Παρασκευή 4 Μαΐου 2018
Respiratory Symptoms in Hospital Cleaning Staff Exposed to a Product Containing Hydrogen Peroxide, Peracetic Acid, and Acetic Acid
This correction presents modification to the results presented in the final version of the manuscript 'Respiratory Symptoms in Hospital Cleaning Staff Exposed to a Product Containing Hydrogen Peroxide, Peracetic Acid, and Acetic Acid', 10.1093/annweh/wxx087, which was published in Annals of Work Exposures and Health, Volume 62, Issue 1, 15 December 2017, Pages 28–40. Although several results were modified, the associations and overall conclusions of the article remain unaffected.
Use of Multiple Data Sources for Surveillance of Work-Related Chronic Low-Back Pain and Disc-Related Sciatica in a French Region
Abstract
Objectives
To compare the data of the French workers' compensation system (WCS) and three surveillance networks, and to determine the possibility of identifying the industry sectors most in need of programs for prevention of low-back pain (LBP). Methods
This study compared four databases and two types of indicators in a west central region of France:• surveillance of musculoskeletal symptoms in the working population [LBP and disc-related sciatica (DRS) indicators; Cosali study]• surveillance of uncompensated work-related diseases (LBP and DRS indicators)• surveillance of lumbar disc surgery (LDS) in the general population (DRS indicator)• French WCS (disc herniation with radiculopathy caused by vibration or handling of materials; DRS indicator)People aged 20–59 were studied. The prevention index (PI) was used to rank industry sectors according to the number of cases and the prevalence/incidence rate. Results
Construction and manufacturing were the first sectors in terms of PI for men in all databases and indicators. Moreover, transport and agriculture were not consistently highlighted. For women, manufacturing was the leading sector (except for the LDS study: health sector), followed by the health sector. Specific epidemiologic surveillance networks (LDS and Cosali studies) provided ranking of the greatest number of sectors out of the 17 classified. For DRS indicators, the LDS study classified 13 sectors for both genders, and for LBP indicators, the Cosali study ranked 8 and 7 sectors in men and women, respectively. Conclusions
The results showed the complementarity of the four surveillance programs. A multi-component surveillance system allowed detection of industry sectors most in need of prevention programs.Bovine Allergens in a Ruminant Clinic and Dairy Barns: Exposure Levels, Determinants, and Variability
Abstract
Background
Dairy farmers may develop specific sensitization and allergic airway diseases due to bovine allergens. However, dose–response relationships are lacking, and as yet little is known on bovine allergen exposure levels. Objective
To investigate bovine allergen exposure levels in a ruminant clinic and dairy barns, and to assess exposure determinants and variability of exposure. Methods
Samples were collected using active and passive airborne dust measurements in a ruminant clinic and several dairy barns. Bovine allergen levels were determined by sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Linear mixed models were applied to explore the association between bovine allergen exposure levels and potential exposure determinants. Day-to-day within-worker and between-worker exposure variability was determined, as well as how exposure determinants affect exposure variability. Results
Bovine allergens were measureable in all samples. Personal bovine allergen exposure levels in the ruminant clinic ranged from 0.10 to 24.8 µg/m3, geometric mean (GM) 1.34 µg/m3. Exposure levels varied dependent on job titles. Personal exposure levels in dairy barns ranged from 0.10 to 46.8 µg/m3, GM 1.47 µg/m3. Type of bedding materials in the barns appeared to be a significant determinant of bovine allergen levels. Compost bedding, particularly, increased allergen levels. Milking by robot was the most important determinant explaining between-worker exposure variability, while bedding was important as well. Bovine allergen levels in stationary measurements were somewhat lower than personal measurements (GM ratio 0.47). Bovine allergens could be readily detected in electrostatic dust-fall collector measurements. Conclusion
This study provides insight in bovine allergen exposure levels and their determinants, which is a first step to investigate dose–response relationships between sensitization/allergy associated with exposure to bovine allergen levels in future studies.Improved visualisation of early cerebral infarctions after endovascular stroke therapy using dual-energy computed tomography oedema maps
Abstract
Objective
The aim was to investigate whether dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) reconstructions optimised for oedema visualisation (oedema map; EM) facilitate an improved detection of early infarctions after endovascular stroke therapy (EST).
Methods
Forty-six patients (21 women; 25 men; mean age: 63 years; range 24–89 years) were included. The brain window (BW), virtual non-contrast (VNC) and modified VNC series based on a three-material decomposition technique optimised for oedema visualisation (EM) were evaluated. Follow-up imaging was used as the standard for comparison. Contralateral side to infarction differences in density (CIDs) were determined. Infarction detectability was assessed by two blinded readers, as well as image noise and contrast using Likert scales. ROC analyses were performed and the respective Youden indices calculated for cut-off analysis.
Results
The highest CIDs were found in the EM series (73.3 ± 49.3 HU), compared with the BW (-1.72 ± 13.29 HU) and the VNC (8.30 ± 4.74 HU) series. The EM was found to have the highest infarction detection rates (area under the curve: 0.97 vs. 0.54 and 0.90, p < 0.01) with a cut-off value of < 50.7 HU, despite slightly more pronounced image noise. The location of the infarction did not affect detectability (p > 0.05 each).
Conclusions
The EM series allows higher contrast and better early infarction detection than the VNC or BW series after EST.
Key Points
• Dual-energy CT EM allows better early infarction detection than standard brain window.
• Dual-energy CT EM series allow better early infarction detection than VNC series.
• Dual-energy CT EM are modified VNC based on water content of tissue.
Quantitative MR spectroscopy reveals metabolic changes in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex of patients with temporal lobe epilepsy
Abstract
Objective
To characterize possible metabolic changes of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE).
Methods
Quantitative proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS) studies were performed on 24 TLE patients and 22 healthy controls. Metabolite concentrations were calculated using a linear combination model (LCModel) and corrected for cerebrospinal fluid contamination. Comparisons were performed between the TLE patients and the controls and between the left DLPFC and right DLPFC in each group. Pearson correlation coefficients were calculated between the metabolite concentrations and epilepsy duration and between the metabolite concentrations and voxel tissue composition: [gray matter (GM)/(GM+white matter (WM))].
Results
Metabolic asymmetry was found in controls between the left and right DLPFC, i.e., the NAA concentration of the left DLPFC was significantly higher than that of the right. However, such metabolic asymmetry was not observed in TLE patients. Compared with the controls, TLE patients showed significantly decreased NAA and Ins, and the reductions were greater in the left DLPFC. No significant correlation was found between the metabolite concentrations and epilepsy duration or between the metabolite concentrations and voxel tissue composition [GM/(GM+WM)].
Conclusions
This study suggests that TLE can produce metabolic changes to DLPFC that is remote from the seizure focus.
Key Points
• Magnetic resonance spectroscopy probes the brain metabolism noninvasively.
• Dorsolateral prefrontal reductions in NAA (a neuronal marker) and Ins are observed in TLE.
• Temporal lobe epilepsy can result in metabolic changes remote from the seizure focus.
Enforced fungal-algal symbioses in alginate spheres
Abstract
The thallus structure of the lichen symbiosis provides a fungal shelter for the growth of algal partners. The long-living thallus also provides a habitat for other fungi, but experimental studies, which could inform us about the details of their interactions have hardly been conducted. We present a new approach by embedding axenically cultured strains of fungi together with algae in alginate spheres, which allows easy transfer of co-cultures on solid media. As the growth rates of the organisms are differentially triggered by the underlying medium, alginate embedding can help to adjust optimal parameters for stable culture of the combined symbionts. In our experiments, direct contacts between hyphae and algae and the formation of layered structures were observed in a fungus that is living as a commensal in the host lichen without visible symbiotic structures. The growth of primary lichen symbionts cannot be accelerated by alginate embedding so far, but our approach could artificially enforce symbiotic interactions that are not normally observed in nature.Occurrence, distribution, and seasonal variation of antibiotics in an artificial water source reservoir in the Yangtze River delta, East China
Abstract
This study investigated the occurrence and variation of 11 antibiotics (including four sulfonamides (SAs), four fluoroquinolones (FQs), two tetracyclines (TCs), and one macrolide (ML)) and one SA synergist trimethoprim (TMP) in an artificial drinking water source reservoir in Yangtze River delta of East China. Water samples were collected each month from January to November in 2014 at the water inlet and outlet site of the reservoir. Sulfamethoxazole, sulfadiazine, and norfloxacin were detected with the high frequencies of 100, 92.31, and 97.85%, respectively. The total concentration showed the highest level in winter (229.14 ng/L) and the lowest one in summer (96.11 ng/L). FQs and TCs were the dominant species among all the antibiotics. The total amount of antibiotics detected in this reservoir showed a negative relationship with temperature (R2 = 0.7565) in this area. From the inlet site to outlet site of this reservoir, all SAs as well as TMP showed decline trends in the four seasons, but other antibiotics including FQs, TCs, and MLs increased more or less in different seasons, especially for ciprofloxacin in winter (from 48.82 ng/L at inlet site to 80.36 ng/L at outlet site). Most antibiotics detected in this drinking water source reservoir had no direct health risk for human with different age groups (except ciprofloxacin for the group of 0–3 months), but still showed obvious ecological risk for algae and invertebrate. Among the three target organisms (algae, invertebrate, and fish), algae was the most sensitive for antibiotics, which was followed by invertebrate. Among the target antibiotics, sulfamethoxazole, ciprofloxacin, tetracycline, and oxytetracycline showed high ecological risk for algae (RQs > 1), and oxytetracycline also showed high risk for invertebrate (RQ = 1.34).
Validation, residue analysis, and risk assessment of fipronil and flonicamid in cotton ( Gossypium sp.) samples and soil
Abstract
Cotton crop is highly susceptible to attack by sucking pests. Being an important oilseed and feed crop, it is essential to monitor the pesticides and ensure health protection at consumer level. Therefore, a method was validated to estimate fipronil and flonicamid in various cotton samples and risk assessment was performed. Contamination of oil in the extracts from the various oil seeds and cake samples is a major problem as this oil contaminates the column and interferes with the detection of pesticides. The present manuscript for the first time describes successful analysis of the pesticides from various cotton samples including cotton oil, seed, and cake. Quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe (QuEChERS)-based methods were validated for estimation of fipronil and flonicamid in cotton samples and in soil by LC-MS/MS. Recoveries were within the acceptable range of 70–120% with relative standard deviation ≤ 20% and HorRat values < 0.3–1.3. R2 was > 0.99. Matrix effects of 150 and 13.5% were observed for fipronil and flonicamid, respectively, in cotton leaves. Limits of quantitation (LOQs) were in the range of 0.0004 to 0.004 mg kg−1 for fipronil and flonicamid. Cotton samples collected from a field study at different locations were analyzed. Half-life ranged from 2.2 to 5.8 for fipronil and 4.6 to 7.0 days for flonicamid. A pre-harvest interval of 33 days is suggested. The risk assessment studies at maximum residue level values showed HQ < 1 at pre-harvest interval (PHI). The methods being short and easy can be extended to estimate more types of pesticides in different oilseeds. Following a PHI of 33 days, fipronil and flonicamid can be used on cotton at standard dose. As the levels of fipronil and flonicamid were below determination limit in all the soils, the environmental risk is negligible.
Protective effect of carnosine and N -acetylcysteine against sodium nitrite-induced oxidative stress and DNA damage in rat intestine
Abstract
The widespread use of sodium nitrite (NaNO2) as food preservative, rampant use of nitrogenous fertilizers for agricultural practices, and improper disposal of nitrogenous wastes have drastically increased human exposure to high nitrite levels causing various health disorders and death. In the present study, the protective effect of carnosine and N-acetylcysteine (NAC) against NaNO2-induced intestinal toxicity in rats was investigated. Animals were given a single acute oral dose of NaNO2 at 60 mg/kg body weight with or without prior administration of either carnosine at 100 mg/kg body weight/day for 7 days or NAC at 100 mg/kg body weight/day for 5 days. Rats were killed after 24 h, and intestinal preparations were used for the evaluation of biochemical alterations and histological abrasions. Administration of NaNO2 alone decreased the activities of intestinal brush border membrane and metabolic enzymes and significantly weakened the anti-oxidant defense system. DNA damage was also evident as observed by increased DNA-protein crosslinking and fragmentation. However, prior administration of carnosine or NAC significantly ameliorated NaNO2-induced damage in intestinal cells. Histological studies support these biochemical results, showing intestinal damage in NaNO2-treated animals and reduced tissue injury in the combination groups. The intrinsic anti-oxidant properties of carnosine and NAC must have contributed to the observed mitigation of nitrite-induced metabolic alterations and oxidative damage. Based on further validation from clinical trials, carnosine and NAC can potentially be used as chemo-preventive agents against NaNO2 toxicity.
Temporal and longitudinal biofilm matrix analysis of a biofilter treating ethyl acetate during ozonation
Abstract
The present paper focuses on the biofilm composition and pattern of biomass in gas biofiltration of ethyl acetate working under continuous addition of ozone (O3). Two biofilters were operated for 230 days, one under continuous addition of O3 (90 ppbv) and another one without. Throughout the operation time, the extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), the main components in the extracellular matrix (ECM), were extracted from the biofilm and characterized qualitatively using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy with attenuated total reflectance (FTIR-ATR) and quantitatively by analyzing its main constituents: carbohydrates, proteins, and glucuronic acid. To date, EPS characterization has been attempted mainly with biofilm aggregates related to water treatment, not air biofiltration. The results of this study may be helpful and provide more information about EPS structure when O3 was added. O3 addition only affected the amount of EPS and not its composition. The greater effect was observed on carbohydrate content since it is the main component in EPS. The EPS/biomass ratio measured was twice lower with O3 addition. Higher removal efficiency (RE) and mineralization rates were obtained with the biofilter subjected to O3 addition, and a smaller volume of a reactor would be necessary to treat all contaminant under this condition. EPS content is only quantitatively reduced by O3 addition, and at the low O3 concentration applied, no structural alteration is noted regarding the composition of the EPS.
Temozolomide for Immunomodulation in the Treatment of Glioblastoma
Abstract
Temozolomide is the most widely used chemotherapy for patients with glioblastoma (GBM) despite the fact that approximately half of treated patients have temozolomide resistance and all patients eventually fail therapy. Due to the limited efficacy of existing therapies, immunotherapy is being widely investigated for patients with GBM. However, initial immunotherapy trials in GBM patients have had disappointing results as monotherapy. Therefore, combinatorial treatment strategies are being investigated. Temozolomide has several effects on the immune system that are dependent on mode of delivery and the dosing strategy that may have unpredicted effects on immunotherapy. Here we summarize the immune modulating role of temozolomide alone and in combination with immunotherapies such dendritic cell vaccines, T cell therapy, and immune checkpoint inhibitors for patients with GBM.High‐fluence 1064‐nm Q‐Switched Nd:YAG laser: Safe and effective treatment of café‐au‐lait macules in Asian patients
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, EarlyView.
Πέμπτη 3 Μαΐου 2018
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