Head and Neck Diseases by Alexandros G.Sfakianakis: 05/23/18

Τετάρτη 23 Μαΐου 2018

Case 16-2018: A 45-Year-Old Man with Fever, Thrombocytopenia, and Elevated Aminotransferase Levels

Presentation of Case. Dr. Alyssa Sclafani (Medicine): A 45-year-old man presented to the emergency department of this hospital during the summer with fever, thrombocytopenia, and elevated aminotransferase levels. Three weeks before presentation, fever occurred (with temperatures as high as 40.0°C),…

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Evolution of pituitary surgery in a tertiary centre

Clinical Otolaryngology, EarlyView.

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Novel autosomal recessive LAMA3 and PLEC variants underlie junctional epidermolysis bullosa generalized intermediate and epidermolysis bullosa simplex with muscular dystrophy in two consanguineous families

Clinical and Experimental Dermatology, EarlyView.

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Varicella zoster virus as a possible trigger for the development of pityriasis lichenoides et varioliformis acuta: retrospective analysis of our institutional cases

Clinical and Experimental Dermatology, EarlyView.

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Novel autosomal recessive LAMA3 and PLEC variants underlie junctional epidermolysis bullosa generalized intermediate and epidermolysis bullosa simplex with muscular dystrophy in two consanguineous families

Clinical and Experimental Dermatology, EarlyView.

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Varicella zoster virus as a possible trigger for the development of pityriasis lichenoides et varioliformis acuta: retrospective analysis of our institutional cases

Clinical and Experimental Dermatology, EarlyView.

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Manipulating macrophage polarization and function using classical HDAC inhibitors: implications for autoimmunity and inflammation

Publication date: Available online 23 May 2018
Source:Critical Reviews in Oncology/Hematology
Author(s): Asadollah Mohammadi, Atefeh Sharifi, Reza Pourpaknia, Saeed Mohammadian, Amirhossein Sahebkar
Macrophages are important player in defense against invading pathogens and their dysfunction is linked to most of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Inflammation is a normal and physiological response of the immune system against harmful stimuli such as infection and injury. However, when allowed to continue unchecked, under certain conditions it turns into autoimmune or inflammatory diseases, neurodegeneration, and carcinogenesis. Currently, several safe and effective anti-inflammatory drugs are available with many more drugs in the development pipeline, among which are histone deacetylase inhibitors. In this review we discuss how post-translational modifications of histones influence the innate and adaptive immunity through macrophage survival, proliferation, polarization and functional responses. We also discuss how emerging classes of pharmacological agents which developed for use as anti-cancer agents, have been applied as anti-inflammatory drugs to treat macrophage-mediated inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.

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Effects of treatment with an angiotensin 2 receptor blocker and/or vitamin D3 on parathyroid hormone and aldosterone: A randomized, placebo‐controlled trial

Clinical Endocrinology, EarlyView.

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A pedunculated aldosterone‐producing adenoma drained by an extra vein causing puzzling results of adrenal vein sampling

Clinical Endocrinology, EarlyView.

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Long‐term outcomes and molecular analysis of a large cohort of patients with 46,XY disorder of sex development due to partial gonadal dysgenesis

Clinical Endocrinology, EarlyView.

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Young age is associated with increased rates of residual and recurrent paediatric differentiated thyroid carcinoma

Clinical Endocrinology, EarlyView.

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Chronic Urticaria: Comparisons of US, European, and Asian Guidelines

Abstract

Purpose of Review

Chronic urticaria is a common dermatological condition that has significant impact on quality of life. Multiple international societies have published guidelines, and although these guidelines generally agree on the definition of urticaria, as well as approach to diagnosis and management, there have been notable differences to date. These differences have been reconciled by the recent publication of the 2017 revision and update published by the EAACI/GA2LEN/EDF/WAO.

Recent Findings

The 2017 revision and update to the guidelines for chronic urticaria are the most comprehensive consensus document to date, and reconcile previously existing differences between the US, European, and Asian guidelines.

Summary

The purpose of our review is to present basic background on urticaria and discuss classification, diagnosis, and most importantly, management. We present differences from previous US, European, and Asian guidelines and reconcile the previous differences by summarizing the 2017 revision and update published by the EAACI/GA2LEN/EDF/WAO.

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Trapping fresh sea breeze in desert? Health status of Camanchaca, Atacama’s fog

Abstract

Water fog composition was investigated at a fog harvesting installation in the coast of Atacama (North Chile). Chañaral is historically affected by mining contamination discharges. Hydro-chemical characterization of fog water from top of the mountain (where capture installation is located) and at the bottom of the mountain (after vertical transportation where an aquaponic system is located) revealed many compositional differences that compromise the use of water. High acidity and high concentrations in Cu and As in water collected on top of the mountain were found; meanwhile, acidity and Cu decreased, and As levels overpassed the drinking water standards after the vertical transportation. Collected data was assessed according to national and international regulatory standards, neutralization factors (NF), sodium adsorption ratio (SAR), and ion ratios to determine origin of contamination and suitability of destined for human consumption, irrigation, or aquaculture purposes.

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Split-thickness skin grafting using grafts of different thickness

Abstract

Background

Split-thickness skin grafting (STSG) is the most commonly used technique in the treatment of traumatic, post-burn, and post-operative wounds, when direct wound edge closure is unavailable. There is currently no general agreement on the optimal thickness of skin grafts. We aimed to analyze the early results of recipient wound healing after STSG, using grafts of different thicknesses.

Methods

This randomized, controlled, and parallel-group pilot clinical trial included 98 adult patients who underwent STSG transplantation surgery for post-burn, post-traumatic, or post-operative skin defects. Patients were randomized into three groups to receive a skin graft of 0.2, 0.3, or 0.4-mm thickness. After skin transplantation, the healing parameters of the recipient wounds were evaluated after 3 days, 7 days, 2 weeks, and 1 month. At each time, epithelialization and pain parameters were evaluated.

Results

Our study showed that thinner split-thickness skin grafts had better epithelialization scores at the second post-operative week. However, thinner split-thickness skin grafts caused greater pain to the patients.

Conclusions

Thickness of the skin graft is a significant factor affecting recipient wound healing parameters. It is necessary to evaluate healing of the donor wound, as well as distant treatment outcomes, such as scarring, pigmentation, and esthetic results of skin grafting with different thickness grafts.

Level of Evidence: Level I, therapeutic study.

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FACE‐Q Skin Cancer Module for measuring patient‐reported outcomes following facial skin cancer surgery

British Journal of Dermatology, EarlyView.

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FACE‐Q Skin Cancer Module for measuring patient‐reported outcomes following facial skin cancer surgery

British Journal of Dermatology, EarlyView.

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Anthropogenic activities impact on atmospheric environmental quality in a gas-flaring community: application of fuzzy logic modelling concept

Abstract

We present a modelling concept for evaluating the impacts of anthropogenic activities suspected to be from gas flaring on the quality of the atmosphere using domestic roof-harvested rainwater (DRHRW) as indicator. We analysed seven metals (Cu, Cd, Pb, Zn, Fe, Ca, and Mg) and six water quality parameters (acidity, PO₄³⁻, SO₄²⁻, NO₃⁻_, Cl⁻, and pH). These were used as input parameters in 12 sampling points from gas-flaring environments (Port Harcourt, Nigeria) using Ibadan as reference. We formulated the results of these input parameters into membership function fuzzy matrices based on four degrees of impact: extremely high, high, medium, and low, using regulatory limits as criteria. We generated indices that classified the degree of anthropogenic activity impact on the sites from the product membership function matrices and weight matrices, with investigated (gas-flaring) environment as between medium and high impact compared to those from reference (residential) environment that was classified as between low and medium impact. Major contaminants of concern found in the harvested rainwater were Pb and Cd. There is also the urgent need to stop gas-flaring activities in Port Harcourt area in particular and Niger Delta region of Nigeria in general, so as to minimise the untold health hazard that people living in the area are currently faced with. The fuzzy methodology presented has also indicated that the water cannot safely support potable uses and should not be consumed without purification due to the impact of anthropogenic activities in the area but may be useful for other domestic purposes.

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Chronic Urticaria: Comparisons of US, European, and Asian Guidelines

Abstract

Purpose of Review

Recent Findings

Summary

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Bullous pemphigoid complicated by necrotising fasciitis successfully treated with systemic corticosteroids and antibiotics in combination with i.v. immunoglobulin

Australasian Journal of Dermatology, EarlyView.

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Eyelid sebaceous carcinoma in situ presenting as haemorrhagic cyst

Australasian Journal of Dermatology, EarlyView.

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Bullous pemphigoid complicated by necrotising fasciitis successfully treated with systemic corticosteroids and antibiotics in combination with i.v. immunoglobulin

Australasian Journal of Dermatology, EarlyView.

https://ift.tt/2IFuhDv

Eyelid sebaceous carcinoma in situ presenting as haemorrhagic cyst

Australasian Journal of Dermatology, EarlyView.

https://ift.tt/2GJm1g1

Environmentally enriched pigs have transcriptional profiles consistent with neuroprotective effects and reduced microglial activity

Publication date: 17 September 2018
Source:Behavioural Brain Research, Volume 350
Author(s): S.M. Brown, S.J. Bush, K.M. Summers, D.A. Hume, A.B. Lawrence
Environmental enrichment (EE) is widely used to study the effects of external factors on brain development, function and health in rodent models, but very little is known of the effects of EE on the brain in a large animal model such as the pig. Twenty-four young pigs (aged 5 weeks at start of study, 1:1 male: female ratio) were housed in environmentally enriched (EE) pens and provided with additional enrichment stimulation (a bag filled with straw) once daily. Litter, weight and sex matched controls n= (24) were housed in barren (B) conditions. Behaviour was recorded on alternate days from study day 10. After 21 days, RNA-sequencing of the frontal cortex of male piglets culled one hour after the enrichment stimulation, but not those at 4 h after stimulation, showed upregulation of genes involved in neuronal activity and synaptic plasticity in the EE compared to the B condition. This result is mirrored in the behavioural response to the stimulation which showed a peak in activity around the 1 h time-point. By contrast, EE piglets displayed a signature consistent with a relative decrease in microglial activity compared to those in the B condition. These results confirm those from rodents, suggesting that EE may also confer neuronal health benefits in large mammal models, through a potential relative reduction in neuroinflammatory process and increase in neuroprotection driven by an enrichment-induced increase in behavioural activity.

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The mediating role of phosphodiesterase type 4 in the dopaminergic modulation of motor impulsivity

Publication date: 17 September 2018
Source:Behavioural Brain Research, Volume 350
Author(s): P.R.A. Heckman, A. Blokland, N.P. Van Goethem, B.T.J. Van Hagen, J. Prickaerts
The current study investigated the mediating role of phosphodiesterase type 4 (PDE4) regulated cAMP in the dopaminergic modulation of premature responding (action restraint) in rats. Response inhibition, which includes action restraint, finds its neurobiological origin in cortico-striatal-thalamic circuitry and can be modulated by dopamine. Intracellularly, the effect of dopamine is largely mediated through the cAMP/PKA signaling cascade. Areas in the prefrontal cortex are very sensitive to their neurochemical environment, including catecholamine levels. As a result, we investigated the effects of intracellular modulation of the dopamine cascade by means of PDE4 inhibition by roflumilast on premature responding in a hypo, normal and hyper dopaminergic state of the brain. As a hypo dopaminergic model we induced a 6-OHDA lesion in the (rat) prefrontal cortex, more specifically the infralimbic cortex. For the hyper dopaminergic state we also turned to a well-established model of impaired action restraint, namely the systemic administration of d-amphetamine. In line with the notion of a U-shaped relation between dopamine and impulsive responding, we found that both increasing and decreasing dopamine levels resulted in an increase in premature responding in the choice serial reaction time task (CSRTT). The PDE4 inhibitor roflumilast increased premature responses in combination with d-amphetamine, whereas a decrease in premature responding after roflumilast treatment was found in the 6-OHDA lesioned animals. As a result, it would be interesting to test the effects of PDE4 inhibition in disorders affected by disrupted impulse control related to cortico-striatal-thalamic hypodopaminergia including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

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Factors underlying risk taking in heroin-dependent individuals: Feedback processing and environmental contingencies

Publication date: 17 September 2018
Source:Behavioural Brain Research, Volume 350
Author(s): Daniella M. Saleme, Bruno Kluwe-Schiavon, Abdrabo Soliman, Błażej Misiak, Dorota Frydecka, Ahmed A. Moustafa
Evidence suggests that factors influencing risk-taking include whether decisions are made based on emotions (affective systems) or cognitions (deliberative systems), the processing of feedback (e.g., deciding to attend a rehabilitation facility for opioid addiction treatment after an intervention held by a family member), and attention to environmental contingencies (e.g., considering the probability of an outcome such as the likelihood of contracting tetanus from a shared needle; or the gains and losses associated with a decision, such as the benefits and costs of taking drugs). Although drug-dependent individuals tend to take more risks than non-drug users, the factors underlying risk-taking are unknown. The current study tested, for the first time, the influences of performance feedback (i.e., whether feedback about performance is integrated into decision-making in heroin-dependent individuals) and attention to environmental contingencies (i.e., the influence of the probability of a loss, the gain amount, and the loss amount associated with a scenario) on risk-taking in heroin-dependent individuals. Heroin-dependent patients undergoing maintenance therapy for opioid addiction (n = 25) and healthy controls (n = 27) completed the feedback and no-feedback conditions of the Columbia Card Task (CCT). Analyses of covariance, controlling for education and task design (the order in which the CCT conditions were completed) as covariates revealed a significant interaction between (a) probability, gain and loss amount, and group, and (b) group and probability. Our findings suggest that heroin-dependent patients pay less attention to environmental contingencies during risk-taking than controls. Addressing these factors may facilitate greater adherence to treatment programs and lower rates of relapse.

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Two single-nucleotide polymorphisms of the RELN gene and symptom-based and developmental deficits among children and adolescents with autistic spectrum disorders in the Tianjin, China

Publication date: 17 September 2018
Source:Behavioural Brain Research, Volume 350
Author(s): Geng-fu Wang, Sheng Ye, Lei Gao, Yu Han, Xuan Guo, Xiao-peng Dong, Yuan-yuan Su, Xin Zhang
Increasing evidence has revealed that genetic variants in Reelin (RELN) gene, especially single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), correlate with autistic spectrum disorders (ASD) risk; however, no consensus have been reached. This study aimed to provide additional evidence for the association between two SNPs of RELN (i.e., rs736707, rs2229864) and ASD risk, as well as the relationship between RELN gene and symptom-based and developmental deficits of ASD patients in Chinese Han children and adolescents. 157 ASD subjects and 256 typical development (TD) controls were genotyped by TaqMan® genotyping assay. ASD patients were assessed by Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS), Autism Behavior Checklist (ABC), and Early Childhood Development Questionnaire (ECDQ). We found that SNP rs2229864 was associated with the genetic predisposition of ASD, whereas a negative association between SNP rs2229864 and symptom-based and developmental features was detected. In contrast, RELN rs736707 correlated with the sensory subscale of the ABC, the relating subscale of the ABC and the total score of ABC, although we did not detect a significant association between SNP rs736707 and ASD risk. Furthermore, a significant rs736707–rs2229864 haplotype was detected. Individuals with a CC haplotype were more likely to have ASD, but individuals with a CT haplotype had more chance be TD controls. Further studies using more samples and including more gene variants in RELN are warranted to confirm our results.

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The effect of natural antioxidants in cyclophosphamide-induced hepatotoxicity: Role of Nrf2/HO-1 pathway

Publication date: August 2018
Source:International Immunopharmacology, Volume 61
Author(s): Iman O. Sherif
Hepatotoxicity induced by cyclophosphamide (Cyclo) is a major concern in clinical practice. This study was designed to investigate the possible cytoprotective effect of natural antioxidants as oleuropein and quercetin against Cyclo induced hepatotoxicity via the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) signaling pathway. Male Wistar rats were randomly divided into six groups and treated for 10 days as follow: Group I (Normal control) received saline, group II (Oleu control): received orally oleuropein 30 mg/kg/day, group III (Quer control): administered orally quercetin 50 mg/kg/day, group IV (Cyclo): received saline and injected with single intraperitoneal (i.p) dose of Cyclo 200 mg/kg at day 5, group V (Oleu ttt): treated with oleuropein plus Cyclo i.p. injection at day 5, and group VI (Quer ttt): treated with quercetin plus Cyclo i.p. injection at day 5. Injection of Cyclo showed marked increase in serum transaminases and alkaline phosphatase, hepatic malondialdehyde (MDA) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-⍺) levels along with significant reduction in hepatic reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase levels in addition to downregulation of hepatic Nrf2 and HO-1 expressions and reduction in hepatic nuclear Nrf2 binding activity when compared with normal group. Histopathological examination of Cyclo treated rats revealed hepatic damage. Both oleuropein and quercetin exhibited an improvement in the biochemical and histopathological findings. In conclusion, the natural antioxidants oleuropein and quercetin counteract the Cyclo induced hepatotoxicity through activation of Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway with subsequent suppression of oxidative stress and inflammation.

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Prediction of skin anti‐aging clinical benefits of an association of ingredients from marine and maritime origins: Ex vivo evaluation using a label‐free quantitative proteomic and customized data processing approach

Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, EarlyView.

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Prediction of skin anti‐aging clinical benefits of an association of ingredients from marine and maritime origins: Ex vivo evaluation using a label‐free quantitative proteomic and customized data processing approach

Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, EarlyView.

https://ift.tt/2x7VNEf

Synthesis, molecular modelling studies and biological evaluation of new oxoeoicosanoid receptor 1 agonists

Publication date: Available online 23 May 2018
Source:Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry
Author(s): Tomasz Maciej Stepniewski, Mariona Torrens-Fontanals, Ismael Rodríguez-Espigares, Toni Giorgino, Karoline G. Primdahl, Anders Vik, Yngve Stenstrøm, Jana Selent, Trond Vidar Hansen
The oxoeicosanoid receptor 1 (OXER1) is a member of the G-protein coupled receptors (GPCR) family, and is involved in inflammatory processes and oncogenesis. As such it is an attractive target for pharmacological intervention. The present study aimed to shed light on the molecular fundaments of OXER1 modulation using chemical probes structurally related to the natural agonist 5-oxo-ETE. In a first step, 5-oxo-ETE and its closely related derivatives (5-oxo-EPE and 4-oxo-DHA) were obtained by conducting concise and high-yielding syntheses. The biological activity of obtained compounds was assessed in terms of potency (EC50) and efficacy (Emax) for arrestin recruitment. Finally, molecular modelling and simulation were used to explore binding characteristics of 5-oxo-ETE and derivatives with the aim to rationalize biological activity. Our data suggest that the tested 5-oxo-ETE derivatives (i) insert quickly into the membrane, (ii) access the receptor via transmembrane helices (TMs) 5 and 6 from the membrane side and (iii) drive potency and efficacy by differential interaction with TM5 and 7. Most importantly, we found that the methyl ester of 5-oxo-ETE (1a) showed even a higher maximum response than the natural agonist (1). In contrast, shifting the 5-oxo group into position 4 results in inactive compounds (4-oxo DHA compounds (3) and (3a)). All in all, our study provides relevant structural data that help understanding better OXER1 functionality and its modulation. The structural information presented herein will be useful for designing new lead compounds with desired signaling profiles.

Graphical abstract

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Pyrroloquinoline scaffold-based 5-HT6R ligands: synthesis, quantum chemical and molecular dynamic studies, and influence of nitrogen atom position in the scaffold on affinity

Publication date: Available online 23 May 2018
Source:Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry
Author(s): Katarzyna Grychowska, Rafał Kurczab, Paweł Śliwa, Grzegorz Satała, Krzysztof Dubiel, Mikołaj Matłoka, Rafał Moszczyński-Pętkowski, Jerzy Pieczykolan, Andrzej J. Bojarski, Paweł Zajdel
Based on pyrroloquinoline scaffold bearing 5-HT2C agonists, a series of arylsulfonamide derivatives of 1H-pyrrolo[2,3-f]quinoline and 1H-pyrrolo[3,2-h]quinoline, substituted at position 3 with tetrahydropyridine, were synthesized and evaluated in vitro for their affinity for 5-HT6 receptors. A structure–activity relationship study showed that the 1H-pyrrolo[3,2-h]quinoline scaffold was more favorable for 5-HT6R binding than the 1H-pyrrolo[2,3-f]quinoline one, suggesting dependence upon the type of condensation of the pyrrole and quinoline rings. As revealed by quantum-chemical calculations and molecular dynamic studies, position of the quinoline nitrogen atom in the planar pyrroloquinoline skeleton might affect the spatial orientation of the arylsulfonyl fragment, as a result of structure stabilization by internal hydrogen bonds.

Graphical abstract

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Molecular dynamics simulations of viral neuraminidase inhibitors with the human neuraminidase enzymes: Insights into isoenzyme selectivity

Publication date: Available online 23 May 2018
Source:Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry
Author(s): Michele R. Richards, Tianlin Guo, Carmanah D. Hunter, Christopher W. Cairo
Inhibitors of viral neuraminidase enzymes have been previously developed as therapeutics. Humans can express multiple forms of neuraminidase enzymes (NEU1, NEU2, NEU3, NEU4) that share a similar active site and enzymatic mechanism with their viral counterparts. Using a panel of purified human neuraminidase enzymes, we tested the inhibitory activity of 2-deoxy-2,3-dehydro-N-acetylneuraminic acid (DANA), zanamivir, oseltamivir, and peramivir against each of the human isoenzymes. We find that, with the exceptions of DANA and zanamivir, these compounds show generally poor activity against the human neuraminidase enzymes. To provide insight into the interactions of viral inhibitors with human neuraminidases, we conducted molecular dynamics simulations using homology models based on coordinates reported for NEU2. Simulations revealed that an organized water is displaced by zanamivir in binding to NEU2 and NEU3 and confirmed the critical importance of engaging the binding pocket of the C7–C9 glycerol sidechain. Our results suggest that compounds designed to target the human neuraminidases should provide more selective tools for interrogating these enzymes. Furthermore, they emphasize a need for additional structural data to enable structure-based drug design in these systems.

Graphical abstract

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Expedient synthesis and biological evaluation of alkenyl acyclic nucleoside phosphonate prodrugs

Publication date: Available online 23 May 2018
Source:Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry
Author(s): Elisa Pileggi, Michaela Serpi, Graciela Andrei, Dominique Schols, Robert Snoeck, Fabrizio Pertusati
The importance of phosphonoamidate prodrugs (ProTides) of acyclic nucleoside phosphonate (ANPs) is highlighted by the approval of Tenofovir Alafenamide Fumarate for the treatment of HIV and HBV infections. In the present paper we are reporting an expedient, one-pot, two-steps synthesis of allyl phosphonoamidates and diamidates that offers a time saving strategy when compared to literature methods. The use of these substrates in the cross metathesis reactions with alkenyl functionalised thymine and uracil nucleobases is reported. ANPs prodrugs synthesized via this methodology were evaluated for their antiviral activities against DNA and RNA viruses. It is anticipated that the use of 5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-1-napthyl as aryloxy moiety is capable to confer antiviral activity among a series of otherwise inactive uracil ProTides.

Graphical abstract

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Synthesis and biophysical properties of 5’-thio-2’,4’-BNA/LNA oligonucleotide

Publication date: Available online 23 May 2018
Source:Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry
Author(s): Md Ariful Islam, Aki Fujisaka, Shohei Mori, Kosuke Ramon Ito, Takao Yamaguchi, Satoshi Obika
Phophorothioate modification of oligonucleotides is one of the most promising chemical modifications in nucleic acid therapeutics. Structurally similar 5'-thio or phosphorothiolate-modified nucleotides, in which the 5'-bridging oxygen atom is replaced with a sulfur atom, are attracting attention and gaining importance in oligonucleotide-based research. In our present study, we synthesized 5'-thio-2',4'-BNA/LNA monomers bearing thymine or 5-methylcytosine nucleobase. The 5'-thio-2',4'-BNA/LNA monomers were successfully incorporated into target oligonucleotides, and their nuclease stability and binding affinity with complementary strands were evaluated.

Graphical abstract

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Facilely Accessible Quinoline Derivatives as Potent Antibacterial Agents

Publication date: Available online 22 May 2018
Source:Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry
Author(s): Peng Teng, Chunhui Li, Zhong Peng, Anne Marie Vanderschouw, Alekhya Nimmagadda, Ma Su, Yaqiong Li, Xingmin Sun, Jianfeng Cai
Quinoline compounds have been extensively explored as anti-malaria and anti-cancer agents for decades and show profound functional bioactivities, however, the studies of these compounds in other medicinal fields have lagged dramatically. In this study, we report the development of a series of facilely accessible quinoline derivatives that display potent antibacterial activity against a panel of multidrug-resistant Gram-positive bacterial strains, especially C. difficile. We also demonstrated that these molecules are effective in vivo against C. difficile. These results revealed that these types of quinoline compounds could serve as prototypes for the development of an appealing class of antibiotic agents used to combat Gram-positive drug-resistant bacterial strains, including C. difficile.

Graphical abstract

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A prospective observational study of pigmented naevi changes in psoriasis patients on biologic therapy

Australasian Journal of Dermatology, EarlyView.

https://ift.tt/2J4GC3x

Phase II Study of Everolimus and Octreotide LAR in Patients with Nonfunctioning Gastrointestinal Neuroendocrine Tumors: The GETNE1003_EVERLAR study

AbstractBackground.Antitumor activity of the combination of somatostatin analogues (SSAs) and the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitor everolimus in patients with neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) has been reported but not confirmed in prospective trials.Materials and Methods.This prospective, multicenter, single‐arm phase II EVERLAR study evaluated everolimus 10 mg/day and the SSA octreotide 30 mg every 28 days in patients with advanced nonfunctioning well‐differentiated gastrointestinal NETs (GI‐NETs) that progressed in the last 12 months (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01567488). Prior treatment with SSAs and any systemic or locoregional therapy was allowed except for mTOR inhibitors. Patients continued treatment until disease progression or unacceptable adverse events (AEs). The primary endpoint was progression‐free survival (PFS) at 12 months; secondary endpoints included early biochemical response, objective response rate (ORR) by RECIST v1.0, overall survival (OS), AEs, activation of mTOR pathway (insulin‐like growth factor 1 receptor [IGF1R] and phosphoS6 [pS6] expression).Results.Forty‐three patients were included in the intent‐to‐treat analyses. After 12 months of treatment, 62.3% (95% confidence interval [CI] 48%–77%) of patients had not progressed or died. The 24‐month PFS rate was 43.6% (95% CI 29%–58%). The confirmed ORR was 2.3%, and stable disease was 58.1%. Median OS was not reached after 24 months of median follow‐up. Dose reductions and temporary interruptions due to AEs were required in 14 (33%) and 33 (77%) patients, respectively. The most frequent AEs were diarrhea, asthenia, mucositis, rash, and hyperglycemia. No correlation was observed between IGFR1 and pS6 expression and PFS/OS.Conclusion.The everolimus‐octreotide combination provided clinically relevant efficacy in nonfunctioning GI‐NETs, similar to the results of RADIANT‐2 in functioning setting.Implications for Practice.The EVERLAR study reports prospective data of somatostatin analogue in combination with everolimus in nonfunctioning gastrointestinal neuroendocrine tumors suggesting meaningful activity and favorable toxicity profile that supports drug combination in this setting.

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A prospective observational study of pigmented naevi changes in psoriasis patients on biologic therapy

Australasian Journal of Dermatology, EarlyView.

https://ift.tt/2J4GC3x

Manipulating macrophage polarization and function using classical HDAC inhibitors: implications for autoimmunity and inflammation

Sublingual immunotherapy for pediatric allergic conjunctivitis: a meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials

International Forum of Allergy &Rhinology, EarlyView.

https://ift.tt/2s9C5SG

Evaluation of idiopathic olfactory loss with chemosensory event‐related potentials and magnetic resonance imaging

International Forum of Allergy &Rhinology, EarlyView.

https://ift.tt/2J6w8Rn

Comparison of outcomes following culture‐directed vs non–culture‐directed antibiotics in treatment of acute exacerbations of chronic rhinosinusitis

International Forum of Allergy &Rhinology, EarlyView.

https://ift.tt/2xawtO4

Evolving patterns in the diagnosis and management of allergy‐mediated disorders

International Forum of Allergy &Rhinology, EarlyView.

https://ift.tt/2kmhG9L

Effects of meta-tetrahydroxyphenylchlorin photodynamic therapy on isogenic colorectal cancer SW480 and SW620 cells with different metastatic potentials

Abstract

The aim of this study is to investigate the antitumor effects and possible mechanisms of meta-tetrahydroxyphenylchlorin-mediated photodynamic therapy (m-THPC-PDT) on human primary (SW480) and metastatic (SW620) colon cancer cell lines. SW480 and SW620 cells were incubated with various concentrations of m-THPC, followed by photodynamic irradiation. Subcellular localization of m-THPC in cells was observed with confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). Photocytotoxicity of m-THPC in the two cells was investigated by using MTT assay. The flow cytometry was employed to detect the cell apoptosis. The migration and long-term recovery ability were determined by scratch test and colony formation assay respectively. CLSM showed that m-THPC was mainly distributed within the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and lysosome of SW480 cells and within the lysosome and mitochondria of SW620 cells. m-THPC-PDT induced a dose-dependent and light energy-dependent cytotoxicity in SW480 and SW620 cells. Apoptosis rate was approximately 65 and 25% in SW480 and SW620 respectively when the concentration of m-THPC increased to 11.76 μM. However, the rate of necrotic cells had no significant changes in two cell lines. The colony formation and migration ability of the two cell lines were decreased with m-THPC-PDT treatment in a dose-dependent manner. PDT with m-THPC not only could effectively inhibit cell proliferation and decrease migration ability and colony formation ability, but also could effectively kill SW480 and SW620 cells in a dose-dependent manner in vitro. These results suggest that m-THPC is a promising sensitizer that warrants further development and extensive studies towards clinical use of colorectal cancer.

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Serum zonulin is associated with presence and severity of atopic dermatitis in children, independent of total IgE and eosinophil

Clinical &Experimental Allergy, EarlyView.

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Acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis due to terbinafine

Dermatologic Therapy, EarlyView.

https://ift.tt/2KRnrrh

The genome sequence of a SNP type 3K strain of Mycobacterium leprae isolated from a seventh‐century Hungarian case of lepromatous leprosy

International Journal of Osteoarchaeology, EarlyView.

https://ift.tt/2s9xTlU

Acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis due to terbinafine

Dermatologic Therapy, EarlyView.

https://ift.tt/2KRnrrh

How to avoid the inappropriate use of antibiotics in upper respiratory tract infections? A position statement from an expert panel

Otávio Bejzman Piltcher, Eduardo Macoto Kosugi, Eulalia Sakano, Olavo Mion, José Ricardo Gurgel Testa, Fabrizio Ricci Romano, Marco Cesar Jorge Santos, Renata Cantisani Di Francesco, Edson Ibrahim Mitre, Thiago Freire Pinto Bezerra, Renato Roithmann, Francini Greco Padua, Fabiana Cardoso Pereira Valera, José Faibes Lubianca Neto, Leonardo Conrado Barbosa Sá, Shirley Shizue Nagata Pignatari, Melissa Ameloti Gomes Avelino, Juliana Alves de Souza Caixeta, Wilma Terezinha Anselmo‐Lima, Edwin Tamashiro
Braz J Otorhinolaryngol.2018;84:265-79

Resume - Texto Completo - PDF

https://ift.tt/2IJBvGo

Breaking paradigms in severe epistaxis: the importance of looking for the S‐point

Eduardo Macoto Kosugi, Leonardo Balsalobre, João Mangussi‐Gomes, Miguel Soares Tepedino, Daniel Marcus San‐da‐Silva, Erika Mucciolo Cabernite, Diego Hermann, Aldo Cassol Stamm
Braz J Otorhinolaryngol.2018;84:290-7

Resume - Texto Completo - PDF

https://ift.tt/2LpDjlY

Obstructive sleep apnea is associated with increased QT corrected interval dispersion: the effects of continuous positive airway pressure

Nagihan Bilal, Nursel Dikmen, Fulsen Bozkus, Aylin Sungur, Selman Sarica, Israfil Orhan, Anil Samur
Braz J Otorhinolaryngol.2018;84:298-304

Resume - Texto Completo - PDF

https://ift.tt/2IJsbhZ

Peritonsillar and deep neck infections: a review of 330 cases

Paula Martínez Pascual, Paloma Pinacho Martinez, Eviatar Friedlander, Carlos Martin Oviedo, Bartolome Scola Yurrita
Braz J Otorhinolaryngol.2018;84:305-10

Resume - Texto Completo - PDF

https://ift.tt/2LpD6iG

Nasal mucociliary transportability of male and female smokers

Juliana Souza Uzeloto, Dionei Ramos, Ana Paula C.F. Freire, Diego G.D. Christofaro, Ercy Mara C. Ramos
Braz J Otorhinolaryngol.2018;84:311-7

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https://ift.tt/2ILaDlz

Comparison between clinical and audiological results of tympanoplasty with modified sandwich technique and underlay technique

Sanjana Vijay Nemade, Kiran Jaywant Shinde, Chetana Shivadas Naik, Haris Qadri
Braz J Otorhinolaryngol.2018;84:318-23

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https://ift.tt/2LrhUZu

Genomic profile of a squamous cell carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma compared to a head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

Fernanda Viviane Mariano, Luis Fernando Vidal Saccomani, Karina Giovanetti, André Del Negro, Luiz Paulo Kowalski, Ana Cristina Victorino Krepischi, Albina Altemani
Braz J Otorhinolaryngol.2018;84:393-7

Texto Completo - PDF

https://ift.tt/2IJlvEJ

Ototoxicity of boric acid powder in a rat animal model

Murat Salihoglu, Salim Dogru, Enver Cesmeci, Halil Caliskan, Onuralp Kurt, Zafer Kuçukodaci, Atila Gungor
Braz J Otorhinolaryngol.2018;84:332-7

Resume - Texto Completo - PDF

https://ift.tt/2LpChGC

Translation and adaptation of the Radiotherapy Edema Rating Scale to Brazilian Portuguese

Débora dos Santos Queija, Lica Arakawa‐Sugueno, Bruna Mello Chamma, Marco Aurélio Vamondes Kulcsar, Rogério Aparecido Dedivitis
Braz J Otorhinolaryngol.2018;84:344-50

Resume - Texto Completo - PDF

https://ift.tt/2IGAyPq

Hearing in Noise Test, HINT‐Brazil, in normal‐hearing children

Carolina Lino Novelli, Nádia Giulian de Carvalho, Maria Francisca Colella‐Santos
Braz J Otorhinolaryngol.2018;84:360-7

Resume - Texto Completo - PDF

https://ift.tt/2IElrWp

Effect of antioxidant supplementation on the auditory threshold in sensorineural hearing loss: a meta‐analysis

Maria Eduarda Di Cavalcanti Alves de Souza, Klinger Vagner Teixeira da Costa, Paulo Augusto Vitorino, Nassib Bezerra Bueno, Pedro de Lemos Menezes
Braz J Otorhinolaryngol.2018;84:368-80

Resume - Texto Completo - PDF

https://ift.tt/2ILagYd

Effect of caffeine on vestibular evoked myogenic potential: a systematic review with meta‐analysis

Maria Eduarda Di Cavalcanti Alves de Souza, Klinger Vagner Teixeira da Costa, Pedro de Lemos Menezes
Braz J Otorhinolaryngol.2018;84:381-8

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https://ift.tt/2IHCbMu

Undifferentiated high‐grade pleomorphic sarcoma of ethmoid sinus: a case report and literature review

Yupeng Zhu, Dapeng Hao, Xiaoyan Tang, Lei Sun
Braz J Otorhinolaryngol.2018;84:389-92

Texto Completo - PDF

https://ift.tt/2IGJr7u

Unusual coexisting thyroglossal duct cyst and second branchial cleft fistula in an adult

Dong Hoon Lee, Tae Mi Yoon, Joon Kyoo Lee, Sang Chul Lim
Braz J Otorhinolaryngol.2018;84:398-9

Texto Completo - PDF

https://ift.tt/2x4lRAd

Rosacea‐like cutaneous localization of small lymphocytic lymphoma unmasked by high‐frequency‐ultrasound

Skin Research and Technology, EarlyView.

https://ift.tt/2KPFuhq

The significance of spectrophotometric image analysis for diagnosis of the melanocytic skin tumours in association with their thickness

Skin Research and Technology, EarlyView.

https://ift.tt/2IIPzMy

Split‐axilla comparison study of 0.5‐MHz, invasive, bipolar radiofrequency treatment using insulated microneedle electrodes for primary axillary hyperhidrosis

Skin Research and Technology, EarlyView.

https://ift.tt/2s4L6xf

Detection of hydroquinone by Raman spectroscopy in patients with melasma before and after treatment

Skin Research and Technology, EarlyView.

https://ift.tt/2KPFhLa

Anesthesia effects on the low frequency blood flow oscillations in mouse skin

Skin Research and Technology, EarlyView.

https://ift.tt/2s2zvib

Sequels to tattoo removal by caustic products

Skin Research and Technology, EarlyView.

https://ift.tt/2KPF4rm

Use of silicone gel to enhance skin wound healing by secondary intention following tumour excision on the scalp and extremities

Clinical and Experimental Dermatology, EarlyView.

https://ift.tt/2IFWUQV

Thyroid function in hidradenitis suppurativa: a population‐based cross‐sectional study from Denmark

Clinical and Experimental Dermatology, EarlyView.

https://ift.tt/2x7rAVL

Erythrodermic pityriasis rubra pilaris managed at home: intensive community care followed by ustekinumab

Clinical and Experimental Dermatology, EarlyView.

https://ift.tt/2LoHpe5

Cutaneous sarcoidosis: a new subset in the spectrum of paraneoplastic dermatoses

Clinical and Experimental Dermatology, EarlyView.

https://ift.tt/2IGDLKt

Immunohistochemical and molecular analysis of spitzoid neoplasms with pulverocyte subclones

Clinical and Experimental Dermatology, EarlyView.

https://ift.tt/2IHqhT5

Perforating folliculitis in association with liver impairment in a patient with chronic ductopenic rejection of liver transplant

Clinical and Experimental Dermatology, EarlyView.

https://ift.tt/2LqVAPO

Pemphigus foliaceus and acquired haemophilia: a rare but important association with life‐threatening consequences

Clinical and Experimental Dermatology, EarlyView.

https://ift.tt/2IMaH4E

Development of angio‐oedema after omalizumab injections in a patient with chronic spontaneous urticaria

Clinical and Experimental Dermatology, EarlyView.

https://ift.tt/2IIn3yE

Intravenous immunoglobulins in dermatology. Part 1: biological mechanisms and methods of administration

Clinical and Experimental Dermatology, EarlyView.

https://ift.tt/2IMaBdi

Intravenous immunoglobulins in dermatology. Part 2: clinical indications and outcomes

Clinical and Experimental Dermatology, EarlyView.

https://ift.tt/2LpAUYn

A comparison of intraoperative haemostatic techniques during tonsillectomy: Suture vs electrocautery—A study to assess postoperative pain scores and duration to resumption of normal diet

Clinical Otolaryngology, EarlyView.

https://ift.tt/2IJpaOH

Comorbid inner ear disorders in 50 patients with congenital nystagmus

Clinical Otolaryngology, EarlyView.

https://ift.tt/2s1vLOc

Thyroid function in hidradenitis suppurativa: a population‐based cross‐sectional study from Denmark

Clinical and Experimental Dermatology, EarlyView.

https://ift.tt/2x7rAVL

Erythrodermic pityriasis rubra pilaris managed at home: intensive community care followed by ustekinumab

Clinical and Experimental Dermatology, EarlyView.

https://ift.tt/2LoHpe5

Chilblains accompanying interleukin‐1 receptor‐associated kinase (IRAK)‐4 deficiency

Clinical and Experimental Dermatology, EarlyView.

https://ift.tt/2IMhATa

Pemphigus foliaceus and acquired haemophilia: a rare but important association with life‐threatening consequences

Clinical and Experimental Dermatology, EarlyView.

https://ift.tt/2IMaH4E

Development of angio‐oedema after omalizumab injections in a patient with chronic spontaneous urticaria

Clinical and Experimental Dermatology, EarlyView.

https://ift.tt/2IIn3yE

Disseminated interstitial granuloma annulare associated with hepatocellular carcinoma

Clinical and Experimental Dermatology, EarlyView.

https://ift.tt/2IJfV5f

Intravenous immunoglobulins in dermatology. Part 1: biological mechanisms and methods of administration

Clinical and Experimental Dermatology, EarlyView.

https://ift.tt/2IMaBdi

Intravenous immunoglobulins in dermatology. Part 2: clinical indications and outcomes

Clinical and Experimental Dermatology, EarlyView.

https://ift.tt/2LpAUYn

Comparison of PCR‐based methods for the diagnosis of cutaneous leishmaniasis in two different epidemiological scenarios: Spain and Morocco

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

https://ift.tt/2IKEkr6

When passion hurts: adverse cutaneous reaction to tattoo in a FC Barcelona soccer fan (‘Culé Dermatitis’)

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

https://ift.tt/2IL4OVf

Cutaneous melanoma in France in 2015 attributable to solar ultraviolet radiation and the use of sunbeds

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

https://ift.tt/2IGCJ1i

Systematic review of platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) preparation and composition for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia

Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, EarlyView.

https://ift.tt/2kltNE5

Split face comparison between common concentration vs double dilution of intradermal abobotulinum toxin type A (Dysport) injection for facial lifting in Asians

Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, Volume 17, Issue 3, Page 355-360, June 2018.

https://ift.tt/2kjwWnJ

JCD Commentary—June 2018

Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, Volume 17, Issue 3, Page 281-281, June 2018.

https://ift.tt/2s5LHhB

Issue Information

Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, Volume 17, Issue 3, Page 275-276, June 2018.

https://ift.tt/2J2Dsgv

Prevalence and risk factors for injection site skin infections among people who inject drugs (PWID) in Tehran

Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, EarlyView.

https://ift.tt/2s5LECr

Characterization of asthma in the adolescent population

Allergy, EarlyView.

https://ift.tt/2s2G8kO

Longitudinal evaluation of clustering of chronic sinonasal and related symptoms using exploratory factor analysis

Allergy, EarlyView.

https://ift.tt/2KOlqff

Atopic asthma after rhinovirus‐induced wheezing is associated with DNA methylation change in the SMAD3 gene promoter

Allergy, EarlyView.

https://ift.tt/2sa27q7

Renal complications of lipodystrophy: A closer look at the natural history of kidney disease

Clinical Endocrinology, EarlyView.

https://ift.tt/2II2YEs

Growth hormone—Insulin‐like growth factor 1 axis hyperactivity on bone fibrous dysplasia in McCune‐Albright Syndrome

Clinical Endocrinology, EarlyView.

https://ift.tt/2IJREI2

Quality of life in patients with adrenal disease: A systematic review

Clinical Endocrinology, EarlyView.

https://ift.tt/2LqweSb

A tale of two clones: Caldesmon staining in the differentiation of cutaneous spindle cell neoplasms

Journal of Cutaneous Pathology, EarlyView.

https://ift.tt/2IGAz1G

Efficacy and absorption of topical sirolimus for the treatment of vascular anomalies in children: A case series

Pediatric Dermatology, EarlyView.

https://ift.tt/2J4sbfR

Eosinophilic annular erythema treated with dupilumab

Pediatric Dermatology, EarlyView.

https://ift.tt/2s82bFR

Self‐initiated use of topical cannabidiol oil for epidermolysis bullosa

Pediatric Dermatology, EarlyView.

https://ift.tt/2J4s8Rd

Sensitivity and specificity of ex vivo dermatoscopy: a case series

International Journal of Dermatology, EarlyView.

https://ift.tt/2x5PwJf

Hypocomplementemic urticarial vasculitis occurring in a patient with relapsing polychondritis

International Journal of Dermatology, EarlyView.

https://ift.tt/2klqtIS

Acquired digital fibrokeratoma: review of its clinical and dermoscopic features and differential diagnosis

International Journal of Dermatology, EarlyView.

https://ift.tt/2x69N1c

“The Evolution of Eyebrow Morphology: The Westmore Model Revisited”

International Journal of Dermatology, EarlyView.

https://ift.tt/2J3hlXe

Multiple facial translucent papules

International Journal of Dermatology, EarlyView.

https://ift.tt/2x6qZns

Dermoscopic patterns of filiform papillae of the tongue in patients with and without connective tissue autoimmune diseases

International Journal of Dermatology, EarlyView.

https://ift.tt/2IZKJ0B

Ertapenem – a potent treatment for clinical and quality of life improvement in patients with hidradenitis suppurativa

International Journal of Dermatology, EarlyView.

https://ift.tt/2s94xEi

A man with easy bruising, heart failure, and organomegaly

International Journal of Dermatology, EarlyView.

https://ift.tt/2klq7lw

Conservative thickness layers in Mohs micrographic surgery

International Journal of Dermatology, EarlyView.

https://ift.tt/2J4rLWP

The Laryngoscope, Volume 128, Issue 6, Page iii-vii, June 2018.

https://ift.tt/2IMeTB2

Masthead

The Laryngoscope, Volume 128, Issue 6, Page i-ii, June 2018.

https://ift.tt/2s2ENdM

Is depression screening in patients with acne critical?

British Journal of Dermatology, EarlyView.

https://ift.tt/2II9rz8

Is depression screening in patients with acne critical?

British Journal of Dermatology, EarlyView.

https://ift.tt/2II9rz8

The 3rd World Conference on Kisspeptin, “Kisspeptin 2017: Brain and Beyond”: Unresolved questions, challenges and future directions for the field

Journal of Neuroendocrinology, Volume 30, Issue 5, May 2018.

https://ift.tt/2LoBLsp

Cortical Hypoactivation During Resting EEG Suggests Central Nervous System Pathology in Patients with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Publication date: Available online 23 May 2018
Source:Biological Psychology
Author(s): M.A. Zinn, M.L. Zinn, I. Valencia, L.A. Jason, J.G. Montoya
We investigated cognitive impairment to executive function in 50 patients with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and 50 matched healthy controls (HC). Resting state EEG was collected from 19 scalp locations during a 3 minute, eyes-closed condition. Current densities were localized using exact low-resolution electromagnetic tomography (eLORETA). The Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory (MFI-20) and the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) were administered to all participants. Independent t-tests and linear regression analyses were used to evaluate group differences in current densities, followed by statistical non-parametric mapping (SnPM) correction procedures. Significant differences were found in the delta (1–3 Hz) and beta-2 (19–21 Hz) frequency bands. Delta sources were found predominately in the frontal lobe, while beta-2 sources were found in the medial and superior parietal lobe. Left-lateralized, frontal delta sources were associated with a clinical reduction in motivation. The implications of abnormal cortical sources in patients with CFS are discussed.

https://ift.tt/2Lsnx9A

In the first line of her book, Dr. Feemster writes, “vaccines represent one of the greatest public health...

In the first line of her book, Dr. Feemster writes, "vaccines represent one of the greatest public health advances of the past 100 years." Still, significant disparities continue to exist in widespread availability, adherence, and acceptance of vaccines, despite profound decreases and even eradication of preventable diseases since Jenner's renowned smallpox experiments in 1796.

https://ift.tt/2ki8x1Y

The Amish have Decreased Asthma and Allergic Diseases Compared to Old Order Mennonites

The prevalence of allergic diseases is increasing worldwide, particularly in Westernized regions. Epidemiologic studies from several continents have shown an association between infants born into farming environments and significantly decreased frequency of asthma and allergic diseases. The protective factors in farming environments remain poorly understood but may include animal exposure and farm (unprocessed) milk ingestion 1,2. The Amish, Old Order Mennonites (OOM), and Hutterites are distinct Anabaptist traditional agrarian cultures.

https://ift.tt/2s2OpnU

Nonpharmacologic Considerations in the Management of Allergies and Asthma

A considerable amount of literature has been published on optimal management of patients who have allergy and/or asthma related diseases. While major progress has been reported with new and exciting pharmacological therapies which include biologically derived agents, this does not replace the need for an effective patient-provider interpersonal relationship [1]. Aside from our expertise derived from state-of-the art education (both in graduate medical education and continuing medical education) and clinical experience, there is more to optimal management of our patients' health besides the right prescription at the right time.

https://ift.tt/2J1V9wM

Provider Practices in Screening for Mental Health Concerns in Caregivers of Patients with Primary Immunodeficiency

Primary immunodeficiency disorders (PID) are a diverse group of diseases that impact the immune system and require intensive treatment. The psychosocial impact of PID may be particularly pronounced among caregivers of children diagnosed with PID who often experience disruption to work and family responsibilities related to diagnosis and treatment, and face ongoing uncertainty regarding recurrent infections, hospitalizations, and life-threatening treatment. The psychological impact of chronic diseases may influence patient medical and psychosocial outcomes as well.

https://ift.tt/2x2q5Z0

Alkylphenol and bisphenol A contamination of urban runoff: an evaluation of the emission potentials of various construction materials and automotive supplies

Abstract

Alkylphenol (AP) and bisphenol A (BPA) contamination of urban runoff has already been established. Potential sources of these contaminants in runoff are endogenous to the urban watershed and are mainly related to traffic and leaching from construction materials. This article summarizes the results of experimental work carried out on a selection of building materials, automotive materials, and consumables, which can be in contact with rain, to assess their potential emission of alkylphenols, alkylphenol ethoxylates, and bisphenol A into runoff. 36 samples of materials, new and used, across 7 major families of building materials (PVC, concrete, polycarbonate, SBS-modified bitumen, drainage materials) and automotive materials (body, tires) were subjected to leaching tests with methanol and then, for a selection of them, with water. Automotive fluids were also directly analyzed. The results demonstrate the ubiquitous presence of APs and BPA in urban materials and their extractable character with water. The compounds with the strongest emission rates were bisphenol A and nonylphenol. The most important BPA emissions into water (10 to 300 ng/g) were measured for polycarbonate, tires, some car bodies, and PVC. Nonylphenol was leached in large quantities (1 to 10 ng/g) from PVC, some concretes, SBS-modified bitumen, and body samples. The tires were the only materials having a strong emission in octylphenol (1 to 10 ng/g). The analysis of automotive fluids confirmed the presence of BPA (0.3 to 5.5 g/L) and nonylphenol (2.3 to 2.9 mg/L) in brake fluids, while APs and BPA were found at trace levels in coolants and windscreen washer.

Graphical abstract

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https://ift.tt/2IImkJF

Effects of flavor enhancers on the survival and behavior of the red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)

Abstract

To understand whether flavor enhancers pose potential risks to the environment, it is important to assess its effects on insects. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the toxicity of flavor enhancers on the survival and behaviors of the red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta. In this study, we found that the mortality of S. invicta workers that were fed glutamic acid monosodium salt hydrate, glycine, L-alanine, succinic acid, succinic acid disodium, inosinate 5′-monophosphate disodium salt hydrate, and GMP were significantly higher than the mortality rates of workers fed sucrose. Moreover, glycine and GMP exhibited the strongest toxicities and caused 100% mortality in workers after 84 h. LC₅₀ values were 0.004 g/ml and 0.02 g/ml for GMP and glycine, respectively. Additionally, at sublethal doses, both GMP and glycine solutions decreased foraging and digging behaviors. Our results suggest that flavor enhancers are toxic to insects and also likely to have a negative impact at sublethal concentrations.

https://ift.tt/2IFOtoJ

Ternary cross-coupled nanohybrid for high-efficiency 1H-benzo[ d ]imidazole chemisorption

Abstract

1H-Benzo[d]imidazole (BMA) has been considered as an emerging pharmaceutical organic contaminant, leading to the increasing BMA detection in wastewaters and need to be removed from ecosystem. This study investigated a highly synergistic BMA chemisorption using a novel ternary cross-coupled nanohybrid [γ-APTES]-Fe₃O₄@PAN@rGO. Magnetic nanoparticles (Fe₃O₄) were in situ core-shell co-precipitated with polyacrylonitrile polymer (PAN). Then, the prepared Fe₃O₄@PAN was decorated on hexagonal arrays of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) inside the framework of γ-aminopropyltriethoxysilane ([γ-APTES]). The final nanohybrid [γ-APTES]-Fe₃O₄@PAN@rGO produced adjacent inter-fringe distances of 0.2–0.4 nm corresponded well to (111), (220), and (311) parallel sub-lattices with two oblique intersections at 90° right angle and 60° triangle. The BMA adsorption was favorable in neutral pH 7, aroused temperature (50 °C), and controlled by endothermic process. The identified maximum adsorption capacity of 221.73 mg g⁻¹ was 30% higher than the reported adsorbents. The adsorption mechanisms include ion exchange, hydrogen bond, dipole-dipole force, π-conjugation, electrostatic, and hydrophobic interaction.

Graphical abstract

The synthetic route of novel nanohybrid [γ-APTES]-Fe₃O₄@PAN@rGO was investigated. After BMA adsorption, the adsorbent surface was entirely changed, thus an efficiently facile magnetic separation within 8s. [γ-APTES]-Fe₃O₄@PAN@rGO formed different oblique intersections of 60° and 90° sub-lattices

https://ift.tt/2x5Z3jo

Healthcare provider counseling to quit smoking and patient desire to quit: The role of negative smoking outcome expectancies

Publication date: October 2018
Source:Addictive Behaviors, Volume 85
Author(s): Joan S. Tucker, Brian D. Stucky, Maria Orlando Edelen, William G. Shadel, David J. Klein
AimsThe U.S. Public Health Service Clinical Practice Guideline on treating tobacco use and dependence recommends providing advice to quit to every tobacco user seen in a healthcare setting. However, the mechanism through which counseling encourages patients to quit has not been adequately studied. This study tests whether the association between receiving healthcare provider counseling and desire to quit is accounted for by negative health and psychosocial outcome expectancies of smoking.MethodsData were collected online from 721 adult smokers who had seen a healthcare provider in the past 12 months. Associations between counseling to quit, negative outcome expectancies of smoking, and desire to quit were tested, as well as whether outcome expectancies and desire to quit differed by type of counseling (counseling only vs. counseling plus assistance) and level of smoking.ResultsBivariate associations indicated a stronger desire to quit among patients receiving counseling, particularly when it included healthcare provider assistance to quit. SEM results indicated that the association between counseling and desire to quit was fully accounted for by patients' negative health and psychosocial outcome expectancies for smoking. These associations were found across levels of smoking in the case of health expectancies, but were limited to moderate and heavy smokers in the case of psychosocial expectancies.ConclusionResults suggest that the time devoted to counseling patients about smoking should include providing some assistance to quit, such as recommending a product, prescription or program. Regardless of smoking level, this counseling should incorporate techniques to elicit patients' negative health and psychosocial expectancies of smoking.

https://ift.tt/2IJr8lW

Implication of orphan histidine kinase (OhkAsp) in biosynthesis of doxorubicin and daunorubicin in Streptomyces peucetius ATCC 27952

Publication date: September 2018
Source:Microbiological Research, Volume 214
Author(s): Anaya Raj Pokhrel, Hue Thi Nguyen, Dipesh Dhakal, Amit Kumar Chaudhary, Jae Kyung Sohng
The orphan histidine kinase (HK) from Streptomyces peucetius ATCC 27952 (ohkAsp) was found to be implicated in the regulation of doxorubicin (DOX)/daunorubicin (DNR) biosynthesis, self-defense and developmental attributes. OhkAsp is a homolog of OhkA from Streptomyces coelicolor and Streptomyces avermitilis (with 73 and 75% identity). As in its homologs, S. peucetius mutant with deletion of ohkAsp was found to enhance metabolite biosynthesis and impaired the morphological differentiation. But, unlike its homologs from Streptomyces coelicolor and Streptomyces avermitilis, differential enhancement in level of secondary metabolite production was found in overexpression mutants apart from deletion mutant. The deflection in characteristics of OhkA in its homologue from S. peucetius ATCC 27952, and its imminent implications was monitered by making various mutants with differential expression level of ohkAsp. The variations were observed in the morphology of mutants, transcriptional level of effectors and regulators of DOX/DNR biosynthesis pathway, DOX/DNR precursor pool and biomass accumulation. Based on comparisons of domain arrangements among its homologs, Low Complexity Region (LCR) present on the OhkAsp was the only domain that stood out. Further, the LCR on OhkAsp was found to be overlapping with a putative receiver domain responsible for interaction with response regulator. The imminent implications of differential expression level of ohkAsp on: regulation and biosynthesis of DOX/DNR, morphological differentiation, DOX/DNR precursor pool and biomass accumulation were explored in this study.

https://ift.tt/2x5tOoT

Novel Trichoderma strains. isolated from tree barks as potential biocontrol agents and biofertilizers for direct seeded rice

Publication date: Available online 23 May 2018
Source:Microbiological Research
Author(s): Harekrushna Swain, Totan Adak, Arup K. Mukherjee, Prasun K. Mukherjee, Pratap Bhattacharyya, Shantiprava Behera, Torit Baran Bagchi, Rashmishree Patro, Shasmita, Ansuman Khandual, M.K. Bag, T.K. Dangar, S. Lenka, M. Jena
This study is the first time report of utilization of Trichoderma spp. isolated from different tree barks from Odisha state of India for rice crop health management and higher productivity. Six isolates of Trichoderma spp. were identified based on the morphological characteristics and species determination was performed by molecular assays. One of the isolated strains determined as Trichoderma erinaceum outperformed others. Trichoderma erinaceum controlled three soil borne plant pathogens i.e. Rhizoctonia solani, Sclerotium rolfsii and Sclerotium oryzae effectively under controlled condition and R. solani and Helminthosporium oryzae under filed condition. Seed treatments with the formulated isolates improved the germination rate of rice and enhanced vigour. These parameters along with higher chlorophyll content could be related to higher yield observed in two rice varieties; Karuna and Shabhagidhan. Among the six isolates tested, Trichoderma erinaceum treatment recorded highest yield. Significantly higher expression of some stress related enzymes was observed in Trichoderma treated plants which helped in better crop growth both under biotic and abiotic stresses. These isolates helped both the varieties to accumulate more nutrients This study proves that Trichoderma erinaceum obtained from tree bark may be incorporated in integrated rice crop management both as biocontrol agent and biofertilizer.

https://ift.tt/2LpNuqD

ddY Mice Fed 10% Fat Diet Exhibit High p27KIP Expression and Delayed Hepatocyte DNA Synthesis During Liver Regeneration

Metabolic Syndrome and Related Disorders, Ahead of Print.

https://ift.tt/2IJiJLq

Association analysis between spatiotemporal variation of vegetation greenness and precipitation/temperature in the Yangtze River Basin (China)

Abstract

The variation in vegetation greenness provides good understanding of the sustainable management and monitoring of land surface ecosystems. The present paper discusses the spatial-temporal changes in vegetation and controlling factors in the Yangtze River Basin (YRB) using Global Inventory Modeling and Mapping Studies (GIMMS) Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) for the period 2001–2013. Theil-Sen Median trend analysis, Pearson correlation coefficients, and residual analysis have been used, which shows decreasing trend of the annual mean NDVI over the whole YRB. Spatially, the regions with significant decreasing trends were mainly located in parts of central YRB, and pronounced increasing trends were observed in parts of the eastern and western YRB. The mean NDVI during spring and summer seasons increased, while it decreased during autumn and winter seasons. The seasonal mean NDVI shows spatial heterogeneity due to the vegetation types. The correlation analysis shows a positive relation between NDVI and temperature over most of the YRB, whereas NDVI and precipitation show a negative correlation. The residual analysis shows an increase in NDVI in parts of eastern and western YRB and the decrease in NDVI in the small part of Yangtze River Delta (YRD) and the mid-western YRB due to human activities. In general, climate factors were the principal drivers of NDVI variation in YRB in recent years.

https://ift.tt/2s2qVPM

Pyramidal Artery: An Artery to Pyramidal Lobe—A New Nomenclature

Abstract

Thyroid lobes are supplied by superior and inferior thyroid arteries. We dissected out a specific arterial pattern always present along with a well developed pyramidal lobe. Authors named this as "Pyramidal Artery". This may be a common unnoticed bleeding site during surgery. Thyroid anomalies are commonly observed as incidental finding during surgery. Presence of pyramidal lobe is the most common finding among other thyroid anomalies due to persistence of thyroglossal duct. Present study reported incidence of pyramidal lobe in 41.46% cases and pyramidal lobe branches off more frequently from left lobe than right. Special attention has to be paid during total thyroidectomy in order not to leave the thyroid tissue. Few such anatomical variations and surgical importance of vascular pattern in such cases is discussed in paper.

https://ift.tt/2J4t8EM

Pyramidal Artery: An Artery to Pyramidal Lobe—A New Nomenclature

Abstract

https://ift.tt/2J4t8EM

Histone modifications and their role in epigenetics of atopy and allergic diseases

This review covers basic aspects of histone modification and the role of posttranslational histone modifications in the development of allergic diseases, including the immune mechanisms underlying this develop...

https://ift.tt/2LrF1D9

Association between fractional exhaled nitric oxide, sputum induction and peripheral blood eosinophil in uncontrolled asthma

The fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) and blood eosinophils are biomarkers of eosinophilic airway inflammation used in the diagnosis and management of asthma, although induced sputum is the gold standard ...

https://ift.tt/2x9J0Bm

Ketamine and electroconvulsive therapy: so happy together?

Purpose of review Anesthetics, such as thiopental, methohexital, propofol and ketamine have been used to induce unconsciousness for electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), each with its advantages and disadvantages. Only until recently was it discovered that ketamine may have inherent antidepressant effects. We reviewed the side effect profile of ketamine and examined the literature for whether or not ketamine augments the antidepressant effects of ECT. Recent findings Systematic reviews and meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials of the potential benefits of adding ketamine to ECT treatment have generated varied conclusions. Currently there is a lack of clear evidence that ketamine with ECT is more efficacious than ECT alone. Summary Large, multicenter randomized controlled trials are needed to further investigate the potential advantages of adding ketamine to ECT for patients with severe or refractory depression. The addition of ketamine to ECT treatment may have some early beneficial effect in patients with acute depressive disorders. Most likely, ECT itself is responsible for lasting remission from severe depression. Ketamine's side effect profile may be undesirable in certain patient populations, and so the risks and benefits of the addition of this drug to ECT treatment must be weighed. Correspondence to Kathryn Cobb, MD, N2198 UNC Hospitals, CB# 7010, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7010, USA. Tel: +1 919 966 5136; e-mail: kathryn_cobb@med.unc.edu Copyright © 2018 YEAR Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.

https://ift.tt/2kl4nGA

Treatment of ventriculoperitoneal shunt infection and ventriculitis caused by Acinetobacter baumannii: a case report

Acinetobacter baumannii (A. baumannii) infections are a recognized problem in healthcare, causing ventriculoperitoneal shunt infection and ventriculitis. Such infections are serious intracranial infection that ca...

https://ift.tt/2x6ejNv

Redefining Perineural Invasion: Integration of Biology With Clinical Outcome

Publication date: July 2018
Source:Neoplasia, Volume 20, Issue 7
Author(s): Ligia B. Schmitd, Lauren J. Beesley, Nickole Russo, Emily L. Bellile, Ronald C. Inglehart, Min Liu, Genevieve Romanowicz, Gregory T. Wolf, Jeremy M.G. Taylor, Nisha J. D'Silva
A diagnosis of perineural invasion (PNI), defined as cancer within or surrounding at least 33% of the nerve, leads to selection of aggressive treatment in squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Recent mechanistic studies show that cancer and nerves interact prior to physical contact. The purpose of this study was to explore cancer-nerve interactions relative to clinical outcome. Biopsy specimens from 71 patients with oral cavity SCC were stained with hematoxylin and eosin and immunohistochemical (IHC; cytokeratin, S100, GAP43, Tuj1) stains. Using current criteria, PNI detection was increased with IHC. Overall survival (OS) tended to be poor for patients with PNI (P = .098). OS was significantly lower for patients with minimum tumor-nerve distance smaller than 5 μm (P = .011). The estimated relative death rate decreased as the nerve-tumor distance increased; there was a gradual drop off in death rate from distance equal to zero that stabilized around 500 μm. In PNI-negative patients, nerve diameter was significantly related to OS (HR 2.88, 95%CI[1.11,7.49]). Among PNI-negative nerves, larger nerve-tumor distance and smaller nerve diameter were significantly related to better OS, even when adjusting for T-stage and age (HR 0.82, 95% CI[0.72,0.92]; HR 1.27, 95% CI[1.00,1.62], respectively). GAP43, a marker for neuronal outgrowth, stained less than Tuj1 in nerves at greater distances from tumor (OR 0.76, 95% CI[0.73,0.79]); more GAP43 staining was associated with PNI. Findings from a small group of patients suggest that nerve parameters other than presence of PNI can influence outcome and that current criteria of PNI need to be re-evaluated to integrate recent biological discoveries.

https://ift.tt/2LmyREm

Atlas-Independent, Electrophysiological Mapping of the Optimal Locus of Subthalamic Deep Brain Stimulation for the Motor Symptoms of Parkinson Disease

Background/Aims: Deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the subthalamic nucleus (STN) improves motor symptoms of Parkinson disease (PD). However, motor outcomes can be variable, perhaps due to inconsistent positioning of the active contact relative to an unknown optimal locus of stimulation. Here, we determine the optimal locus of STN stimulation in a geometrically unconstrained, mathematically precise, and atlas-independent manner, using Unified Parkinson Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) motor outcomes and an electrophysiological neuronal stimulation model. Methods: In 20 patients with PD, we mapped motor improvement to active electrode location, relative to the individual, directly MRI-visualized STN. Our analysis included a novel, unconstrained and computational electrical-field model of neuronal activation to estimate the optimal locus of DBS. Results: We mapped the optimal locus to a tightly defined ovoid region 0.49 mm lateral, 0.88 mm posterior, and 2.63 mm dorsal to the anatomical midpoint of the STN. On average, this locus is 11.75 lateral, 1.84 mm posterior, and 1.08 mm ventral to the mid-commissural point. Conclusion: Our novel, atlas-independent method reveals a single, ovoid optimal locus of stimulation in STN DBS for PD. The methodology, here applied to UPDRS and PD, is generalizable to atlas-independent mapping of other motor and non-motor effects of DBS.
Stereotact Funct Neurosurg

https://ift.tt/2s1L35c

Increased serum interleukin-37 (IL-37) levels correlate with oxidative stress parameters in Hashimoto’s thyroiditis

Abstract

Purpose

Interleukin-37 (IL-37), member of the IL-1 family, is a natural suppressor of immune and inflammatory responses. Increased serum IL-37 levels were observed in several autoimmune diseases, including Graves' disease. To our knowledge, no data on Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) are available in the literature.

Methods

Aim of our study was to measure serum IL-37 levels and evaluate their relationship, if any, with oxidative stress markers in HT patients. We enrolled 45 euthyroid HT patients (5 M e 40 F, median age 40 years) and 50 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. None was under l-thyroxine therapy. Serum IL-37 levels were measured by ELISA. Specific serum tests, such as derived reactive oxygen metabolites (d-ROMs), and biological anti-oxidant potential (BAP) test were performed in all subjects to investigate the changes in oxidative balance, and advanced glycation end products (AGEs) were determined as a specific marker of oxidative stress.

Results

IL-37 levels were significantly higher in HT than in controls (median 475 vs. 268 pg/ml, P = 0.018). In the same patients, serum oxidants (d-ROMs) were increased and anti-oxidants (BAP) decreased compared with controls (P = 0.011 and < 0.0001, respectively), clearly indicating an enhanced oxidative stress. In addition, AGEs levels were higher in HT patients than in controls (210 vs. 140 AU/g prot, P < 0.0001) and directly correlated with IL-37 levels (P = 0.048). At multivariate analysis, the main independent predictors that influenced IL-37 levels were both anti-thyroid antibodies (P = 0.026) and AGEs levels (P = 0.001).

Conclusions

IL-37 is up-regulated in HT and may exert a protective role by counteracting oxidative stress and inflammation.

https://ift.tt/2KPbMca

Linear Keratotic Lesions in a Young Woman

A woman in her 20s presented with linear hyperkeratotic papules on her right arm in a Blaschkoid pattern. What is your diagnosis?

https://ift.tt/2IGUi5c

Topical Sirolimus to Treat Tuberous Sclerosis Complex

Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) causes the formation of hamartomatous tumors in multiple organs. Facial angiofibromas frequently arise during childhood and can be a source of patient distress owing to bleeding and effects on appearance. The standard treatment is surgical, delivered by multiple modalities, including lasers, shave excision, dermabrasion, electrosurgery, or cryosurgery. These approaches are effective but can create concerns about the potential for scarring, pain, anesthesia risk, postoperative recovery, and the need for repeated procedures delivered in the office or operating room. Consequently, there has been interest in the development of a topical therapy for home use that is painless and nonscarring. In this issue, Koenig and collaborators show that topical 0.1% or 1.0% sirolimus (rapamycin) applied once daily is safe and effective for treating facial angiofibromas. This is welcome news for many with TSC. Furthermore, these results are expected to fuel investigations into other uses for sirolimus in dermatology. The story of how topical sirolimus became a treatment option for TSC is based in scientific discoveries of its molecular target and that target's role in relevant diseases.

https://ift.tt/2s70uIU

Prevalence of Crohn Disease Among Patients With Hidradenitis Suppurativa

This cross-sectional cohort analysis of electronic health records from a large US database evaluates overall and subgroup prevalence of Crohn disease among patients with hidradenitis suppurativa.

https://ift.tt/2khANS6

Mogamilizumab Prior to Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation

This case series describes characteristics of 8 patients with mycosis fungoides or Sézary syndrome who received mogamulizumab before allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and any resulting graft-vs-host disease–related complications.

https://ift.tt/2GIcSV3

Immunotherapy-Related Eruption Limited to Sites of Melanoma Metastases

This case report describes 2 patients with cutaneous eruptions secondary to immunotherapy for metastatic melanoma limited to sites of locoregional melanoma metastases.

https://ift.tt/2GINDlf

Integral use of plants and their residues: the case of cocoyam ( Xanthosoma sagittifolium ) conversion through biorefineries at small scale

Abstract

During last decades, there has been a growing interest of decreasing the environmental impact generated by humans. This situation has been approached from different perspectives being the integral use of raw materials as one of the best alternatives. It was estimated that 3.7 × 10⁹ tonnes of agricultural residues are produced annually worldwide. Then, the integral use of feedstocks has been studied through the biorefinery concept. A biorefinery can be a promissory option for processing feedstocks in rural zones aiming to boost the techno-economic and social growth. However, many plants produced at small scale in rural zones without high industrial use contribute with residues usually not studied as raw materials for other processes. Cocoyam (Xanthosoma sagittifolium) is a plant grown extensively in tropical regions. Nigeria, China, and Ghana are the main producers with 1.3, 1.18, and 0.9 million tonnes/year, respectively. In Colombia, there are no technified crops, but it is used where it is grown mainly as animal feed. This plant consists of leaves, stem, and a tuber but the use is generally limited to the leaves, discarding the other parts. These discarded parts have great potential (lignocellulose and starch). This work proposes different processing schemes using the parts of the plant to obtain value-added products, and their techno-economic and environmental assessment. The simulation was performed with Aspen Plus and the economic package was used for the economic assessment. For the environmental assessment, Waste Algorithm Reduction of the U.S. EPA was implemented. The obtained results showed that the integral use of plants under a biorefinery scheme allows obtaining better techno-economic and environmental performance and that small-scale biorefineries can be a promissory option for boosting rural zones.

https://ift.tt/2x6KXOP

Endophytic bacterium Buttiauxella sp. SaSR13 improves plant growth and cadmium accumulation of hyperaccumulator Sedum alfredii

Abstract

Inoculation with endophytic bacterium has been considered as a prospective application to improve the efficiency of phytoextraction. In this study, the effect of Buttiauxella sp. SaSR13 (SaSR13), a novel endophytic bacterium isolated from the root of hyperaccumulator Sedum alfredii, on plant growth and cadmium (Cd) accumulation in S. alfredii was investigated. Laser scanning confocal microscopic (LSCM) images showed that SaSR13 was mainly colonized in the root elongation and mature zones. The inoculation with SaSR13 to Cd-treated plants significantly enhanced plant growth (by 39 and 42% for shoot and root biomass, respectively), chlorophyll contents (by 38%), and Cd concentration in the shoot and root (by 32 and 22%, respectively). SaSR13 stimulated the development of roots (increased root length, surface area, and root tips number) due to an increase in the indole-3-acid (IAA) concentrations and a decrease in the concentrations of superoxide anion (O₂^.−) in plants grown under Cd stress. Furthermore, inoculation with SaSR13 enhanced the release of root exudates, especially malic acid and oxalic acid, which might have facilitated the uptake of Cd by S. alfredii. It is suggested that inoculation with endophytic bacterium SaSR13 is a promising bioaugmentation method to enhance the Cd phytoextraction efficiency by S. alfredii.

https://ift.tt/2LnL2Rj

Investigating the driving forces of China’s carbon intensity based on a dynamic spatial model

Abstract

In extant literature on China's carbon intensity, economic growth is considered an important determinant. However, the corresponding policy implications are slightly weak in subsequent practice because economic growth is an outcome of many economic activities, such as technological progress and capital stock accumulation. Furthermore, spatial spillover effects are ignored when using regional datasets. As a result, this study uses the dynamic spatial model to analyze the driving forces of China's provincial carbon intensity over the period 2000–2014. Results indicate that both technological progress and capital stock accumulation are important measures to carbon intensity reduction. China's current industrialization, urbanization, and special energy structure exert a negative effect on the decline in carbon intensity. In addition, China's provincial carbon intensity also exhibits considerable spatiotemporal distribution characteristics. As such, the corresponding policy measures are presented.

https://ift.tt/2x6KQTp

Impacts of meteorological conditions on wintertime PM 2.5 pollution in Taiyuan, North China

Abstract

Taiyuan frequently experiences heavy PM_2.5 pollution in winter under unfavorable meteorological conditions. To understand how the meteorological factors influence the pollution in Taiyuan, this study involved a systematic analysis for a continuous period from November 2016 to January 2017, using near-surface meteorological observations, radiosonde soundings, PM_2.5 measurements, and three-dimension numerical simulation, in combination with backward trajectory calculations. The results show that PM_2.5 concentration positively correlates with surface temperature and relative humidity and anti-correlates with near-surface wind speed and boundary layer height (BLH). The low BLH is often associated with a strong thermal inversion layer capping over. In addition to the high local emissions, it is found that under certain synoptic conditions, the southwesterly and southerly winds could bring pollutants from Linfen to Taiyuan, leading to a near-surface PM_2.5 concentration higher than 200 μg m⁻³. Another pollution enhancing issue is due to the semi-closed basin of Taiyuan affecting the planetary boundary layer (PBL): the surrounding mountains favor the formation of a cold air pool in the basin, which inhibits vertical exchanges of heat, flux, and momentum between PBL and the free troposphere, resulting in stagnant conditions and poor air quality in Taiyuan. These findings can be utilized to improve the understanding of PM_2.5 pollution in Taiyuan, to enhance the accuracy of forecasting pollution, and to provide scientific support for policy makers to mitigate the pollution.

https://ift.tt/2IEdQHq

Dataset on social demographic and employee job satisfaction in the Nigerian manufacturing company

Publication date: August 2018
Source:Data in Brief, Volume 19
Author(s): Adewale O. Osibanjo, Ebeguki E. Igbinoba, Hezekiah O. Falola, Kayode O. Awe
The dataset on the effects of social demographic on job satisfaction was obtained through self-administered questionnaire. The survey was situated in a Nigerian manufacturing company and the valid ninety two copies of the questionnaire were analyzed by AMOS 21. Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) analysis was carried out on the constructs. In addition, further analysis of the data will assist in establishing the significant level of demographic on job satisfaction.

https://ift.tt/2GJOxxL

The effect of non traditional teaching methods in entrepreneurship education on students entrepreneurial interest and business startups: A data article

Publication date: August 2018
Source:Data in Brief, Volume 19
Author(s): Maxwell Olokundun, Chinonye Love Moses, Oluwole Iyiola, Stephen Ibidunni, Mercy Ogbari, Fred Peter, Taiye Borishade
Traditional methods of teaching entrepreneurship in universities involves more theoretical approaches which are less effective in motivating considerations for an entrepreneurship career. This owes to the fact that such techniques essentially make students develop a dormant attitude rather than active participation. Expert views suggest that experiential entrepreneurship teaching methods in universities which involve practical activities and active participation can be considered salient to students' development of entrepreneurial interest an business startup potentials. This present study presents data on the extent to which experiential teaching methods in entrepreneurship adopted by Nigerian universities stimulate students' entrepreneurial interest and business startups. Data have been gathered following a descriptive cross-sectional quantitative survey conducted among university students (N = 600) of four selected institutions in Nigeria offering a degree programme in entrepreneurship. Hierarchical Multiple Regression Analysis was used in confirming the hypothesis proposed in the study using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22.The findings from the analysis showed that the adoption of experiential practical activities considered as best practices in entrepreneurship teaching in Nigerian universities can stimulate students' interest and drive for engaging in business start-up activities even as undergraduates. The field data set is made extensively available to allow for critical investigation.

https://ift.tt/2IF05s8

The relationship among leadership, innovation and knowledge sharing: A guidance for analysis

Publication date: August 2018
Source:Data in Brief, Volume 19
Author(s): Hamzah Elrehail
This data article describes the contingent role of knowledge sharing between two leadership styles and innovation in higher education institutions in non-western countries. The dataset investigates the second-ordered (i.e. higher construct) among the relationships of study constructs, the nested relationship which gives birth to new constructs. Further, this dataset provides guidance for readers willing to conduct research in the management field. The dataset has been collected using a self-administered questionnaire obtained from the academic staff in the selected universities. The structural equation modeling (SEM) was applied using IBM SPSS AMOS. In this data article, several analysis techniques have been used. The results obtained from this dataset shows a significant relationship between leadership and innovation, and the results show that the moderation effect of knowledge sharing is partially supported.

https://ift.tt/2GKvbsx

Density and refractive index data of binary and ternary mixtures of imidazolium-based ionic liquids, n-hexane and organic compounds involved in the kinetic resolution of rac-2-pentanol

Publication date: August 2018
Source:Data in Brief, Volume 19
Author(s): Mercedes G. Montalbán, Mar Collado-González, A. Abel Lozano-Pérez, F. Guillermo Díaz Baños, Gloria Víllora
This data article is related to the subject of the research article "Extraction of Organic Compounds Involved in the Kinetic Resolution of rac-2-Pentanol from n-Hexane by Imidazolium-based Ionic Liquids: Liquid-Liquid Equilibrium" (Montalbán et al., 2018) [1]. It contains experimental data of density and refractive index of binary and ternary mixtures of imidazolium-based ionic liquids, n-hexane and organic compounds involved in the kinetic resolution of rac-2-pentanol (rac-2-pentanol, vinyl butyrate, rac-2-pentyl butyrate or butyric acid) measured at 303.15 K and 1 atm. These data are presented as calibration curves which help to determine the composition of the ionic liquid-rich phase knowing its density or refractive index.

https://ift.tt/2knOf7n

On the most suitable sites for wind farm development in Nigeria

Publication date: August 2018
Source:Data in Brief, Volume 19
Author(s): T.R. Ayodele, A.S.O. Ogunjuyigbe, O. Odigie, A.A. Jimoh
The increasing demand for energy and the need for clean and affordable energy in Nigeria have necessitated the need for renewable energy resource assessment and subsequent determination of suitable sites within the country. One of the promising renewable energy resources with good potentials of meeting the energy requirements is wind. One of the main challenges of wind power development in Nigeria is lack of scientific data for policy formulation and decision making that will aid the development of wind power utilization. The data presented in this article were obtained with proper evaluation of the wind resource while taking into consideration environmental, social, and economic factors. The information from the data could be useful for taking optimal site selection decision by the policy makers, government, engineers etc. This will ensure optimal investment and return on investment for wind farm developers.

https://ift.tt/2GI9n0E

Characterization, isotherm and kinetic data for adsorption of Congo red and 2-naphthol on different bamboo hydrochars

Publication date: August 2018
Source:Data in Brief, Volume 19
Author(s): Yin Li, Arun Meas, Shengdao Shan, Ruiqin Yang, Xikun Gai, Hongpeng Wang, Nyamkhand Tsend
Hydrochars were prepared using bamboo sawdust as raw material through hydrothermal carbonization with the present of acid or alkali in the medium and applied to remove Congo red and 2-naphthol from aqueous solutions. This data article provides information on FTIR and SEM profiles of the bamboo hydrochars, and the equation fitting results of the adsorption isotherms and kinetics for the two organics. The FTIR spectra show the differences of functional groups on the hydrochars with different process conditions. The SEM images show the surface morphology of selected hydrochars. Freundlich equation is slightly better than Langmuir model for the correlation of adsorption isotherms for both Congo red and 2-naphthol. Correlation coefficients from the pseudo-second order equation are greater than those of the pseudo-first order equation for both the organics on selected hydorchars.

https://ift.tt/2khw0QC

Dataset of surface plasmon resonance based on photonic crystal fiber for chemical sensing applications

Publication date: August 2018
Source:Data in Brief, Volume 19
Author(s): Md. Abdul Khalek, Sujan Chakma, Bikash Kumar Paul, Kawsar Ahmed
In this research work a perfectly circular lattice Photonic Crystal Fiber (PCF) based surface Plasmon resonance (SPR) based sensor has been proposed. The investigation process has been successfully carried out using finite element method (FEM) based commercial available software package COMSOL Multiphysics version 4.2. The whole investigation module covers the wider optical spectrum ranging from 0.48 µm to 1.10 µm. Using the wavelength interrogation method the proposed model exposed maximum sensitivity of 9000 nm/RIU(Refractive Index Unit) and using the amplitude interrogation method it obtained maximum sensitivity of 318 RIU⁻¹. Moreover the maximum sensor resolution of 1.11×10⁻⁵ in the sensing ranges between 1.34 and 1.37. Based on the suggested sensor model may provide great impact in biological area such as bio-imaging.

https://ift.tt/2s7DDgf

Bioremediation: Data on Pseudomonas aeruginosa effects on the bioremediation of crude oil polluted soil

Publication date: August 2018
Source:Data in Brief, Volume 19
Author(s): Modupe Elizabeth Ojewumi, Joshua Olusegun Okeniyi, Jacob Olumuyiwa Ikotun, Elizabeth Toyin Okeniyi, Valentina Anenih Ejemen, Abimbola Patricia Idowu Popoola
This data article details Pseudomonas aeruginosa effects on the bioremediation of soil that had been polluted by different concentrations, 5% w/w and 8% w/w, of raw (for simulating oil spills from well-heads) and treated (for simulating oil spills from flow lines/storage tanks) crude oil. UV/VIS spectrophotometry instrumentation was used for obtaining absorbance measurements from the Nigerian Escravos Light blend (sourced from Chevron® Nigeria) of crude oil polluting soil samples, which, thus, also simulates light and heavy onshore oil spillage scenarios, in a 30-day measurement design. Data on bioremediation effects of Pseudomonas aeruginosa added to the crude oil polluted soil samples, and which were monitored at intervals via the absorbance measurement techniques, are presented in tables with ensuing analyses for describing and validating the data presented in graphs. Information from the presented data in this article is useful to researchers, the oil industries, oil prospecting communities, governments and stakeholders involved in finding solution approach to the challenges of onshore oil spills. This information can also be used for furthering research on bioremediation kinetics such as biostimulant analyses, polluting hydrocarbon content/degradation detailing, by Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain of microorganism, on petroleum pollutant removal from soil that had been polluted by crude oil spillage.

https://ift.tt/2IGzgUy

Data for interventional role of training in changing the knowledge and attitudes of urban mothers towards food hygiene (A case study of Ravansar Township, Kermanshah, Iran)

Publication date: August 2018
Source:Data in Brief, Volume 19
Author(s): Yahya Safari, Sara Maleki, Kamaleddin Karimyan, Hossein Arfaeinia, Vinod Kumar Gupta, Nasrin Yoosefpour, Naseh Shalyari, Maliheh Akhlaghi, Hooshmand Sharfi, Arash Ziapour
Food hygiene is a key factor at the time of production and distribution of food. Therefore, the present study aimed to assess the interventional role of education in changing the knowledge and attitudes of urbane mothers towards food hygiene in Ravansar Township, Kermanshah, Iran. To this end, 200 mothers residing in Ravansar Township were selected using simple random sampling. First, the subjects' knowledge and attitudes towards food hygiene were evaluated in a pre-test, and then after holding some educational sessions, the two variables were assessed again in a post-test using a researcher-made questionnaire with 72 questions. The reliability and validity of the questionnaire were evaluated using Cronbach's alpha and content validity, respectively. After completing the questionnaires, the results were analyzed using the SPSS Statistical Software Version 21.0, and all tests were at the significance level of α = 0.05. The results of the present study demonstrated that education did not promote the knowledge of married subjects, those whose use of media was average or high, and the ones aged above 20 (P > 0.05). However, the results showed that education had significant effects on other factors (P < 0.05). In addition, it was revealed that the effects of education on promoting the attitudes of individuals aged above 60, those holding academic education and married subjects were not significant (P > 0.05), Nevertheless, the results revealed that education had significant effects on other factors (P < 0.05). Hence, it can be concluded that education plays a major role in changing the knowledge and attitudes of urban mothers towards food hygiene.

https://ift.tt/2GJNYnD

Waste packaging polymeric foam for oil-water separation: An environmental remediation

Publication date: August 2018
Source:Data in Brief, Volume 19
Author(s): Chandrashekhar S. Patil, Vaibhav R. Patil, Sanket N. Anbhule, Chandrakant J. Khilare, Govind B. Kolekar, Anil H. Gore
Nowadays, its urgent need to develop and fabricate efficient, low cost, eco-friendly, oil-water separation methodologies especially for variety of polluted water in the environments. To deals with serious oil spills and industrial organic pollutants, here in we have developed a highly efficient oil-water separation methodology by using waste material such as expanded polyethylene (EPE) polymeric foam which is most commonly used for packaging as a shock absorber and most abundantly available in the surroundings as waste. Oil-water separation setup was fabricated by using waste EPE polymeric foam without any pre-treatment. By simply scratching, special properties (wettability performance) such as hydrophobicity, leophilicity, and low water adhesion was imparted to the EPE polymeric foam. The different types of oil-water mixture used for the study and separation were achieved almost up to 78%. The oil absorption efficiency of the EPE polymeric foam was within range of 0.491–0.788 g/g. In addition to efficient oil-water separation, the modified EPE polymeric foam exhibited fast and continuous oil-water separation solely by gravity. The easy operation, chemical durability, and efficiency of the waste EPE polymeric foam give it high potential for use in industrial and consumer applications for large scale oil-water separation.

https://ift.tt/2klh7Nx

Trace and major elements distribution in coastal sediment cores from Lagos Lagoon, Nigeria

Publication date: August 2018
Source:Data in Brief, Volume 19
Author(s): Simeon I. Ekett, Omowunmi H. Fred-Ahmadu, Adebusayo E. Adedapo, Nsikak U. Benson
Heavy metals contamination in aquatic ecosystems has been a major concern, however, no information is available about the concentrations, depth distributions and ecological risks of heavy metals in sediments cores from microtidal lagoonal ecosystem in Lagos, Nigeria. Four sediment cores were collected using a 50 cm × 3.5 cm Wildco® hand corer. Elemental determinations were carried out using the Microwave Plasma Atomic Emission Spectrometry (4200 MP-AES) after extraction. The concentrations of heavy metals in the sediment cores indicated enhanced degree of contamination influenced by anthropogenic discharges especially industrial effluents. Vertical depth distributions indicated varied depositional periods largely controlled by increasing anthropogenic land-based activities. The remarkable metal pollution of core sediments raises the concern potential sources of metals to the lagoonal ecosystem and ecological risks to the biota, humans, and the environment. The results of elemental concentrations should be considered as baseline data for heavy metals in sediments in the region.

https://ift.tt/2s6Rcg0

Meta-analysis data quantifying nitrous oxides emissions from Chinese vegetable production

Publication date: August 2018
Source:Data in Brief, Volume 19
Author(s): Xiaozhong Wang, Xiaopeng Gao, Xinping Chen
This paper describes data of nitrous oxides (N2O) emissions from open-field and greenhouse systems in Chinese vegetable production. The data also describes the potential soil and management factors to identify the effective measures to mitigate N2O emissions. The data were collected from 21 peer-reviewed papers, covering 153 N2O emission field measurements as affected by fertilizer nitrogen (N) management. This data were subjected to meta-analysis for a comprehensive assessment on N2O emission and applied N based emission factor in Chinese vegetable production.

https://ift.tt/2GK2Mmq

Αρχειοθήκη ιστολογίου

! # Ola via Alexandros G.Sfakianakis on Inoreader

Η λίστα ιστολογίων μου

Τετάρτη 23 Μαΐου 2018

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