Original Research | ||||||
| ||||||
| ||||||
| ||||||
| ||||||
| ||||||
|
Alexandros Sfakianakis
Anapafseos 5 . Agios Nikolaos
Crete.Greece.72100
2841026182
Anapafseos 5 . Agios Nikolaos
Crete.Greece.72100
2841026182
6948891480
Τρίτη 11 Ιουνίου 2019
Radiology
Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology
| Orbital cavity evaluation in a Brazilian population Alanalaiz Magalhaes Pereira, Antonio Azoubel Antunes, Evelyne Pessoa Soriano, Breno Henrique Mara Rodrigues, Vinicius Balan Santos Pereira, Gabriela Granja Porto Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology 2019 7(1):1-5 Objective: The main objective is to analyze the differences between the orbital cavities according to age and sex in a population from the Northeast of Brazil and compare with a specific Chinese population. Methodology: Linear measurements on 8 points of the orbit were made in a sample of 113 patients, based on each sex and age range (<19, 20–39, 40–59 and ≥ 60 years old). The distances were orbital width, orbital height, medial orbital wall, lateral orbital wall, superior orbital wall, inferior orbital wall, interorbital width, and biorbital width. Results: It was noticed that the orbital cavities of men were higher in all measures than those of women (P < 0.001), except for the orbital height and the distance between the orbits. Younger patients showed a tendency to have smaller orbits. Comparing the measurements obtained for the Brazilian participants with those of Chinese, the orbits of Brazilians were significantly higher on all measures (P < 0.001), except for biorbital breath. Conclusion: There were significant differences between most measures of orbital cavities between men and women in the Brazilian population, while differences were seen in all measurements between Brazilian and Chinese population. |
| Entrance skin dose of the thyroid gland area following exposure with different protocols of two panoramic and cone-beam computed tomography devices Bardia Vadiati Saberi, Negar Khosravifard, Tahereh Mohtavipour, Farnoosh Khaksari, Sara Abbasi, Ataollah Shahmalakpoor Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology 2019 7(1):6-11 Background: Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) has gained considerable use, while radiation burden remains an important concern. Aims: This study aimed at determining the entrance skin dose of the thyroid gland area through exposure with the normal, soft, and hard modes of Vatech (Pax-i) panoramic device as well as different field of views (FOVs) of Vatech (Pax-i 3D) CBCT system. Materials and Methods: Dose measurements were performed on a head-and-neck phantom by an ion chamber dosimeter. Panoramic imaging was done in three normal, soft, and hard modes, each entailing woman, man, and child options. CBCT examinations were performed with various FOVs, each having normal, soft, and hard modes as well as woman, man, and child choices. Doses obtained from different protocols of the two imaging modalities were compared by paired t-test. Results: All FOVs in CBCT resulted in greater radiation dose than panoramic in each of the normal, soft, and hard exposure modes (P < 0.05). Dose amounts for the child and adult modes differed statistically significant in panoramic radiography as well as 80 × 80 and 90 × 120 FOVs of CBCT while in 50 × 50 maxilla, 50 × 50 mandible, 50 × 80 and 150 × 150 FOVs of CBCT, The child and adult doses were almost similar. Conclusions: Even the smallest size of FOV in the soft exposure mode which is expected to have the lowest amount of radiation among CBCT protocols resulted in greater thyroid exposure compared to panoramic examination. Furthermore, care should be taken in the selection of FOV, particularly for CBCT examinations of the children. |
| Isolated cysticercosis of masseter muscle in a young boy with trismus: Report of a case misdiagnosed as unilateral temporomandibular joint ankylosis Jyoti Prajapat, Rajesh Prajapat, Puneeta Vohra Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology 2019 7(1):12-17 Cysticercosis is a parasitic infection caused by the larval stages of Taenia solium. Cysticercosis is a potentially fatal parasitic disease that was rarely found in the maxillofacial region. This report suggests that cysticercosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of chronic swelling in the oral and maxillofacial region and the importance of noninvasive modality ultrasonography (USG) in diagnosis. This paper reports a case of cysticercosis in the right masseter muscle in an 11-year-old boy who presented with recurrent swelling on the right side of the face with inability to open mouth, its clinical features, diagnostic modalities used, and management of the case. Cysticercosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of chronic oral and maxillofacial swelling. High-resolution USG is an excellent noninvasive and cost-effective modality for the diagnosis and also suggests that this parasitic infection can be successfully treated with conservative management using antihelminthic medication. |
| Prostatic adenocarcinoma with mandibular metastasis Kritika Saxena Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology 2019 7(1):18-20 Metastatic lesions of primary tumors comprise almost 1% of different types of oral cancers. These lesions can affect either bones or soft tissues in the maxillofacial region. Whenever the maxillofacial area is affected, the most common location is in the molar region of the mandible. A 70-year-old male patient, presented with swelling in the jaw region, of acute onset. Clinical, radiological, and histological examinations were carried out. Finally, it was diagnosed to be a metastatic lesion in the jaw, with the primary lesion being in the prostate gland. The clinical presentation of mandibular metastasis follows a pattern characterized by irradiated dental pain in the third molar region. Differential diagnosis and treatment of these patients can be extremely difficult because there are several pathologic conditions with similar symptoms. |
Alexandros Sfakianakis
Anapafseos 5 . Agios Nikolaos
Crete.Greece.72100
2841026182
Anapafseos 5 . Agios Nikolaos
Crete.Greece.72100
2841026182
6948891480
Drugs & Therapy Perspectives
| Correction to: Midazolam oral solution (Ozalin ® ): a profile of its use for procedural sedation or premedication before anaesthesia in children The article Midazolam oral solution (Ozalin®): a profile of its use for procedural sedation or premedication before anaesthesia in children, written by Katherine A. Lyseng-Williamson, was originally published Online First without open access. After publication in volume 35, issue 6, pages 255-262, Primex Pharmaceuticals AG requested that the article be Open Choice to make the article an open access publication. Post-publication open access was funded by Primex Pharmaceuticals AG. The article is forthwith distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/), which permits any noncommercial use, duplication, adaptation, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, as long as you give appropriate credit to the original author(s) and the source, provide a link to the Creative Commons license and indicate if changes were made. |
| First reports of adverse drug reactions |
No difference in relevant potential allergens in SPF-containing facial moisturizers: implications in frontal fibrosing alopeciaAbstractBackgroundAlthough controversial, it has been proposed that the use of leave-on facial skin care products, namely daily facial moisturizers with sun protection factor (SPF), is associated with frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA). In accordance, several authors have previously reported on patch testing results in cross-sectional studies of patients with FFA. AimsThe aim was to survey the top-selling facial moisturizers for the prevalence of potential allergens identified in FFA patient patch testing and to then distinguish if those moisturizers containing SPF were statistically more likely to have relevant potential allergens than moisturizers without SPF. MethodsThree online retailers were surveyed for the best-selling facial moisturizers, and ingredient lists were reviewed for allergens found in FFA-patient patch testing and fragrance and botanical cross-reactors. ResultsOut of 100 unique facial moisturizers, 87 contained at least one potential allergen identified in previous patch testing results of FFA patients. There was no significant difference in the prevalence of indicated allergens in facial moisturizers with SPF in comparison to those without SPF. ConclusionIt does not appear that the presence of additional identified allergens in facial moisturizers with SPF explains the reported association with FFA. Further prospective, comparative studies are necessary to understand the potential role of personal cosmetic products in the development of FFA. |
Assessment of anticoagulation management in outpatients attending a warfarin clinic in Windhoek, NamibiaAbstractBackgroundWarfarin, an anticoagulant with a low therapeutic index, requires frequent international normalized ratio (INR) monitoring to ensure efficacy and safety. Little is known about anticoagulation management in Namibia. ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to investigate the level of anticoagulation control among outpatients requiring maintenance warfarin therapy. SettingClinical records of patients attending the warfarin anticoagulation clinic at Windhoek Central Hospital (Windhoek, Namibia) during a 1-year period were reviewed. MethodsOf the 294 outpatients who visited the warfarin anticoagulation monitoring clinic in 2017, 215 patients were included in the data analysis. The following information was available and used for data analysis: age and sex of the patient, indication for warfarin use, number of visits, warfarin dose and INR values. The individual's time in therapeutic range (iTTR) was the primary outcome, which was calculated both using the Rosendaal method and as the percentage of the reported INR values in the therapeutic range. ResultsThe patients' mean iTTR was 29.4%, well below the 65% target, when estimated by the Rosendaal method and 25.2% when calculated as the percentage of INR values within the therapeutic range. Only 22 of the 215 patients (10%) had an iTTR ≥ 65%. ConclusionsAnticoagulation control at this outpatient clinic was low relative to the target iTTR of 65%. Consequently, patients were at risk for further embolic events or bleeding events based on the high numbers of sub- and supratherapeutic INRs during the time period studied. |
K-haler ® breath-triggered inhaler: a profile of the properties of the deviceAbstractThe k-haler® device is a new breath-triggered pressurized metered-dose inhaler (BTI). Its breath-triggered mechanism employs unique 'kinked-hose valve' technology (k-valve™) and is easy to actuate. In vitro, the k-haler device required less respiratory power, which is affected by the resistance of the device, for dose release than a dry powder inhaler (DPI), potentially making it suitable for a wider range of patients, including those with a low inspiratory flow rate. It has a lower, more consistent plume force than conventional press-and-breathe pressurized metered-dose inhalers (pMDIs), has high fine-particle fraction and pulmonary deposition rates, and, in contrast to conventional pMDIs (but like other BTIs and DPIs), does not require actuation-inhalation coordination. The k-haler device is compact, has an easy-to-read dose counter, a connected mouthpiece and is simple to use, with limited data indicating that more patients are satisfied with the device than they are with some DPIs and that many patients prefer it over some commonly used inhalers. To facilitate correct use, the packaging of the k-haler contains simple how-to-use instructions and diagrams, as well as a patient information leaflet. A number of inhaled products may be suitable for administration via the k-haler device. |
Minimize exposure to antidopaminergic drugs whenever possible to reduce the risk of drug-induced parkinsonism and tardive dyskinesiaAbstractDrug-induced parkinsonism (DIP) and tardive dyskinesia (TD) are iatrogenic consequences of antidopaminergic drugs, and are most common in the elderly. To reduce the risk of DIP and TD, exposure to antidopaminergic drugs should be minimized, with the lowest effective dosage possible being used for the shortest treatment duration. Prevention and early detection of DIP and TD are essential, as evidence supporting the use of available treatment options is limited. |
Take a multifaceted approach when treating onychomycosisAbstractOnychomycosis is difficult to treat, particularly due to factors at the patient, organism, treatment and environmental levels that increase disease susceptibility or impact treatment. Along with taking these into consideration and addressing them as required, performing diagnostic tests is necessary when selecting the appropriate treatment and administration route, thereby maximizing the chances of successful treatment. Because onychomycosis has a high recurrence rate, preventive measures are recommended even after achieving a cure. |
Effect of GSTP1 polymorphism on efficacy and safety of cyclophosphamide aggressive therapy in lupus nephropathy patientsAbstractBackgroundLupus nephritis (LN) occurs in up to 60% of adults with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and is a predictor of poor survival. Cyclophosphamide (CYC) is regarded as the most effective immunosuppressive medication to improve survival for patients with LN. ObjectiveThis prospective hospital-based study was conducted to identify the effect of glutathione S transferase Pi-1 (GSTP1) genotypes on the efficacy and safety of CYC aggressive therapy. MethodsWe enrolled SLE nephropathy patients admitted to the Department of Rheumatology of the 500-bed Yangon Specialty Hospital (YSH), Yangon, Myanmar, who received CYC aggressive therapy for 6 months according to treatment guidelines for SLE patients with renal involvement. The frequencies of I/I, I/V and V/V GSTP1 genotypes were determined using the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism method. The efficacy of CYC aggressive therapy between LN patients with wild GSTP1 (I/I) and those with polymorphic GSTP1 (I/V or V/V) genotypes was evaluated by comparing 24-h urinary protein levels and assessing the remission rates at 3 and 6 months after initiation of CYC. CYC-related myelotoxicity was assessed by reviewing complete blood picture results on the 10th day after CYC treatment. ResultsIn total, 95 eligible patients were recruited. The frequencies of I/I, I/V and V/V GSTP1 genotypes were 54.7, 41.1 and 4.2%, respectively. At 3 and 6 months after CYC treatment, mean 24-h urinary protein had significantly decreased from baseline in both wild and polymorphic genotype groups (p < 0.001). No significant differences were seen between the wild and polymorphic genotype groups with regard to changes in 24-h urinary protein levels, remission at 3 and 6 months or myelotoxicity. ConclusionCYC aggressive therapy had similar efficacy and caused no significant differences in myelotoxicity in wild GSTP1 (I/I) and polymorphic GSTP1 (I/V or V/V) genotypes in patients treated according to YSH guidelines for SLE patients with renal involvement. |
Omadacycline in community-acquired bacterial pneumonia and acute bacterial skin and skin structure infections: a profile of its useAbstractOmadacycline (Nuzyra™) is an orally bioavailable, first-in-class, semisynthetic aminomethylcycline antibacterial. A derivative of minocycline, omadacycline has a novel structure that overcomes common mechanisms of tetracycline resistance. In vitro, omadacycline had broad-spectrum activity against Gram-positive, Gram-negative, and atypical bacteria that can cause community-acquired bacterial pneumonia (CABP), and acute bacterial skin and skin structure infections (ABSSSI). In clinical trials, omadacycline was noninferior to moxifloxacin and linezolid in terms of early clinical response rates in patients with CABP and ABSSSI, respectively. Omadacycline was generally well tolerated, with most treatment-emergent adverse events being mild to moderate in severity. |
High-dose hydroxocobalamin in end-stage liver disease and liver transplantationAbstractDistributive shock is a serious complication in patients with chronic or end-stage liver disease, and can be exacerbated by vasoplegia in this patient population. Vasoplegic syndrome (VS) is a state of shock refractory to catecholamines and vasopressin that is often multifactorial in liver failure patients, and can occur in any phase of liver transplantation (LT) [i.e., pre-transplantation, intraoperative, and post-transplantation]. Methylene blue (MB) has been a well-established pharmacologic therapy for VS. However, it has been known to cause dose-related toxicity. Hydroxocobalamin (HXC) is not currently FDA approved for the management of VS, but studies have demonstrated its ability to cause an increase in systolic blood pressure by hypothesized mechanisms with only minimal side effects. To date, only three other reports have demonstrated the use of HXC in LT patients, which highlighted its use both intraoperatively and post-transplantation. Our report illustrates the utility of HXC in four LT patients with VS. Two of these cases illustrate the usefulness of HXC in the pre-transplantation period, which has never been previously reported. HXC is a useful pharmaceutical agent in the management of VS, especially if contraindications to MB exist or in cases of MB-resistant vasoplegia. Further studies with large sample sizes are necessary to ascertain the optimal dosage of HXC in LT patients. |
Alexandros Sfakianakis
Anapafseos 5 . Agios Nikolaos
Crete.Greece.72100
2841026182
Anapafseos 5 . Agios Nikolaos
Crete.Greece.72100
2841026182
6948891480
Radiology
| Correction to: Radiomics on multi-modalities MR sequences can subtype patients with non-metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) into distinct survival subgroups The original version of this article, published on 14 March 2019, unfortunately contained a mistake. |
Encouraging MSK imaging research towards clinical impact is a necessity: opinion paper of the European Society of Musculoskeletal Radiology (ESSR)AbstractRadiology has not been spared in recent economic crises with a substantial reduction in the turnover of imaging equipment. These problems are exacerbated by increasing demand for healthcare across Europe. Therefore, using existing radiological services while rigorously following evidence-based guidelines might improve patient care. Thus, diagnostic pathways should be assessed not only for technical and diagnostic performance but also for their impact on medical and social outcome. In this paper, we report the advice of the Research Committee of ESSR on how we may guide musculoskeletal radiological research towards studies that have useful clinical impact. The ESSR Research Committee intends to encourage research with potential to influence treatment, patient outcome, and social impact. Key Points • Research in medical imaging has the potential to improve human health. • High-level studies have the potential to place radiology at the pinnacle of quality in evidence-based practice. • The ESSR Research Committee intends to encourage research with potential to influence treatment, patient outcome, and social impact. |
Transoral ultrasound: a helpful and easy diagnostic method in obstructive salivary gland diseasesKey Points• Transoral ultrasound is a simple technique, very helpful for the evaluation of obstructive diseases of the salivary glands. • It overcomes most of the limitations of transcutaneous ultrasound. |
| Obituary for Professor Werner Wenz |
| Making useful clinical guidelines: the ESGAR perspective |
Epicardial fat volume measured on nongated chest CT is a predictor of coronary artery diseaseAbstractObjectiveTo investigate whether epicardial fat volume (EFV) quantified on ECG-nongated noncontrast CT (nongated-NCCT) could be used as a reliable and reproducible predictor for coronary artery disease (CAD). MethodsOne hundred seventeen subjects (65 men, mean age 66.6 ± 11.9 years) underwent coronary CT angiography (CCTA) and nongated-NCCT during a single session because of symptoms suggestive of CAD. Two observers independently quantified EFV on both images. Correlation between CCTA-EFV and nongated-NCCT-EFV was assessed using Pearson's correlation coefficient and Bland–Altman plots. Inter-observer agreement was analyzed using concordance correlation coefficients (CCC). Coronary risk factors including EFV were compared between CAD-positive (> 50% stenosis) and CAD-negative groups. The association between EFV and CAD was analyzed using multivariate logistic regression. ROC analysis was performed, and AUC was compared with DeLong's method. ResultsSeventy-four subjects were diagnosed with CAD. An excellent correlation was noted between CCTA-EFV and nongated-NCCT-EFV (r = 0.948, p < 0.001), despite the systematic difference between both measurements (mean bias, 1.26). Inter-observer agreement was nearly perfect (CCC, 0.988 and 0.985 for CCTA and nongated-NCCT, respectively, p < 0.001). Significant differences were noted between subjects with versus without CAD in age, hypertension, and EFV on both types of images (p ≤ 0.026). Multivariate analysis revealed that increased EFV on CCTA (odds ratio 1.185, p = 0.003) and nongated-NCCT (odds ratio 1.20, p = 0.015) was independently associated with CAD. There was no significant difference between CCTA-EFV and nongated-NCCT-EFV in AUC for the prediction of CAD (0.659 vs 0.665, p = 0.706). ConclusionsDespite the absence of ECG gating, EFV measured on NCCT may serve as a reproducible predictor for CAD with accuracy equivalent to EFV measured on CCTA. Key Points• Despite the absence of ECG gating, the EFV on NCCT provides nearly perfect inter-observer reproducibility and shows excellent correlation with measurements on gated CCTA. • EFV on nongated-NCCT may serve as an independent biomarker for predicting coronary artery disease with accuracy equivalent to that of EFV on gated CCTA. |
The vertebral 3′-deoxy-3′- 18 F-fluorothymidine uptake predicts the hematological toxicity after systemic chemotherapy in patients with lung cancerAbstractObjectivesAlthough hematological toxicities (HT) are the leading adverse events of systemic chemotherapy, the estimation of severe HT is challenging. Recently, 3′-deoxy-3′-[18F]-fluorothymidine (18F-FLT) accumulation with PET has been considered a biomarker of the cell proliferation. This study aims to elucidate whether the vertebral accumulation of 18F-FLT could estimate severe HT during platinum-doublet chemotherapy. MethodsIn this Institutional Review Board–approved retrospective study, 50 patients with primary lung cancer underwent 18F-FLT PET scan before platinum-doublet chemotherapy. We evaluated the standardized uptake value, total vertebral proliferation (TVP), and TVP/body surface area (TVP/BSA) of the vertebral body (Th4, Th8, Th12, and L4), and then the associations between those parameters and frequency of severe HT during platinum-doublet chemotherapy were assessed. ResultsSevere HT (grade 3/4) was observed in 40.0% of patients during the first cycle. The ROC curve analyses revealed that the TVP/BSA of L4 was the most discriminative parameter among PET parameters for the prediction of severe HT. The multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed the TVP/BSA of L4 (odds ratio [OR], 0.94; p = 0.0036) and the frequency of the grade 3/4 hematological toxicity in previous clinical trials (OR, 1.03; p = 0.023) were independent predictors. Furthermore, the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of the TVP/BSA of L4 cut-off of 68.7 to predict grade 3/4 HT were 80.0%, 86.7%, and 84.0%, respectively. A low TVP/BSA of L4 (< 68.7) as a binary variable was a significant indicator of severe HT (OR, 26.0; p = 0.000026). ConclusionsThe low 18F-FLT uptake in the lower vertebral body is a predictor of severe HT in patients with lung cancer who receive platinum-doublet chemotherapy. Trial registrationTrial registration: UMIN000027540 Key Points• The vertebral 18 F-FLT uptake with PET is an independent predictor of the severe hematological toxicity during the first cycle of platinum-doublet chemotherapy. • The 18 F-FLT uptake in L4 vertebral body estimated hematological toxicities better than that in the upper vertebra (Th4, Th8, and Th12). • The evaluation of the amount and activity of hematopoietic cells in the bone marrow cavity using 18 F-FLT PET imaging could provide predictive data of severe hematological toxicities and help determine an appropriate drug combination or dose intensity in patients with advanced malignant diseases. |
Proposed achievable levels of dose and impact of dose-reduction systems for thrombectomy in acute ischemic stroke: an international, multicentric, retrospective study in 1096 patientsAbstractBackgroundInternational dose reference levels are lacking for mechanical thrombectomy in acute ischemic stroke patients with large vessel occlusions. We studied whether radiation dose-reduction systems (RDS) could effectively reduce exposure and propose achievable levels. Materials and methodsWe retrospectively included consecutive patients treated with thrombectomy on a biplane angiography system (BP) in five international, high-volume centers between January 2014 and May 2017. Institutional Review Board approvals were obtained. Technical, procedural, and clinical characteristics were assessed. Efficacy, safety, radiation dose, and contrast load were compared between angiography systems with and without RDS. Multivariate analyses were adjusted according to Bonferroni's correction. Proposed international achievable cutoff levels were set at the 75th percentile. ResultsOut of the 1096 thrombectomized patients, 520 (47%) were treated on a BP equipped with RDS. After multivariate analysis, RDS significantly reduced dose–area product (DAP) (91 vs 140 Gy cm2, relative effect 0.74 (CI 0.66; 0.83), 35% decrease, p < 0.001) and air kerma (0.46 vs 0.97 Gy, relative effect 0.63 (CI 0.56; 0.71), 53% decrease, p < 0.001) with 75th percentile levels of 148 Gy cm2 and 0.73 Gy, respectively. There was no difference in contrast load, rates of successful recanalization, complications, or clinical outcome. ConclusionRadiation dose-reduction systems can reduce DAP and air kerma by a third and a half, respectively, without affecting thrombectomy efficacy or safety. The respective thresholds of 148 Gy cm2 and 0.73 Gy represent achievable levels that may serve to optimize current and future radiation exposure in the setting of acute ischemic stroke treatment. As technology evolves, we expect these values to decrease. Key Points• Internationally validated achievable levels may help caregivers and health authorities better assess and reduce radiation exposure of both ischemic stroke patients and treating staff during thrombectomy procedures. • Radiation dose-reduction systems can reduce DAP and air kerma by a third and a half, respectively, without affecting thrombectomy efficacy or safety in the setting of acute ischemic stroke due to large vessel occlusion. |
Usefulness of the inchworm sign on DWI for predicting pT1 bladder cancer progressionAbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the significance of the presence or absence of an "inchworm sign" on DWI for the recurrence and progression of T1 bladder cancer. Materials and methodsWe retrospectively analyzed 91 patients with pT1 urothelial carcinoma who underwent DWI prior to transurethral resection between 2007 and 2016. DWI of the dominant tumors was scrutinized for inchworm signs at b = 1000 s/mm2. The association of the presence of the inchworm sign with progression and recurrence was analyzed; progression was defined as recurrence to stage T2 or higher and/or N+, and/or M1. ResultsAn inchworm sign was seen in 65 cases (71%), while it was absent in 26 cases. Among the 65, 25 (38%) had confirmed tumor recurrence, while in the remaining 26, 14 (54%) had confirmed recurrence (median time post TURB = 7.9 and 10.1 months for each). At the time of recurrence, the tumor had progressed in one (2%) inchworm-sign-positive and seven (27%) inchworm-sign-negative cases. The progression rate of inchworm-sign-negative cases was significantly higher than that of inchworm-sign-positive cases (hazard ratio = 17.2, p = 0.0017), whereas there was no significant difference in the recurrence rate between two groups. The absence of an inchworm sign and histological grade 3 were independent risk factors for progression (p < 0.001 and 0.010, respectively). ConclusionsThe absence of an inchworm sign on DWI was a significant prognostic factor for progression of T1 bladder cancer. Morphological evaluation of DWI signals may therefore be a useful adjunct to preoperative assessment of biological aggressiveness. Key Points• An inchworm sign is a simple diagnostic criterion that characterizes only the shape of the tumor signal on DWI, and potentially serves as an imaging biomarker to predict clinical aggressiveness. • The absence of an inchworm sign on DWI is a significant indicator of progression of T1 bladder cancer. |
CT of acute rejection after liver transplantation: a matched case–control studyAbstractPurposeThis study was conducted in order to investigate computed tomography (CT) findings associated with acute cellular rejection (ACR) following liver transplantation (LT) and their relevance to clinical outcomes. Materials and methodsWe analyzed 120 patients with newly diagnosed ACR following LT for various liver diseases and 119 controls matched for age, sex, type of liver graft, and date of CT exam following LT. Two radiologists analyzed the images for morphological characteristics of the graft, morphological change in the major draining vein, graft enhancement in the portal venous phase, graft attenuation on noncontrast CT, and periportal halo. Univariate analysis was used to determine the association between radiological findings and ACR. Clinical outcomes, including treatment response and graft survival, were compared between patients with and without associated radiological findings. ResultsMorphological characteristics of the graft (i.e., globular swelling), morphological change in the major draining vein (i.e., nonanastomotic luminal narrowing), and heterogeneous enhancement were significantly associated with ACR (all p < 0.001). On univariate analysis, the severity of morphological characteristics of the grafts (mild/severe: odds ratio [OR], 19.98/32.24) and morphological change in the major draining vein (without/with prestenotic dilatation: OR, 4.17/22.5) were significantly associated with the increased possibility of an ACR diagnosis. Clinical outcomes for treatment response and graft survival were not significantly different between patients with and without associated radiological findings. ConclusionsGlobular swelling, nonanastomotic stenosis with or without prestenotic dilatation of the major draining vein, and heterogeneous enhancement of the graft on portal venous-phase CT were significantly associated with ACR. Key Points• Globular swelling of the graft, nonanastomotic narrowing in the major vein, and heterogeneous graft enhancement on CT were significantly associated with acute cellular rejection (ACR). • Associated CT findings were highly specific but not sensitive for differentiating ACRs from matched controls. |
Alexandros Sfakianakis
Anapafseos 5 . Agios Nikolaos
Crete.Greece.72100
2841026182
Anapafseos 5 . Agios Nikolaos
Crete.Greece.72100
2841026182
6948891480
Behavior Genetics
Genetics of Perceived Family Interaction From 12 to 17 Years of AgeAbstractWe analyzed how the effects of genetic and environmental factors on the perceptions of family interaction change from early to late adolescence. The data were collected by postal surveys on Finnish twins (N = 4808) at 12, 14 and 17 years of age and analyzed using genetic twin modeling. Additive genetic factors explained a modest share of the variation in perceived relational support (a2 = 0.30 in boys and 0.18 in girls) and relational tensions (a2 = 0.13 and 0.14, respectively) at 12 years of age, with the proportions becoming larger through 17 years of age (a2 = 0.53 in boys and 0.49 in girls for relational support; a2 = 0.35 in boys and 0.33 in girls for relational tensions). Simultaneously, the role of environment shared by co-twins decreased. These findings suggest that the associations between perceived family interaction and other factors in adulthood should be interpreted with caution, because they partly reflect genetic background, whereas in childhood, they may provide more reliable information on parental characteristics. |
Half the Genetic Variance in Vitamin D Concentration is Shared with Skin Colour and Sun Exposure GenesAbstractThis study assessed the heritability of 25 hydroxyvitamin D3 (25(OH)D3) in a large twin cohort and the shared effect of sun exposure and skin colour on 25(OH)D3 variance. Study participants included 1604 twin pairs and their siblings (n = 4020). Twin correlations for 25(OH)D3 concentration were rMZ=0.79 (584 pairs) and rDZ = 0.52 (1020 pairs) consistent with an average h2 = 0.50 throughout the year. Significant phenotypic and genetic seasonal fluctuation was observed in 25(OH)D3 concentrations with heritability decreasing during the winter (h2 = 0.37) compared to summer (h2 = 0.62). Skin colour (measured both ordinally and quantitatively) and self-reported sun exposure were found to significantly affect 25(OH)D3 concentration. Twins with olive/dark skin had significantly lower 25(OH)D3 concentrations than those with fair/pale skin and multivariate genetic analysis showed that approximately half of the total additive genetic variation in 25(OH)D3 results from genes whose primary influence is on skin colour and sun exposure. Additionally, 37% of the total variance was attributed to shared environmental effects on vitamin D, skin colour and sun exposure measures. These results support a moderate estimate of vitamin D heritability and suggest significant influence of season, skin colour and sun exposure on the genetic variance. |
Significance of IL-6 Deficiency in Recognition Memory in Young Adult and Aged MiceAbstractChronic peripheral elevation of interleukin 6 (IL-6) in humans is associated with cognitive deficits. 4- and 24-month-old IL-6-deficient C57BL/6J (IL-6KO) and reference wild-type (WT) mice were tested in an object recognition test. Discrimination ratios and recognition indexes were significantly lower in 4-month-old IL-6KO and in 24-month-old WT mice vs 4-month-old WT animals. Their discrimination ratios had negative values and recognition indexes were below 50% indicating inability to differentiate the novel from the familiar object after 1-hour delay. In 24-month-old IL-6KO mice recognition index reached 53.17% indicating that their recognition memory was not worsened with age in comparison with younger IL-6-deficient animals. Results of holeboard and elevated plus maze indicated that this effect was memory specific. Inborn IL-6 deficiency attenuated recognition memory in 4-month-old mice and did not altered recognition memory in aged animals. IL-6 signalling may constitute a target for development of the protection against memory disturbances connected with IL-6 overexpression. |
Exome Sequencing of Two Siblings with Sporadic Autism Spectrum Disorder and Severe Speech Sound Disorder Suggests Pleiotropic and Complex EffectsAbstractRecent studies of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and childhood apraxia of speech (CAS) have resulted in conflicting conclusions regarding the comorbidity of these disorders on phenotypic grounds. In a nuclear family with two dually affected and one unaffected offspring, whole-exome sequences were evaluated for single nucleotide and indel variants and CNVs. The affected siblings but not the unaffected sibling share a rare deleterious compound heterozygous mutation in WWOX, implicated both in ASD and motor control. In addition, one of the affected children carries a rare deleterious de novo mutation in the ASD candidate gene RIMS1. The two affected children but not their unaffected sibling inherited deleterious variants with relevance for ASD and/or CAS. WWOX, RIMS1, and several of the genes harboring the inherited variants are expressed in the brain during prenatal and early postnatal development. Results suggest compound heterozygosity as a cause of ASD and CAS, pleiotropic gene effects, and potentially additional, complex genetic effects. |
The Genetic and Environmental Etiology of Shyness Through ChildhoodAbstractThe objective of this study was to examine the genetic and environmental contributions to shyness throughout the school-age period. Participants were 553 twin pairs from the ongoing prospective longitudinal Quebec Newborn Twin Study. Teacher-rated measures of shyness were collected at five time-points from age 6–12 years. On average, shyness was moderately stable over time (r = 0.23–0.33) and this stability was almost entirely accounted for by genetic factors. Genetic factors at age 6 accounted for 44% of individual differences and these early genetic factors also explained individual differences at all subsequent ages (6–22%). Non-shared environmental factors explained most of individual differences at single time-points (51–63%), and did not account for stability in shyness. Contributions of shared environment were not significant. Our results suggest that the stability in shyness is mostly accounted for by early and persistent genetic contributions. |
Systematic Review of Polygenic Gene–Environment Interaction in Tobacco, Alcohol, and Cannabis UseAbstractStudies testing the effect of single genetic variants on substance use have had modest success. This paper reviewed 39 studies using polygenic measures to test interaction with any type of environmental exposure (G×E) in alcohol, tobacco, and cannabis use. Studies using haplotype combinations, sum scores of candidate-gene risk alleles, and polygenic scores (PS) were included. Overall study quality was moderate, with lower ratings for the polygenic methods in the haplotype and candidate-gene score studies. Heterogeneity in investigated environmental exposures, genetic factors, and outcomes was substantial. Most studies (N = 30) reported at least one significant G×E interaction, but overall evidence was weak. The majority (N = 26) found results in line with differential susceptibility and diathesis-stress frameworks. Future studies should pay more attention to methodological and statistical rigor, and focus on replication efforts. Additional work is needed before firm conclusions can be drawn about the importance of G×E in the etiology of substance use. |
Cognitive Performance in Young APOE ε4 Carriers: A Latent Variable Approach for Assessing the Genotype–Phenotype RelationshipAbstractThe ε4 allele of the apolipoprotein (APOE) gene is a widely recognized genetic risk factor for developing Alzheimer's disease in older age. However, it is controversial whether there is a positive impact of the APOE ε4 allele on human cognitive performance in young adulthood, possibly representing a case of antagonistic pleiotropy. Here we explored associations of the APOE ε4 allele with cognitive ability in young adulthood. In contrast to previous studies, we used structural equation modeling that allows a multivariate measurement of the cognitive phenotype. Results based on four independent samples (N1 = 245; N2 = 300; N3 = 244; N4 = 206) overall revealed a complex effect of the APOE ε4 genotype on cognitive ability in young adulthood: Whereas the ε4 allele tends to be negatively associated with cognitive performance in individuals with lower education levels, there might be a weak positive association in persons with higher education—a finding that is partly in line with the antagonistic pleiotropy view on APOE and cognitive ability. The education-related findings support protective effects of environmental factors. |
| Correction to: A Genetic Investigation of the Well-Being Spectrum In the original version of this article, unfortunately, in the acknowledgement section "National Institutes of Health (NIH, R37 AG033590‐08) to J Cacioppo" was omitted. This has been corrected by publishing this erratum. |
| Correction to: Behavioral Genetics and Attributions of Moral Responsibility The original version of this article unfortunately contained a few mistakes in the Introduction section. |
A Genetic Investigation of the Well-Being SpectrumAbstractThe interrelations among well-being, neuroticism, and depression can be captured in a so-called well-being spectrum (3-phenotype well-being spectrum, 3-WBS). Several other human traits are likely linked to the 3-WBS. In the present study, we investigate how the 3-WBS can be expanded. First, we constructed polygenic risk scores for the 3-WBS and used this score to predict a series of traits that have been associated with well-being in the literature. We included information on loneliness, big five personality traits, self-rated health, and flourishing. The 3-WBS polygenic score predicted all the original 3-WBS traits and additionally loneliness, self-rated health, and extraversion (R2 between 0.62% and 1.58%). Next, using LD score regression, we calculated genetic correlations between the 3-WBS and the traits of interest. From all candidate traits, loneliness and self-rated health were found to have the strongest genetic correlations (rg = − 0.79, and rg= 0.64, respectively) with the 3-WBS. Lastly, we use Genomic SEM to investigate the factor structure of the proposed spectrum. The best model fit was obtained for a two-factor model including the 5-WBS traits, with two highly correlated factors representing the negative- and positive end of the spectrum. Based on these analyses we propose to include loneliness and self-rated health in the WBS and use a 5-phenotype well-being spectrum in future studies to gain more insight into the determinants of human well-being. |
Alexandros Sfakianakis
Anapafseos 5 . Agios Nikolaos
Crete.Greece.72100
2841026182
Anapafseos 5 . Agios Nikolaos
Crete.Greece.72100
2841026182
6948891480
Environmental Science and Technology
| Correction to: Mitigation of the liquefaction potential of soil by Ca-carbonate precipitation induced by indigenous urease-producing Staphylococcus sp. IR-103 The original version of this article unfortunately contained a mistake. |
Thermal and catalytic methods used for destruction of chemical warfare agentsAbstractThe decontamination of chemical warfare agents (CWAs) from structures, environmental media and even personnel has become an area of particular interest in recent years due to increased homeland security concerns. This article reviews applications of catalytic methods used for decontamination of CWAs. Most attention was given to the following methods: thermocatalysis, photocatalysis and enzyme catalysis among the many methods of catalytic CWA decomposition. Unfortunately, there are not enough data obtained with real CWAs due to the difficulty in handling, so we have described also data available for CWAs simulants. These methods can be useful for decontamination systems that can reduce the damage caused by possible terrorism. |
Kinetics and equilibrium study of lead bio-sorption from contaminated water by compost and biogas residuesAbstractLead (Pb) poses serious threats to plants, animals and humans once entered into the food chain via the contaminated effluents; thus, it has become imperative to remove Pb from the water stream. This study examined the potential and feasibility of compost and biogas residues for the bio-sorption (q) and removal (R) of Pb from contaminated water. To explore the objectives, a series of batch experiments was conducted at various adsorbent masses (0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 g/100 mL), Pb concentrations (30, 60 and 90 mg L−1) and contact time (15, 30, 60 and 120 min). Lead bio-sorption was decreased with increasing Pb concentration from 30 to 90 mg L−1 and sorbent biomass from 0.5 to 1.5 g/100 mL. At equilibrium state, relatively greater sorption and removal were observed from compost (q = 2.29–11.61 mg/g, R = 65–80%) as compared to biogas residues (q = 1.59–7.45 mg/g, R = 41–69%) depending upon Pb concentration and sorbent biomass in aqueous solution. Our results were better fitted with Freundlich equilibrium adsorption isotherm model (qmax = 2.882 mg/g, R2 = 0.99) and pseudo-second-order kinetics (qmax = 8.43 mg/g, R2 = 0.99). FTIR spectra indicated the presence of –OH, C–O, C=O, C=C and sp3 C–H functional groups on both adsorbents which might be involved during Pb adsorption. Compost was more porous material with well-developed cavities and had greater surface area than biogas residues (135 vs. 43 m2/g); therefore, compost has great sorption potential for heavy metal remediation from aqueous solution as compared to the biogas residues. |
Simultaneous removal of oil, total Co and 60 Co from radioactive liquid waste by dissolved air flotationAbstractThis report presents a kinetic study of the simultaneous removal of oil, total cobalt and 60Co from radioactive liquid waste by dissolved air flotation. We studied the effects of the incorporation of an inclined lamella module in the flotation cell on the overall removal efficiency. The results showed that the removal of oil is greater than the levels observed in the total cobalt and 60Co. It was established that the removal of Co depends on the oil's separation. This finding is explained by the chemical behaviour of Co, as well as the physico-chemical characteristics of the liquid residue. However, the evidence showed that the efficiency of the dissolved air flotation system with the inclined lamella module is greater than the conventional dissolved air flotation system. In addition, the comparison between the efficiency and the value of the kinetics constant θ showed that they share a directly proportional relationship. Finally, it was established that the kinetic constant θ estimation through the kinetic equation represents a simple way of assessing and controlling the dissolved air flotation process. |
Possibility of utilizing natural coagulants ( Trigonella foenum-graecum and Astragalus gossypinus ) along with alum for the removal of turbidityAbstractWater, especially drinking water, might need to be treated before being utilized. Coagulants play a significant role in water treatment. In spite of having adverse effects on human health, aluminum sulfate, alum and other chemical coagulants are commonly used in coagulation processes. Utilization of natural and herbal materials such as quince seeds, fleawort, tragacanth, starch and yeast as coagulant aids has been experimentally investigated in this study. The aims of the present paper are: (1) to determine the optimal dose of Trigonella foenum-graecum (fenugreek) and Astragalus gossypinus (tragacanth) seeds as coagulant aids along with alum for the coagulation of raw water from Minab water treatment plant) located 7 km away from Bandar Abbas–Minab road at the east of Bandar Abbas in Iran, with a total area of 11.5 ha) and (2) to study their influence on reducing the water turbidity at a pilot scale. According to the obtained results, the optimum amount of alum (without additives) was calculated as 35 mg/L for water with the initial turbidity of 70–75 NTU, as the average turbidity interval. Using A. gossypinus and T. foenum-graecum seeds as coagulant aids, the optimum amount of alum reached 22 mg/L. The performance of A. gossypinus, as a coagulant aid, was much better in low concentrations. It was used in doses of 0.25, 1 and 2 mg/L along with 20, 22 and 28 mg/L of alum for low, intermediate and high turbidity levels (28, 70 and 120 NTU) and led to turbidity removal percentages of 85, 94.5 and 96.4, respectively. The optimum amounts of T. foenum-graecum seeds for the three mentioned turbidity levels were calculated as 1, 2 and 4 mg/L. The turbidity removal percentages of 91.5, 95.7 and 97.8 were obtained using the mentioned amounts of T. foenum-graecum seeds along with 20, 22 and 25 mg/L of alum, respectively. Similar results were obtained by using both additives along with alum. |
Bioreduction of toxic hexavalent chromium by novel indigenous microbe Brevibacillus agri isolated from tannery wastewaterAbstractThe present study is focused on the microbial bioreduction of hexavalent chromium generated from tannery waste. For the study, the treated and untreated tannery effluents were collected from an unexplored site of Manpura, Macheri, Jaipur (India). A few bacterial strains capable of tolerating and reducing hexavalent chromium were isolated, and the most capable one that reduced 85% of hexavalent chromium was identified to be Brevibacillus agri by 16S rDNA gene sequencing. This isolate could tolerate high concentrations of chromium up to 850 mg/l of potassium dichromate and showed maximum reduction of about 85% for 100 mg/l of hexavalent chromium at temperature 37 °C and pH 7.0 in 48 h. The potential of the partially purified enzyme to reduce hexavalent chromium was measured by diphenyl carbazide assay. Purified enzyme showed 0.26 units bioactivity to reduce Cr, in the presence of reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide and Km and Vmax were observed to be 1.9 mM and 0.045 mM/min (mg protein), respectively. The current study, therefore, showed Brevibacillus agri capable of reducing hexavalent chromium without usage of toxic chemicals and, henceforth, prevented generation of harmful by-products. |
Kinetic and equilibrium studies for cadmium biosorption from contaminated water using Cassia fistula biomassAbstractCadmium (Cd) contamination of the water resources is one of the serious environmental issues. The present study aims to (1) evaluate the biosorption potential of Cassia fistula biomass for the removal of Cd from contaminated water and validate the experimental results with kinetic and equilibrium sorption models, (2) assess the removal of Cd from groundwater samples in the presence of other competing ions in the solution. The C. fistula biomass was characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller technique and scanning electron microscopy to understand the role of its physical properties in Cd biosorption and removal. The effects of biosorbent dose, initial Cd concentrations, contact time and presence of competing cations in groundwater samples at constant pH and temperature (27 ± 1.5 °C) were studied. At equilibrium (90 min), Cd removal (98–16%) and biosorption (6.26–0.34 mg/g) were recorded depending on the experimental conditions. The Langmuir model yielded a better approximation of the experimental data at equilibrium \(\left( {Q_{\hbox{max} } = 7.24{\text{ mg/g, }}R^{2} = 0.99} \right)\) rather than Freundlich model. The pseudo-second-order kinetic model explained well the kinetic behavior of Cd biosorption. Results revealed a decline in the Cd removal (12.7 and 6% at 0.25 and 1.0 g/100 mL, respectively) in the presence of cations in the water samples. The results proved that C. fistula is a very effective and environment friendly alternative adsorbent for the removal (98%) of Cd from the aqueous system. |
Evaluation of waste management options using rapid impact assessment matrix and Iranian Leopold matrix in Birjand, IranAbstractPopulation growth and the corresponding production of more waste as well as considering the lack of appropriate municipal solid waste management strategies in recent years have confronted the city of Birjand with huge waste disposal problem. This study evaluated different waste management options in Birjand, including open dumping, sanitary landfill, composting and recycling. Environmental impact assessment of these options was performed using two methods: rapid impact assessment matrix and Iranian Leopold matrix (modified Leopold matrix). The rapid impact assessment matrix method provides fast and accurate ways of analysis and reanalysis of specified components. Iranian Leopold matrix chiefly is used for the reorganization of the project impacts in both the building and operation stages. Composting option, with final scores of − 0.5 and − 2.34, respectively, in rapid impact assessment matrix and Iranian Leopold Matrix, had the least negative environmental impact. Also, as a result of both methods, open dumping had the most negative environmental impact. The result of sustainability determination for four alternatives showed that the composting, with S-Value equal 0.01 and − 0.162, respectively, in rapid impact assessment matrix and Iranian Leopold matrix, is more sustainable than the other options. Therefore, composting option was introduced as first priority and the most logical strategy for municipal solid waste management in Birjand. Unfortunately, open dumping is currently the most common method of waste management in this city. |
Physicochemical parameters of water from selected boreholes utilized as potable waterAbstractThe physicochemical characteristics of water samples from selected boreholes in six peri-urban communities were analysed to assess the quality of waters for suitability for human consumption. Samples were collected from sixteen different boreholes at interval of 1 month from July to September 2015 and from December 2015 to February 2016 to cover rainy and dry seasons, respectively. Samples were analysed for temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, biochemical oxygen demand, alkalinity, acidity, etc. using standard methods. The results were compared with World Health Organization standards. Data obtained for both rainy and dry seasons indicate pH ranges of 6.65–7.50 (mean value 7.09), temperature 27.00–29.00 °C (mean value 28.06 °C), dissolved oxygen 41.60–69.60 mg/l (mean value 49.53 mg/l), acidity 1.46–5.28 mg/l (mean value 3.16 mg/l), alkalinity 8.00–14.00 mg/l (mean value 10.82 mg/l), electrical conductivity 3.50–24.10 µS/cm (mean value 10.69 µS/cm), dissolved oxygen 41.60–69.60 mg/l (mean value 49.53 mg/l) and biochemical oxygen demand 8.00–33.60 mg/l (mean value 21.21 mg/l). Out of the 16 samples analysed, 12 were soft water while 4 were slightly hard water. Most of the physicochemical parameters, except dissolved oxygen and biochemical oxygen demand were within World Health Organization standard. The pollution index for physicochemical composition was mostly greater than 1, indicating heavy contamination of the waters. The results obtained in this study, especially biochemical oxygen demand and dissolved oxygen values, suggest that water from the boreholes sampled is not suitable for human consumption and may constitute a serious health risk to the consumers. |
Application of TiO 2 -supported Au for ozone molecule removal from environment: a van der Waals-corrected DFT studyAbstractIn this paper, we examined the interaction of ozone molecule with TiO2-supported Au nanoparticles by performing first-principles calculations within density functional theory. The structural properties including bond lengths, bond angles and adsorption energies were calculated. The electronic properties were analyzed in view of the Mulliken charges and projected density of states. The results show that the adsorption of O3 molecule on the N-doped TiO2-supported Au nanoparticle is more energetically favorable than the adsorption on the pristine one, suggesting that the N-doped TiO2-supported Au nanoparticle can react with O3 molecule more strongly. It was found that the O3 molecule tends to be strongly adsorbed on the surface of Au nanoparticles through its side oxygen atoms, providing a bridge geometry. On the TiO2 side of TiO2-supported Au overlayer, there is also a strong binding between the fivefold coordinated titanium atoms and the side oxygen atoms of O3 molecule, where the titanium atoms represent a double contacting point with oxygen atoms. Therefore, the obtained results also propose a theoretical basis for the potential applications of TiO2-supported Au nanoparticles in gas sensor devices. |
Alexandros Sfakianakis
Anapafseos 5 . Agios Nikolaos
Crete.Greece.72100
2841026182
Anapafseos 5 . Agios Nikolaos
Crete.Greece.72100
2841026182
6948891480
Εγγραφή σε:
Αναρτήσεις (Atom)