Search

Penicillamine is a well-known heavy metal chelator, classically used in the treatment of Wilson disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and cystinuria. From a dermatologic standpoint, penicillamine was found to be useful in the treatment of systemic sclerosis. The successful therapeutic uses of penicillamine have been hindered by its numerous adverse effects, both cutaneous and extra-cutaneous. It is a unique drug since it provokes a diversity of dermatologic manifestations that include (1) acute hypersensitivity reactions, (2) dermopathies characterized by elastic fiber abnormalities including elastosis perforans serpiginosa and pseudo-pseudoxanthoma elasticum, (3) autoimmune disorders such as pemphigus and penicillamine-induced lupus erythematosus-like syndrome, and (4) miscellaneous dermatoses that result from undefined mechanisms. These cutaneous adverse effects may correlate with the dosage and duration of penicillamine therapy as well as the disease being treated.

Die klinische Triade von Pyoderma gangraenosum (PG), Akne und suppurativer Hidradenitis (PASH) wurde kürzlich als neue Krankheitsentität innerhalb des Spektrums autoinflammatorischer Syndrome beschrieben. Dabei handelt es sich um eine neue Gruppe entzündlicher Erkrankungen, die sich von allergischen, infektiösen und autoimmunbedingten Krankheiten unterscheiden. Das PASH-Syndrom ähnelt dem PAPA(pyogene Arthritis, Akne und Pyoderma gangraenosum)-Syndrom, unterscheidet sich von diesem jedoch durch die fehlende assoziierte Arthritis und die fehlende genetische Grundlage. Das PAPA-Syndrom wird durch Mutationen in einem Gen verursacht, das an der Regulation der angeborenen Immunreaktion beteiligt ist, das PSTPIP1, wohingegen bei Patienten mit PASH-Syndrom bislang keine Mutationen nachgewiesen wurden. Wir berichten über einen jungen Mann, der nach einer Darm-Bypass-Operation wegen Adipositas gleichzeitig ein disseminiertes PG, eine typische Hidradenitis suppurativa und akneiforme Eruptionen im Gesicht entwickelte. Die kutanen Manifestationen im Zusammenhang mit einem Darm-Bypass-Syndrom gleichen oft einem PG oder anderen neutrophilen Dermatosen, was dafür spricht, dass die Pathogenese dieser Erkrankung mit einer Neutrophilen-vermittelten Entzündung in Zusammenhang steht. Dies ist der erste Bericht über das PASH-Syndrom nach einem bariatrischen Eingriff; wir schlagen vor, solche neutrophilen Dermatosen in die Liste der möglichen Komplikationen nach Darm-Bypass-Operationen aufzunehmen. Umfangreiche genetische Untersuchungen können helfen, die Ätiopathogenese des PASH-Syndroms sowie der autoinflammatorischen Erkrankungen im Allgemeinen zu klären.

In this work, the influence of silane (bis (3-triethoxysilylpropyl) tetrasulfide) or Si69 coupling agent on properties of EPDM/mica composites was studied. Both EPDM/mica composites with silane and without silane were compounded using two roll mill at various filler loading (i.e., 100/0, 100/10, 100/30, 100/50, 100/70). The tensile and thermal properties as well as fracture surfaces of composites were tested using Instron Universal Testing Machine, Thermal Gravimetric Analysis (TGA) and Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). The results indicated that the optimum cure (t90), scorch time (ts2) value was lower, while maximum torque (MH) value slightly higher for EPDM/mica composites with silane compared to EPDM/mica composites without silane. The tensile properties, M100 and M300 value increased for EPDM/mica composites in the presence of silane and the optimum filler loading for those properties occurred at 50 phr. In addition, thermal stability and swelling ratio for both composites improved with increasing filler loading. However, EPDM/mica composites with silane show better thermal stability and swelling ratio due to stronger linkage taking place at the rubberfiller boundary and it promotes filler dis-agglomeration.

Livedoid vasculopathy is characterized by painful purpuric lesions on the extremities which frequently ulcerate and heal with atrophic scarring. For many years, livedoid vasculopathy has been considered to be a primary vasculitic process. However, there has been evidence considering livedoid vasculopathy as an occlusive vasculopathy due to a hypercoagulable state. We present the case of livedoid vasculopathy in a 21-year-old female who had been suffering of painful lower extremity lesions of 3 years duration. The patient was found to be lupus anticoagulant positive and homozygous for methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase C677T mutation. The patient was successfully treated with low-molecular-weight heparin.

The clinical triad of pyoderma gangrenosum (PG), acne and suppurative hidradenitis (PASH) has recently been described as a new disease entity within the spectrum of autoinflammatory syndromes, which are an emerging group of inflammatory diseases distinct from autoimmune, allergic and infectious disorders. PASH syndrome is similar to PAPA (pyogenic arthritis, acne and PG), but it differs in lacking the associated arthritis and on a genetic basis. PAPA syndrome is caused by mutations in a gene involved in the regulation of innate immune responses, the PSTPIP1, while no mutations have been detected to date in patients with PASH syndrome. We report a young male patient who developed coexisting disseminated PG, typical suppurative hidradenitis and acneiform eruption on the face, after he had undergone bowel bypass surgery for obesity. The cutaneous manifestations associated with bowel bypass syndrome often mimic PG or other neutrophilic dermatoses, suggesting a pathogenesis related to neutrophil-mediated inflammation for this condition. This is the first report describing PASH syndrome after bariatric surgery, and we propose to include such neutrophilic dermatoses in the list of complications occurring after bowel bypass surgery. Extensive genetic studies may help to clarify the etiopathogenesis of PASH as well as of autoinflammatory diseases in general.

The objective of this study was to assess the potential of an amphiphilic chitosan derivative, namely N-hexanoyl-O-glycol chitosan (HGC) as a carrier agent for herbicide atrazine. The physicochemical properties of HGC were characterised using several analytical instruments. The critical micelle concentration (CMC) of HGC was determined using a Fluorescence Spectrometer. A High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) was used to determine encapsulation efficiency and loading capacity of atrazine in the amphiphilic chitosan derivative. Research findings found that the addition of hexanoyl and glycol groups to the chitosan backbone has improved the thermal stability of chitosan. TEM observation confirmed that HGC can form self-aggregation in the solution with spherical shape. The CMC values determined for HGC was 0.008 mg/mL. HGC also exhibited excellent encapsulation efficiency and loading capacity. The release profiles of atrazine loaded in HGC showed that it has different release behaviour than the pure herbicide in solution. In conclusion, the results from the study suggest that the amphiphilic chitosan derivative is applicable to be utilised as carrier agent for herbicide atrazine in pesticide formulation.

Traditional Malay performances are carried out for both entertainment and curing purposes. In curing rituals, the men and women serving as shamans, communicates with the spirits and beings from the nether world to facilitate the curing process. The dependency on engaging with these other-worldly beings however, have raised religious issues of being syirik, namely practicing in rituals which are religiously forbidden. This study aims to observe how ritual leaders attempt to negotiate the fine balance between what has been religiously forbidden and the psychological and sociological needs of the patient. Two curing rituals, the main peteri and the malibobou were chosen to exemplify the communication between the physical and spiritual realities. In both rituals, the healers engaged in procedures of curing as they attempted to diagnose sicknesses and proffer cures with the help of the spirits. The main peteri was conducted by a male shaman, the tuk teri whereas the malibobou was conducted by a female ritual specialist, the bobohizan. Main peteri and the malibobou both ended with ritually thanking and sending off the spirits back to their nether, invisible domains. These curing rituals heal not only the sick individual, but by extension, the village community. Therefore, there is a need to reconcile these rituals with religious tenets, beliefs and sociological-political-cultural dimensions., {"references":["Solehah Ishak. 2012. Text, Theatre and Malay Aesthetics. University Technology MARA: Shah Alam.","Amran Kasimin. 2006. Unsur-Unsur Menurun dalam Persembahan Teater Melayu Tradisional. Kuala Lumpur: Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka","Solehah Ishak, \"Main Puteri: Satu Permainan dan Produksi Lakon\" in Solehah Ishak (ed) 2010. Seni dan Budya Kelantan. Persatuan Muzium Malaysia: Kuala Lumpur.","Interview with Odun Linjunan in Kampung Panjut, Sabah, June 29, 2013.","Interview with Moses in Kampung Panjut, June 29, 2013","Interview with Odun Linjunan in Kampung Panjut, Sabah, June 29, 2013.","Field research the Bobolian ritual in Kampung Panjut, Sabah, from June 28-July 02, 2013.","Field research on Main Peteri in Tumpat, Kelantan from August 29-Sept.01, 2013."]}

it is a challenge to maintain soil moisture for plants. Current watering system offered scheduling scheme as the solution, which might cause the soil to be too wet during the rainy seasons and too dry during the draught season. This prototype uses Arduino Uno R3 board which is easy to program and economical. It is programmed in such a way that it will sense the moisture level of the soil and supply the water if required. This type of system is often used for general plant care, as part of caring for small and medium orchard for small and medium enterprise (SME). Therefore, the microcontroller has coded the system to water the plants according to the reading from the moisture sensor which has been calibrated. On top of that, this system is extended using GSM technology, which enables the user to control the motor by sending and received the SMS (Short Message Service). So, by sending a SMS the user can look after his farm remotely. An easy access to the watering system using GSM technology is what the prototype offers.

Physiologically, a nose has several functions, for instance as a filter that enables it to be the first-line defense and serves an important function for protecting the body against the disadvantageous condition from our surroundings. The main purpose of this research is to describe about how the health survey of nose on the locals in Tinoor 2 is. The method used on this research is descriptive survey with cross sectional approach. The subject of this research is the locals of Tinoor 2 who willingly participated in. The total of participants is 40 divided into 13 females and 27 males. Findings show that 62,5% and 60% are the result of normal right and left nasal cavity examination. Meanwhile, 32,5% and 35% are for the broad right and left kavum nasi examination, also both of the medium and narrow are 5%. 70% and 67,5% are the result of normal right and left concha examination, 15% and 17,5% are both for edema examination, hyperemia on both sides are 2,5%. 92,5% and 90% are the result of normal right and left mucous examination, while hyperemia with 7,5% and 10%. 97,5% is the result of normal right and left secretion examination, and serous on both sides are 2,5%. 82,5% is the result of normal right and left septum examination, and nasal septum deviation on both sides are 17,5%. There’s none post nasal drip within the examination. Conclusion: Of all examination that has been accomplished, most of them result to Normal.Keywords: health survey, physical examination of noseAbstrak: Hidung secara fisiologis mempunyai beberapa fungsi seperti sebagai penyaring dan pertahanan lini pertama dan pelindung tubuh terpenting terhadap kondisi lingkungan yang tidak menguntungkan. Tujuan penelitian untuk mengetahui bagaimana gambaran survei kesehatan hidung masyarakat desa Tinoor 2. Desain penelitian yang digunakan adalah deskriptif survei dengan pendekatan cross sectional. Subjek penelitian masyarakat desa Tinoor 2 yang bersedia mengikuti penelitian. Responden 40 orang, dengan jumlah laki-laki dan perempuan 13 dan 27 orang. Pemeriksaan kavum nasi kanan kiri normal 62,5% dan 60%, pada pemeriksaan kavum nasi kanan kiri lapang 32,5% dan 35%, sedang sempit keduanya 5%. Pemeriksaan konka kanan kiri normal 70% dan 67,5%, udim yaitu 15% dan 17,5%, hiperemis dikeduanya 7,5%, pucat dikeduanya 5%, konka dengan udim dan hiperemis keduanya 2,5%. Pemeriksaan mukosa kanan kiri normal 92,5% dan 90%, hiperemis 7,5% dan 10%. Pemeriksaan sekret kanan kiri normal keduanya 97,5%, serus keduanya 2,5%. Pemeriksaan septum kanan kiri normal keduanya 82,5%, deviasi dikeduanya 17,5%. Post nasal drip tidak ditemukan. Simpulan: Dari pemeriksaan hidung yang dilakukan pada responden, ditemukan hasil terbanyak adalah normal.Kata kunci: survei kesehatan, pemeriksaan fisik hidung

Department of Dermatology, University of California, Irvine, California 92612Background and Objectives: Optical clearing is amethod that temporarily reduces the optical scattering ofbiological tissues.Study Design/Materials and Methods: To determinethe optical clearing potential (OCP) of various chemicalagents, we examined the change in reduced scatteringcoefficientsofinvitrohumanskinafterapplicationdirectlyto the dermal side.Results/Conclusions: We found that the mean agentOCP did not correlate with refractive index or osmolality.Lipophilic hyperosmotic agents had a mean OCP less thanunity,indicating increasedoptical scattering. LasersSurg.Med. 36:72–75, 2005. 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc.Key words: hyperosmotic agents; glycerol; scattering;dermatology; port wine stainsINTRODUCTIONIn biomedical applications, light is used for diagnosticimaging and therapeutics. The penetration depth of light inbiological tissue is restricted by absorption and scatteringevents. At visible and near infrared wavelengths, opticalscatteringdominatesoverabsorptionandismuchmoresigni-ficant in reducing light penetration into biological tissues.Optical clearing is a method for inducing a transient re-duction in optical scattering [1]. Studies have demonstratedtheincreasedpenetrationdepth andcontrastinopticalimag-ing [1–8]. Using a novel chemical agent (CA), Khan et al. [9]havedemonstratedforthefirsttimeinvivoopticalclearingofhuman skin. Various mechanisms for optical clearing havebeen proposed, including refractive index matching [1,5],dehydration [5,10,11], and collagen dissociation [12].Hyperosmotic CAs with refractive indices similar to thatof collagen have been shown to increase tissue transpar-ency. From results obtained with three CAs, Vargas et al.[13] suggested that increased light transmittance is pro-portionaltoCAosmolality.Inthisstudy,wequantitativelycharacterized a select group of hyperosmotic CAs. By mea-suring the optical clearing potential (OCP, defined below),we set out to determine whether there is a correlationbetween changes in optical scattering and osmolality andrefractive index.MATERIALS AND METHODSChemical AgentsWe studied three different groups of CAs: hydroxy-terminated, organic solvents, and organic acids as sum-marized in Table 1. Refractive index was measured with arefractometer (Cole-Parmer, Vernon Hills, IL). Osmolalitywas measured with a freezing point osmometer (AdvancedInstruments, Norwood, MA). Isotonic saline was used as anegative control (i.e.,no optical clearing expected).Glycerol(13 M)was used as a positive control (i.e., optical clearingexpected).Skin SamplesCryopreserved, dermatomed human skin (CommunityTissueServices,Dayton,OH)wasthawedtoroomtempera-ture( 258C).Asingleedgedrazorbladewasusedtocuttheskin into 2.5 cm 2.5 cm samples. Sample thicknessvariedbetween0.4and1mm,asdeterminedbyplacingthesample between two glass slides of known thickness andmeasuring the thickness of the sample/glass combinationwith a micrometer (Mitutoyo, City of Industry, CA). Tominimizeerrorduetosamplecompression,werecordedthesample thickness once the fine adjustment screw on themicrometer clicked once. Measurements on each samplewere initiated within 2 hours after thawing.Franz Diffusion ChamberAfter removal from between the glass slides, each skinsample was mounted in a Franz diffusion cell [14]. Thelowerreservoirwasfilledwithisotonicsaline.Eachsample

Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is a rare neutrophilic dermatosis of unknown etiology which usually occurs over the lower extremities; however, unusual presentations such as that involving the genital region have been described. Extracutaneous involvement of PG in the form of sterile neutrophilic infiltrates in various organs has infrequently been reported. We hereby describe a case of PG that was limited to the vulvar and perianal area in a 37-year-old female, with associated renal involvement in the form of a slight increase in the serum creatinine, microhematuria of glomerular origin and proteinuria. The patient had a rapid response of both her mucocutaneous lesions and renal dysfunction after the initiation of systemic steroids. The present case highlights the importance of evaluating all patients with PG for extracutaneous disease to avoid potentially harmful diagnostic or therapeutic procedures. Two other reasons for interest are the localized presentation of disease on the genital region and the presence of vascular involvement, albeit without signs of true vasculitis, vascular changes possibly being a histological hallmark of PG involving genitalia.

The aim of this study is to determine the sensitivity of HEMA-polymer gel mixture consist of monomer 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) with different types of composition. Several composition of HEMA-polymer gel were fabricated and the gels were irradiated with radiation dose between 10 cGy to 100cGy by using x-ray machine and 100 cGy to 1400 cGy by using 6 MV photon beam energy of linear accelerator. The degree of polymerization was evaluated by using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with dependence of R2-dose response. Polymer gel consists of cross-linker, anti-oxidant Tetrakis(Hydroxymethyl)phosphonium chloride solution (THPC) and oxygen scavenger hydroquinone shows a stable sensitivity with highest dose dependency. Besides, the results shows the stage polymerization consist of induction, propagation, termination, and chain transfer were dependence with type of chemical mixture and radiation dose. Thus, normoxic HEMA-polymer gel with the different gel formulations can have a better dose resolution and an appropriate recipe must be selected to increase of the sensitivity required and the stability of the dosimeter.

Mobile services support various situations in everyday life and with the increasing sophistication of phone functions, the daily life is much more easier and better especially in term of managing tools and apparatus. Since chemical inventory management system has been experiencing a new revolution from antiquated to an automated inventory management system, some additional features should be added in current chemical inventory system. Parallel with the modern technologies, chemical inventory application using smart phone has been developed. Several studies about current related chemical inventory management using smart phone application has been done in this paper in order to obtain an overview on recent studies in smartphone application for chemical inventory system which are needed in schools, universities or other education institutions. This paper also discuss about designing the proposed secure mobile chemical inventory system. The study of this paper can provide forceful review analysis support for the chemical inventory management system related research.

Chemical inventory management system has been experiencing a new revolution from traditional inventory system which is manual to an automated inventory management system. In this paper, some review of the classic and modern approaches to chemical inventory management system has been discussed. This paper also describe about both type of inventory management. After a comparative analysis of the traditional method and automated method, it can be said that both methods have some distinctive characteristics. Moreover, the automated inventory management method has higher accuracy of calculation because the calculations are handled by software, eliminating possible errors and saving time. The automated inventory system also allows users and administrators to track the availability, location and consumption of chemicals. The study of this paper can provide forceful review analysis support for the chemical inventory management related research.

The demand for a greater inventory management system which can provide a lot of useful information from a single scan has made laboratory inventory management using barcode technology more difficult. Since the barcode technology lacks the ability to overcome the problem and is not capable of providing information needed to manage the chemicals in the laboratory, thus employing a QR code technology is the best solution. In this research, the main idea is to develop a standalone application running with its own database that is periodically synchronized with the inventory software hosted by the computer and connected to a specialized network as well. The first process required to establish this centralized system is to determine all inventory available in the chemical laboratory by referring to the documented data in order to develop the database. Several customization and enhancement were made to the open source QR code technology to ensure the developed application is dedicated for its main purposes. As the end of the research, it was proven that the system is able to track the position of all inventory and showing real time information about the scanned chemical labels. This paper intends to give an overview about the QR tag inventory system that was developed and its implementation at the National Defence University of Malaysia's (NDUM) chemical laboratory.

This paper deals with the traditional Malay healing ritualistic ceremony known as Main Puteri. This non-invasive intervention uses the vehicle of performance to administer the healing process. It employs the performance elements of Makyung, that is, music, movements/dance and dramatic dialogue to heal psychosomatic maladies. There are two perspectives to this therapeutic healing process, one traditional and the other scientific. From the traditional perspective, the psychosomatic illness is attributed to the infestations/possessions by malevolent spirits. To heal such patients, these spirits must be exorcised through placating them by making offerings. From the scientific perspective, the music (sonic orders), movements (kinetic energy) and smell (olfactory) connect with the brain waves to release the chemicals that would activate the internal healing energy. Currently, in Main Puteri, the therapeutic healing ritual is no longer relevant as modern clinical medicine has proven to be more effective. Thus, Main Puteri is an anachronism in today’s technologically advanced Malaysia., {"references":["Mohamed GhouseNasuruddin. (2010). The confluence between arts and medical science- music movement therapy for children with cerebral palsy. Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences 17 (3): 1-4.","Zealand, V. (2008). Reality Transurfing: A rustle of morning star level II. O Books: Washington.","Beauregard, M. (2012). Brain wars. Harper: New York.","Wavell, S., Epton, E. & Butt, Audrey. (1988). Trances. Antara Book Company: Kuala Lumpur.","Mohamed Ghouse Nasuruddin. (1972). Religion and the shadow theatre. Unpublished Master's thesis, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA.","Mohamed Ghouse Nasuruddin. (2009). Traditional malay theatre. Dewan Bahasadan Pustaka: Kuala Lumpur.","The major part of this text consists of data collected through observation of healing performances and interviews of the main players of the Main Putri healing ceremony, during a field work in Tumpat, Kelantan, Malaysia in November 2013."]}

This paper looks at healing performances as ethnographic expressions of local knowledge and culture embedded within the Malay psyche and gemeinschaft. As society develops and progresses, these healing performances are caught within conflicting trajectories which become compounded by the contestations of tradition, religious concerns, locality and modernity. As exemplifications of the Malay ethos, these performances practice common rituals, cater to the innate needs of the practitioners and serve the targeted, closed, local community. This paper traces the ethnographic methods in documenting these practices as rituals of healing in a post-modern world. It delineates the ethnographic concepts used to analyze these rituals, and to semiotically read the varied binarial oppositions and juxtapositions. The paper concludes by highlighting the reconciliatory processes involved in maintaining these ritual performances as exemplifications of the Malay ethos playing an important role in the re-aligning, re-balancing and healing of the Malay community’s psyche.

The role of the VEGF signaling pathway in angiogenesis has been extensively investigated, and many new targeted anti-angiogenic drugs have evolved from this knowledge. The recent approval and introduction of these anti-neoplastic drugs has revolutionized the treatment of many types of cancers, but has also revealed numerous toxicities to the skin and its adnexae. Since these cutaneous side effects may have a significant impact on the physical, emotional and psychosocial health of patients, it is important for dermatologists and oncologists alike to be aware of the cutaneous complications of these drugs in order to properly diagnose and treat them. This review will detail the presentation of the cutaneous complications of the anti-angiogenic drugs, most notably bevacizumab, sorafenib and sunitinib, and shed light on the management of such adverse reactions.

This paper presents a firefly algorithm (FA) for tuning the proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controller parameters in order to achieve a desired transient response. The proposed approach has superior features including easy implementation, stable convergence characteristic and good computational efficiency. Comparing with Ziegler-Nichols method, the proposed method is more efficient in improuving the step response characteristics.

In this paper, presented an analysis and designed structure for Ultra-Wide Band (UWB) band pass filter that was carried out using a composite microstrip line with -10 dB and fractional bandwidth of more than 92%. This designed of band pass filter is suitable for ultra-wide band application system. The proposed filter was designed based on 7th order Chebeyshev with 0.5 dB ripple which operate between 4.1 GHz to 8.1GHz. Most of the communication systems and applications work at this frequency range.

Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) and Sweet’s syndrome (SS) are skin diseases usually presenting with recurrent ulcers and erythematous plaques, respectively. The accumulation of neutrophils in the skin, characteristic of these conditions, led to coin the term of neutrophilic dermatoses to define them. Recently, neutrophilic dermatoses have been included in the group of autoinflammatory diseases, which classically comprises genetically determined forms due to mutations of genes regulating the innate immune response. Both PG and SS are frequently associated with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs); however, IBD patients develop PG in 1–3 % of cases, whereas SS is rarer. Clinically, PG presents with deep erythematous-to-violaceous painful ulcers with well-defined borders; bullous, pustular, and vegetative variants can also occur. SS is characterized by the abrupt onset of fever, peripheral neutrophilia, tender erythematous skin lesions, and a diffuse neutrophilic dermal infiltrate. It is also known as acute febrile neutrophilic dermatosis. Treatment of PG involves a combination of wound care, topical medications, antibiotics for secondary infections, and treatment of the underlying IBD. Topical therapies include corticosteroids and the calcineurin inhibitor tacrolimus. The most frequently used systemic medications are corticosteroids and cyclosporine, in monotherapy or in combination. Dapsone, azathioprine, cyclophosphamide, methotrexate, intravenous immunoglobulins, mycophenolate mofetil, and plasmapheresis are considered second-line agents. Hyperbaric oxygen, as supportive therapy, can be added. Anti-TNF-α agents such as etanercept, infliximab, and adalimumab are used in refractory cases. SS is usually responsive to oral corticosteroids, and the above-mentioned immunosuppressants should be considered in resistant or highly relapsing cases.

Maria Gavrilova, MD; Alejandro Martin-Gorgojo, MD; Carmen Ruiz-Domenech, MD; Maria-Dolores Alonso-Salvador, MD; Maria del Carmen Gomez-Mateo, MD; Esperanza Jorda-Cuevas, MD, PhD; Departments of Dermatology (Drs Gavrilova, Martin-Gorgojo, Ruiz-Domenech, and Jorda-Cuevas), Neurology (Dr Alonso-Salvador), and Anatomy Pathology (Dr Gomez-Mateo), Clinical University Hospital of Valencia, Valencia, Spain

A petroleum refinery is a complex combination of interdependent industrial processes that generate wastewater effluent containing hydrocarbons, heavy metals and dissolved minerals which cause harmful effects to human and environment. While physicochemical systems are widely accepted as effective methods for treatment of industrial wastewater, biological processes are beginning to play an increasing role in the treatment of metal containing effluents. The objective of the present study is to investigate the biological treatment of refinery wastewater containing nickel. The SBR performance was assessed by measuring Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), Mixed Liquor Suspended Solid (MLSS), Mixed Liquor Volatile Suspended Solid (MLVSS) as well as nickel concentrations. The SBR was operated on a 12-hour cycle basis which consisted of five distinct modes: fill, react, settle, draw, and idle. The wastewater was brought from an equalization tank of a refinery plant and was fed to the reactor after characterization. The nickel concentration ranged from 2.3 to 2.6 mg/L. The experimental results demonstrate COD and nickel removal efficiencies of 70–90% and 77–80%, respectively.

Pasieka JL, 1997, SURGERY, V122, P1089; Angelis M, 1997, SURGERY, V122, P1083, DOI 10.1016-S0039-6060(97)90212-9; Basile C, 2002, J NEPHROL, V15, P676; Bleyer AJ, 1998, AM J KIDNEY DIS, V32, P376, DOI 10.1053-ajkd.1998.v32.pm9740152; Bolognia JL, 2008, DERMATOLOGY, P654; Bosler DS, 2007, AM J DERMATOPATH, V29, P400, DOI 10.1097-DAD.0b013e3180ddb535; Elder DE, 2005, LEVERS HISTOPATHOLOG, P238; Essary LR, 2000, AM J CLIN PATHOL, V113, P280; Fine A, 2002, KIDNEY INT, V61, P2210, DOI 10.1046-j.1523-1755.2002.00375.x; Goff HW, 2005, CUTIS, V75, P325; GOLITZ LE, 1972, ARCH DERMATOL, V106, P398, DOI 10.1001-archderm.106.3.398; Kalajian AH, 2009, ARCH DERMATOL, V145, P451, DOI 10.1001-archdermatol.2008.602; Kutlu NO, 2003, PEDIATR HEMAT ONCOL, V20, P141, DOI 10.1080-08880010390158621; Mastruserio DN, 1999, J AM ACAD DERMATOL, V41, P295, DOI 10.1016-S0190-9622(99)70368-3; Mohammed IA, 2008, NEPHROL DIAL TRANSPL, V23, P387, DOI 10.1093-ndt-gfm676; Ng AT, 2011, DERMATOL THER, V24, P256, DOI 10.1111-j.1529-8019.2011.01401.x; Nigwekar SU, 2008, CLIN J AM SOC NEPHRO, V3, P1139, DOI 10.2215-CJN.00530108; RAPER RF, 1985, NEPHRON, V39, P389, DOI 10.1159-000183411; Raymond CB, 2008, AM J HEALTH-SYST PH, V65, P1419, DOI 10.2146-ajhp070546; Riegert-Johnson DL, 2001, MAYO CLIN PROC, V76, P749; Schliep S, 2008, EUR J DERMATOL, V18, P554, DOI 10.1684-ejd.2008.0499; SELYE H, 1962, J INVEST DERMATOL, V39, P259, DOI 10.1038-jid.1962.111; Weenig RH, 2008, J AM ACAD DERMATOL, V58, P458, DOI 10.1016-j.jaad.2007.12.006

Great interests in metallic oxides have emerged because of the promising properties of these materials for various applications such as solar cells and sensors. ZnO nanostructures with different morphologies were successfully synthesized from Zn(CH3COO)2•2H2O, NaOH and room temperature ionic liquid (RTIL) 1-decyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate, [DMIm][BF4] with ultrasound irradiation. Parameters such as the effect of sonication time (30, 60 and 90 minutes) and Zn(Ac)2 precursor to [DMIm][BF4] ratios of 3:5, 5:5 and 5:3 were investigated. X-ray diffraction patterns revealed that the ZnO nanocrystals were hexagonal zincite crystalline in structure. The band gap energies (Eg) were estimated to be 3.35-3.55 eV from the UV-Visible spectrum. The solution with the highest ratio of Zn was analysed with photoluminescence spectroscopy, which exhibited peaks at 362, 403, 468 and 539 nm, at room temperature. The micrographs of field emission scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy sho...

Let (Yn) be a sequence of i.i.d. random variables with zero mean such thatP(Y1≠0)>0. Consider the random walkSn=Y1+...+Yn and an a.s. finite stopping time ν with respect to the σ-fieldsFn=σ(Y1,..., Yn). In this paper we present a number of remarks on a theorem of Burkholder and Gundy concerning an estimate involvingE(supn≥1|SvΔn|p).

Renal venous thrombosis (RVT) is a rare but a well recognized entity in children and neonates. The clinical signs of neonatal RVT include hypertension, enlarged kidney(s), hematuria, renal insufficiency, proteinuria, thrombocytopenia, or all. Persisting impairment of kidney function and hypertension are serious and common complications in patients with RVT. Risk factors for the development of RVT include maternal diabetes mellitus, pathologic states associated with thrombosis (e.g., shock, dehydration, perinatal asphyxia, polycythemia), and sepsis. Inherited prothrombotic abnormalities have been described in some reports of RVT. We report the case of a male newborn with left RVT and associated homozygosity for both factor V Leiden (G1691A) and methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase C677T mutations in addition to elevated serum lipoprotein (a). The patient was treated with heparin. We believe our case to be the first reported case in the English medical literature of such an association between neonatal RVT and homozygosity for both factor V Leiden and methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase. This case and other studies clearly demonstrate that neonatal RVT should be evaluated for thrombophilia conditions.

This paper presents the effect of atmospheric attenuation during severe hazy days for free space optical communications. The usage of free space optical communications is still rare in Malaysia due to environment factor. The FSO technology is also known as unguided beam or dasiaoptical wirelesspsila or infrared broadband. This study offers quick preliminary investigation on possible FSO performance based on wavelength selection before final commissioning and installation at site. Thus, FSO installers could make quick judgment before giving recommendation of a suitable wavelength to the customers. Preliminary evaluation of system performance of system performance is done by using local weather data obtained from metrological department. Current study among designers and FSO users show that 1550 nm light produce less atmospheric attenuation in the transmission under all weather conditions. In this study, a suitable wavelength for FSO system is found for a particular site in low visibility. The best wavelength selection would result in optimized quality of FSO transmission in hazy conditions.

Apoptosis is known to occur in the limbic system after myocardial infarction (MI) in the rat. Our study was designed to evaluate the time course dynamics of this phenomenon in limbic areas. Apoptosis, i.e., caspase-3 activity and the number of terminal dUTP nick-end labelling-positive cells, as well as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) were quantitated in sham-operated controls and MI rats 1, 2 and 7 days after surgery. Both apoptosis parameters were increased throughout, although in different structures: the CA1 region of the hippocampus and the medial amygdala at day 1, the CA1 region of the hippocampus and the lateral amygdala at day 2, and the frontal cortex at day 7. At day 2, BDNF was decreased in the prefrontal cortex and medial amygdala, whereas it was elevated in the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus; at day 7, BDNF was reduced in the frontal cortex and posterior hypothalamus but was augmented in the medial amygdala. These data indicate that post-MI apoptosis in the limbic system is a dynamic process occurring mainly in the hippocampus and amygdala during the first days after MI. The fact that BDNF was increased as early as 2 days after MI suggests that neurogenesis can occur rapidly in selected limbic regions after MI.

Loss minimization in power system is an important consideration research issue. Transmission losses in a power system can be minimized by means of reactive power compensation. Installing static Var compensation (SVC) in a power system has known to be able to improve voltage level in the system and hence minimizing the system losses. This paper presents a technique to determine the location of the SVC in order to minimize loss in the system. The performance of this technique is tested using 14 buses IEEE reliability test system. A load flow programmed written in MATLAB by using artificial immune system (AIS) technique was used to compute power flow. The test result shows that the location and sizing of the SVC identified by the proposed technique has been able to improve the voltage level of the system and also minimize the losses.

Although the association between alopecia areata (AA), psoriasis, and other autoimmune diseases has been well reported in the literature, an association with metabolic syndrome has not been reported. We present two young women with the combination of severe psoriasis, androgen excess, metabolic syndrome, thyroiditis, and AA. Both women ultimately progressed to treatment-resistant alopecia universalis. This constellation of autoimmunity and metabolic syndrome presents a therapeutic challenge while highlighting the need for full laboratory assessment of AA patients. Careful selection of biological treatment regimens may offer therapeutic benefit for both their psoriasis and AA while giving us experience with the newer biologics in AA.

Hintergrund: Es wurde gezeigt, dass niederfrequenter Ultraschall eine Alternative zum chirurgischen Wunddebridement (WD) ist und die Wundheilung stimuliert; allerdings liegen hierzu nur wenige Daten vor. Ziel: Vergleich von Wirksamkeit, Vertraglichkeit und Nutzen der beiden Wundbehandlungsmethoden. Methoden: Monozentrische, prospektive, randomisierte, kontrollierte klinische Studie zur Beurteilung der von den Patienten berichteten Behandlungsergebnisse und der klinischen Wirksamkeit der ultraschallgestutzten Wundreinigung (UAW) im Vergleich zum WD. Ergebnisse: Insgesamt wurden 67 Patienten behandelt. Beide Behandlungen zeigten gute Wirksamkeit und Vertraglichkeit: 88% der UAW-Patienten und 85,2% der WD-Patienten berichteten einen mehr als geringfugigen Nutzen. Die Lebensqualitat besserte sich signifikant. In beiden Gruppen kam es zu einer Besserung des Wundstatus und zu einem Ruckgang der Schmerzen. Schlussfolgerung: Im Vergleich zum Goldstandard (WD) zeigt die UAW die gleiche hohe Wirksamkeit, einen ahnlichen Patientennutzen und eine verbesserte Lebensqualitat. Beide Verfahren sind fur die auserst nutzbringende leitlinienbasierte Behandlung chronischer Wunden gleichermasen geeignet.

Hintergrund: Psoriasis vulgaris (PV) ist mit einer niedriggradigen systemischen Entzündung verbunden. Ziel: Die Serummuster von Zytokinen und Wachstumsfaktoren wurden bei Patienten mit PV und allergischer Kontaktdermatitis (ACD) sowie bei gesunden Probanden untersucht, um systemische Entzündungsreaktionen bei diesen Erkrankungen zu beschreiben und zu vergleichen. Methoden: Insgesamt 12 entzündungssensitive Biomarker wurden mit Hilfe der Evidence Investigator™ Biochip-Technologie gleichzeitig analysiert. Ergebnisse: Bei PV waren der proinflammatorische Tumornekrosefaktor-α (TNF-α), Interferon-γ (IFN-γ), die Interleukine IL-1β, -2, -6, -8 und das Monozyten-Chemotaktische Protein-1 (MCP-1) erhöht. Bei ACD waren 2 Marker (TNF-α und MCP-1) erhöht und das regulatorische Zytokin IL-10 wies einen niedrigeren Wert auf. Das proinflammatorische IL-2 hatte bei PV und ACD die stärksten Korrelationen mit anderen pro- bzw. antiinflammatorischen Zytokinen, während IL-6 positiv mit dem Psoriasis Area and Severity Index korrelierte. Die Konzentrationen der Wachstumsfaktoren korrelierten mit MCP-1, jedoch nur bei PV. Schlussfolgerung: Obwohl PV eine vielfältigere proinflammatorische systemische Reaktion induziert, ist auch ACD mit einem systemischen Anstieg von Entzündungsmediatoren verbunden.

Hintergrund: Zur Wirksamkeit der Corticosteroid-Pulstherapie bei Alopecia areata (AA) liegen nur wenige Daten vor. Ziel: Mit

Hintergrund: Die photodynamische Therapie (PDT) stellt eine optimale Behandlung fur das Basalzellkarzinom (BCC) dar. Die konfokale Reflexionsmikroskopie (RCM; ref

Hintergrund: Demodex-Milben sind an verschiedenen Hautkrankheiten beteiligt und werden im Allgemeinen mittels Schabetest oder oberflachlichen Hautbiopsien nachgewiesen. Eine neue hochauflosende optische Koharenztomographie (HD-OCT) mit hoher lateraler und axialer Auflosung in einem horizontalen (en-face) und vertikalen (slice) Bildgebungsmodus konnte die Moglichkeit einer nichtinvasiven und schnellen In-vivo-Untersuchung auf Demodex-Milben bieten. Methoden: 20 Patienten mit Demodex-bedingten Hautkrankheiten und 20 nach Alter und Geschlecht vergleichbare Kontrollen wurden mittels HD-OCT untersucht. Die Milben pro Haarfollikel und Haarfollikel pro Gesichtsfeld wurden gezahlt und mit den Ergebnissen des Schabetests verglichen. Ergebnisse: In den HD-OCT-Bildern erschienen die Milben als helle runde Flecken, die in Gruppen von 3-5 Milben pro Haarfollikel angeordnet waren. Bei den Patienten mit Demodex-bedingter Hauterkrankung war eine mittlere Anzahl von 3,4 Milben pro Follikel nachweisbar bei einer mittleren Anzahl von 2,9 befallenen Follikeln pro Gesichtsfeld gegenuber einer mittleren Anzahl von 0,6 Milben in 0,4 befallenen Follikeln bei den Kontrollen. Der Schabetest war bei 21% der Patienten negativ. Schlussfolgerung: Die innovative HD-OCT ermoglicht einen schnellen und nichtinvasiven In-vivo-Nachweis von Demodex-Milben und konnte zu einem wichtigen Hilfsmittel in der Diagnose und Behandlungskontrolle von Demodex-bedingten Hauterkrankungen werden.

Hintergrund: Condylomata acuminata (CA) wird vom humanen Papillomavirus verursacht. Die meisten herkommlichen Therapien fur CA sind mit einer hohen Rezidivrate ve

Hintergrund: Im Jahr 2008 wurde in Deutschland das Hautkrebs-Screening in die gesetzlichen Gesundheitsleistungen fur Personen ≥35 Jahre aufgenommen. Bisher nehmen

Ten phenolic and flavonoid compounds including one new acylated flavonol glycoside were isolated from Psidium gauijava seeds. The structures of the new compound quercetin-3-O-beta-D-(2"-O-galloyl glucoside)-4'-O-vinylpropionate and of the known compounds were elucidated by different chemical and physical methods, 1H- and 13C NMR spectral analysis.

Although automation is playing an increasing role on the ship's bridge, empirical research on the effectiveness of alternative bridge designs is limited. In this paper, we describe an experimental study of the benefits of integrated information display, using a computerized simulation of a highly automated ship's bridge. The study compared three types of interface design, which presented radar and electronic chart information to the operator in different ways: (a) integrated display, (b) functionally-separate display, and (c) spatially-separate display. Effects were examined in relation to time on watch and scenario complexity. Following extensive training on the task, 39 participants were tested over a 4-h experimental session, during which they encountered a sequence of collision scenarios of varying complexity. Using a dual-task methodology, a range of measures of primary and secondary task performance were taken, together with assessment of information sampling behaviour and subjective operator state (workload, fatigue, anxiety and situation awareness). The results indicated slight navigational advantages of the integrated display over the two alternative display types, although it also incurred higher levels of operator cost, particularly fatigue. There were no marked effects of time on watch, but more complex scenarios were associated with impaired performance, increased workload and reduced situation awareness. Overall, the findings have suggested some benefits of integrating primary information sources in a ship's bridge environment. The study further confirms the value of experimental simulations as tools for investigating design issues for ship's bridge automation.

Abbas O, 2010, J CUTAN PATHOL, V37, P1032, DOI 10.1111-j.1600-0560.2010.01575.x; Colbert RL, 2007, ARCH DERMATOL, V143, P19, DOI 10.1001-archderm.143.1.19; DALMAU J, 2006, J AM ACAD DERMATOL S, V55, P56; HALLOPEAU H, 1887, UN MED, V43, P742; Kreuter A, 2009, ARCH DERMATOL, V145, P1303, DOI 10.1001-archdermatol.2009.235; MEFFERT JJ, 1995, J AM ACAD DERMATOL, V32, P393, DOI 10.1016-0190-9622(95)90060-8; Meffert JJ, 1995, J AM ACAD DERMATOL, V32, P417; Oyama N, 2003, LANCET, V362, P118, DOI 10.1016-S0140-6736(03)13863-9; TREMAINE RDL, 1989, INT J DERMATOL, V28, P10; Wallace H J, 1971, Trans St Johns Hosp Dermatol Soc, V57, P9