Optimization in the performance and emission parameters of a DI diesel engine fuelled with pentanol added Calophyllum inophyllum /diesel blends using response surface methodology

Abstract

The primary objective of this work was to enhance the performance and emission of the computerized variable compression ratio (VCR) diesel engine fuelled with pentanol/Calophyllum inophyllum (CI)/diesel fuel blends. Based on the prerequisite for the current research, response surface methodology (RSM), an optimization technique, was adopted for the process parameters compression ratio (CR), load and fuel blends, and the optimized responses like brake thermal efficiency (BTE), brake specific fuel consumption (BSFC), oxides of nitrogen (NO_x), carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO₂), hydrocarbon (HC), and smoke were revealed with the help of Derringer's desirability approach. From the results, it is notified that pentanol-fuelled engine showed better performance and emissions at 17.5 CR, P20C20 (pentanol 20%+Calophyllum inophyllum 20%+diesel 60%) blend and 2.5 bmep (brake mean effective pressure) load conditions. The observed mathematical models and validation experiments show that the VCR diesel engine exhibits maximum efficiency and minimum emissions at the optimized input parameters.

https://ift.tt/2ODAE8H

Comparison of long-pulsed Nd: YAG laser with cryotherapy in treatment of acral warts

Abstract

Acral warts are considered as prevalent reasons for dermatologic consultations and remain an important continuing challenge until now because there is no consensus about optimal therapeutic modality. This study investigated the efficacy of long-pulsed Nd: YAG laser therapy and cryotherapy in treatment of acral warts. Patients who underwent treatment with cryotherapy or long-pulsed Nd: YAG laser therapy for symmetrical and bilateral warts on the extremities (hand and foot) that is confirmed by an expert dermatologist from May 2016 until March 2018 were assessed for enrollment in our study. Laser and cryotherapy sessions were applied every 2 weeks for a maximum of six sessions. Patients followed up and evaluated 3 months after the last treatment. Data were analyzed by SPSS (v.21. IBM Inc. IL). The P value less than 0.05 was considered significant. From 60 enrolled patients, 134 lesions were treated using cryotherapy and 114 other lesions treated with laser beam. Thirty-four males (average age 26.85 ± 7.528 years) and 26 females (average age 26.73 ± 5.640 years) participated. Finally, it was a significant reduction in both lesion width (P = 0.000) and length (P = 0.000) after the sessions of cryotherapy. The width and length of lesions is reduced significantly after each session of laser therapy similarly (P = 0.000). Cryotherapy and long-pulsed Nd: YAG laser are effective on the reduction of both width and length of lesions. Clinically, the methods are not different in their ultimate effects.

https://ift.tt/2MkNHyH

Soft-Tissue Infection Caused by Streptococcus anginosus After Intramucosal Hyaluronidase Injection: A Rare Complication Related to Dermal Filler Injection

No abstract available

https://ift.tt/2OE6Wki

Toward a sensible single antigen bead cut-off based on kidney graft survival

Background There is no consensus in the literature on the interpretation of single antigen bead (SAB) positive for a specific HLA antibody. Methods To inform the debate, we studied the relationship between various SAB positivity algorithms and the impact of resulting donor-specific HLA antibody (DSA) positivity on long-term kidney graft survival in 3237 deceased-donor transplants. Results First, we showed that the interassay variability can be greatly reduced when working with signal-to-background ratios instead of absolute MFIs. Next, we determined pretransplant DSA using various MFI cut-offs, signal-to-background ratios (STBR) and combinations thereof. The impact of the various cut-offs was studied by comparing the graft survival between the DSA-positive and DSA-negative groups. We did not observe a strong impact of various cut-off levels on 10-year graft survival. A stronger relationship between the cut-off level and 1-year graft survival for DSA-positive transplants was found when using STBR, most pronounced for the bead of the same HLA-locus with lowest MFI taken as background. Conclusions With respect to pretransplant risk stratification, we propose a SBTR-6 (using the bead of the same HLA-locus with lowest MFI as background) cut-off of 15 combined with an MFI cut-off of 500, resulting in 8% and 21% lower 1- and 10-years graft survival, respectively, for 8% DSA positive transplants. Corresponding author: E-mail address: H.G.Otten@umcutrecht.nl. Corresponding author permanent address: Laboratory of Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, F.03.821, P.O. Box 85500, 3508 GA Utrecht, The Netherlands. Tel.: +31 88 75 57680 Disclosure The authors of this manuscript have no conflicts of interest to disclose. Authorship Participated in research design: BW, EK, AD, LP, HO Participated in writing of the paper: BW, EK, IJ, WA, LH, AvZ, MV, MLB, BH, AL, LB, CR, CV, ItB, AH, SH, DR, FC, HO Participated in the performance of the research: BW, EK, AD, LP Contributed new reagents or analytic tools: BW, EK, IJ, WA, AvdM, LH, MCB, ES, CH, FvR, AvZ, MV, MLB, AD, LP, MS, JS, BH, AL, LB, CR, MT, CV, LW, EvD, MG, MC, FvI, AN, NL, WS, KvdP, NvdW, ItB, FB, AH, PvdB, JdF, MB, SH, DR, FC, HO Participated in data analysis: BW, EK, HO Copyright © 2018 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.

https://ift.tt/2P7LDbI

The Metabolic Syndrome and Health Behaviors in School Children Aged 13–16 Years in Ubon Ratchathani: UMeSIA Project

Metabolic Syndrome and Related Disorders, Ahead of Print.


https://ift.tt/2KPWYtG

Association between alcohol dependence and both periodontal disease and tooth loss: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

The impact of alcohol consumption on periodontal disease and tooth loss is still under debate. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to evaluate the association between alcohol dependence and both periodontal diseases and tooth loss in Brazilian native Indians. Full mouth periodontal examination was performed and tooth loss was clinically evaluated in a representative sample of 225 Indians (≥ 19 years). Sociodemographic, oral health-related data, and alcohol dependence were evaluated using structured questionnaires. The subjects were categorized as either alcohol-dependent or non-dependent according to the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test results. Severe periodontal disease was defined in individuals with ≥ 2 proximal sites with a clinical attachment level ≥ 6 mm, not on the same tooth, and ≥ 1 proximal site with a probing depth ≥ 5 mm. Tooth loss was categorized as one or more missing teeth, or no missing teeth. Bivariate models followed by logistic regression were used to assess the association between alcohol dependence and both periodontal disease and tooth loss. Prevalence ratio (PR) was calculated using Mantel-Haenszel analysis. Alcohol dependence increased 2.5 times the risk for tooth loss (prevalence ratio [PR] =2.49, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.01–9.04, p = 0.05). Severe periodontal disease was not associated with alcohol dependence (OR = 0.54, 95% CI = 0.22–1.31, p = 0.23). In conclusion, alcohol dependence was associated with tooth loss in the present population, but severe periodontal disease was not. Questions on alcohol dependence should be included in dental anamnesis questionnaires, and patients diagnosed with alcohol dependence should be referred for dental evaluation.

https://ift.tt/2MqV2g5

The effect of high temperature environment on rock properties—an example of electromagnetic radiation characterization

Abstract

High temperature causes thermal damage to rock; the macrofracture and microfracture of rock can be produced under the action of temperature treatment. Under the influence of high temperature, the surrounding rock of deep underground engineering will suffer instability damage and cause serious harm to the people. In order to use the electromagnetic radiation (EMR) technology (a non-contact geophysical method) for evaluating the thermal stability of rock in underground thermal engineering applications, we established the EMR testing experimental system of rock under the action of a continuous heat source. The variation of EMR signals of rock under different temperatures was tested, and the EMR signals generates during the process of rock thermal deformation and thermal fracture, which were later analyzed. Under the action of a continuous heat source, the rock materials produced EMR signals with three kinds of frequencies. With the increase of rock temperature, the variation trends of EMR signals varied from the slow growth rate to the rapid growth rate, EMR signals can be divided into five stages. The increase of EMR signals is positively correlated with temperature, the Hurst exponent was higher than 0.7. The thermal stress was responsible for thermal deformation and fracture, thus generating the EMR signals. The research results have important guiding significance for the application of EMR technology to the evaluation of rock thermal stability.

https://ift.tt/2OCyTJ4

Nitrogen leaching losses following biogas slurry irrigation to purple soil of the Three Gorges Reservoir Area

Abstract

Ammonium (NH₄⁺) in biogas slurries is readily nitrified into very mobile soil nitrate (NO₃⁻) to promote nitrogen (N) leaching concerning which a few studies, however, have been reported. These slurries are regularly applied through irrigation to purple soil in the Three Gorges Reservoir Area, and therefore we explored the consequent N leaching there with a plot experiment. Biogas slurry irrigation was carried out with nitrogen application rates of 0, 48, 144, 240, 336, and 480 kg N/ha. As a result, the last two rates have triggered N leaching being detrimental to groundwater safety. In addition, N leaching was negatively correlated with soil microbial biomass, diversity, and respiration, indicating a potential technique to prevent it with soil heterotrophs activated by increased ratios of carbon to nitrogen (C/N) in biogas slurries.

https://ift.tt/2MpHnpu

Graphical Abstracts

https://ift.tt/2MssG4Q

Obituary: A Legend in Neuroscience (1948-2018) Dr. Stephen D. Skaper, Ph. D

https://ift.tt/2KSYoUc

Dedication: Commendation of Diligence A Legend in Neuroscience (1948-2018) Dr. Stephen D. Skaper, Ph.D

https://ift.tt/2nFS7Cg

Dedication: In memory of Prof. Stephen Drake Skaper

https://ift.tt/2KZ32jK

Meet Our Editorial Board Member

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Structure, Function and Interactions of Tau: Particular Focus on Potential Drug Targets for the Treatment of Tauopathies

https://ift.tt/2OAwkXS

Dl-3-n-Butylphthalide (NBP): A Promising Therapeutic Agent for Ischemic Stroke

https://ift.tt/2Mpqhbk

Pain-Related Behavior and Brain Activation in a Cynomolgus Macaque Model of Postoperative Pain

https://ift.tt/2KZ2MRO

Protective Effects of Crocetin on Depression-like Behavior Induced by Immobilization in Rat

https://ift.tt/2MpHvoY

Hydroxysafflor Yellow A Reprograms TLR9 Signalling Pathway in Ischaemic Cortex after Cerebral Ischaemia and Reperfusion

https://ift.tt/2Mx3muU

A Longitudinal Study of Alterations of S100B, sRAGE and Fas Ligand in Association to Olanzapine Medication in a Sample of First Episode Patients with Schizophrenia

https://ift.tt/2OzRzJq

Oleanolic Acid Ameliorates Aβ25-35 Injection-induced Memory Deficit in Alzheimer's Disease Model Rats by Maintaining Synaptic Plasticity

https://ift.tt/2Mtijhe

Are recovery stories helpful for women with eating disorders? A pilot study and commentary on future research

Abstract

Background

Anecdotally it is well known that eating disorder memoirs are popular with people with anorexia nervosa and recovery stories are readily available online. However, no research to date has empirically explored whether such stories are helpful for current sufferers. The aim of the current pilot study was to explore the efficacy of recovery narratives as a means of improving motivation and self-efficacy and to qualitatively explore patient perspectives of such stories.

Method

Fifty-seven women with anorexia nervosa and subclinical anorexia nervosa participated in this online study. Participants were randomised to either receive recovery stories or to a wait-list control group. After completing baseline measures, participants read five stories about recovery, and completed post-intervention measures two weeks later.

Results

The quantitative results indicated that reading stories of recovery had no effect on motivation and self-efficacy over a two-week period. In contrast, the qualitative results showed that the stories generated thoughts about the possibility of recovery and the majority indicated they would recommend them to others.

Conclusions

This study adds to a growing body of research exploring the integration of voices of lived experience into treatment approaches. Future research should focus on 1) identifying for whom and at which stage of illness recovery stories might be helpful; 2) the mechanism via which they might operate; and 3) the most helpful way of presenting such stories.

https://ift.tt/2OCj6tE

Association of Thyroid Function and Autoimmunity with Ovarian Reserve in Women Seeking Infertility Care

Thyroid, Ahead of Print.


https://ift.tt/2MMEpIE

Surgical Confirmation of Incomplete Treatment for Primary Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma by Percutaneous Thermal Ablation: A Retrospective Case Review and Literature Review

Thyroid, Ahead of Print.


https://ift.tt/2MogmTq

Low Iodine Intake from Dairy Foods Despite High Milk Iodine Content in Israel

Thyroid, Volume 28, Issue 8, Page 1042-1051, August 2018.


https://ift.tt/2MNBbEA

Morgellons disease: A review of a mysterious psychodermatologic disorder

Introduction: Morgellons disease is a rare, unexplained skin disorder that whose specific etiology remains a mystery to both the Dermatologic and Psychiatric community as the specific etiology remains unknown. The condition is characterized by the physical presentation of painful sores with reported crawling sensations within the skin and the fixed belief of infection or parasitic infestation. The pathognomonic feature of this disease is the presence of filaments or fibers embedded in and emerging from these sores.

https://ift.tt/2MK5Xyo

Effectiveness of the Eczema Action Plan (EAP) in improving the Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI) scores among pediatric patients with atopic dermatitis: A pragmatic randomized controlled trial

Introduction: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronically relapsing skin disease that occurs most commonly during early infancy and childhood. Education about the condition is vital in helping patients and their caregivers understand the nature of the disease. Evidence show that adherence is poor. There are no reported studies on interventions done so far to increase treatment adherence among patients with atopic dermatitis in the local setting. This study aims to improve treatment adherence among patients with atopic dermatitis through improvement of the EASI scores.

https://ift.tt/2MjA03C

Mania induced by narrowband ultraviolet B phototherapy treatment

Phototherapy has been used for decades in the treatment of many common dermatologic conditions, such as psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, vitiligo, and scleroderma, among others. Before the commencement of phototherapy, many factors must be considered. For dermatologists, the most important factors include the determination of a patient's skin phototype, concurrent use of photosensitizing agents, and calculation of minimal erythema dose (MED). Though infrequent, the side-effects to phototherapy commonly discussed with patients include burns, ocular toxicity, polymorphous light eruption, potential for skin carcinogenesis, and possible worsening of the skin disease.

https://ift.tt/2w7iCnY

Photocarcinogenic risks of narrowband ultraviolet B therapy and psoralen + ultraviolet A therapy

Introduction: Narrowband UVB Therapy and Psoralen + UVA therapy are widely used in the treatment of several skin disorders. Although short-term security has been demonstrated, there are several concerns about long term security and, in particular, the risk of skin cancer after NB-UVB and PUVA therapy.

https://ift.tt/2nKWJqR

Hemorrhagic vesiculobullous erythema migrans: An atypical presentation of Lyme disease

Background: Erythema migrans (EM) is the most well known cutaneous manifestation of Lyme disease. Review of the literature and the case described below suggest that atypical cutaneous presentations, such as vesiculobullous EM, can occur and must remain in the differential diagnosis in the proper clinical setting.

https://ift.tt/2MMr7Mg

Computer-based video instruction of dermatologic procedures for training medical students: A blinded randomized controlled trial

Purpose: Medical students receive 10-26 hours of dermatology education throughout their curriculum. Most procedural training is based largely on an apprenticeship model, which results in wide variability in the level of technical skills acquired during undergraduate medical training. No standardized methodology exists to teach dermatologic skills to preclinical medical students. The purpose of this study was to investigate the significance of computer-based video instruction (CBVI) to augment in-person simulation based instruction to train medical students in shave biopsy techniques.

https://ift.tt/2MeyTSO

Nevus simplex on the midline of the forehead

Background: Recently, studies reported medial frontofacial capillary malformation (CM) that appeared like nevus simplex (NS), but differed in that the lesion had a wider median topography and darker color, and faded more slowly or incompletely.

https://ift.tt/2MMqYZe

Insight into trombiculosis: Two case reports

Trombiculosis (also known as "tlazahuate" in Mexico) is an infestation of the skin by the larval stage of various species of mites (chiggers) belonging to the phylum Arthropoda, class Arachnida, subclass Acari, family Trombiculidae. Humans act as accidental hosts. Painless papules similar to molluscoid lesions caused by a hypersensitivity reaction to the mite's saliva can be found. We report the case of a 65-year-old woman and an 86-year-old man from Tizapan el Alto, Jalisco, who worked as farmers.

https://ift.tt/2MdybFr

Evaluation in real life of an adapted information impact for effective photoprotection: An example with patients with actinic keratosis

Introduction: Cutaneous actinic keratosis lesions preferentially affect people with clear skin and indicate an excess of solar exposure. Actinic keratosis can be esthetically troublesome and require a medical care with consultations at regular intervals to allow the dermatologist the detection of a possible development toward a skin cancer. Whatever the treatment chosen by the dermatologist, the medical care is always the opportunity to inform and educate people about the necessity of an effective photoprotection to avoid the risk of recurrence.

https://ift.tt/2MNf4OI

Demographic and health care service utilization by 4,417 patients with hidradenitis suppurativa

Background: Data on the health care utilization of hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) patients in primary care settings are scarce.

https://ift.tt/2nKWBHT

Primary signet ring cell/histiocytoid carcinoma of the eyelid

Background: Primary cutaneous signet ring cell/histiocytoid carcinoma is a rare, aggressive tumor that occurs most frequently on the eyelid.

https://ift.tt/2wb0CJ8

Out of the blue and into the black

Introduction: ANCA-associated vasculitides (AAV) are systemic vasculitides involving small to medium vessels and are divided into three separate clinical entities with many overlapping and some distinctive features. Here we present a case having features of all three AAV, including microscopic polyangiitis, granulomatosis with polyangiitis, and eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis.

https://ift.tt/2nDyf2D

Levocarnitine for vismodegib-associated muscle spasms: A pilot randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, investigator-initiated trial

Background: Smoothened inhibitors (SIs) are a new targeted therapy approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of advanced basal cell carcinoma (BCC). However, no placebo-controlled studies exist on management of their most common side-effect, muscle spasms, which affect up to 80% of patients taking SIs and are the most common reason for drug discontinuation despite tumor response. Based on anecdotal observations of exercise exacerbating SI-associated spasms, and existing evidence that levocarnitine (LC) can reduce markers of exercise induced stress, we explored the effect of oral LC usage on muscle spasms occurring after initiation of vismodegib, an SI.

https://ift.tt/2MKllux

Impact of surfactant-phase chemistry on skin mildness: Lamellar surfactants provide significant mildness benefits compared with conventional micellar surfactants

Background: Surfactants make up the dominant components in most skin cleansing formulas and are key determinants of a product's performance. It is well known that these surfactants can compromise the stratum barrier function and skin hydration, largely due to surfactant penetration into deeper layers of the stratum corneum and causing disruption of stratum corneum lipids and proteins. It is important to minimize surfactant-induced skin surface damage by developing advanced skin cleansing technologies with improved skin mildness and reduced surfactant penetration into the stratum corneum.

https://ift.tt/2nKWs7j

From relative to absolute treatment outcomes—Correlation of PASI 90 and PASI ≤2 in three clinical trials with secukinumab

Introduction: Relative improvement of psoriasis area and severity index (PASI) during treatment compared with baseline PASI is the current standard definition of response in trials and practice. A ≥75% improvement in PASI (PASI 75) is the current treatment goal in international guidelines. With the advent of more effective biologic treatments, an improvement by ≥90% (PASI 90) is under consideration as a new treatment goal. As an alternative for long-term management, baseline-independent absolute PASI treatment goals are being discussed.

https://ift.tt/2MQUYDq

Elephantiasic pretibial myxedema, chronic and recalcitrant thyroid dermopathy

Patients afflicted with autoimmune thyroiditis, specifically Graves disease, can have extrathyroidal manifestations such as exophthalmos, thyroid dermopathy, and acropachy. Thyroid dermopathy usually presents as pretibial myxedema (PTM) due to its predilection for the pretibial area. In severe forms of PTM, it can present as the elephantiasic form, which is notoriously resistant to conventional treatment. Due to the disease rarity, only a few case reports of elephantiasic PTM exist in the literature.

https://ift.tt/2nKWn3v

Correlation of d-dimers to response to treatment in chronic spontaneous urticaria (UAS7 score): Results from the SUNRISE study

Objectives: Increased levels of blood d-dimers (D-D), the by-products of fibrin degradation, are linked to the severity of chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) and to poor response to antihistamines H1 (AH1). Omalizumab (OMA) is a human monoclonal anti–immunoglobulin E antibody registered as an add-on treatment of CSU in adults and adolescents (≥12 years old) with insufficient response to AH1. The SUNRISE study assessed the efficacy of Omalizumab on CSU symptoms and the correlation between D-D levels and response over time to treatment with OMA to explore its potential predictive value.

https://ift.tt/2w6oYUt

Cutaneous lymphangitic carcinomatosis associated with parotid gland duct carcinoma: An unreported case

Introduction: Salivary duct carcinoma of parotid gland is an uncommon neoplasm exceptionally associated with cutaneous metastasis. We described an unreported association of cutaneous lymphangitic carcinomatosis from parotid gland duct carcinoma in a 67-year-old woman.

https://ift.tt/2nGe6ZI

Clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients with superficial venous thrombosis at multiple sites simultaneously

Background: Superficial venous thrombosis (SVT) results from thrombus formation within a superficial vein that is associated with inflammation of the surrounding tissue, and classically presents with pain, tenderness, induration, and/or erythema in the form of a palpable cord. Although traditionally considered a local, benign disorder, recent studies demonstrate that patients with SVT are at significant risk for deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism (PE), and other venous thromboembolic (VTE) events.

https://ift.tt/2MLGGDY

Porokeratosis ptychotropica: A differential diagnosis for “psoriasis” of the gluteal region

A 51-year-old man presented with an 8-year history of a well demarcated erythematous scaly plaque on the buttocks, extending into the natal cleft. Initial skin biopsy was reported as showing features of psoriasis. Treatment with topical calcipotriol, acitretin, UVB and intralesional triamcinolone were ineffective. Repeat biopsies taken from two different areas showed neutrophilic collections within the stratum corneum and a psoriasiform pattern of hyperplasia supporting the initial diagnosis of psoriasis.

https://ift.tt/2nFVPfe

Comprehensive Genomic Profiling of Hodgkin Lymphoma Reveals Recurrently Mutated Genes and Increased Mutation Burden

AbstractBackground.The genomic landscape of Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) has been difficult to characterize due to the paucity of neoplastic cells and an abundant microenvironment. Such characterization is needed in order to improve treatment strategies.Materials and Methods.We performed comprehensive genomic profiling (CGP) using targeted next‐generation sequencing on archival formalin‐fixed paraffin embedded tumor samples from 63 patients to analyze the landscape of HL.Results.CGP was successful for 49/63 archival specimens (78%), and revealed aberrations impacting genes including B2M, TP53, and XPO1 (E571). Of the 34 patients for whom total mutation burden (TMB; mutations/megabase [Mb]) was assessed, 5 (15%) had high TMB (≥20 mutations/Mb), 18 (53%) had intermediate TMB (6–19 mutations/Mb), and 11 (32%) had low TMB (≤5 mutations/Mb). We next tested 13 patients' plasma cell‐free DNA with droplet digital polymerase chain reaction for the presence of XPO1 E571 mutation, which was confirmed in the plasma of 31% of patients. In three patients with serially collected plasma samples, XPO1 E571K allelic frequency changes corresponded with changes in tumor size on conventional radiographic imaging.Conclusion.The study demonstrates that comprehensive genomic profiling of archival Hodgkin lymphoma tumor samples is feasible and leads to the identification of genes that are recurrently mutated and that Hodgkin lymphoma has increased mutation burden in the majority of samples analyzed. Furthermore, tracking of XPO1 E571 mutant allele frequency in a subset of patients may also represent a potential disease‐monitoring strategy and warrants further investigation.Implications for Practice.This study provides the first evidence that comprehensive genomic profiling can be performed to map the genomic landscape of Hodgkin lymphoma and that a subpopulation of patients has mutations in TP53, B2M, XPO1, and other genes. It was found that 15% of patients have high mutation burden, which, in cancers such as melanoma, may indicate sensitivity to immune checkpoint inhibitors, and may thus be explored for Hodgkin lymphoma. Lastly, this work demonstrates that changes in the mutant allele frequency of XPO1 in serially collected plasma cell‐free DNA samples correspond with treatment outcomes measured with conventional radiographic imaging.

https://ift.tt/2KVC10B

Amyloid Precursor Protein Is Associated with Aggressive Behavior in Nonluminal Breast Cancers

AbstractBackground.β‐amyloid precursor protein (APP), a potential target for Alzheimer's disease treatment, has recently been shown to take part in carcinogenesis. Increased APP promotes migration, survival, and proliferation in breast cancer cell lines. We examined the clinical value of APP in breast cancers. A comprehensive examination of clinicopathological features related to APP expression in a large cohort of breast cancers and the corresponding metastatic lymph nodes was performed. APP expression and its prognostic impact in different breast cancer subtypes were examined.Results.APP was highly expressed in nonluminal breast cancers and correlated with features associated with nonluminal breast cancers (including higher grade, the presence of necrosis, and higher proliferative index, growth factor receptor, and basal marker expression). Multivariate Cox hazard analysis demonstrated that APP was an independent adverse prognostic factor of disease‐free survival (DFS; hazard ratio [HR], 2.090; p = .013; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.165–3.748) and breast cancer‐specific survival (BCSS; HR, 2.631; p = .002; 95% CI, 1.408–4.915) in the nonluminal group. The independent prognostic impact was also seen in triple negative breast cancers. Interestingly, a higher expression of APP was found in nodal metastasis compared with primary tumor. Such APP upregulation was correlated with further distal metastasis and poorer outcome (DFS: log‐rank, 12.848; p < .001; BCSS: log‐rank, 13.947; p < .001).Conclusion.Our findings provided evidence of oncogenic roles of APP in clinical breast cancers. Patients with positive APP expression, particularly those with APP upregulation in lymph node metastases, may require vigilant monitoring of their disease and more aggressive therapy.Implications for Practice.β‐amyloid precursor protein (APP), a potential target for Alzheimer's disease, has recently been implicated in oncogenesis. Here, we provide evidence of its roles in clinical breast cancers. Positive APP expression was found to be an independent prognostic factor in nonluminal cancers, particularly triple negative breast cancers (TNBCs). Interestingly, a higher APP in nodal metastases was associated with distal metastases. TNBCs are heterogeneous and currently have no available target therapy. APP could have therapeutic potential and be used to define the more aggressive cases in TNBCs. Current prognostic analysis is based on primary tumor. Our data suggest that investigation of nodal metastases could provide additional prognostic value.

https://ift.tt/2nDs0vJ

Extensive abdominal wall ulceration as a late manifestation of antiphospholipid syndrome: a case report

Antiphospholipid syndrome is an autoimmune disorder characterized by the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies and commonly presents with vascular thromboembolic phenomena, thrombocytopenia, and obstetric co...

https://ift.tt/2nADEHA

Unilateral pulmonary edema: a case report and review of the literature

Unilateral pulmonary edema is an uncommon condition and is a rare clinical entity that is often misdiagnosed at the initial stages. In a majority of patients it occurs in the upper lobe of the right lung. Ther...

https://ift.tt/2KOeRZT

Translation and cultural adaptation of the CLEFT-Q into Arabic, Dutch, Hindi, Swedish, and Turkish

Abstract

Background

Treatment for cleft lip and/or palate (CL/P) involves a multidisciplinary team of experts who aim to improve ones' appearance, health-related quality of life, and speech function. To appropriately measure outcomes in CL/P from the patient perspective, a CL/P-specific patient-reported outcome (PRO) instrument is needed. The CLEFT-Q is a self-report PRO instrument developed to evaluate treatment outcomes in patients with CL/P. The aim of this study was to translate and culturally adapt the CLEFT-Q.

Methods

The CLEFT-Q was translated and culturally adapted from English into Arabic, Dutch, Hindi, Swedish, and Turkish using guidelines set forth by the International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research. For each language, two forward translations, one back translation, and cognitive debriefing interviews with patients were conducted.

Results

The field test version of the CLEFT-Q consisted of 154 items across 13 scales. Forward translations for each language revealed few items that were difficult to translate into the various languages. Comparison of each back translation to the English version identified that a change in the meaning of an item was more common in the Turkish (n = 40, 26%) and Arabic (n = 17, 11%) translations, and required re-translation. Cognitive debriefing interviews involved 41 participants from plastic surgery centers in India, Qatar, Sweden, the Netherlands, and Turkey. Participants reported few difficulties in understanding the items, instructions, and response options in each CLEFT-Q translation.

Conclusions

Semantic, idiomatic, experiential, and conceptual equivalence of the CLEFT-Q was achieved for all language versions, thus providing evidence of the CLEFT-Q's transferability to other languages and cultures.

Level of Evidence: Not ratable

https://ift.tt/2MhATtp

Facial reconstruction in Italy during the First World War

Abstract

Background

The field of plastic surgery, and in particular facial reconstruction, advanced rapidly during the First World War, but the Italian contribution is little known.

Methods

This paper explores wartime experience in Italy, with particular reference to the unit of Amedeo Perna in Rome, as illustrated by the diary and photographs taken by Emerin Keene, the daughter of the American Consul-General in Rome in 1918, who worked as a nurse in the Ospedale Stomatoiatrico, located in the Villa Massimo.

Results

The diary of her nursing experience provides an insight into the workings and day-to-day life of the hospital.

Conclusions

Whilst there has been interest in, and publication on developments in Great Britain, France and Germany, no significant review of the Italian experience has been undertaken. This article examines the clinical material described by Emerin Keene and the contributions of other Italian contributors to wartime facial surgery, setting these in the context of developments elsewhere in Europe, but further research on what appears to be extensive Italian work in the First World War seems merited.

Level of Evidence: not ratable

https://ift.tt/2wfs48X

Influence of sleep on developing brain functions and structures in children and adolescents: A systematic review

This systematic review examined the associations between sleep and brain functions and structures in children and adolescents aged 1 to 17 years. Included studies (n=24) were peer-reviewed and met the a priori determined population (apparently healthy children and adolescents aged 1 year to 17 years), intervention/exposure/comparator (various sleep characteristics including duration, architecture, quality, timing), and outcome criteria (brain functions and/or brain structures, excluding cognitive function outcomes).

https://ift.tt/2vHtvNY

Aflatoxin M 1 levels in different marketed milk products in Nairobi, Kenya

Abstract

Milk is an important source of energy and nutrients, especially for children, and in Kenya, milk consumption is higher than other countries in the region. One major concern with milk is the risks of chemical contaminants, and reports of high levels of aflatoxin M₁ (AFM₁) in milk in Kenya has been causing public health concerns. This study collected marketed milk products every month during 1 year, just as a consumer would purchase them from retailers and traders in a low-income area, and a major supermarket in a middle/high-income area. In total, 291 sampled milk products (raw, pasteurised, UHT milk, yoghurt and lala) were collected and analysed for AFM₁ using a commercial ELISA kit. More than 50% of the samples exceeded 50 ng/kg (the level allowed in the EU), but only three samples exceeded 500 ng/kg (the level allowed in the USA). Geometric mean AFM₁ level was 61.9 ng/kg in the 135 samples from the low-income area while it was 36.1 ng/kg in the 156 from the higher income area (p < 0.001). The levels varied significantly depending on the time of year, with lowest levels of milk in January. There were also differences between manufacturers and products, with UHT milk having lower levels. There was no difference depending on the price for all dairy products, but when only including milk, higher price was associated with lower levels of AFM₁. In conclusion, this study shows that milk purchased by a consumer is likely to contain AFM₁ above 50 ng/kg, and that further research is needed to find ways to mitigate AFM₁ contamination through working with farmers and milk processors both in the formal and informal sectors.

https://ift.tt/2Pb3wGM

Is the informal economic activity a determinant of environmental quality?

Abstract

This study aims to investigate whether the size of the informal economic activity is a determinant of the environmental quality in the case of Turkey. First, the MIMIC model approach will be used to estimate the size of the informal economic activity. Second, time series analysis will be conducted for the period from 1970 to 2014, in order to examine the effect of the size of the informal economic activity on the environmental quality by conducting Carrion-i-Silvestre et al. (Economet Theor 25:1754, 2009) unit root tests, Bound test and Maki (Econ Model 29:2011–2015, 2012) cointegration tests that allow structural breaks will be employed prior to the DOLS, FMOLS, and ARDL approaches for long-run and short-run models. The results suggest that informal economic activity is a positively significant determinant on the environmental quality. Moreover, this paper suggests that both formal and informal economies have significant impact on environmental quality. However, formal economy exerts positively higher effects on the environmental quality compared to informal economy. Turkish authorities need to pay more attention on both formal and informal economic activities to prevent environmental degradation in Turkey.

https://ift.tt/2MMEgoH

The Relation Between Epicardial Fat Tissue Thickness and TSH Receptor Antibody in Hyperthyroidism

Exp Clin Endocrinol Diabetes
DOI: 10.1055/a-0664-7746

Background Although hyperthyroidism may be associated with atherosclerosis, its pathogenesis is not well known. TSH receptor antibody (TRAb) has been shown to be responsible for increased orbital fat tissue in Graves ophthalmopathy. Epicardial fat tissue thickness (EFT) has been found to be increased in case of overt hyperthyroidism. In our study, we aimed to investigate if TRAb is associated with the increased EFT in newly diagnosed hyperthyroidism. Methods Twenty six TRAb positive (group 1) and 26 TRAb negative (group 2) newly diagnosed patients with hyperthyroidism, and 26 healthy control subjects (group 3) were enrolled. EFT was measured by the same cardiologist using an echocardiography device. Serum TRAb levels were measured by the radio-receptor assay and levels above 1.75 IU/L were considered as positive. Results There was no difference among groups in terms of age, gender and body mass index. Although there was no significant difference between group 1 and 2, both group 1 (0.38±0.15 cm) and group 2 (0.4±0.17 cm) had significantly higher EFT levels when compared to group 3 (0.25±0.06 cm) (p=0.004 and p=0.001, respectively). However we did not find any correlation between TRAb and EFT levels. Conclusion The results of our study suggested that EFT was increased in hyperthyroidism and this increasing was not dependent of TRAb level. EFT elevation might be depending directly to the cardiovascular effects of hyperthyroidism.
[...]

© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Article in Thieme eJournals:
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https://ift.tt/2OCAU8c

Acute Administration of Tibolone Prevents Oxidative Stress in Ovariectomized Rats Fed High-Fat-and-Fructose Diet

Exp Clin Endocrinol Diabetes
DOI: 10.1055/a-0659-9928

In addition to oxidative stress due to the increase of free radicals, estrogen deficiency is associated with changes in enzymatic activity, glutathione redox ratio (GSH/GSSG), and the content of oxidative markers such as malondialdehyde. Tibolone, a synthetic steroid, has been used as an elective treatment for the relief of menopausal symptoms. However, the acute effects of hormonal therapy with tibolone on metabolic parameters and oxidative stress markers associated with the first stages of estrogen deficiency are still unknown. The study aimed to evaluate if the acute administration of tibolone reduces oxidative stress in ovariectomized rats fed high-fat-and-fructose diet. Rats were fed a standard diet or a diet consisting of 10% lard-supplemented chow and 20% high-fructose syrup in the drinking water plus tibolone or vehicle for seven days. Weight, cholesterol, triglycerides, and glucose levels, as well as antioxidant enzymes and oxidative stress markers were quantified in the serum of each experimental group. It was observed that seven days of diet and tibolone treatment in the ovariectomized group reduced weight, triglycerides, cholesterol, glucose levels and advanced glycation end products but did not change GSH/GSSG ratio nor the enzymatic activity of superoxide dismutase. Also, both glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase activity decreased, as well as malondialdehyde levels. These results suggest that the acute treatment with tibolone prevented the changes in the metabolic parameters analyzed as well as the increase in the levels of malondialdehyde and AGEs induced by ovariectomy and high-fat diet.
[...]

© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Article in Thieme eJournals:
Table of contents  |  Abstract  |  Full text

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The Abdominal Aortic Intima-Media Thickness Increases in Patients with Primary Hyperparathyroidism

Exp Clin Endocrinol Diabetes
DOI: 10.1055/a-0664-7820

Background We aimed to determine whether there is an increase in aortic intima-media thickness values measured from the abdominal aorta in addition to the traditional carotid intima-media thickness in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism and to determine the parameters closely related to aortic intima-media thickness. Methods This perspective study included 65 primary hyperparathyroidism patients and 30 healthy-controls. Routine laboratory tests for the diagnosis of hyperparathyroidism and vascular ultrasound examinations were performed. Common carotid, internal carotid, and abdominal aortic intima media thickness were measured. The participants of the study was divided into 3 groups as the control (Group–I), the medical treatment (Group–II) due to primary hyperparathyroidism, and the planned surgery (group–III). Results Aortic intima-media thickness, serum urea, creatinine, glucose, uric acid, hs-CRP, parathyroid hormone, calcium and urine calcium levels increased significantly from Group–I to Group–III and T–scores and serum phosphorus in levels decreased significantly. Carotid intima-media thicknesses were not significantly different between the groups. Serum and urinary calcium levels were independently associated with aortic intima-media thickness. Aortic intima-media thickness, serum phosphorus, parathyroid hormone, T-scores, serum and urinary calcium levels are independent indicators for Group–III. When the cut-off value of aortic intima-media thickness was taken as 1.5 mm, 80.6% sensitivity and 89.1% specificity were determined for patients who would go to surgery. Conclusion Serum and urine calcium levels were independently associated with aortic intima-media thickness. Aortic intima-media thickness is more useful than carotid intima-media thickness in showing vascular organ involvement in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism.
[...]

© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Article in Thieme eJournals:
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https://ift.tt/2OCjAjI

Perioperative Management of Endocrine Active Adrenal Tumors

Exp Clin Endocrinol Diabetes
DOI: 10.1055/a-0654-5251

Endocrine active adrenal tumors are associated with a relevant risk of complications during surgery, either due to direct hemodynamic effects of the hormone excess or due to hormone related comorbidities. Over the last decades, careful preoperative evaluation and improved peri-interventional medical management of affected patients has resulted in a significant reduction of perioperative complications. In addition, improvement in anesthesia and surgical techniques with the feasibility of laparoscopic adrenalectomy have contributed to reduce morbidity. Nevertheless, there are still several challenges to be considered in the perioperative care of these patients. Due to the rarity of functionally active adrenal tumors, there are no prospective data available to guide clinical management. Accordingly, most recommendations are based on retrospective data analysis, expert opinion or carry weak evidence based on small series or case reports. The aim of this review is to summarize the current knowledge and to suggest practical approaches to reduce perioperative complications in endocrine active adrenal tumors. This review exclusively deals with data from adult patients with functionally active adrenal tumors.
[...]

© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Article in Thieme eJournals:
Table of contents  |  Abstract  |  Full text

https://ift.tt/2MsT3rq

Editorial Board and Contents

Publication date: September 2018

Source: Trends in Endocrinology & Metabolism, Volume 29, Issue 9

Author(s):

https://ift.tt/2B92vvV

Transurethral thulium laser enucleation versus resection of the prostate for treating benign prostatic hyperplasia: a retrospective study

Abstract

This study aimed to compare the clinical outcomes between transurethral thulium laser enucleation of the prostate (ThuLEP) and transurethral thulium laser resection of the prostate (ThuLRP) for treating benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). From May 2014 to August 2015, 212 patients underwent ThuLRP and 188 patients underwent ThuLEP. The ThuLEP group was further divided into two subgroups according to the ways the prostate was taken out. The perioperative parameters were recorded and analyzed. The international prostate symptom score (IPSS), quality-of-life (QoL) score, maximum flow rate (Qmax), and postvoid residual urine volume (PVR) in both groups were estimated and compared 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery. No significant difference was observed between the groups in terms of irrigated time, irrigated volume, catheterization time, and hospital stay. However, the significantly lower hemoglobin drop was observed in the ThuLRP group compared with the ThuLEP group. The ThuLEP group with a morcellator required a shorter operation time for patients with large prostate volume (> 60 mL) compared with the ThuLRP and ThuLEP groups without a morcellator. During 12 months of follow-up, IPSS, Qmax, QoL, and PVR improved significantly without significant differences between the groups. No severe complications were reported; however, the occurrence of transient urge incontinence was higher after ThuLEP compared with ThuLRP, and the proportion of urinary tract infection after surgery was higher in ThuLRP than in ThuLEP. ThuLRP and ThuLEP are safe and efficient for treating patients with symptomatic BPH. ThuLRP offers advantages in terms of minimal blood loss.

https://ift.tt/2Oz7mIs

Effects of the extracorporeal shock wave therapy on the skin: an experimental study

Abstract

Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) has been extensively studied for its multiple biological properties, and although it is widely applied in esthetical procedures, little is known about its effects on the epidermis and dermis. In this study, a histological and immunohistochemical study of the effects of ESWT was performed on rat skin. Forty-five female rats were treated with one or two sessions of ESWT and sacrificed on days 1, 7, 14, and 21 after treatment. The samples were histologically processed and then morphometric analyses were performed to assess the epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous fat tissue thickness. Immunohistochemical reactions were also performed against the antibodies: basic fibroblastic growth factor (FGF2), its receptor (FGFR1), and α-smooth muscle actin. Slides were scanned and digitally assessed, to determine the microvessel density (MVD) and digital scoring of the immunohistochemical staining. The results showed that ESWT produced a significantly higher collagen content, MVD, and epidermis and dermis thickness than the control, non-treated group. Both in epidermis and dermis, FGF2 was overexpressed in the ESWT-treated groups, whereas FGFR1 was increased only in the group treated with two ESWT sessions at 21-days post-treatment. The ESWT-treated groups have also shown diminished thickness of subcutaneous fat tissue. In conclusion, ESWT induces neocollagenesis and neoangiogenesis, and upregulates the FGF2 expression, particularly in the groups treated with two sessions. Furthermore, it was demonstrated that overexpression of FGF2 on skins treated with ESWT seems to be a key role on its mechanism of action.

https://ift.tt/2nG4q1s

Clinical Thyroidology®for the Public – Highlighted Article

From Clinical Thyroidology^® for the Public: Thyroid hormone is necessary for development and growth of brain in developing babies during pregnancy. Studies have shown that hypothyroidism and low thyroid hormone levels without hypothyroidism may be associated with some developmental problems in children. Read More…

We welcome your feedback and suggestions. Let us know what you want to see in this publication.

Feedback & Suggestions

The post Clinical Thyroidology^®for the Public – Highlighted Article appeared first on American Thyroid Association.

https://ift.tt/2OE0UQB

Clinical Thyroidology®for the Public – Highlighted Article

From Clinical Thyroidology^® for the Public: Thyroid hormone is necessary for development and growth of brain in developing babies during pregnancy. Studies have shown that hypothyroidism and low thyroid hormone levels without hypothyroidism may be associated with some developmental problems in children. Read More…

We welcome your feedback and suggestions. Let us know what you want to see in this publication.

Feedback & Suggestions

The post Clinical Thyroidology^®for the Public – Highlighted Article appeared first on American Thyroid Association.

https://ift.tt/2OE0UQB

Eliminating redundant spatial variation to better understand the variance of interest of soil potentially toxic elements at different sampling scales in different soil types south of Nanjing, China

Abstract

Sampling scale and prediction of spatial distribution are essential in surveys of soil metal pollution. Sufficient sampling density encompassing the principal spatial sources of variance and prediction of polluted areas with the help of soil maps makes pollution evaluation more reliable and subsequent soil remediation assessment more efficient. Two soil sampling schemes, using 232 points at 2-km intervals in 2002 for sampling at county scale and 109 points at 200–1000-m intervals in 2012 at town scale, were used to study the potentially toxic metals Cu, Cd, Cr, Hg, Ni, Pb, Zn, and the metalloid As in an urban-rural hinge area. We focused on finding characteristics of the explanatory power of soil type toward different sampling scales from 200 to 2000 m, a routine sampling scale in practice for remediation of soil potentially toxic elements (PTEs). We also attempted to eliminate the redundant spatial variation to better understand the variance of soil PTEs. Spatial variation of PTEs at different scales was compared and estimated using soil map units based on geostatistical methods. The explanatory power of the soil map units selected at different scales was significantly different at P < 0.01 and the smaller scales better explained the spatial variance. Anthropic activities profoundly affected the contents of PTEs in soils and the amounts of anthropogenic pollutants released often exceed the contribution from natural sources. Variances of interest of Cr and Cu were underestimated by 72.4 and 32.8%, respectively, due to soil type as a factor but were overestimated for other elements by percentages following the sequence Zn (45.4%) > Hg (28.6%) > Pb (28.8%) > Ni (26.73%) > As (13.7%) > Cd (10.5%). Eliminating variances of zero interest would be helpful in increasing the effectiveness of remediation of metal-contaminated soils.

https://ift.tt/2w6sfDe

Effects of microplastics on trophic parameters, abundance and metabolic activities of seawater and fish gut bacteria in mesocosm conditions

Abstract

Plastic pollution is an emerging threat with severe implications on animals' and environmental health. Nevertheless, interactions of plastic particles with both microbial structure and metabolism are a new research challenge that needs to be elucidated yet. To improve knowledge on the effects played by microplastics on free-living and fish gut-associated microbial community in aquatic environments, a 90-day study was performed in three replicated mesocosms (control-CTRL, native polyvinyl chloride-MPV and weathered polyvinyl chloride-MPI), where sea bass specimens were hosted. In CTRL mesocosm, fish was fed with no-plastic-added food, whilst in MPV and MPI food was supplemented with native or exposed to polluted waters polyvinylchloride pellets, respectively. Particulate organic carbon (POC) and nitrogen, total and culturable bacteria, extracellular enzymatic activities, and microbial community substrate utilization profiles were analyzed. POC values were lower in MPI than MPV and CRTL mesocosms. Microplastics did not affect severely bacterial metabolism, although enzymatic activities decreased and microbes utilized a lower number of carbon substrates in MPI than MPV and CTRL. No shifts in the bacterial community composition of fish gut microflora were observed by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis fingerprinting analysis.

https://ift.tt/2nCHos7

Cd and Pb accumulation characteristics of phytostabilizer Athyrium wardii (Hook.) grown in soils contaminated with Cd and Pb

Abstract

Interactions between heavy metals in soil could affect soil heavy metal availability and plant uptake. Thus, in this study, Cd and Pb accumulation as well as plant growth of the mining ecotype (ME) and non-mining ecotype (NME) of Athyrium wardii (Hook.) in response to the exposure of Cd and Pb was investigated by a pot experiment. Although the exposure of Cd in combination with Pb further inhibited the growth of the two ecotypes in comparison with the exposure of single Cd or Pb, the ME presented lower biomass decline for the whole plant (22.0%–70.0%) than the NME among most treatments. The presence of Pb promoted Cd accumulation both in above-ground and under-ground parts of the ME. Cd concentrations in under-ground parts of the ME decreased when exposed to higher concentrations of Pb (> 600 mg kg⁻¹). Meanwhile, the presence of Cd inhibited Pb accumulation in above-ground parts of the ME and promoted Pb accumulation in under-ground parts of the ME. Pb concentrations in under-ground parts of the ME decreased when soil Cd concentrations were more than 25 mg kg⁻¹. The partial correlation analysis further demonstrated that the interactions between Cd and Pb stimulated Cd accumulation both in above-ground and under-ground parts of the ME and Pb accumulation in under-ground parts of the ME, while inhibited Pb accumulation in above-ground parts of the ME, showing great benefit for Pb phytostabilization by the ME. Among treatments, the bioaccumulation coefficients for Cd and Pb of the ME, varying from 2.71–31.05 and 20.09–78.06, were much higher than those of the NME. The translocation factors for Cd and Pb of the ME, varying from 0.26–0.52 and 0.01–0.10, were lower than those of the NME. These results indicate that the ME presented greater potential for the phytostabilization of soil contamination with Cd and Pb, especially for Pb.

https://ift.tt/2OBjlFl

Facile and environmental benign in situ synthesis of silver nanoparticles for multifunctionalization of wool fibers

Abstract

In this manuscript, we report the simple method to multifunctional wool fiber surfaces. The multifunctional wool fibers were devised with brilliant coloration, antimicrobial activity, and UV-protection property. These multifunctional properties were progressed by in situ assemble of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) into the wool fiber surface using green cleaner one-pot route. The proteins existing in the wool fibers acted being a redox active bio-template, facilitating the reduction of Ag⁺ to Ag⁰, with simultaneous binding of the produced Ag NPs both on the surface and within the center of the wool fibers. The entire results showed that the Ag NP in situ-incorporated wool fibers can be used as colorant wool fibers effectively, and these colored fibers also exhibit an improvement for multi-functionality properties.

https://ift.tt/2MjeDiO

Slow, slurred speech as an initial complaint in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Otorhinolaryngologic examinations at an early stage, particularly those conducted by vocal specialists, can make potentially important contributions to the diagnosis of bulbar-onset ALS patients.

https://ift.tt/2BdtoP6

Vermicompost addition influences symbiotic fungi communities associated with leek cultivated in metal-rich soils

Abstract

In the context of urban agriculture, where soils are frequently contaminated with metal(loid)s (TM), we studied the influence of vermicompost amendments on symbiotic fungal communities associated with plants grown in two metal-rich soils. Leek (Allium porrum L.) plants were grown with or without vermicompost in two metal-rich soils characterized by either geogenic or anthropogenic TM sources, to assess the influence of pollutant origin on soil-plant transfer. Fungal communities associated with the leek roots were identified by high throughput Illumina MiSeq and TM contents were measured using mass spectrometry. Vermicompost addition led to a dramatic change in the fungal community with a loss of diversity in the two tested soils. This effect could partially explain the changes in metal transfer at the soil-AMF-plant interface. Our results suggest being careful while using composts when growing edibles in contaminated soils. More generally, this study highlights the need for further research in the field of fungal communities to refine practical recommendations to gardeners.

Graphical abstract

https://ift.tt/2B9N6v7

Kimishige Ishizaka (1925–2018)

Publication date: Available online 14 August 2018

Source: Allergology International

Author(s): Hirohisa Saito

https://ift.tt/2P6vwvb

Risk-reductive dental strategies for medication related osteonecrosis of the jaw among cancer patients: A systematic review with meta-analyses

Publication date: October 2018

Source: Oral Oncology, Volume 85

Author(s): Harry Karna, Jaime Gonzalez, Harveen S. Radia, Parish P. Sedghizadeh, Reyes Enciso

Abstract

The purpose of this systematic review with meta-analysis was to assess the effectiveness of dental interventions in preventing or reducing the incidence of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) in cancer patients receiving antiresorptive therapy, compared to similar control groups receiving no intervention. Randomized controlled trials (RCT), case-controls and cohorts on cancer patients with primary outcome being the prevalence of MRONJ were included. Four electronic databases were searched (Cochrane Library, PubMed, EMBASE and Web of Science) up to February 12, 2018. A total of 409 abstracts were assessed and one case-control, one RCT and four cohort studies with 2332 cancer patients met our inclusion criteria. Risk of bias analysis followed Cochrane's handbook. Risk of bias was unclear for the case-control study and high risk for the RCT and all cohort studies. Five studies utilized preventive measures consisting of an initial examination and performing all necessary dental treatment before patients initiated antiresorptive therapy; one study used specialized post-extraction protocols utilizing plasma-rich in growth factors (PRGF) on cancer patients receiving antiresorptive therapy. Though dental preventive measures decreased MRONJ incidence by 77.3% in six studies with 2332 cancer patients (95% CI = 47.4–90.2%; p = .001) compared to control groups, quality of the evidence was low due to high or unclear risk of bias and the observational nature of five of the included studies. In conclusion, high-quality long-term prospective large sample size studies are needed to confirm these results due to high risk of bias and heterogeneous interventions. No funding.

https://ift.tt/2vJ2sSh

Mapping, in vivo, the uniformity of two skin properties alongside the human face by a 3D virtual approach

International Journal of Cosmetic Science, Volume 0, Issue ja, -Not available-.


https://ift.tt/2MjqMoh

Biphenotypic sinonasal sarcoma: demographics, clinicopathological characteristics, molecular features, and prognosis of a recently described entity

Abstract

Biphenotypic sinonasal sarcoma (BSNS) is a recently recognized type of sarcoma arising exclusively in the sinonasal tract displaying unique clinical course, histopathology, and genetics. Due to its rarity, only case series and case reports are available. In order to provide an overview of the current understanding of this disease, we present a comprehensive review of the literature and present three previously unreported cases of BSNS. A total of 55 genetically characterized and 41 cases without molecular data were identified in the literature. Two-thirds of patients were female and the peak incidence was in the fifth decade. Fatal outcome was rare (two cases with intracranial extension) and local recurrence occurred in 31.6%, all occurring within 5 years after initial treatment. Histologically, BSNS is highly cellular in the majority of cases and composed of fascicles of spindle cells, with entrapped hyperplastic surface epithelium being a frequent finding. The immunohistochemical profile is characteristic due to the biphasic nature of this lesion, with shared features of both myogenic and neural origin. Rhabdomyoblastic differentiation is apparent in a subset of cases. The most common genetic event is the PAX3-MAML3 fusion (58.6%) but isolated PAX3 rearrangement (19.2%), absence of rearrangements (9.1%), PAX3-FOXO1 (8.1%), PAX3-NCOA1 (4%), and isolated MAML3 rearrangement (2%) have also been reported. In conclusion, the recognition of BSNS is crucial due to its relatively indolent clinical course. A selected immunohistochemical panel and/or molecular confirmation can be used to aid in appropriate diagnosis and consequently in prognostication and to avoid overtreatment with chemotherapy regimens used in its mimics.

https://ift.tt/2BhZDwu

Future Meetings

Thyroid, Volume 28, Issue 8, Page 1076-1077, August 2018.


https://ift.tt/2BaMHZl

Unilateral cochlea sparing in locoregionally advanced head and neck cancer: a planning study

Abstract

Background

Cochlea sparing can reduce late ototoxicity in head and neck cancer patients treated with cisplatin-based radiochemotherapy. In this situation, a mean cochlear dose (MCD) constraint of 10 Gy has been suggested by others based on the dose–effect relationship of clinical data. We aimed to investigate whether this is feasible for primary and postoperative radiochemotherapy in locoregionally advanced tumors without compromising target coverage.

Patients and methods

Ten patients treated with definitive and ten patients treated with adjuvant intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) and concurrent chemotherapy were investigated. The cochleae and a planning risk volume (PRV) with a 3 mm margin were newly delineated, whereas target volumes and other organs at risk were not changed. The initial plan was recalculated with a constraint of 10 Gy (MCD) on the low-risk side. The quality of the resulting plan was evaluated using the difference in the equivalent uniform dose (EUD).

Results

A unilateral MCD of below 10 Gy could be achieved in every patient. The mean MCD was 6.8 Gy in the adjuvant cohort and 7.6 Gy in the definitive cohort, while the non-spared side showed a mean MCD of 18.7 and 30.3 Gy, respectively. The mean PRV doses were 7.8 and 8.4 Gy for the spared side and 18.5 and 29.8 Gy for the non-spared side, respectively. The mean EUD values of the initial and recalculated plans were identical. Target volume was not compromised.

Conclusion

Unilateral cochlea sparing with an MCD of less than 10 Gy is feasible without compromising the target volume or dose coverage in locoregionally advanced head and neck cancer patients treated with IMRT. A prospective evaluation of the clinical benefit of this approach as well as further investigation of the dose–response relationship for future treatment modification appears promising.

https://ift.tt/2BcSvBT

Diagnosis and ecotoxicological risk assessment of 49 elements in sludge from wastewater treatment plants of Chongqing and Xiamen cities, China

Abstract

Limited information about the sludge quality is a major constraint for its usage and proper disposal. This study investigated the occurrence of 49 elements in sludge from 11 wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) in Chongqing and Xiamen cities of China. The concentration of 46-detected elements ranged from 16.2 μg kg⁻¹ (Pt) to 55.0 g kg⁻¹ (Al) on dry solid basis in the sludge. The enrichment factor of most of the elements was > 1.5, indicating their possible anthropogenic origin. The precious metals had considerably higher enrichment factor ranging from 56.3 to 200,000. Principal component analysis clustered the samples from Chongqing and Xiamen separately to suggest strong spatial variations. Contamination factor, pollution loading index, and integrated pollution degree were calculated to evaluate the elemental pollution risk. The pollution loading index indicated unpolluted to highly polluted levels of the elements in the sludge. In addition, results from the ecotoxicological risk index showed an individual low to very high ecotoxicological risk posed by eight metal(loid)s (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn) in the WWTPs.

https://ift.tt/2nJIFOl

Environmental photochemical fate and UVC degradation of sodium levothyroxine in aqueous medium

Abstract

The synthetic hormone sodium levothyroxine (LTX) is one of the most prescribed drugs in the world and the most effective in hypothyroidism treatment. The presence of LTX in the environment has become a matter of major concern due to the widespread use of this hormone and by the fact that it is only partially removed in conventional water and sewage treatment plants. However, information regarding the photochemical fate of this hormone in environmental or engineered systems is scarce in the literature. In this work, the sunlight-driven direct and indirect LTX degradation was investigated by determining the photolysis quantum yield, Φ_LTX = 3.80 (± 0.02) × 10⁻⁵, as well as the second-order kinetic constants of the reactions with hydroxyl radicals, k_LTX,•OH = 1.50 (± 0.01) × 10¹⁰ L mol⁻¹ s⁻¹ and singlet oxygen, k_LTX,1O2 = 1.47 (± 0.66) × 10⁸ L mol⁻¹ s⁻¹. Mathematical simulations indicate that LTX photodegradation is favored in shallow, nitrite-rich, and dissolved organic matter (DOM)-poor environments, with LTX half-life times varying from less than 10 days to about 80 days. LTX removals of 85 and 95% were achieved by UVC photolysis and UVC/H₂O₂ after 120 min, respectively. Three transformation products, triiodothyronine, diiodothyronine, and diiodotyrosine, were identified during LTX degradation by the UVC-based processes studied. The results herein regarding photo-induced kinetics coupled with environmental fate simulations may help evaluate LTX persistence and also the design of water and wastewater treatment processes.

https://ift.tt/2MH5KMe

Removal mechanism of sulfamethazine and its intermediates from water by a rotating advanced oxidation contactor equipped with TiO 2 –high-silica zeolite composite sheets

Abstract

The removal of antibiotic sulfamethazine (SMT) and its intermediates from water was investigated using a rotating advanced oxidation contactor (RAOC) equipped with TiO₂-high-silica zeolite composite sheets. SMT was readily removed from water through adsorption onto high-silica zeolite and photocatalytic decomposition by TiO₂ inside the composite sheet. Some degradation intermediates were retained and photocatalytically decomposed inside the composite sheet. Relatively hydrophobic intermediates such as hydroxylated SMT were captured inside the sheets, whereas hydrophilic intermediates were distributed in water. This was attributed to the hydrophobic interactions in the adsorption mechanism of high-silica zeolite. The time courses of the NH₄⁺, NO₃⁻, and SO₄²⁻ ion concentration during the RAOC treatment of SMT were evaluated. After treatment by RAOC for 24 h, approximately 94% of nitrogen derived from the amino and sulfanilamide groups and 39% of sulfur from the sulfanilamide group were mineralized, which indicated that the mineralization behavior of SMT treated by RAOC was different from that treated by TiO₂ powder. These results strongly suggested that the dissociation of the amino group and cleavage of the sulfonamide group and subsequent dissociation of the amino group preferentially proceeded inside the composite sheets.

https://ift.tt/2MoAq8i

Thylacospermum caespitosum population structure and cushion species community diversity along an altitudinal gradient

Abstract

As alpine plants, cushion species are particularly susceptible to environment changes. Thus, understanding population structure and community diversity variation of cushion plants along elevational gradients is crucial for estimating their response to predicted climate changes. In this study, Thylacospermum caespitosum populations from three elevations (low, medium, and high) in three climate zones of China (the Kunlun, Qilian, and Tianshan Mountains) were selected to evaluate the effect of elevation on the structure of T. caespitosum populations and species diversity of cushion communities. Results showed that elevation substantially influenced T. caespitosum populations (size structure, density, and death rate), as well as richness (α-diversity) and microhabitat species pool (species pool) of cushion communities. In the low elevations, T. caespitosum populations were in decline due to a lower ratio of small plants and higher mortality compared with populations at medium and high elevations. The α-diversity and species pool in cushion communities were significantly increased with decreased elevation, but the importance value of T. caespitosum decreased accordingly. Moreover, there was a significant positive correlation between elevation and relative importance value (the importance of one species in the community) of T. caespitosum (r = 0.883; P < 0.01). Elevation was significantly negatively correlated with the mortality rate of T. caespitosum (r = − 0.855; P < 0.01), α-diversity (r = − 0.933; P < 0.001), and species pool (r = − 0.885; P < 0.01). The declining characters of T. caespitosum population structure were obvious in low elevation populations. This decline may directly or indirectly relate to environmental change. Effects of elevation can provide an early indication of range contractions and population declines of cushion species with future climate warming. We call for more mechanistic studies of climate change impacts on cushion populations, particularly in alpine systems near the snow line.

https://ift.tt/2OBrqtU

Wastewater-based epidemiology in low Human Development Index states: bias in consumption monitoring of illicit drugs

Abstract

Wastewater-based epidemiology is a promising approach worldwide, and its application is currently being developed in non-advanced economies. This technology, based on known toxicokinetic data initially used to detect illicit drugs in well-managed and maintained local sewer networks, has been extended to assess other products such as pesticides, alcohol, flame retardants, nicotine, and other substances. This technology is also used in countries with non-advanced economies. The present review aims to support future wastewater-based epidemiology in such countries by providing toxicokinetic data for locally used narcotic drugs that are expected or known to be emerging in developed countries, outlining the excretion differences due to human polymorphism, and summarising the practical obstacles due to the coverage, maintenance efficiency, or type of local sewage network.Case study feedback from Martinique is presented as an example; the Martinique field study complies with the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development standards for health issues, but not with regard to population and urban dynamics.

https://ift.tt/2nAVomd

Issue Information

Australian Dental Journal, Volume 63, Issue 3, Page 267-268, September 2018.


https://ift.tt/2Mq6TLe

Continuing Professional Development Quiz

Australian Dental Journal, Volume 63, Issue 3, Page 389-389, September 2018.


https://ift.tt/2B7SoaI

Opportunistic Dentistry is Harming Our Credibility

Australian Dental Journal, Volume 63, Issue 3, Page 269-269, September 2018.


https://ift.tt/2MpE69L

Is there a consensus on antibiotic usage for dental implant placement in healthy patients?

Australian Dental Journal, Volume 63, Issue 3, Page 385-386, September 2018.


https://ift.tt/2B7S6k8

Letters to the Editor: Response

Australian Dental Journal, Volume 63, Issue 3, Page 387-388, September 2018.


https://ift.tt/2vIp0Th

Prostaglandin E2 depresses GABA release onto parvocellular neuroendocrine neurons in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus via presynaptic EP3 receptors

Journal of Neuroendocrinology, Volume 0, Issue ja, -Not available-.


https://ift.tt/2BawRxW

Forecasting CO 2 emissions in Hebei, China, through moth-flame optimization based on the random forest and extreme learning machine

Abstract

The surge of carbon dioxide emission plays a dominant role in global warming and climate change, posing an enormous threat to the development of human being and a profound impact on the global ecosystem. Thus, it is essential to analyze the carbon dioxide emission change trend through an accurate prediction to inform reasonable energy-saving emission reduction measures and effectively control the carbon dioxide emission from the source. This paper proposed a hybrid model by combining the random forest and extreme learning machine together for the carbon dioxide emission forecasting in this paper; the random forest is applied for influential factors analysis and the extreme learning machine for the prediction. To improve the performance of the prediction model, moth-flame optimization is adopted to optimize initial weight and bias in extreme learning machine. A case study whose data is derived from Hebei Province, China, during the period 1995–2015 is conducted to verify the effectiveness of the proposed model. Results show that the novel model outperforms the compared parallel models in carbon dioxide emission prediction and has the potential to improve the accuracy of CO₂ emission forecasting.

https://ift.tt/2MO1bzF

Adenocarcinoma within a tailgut cyst

Description 

We present a case of a 53-year-old woman with painful defaecation and lower abdominal pain. Her medical history and laboratory testing were unremarkable. An abdominopelvic CT scan was performed. Axial non-enhanced CT image (figure 1) and postcontrast CT image (figure 2) revealed a well-defined, slightly lobular soft tissue density mass in the retrorectal/presacral space. It shows a thin peripheral calcification and internal enhancing components after administration of intravenous contrast material. These features suggest a rare developmental retrorectal lesion, with enteric cysts (tailgut cyst and cystic rectal duplication) being the more common. Differential diagnosis comprises lymphangioma, epidermoid cyst, dermoid cyst, endometrioma, rectal duplication cyst, anal gland cyst and anterior meningocoele.

Figure 1

Axial non-enhanced CT image showing a heterogeneous nodular mass of tissue density with a tiny peripheral calcification in the presacral space.

Figure 2

Axial and sagittal postcontrast...

https://ift.tt/2MmqKLf

Gallbladder empyema complicating acute myeloid leukaemia in an adolescent boy

Gallbladder (GB) empyema is an uncommon complication in acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). Non-specific signs and symptoms and rarity of disease in AML make it difficult to diagnose early. We report a case of 13-year-old boy who had AML and developed GB empyema in the neutropaenic period. The patient was managed with antibiotics, ultrasound-guided tapping and interval cholecystectomy and recovered well. GB empyema is a life-threatening complication which should be kept as a possibility while evaluating patients with neutropaenia with pain abdomen localised to right hypochondrium as early diagnosis and treatment can lead to better outcomes.

https://ift.tt/2OEfJmj

Thyroid metastasis from rectal adenocarcinoma

The thyroid is a rare site for metastasis, occurring in 0.1% of colorectal cases. A 46-year-old man with rectal adenocarcinoma developed an enlarging anterior neck mass and increasing carcinoembryonic antigen 2 years after curative intent treatment. Imaging showed aggressive features with invasion of the larynx, trachea and oesophagus, suspicious for anaplastic thyroid carcinoma. The patient underwent tumour debulking with neck dissection and tracheostomy. Final histopathological review revealed metastatic adenocarcinoma from a colorectal primary. Despite chemotherapy, the patient eventually succumbed to disease progression and complications of his illness. This case demonstrates that recognising rare sites of metastasis may help clinicians effectively institute earlier intervention.

https://ift.tt/2MscFvV

Aneurysmal fibrous histiocytoma

Aneurysmal fibrous histiocytoma (AFH) is a type of fibrohistiocytic tumour. We present a case of a patient who presented with a skin papule on the thigh region. Histopathological examination following total excision of the lesion revealed an AFH. No sign of recurrence was present 6 months after surgery.

https://ift.tt/2OzVDJD

Prostatitis, a rare presentation of granulomatosis with polyangiitis, successfully treated with rituximab and prednisone

A previously healthy 21-year-old man presented with an 8-month history of weight loss, lethargy and dysuria unresponsive to empiric antibiotics and paraurethral drainage of a prostatic abscess. Urinalysis showed pyuria, but cultures failed to grow any organisms. Additionally, he developed new onset sensorineural hearing loss. CT of the chest showed two right-sided cavitary lesions. CT of the abdomen and pelvis demonstrated a prostatic abscess. A prostate biopsy demonstrated necrotising granulomatous prostatitis. A lung biopsy showed necrotising granulomatous inflammation. He was diagnosed with granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA). He was successfully treated with rituximab and prednisone. At 6-month follow-up, he continued to be in remission with resolution of his symptoms. This case demonstrates a rare presentation of prostatitis as the presenting symptom of GPA. As far as we know, this case is the first documented report of rituximab and prednisone as successful therapy for prostatitis secondary to GPA.

https://ift.tt/2MrNU2S

Epstein-Barr-positive classical Hodgkin lymphoma-associated haemophagocytic lymphohistocytiosis: a rare case

Haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a life-threatening condition, which is usually triggered by autoimmune disorders, viral infections and malignancy, like lymphomas. We present a 60-year-old Hispanic woman with a medical history of hypertension and systemic lupus erythematosus presenting with fever, generalised weakness and shortness of breath for 3 weeks. She was hypotensive on presentation, and a CT scan of abdomen/chest showed multiple irregular hepatic and splenic hypodense lesions. A liver biopsy revealed Classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL) with positive Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) staining that was later confirmed with high serum EBV DNA levels. Incidentally, a liver biopsy disclosed haemophagocytosis in some cells. HLH-associated cHL is an uncommon condition that can cause severe systemic symptoms acting as the perfect mimic of septic shock, deviating the clinical eye toward treating with antibiotics and not addressing in a timely manner the real aetiology of the patient's condition.

https://ift.tt/2OyUli0

Severe thromboembolic phenomenon in the setting of pseudoprogression of melanoma brain metastases in response to combination immunotherapy

Approximately half of patients with metastatic melanoma develop brain metastasis (MBM) in their disease course. However, patients with MBM were often excluded from early immunotherapy trials, and therefore, the role of immunotherapy in these patients is less clear. We review the case of a patient with widespread metastatic melanoma and symptomatic brain metastases at initial diagnosis. In this case, we have demonstrated that it is reasonable to pursue combination ipilimumab and nivolumab in borderline performance status patients with extensive brain metastases. Additionally, this case teaches us to be vigilant for severe autoimmune toxicities such as severe thrombotic events in the setting of pseudoprogression of brain metastases. We discuss this case in the context of the current melanoma literature.

https://ift.tt/2nDwiTP

Post-traumatic aortic pseudoaneurysm causing acquired pulmonary artery stenosis

Description 

A 43-year-old man with a diagnosis of severe pulmonary stenosis was referred to us for pulmonary valve balloon dilatation. We reviewed the case and found that the patient was complaining of progressively increasing dyspnoea over the past one year. He did not complain of chest pain, syncope, limb swelling or cyanosis. History was unremarkable except for a motorbike accident which he suffered 10 years back and sustained injuries over his face, chest and limbs. He made full functional recovery within 2 months after the accident and remained free from any symptoms for the next 9 years.

We reviewed his echocardiogram and found that he had dilated right atrium and right ventricle. Left-sided chambers and valves were normal. The pulmonary valve was normal. Instead, he had supravalvular pulmonary stenosis caused by compression of the pulmonary artery by an extrinsic mass (figures 1 and 2). CT...

https://ift.tt/2OAotJP

Penile fracture after priapism due to sildenafil ingestion: out of frying pan into the fire

Description  

A 36-year-old man presented to our department with complaints of swelling, pain and deformed penis for 2 days. He had a history of 100 mg sildenafil ingestion, following which he sustained a prolonged erection that persisted even after sexual intercourse. He tried vigorous masturbation to relieve it, but he failed. After this exercise, while he was sleeping, his child mistakenly fell over his erect penis, following which he developed sudden severe pain in his penis and lost tumescence. On examination, he had swelling and ecchymosis on the right posterolateral aspect of his penis (figure 1). There was no haematuria or blood at meatus. On the basis of history and physical examination, a diagnosis of penile fracture was made. Ultrasound revealed a tear in the lateral wall of the right corpora cavernosa with a large haematoma. The patient was taken for emergency exploration. Intraoperatively, a defect of approximately 1x1 cm was visualised...

https://ift.tt/2nDvVsp

Aphallia: do sociocultural issues affect treatment decisions?

Description 

Otherwise healthy 1-month-old male patient (documented 46,XY karyotype) was referred to the plastic surgery unit for assessment. Physical exam revealed absence of penis and urethra along with a well-formed scrotum and both normally descended testicles (figure 1). No characteristic facial phenotype was noted. Also, there were no abdominal wall hernias nor abnormalities of the anal canal. An echocardiogram, abdominal ultrasound and CT were performed to exclude other malformations. CT scan revealed a functional but hypoplastic right kidney and the presence of a vesicorectal fistula. The rest of the studies including a hormonal profile were within normal limits.

Figure 1

Picture showing the perineal region of the patient.

Surgical fistula closure and perineal urethrostomy placement were recommended as initial treatment. Also, the possibility of either early female sexual reassignment or phalloplasty were proposed as long-term options for definitive reconstruction. The...

https://ift.tt/2OA91gP

Bilateral primary adrenal lymphoma successfully treated with non-CHOP chemotherapy regimen

Primary bilateral non-Hodgkin's lymphoma of the adrenal gland is a rare presentation with <200 reported cases. We report a 70-year-old man who presented with vomiting and abdominal pain for 2 weeks and was subsequently diagnosed to have high-grade lymphoma of the adrenal glands. The patient was then started on a rituximab–bendamustine chemotherapy regimen. The patient tolerated treatment well without significant side effects. Repeat positron emission tomography CT scan after four cycles of chemotherapy showed complete response. The patient has completed six cycles of chemotherapy and is on regular follow-up with no signs of relapse.

https://ift.tt/2nE5iDK

Issue Information ‐ TOC

International Journal of Osteoarchaeology, Volume 28, Issue 4, Page 375-376, July/August 2018.


https://ift.tt/2MO7unb

Gut microbiota alterations in moderate to severe acne vulgaris patients

The Journal of Dermatology, EarlyView.


https://ift.tt/2vHXi97

Severe thiopurine‐induced leukocytopenia and hair loss in Japanese patients with defective NUDT15 variant: Retrospective case–control study

The Journal of Dermatology, EarlyView.


https://ift.tt/2w6DImm

Incidental diagnosis of blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm in skin excision for basal cell carcinoma

Journal of Cutaneous Pathology, Volume 0, Issue ja, -Not available-.


https://ift.tt/2vKibjV

Aneurysmal Fibrous Histiocytomas with Recurrent Rearrangement of the PRKCD Gene and LAMTOR1‐PRKCD Fusions

Journal of Cutaneous Pathology, Volume 0, Issue ja, -Not available-.


https://ift.tt/2BbTJgs

Bullous CD4+ CD8+ Adult T‐Cell Leukemia/Lymphoma, A Rare Diagnostically Challenging Cutaneous Variant

Journal of Cutaneous Pathology, Volume 0, Issue ja, -Not available-.


https://ift.tt/2vHSlNF

Onycholemmal carcinoma with prominent dystrophic calcification and review of the literature

Journal of Cutaneous Pathology, Volume 45, Issue 9, Page 643-646, September 2018.


https://ift.tt/2MMUxd0

Issue Information

Journal of Cutaneous Pathology, Volume 45, Issue 9, September 2018.


https://ift.tt/2vKcPoJ

Insulin resistance and β‐cell dysfunction and the relationship with cardio‐metabolic disorders among women with polycystic ovary syndrome

Clinical Endocrinology, Volume 0, Issue ja, -Not available-.


https://ift.tt/2Blucll

Novel NR5A1 mutations found in Chinese patients with 46, XY Disorders of Sex Development

Clinical Endocrinology, Volume 0, Issue ja, -Not available-.


https://ift.tt/2B9I8yD

Early use of steroid‐sparing agents in the inactivation of moderate‐to‐severe active thyroid eye disease; a step‐down approach

Clinical Endocrinology, Volume 0, Issue ja, -Not available-.


https://ift.tt/2MnA55x

Comorbidities and complications of polycystic ovary syndrome: an overview of systematic reviews

Clinical Endocrinology, Volume 0, Issue ja, -Not available-.


https://ift.tt/2B9HTUf

A novel IGSF1 mutation in a large Irish kindred highlights the need for familial screening in the IGSF1 deficiency syndrome

Clinical Endocrinology, Volume 0, Issue ja, -Not available-.


https://ift.tt/2MIf3LP

A Study to Evaluate the Safety and Tolerability of AB154 in Participants With Advanced Malignancies

Conditions:   Non-small Cell Lung Cancer;   Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck;   Renal Cell Carcinoma;   Breast Cancer;   Colorectal Cancer;   Melanoma;   Bladder Cancer;   Ovarian Cancer;   Endometrial Cancer;   Merkel Cell Carcinoma;   GastroEsophageal Cancer
Interventions:   Drug: AB154;   Drug: AB122
Sponsor:   Arcus Biosciences, Inc.
Not yet recruiting

https://ift.tt/2P6b9y5

A Study to Evaluate the Safety and Tolerability of Immunotherapy Combinations in Participants With Advanced Malignancies

Conditions:   Non-small Cell Lung Cancer;   Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck;   Breast Cancer;   Colorectal Cancer;   Melanoma;   Bladder Cancer;   Ovarian Cancer;   Endometrial Cancer;   Merkel Cell Carcinoma;   GastroEsophageal Cancer;   Renal Cell Carcinoma
Interventions:   Drug: AB928;   Drug: AB122
Sponsor:   Arcus Biosciences, Inc.
Recruiting

https://ift.tt/2Ba8jVF

Identification of gibberellin‐regulated protein as a new allergen in orange allergy

Clinical &Experimental Allergy, Volume 0, Issue ja, -Not available-.


https://ift.tt/2nChzZb

Dietary patterns and respiratory health in adults from nine European countries – evidence from the GA2LEN study

Clinical &Experimental Allergy, Volume 0, Issue ja, -Not available-.


https://ift.tt/2BbW4rW

Inhibition of H3K27me3 demethylases attenuates asthma by reversing the shift in airway smooth muscle phenotype

Clinical &Experimental Allergy, Volume 0, Issue ja, -Not available-.


https://ift.tt/2nAmauZ

Fluorescent Reporter Mice for Nerve Guidance Conduit Assessment: A High‐Throughput in vivo Model

The Laryngoscope, EarlyView.


https://ift.tt/2w5dEbm

In Response to Upper Airway Stimulation Therapy and Prior Airway Surgery for Obstructive Sleep Apnea

The Laryngoscope, EarlyView.


https://ift.tt/2w6f5Gf

Upper Airway Stimulation in Patients With Obstructive Sleep Apnea and an Elevated Body Mass Index: A Multi‐institutional Review

The Laryngoscope, EarlyView.


https://ift.tt/2McvBQ1

Trigger Reduction Prior to Systemic Drugs for Neurogenic Chronic Cough

The Laryngoscope, EarlyView.


https://ift.tt/2w9V8OO

The Relationships Between the Nasolacrimal Duct and the Anterior Wall of the Maxillary Sinus

The Laryngoscope, EarlyView.


https://ift.tt/2McvDr7

Clinical Implications of Tumor‐Associated Tissue Eosinophilia in Tongue Squamous Cell Carcinoma

The Laryngoscope, EarlyView.


https://ift.tt/2MMz4RI

Initial and Long‐term Retention of Robotic Technical Skills in an Otolaryngology Residency Program

The Laryngoscope, EarlyView.


https://ift.tt/2MnwvID

An investigation of left–right vocal fold symmetry in rheological and histological properties

The Laryngoscope, EarlyView.


https://ift.tt/2w9V9Cm

Endonasal anatomy of the olfactory neural network: Surgical implications

The Laryngoscope, EarlyView.


https://ift.tt/2MqRTwL

Automated classification of osteomeatal complex inflammation on computed tomography using convolutional neural networks

International Forum of Allergy &Rhinology, EarlyView.


https://ift.tt/2OB0p9Y

Highly multiplexed proteomic analysis reveals significant tissue and exosomal coagulation pathway derangement in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps

International Forum of Allergy &Rhinology, EarlyView.


https://ift.tt/2nySvSS

Pathogenic genes related to the progression of actinic keratoses to cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma

International Journal of Dermatology, EarlyView.


https://ift.tt/2KNMxH2

An inside look at prurigo pigmentosa: case report from Ukraine

International Journal of Dermatology, EarlyView.


https://ift.tt/2P8vov1

Sex hormones, erectile dysfunction, and psoriasis; a bad friendship!

International Journal of Dermatology, EarlyView.


https://ift.tt/2w5kqh7

Combining microneedling with other minimally invasive procedures for facial rejuvenation: a split‐face comparative study

International Journal of Dermatology, EarlyView.


https://ift.tt/2Miz7Z6

Lymphedema in patients with hidradenitis suppurativa: a systematic review of published literature

International Journal of Dermatology, EarlyView.


https://ift.tt/2w1Ob2m

Resident experiences with social media: modernizing dermatology training

International Journal of Dermatology, EarlyView.


https://ift.tt/2P8hOrt

Prevalence, risk factors, and mortality outcome in the drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms patients with cardiac involvement

International Journal of Dermatology, EarlyView.


https://ift.tt/2KTcHIq

Hemoglobin as an indicator of disease activity in severe hidradenitis suppurativa

International Journal of Dermatology, EarlyView.


https://ift.tt/2MdvW4Q

Pemphigus vulgaris with vegetating feature confined to the scalp

International Journal of Dermatology, EarlyView.


https://ift.tt/2KTcxki

Secondary syphilis presented with impetigo‐like lesions: a rare case report

International Journal of Dermatology, EarlyView.


https://ift.tt/2MgzXWb

Unusual hair findings in a child with cardiofaciocutaneous syndrome

International Journal of Dermatology, EarlyView.


https://ift.tt/2w6fqZz

Euromelanoma in Portugal. How useful was the Euromelanoma campaign between 2010 and 2017?

International Journal of Dermatology, EarlyView.


https://ift.tt/2P1xGMx

Single question burden of disease assessment in patients referred for patch testing

International Journal of Dermatology, EarlyView.


https://ift.tt/2w9V95m

Atezolizumab‐associated vitiligo‐like leukoderma in a patient with transitional cell carcinoma

International Journal of Dermatology, EarlyView.


https://ift.tt/2MhzWRO

Impact of tumour profiling on clinical trials in salivary gland cancer

Clinical Otolaryngology, Volume 0, Issue ja, -Not available-.


https://ift.tt/2P85w2d

Undergraduate ear, nose and throat training: How do we inspire the next generation? Response to author

Clinical Otolaryngology, Volume 0, Issue ja, -Not available-.


https://ift.tt/2KRZ5Np

Endoscopic approach in one hundred and seventy‐nine patients of dacryocystorhinostomy

Clinical Otolaryngology, Volume 0, Issue ja, -Not available-.


https://ift.tt/2MctYBT

Modified fiberscope‐guided nasogastric tube insertion: Our experience with 23 patients

Clinical Otolaryngology, Volume 0, Issue ja, -Not available-.


https://ift.tt/2w48A75

A Helpful Technique for Increasing the Size of a Tracheostomy Window in Patients with Calcified or Challenging Tracheas Utilising a Kerrison Punch Forceps

Clinical Otolaryngology, Volume 0, Issue ja, -Not available-.


https://ift.tt/2Met6MV

Radiological Parameters Related to Success of the Round Window Approach in Cochlear Implantation: A retrospective study

Clinical Otolaryngology, Volume 0, Issue ja, -Not available-.


https://ift.tt/2KRYN9h

Editorial Board

Publication date: September 2018

Source: Autoimmunity Reviews, Volume 17, Issue 9

Author(s):

https://ift.tt/2nEuUQW

Comparing childhood-versus adult-onset polyarteritis nodosa. Results from the French Vasculitis Study Group Registry

Publication date: Available online 14 August 2018

Source: Autoimmunity Reviews

Author(s): Michele Iudici, Pierre Quartier, Christian Pagnoux, Etienne Merlin, Christian Agard, Achille Aouba, Pascal Roblot, Pascal Cohen, Benjamin Terrier, Luc Mouthon, Loïc Guillevin, Xavier Puéchal, the French Vasculitis Study Group

Abstract

Objective

To investigate differences between childhood (cPAN)- and adult-onset polyarteritis nodosa (aPAN) patients.

Methods

cPAN patients' clinical findings at onset and outcomes were compared to those of aPAN patients from the French Vasculitis Study Group registry matched for year of enrollment and initial systemic versus cutaneous disease. Their information on medications, disease activity and damage were collected. Kaplan–Meier relapse-free survival curves and the log-rank test were used to analyze cPAN versus aPAN differences for predefined outcomes.

Results

Twenty-one children with systemic and 13 with cutaneous PAN were compared with 84 systemic- and 27 cutaneous-matched aPAN patients. Median follow-up exceeded 5 years for both groups. At study entry, mononeuritis multiplex was less frequent in systemic cPAN than systemic aPAN (P = 0.04), and purpura and myalgias were less frequent in cutaneous cPAN than cutaneous aPAN (P < 0.03). During follow-up, systemic cPAN relapsed more often than matched systemic aPAN (P < 0.0001), while relapse rates were similar for cutaneous disease (P > 0.05). Mostly minor relapses, predominantly involving the skin, occurred in all 4 groups. At last visit, damage accrual was comparable for cPAN and aPAN patients, but fewer systemic cPAN patients were treatment-free (15% versus 42%; P = 0.03). Two (6%) cPAN and 8 (7%) aPAN patients died.

Conclusion

Systemic PAN is equally severe in children and adults and carries a higher risk of relapse. The main cutaneous PAN features seem not to be influenced by age at disease onset.

https://ift.tt/2OADCuL

Editorial Board

Publication date: September 2018

Source: Autoimmunity Reviews, Volume 17, Issue 9

Author(s):

https://ift.tt/2nEuUQW

Comparing childhood-versus adult-onset polyarteritis nodosa. Results from the French Vasculitis Study Group Registry

Publication date: Available online 14 August 2018

Source: Autoimmunity Reviews

Author(s): Michele Iudici, Pierre Quartier, Christian Pagnoux, Etienne Merlin, Christian Agard, Achille Aouba, Pascal Roblot, Pascal Cohen, Benjamin Terrier, Luc Mouthon, Loïc Guillevin, Xavier Puéchal, the French Vasculitis Study Group

Abstract

Objective

To investigate differences between childhood (cPAN)- and adult-onset polyarteritis nodosa (aPAN) patients.

Methods

cPAN patients' clinical findings at onset and outcomes were compared to those of aPAN patients from the French Vasculitis Study Group registry matched for year of enrollment and initial systemic versus cutaneous disease. Their information on medications, disease activity and damage were collected. Kaplan–Meier relapse-free survival curves and the log-rank test were used to analyze cPAN versus aPAN differences for predefined outcomes.

Results

Twenty-one children with systemic and 13 with cutaneous PAN were compared with 84 systemic- and 27 cutaneous-matched aPAN patients. Median follow-up exceeded 5 years for both groups. At study entry, mononeuritis multiplex was less frequent in systemic cPAN than systemic aPAN (P = 0.04), and purpura and myalgias were less frequent in cutaneous cPAN than cutaneous aPAN (P < 0.03). During follow-up, systemic cPAN relapsed more often than matched systemic aPAN (P < 0.0001), while relapse rates were similar for cutaneous disease (P > 0.05). Mostly minor relapses, predominantly involving the skin, occurred in all 4 groups. At last visit, damage accrual was comparable for cPAN and aPAN patients, but fewer systemic cPAN patients were treatment-free (15% versus 42%; P = 0.03). Two (6%) cPAN and 8 (7%) aPAN patients died.

Conclusion

Systemic PAN is equally severe in children and adults and carries a higher risk of relapse. The main cutaneous PAN features seem not to be influenced by age at disease onset.

https://ift.tt/2OADCuL

Are photosensitizing medications associated with increased risk of important erythemal reactions during ultraviolet B phototherapy?

British Journal of Dermatology, EarlyView.


https://ift.tt/2ODIAHp

Tofacitinib in patients with moderate‐to‐severe chronic plaque psoriasis: long‐term safety and efficacy in an open‐label extension study

British Journal of Dermatology, EarlyView.


https://ift.tt/2vJKeA1

Why we continue to use the name Propionibacterium acnes

British Journal of Dermatology, Volume 0, Issue ja, -Not available-.


https://ift.tt/2ODIob9

Ustekinumab Exposure during Conception and Pregnancy in Patients with Chronic Plaque Psoriasis – a case series of 10 pregnancies

British Journal of Dermatology, Volume 0, Issue ja, -Not available-.


https://ift.tt/2vJJZF7

Why a randomised melanoma screening trial may be a good idea

British Journal of Dermatology, Volume 0, Issue ja, -Not available-.


https://ift.tt/2OzRsxn

Different dermoscopic features of clonal seborrheic keratoses

British Journal of Dermatology, Volume 0, Issue ja, -Not available-.


https://ift.tt/2vJJSJH

Folliculotropic Mycosis fungoides associated with GATA2 deficiency: a new skin manifestation

British Journal of Dermatology, Volume 0, Issue ja, -Not available-.


https://ift.tt/2ODI4cr

Measurement of cytokines, chemokines and association with clinical severity of DM/CADM disease

British Journal of Dermatology, Volume 0, Issue ja, -Not available-.


https://ift.tt/2nDKQ60

Acne: A Side Effect of Masculinizing Hormonal Therapy in Transgender Patients

British Journal of Dermatology, Volume 0, Issue ja, -Not available-.


https://ift.tt/2ODHZp9

Laser Treatments in Early Wound Healing Improve Scar Appearance: ‐A Randomized Split‐Wound Trial with Non‐ablative Fractional Laser Exposures versus Untreated Controls

British Journal of Dermatology, Volume 0, Issue ja, -Not available-.


https://ift.tt/2nCGQ5J

Drug‐free microneedles in the treatment of keloids: a single‐blinded intra‐individual controlled clinical trial

British Journal of Dermatology, Volume 0, Issue ja, -Not available-.


https://ift.tt/2Oua9T6

The frequency of specific contact allergies is reduced in psoriasis patients

British Journal of Dermatology, Volume 0, Issue ja, -Not available-.


https://ift.tt/2nDL4Ko

An ex‐vivo RNA trans‐splicing strategy to correct human generalized severe epidermolysis bullosa simplex

British Journal of Dermatology, Volume 0, Issue ja, -Not available-.


https://ift.tt/2OBRK73

Children sustain high levels of skin DNA photodamage, with a modest increase of serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D3, after a summer holiday in Northern Europe

British Journal of Dermatology, EarlyView.


https://ift.tt/2nDKkF6

Infectious events and associated risk factors in Mycosis Fungoides/Sézary Syndrome: a retrospective cohort study

British Journal of Dermatology, Volume 0, Issue ja, -Not available-.


https://ift.tt/2OCFUtv

Use of topical antipsoriatic drugs in Denmark: A nationwide drug utilization study

British Journal of Dermatology, Volume 0, Issue ja, -Not available-.


https://ift.tt/2vJJ4EF

Are photosensitizing medications associated with increased risk of important erythemal reactions during ultraviolet B phototherapy?

British Journal of Dermatology, EarlyView.


https://ift.tt/2ODIAHp

Tofacitinib in patients with moderate‐to‐severe chronic plaque psoriasis: long‐term safety and efficacy in an open‐label extension study

British Journal of Dermatology, EarlyView.


https://ift.tt/2vJKeA1

Why we continue to use the name Propionibacterium acnes

British Journal of Dermatology, Volume 0, Issue ja, -Not available-.


https://ift.tt/2ODIob9

Ustekinumab Exposure during Conception and Pregnancy in Patients with Chronic Plaque Psoriasis – a case series of 10 pregnancies

British Journal of Dermatology, Volume 0, Issue ja, -Not available-.


https://ift.tt/2vJJZF7

Why a randomised melanoma screening trial may be a good idea

British Journal of Dermatology, Volume 0, Issue ja, -Not available-.


https://ift.tt/2OzRsxn

Different dermoscopic features of clonal seborrheic keratoses

British Journal of Dermatology, Volume 0, Issue ja, -Not available-.


https://ift.tt/2vJJSJH

Folliculotropic Mycosis fungoides associated with GATA2 deficiency: a new skin manifestation

British Journal of Dermatology, Volume 0, Issue ja, -Not available-.


https://ift.tt/2ODI4cr