat pup eyes efficiently inhibited IVNV, and knockdown of VEGFR2 also reduced AVA and increased retinal thickness without altering retinal function. Taken together, our results support specific knockdown of VEGFR2 in retinal endothelial cells as a novel therapeutic method to treat retinopathy.

Current trends in needle-free jet injection: an update

Response to: Can patch test sensitization with gold sodium thiosulfate be ruled out?—A case report

Contact Dermatitis, EarlyView.

Eyelid allergic contact dermatitis after intravitreal injections of anti‐vascular endothelial growth factor: What is the culprit? A report of 3 cases

Contact Dermatitis, EarlyView.

Allergic contact dermatitis and diabetes medical devices: 2 clinical cases

Contact Dermatitis, EarlyView.

Allergic contact dermatitis caused by Irganox 1076 used as antioxidant in non‐woven fabric

Contact Dermatitis, EarlyView.

A case of allergic contact dermatitis caused by goalkeeper gloves

Contact Dermatitis, EarlyView.

Ramadan Exposure In utero and Child Mortality in Burkina Faso: Analysis of a Population-Based Cohort Including 41,025 Children

Abstract

Ramadan exposure in utero can be regarded as a natural experiment to study how nutritional conditions in utero influence susceptibility to disease later in life. We analyzed data from rural Burkina Faso on 41,025 children born between 1993 and 2012, of which 25,093 to Muslim mothers. Ramadan exposure was assigned based on overlap between Ramadan dates and gestation, creating seven exclusive categories. We used proportional hazards regression with difference-in-differences to estimate the association between Ramadan exposure at different gestational ages and under-five mortality. Under-five mortality was 32 deaths per 1,000 child-years. Under-five mortality among Muslims was 15% higher than among non-Muslims (P < 0.001). In the difference-in-differences analysis, Ramadan occurrence during conception, first, or second trimester was associated with higher under-five mortality rates, only among Muslims. The mortality rates of children born to Muslim mothers were 33%, 29% and 22% higher when Ramadan occurred during conception, first and second trimester, respectively, than among children of non-Muslim mothers born at the same time (P = 0.01, P < 0.001 and P = 0.007). Having a Muslim mother was not associated with mortality when not exposed to Ramadan, born during Ramadan or exposed during the third trimester. Observance of Ramadan during early pregnancy can have detrimental consequences for the future health of the unborn child.

Ramadan, Pregnancy, Nutrition, and Epidemiology

Abstract

Ramadan is observed by 1.6 billion Muslims. In a paper published this month that uses data from the Nouna Health and Demographic Surveillance System site in Burkina Faso, it is found that experiencing Ramadan in early pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of child mortality. Ramadan exposes observant individuals to a specific pattern of nutrition and other behaviors, including changes in sleep patterns. How these behaviors might result in child mortality is not yet understood, and the findings reported in the paper should be replicated in other settings.

A Matter of Survival: The Detrimental Consequences of Adverse Early Life Conditions

Abstract

Studies across different species have shown that moderate dietary restriction is associated with longer lifespan. Surprisingly however, when diet is restricted in prenatal life, the effect is completely the opposite. Animal work and human epidemiologic data have shown that undernutrition in utero negatively affects health in later life and reduces lifespan considerably. In this issue of the American Journal of Epidemiology, Schoeps et al. provide new evidence that variations in nutritional conditions during pregnancy relate to the future health of the unborn child (1). In a detailed analysis of data from Muslim and non-Muslim pregnant women in Burkina Faso, they showed that the occurrence of Ramadan in early life was strongly associated with under-five mortality rates. Mortality rates were highest when Ramadan had occurred in the pre-conception period or during the first trimester. That nutritional conditions in early life can have such profound consequences for child mortality is both astonishing and extremely relevant from a public health perspective.

Authors’ Response to Commentaries

Prospective Feasibility and Safety Assessment of Surgical Biopsy for Patients with Newly Diagnosed Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma

Abstract

Background

Diagnosis of diffuse intrinsic pontine gliomas (DIPG) has relied on imaging studies since the appearance is pathognomonic, and surgical risk was felt to be high and unlikely to affect therapy. The DIPG Biology and Treatment Study (DIPG-BATS) reported here incorporated a surgical biopsy at presentation and stratified subjects to receive FDA-approved agents chosen on the basis of specific biologic targets.

Methods

Subjects were eligible for the trial if the clinical features and imaging appearance of a newly diagnosed tumor were consistent with a DIPG. Surgical biopsies were performed after enrollment and prior to definitive treatment. All subjects were treated with conventional external beam radiotherapy with bevacizumab, and then stratified to receive bevacizumab with erlotinib or temozolomide, both agents, or neither agent, based on MGMT and EGFR status. Whole-genome sequencing and RNA-sequencing were performed but not used for treatment assignment.

Results

Fifty-three patients were enrolled at 23 institutions, and 50 underwent biopsy. The median age was 6.4 years, with 24 male and 29 female subjects. Surgical biopsies were performed a specified technique and no deaths were attributed to the procedure. Two subjects experienced grade 3 toxicities during the procedure (apnea (n=1) and hypertension (n=1)). One subject experienced a neurologic deficit (left hemiparesis) that did not fully recover. Of the 50 tumors biopsied, 46 provided sufficient tissue to perform the study assays (92%, two-stage exact binomial 90% confidence interval 83-97%).

Conclusions

Surgical biopsy of DIPGs is technically feasible, associated with acceptable risks and can provide biologic data that informs treatment decisions.

Assessing the predictability of IDH mutation and MGMT methylation status in glioma patients using relaxation-compensated multi-pool CEST MRI at 7.0 Tesla

Abstract

Background

Early identification of prognostic superior characteristics in glioma patients such as Isocitrate dehydrogenase(IDH)-mutation and O6-methylguanine-DNA-methyltransferase (MGMT) promotor methylation status is of great clinical importance. The study purpose was to investigate the non-invasive predictability of IDH-mutation status, MGMT promotor methylation, and differentiation of lower versus higher grade glioma (LGG vs. HGG) in newly-diagnosed patients employing relaxation-compensated multi-pool Chemical Exchange Saturation Transfer (CEST) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at 7.0 Tesla (7T).

Methods

Thirty-one newly-diagnosed glioma patients were included in this prospective study. CEST MRI was performed at a 7T whole-body scanner. Nuclear Overhauser Effect (NOE) and isolated amide proton transfer (APT, downfield NOE-suppressed APT=dns-APT) CEST signals (mean value and 90^th signal percentile) were quantitatively investigated in the whole tumor area with regard to predictability of IDH-mutation, MGMT promotor methylation status, and differentiation of LGG vs. HGG. Statistics were performed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) and area under the curve (AUC) analysis. Results were compared to advanced MRI methods (apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and relative cerebral blood volume (rCBV) ROC/AUC analysis) obtained at 3T.

Results

dns-APT CEST contrasts yielded highest AUCs in IDH-mutation status prediction (dns-APT_mean=91.84%, p<0.01; dns-APT₉₀=97.96%, p<0.001). Furthermore, dns-APT metrics enabled significant differentiation of LGG vs. HGG (AUC: dns-APT_mean=0.78, p<0.05; dns-APT₉₀=0.83, p<0.05). There was no significant difference regarding MGMT promotor methylation status at any contrast (p>0.05).

Conclusions

Relaxation-compensated multi-pool CEST MRI, particularly dns-APT imaging, enabled prediction of IDH-mutation status and differentiation of LGG vs. HGG and should therefore be considered as non-invasive MR biomarker in the diagnostic workup.

Rectal cancer: ESMO Clinical Practice Guidelines for diagnosis, treatment and follow-up

Ann Oncol 2017; 28: iv22–iv40 (doi:10.1093/annonc/mdx224)

Management of infusion reactions to systemic anticancer therapy: ESMO Clinical Practice Guidelines

Ann Oncol 2017; 28: iv100–iv118 (doi:10.1093/annonc/mdx216)

Activity and safety of crizotinib in patients with advanced clear-cell sarcoma with MET alterations: European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer phase II trial 90101 ‘CREATE’

Ann Oncol 2017; 28: 3000–3008 (doi: 10.1093/annonc/mdx527)

Cervical cancer: ESMO Clinical Practice Guidelines for diagnosis, treatment and follow-up

Ann Oncol 2017; 28: iv72–iv83 (doi:10.1093/annonc/mdx220)

De-escalating and escalating treatments for early-stage breast cancer: the St. Gallen International Expert Consensus Conference on the Primary Therapy of Early Breast Cancer 2017

Ann Oncol 2017; 28: 1700–1712 (doi: 10.1093/annonc/mdx308)

The essence of agency is discovered, not defined: a minimal mindreading argument

Abstract

In this paper I give a novel argument for this view that the AGENT concept has an externalist semantics. The argument argues the conclusion from two premises: first, that our first relationships to agents is through a subpersonal mechanism which requires for its function an agential proto-concept which refers directly; and second, that there is a continuity of reference between this proto-concept and the mature concept AGENT. I argue the first on the basis of results in the developmental psychology of social cognition. I argue the second on the basis of a process of elimination, by considering three possibilities for the relationship between the two concepts. On the basis of these two premises the conclusion is drawn that AGENT is a concept that refers directly. That has the following consequences for the philosophy of action: first, that "action" is not an appropriate term for reductive analysis, as the causal theory of action assumes; and second, that we should be looking to the appropriate empirical disciplines for an elucidation of the concept.

Effect of metals on zooplankton abundance and distribution in the coast of southwestern Taiwan

Abstract

Three transects were established along the southwestern coast of Taiwan; transects from north to south were respectively extended from the Kaohsiung Harbor, Kaoping River estuary, and Fangshan River estuary. Six metals including Pb, Cd, Cr, Cu, Zn, and Ni were analyzed in the zooplankton and seawater samples. A total of 24 groups of zooplankton were identified. Calanoid was the frequently collected group and accounted for greater than 40% of the relative abundance of zooplankton. Results showed that metal concentrations in seawater close to coast were higher than those in the outside of transect. The mean of metal concentrations in zooplankton followed the hierarchy: Zn > Cu > Pb > Ni > Cr > Cd. On the whole, metal concentrations in zooplankton from sampling sites in the coastal region were observed to be higher than those in the offshore region. The bioconcentration factor of zooplankton ranged within 10³–10⁵ for all studied metals and indicated that zooplankton in the seawater of southwestern Taiwan can accumulate metal even at background concentrations of metals. The value of diversity indices exhibited an increase in the distance to the coast, whereas the abundance showed no significant correlation with that. Consequently, the lowest mean abundance of zooplankton and the highest average metal bioaccumulation were found in transect outside Kaohsiung Harbor, representing that Kaohsiung Harbor has the contamination of anthropogenic metals that results in the impact on zooplankton.

Differential sensitivity to the antifouling chemical medetomidine between wood frog and American toad tadpoles with evidence for low-dose stimulation and high-dose inhibition of metamorphosis

Abstract

Antifouling chemicals are legacy contaminants in aquatic ecosystems. Previous experiments have shown that a 14-day exposure to the antifouling chemical medetomidine delays metamorphosis and reduces body mass in wood frog tadpoles. In the present study, we exposed wood frog tadpoles to medetomidine for 3, 7, and 10 days at 100 nM, 1 μM, and 10 μM. We also exposed American toad tadpoles to medetomidine for 3 days at four concentrations (10 nM, 100 nM, 1 μM, and 10 μM) in static renewal experiments. In each experiment, we measured growth, frequency and time to metamorphosis, and mass at metamorphosis. In both species, medetomidine significantly slowed development as measured by the Gosner stage. After 34 days in culture, wood frog tadpoles exposed to 1 and 10 μM medetomidine for as few as 3 days were significantly less developed compared to controls. Toads exposed to 1 μM medetomidine for 3 days were also significantly less developed on day 27, but by day 34, there was no difference from controls. For wood frogs, medetomidine significantly affected time to metamorphosis with a trend for tadpoles at lower concentrations metamorphosing sooner than those at higher concentrations. While medetomidine affected time to metamorphosis in wood frogs, it did not affect fresh mass, dry mass, or mortality compared to controls. Wood frog tadpoles that did not metamorphose after over 90 days in culture were more frequent in high-concentration groups than in the control. In toads, 10 μM medetomidine was 100% lethal within 23 days, but at the same concentration and duration, no wood frog tadpoles died. Lower concentrations were also significantly lethal to toads compared to controls, but tadpoles that survived in 10 and 100 nM metamorphosed sooner than those in 1 μM. Fresh mass of toad tadpoles exposed to 1 μm was significantly smaller at metamorphosis compared to that of controls. Medetomidine also affected the behavior of tadpoles. In toads, medetomidine significantly reduced both percent activity and startle response. In wood frogs, medetomidine significantly reduced percent activity, but increased startle response. We discuss our finding of low-dose stimulation and high-dose inhibition of different life history endpoints in terms of hormetic mechanisms. The differential sensitivity between species in terms of mortality, frequency of metamorphosis, and behavior highlights the potential negative environmental effects of medetomidine to amphibians.

Benzo(a)pyrene parallel measurements in PM 1 and PM 2.5 in the coastal zone of the Gulf of Gdansk (Baltic Sea) in the heating and non-heating seasons

Abstract

Parallel measurements of PM₁ and PM_2.5 aerosols were conducted in the urbanized coastal zone of the southern Baltic Sea. The main aim of the research was to assess and determine annual, seasonal (heating and non-heating), and daily concentration variability of benzo(a)pyrene in aerosols, these being the most dangerous constituents to human health. The average annual concentration of benzo(a)pyrene (B(a)P) was equal to 2.6 ng·m⁻³ in PM₁ and 4.6 ng·m⁻³ in PM_2.5, and both values were several times higher than the level of 1 ng·m⁻³ which was set out in the CAFE Directive. High mean daily concentrations of B(a)P persisted for 50 and 65% of the study period in PM1 and PM2.5, respectively. In order to determine the sources of B(a)P in both aerosol fractions, organic (OC) and elemental (EC) carbon concentrations were examined. The highest concentrations of all carbon species were reported during the heating season under local or regional land advection and at low air temperatures. The origin of pollutants was the same and was primarily related to the combustion of fossil fuels in the communal-utility sector. During the non-heating period, the role of transportation, both land and marine, increased and may have been significant in creating higher concentrations of carbon compounds in PM₁ and PM_2.5. Regardless of the size of the aerosol fractions, B(a)P loads introduced into the Baltic coastal zone were several times higher during the heating period compared to the non-heating season.

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A Qualitative Analysis of Disclosing Sexual Victimization by #NotOkay During the 2016 Presidential Election

Violence and Gender, Ahead of Print.

Effects of Cr 2 O 3 nanoparticles on the chlorophyll fluorescence and chloroplast ultrastructure of soybean ( Glycine max )

Abstract

Chromic oxide nanoparticles (Cr₂O₃ NPs) are widely used in commercial factories and can cause serious environmental problems. However, the mechanism behind Cr₂O₃ NP-induced phytotoxicity remains unknown. In this study, the effects of Cr₂O₃ NPs on the growth, chlorophyll fluorescence, SEM-EDS analysis, and chloroplast ultrastructure of soybean (Glycine max) were investigated to evaluate its phytotoxicity. The growth of soybean treated with various Cr₂O₃ NP suspensions (0.01, 0.05, 0.1, and 0.5 g L⁻¹) was significantly inhibited. Specially, shoot and root biomass decreased by 9.9 and 46.3%, respectively. Besides, the maximum quantum yield of PSII (Fv/Fm) as well as the photochemical quenching (qP) decreased by 8–22 and 30–37%, respectively, indicating that the photosynthetic system was damaged when treated with Cr₂O₃ NPs. Moreover, the inhibition was confirmed by the reduction of Rubisco and MDH enzyme activity (by 54.5–86.4 and 26.7–96.5%, respectively). Overall, results indicated that the damage was caused by the destruction of chloroplast thylakoid structure, which subsequently reduced the photosynthetic rate. Our research suggests that Cr₂O₃ NPs can be transported and cause irreversible damage to soybean plants by inhibiting the activity of electron acceptors (NADP+) and destroying ultrastructure of chloroplasts, providing insights into plant toxicity issues.

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Ethnic differences and comorbidities of 909 Prurigo Nodularis patients

•Prurigo nodularis (PN) is a pruritic dermatosis of unknown etiology.•PN is associated with an increased risk of chronic kidney disease, diabetes, Hepatitis C, HIV, and several psychiatric comorbidities•Clinicians should be aware of psychiatric, metabolic, and infectious disease associations when treating PN patients.