The bio-mitigation of acetochlor in soil using Rhodopseudomonas capsulata in effluent after wastewater treatment

Abstract

Purpose

The bio-mitigation of acetochlor and improvement of fertility in soil using Rhodopseudomonas capsulata (R. capsulata) in effluent was investigated in this research.

Materials and methods

Acetochlor content and cytochrome P450 monooxygenase activity were tested using the HPLC method. EthB gene regulation was measured by RT-PCR.

Results and discussion

It was observed that acetochlor was not degraded under the control group. The addition of effluent containing R. capsulata and residual organics degraded acetochlor efficiently and re-mediated soil fertility. Acetochlor mitigation reached 100% after 5 days under the optimal group (2000 mg/L). Interestingly, the acetochlor began to be degraded after day 1 of inoculation. Further research indicated that EthB gene was expressed after the first day of inoculation. Subsequently, the cytochrome P450 monooxygenase was synthesized to degrade acetochlor under EthB gene regulation. Analysis revealed that EthB and cytochrome P450 monooxygenase were inducible gene expressions and enzyme. The acetochlor as stimulus signal induced EthB expression through signal transduction pathway. This process took 1 day for R. capsulata, as they were ancient bacteria. However, the organics in soil and the control group were deficient, which could not maintain R. capsulata growth for over 1 day. The residual organics in effluent provided sufficient carbon sources and energy for R. capsulata under four effluent groups.

Conclusions

The new method completed the remediation of acetochlor pollution and the improvement of soil fertility and soybean processing wastewater treatment simultaneously, as well as realizing the resource reutilization of wastewater and R. capsulata as sludge.

from Energy Ecology Environment Ambio via Terpsi Hori on Inoreader http://bit.ly/2SJbqZ2

Nuclear Medicine

Distribution of bone tracer uptake in symptomatic knees after ACL reconstruction compared to asymptomatic non-operated knees: a method for better differentiating patient-specific from disease-specific bone tracer uptake in SPECT/CT Abstract Objective To evaluate the differences of bone tracer uptake (BTU) in symptomatic and asymptomatic contralateral knees in patients after reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL-R) and to identify typical BTU patterns and threshold values to differentiate pathological from physiological BTU. Methods 53 patients after unilateral ACL-R were retrospectively included in the study. The population was subdivided into a group of symptomatic operated knees and a group of contralateral asymptomatic non-operated knees. BTU was measured in SPECT/CT using a validated anatomical localization-scheme and normalized mean BTU values were calculated in both knees. Wilcoxon signed rank-test and Pearson's rank-correlation coefficient were used (p < 0.05). Results Symptomatic knees after ACL-R showed significantly more BTU than asymptomatic ones (p < 0.01).Based on the measured BTU activity in SPECT/CT in symptomatic operated and asymptomatic non-operated knees, intensity thresholds of pathological BTU were established. A BTU threshold of greater than the Median + 1 SD of the asymptomatic non-operated knee was defined as pathological. In both groups the highest mean BTU was found on the femoral, tibial and patellar articular surfaces, the lowest BTU in femoral and tibial regions far from the joint. Conclusions The established BTU thresholds for SPECT/CT in knees after ACL-R help to differentiate disease-specific from patient-specific BTU. It could be speculated that BTU in asymptomatic knees equates to the preoperative condition of the knee joint before ACL-R. Therefore, the results of this study help to understand in-vivo loading of the knee and ultimately lead to prediction of development of osteoarthritis in an early stage.

18 F-DOPA uptake does not correlate with IDH mutation status and 1p/19q co-deletion in glioma Abstract Objective The role of amino acid positron emission tomography (PET) in glioma grading and outcome prognostication has not yet been well established. This is particularly true in the context of the new WHO 2016 classification, which introduced a definition of glioma subtypes primarily based on molecular fingerprints. The aim of the present study was to correlate 3,4‑dihydroxy‑6‑[18F]‑fluoro-l‑phenylalanine (F-DOPA) uptake parameters with IDHmutation, 1p/19q status, and survival outcomes in patients with glioma. Methods The study population consisted of 33 patients (17 M/16 F, mean age: 46 ± 13 years) who underwent F-DOPA PET/CT for the evaluation of tumor extent before the start of chemo or radiotherapy. The presence of IDHmutation and 1p/19q status was assessed in all the cases. Tumor volume and semiquantitative uptake parameters, namely SUVmax, tumor-to-normal brain ratio and tumor-to-normal striatum ratio, were calculated for each tumor. Imaging-derived parameters were compared between patients stratified according to molecular fingerprints, using parametric or non-parametric tests, where appropriate. The Kaplan–Meier method was used to assess differences of overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) between groups. PET parameters were also tested as prognostic factors in univariate Cox survival regression models. Results There were 12 IDH-wild-type and 21 IDH-mutant patients. Stratification according to 1p/19q co-deletion resulted in 20 non-co-deleted and 13 co-deleted patients. Median follow-up time from PET/CT exam was 30.5 months (range 3.5–74 months). Semiquantitative uptake parameters did correlate neither with IDH mutation nor with 1p/19q status. Uptake was similar in low-grade and high-grade tumors, respectively. In addition, F-DOPA uptake parameters, macroscopic tumor volume, or tumor grade did not stratify OS, while a correlation between SUVmax and PFS was shown in the subgroup of astrocytomas. On the other hand, IDH mutation status and presence of 1p/19q co-deletion had a significant impact on survival outcomes. The prognostic value of IDH mutation status was also confirmed in the subgroup of patients with astrocytic tumors. Conclusions F-DOPA uptake parameters do not correlate with tumor molecular and histological characteristics. The predictive value of PET-derived parameters on outcomes of survival is limited.

Fundamental study of radiogallium-labeled aspartic acid peptides introducing octreotate derivatives Abstract Objective Somatostatin receptors are highly expressed in neuroendocrine tumors, and many radiolabeled somatostatin analogs for diagnosis and treatment have been developed. To simultaneously detect not only primary cancer but also bone metastases, this study aimed to develop a positron emission tomography probe using generator-produced nuclide Gallium-68 (T1/2 = 68 min), in which a carrier for primary cancer, a carrier for bone metastases lesions, and a stable gallium complex are introduced into the one molecule. Based on this strategy, the somatostatin receptor-targeted peptide, [Tyr3]-octreotate (TATE), aspartic acid peptide (Dn) with high binding affinity for hydroxyapatite, and Ga-1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-1,4,7,10-tetraacetic acid (DOTA) as a stable gallium complex were selected. The novel complexes, Ga-DOTA-Dn-TATE (n = 0, 2, 5, 8, or 11), were designed, synthesized, and evaluated. The radiogallium complexes were prepared using the easy-to-handle radioisotope 67Ga due to relatively long half-life. Methods The radiogallium complex precursor DOTA-Dn-TATE was synthesized by the Fmoc-based solid-phase method and by the air oxidation method to form the disulfide bond. [67Ga]Ga-DOTA-Dn-TATE was synthesized by reacting DOTA-Dn-TATE and 67Ga. Hydroxyapatite binding assays, in vitro cellular uptake experiments in AR42J tumor cells, in biodistribution experiments in AR42J tumor-bearing mice, were performed using [67Ga]Ga-DOTA-Dn-TATE. Results The radiochemical purities of [67Ga]Ga-DOTA-Dn-TATE were > 96.0%. In in vitro and in vivo experiments, [67Ga]Ga-DOTA-D11-TATE had a high affinity for hydroxyapatite and highly accumulated in bone. However, the uptake of [67Ga]Ga-DOTA-D11-TATE into somatostatin receptor-positive AR42J cells was lower than that of [67Ga]Ga-DOTA-TATE, and the accumulation of [67Ga]Ga-DOTA-D11-TATE in tumor was significantly low. Conclusion Ga-DOTA-D11-TATE may not be recognized by somatostatin receptor by the introduction of D11, and the charge adjustment may be important for somatostatin receptor-positive cell uptake.

Brain 18 F-FDG distribution: which region is most affected by increased plasma glucose levels?

Clinical feasibility of early scanning after administration of 68 Ga-DOTATOC Abstract Objective Positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) using 68Ga-labeled 1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-N,N′,N″,N‴-tetraacetic acid-d-Phe1-Tyr3-octreotide (DOTATOC) is usually performed about 1-h post-injection; however, because of rapid blood clearance, the waiting time for scanning could possibly be shortened without affecting diagnostic performance. The purpose of this study was to investigate the feasibility of early scanning at 30 min post-injection. Methods Thirty-eight patients who underwent DOTATOC-PET/CT were analyzed. After administration of 68Ga-DOTATOC, data acquisition was performed twice, at 30-min and 60-min post-injection. The number of known or suspected pathological lesions, and quantitative values of those lesions and physiological uptake were compared. SUVmax, SUVpeak, metabolic tumor volume (MTV), and total lesion uptake (TLU) were calculated as quantitative values of the pathological lesions. Results A total of 125 known or suspected pathological lesions were found at both timepoints, with no differences between the two datasets. The SUVmax, SUVpeak, MTV, and TLU were highly reproducible, with Spearman's ρ of 0.983, 0.986, 0.918, and 0.981, respectively. The average percent differences (%DIFFave) defined as the differences of the values divided by the value at 1-h post-injection were 11.1% for SUVmax, 8.5% for SUVpeak, 15.1% for MTV, and 20.6% for TLU. Physiological uptake in the two datasets was closely comparable in the pituitary gland (Spearman's ρ = 0.954, %DIFFave = 11.0%), liver (0.989, 3.9%), spleen (0.970, 6.3%), adrenal glands (0.879, 13.0%), and pancreatic uncus (0.946, 12.7%). Conclusion The diagnostic performance of visual interpretation should be comparable between DOTATOC-PET/CT images obtained at 30-min and 60-min post-injection. Some differences between quantitative values may exist; however, they appear to be minimal.

Techniques for generating attenuation map using cardiac SPECT emission data only: a systematic review Abstract To reliably interpret and perform quantitative analysis, attenuation correction for cardiac single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) is fundamental. Thus, knowledge of the patient-specific attenuation map for accurate correction is required in SPECT quantitative imaging. The aim of this systematic review is to present general principles of attenuation correction and provide a structured summary of the approaches that have been proposed for generating the attenuation map for cardiac SPECT. We identified relevant articles published in English pertaining to the attenuation map (AM) determination using SPECT emission data only by searching PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. Moreover, other articles were hand searched. The protocol of this systematic review was registered in PROSPERO and the code given is CRD42017060512. Transmissionless techniques of determining attenuation map including calculated methods, statistical modeling for simultaneous estimation of attenuation and emission, consistency conditions criteria, using scattered data and other methods were reviewed. Methods for performing attenuation map for cardiac SPECT are developing and the progresses made are promising. However, much work is needed to assess the efficacy of the correction schemes in the clinical routine.

The significant value of predicting prognosis in patients with colorectal cancer using 18 F-FDG PET metabolic parameters of primary tumors and hematological parameters Abstract Objects The purpose was to evaluate the correlation of the pre-treatment hematological parameters with metabolic parameters of primary tumor in baseline 18F-FDG PET/CT in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) and estimate the prognostic value of both. Methods We retrospectively investigated 231 patients with CRC who underwent baseline 18F-FDG PET/CT. Routine blood sampling was tested in the same term. PET parameters in term of hematological parameters and pathological characteristics of primary tumor were compared. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis was performed in the patients without distant metastasis. The differences of disease-free survival between groups were compared by log-rank tests. Results Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR) were significantly correlated with all the metabolic parameters including maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax), metabolic tumor volume (MTV) and tumor lesion glycolysis (TLG). The patients with NLR > 3 had higher MTV (24.82 ± 18.16 vs 19.06 ± 13.30, P = 0.039) and TLG (219.04 ± 186.94 vs 166.45 ± 146.39, P = 0.047) than those whose NLR ≤ 3. NLR in those patients with distant metastasis was significantly higher than those without distant metastasis (P = 0.018) while LMR in those patients with distant metastasis was significantly lower than those without distant metastasis (P = 0.032). Survival analysis showed that those patients with low MTV (P = 0.015), low NLR (P = 0.008) and high LMR (P = 0.027) revealed significant survival benefit. Conclusions There was a significant association between the pre-treatment hematological parameters and metabolic parameters of baseline 18F-FDG PET/CT in the patients with CRC. It might be helpful in those patients with high NLR and low LMR to undergo 18F-FDG PET/CT to detect distant metastasis and predict prognosis.

Comparison of 18 F-Choline PET/CT and MRI functional parameters in prostate cancer Abstract Aim 18F-Choline (FCH) uptake parameters are strong indicators of aggressive disease in prostate cancer. Functional parameters derived by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are also correlated to aggressive disease. The aim of this work was to evaluate the relationship between metabolic parameters derived by FCH PET/CT and functional parameters derived by MRI. Materials and methods Fourteen patients with proven prostate cancer who underwent FCH PET/CT and multiparametric MRI were enrolled. FCH PET/CT consisted in a dual phase: early pelvic list-mode acquisition and late whole-body acquisition. FCH PET/CT and multiparametric MRI examinations were registered and tumoral volume-of-interest were drawn on the largest lesion visualized on the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) map and projected onto the different multiparametric MR images and FCH PET/CT images. Concerning the FCH uptake, kinetic parameters were extracted with the best model selected using the Akaike information criterion between the one- and two-tissue compartment models with an imaging-derived plasma input function. Other FCH uptake parameters (early SUVmean and late SUVmean) were extracted. Concerning functional parameters derived by MRI scan, cell density (ADC from diffusion weighting imaging) and vessel permeability (Ktrans and Ve using the Tofts pharmakinetic model from dynamic contrast-enhanced imaging) parameters were extracted. Spearman's correlation coefficients were calculated to compare parameters. Results The one-tissue compartment model for kinetic analysis of PET images was selected. Concerning correlation analysis between PET parameters, K1 was highly correlated with early SUVmean (r = 0.83, p < 0.001) and moderately correlated with late SUVmean (r = 0.66, p = 0.010) and early SUVmean was highly correlated with late SUVmean (r = 0.90, p < 0.001). No significant correlation was found between functional MRI parameters. Concerning correlation analysis between PET and functional MRI parameters, K1 (from FCH PET/CT imaging) was moderately correlated with Ktrans (from perfusion MR imaging) (r = 0.55, p = 0.041). Conclusions No significant correlation was found between FCH PET/CT and multiparametric MRI metrics except FCH influx which is moderately linked to the vessel permeability in prostate cancer.

Count-based method for specific binding ratio calculation in [I-123]FP-CIT SPECT analysis Abstract Objective To calculate the specific binding ratio (SBR) appropriately in dopamine transporter (DAT) imaging, a method for extracting the striatal volume of interest (VOI) was developed. Methods This study included 200 patients (72 ± 10 years) who were suspected of parkinsonian syndromes (PS) or dementia with Lewy body (DLB). The patients were divided into three groups of PS with dopaminergic degeneration, DLB and non-PS after [123I]ioflupane (FP-CIT) SPECT and clinical follow-up. The image data were reconstructed with CT attenuation correction and scatter correction, and with only CT attenuation correction (CTAC). The new method extracted striatal VOI according to the high-level counts and the average striatum volume, and calculated SBR using the reference occipital counts. The SBR values for each patient were obtained using the Tossici-Bolt method (SBRBolt) and our method. Reproducibility of SBR calculation using our method was compared by two operators. Results The mean SBR values for the PS and DLB groups were significantly different from that of the non-PS group with both methods. The coefficients of variation of the SBR were significantly smaller with the proposed method compared with those of SBRBolt (p < 0.001), except for the CTAC images. There were no differences in SBR between the two operators using our method. The diagnostic accuracies with our method for the PS and DLB groups were 98.4 and 96.0%, respectively. Conclusion Our new method for SBR calculation in the FP-CIT SPECT showed less coefficients of variation with high reproducibility, which would be useful for clinical diagnosis and in assessing the severity of diseases in follow-up studies.

The role of 13 N -ammonia in the differential diagnosis of gliomas and brain inflammatory lesions Abstract Objective To investigate the utility of 13N-ammonia PET/CT imaging in the differential diagnosis of gliomas and brain inflammations. Methods 13N-ammonia PET/CT imaging data of 77 patients with gliomas and 34 patients with brain inflammations were retrospectively analyzed. No patients received any treatment before 13N-ammonia imaging. All the patients were diagnosed by stereotactic biopsy or clinical follow-up. Visual and semi-quantitative analysis was performed to analyze the results of 13N-ammonia imaging. Finally, the uptake ratios of each lesion were calculated and its differences among different groups were tested with one-way ANOVA. Results 29.4% inflammations, 51.6% low-grade gliomas and 91.3% high-grade gliomas were positive by visual analysis in 13N-ammonia imaging. The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy for the diagnosis of gliomas were 75.3%, 55.8% and 67.8%, respectively. As for semi-quantitative analysis, the T/G ratios of inflammatory lesions, low-grade gliomas and high-grade gliomas were 0.88 ± 0.24, 1.04 ± 0.43 and 1.43 ± 0.49, respectively. One-way ANOVA revealed that the T/G ratios of high-grade gliomas were significantly higher than those of low-grade gliomas and inflammations (P < 0.05), but there was no statistical difference between low-grade gliomas and inflammations (P = 0.118). Among the inflammatory lesions, T/G ratios were not statistically different between infectious and demyelinating lesions (P > 0.05). ROC curve analysis showed that the optimal cut-off value of T/Gratio in distinguishing gliomas from inflammations was 1.21 with the AUC 0.78. The sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, PPV and NPV were 52.9%, 94.4%, 65.3%, 95.7% and 45.9%, respectively. ROC curve analysis showed that the optimal cut-off value of T/G ratio in distinguishing high-grade gliomas from low-grade gliomas was 1.06 with the AUC 0.78. The sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, PPV and NPV were 81.5%, 67.7%, 76.5%, 81.5% and 67.7%, respectively. ROC curve analysis showed that the optimal cut-off value of T/G ratio in distinguishing high-grade gliomas from low-grade gliomas and inflammations was 1.19 with the AUC 0.84. The sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, PPV and NPV were 70.4%, 85.1%, 78.5%, 79.2% and 78.1%, respectively. Conclusions 13N-ammonia imaging is effective in distinguishing high-grade gliomas from low-grade gliomas and inflammations, but its role in the differential diagnosis of low-grade gliomas and brain inflammatory lesions is limited, and the accuracy needs to be improved.

Dental Research

Load-deflection characteristics of coated and noncoated nickel-titanium wires in self-ligating brackets using a modified bending test: An in vitro study Tripti Tikku, Rohit Khanna, Akhil Agarwal, Kamna Srivastava, Shashank Shekhar, Ivy Shukla Dental Research Journal 2019 16(1):1-6 Background: To determine and compare the force-deflection values of different types of nickel-titanium (NiTi) wires during unloading phase at varying deflections, that is 1 mm, 1.5 mm, 2 mm, and 2.5 mm, with the use of self-ligating ceramic brackets using modified bending test on a typodont under controlled temperature conditions. Materials and Methods: In this in vitro study total of 45 wires of ovoid shape of three different NiTi wires – pseudoelastic NiTi (Group I), heat activated NiTi (Group II), and esthetic coated NiTi (Group III) for maxillary arch were tested after insertion in ceramic self-ligating brackets bonded to plastic teeth of phantom jaw . The maxillary left lateral incisor was removed to simulate a malpositioned tooth which acted as the load site, and load-deflection characteristics were measured during unloading using Instron, and data analyzed statically by two-way analysis of variance ,Tukey's post hoc test, intraclass correlation coefficient and Pearson correlation coefficient. A two-sided (α = 2) P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: When wires were compared at each deflection statistically significant difference was observed between the three groups of wires (Group I > Group II > Group III) at all the four levels of deflection except for Group II versus Group III at 1 mm, 1.5 mm, and 2 mm of deflection. Statistically significant difference was noted in mean load values for comparisons made at different deflections for each wire except for the comparison made at 1.5 versus 2 mm for Group II and Group III. Conclusion: Overall comparison showed esthetic coated Ni-Ti wires gave significantly lower mean load values, followed by heat activated and pseudoelastic NiTi wires. Thus, heat activated NiTi wires are best suited in patients with severe malpositions/periodontitis, while for esthetically conscious patients esthetic coated NiTi can be used.

Effects of menthol-flavored substances at the cellular level on oral mucosal sites Nanda Prasad, Sarvesh Vijay, A Yashwanth Reddy, S Nonitha Dental Research Journal 2019 16(1):7-11 Background: The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of menthol-flavored substances at the cellular level in different mucosal sites of the oral cavity and to compare the cellular changes between individuals without the habit of chewing menthol-flavored substances and individuals with the habit. Materials and Methods: This was an experimental cytology study including a total of 500 individuals belonging to the age group of 18–45 years based on the inclusion or exclusion criteria. The selected participants were divided into two groups of 250 participants each, based on participants not having the habit of chewing menthol-flavored substances (Group I) and participants having the habit of chewing menthol-flavored substances (Group II). Cytological smears were taken by gently scraping the mucosal surfaces in different sites of the oral mucosa using a wooden spatula and stained with Papanicolaou, analyzed under microscope for any cellular changes. The results were tabulated and statistically analyzed using Chi-square test and Fisher's exact test. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Micronuclei seen in all the participants belonging to group with the habit of chewing menthol-flavored substances with a P < 0.001 which was considered highly significant. Alteration in the nuclear-cytoplasmic ratio was also seen P = 0.001, which showed significant at 1% significance level. Conclusion: Participants with habit of chewing menthol-flavored substances showed the presence of micronuclei and slight alteration in the nuclear-cytoplasmic ratio, which could be directly related to genotoxicity and cell damage.

Impact of occupational dental erosion on oral health-related quality of life among battery factory workers in Bengaluru, India Amit Kumar, Manjunath P Puranik, KR Sowmya, Soni Rajput Dental Research Journal 2019 16(1):12-17 Background: A greater understanding of impact of occupational dental erosion on oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) will sensitize both employee and employers to adopt strict protective measures for oral health. The research aimed to determine the relationship between occupational dental erosion and OHRQoL among battery and other factory workers in Bengaluru, India. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional comparative study enrolled a total of 400 workers. Structured proforma assessed information on sociodemographic details, oral hygiene practices, adverse oral habits, and work-related practices. OHRQoL was determined using oral health impact profile-14 (OHIP-14). Dental erosion was measured using Smith and Knight's tooth wear index modified by Millward et al. 1994 scoring system independent t-test, Mann–Whitney U-test and Spearman's correlation was performed. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The mean age of the participants in the study and control groups was 43.11 ± 8.02 and 45.93 ± 6.16 years, respectively. Less than half of the participants in the study group had positive behavioral work practice. The prevalence and severity of dental erosion was significantly higher in study group (39.5%) than control group (11.5%). Mean OHIP-14 score was significantly lower in study group (23.88 ± 0.88) than control group (26.06 ± 9.67). Dental erosion significantly correlated with work experience and OHIP-14. Conclusion: The findings highlight the impact of occupational dental erosion on OHRQoL. Measures to enhance occupational safety thereby reducing exposure to occupational hazards are needed.

Comparative investigation of primary stability of four different dental implants in low-density bone model Saied Nokar, Amirali Reza Rasouli-Ghahroudi, Elham Shidvash, Faezeh Atri Dental Research Journal 2019 16(1):18-23 Background: Primary stability is one of the prerequisites of immediate loading. The aim of this study was to compare the primary stability of four different implant systems in low-density bone models. Materials and Methods: In this in vitro experimental study, 20 fixtures from four implant body designs were selected: Zimmer Tapered Screw-Vent (ZTSV), NobleReplace Tapered (NRT), Replace Select Tapered (RST), and Dentium SuperLine (DSL). Fixtures were inserted in low-density bone models according to manufacturer drilling protocol by one surgeon. Measurement of insertion torque value (ITV), resonance frequency analysis (implant stability quotient [ISQ]), and reverse torque value (RTV) was recorded for each fixture. The data were analyzed with one-way ANOVA and post hoc tests (Tukey honestly significant difference) (P < 0.05). Results: ZTSV had significantly lower amount of insertion torque in comparison to other systems (P = 0.045). RTV was significantly lower in ZTSV in comparison to DSL and NRT (P = 0.004). ISQ value in NRT (ISQ = 67) was significantly higher than other systems (P = 0.000). The lowest amount of ISQ was in RST system (ISQ = 53) with significant difference (P = 0.000). Conclusion: This study demonstrated that primary stability of different implant systems was not comparable and implant design was effective on ITV, RTV, and ISQ.

Assessment of antimicrobial activity of different concentrations of Tinospora cordifolia against Streptococcus mutans: An in vitro study Sankalp Agarwal, Priyadarshini H Ramamurthy, Bennete Fernandes, Avita Rath, Preena Sidhu Dental Research Journal 2019 16(1):24-28 Background: The antimicrobial property of Tinospora cordifolia has been tested against a variety of microorganisms in the literature. The present study aimed to assess the antimicrobial activity of different concentrations of commercially available T. cordifolia powder against Streptococcus mutans. Materials and Methods: An in vitro study was undertaken in which extract of T. cordifolia was obtained using 100% ethanol by maceration. Seven different concentrations were prepared and tested against S. mutans in brain–heart infusion agar medium. Plates were incubated aerobically at 37°C for 48 h, and zone of inhibition was measured using Vernier caliper. 0.2% chlorhexidine and dimethylformamide were used as positive and negative controls respectively. The data were analysed by descriptive analytic tests. Results: The maximum antibacterial activity of T. cordifolia was observed with a volume of 40 μl at 2% concentration with a zone of inhibition of 19 mm. A 30 μl volume of 0.2% chlorhexidine showed a zone of inhibition of 28 mm, and no zone of inhibition was observed with dimethylformamide. Conclusion: Tinospora exhibited antimicrobial activity against S. mutans. However, it needs to be confirmed further with in vivo studies.

Association between quality of sleep and chronic periodontitis: A case–control study in Malaysian population Vijendra Pal Singh, Joe Yin Gan, Wei Ling Liew, Htoo Htoo Kyaw Soe, Sowmya Nettem, Sunil Kumar Nettemu Dental Research Journal 2019 16(1):29-35 Background: Periodontitis is a public health concern since it is a major factor in tooth loss worldwide and has association with many systemic diseases. Sleep is a complex and essentially biological process and a critical factor for maintaining mental and physical health. Since inflammation is characteristic of both chronic periodontitis and sleep deprivation, few studies in recent years present the contradictory results regarding this potential association. The objective of the present study was to investigate the association between quality of sleep and chronic periodontitis. Materials and Methods: A total of 200 individuals participated in this study. All participants underwent a comprehensive clinical periodontal examination. Case–control were identified using the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention/American Academy of Periodontology case definitions for periodontal disease. The quality of sleep was assessed by Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. The univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to test the influence of variables (quality of sleep, age, sex, ethnicity, education, and socioeconomic status), in the occurrence of periodontitis. Odds ratio (OR) and respective confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated and reported. P ≤0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The prevalence of poor quality of sleep was 56.75% in cases (periodontitis group) and 43.24% in control group. There was positive association between quality of sleep and chronic periodontitis (OR = 3.04; 95% CI = 1.42–6.5; P = 0.004). In multivariate logistic regression analysis, only the age was significantly related to the periodontitis (OR = 1.11; 95% CI = 1.07–1.41; P < 0.001), other variables failed to reach the significant level. Conclusion: Poor quality of sleep was significantly associated with chronic periodontitis. Only the age was significantly related to periodontitis among the other covariable measured.

Sealants revisited: An efficacy battle between the two major types of sealants – A randomized controlled clinical trial B Prathibha, P Parthasarthi Reddy, Md Shakeel Anjum, M Monica, BH Praveen Dental Research Journal 2019 16(1):36-41 Background: The aim of this study is comparing the retention and caries preventive effect of the glass-ionomer fissure sealant and resin-based fissure sealant. Materials and Methods: A randomized-controlled split-mouth study was conducted to compare the retention and the caries preventive effect of light-cured resin-based sealant (3M ESPE) and glass ionomer sealant (Fuji VII). The sealants were applied to either the right or the left lower mandibular molars (7-9 yrs of age) in 120 school children, based on the randomization process. They were recalled for assessment of clinical retention at intervals of 3, 6, and 12 months. The caries-preventive effect between the two materials was tested statistically by the McNemar's test for matched pairs, and the differences observed with regard to the retention of the materials was tested by Chi-square tests. The level of significance was set to be at P < 0.05. Results: At the end of 12th month, sealant retention is found to be higher in the resin-based sealant group compared to the glass ionomer group. In the glass ionomer sealants placed, 101 (91%) were caries-free and 10 (9%) had caries. In the resin-based sealant, 105 (94.60%) had sound teeth and 6 (5.4%) had dental caries (P = 0.34). Conclusion: The glass ionomer sealant was less retentive when compared to resin sealants. The caries incidence between the glass ionomer and resin-based sealants was not statistically significant.

A comparative study of the clinical efficiency of chemomechanical caries removal using Carie-Care gel for permanent teeth of children of age group of 12–15 years with that of conventional drilling method: A randomized controlled trial Priyanka Sontakke, Prateek Jain, Aniket Dhote Patil, Gautam Biswas, Pramod Yadav, Diljot Kaur Makkar, Vikas Jeph, Banu Pyari Sakina Dental Research Journal 2019 16(1):42-46 Background: Dental caries is considered as one of the most serious dental diseases that results in localized dissolution and destruction of the calcified tooth tissues. As possible alternatives to conventional techniques of caries removal, chemomechanical caries removal systems have emerged. This study aims to clinically observe the advantages of chemomechanical method of caries removal over conventional technique. Materials and Methods: Inthis randomized controlled trial a total of 60 children with Class 1 open carious lesions were selected for the study. They were divided into two equal groups according to a method of caries removal (30 chemomechanical and 30 conventional on permanent molars). In Group A, caries was removed using the Carie-Care system and in Group B with the conventional drill and were restored equally with glass ionomer cement. The visual analogy face scale was used to determine the level of anxiety in children at baseline, during treatment and after treatment. Results: The results were subjected to statistical analysis using Student's unpaired t-test. It showed that though chemomechanical technique took a marginal increase in time compared to the conventional technique, it was found to be more comfortable for all the children. Conclusion: Chemomechanical technique though time-consuming is definitely superior compared to the conventional technique provided we use a less technique sensitive restorative material which retains in the oral cavity for longer period. It is definitely a better treatment protocol in school-based dental treatment and atraumatic restorative dentistry compared to the conventional technique.

The effect of office bleaching on the color and bond strength of resin restorations Homayoon Alaghehmand, Marzieh Rohaninasab, Ali Bijani Dental Research Journal 2019 16(1):47-52 Background: Bleaching may affect the bond strength of existing composite fillings and may weaken it. Hence, the aim of this study was to find the best method of in-office bleaching with the least effect on microshear bond strength (MSBS) of existing composite resin fillings to tooth structure. Materials and Methods: In this in vitro study, Class V cavities were prepared on buccal surface of 50 extracted third human sound molars. The cavities in 25 teeth had enamel axial walls, Group E, which were divided into five subgroups of E1 through E5 and in 25 teeth had dentin axial walls, Group D, which were divided into five subgroups of D1 through D5. Cavities were treated with Single Bond 2 adhesive system and restored with composite resin (Z250). The corresponding subgroups received similar bleaching methods and materials; 1 – not bleached, 2 – hydrogen peroxide (HP) 25%, 3 – HP + ultraviolet light, 4 – HP + light-emitting diode-curing device, and 5 – HP + diode laser. Teeth colors were monitored before and after bleaching, and MSBS test and failure modes were examined. Results were analyzed with one-way ANOVA and Kruskal–Wallis tests. P < 0.05 was considered significant. Results: One-way ANOVA did not show differences in MSBS of enamel subgroups but showed significant differences in dentin subgroups (P < 0.00). Adhesive fracture in all of the subgroups was the most frequent mode of failure. Kruskal–Wallis test showed that laser was the most effective instrument to change ΔE. Conclusion: Diode laser was the best method for tooth bleaching because lowering the shear bond strength between composite resin and enamel was minimum and also had the most ΔE in tooth bleaching.

In vitro evaluation of coronal discoloration following the application of calcium-enriched mixture cement, Biodentine, and mineral trioxide aggregate in endodontically treated teeth Solmaz Araghi, Atefeh Khavid, Mostafa Godiny, Mahshid Saeidipour Dental Research Journal 2019 16(1):53-59 Background: This study sought to assess and compare coronal discoloration following the application of white mineral trioxide aggregate, Biodentine, and calcium-enriched mixture cement in endodontically treated teeth. Materials and Methods: In this in vitro experimental study, 64 freshly extracted sound human premolars were selected, cleaned, and stored in saline. After cleaning, shaping, and obturation the root canal of the teeth, the teeth were randomly assigned to one control (n = 4) and three experimental (n = 20) groups. In the experimental groups, the cement were applied over the canal orifices in 3-mm thickness. All teeth were then restored with composite resin. Color parameters, according to the CIE L*a*b* system, were measured using Vita Easyshade spectrophotometer before application of cement and at 1 week, 1 month, 2 months, and 3 months after the application of cement. The recorded values were statistically analyzed using descriptive and analytical statistics. For analytical statistics, Kolmogorov–Smirnov test was applied to assess normal distribution of data. ANOVA was used to compare the results at baseline and repeated measures. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant Results: Significant differences were noted in color change (ΔE) between all time points except between ΔE4 (2 months) and ΔE5 (3 months) (P < 0.01). However, tooth discoloration caused by the three cement was not significantly different (P = 0.343). Conclusion: The three tested cement were not significantly different in terms of causing coronal discoloration in endodontically treated teeth.

Environmental impact of evolving coffee technologies

Abstract

Purpose

Coffee is a ubiquitous beverage in the USA today, accounting for 19% of the world's coffee consumption. Although coffee consumption in itself is not new, the technology for brewing coffee and its corresponding environmental impact has been evolving rapidly in recent years, particularly with the widespread adoption of the single-serve coffee pod. This work utilizes a midpoint life cycle assessment with multiple environmental impact categories, to assess the environmental impact of a conventional (drip filter) brewing system, compared to a novel (single-serve coffee pod) brewing system, from cradle to grave.

Methods

This work analyzes the impact of consumer habits (such as leaving the novel system in standby mode) and phantom electricity consumption on the environmental impact of the system, in addition to the brewing systems themselves. The TRACI (Tool for Reduction and Assessment of Chemical and Other Environmental Impacts) suite is utilized to define the impact categories for the analysis, providing a holistic view. The SimaPro software tool is utilized along with multiple databases to enable the analysis.

Results and discussion

The question as to which coffee brewing system has the lowest environmental impact is a function of the phase, boundaries, and impact categories considered. The conventional brewing system has a lower environmental impact, with respect to raw materials and manufacturing. However, when only brewing is considered, the novel system has a lower environmental impact, suggesting that tradeoffs may occur. When the overall brewing system is considered throughout its lifetime, the system with the greatest environmental impact is not only a function of the technology, but also human behavior. The conventional system has a greater environmental impact than the novel system across some of the impact categories when phantom electricity usage is considered. However, when standby electricity consumption is considered, the novel system has the greater environmental impact due to the increased electricity consumption. Meaning that it is not only the technological aspects of the system that influence its environmental impact, but also how the technology is used.

Conclusions

A major conclusion of this work is that although the technology utilized to brew the coffee is relevant to the environmental impact, the human usage of the technology is also equally relevant, although it is not often the focus of literature in this area. In order to truly understand and quantify the environmental impact of brewing coffee across multiple technologies, more information about coffee consumption habits is needed.

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NASA exoplanet hunter racks up bizarre worlds and exploding stars

NASA exoplanet hunter racks up bizarre worlds and exploding stars

NASA exoplanet hunter racks up bizarre worlds and exploding stars, Published online: 08 January 2019; doi:10.1038/d41586-019-00071-7

The Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite has identified at least eight planets, including a world with a mass more than 20 times that of Earth.

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Diversity in the American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery

Purpose: To assess the epidemiology of women and underrepresented minorities (URMs; Hispanic, African American, and Native American) in the American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ASOPRS). Methods: An observational retrospective study of living ASOPRS members was identified through the ASOPRS member directory, search engine-driven informatics, and direct communication. Members were profiled for gender, race, geographic location, and academic rank (or not). The percentage of women and URMs in the society over time was also assessed. Results: The authors identified 617 living ASOPRS members as of June 2017. Of these, 109 (17.7%) were female and 58 (9.4%) were URMs. Surgeons completed fellowships from 1961 (male) or 1973 (female) until 2015. Women members significantly increased from 7 (4.9% of the total) before 1986 to 24 (30.4%) between 2011 and 2015 (last 5 years). URMs significantly increased over time, with 0 female and 5 (3.4%) male minorities before 1985 to 5 (6.3%) females and 13 (16.5%) males within the last 5 years (p

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Preseptal Upper Eyelid Lipoma

Superficial subcutaneous lipomas are benign, slow-growing neoplasms comprised mature adipose cells that may be surrounded by a fibrous tissue capsule. While found commonly on the body, simple lipomas are rarely described in the eyelids. Reports of two eyelid lipomas in the literature describe the anatomy to be posterior to the orbital septum. The presenting authors report the case of a simple lipoma of the eyelid found fully in the preseptal plane. Lipomas can occur anterior to the orbital septum and should be considered in the differential when presented with a painless, slow-growing eyelid mass in adults.

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Erratum

No abstract available

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Phakomatous Choristoma of the Orbit With Involvement of the Inferior Oblique Muscle

The authors report a case of phakomatous choristoma presenting as an orbital tumor with involvement of the inferior oblique muscle. This is the only known case of this rare tumor directly invading and incorporating the inferior oblique. This tumor should be included in the differential of eyelid tumors and orbital tumors in infants. Finally, the authors review the histopathological and embryological characteristics of this lenticular tumor.

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Ophthalmic Eosinophilic Granulomatosis With Polyangiitis (Churg–Strauss Syndrome): A Systematic Review of the Literature

Purpose: To review and summarize the clinical features, presentations, diagnostic modalities, and management of ophthalmic manifestations of eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA, formerly Churg–Strauss Syndrome). Methods: A systematic PubMed search of all English articles on EGPA with ophthalmic involvement was performed. Emphasis was placed on English-language articles, but any article with an abstract translated into English was also included. Only those cases that satisfied the American Rheumatology criteria (1990) for diagnosis were included. Data examined included epidemiology, pathogenesis, presentations, diagnostic modalities, and management. Results: There was a wide range in ophthalmic manifestations of EGPA. In order of most frequent presentation to least frequent, these include central retinal artery or vein occlusion, ischemic optic neuropathy, conjunctival nodules, orbital myositis, proptosis, dacryoadenitis, retinal vasculitis/infarcts/edema, cranial nerve palsy, and amaurosis. The 46 qualifying cases were divided into the categories of ischemic vasculitis versus idiopathic orbital inflammation due to prognostic significance. Ischemic vasculitis cases tended to be older patients (p = 0.03), unilateral (p = 0.006), require immunosuppressive therapy beyond steroids (p = 0.015), and were less likely to show improvement on therapy (p = 0.0003). Conclusions: Prompt diagnosis of EGPA by the ophthalmologist can decrease patient morbidity and mortality. This requires knowledge of likely ophthalmic EGPA presentations, as well as recommended workups and treatment.

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Orbital Expansion in Cranial Vault After Minimally Invasive Extradural Transorbital Decompression for Thyroid Orbitopathy

Purpose: To test the hypothesis that the orbit expands in the cranial vault after wide dural exposure after minimally invasive extradural transorbital decompression for thyroid eye disease. Methods: A cross-sectional cohort study of 36 patients (60 orbits). Preoperative and postoperative (6 months) orbital CT following extradural transorbital decompression was analyzed. Primary outcome measure was the percentage area of the cranial vault occupied by orbital and brain tissue in a predefined window before and after surgery. Secondary outcome measures were displacement of the anteriormost aspect of the temporal lobe, reduction in clinical proptosis, change in clinical activity score, and change in diplopia. Results: The mean percentage of the selected area of the cranial vault preoperatively was 0% orbital and 44% ± 15% brain tissue, compared with 70% ± 16% orbital and 28% ± 14% brain tissue postoperatively (p

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Massive Orbital Extension of a Congenital Dacryocystocele in a 9 Month Old

No abstract available

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Complete Excision of a Simple Dacryops Using Fibrin Sealant and Trypan Blue Mixture

A 69-year-old woman presented to the oculofacial plastic service with a painless superotemporal subconjunctival mass in the OS. Over the past year, the lesion had been progressively enlarging, resulting in horizontal diplopia with lateral gaze. Visual acuity was within normal limits with no evidence of optic neuropathy. On examination, the lesion was tense, transilluminated, and was clinically consistent with a simple dacryops. Complete excision of the lesion was planned under local anesthesia with monitored care. To facilitate complete removal of the lesion, fibrinogen and a mixture of thrombin and trypan blue were injected to fill the cyst cavity. This blue-stained fibrin clot allowed for easy visualization of the border and ensured complete excision without collateral damage to surrounding normal tissue. Simple dacryops is often difficult to remove completely with its capsule intact and this technique allows for clear delineation of the cyst and preservation of epithelial integrity for complete and efficient removal.

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Anatomic Variations of the Infraorbital Foramen in Caucasian Versus African American Skulls

Purpose: The infraorbital foramen (IOF) represents a highly conserved structure but demonstrates morphologic variability. The purpose of this study is to describe the IOF location, size, and supernumerary foramina in an African American population and compare it with a Caucasian population. Methods: Sixty African American and 60 Caucasian skulls from the Hamann-Todd collection of the Cleveland Museum of Natural History were studied. The primary outcome was the number of accessory IOF and measurements of the location, size, shape, and direction of each foramen. Pearson chi-square, t tests, Fisher exact test, and Wilcoxon rank sum tests were used to analyze the data. Results: The African American population had a smaller vertical IOF diameter (mean = 2.81 mm) compared with the Caucasian population (mean = 3.08 mm) on the right side (p

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Re: “Orbicularis Retaining Ligament Release in Lower Blepharoplasty: Assessing Efficacy and Complications”

No abstract available

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Change in Eyelid Carcinoma T Category With Use of the 8th Versus 7th Edition of the American Joint Committee on Cancer: Cancer Staging Manual

Purpose: To evaluate the frequency and nature of changes in T category when eyelid carcinomas are staged using the criteria in the 8th edition instead of the 7th edition of the American Joint Committee on Cancer staging manual. Methods: Following Institutional Review Board approval, a retrospective review was conducted for all consecutive patients with the diagnosis of eyelid carcinoma treated by the senior author from January 2012 through December 2016. After a review of the clinical and pathologic data, each patient's disease was staged using both the 7th-edition and 8th-edition American Joint Committee on Cancer criteria for eyelid carcinomas. Changes in T categories between the 2 staging systems were examined. Results: The review initially identified 167 patients with the diagnosis of eyelid carcinoma. Four patients were excluded because of incomplete or unclear data. The remaining 163 patients included 78 men and 85 women aged 21 to 97 years (median, 68 years). Eighty-two patients had basal cell carcinoma; 35, squamous cell carcinoma; 32, sebaceous carcinoma; 6, mucinous eccrine carcinoma; 3, Merkel cell carcinoma; 3, adenocarcinomas; and 2, adnexal carcinoma. The most common T category according to the 7th-edition criteria was T2a; the most common T category according to the 8th-edition criteria was T1b. Of the 163 patients, 64 (39%) had a lower T category with the 8th-edition than with the 7th-edition criteria, 59 (36%) had a higher T category, and 40 (25%) had the same T category. Conclusions: Application of the 8th-edition American Joint Committee on Cancer criteria for eyelid carcinoma changed the T category in 75% of patients. In general, the new 8th-edition American Joint Committee on Cancer tumor, node, metastasis (TNM) designations allow for a more objective and consistent designation of the T category.

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Cultures of Proximal and Distal Segments of Silicone Tubes After Dacryocystorhinostomy

Purpose: To compare the results of cultures of the proximal and distal segments of silicone tubes after dacryocystorhinostomy. Methods: The medical records of patients undergoing a dacryocystorhinostomy and silicone intubation were reviewed. The inclusion criteria were cultures of both distal and proximal stent segments after removal, dye testing, evaluation of the tear meniscus, and notation of the presence or absence of discharge before and after removal. The exclusion criteria included the use of systemic or topical antibiotics within 1 month before tube removal. Results: Forty-six lacrimal systems in 40 patients were included, with 6 patients having bilateral dacryocystorhinostomies. There were no cases of dacryocystitis at the time of or after tube removal. Four (9%) of the dacryocystorhinostomies failed. Forty-one (89%) of the distal tube segments had positive cultures. The distal tube cultures grew 17 (36%) gram-positive bacteria, 21 (45%) gram-negative bacteria, 7 (15%) skin flora, and 2 (4%) fungi (6 distal segments had mixed cultures). Thirteen (28%) of the proximal tube segments had positive cultures. The proximal tube cultures were 5 (38%) gram-negative bacteria, 4 (31%) gram-positive bacteria, 3 (23%) skin flora, and 1 (8%) acid-fast bacteria. Four (31%) of the proximal tubes with positive cultures grew the same organism as the distal tube segment. Nine (69%) of the proximal tubes with positive cultures grew different organisms than the distal segment. Forty-two (91%) of all the proximal tube cultures were either negative or grew different organisms than the distal segment cultures. Conclusions: The proximal segment of a silicone tube after a dacryocystorhinostomy may be a "privileged" area. There is usually a lack of growth or the growth of different organisms than those present on the distal tube segments. This may be explained by the protective nature of the tear film. The findings may also help to explain the low incidence of dacryocystitis in spite of the growth of virulent organisms on the distal tube segment after a dacryocystorhinostomy.

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Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction Following Hyaluronic Acid Rejuvenation of the Tear Trough

Although generally safe, hyaluronic acid rejuvenation of periorbital tissue has been reported to cause minor and major adverse events. The authors document a case of nasolacrimal duct obstruction due to hyaluronic acid rejuvenation of the tear trough. Nasolacrimal duct obstruction immediately resolved following irrigation of hyaluronidase into the affected lacrimal system. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first reported case of nasolacrimal duct obstruction due to filler injection.

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Nasolacrimal Sac Diverticulum: A Case Series and Literature Review

Purpose: To describe the demographics, presentation, treatment, and outcome in 10 cases of lacrimal sac diverticulum and to review the literature on this topic, and to determine the incidence of diverticula from a series of dacryocystograms. Methods: Data were collected for all consecutive patients with lacrimal sac diverticulum seen between 2003 and 2015, including patient demographics, clinical presentation, imaging findings, treatment, and follow-up. A systematic literature review was performed for cases of lacrimal sac diverticulum. A retrospective review of 400 consecutive dacryocystograms was performed to determine the incidence of lacrimal sac diverticulum. Results: Ten cases (9 patients) of lacrimal sac diverticulum are described, and a further 36 cases were discovered through a literature review. Epiphora, swelling, and dacryocystitis and/or diverticulitis were the most common presenting complaints. When all 46 cases are combined, lacrimal patency was demonstrated in 50% of cases. Dacryocystography diagnosed only 57% of patients with diverticulum, not helped by the addition of ultrasound or CT. The incidence of diverticulum was 3.2% on review of 400 consecutive dacryocystograms (1.6% per lacrimal system). Surgical management with dacryocystorhinostomy and/or diverticulum excision was effective in all 34 operated cases at resolving symptoms in the case series and literature review. Conclusions: Lacrimal sac diverticula present with epiphora, medial canthal swelling, dacryocystitis, and/or diverticulitis. Dacryocystography, despite being the most sensitive radiologic test, is only 59% sensitive, and adjunctive CT and ultrasound have limited use. Surgical management is recommended because conservative management often fails. Dacryocystorhinostomy, diverticulum excision, or a combination thereof appears to be equivalent in achieving resolution of symptoms.

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Necrotic Herpes Simplex Virus Infection of the Nose and Orbit

This is the first reported case of necrotizing nasal and sinus herpes infection with orbital involvement. A 94-year-old male with a past medical history of hypertension, congestive heart failure, and chronic kidney disease presented with necrotic nasal cellulitis and a red left eye with blurry vision. Onset was 2 weeks prior with an upper lip fever blister. He was admitted to medicine and started on antimicrobials. Maxillofacial computed tomography scan revealed pansinusitis with involvement of bilateral medial orbital walls. Initial nasal biopsy was negative. Repeat biopsy was positive for herpes simplex virus 1. His nose was debrided with full-thickness skin grafting. While there are reports of necrotizing herpes simplex, none were to the extent of our patient nor raised suspicion for invasive fungal sinusitis. Differentiating is important as this patient made a full recovery in comparison to patients with mucormycosis where mortality is often as high as 80%.

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Extraocular Muscle Enlargement and Thyroid Eye Disease-like Orbital Inflammation Associated with Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Therapy in Cancer Patients

Purpose: To describe thyroid eye disease (TED)-like orbital inflammatory syndrome in 3 cancer patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors. Methods: All consecutive patients treated by the senior author who were receiving immune checkpoint inhibitors and developed TED-like orbital inflammation were included. Results: Three cancer patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors developed orbital inflammation. The first patient was treated with a combination of a cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen-4 inhibitor and a programmed cell death protein 1 inhibitor and developed TED-like orbital inflammation with normal thyroid function and antibody levels. The second patient had a previous diagnosis of Graves disease without TED, and developed TED soon after initiating treatment with a programmed cell death protein 1 inhibitor. The third patient developed acute hyperthyroidism with symptomatic TED following treatment with an investigational cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen-4 inhibitor agent. All 3 patients were managed with either systemic steroids or observation, with resolution of their symptoms and without the need to halt immune checkpoint inhibitor treatment for their cancer. Discussion and Conclusions: TED-like orbital inflammation may occur as a side effect of immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy with anti–cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen-4 or anti-PD-1 inhibitors. To the best of their knowledge, this is the first reported case of TED as a result of programmed cell death protein 1 inhibitor monotherapy. All 3 patients were treated with systemic steroids and responded quickly while continuing treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors for their cancer. With increasing use of this class of drugs, clinicians should be familiar with the clinical manifestations and treatments for this adverse reaction.

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Non-invasive estimation of root zone soil moisture from coarse root reflections in ground-penetrating radar images

Abstract

Background and aims

Root zone soil moisture is an important component in water cycling through the soil-plant-atmosphere continuum. However, its measurement in the field remains a challenge, especially non-invasively and repeatedly. Here, we developed a new method that uses ground-penetrating radar (GPR) to quantify root zone soil moisture.

Methods

Coarse roots were chosen as reflectors to collect GPR radargrams. An automatic hyperbola detection algorithm identified coarse root reflections in GPR radargrams and determined the velocity of GPR wave, which then was used to calculate the average soil water content of a soil profile (ASWC) and soil water content in a depth interval (ISWC). In total, GPR reflection data of 55 root samples from three computer simulation scenarios and two field experiments in sandy shrubland, one burying roots at known depths and the other under the undisturbed condition, were used to evaluate the proposed method.

Results

Both the simulated and the field collected data demonstrated the effectiveness of the proposed method for measuring root zone soil moisture with high accuracy. Even in the two field experiments, the root-mean-square errors of the estimated ASWC and ISWC relative to measurements from soil cores were as low as 0.003 and 0.012 m³·m⁻³, respectively.

Conclusion

The proposed method offers a new way of quantifying root zone soil moisture non-invasively that allows repeated measurements. This study expands the application of GPR in root and soil study and enhances our ability to monitor plant-soil-water interactions.

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Clinical efficacy of laser combined with menstrual regulation in the treatment of female melasma: a retrospective study

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical efficacy of using a Medlite C6 Q-switch Nd:YAG laser combined with menstrual regulation–based traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in the treatment of female melasma. Forty cases of female patients with melasma, who were treated between December 2013 and December 2015 at the Jiangsu Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, were reviewed retrospectively. Twenty patients received Q-switch Nd:YAG 1064 nm laser treatments combined with menstrual regulation treatments (experimental group), and 20 patients were treated only with the laser (control group). All treatments lasted for 6 months. The patients' faces were photographed before, immediately, and 6 months after treatment. The therapeutic efficacy was assessed by the reduction in the Melasma Area and Severity Index (MASI) score and the total skin damage score, and this was then compared between the two groups. Immediately and 6 months after the treatment, both the MASI and total skin damage scores in the experimental group were significantly lower compared to those in the control group (P < 0.001). The experimental group had significantly higher basic recovery and effectiveness rates than the control group (P = 0.020 and P = 0.008, respectively) and had a significantly lower invalidity rate (P < 0.001). Results from Medlite C6 Q-switch Nd:YAG laser treatment combined with menstrual regulation are superior than those obtained using only a laser for the treatment of female melasma.

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The recruitment of extra-intestinal cells to the injured mucosa promotes healing in radiation enteritis and chemical colitis in a mouse parabiosis model

The recruitment of extra-intestinal cells to the injured mucosa promotes healing in radiation enteritis and chemical colitis in a mouse parabiosis model

The recruitment of extra-intestinal cells to the injured mucosa promotes healing in radiation enteritis and chemical colitis in a mouse parabiosis model, Published online: 07 January 2019; doi:10.1038/s41385-018-0123-3

The recruitment of extra-intestinal cells to the injured mucosa promotes healing in radiation enteritis and chemical colitis in a mouse parabiosis model

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Group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2) are regulated by stem cell factor during chronic asthmatic disease

Group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2) are regulated by stem cell factor during chronic asthmatic disease

Group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2) are regulated by stem cell factor during chronic asthmatic disease, Published online: 07 January 2019; doi:10.1038/s41385-018-0117-1

Group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2) are regulated by stem cell factor during chronic asthmatic disease

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NASA exoplanet hunter racks up bizarre worlds and exploding stars

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Disruption of the Orion molecular core 1 by wind from the massive star θ1 Orionis C

Disruption of the Orion molecular core 1 by wind from the massive star θ¹ Orionis C

Disruption of the Orion molecular core 1 by wind from the massive star θ¹ Orionis C, Published online: 07 January 2019; doi:10.1038/s41586-018-0844-1

Wind from the most massive star in the Trapezium cluster in Orion has carved out a large and expanding cavity around the cluster, bounded by a thin, 2,600-solar-mass shell.

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Bevy of mysterious fast radio bursts spotted by Canadian telescope

Bevy of mysterious fast radio bursts spotted by Canadian telescope

Bevy of mysterious fast radio bursts spotted by Canadian telescope, Published online: 07 January 2019; doi:10.1038/d41586-019-00049-5

Bounty includes second known example of a repeating burst.

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New Ebola-like virus found in a Chinese bat’s liver

New Ebola-like virus found in a Chinese bat's liver

New Ebola-like virus found in a Chinese bat's liver, Published online: 07 January 2019; doi:10.1038/d41586-019-00022-2

The Měnglà virus can infect human cells but the risk of its transmission from bats to humans is unknown.

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The surprisingly large neutron capture cross-section of 88Zr

The surprisingly large neutron capture cross-section of ⁸⁸Zr

The surprisingly large neutron capture cross-section of ⁸⁸Zr, Published online: 07 January 2019; doi:10.1038/s41586-018-0838-z

The thermal neutron capture cross-section of 88Zr is measured to be 861,000 ± 69,000 barns, the second-largest neutron capture cross-section ever measured.

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Solar panels high on snowy mountains yield peak power

Solar panels high on snowy mountains yield peak power

Solar panels high on snowy mountains yield peak power, Published online: 07 January 2019; doi:10.1038/d41586-019-00030-2

Arrays sited in thin air could help to fill winter solar-power gap.

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Daily briefing: Government shutdown, Brexit angst, and scoping out distant worlds. Welcome to 2019

Daily briefing: Government shutdown, Brexit angst, and scoping out distant worlds. Welcome to 2019

Daily briefing: Government shutdown, Brexit angst, and scoping out distant worlds. Welcome to 2019, Published online: 07 January 2019; doi:10.1038/d41586-019-00044-w

Plus, LIGO's Japanese cousin joins the hunt for gravitational waves, and what scientists searched for in 2018.

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Unprovability comes to machine learning

Unprovability comes to machine learning

Unprovability comes to machine learning, Published online: 07 January 2019; doi:10.1038/d41586-019-00012-4

Scenarios have been discovered in which it is impossible to prove whether or not a machine-learning algorithm could solve a particular problem. This finding might have implications for both established and future learning algorithms.

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Here’s what scientists searched for in 2018: AI is up, stress is down

Here's what scientists searched for in 2018: AI is up, stress is down

Here's what scientists searched for in 2018: AI is up, stress is down , Published online: 07 January 2019; doi:10.1038/d41586-018-07879-9

The most-searched keywords in the Scopus database and on Google, revealed.

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Long-Term Treatment with Empagliflozin Attenuates Renal Damage in Obese Zucker Rat

Exp Clin Endocrinol Diabetes
DOI: 10.1055/a-0815-4908

Introduction Empagliflozin, a known inhibitor of sodium-glucose cotransporter type 2 (SGLT2) decreases glucose reabsorption by the renal tubules and promotes glucose excretion into the urine. While the effectiveness of Empagliflozin in the management of hyperglycemia along with associated cardiovascular and all-cause mortality has been demonstrated previously, the therapeutic benefits associated with the long-term use of this drug in obese animals have yet to be investigated. Methods Male 5-week-old lean and obese Zucker rats were randomly assigned to one of the 4 groups- lean control, lean treated, obese control, obese treated and treated with either Empagliflozin (10 mg/kg BW / day) or placebo for 25 weeks to investigate the therapeutic effect of Empagliflozin. Results Empagliflozin treatment in the obese animals was associated with decreased body weight, attenuated the loss of F-actin from the renal tubules and improved renal structure and function. These changes in renal function were associated with significant improvements in the glucose tolerance, and decreased non-fasting circulatory levels of glucose, amylase, and other inflammatory markers including NGAL, cystatin C, and clusterin. Conclusion Long-term use of Empagliflozin in diabetic obese Zucker rats is associated with improvements in glucose tolerance and decreased loss of renal structure and function.
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© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Article in Thieme eJournals:
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The mechanical behavior of as received and retrieved nickel titanium orthodontic archwires

The aim of this study is to investigate and compare the characteristics of as received and retrieved NiTi archwires at a constant temperature by plotting their load/deflection graphs and quantifying three para...

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Investigation on leaching behaviour of toxic metals from biomedical ash and its controlling mechanism

Abstract

It is comprehensible that disposal of biomedical ash (BMA) is a serious threat to human life and to the environment compared to any other type of waste without proper treatment. In the present study, it is focused in studying the leaching behaviour and its controlling mechanism to predict the contamination levels of BMA. Experimental investigation was carried out to determine the physico-chemical properties of BMA. The morphological and mineralogical composition was performed by SEM equipped with EDAX and XRD. A leaching pattern was identified for various heavy metals simultaneously (Hg, Se, As, Fe, Cd, Zn, Pb, Ca, Co, Ni, Cr and Cu) by varying pH (3, 5, 7, 9, and 11) via a pH-dependent batch leaching test using AAS and ICP. Major oxidation states of leached mineral/metal were established by Visual MINTEQA 3.1. Leaching test results show that a high concentration of Hg (9.3 mg/l), Se (2.4 mg/l) and As (9.7 mg/l) at pH 11 was obtained. Characterisation studies substantiate 60% of calcium silicate presence and major minerals like ettringite, calcite and thermonatrite. Geochemical modelling reveals that leached elements were solubility controlled except As and Se. It is inferred that, presence/formation of ettringite, calcite and thermonatrite minerals are responsible for immobilizing/reduced leaching of toxic heavy metals in alkaline environment except for Hg, Se and As as they are highly mobile in an alkaline condition which can be reduced by adopting a suitable pretreatment option so as to reduce the contamination levels of handling even untreated waste disposal.

from Energy Ecology Environment Ambio via Terpsi Hori on Inoreader http://bit.ly/2RGmhFQ

Duration analysis on the adoption behavior of green control techniques

Abstract

Based on field survey data of 366 traditional households (THs) and 364 family farms (FFs) from Huang-Huai-Hai Plain, a discrete-time cloglog model for parameter estimation was constructed to reveal factors that affect the two types of farms' duration from the awareness to the adoption of green control techniques (GCTs). Differences in the influencing factors affecting the duration of the two types of farmers were also discussed. The research results are as follows. First, the duration from awareness to adoption of GCTs is significantly shorter in FFs than that in THs. Second, a higher degree of education, risk preference, family financial status, perceived ease of use and usefulness of the technique, and extension of media and supervision of agricultural technique extension departments of local governments significantly reduce the duration from awareness to adoption of GCTs by THs and FFs, whereas a male head of household prolongs the duration. Third, the age, farm size, and number of laborers exert different impacts on the duration from awareness to adoption of GCTs by THs and FFs.

from Energy Ecology Environment Ambio via Terpsi Hori on Inoreader http://bit.ly/2GYK6EX

Butyrylcholinesterase—a potential plasma biomarker in manganese-induced neurobehavioral changes

Abstract

Groundwater particularly drinking water contamination with metals has created an environmental disaster in Bangladesh. Manganese (Mn), an essential trace element, plays a key role in the development and function of the brain. Excess Mn exposure is reported to be associated with complex neurological disorders. Here, we have found a notably large extent of Mn above the permissive limit in the tube-well water of Rajshahi and Naogaon districts in Bangladesh. Higher levels of Mn in hair and nail samples, and a decreasing level of butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) activity were detected in plasma samples of the human subjects recruited from Naogaon district. Mn concentrations in water, hair, and nails were negatively correlated with the plasma BChE levels in Mn-exposed populations. To compare and validate these human studies, an animal model was used to determine the in vivo effects of Mn on neurobehavioral changes and blood BChE levels. In elevated plus maze, the time spent was significantly reduced in open arms and increased in closed arms of Mn-exposed mice compared to control group. The mean latency time to find the platform was declined significantly in control mice compared to Mn-treated group during 7 days in Morris water maze test, and Mn-exposed group also spent significantly less time in the desired quadrant as compared to the control group in probe trial. BChE activity was significantly reduced in Mn-exposed mice compared to control mice. Taken together, these results suggest that plasma BChE levels may serve as reliable biomarker of Mn-induced neurotoxicity related to behavioral changes.

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River Basin Management Plans as a tool for sustainable transboundary river basins’ management

Abstract

Data availability and the existence of exchange mechanisms are considered crucial issues for the management of water bodies shared among riparian countries. Moreover, common legislative and technical frameworks are assets that foster the management of transboundary waters in an integrated and sustainable manner. The River Basin Management Plans of the European Union's Water Framework Directive implementation process not only incorporate a cooperative framework, but also include open access internet-based databases that can enhance cooperation and shed light on water-related conflicts among countries that share transboundary waters. The proposed methodological approach in this research is applied in four transboundary river basins, where Greece is the downstream country, and the upstream countries are not all member states of the European Union. The areas of dispute were found in the 2nd Water Convention Report. For each particular case study, data and information from the respective River Basin Management Plans were used to investigate the actual situation. The results demonstrated that significant conflict situations in the past, which involved both water quality and water quantity issues, could be resolved using continuous and reliable datasets included in the management plans. The use of freely available data sources renders the findings of this work useful for the sustainable management of shared waters.

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A photosynthetic algal microbial fuel cell for treating swine wastewater

Abstract

A photosynthetic algal (Chlorella vulgaris) microbial fuel cell (PAMFC) with double chambers was adopted for power production and removal of carbon and nitrogen in swine sewerage that could provide nutrients for the growth of C. vulgaris. C. vulgaris was expected to utilize carbon dioxide (CO₂) delivered from the anode chamber and generate oxygen as an electron acceptor by photosynthesis. PAMFC presented a maximum voltage output of 0.747 V and a maximum power density of 3720 mW/m³ at 240 h, much higher than that of the standalone MFC. 85.6%, 70.2%, and 93.9% removal of ammonia nitrogen, total nitrogen (TN), and total organic carbon (TOC), respectively, were obtained in the anode chamber of the PAMFC system, while the corresponding removal in MFC was 83.1%, 56.0%, and 87.2%, respectively. PAMFC also presented a much higher removal of ammonia nitrogen (68.7%) in the cathode chamber than MFC (47.5%). The results indicated the superiority of the PAMFC device for carbon and nitrogen removal.

from Energy Ecology Environment Ambio via Terpsi Hori on Inoreader http://bit.ly/2RGm6ua