Fluorene oxidation by solar-driven photo-Fenton process: toward mild pH conditions

Abstract

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are on the list of priority pollutants to be eliminated from the environment due to their carcinogenic and mutagenic action, chemical stability, and resistance to biodegradation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the degradation of fluorene, a well-known PAH, in aqueous solutions (0.03 and 0.08 mg L⁻¹), by means of a solar-driven conventional (PF) and modified photo-Fenton mediated by ferrioxalate complexes (PFF). Photolysis was also employed for comparison purposes. PF reaction was evaluated at different pH values (2.8, 3.5, and 4.0) and iron concentrations (2, 5, 10, and 20 mg L⁻¹). On the other hand, PFF studies were conducted at mild pH conditions (4.0, 5.0, and 6.0) and iron content of 2 mg L⁻¹, keeping initial iron/oxalate molar ratio at 1:3. In both PF and PFF, the initial hydrogen peroxide/iron molar ratio was maintained at 5. In the presence of methanol as cosolvent for fluorene dissolution, the PF reaction was hampered and no consumption of H₂O₂ was observed during the reaction carried out at constant pH (2.8). This led to low degradation rates, similar to those achieved by photolysis. Under the same pH but using acetonitrile as cosolvent for fluorene dissolution, fluorene degradation was found to be proportional to the iron content used in the PF experiments. On the other hand, at an invariable iron concentration of 5 mg Fe²⁺ L⁻¹, the increase in pH was accompanied by a decrease in the molar fraction of the most photoactive iron complex (FeOH²⁺) and ferric hydroxides precipitation, leading to a reduction in the fluorene degradation rate. With regard to the PFF tests, similar fluorene degradation performance was achieved at pH 4 and 5, while at pH 6 iron precipitation became relevant and the degradation rate was slightly slower. PFF has shown to be more efficient than the PF under the same pH (4) and iron concentration (2 mg L⁻¹). Moreover, even at near neutral pH (6), fluorine degradation was shown to be feasible by using ferrioxalate complexes.

Antony Charles Harington Watson MB,ChB,FRCSEd. (Tony)

Publication date: Available online 20 August 2018

Source: Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery

Author(s):

Effects of compost containing oxytetracycline on enzyme activities and microbial communities in maize rhizosphere soil

Abstract

Veterinary antibiotics can enter agricultural fields via the application of livestock manure containing antibiotics. However, the response of soil microorganisms to compost containing antibiotics is not well understood. A 120-day pot experiment was conducted to investigate the impact of compost containing oxytetracycline (OTC) on the enzyme activities and microbial communities in maize rhizosphere soil. Swine manure was artificially spiked with OTC at four concentrations, 35, 70, 105, and 140 mg kg⁻¹, and combined with straw to produce compost. The compost products were applied to soil planted with maize. Rhizosphere soil samples were collected on days 1, 15, 30, 60, and 120. The results indicated that the urease activities first increased and then declined, while in contrast, the alkaline phosphatase activities first decreased and then increased slightly. Catalase exhibited dose-related activation during the maize growth period. At the end of the experiment, the soil enzyme activities were similar to their initial values, indicating that the soil enzymes showed a level of recovery. The carbon metabolic activity levels were higher in the soils with high OTC concentrations than in the control, whereas the Shannon diversity index was higher in the control soil. The results of principal component analysis (PCA) indicated that the application of compost containing OTC shifted the structure of the soil microbial community and negatively affected its stability. These results suggest that the compost containing OTC exerted selective pressure on enzyme activities and microbial communities in maize rhizosphere soil and decreased their resilience to antibiotic pollution.

Bullous erythroderma: novel association of pityriasis rubra pilaris with bullous pemphigoid

Clinical and Experimental Dermatology, EarlyView.

The potential for constructed wetland mechanisms to treat alkaline bauxite residue leachate: carbonation and precipitate characterisation

Abstract

Leachates emanating from bauxite residue disposal areas are alkaline and require neutralisation prior to discharge. The use of passive technologies such as constructed wetlands has received increasing interest as possible treatments for alkaline leachates, including bauxite residues. Mechanisms proposed for wetland effectiveness have included calcite precipitation but it is not clear if such a pathway is feasible in the relatively low Ca residue leachates. Carbonation of Ca-spiked residue leachate treatments was conducted to observe rates of pH decrease and precipitate formation. For all treatments, carbonation effectively decreased pH to ca. 10.5 which remained stable following aeration. Decreases in Al content of 83–93% were also observed. Precipitates retrieved from carbonation experiments and from a constructed wetland trial were characterised using XRD, SEM, XPS and EDX. Calcium carbonates formed in Ca-spiked treatments and dawsonite precipitation occur in the absence of Ca. Rinsing of precipitates removes surface calcium indicating soluble forms adsorbed on precipitates. The results demonstrate that carbonation of bauxite residue leachate is an important component of passive treatments and neutralisation.

A framework to rank genomic alterations as targets for cancer precision medicine: the ESMO Scale for Clinical Actionability of molecular Targets (ESCAT)

Abstract

Background

In order to facilitate implementation of precision medicine in clinical management of cancer, there is a need to harmonise and standardise the reporting and interpretation of clinically relevant genomics data.

Methods

The European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) Translational Research and Precision Medicine Working Group (TR and PM WG) launched a collaborative project to propose a classification system for molecular aberrations based on the evidence available supporting their value as clinical targets. A group of experts from several institutions was assembled to review available evidence, reach a consensus on grading criteria and present a classification system. This was then reviewed, amended and finally approved by the ESMO TR and PM WG and the ESMO leadership.

Results

This first version of the ESMO Scale of Clinical Actionability for molecular Targets (ESCAT) defines six levels of clinical evidence for molecular targets according to the implications for patient management: tier I, targets ready for implementation in routine clinical decisions; tier II, investigational targets that likely define a patient population that benefits from a targeted drug but additional data are needed; tier III, clinical benefit previously demonstrated in other tumour types or for similar molecular targets; tier IV, preclinical evidence of actionability; tier V, evidence supporting co-targeting approaches; and tier X, lack of evidence for actionability.

Conclusions

The ESCAT defines clinical evidence-based criteria to prioritise genomic alterations as markers to select patients for targeted therapies. This classification system aims to offer a common language for all the relevant stakeholders in cancer medicine and drug development.

Efficacy and safety of ixekizumab, an interleukin-17A monoclonal antibody, in real-world patients with psoriasis: 12-week results from a Canadian multicenter retrospective study

Background: The discovery of targeted therapies that selectively bind to interleukin (IL)-17A and neutralize the bioactivity of this cytokine has led to the development of the next generation of biologic treatments for psoriasis. Most recently, ixekizumab, an IL-17A monoclonal antibody was approved for the treatment of moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in adult patients. Current efficacy and safety data are limited to results from phase III randomized controlled trials (RCT). Although these studies have shown unprecedented outcomes, how dermatologist prescribe and monitor ixekizumab in the real world is based on results obtained from patients enrolled in clinical trials.

Hydroa vacciniforme–like lymphoma in an adult resident of the United States

Introduction: Hydroa vacciniforme–like lymphoproliferative disorders (HVLPDs) are a spectrum of diseases resulting from chronic Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection of T cells and natural killer cells. These include classic hydroa-vacciniforme (HV), severe HV, and HV-like lymphoma (HVLL). The latter 2 conditions rarely occur outside Asian and Latin American youth. Here we present an unusual case of adult-onset HVLPD in the United States.

Consistency of response by weight across subgroups of patients with psoriasis treated with guselkumab: Results from the VOYAGE 1 and 2 trials

Objective: To evaluate the consistency of response of guselkumab (GUS) across predetermined weight quartile subgroups of psoriasis patients.

Is apremilast a promising treatment for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis?

Introduction and objective: Apremilast (APR), is a small molecule that selectively inhibits the phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE-4) which modulates the release of pro- and antiinflammatory mediators. it was approved in February 2015 in Italy for the treatment of moderate-to-severe psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis (PsA) in adults. The aim of the authors is to assess the efficacy as well as the safety of the PDE-4 inhibitor apremilast both in PsA and psoriasis (Pso).

Evaluation of the protection of a broad-spectrum SPF50+ sunscreen against DNA damage

Introduction and objectives: UV exposure causes many skin damages. UV damages DNA, proteins, and lipids, which can result in harmful consequences, such as carcinogenesis and skin aging. Formation of DNA photoproducts caused by UV exposure needs to be investigated in vivo to assess sunscreens' level of protection against solar genotoxicity. The objective of the present study was to evaluate how the tested broad-spectrum sunscreen protect against the formation of photoproducts.

Dermatology boot camp: A model for initiating new residents into dermatology clinical care

Entering dermatology residency is an immersive experience requiring specialty-specific skills that are not routinely emphasized in medical school and internship training. To provide a practical introduction to dermatologic clinical care emphasizing ACGME dermatology milestones, we developed a concentrated 8-hour curriculum for first-year dermatology residents that encompasses 3 pillars of patient care: clinical visit competencies, procedural techniques, and professionalism and collegiality. A variety of diverse teaching approaches are employed, emphasizing respect for one another and patients, to allow instruction in pertinent practical and intellectual skills.

Improvement of chin profile with the use of calcium hydroxylapatite with integral lidocaine

Background and objective: Adequate chin projection is associated with strength in the male jawline, balance to a female face, and a harmonious balance with the nose. The criterion standard to improve the chin profile is surgical placement of a solid implant. However, the emergence of fillers to shape and improve facial features provides new options to achieve immediate results with minimal downtime. Calcium hydroxylapatite plus integral lidocaine (CaHA(+); Merz North America, Inc.) is a filler that provides immediate volume improvement and lasts for ≥1 year.

Gender differences for those who have second primary malignancies within the first year of survival after malignant melanoma diagnosis: A United States population-based study

Introduction: Little has been reported about gender differences in those with second primary malignancies (SPM) within 1 year of melanoma (MM) diagnosis. The aim of this study is to explore gender differences as evidenced by tumor type within the first year of MM survival status using the National Cancer Institute (NCI) Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database.

Endoglin is highly expressed in human mast cells

Background: CD 105 is a glycoprotein of cell membrane, for which an immunohistochemical antibody has been used as marker of endothelial cells from capillaries in proliferation. Mast cells originate from hematopoietic stem cells located in the bone marrow and migrate through the blood stream to target tissues. These cells are a component of normal tissue, though they play an important role in the regulation of several processes, including inflammation, allergy and neoplasia. The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of CD105 as a biologic marker of mast cells compared with the criterion standard stain.

Disseminated pruritic papules

A 60-year-old Arabic man with a medical history of diabetes mellitus was admitted to the hospital for an unprovoked deep vein thrombosis with pruritus, nonproductive cough, and abdominal pain. His pruritus had been ongoing over the preceding four months and he has developed diffuse erythematous to hyperpigmented papules with some having a central keratotic core and others with hemorrhagic crusting. He had minimal to no improvement in his pruritus on mid-potency topical corticosteroids in combination with antihistamines.

Cutaneous nontuberculous mycobacteria infection: A retrospective study of 78 cases

Introduction: The incidence of cutaneous nontuberculous Mycobacteria (NTM) infection is increasing in both immunosuppressed and immunocompetent patients. These infections are often misdiagnosed due to nonspecific presentation.

Köhlmeier-Degos disease: Does the benign form really exist?

A 46-year-old woman was referred to us for evaluation of asymptomatic erythematous papules with central umbilication and atrophy in trunk and extremities. Histologic features were compatible with Degos disease. She had no systemic manifestations and the laboratory and the radiologic findings were no significant. 6 years after the diagnosis the patient complained of headache and weakness. Initial evaluation revealed a subdural hygroma on CT. Then she developed a hemiparesis, and MRI showed a subacute ischemia in the territory supplied by the middle cerebral artery.

Infantile myofibromatosis: A diagnostic conundrum

A 2-day-old boy was referred to dermatology with a history of skin lesions present since birth. He was born at 39+6 weeks by cesarean section owing to failure to progress to a primiparous mother with gestational diabetes. On examination, he had 6 firm, tumid, red-violaceous nodules on the body. The largest was on the left side of the neck which had reportedly grown since birth; ultrasound did not reveal any Doppler flow. In addition, similar lesions were noted on the torso, with smaller nodules on the groin, lower abdomen and calf.

Impact of genital lichen sclerosus treatments on occurrence of vulvar neoplasms in 275 adult women

Background: Lichen sclerosus (LS) is a chronic inflammatory disease most commonly affecting the genital area of women. LS-associated vulvar neoplasms are known to occur. Treatment of LS is thought to reduce malignancy risk. A recent report showed reduction in vulvar neoplasms in those compliant with maintenance therapy. We performed a single-institution, retrospective chart review to identify vulvar neoplasm occurrence in women with biopsy-proven genital LS and to determine whether a correlation exists between LS treatments and vulvar neoplasm occurrence.