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Indian Journal of Dermatology,...Background There is emerging evidence of a relationship between atopic dermatitis (AD) and allergic contact dermatitis (ACD), though the data available are scarce with...
Background There is emerging evidence of a relationship between atopic dermatitis (AD) and allergic contact dermatitis (ACD), though the data available are scarce with conflicting viewpoints. We explored the occurrence of contact hypersensitivity among children with atopic dermatitis by patch testing them with the Indian standard series and tried to correlate the presence of contact hypersensitivity with the clinical severity of AD in these children. Methods In this single-centre, cross-sectional study, children between 6 months and 12 years diagnosed with atopic dermatitis were included and patch tested with the Indian standard series. Outcome parameters were the proportion of patients having positive patch-test reactions, the proportion of positive patch-test reactions for each allergen and factors associated with patch test positivity in atopic dermatitis. Results Of the 136 patients, 80 were boys. The mean age of the study population was 5.6 ± 3.2 years. Twenty-eight (20.6%) patients had patch test positivity at 96 h. Fragrance mix was the commonest allergen, followed by potassium dichromate, cobalt chloride hexahydrate and nickel. SCORing atopic dermatitis (SCORAD) was significantly higher in patients with positive patch tests as compared to patients with negative patch tests (P = 0.009). Conclusion Greater disease severity in atopic dermatitis was found to be associated with patch test positivity. Limitations Inability to establish relevance in about 50% of the patients was a limitation of our study. Follow-up data regarding the impact of allergen avoidance is not available.
Topics: Child; Male; Humans; Child, Preschool; Female; Dermatitis, Atopic; Patch Tests; Cross-Sectional Studies; Retrospective Studies; Dermatitis, Allergic Contact; Allergens; Patient Acuity
PubMed: 37609746
DOI: 10.25259/IJDVL_492_2022 -
Heliyon Aug 2023With the rapid development of industry, the increasing discharge of sewage causes the detection of water quality to be of increasing importance. Potassium dichromate...
With the rapid development of industry, the increasing discharge of sewage causes the detection of water quality to be of increasing importance. Potassium dichromate titration is one of the most important testing methods in water quality detection; the ability to accurately identify the titration end-point of potassium dichromate is currently a research challenge. To identify titration end-point quickly and accurately, this study proposes a ResNet14Attention network, which utilizes residual modules that focus on original image information and an attention mechanism that focuses highly on classification targets. The proposed ResNet14Attention network is compared with 12 convolutional neural networks such as ResNet series networks, VGG, and GoogLeNet. The results of comparison experiments reveal that only the proposed ResNet14Attention network has the highest training and testing accuracy of 100% among all convolutional neural networks in the comparison experiment; the proposed ResNet14Attention network has the highest training speed compared to all the networks that over 90% accuracy.
PubMed: 37609400
DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e18992 -
Annals of Dermatology Aug 2023There has been debate regarding whether patients with atopic dermatitis (AD) have an altered frequency of contact allergen sensitization. Increased exposure to topical...
BACKGROUND
There has been debate regarding whether patients with atopic dermatitis (AD) have an altered frequency of contact allergen sensitization. Increased exposure to topical medications and moisturizers as well as impaired skin barrier function increase the risk of contact sensitization, whereas the Th2-skewed inflammatory pathway of AD is associated with a reduced risk.
OBJECTIVE
This retrospective study was performed to determine the characteristics of contact sensitization in allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) patients with a current or past history of AD.
METHODS
A clinical record review was conducted for patients referred to Ewha Womans University Medical Center, for patch tests between March 2017 and March 2021. We compared the rates of contact sensitization between ACD patients with and without AD.
RESULTS
In total, 515 patch test results were reviewed and divided into the AD group (n=53) and non-AD group (n=462). The AD group showed decreased any-allergen positivity (1+, 2+, or 3+) (56.6%) compared to the non-AD group (72.9%) (=0.013). The positivity rate for budesonide was significantly higher in the AD group (=0.011), while the prevalence of a positive result for balsam of Peru was higher in the non-AD group (=0.036). Nickel sulfate, cobalt chloride, and potassium dichromate were the most common sensitized allergens in both groups.
CONCLUSION
Our study shows a decreased prevalence of contact sensitization in AD patients compared to non-AD patients. Clinicians should be aware of the risk of corticosteroid allergies in ACD patients with history of AD.
PubMed: 37550231
DOI: 10.5021/ad.23.001 -
Comparative Biochemistry and... Nov 2023In fish, the skin is directly exposed to multiple environmental stressors and provides the first line of defense against harmful external factors. It turned out that...
In fish, the skin is directly exposed to multiple environmental stressors and provides the first line of defense against harmful external factors. It turned out that cortisol and melatonin (Mel) are involved in fish cutaneous stress response system (CSRS) similar to mammalian. This study investigates the mode of action of CSRS in two teleost species of different biology and skin characteristics, the three-spined stickleback and the European flounder, after exposure to oxidative stress induced by a potassium dichromate solution. The cutaneous stress response system presents different ways of action in two studied species: Mel concentration increases in the skin of both species, but cortisol concentration increases in the skin only in sticklebacks. Data suggest that stickleback skin cells can produce cortisol. However, cortisol is not involved in the response to oxidative stress in flounders. In stickleback skin, two genes encoding AANAT and ASMT/HIOMT (enzymes involved in Mel synthesis), aanat1a and asmt2, are expressed, but in flounder skin, only one, asmtl. Because gene expression does not change in stickleback skin after exposure to stress, the source of increased Mel is probably outside the skin. A lack of expression of the gene encoding AANAT in flounder skin strongly suggests that Mel is transported to the skin by the bloodstream from other sites of synthesis. Pigment dispersion in the skin after exposure to oxidative stress is found only in sticklebacks.
Topics: Animals; Flounder; Hydrocortisone; Melatonin; Smegmamorpha; Fishes; Oxidative Stress; Arylalkylamine N-Acetyltransferase; Mammals
PubMed: 37541323
DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2023.111493 -
Metabolites Jun 2023Plants belonging to the genus have been extensively utilized ethnopharmacologically to treat a variety of diseases, including kidney disorders. Chromium is a common...
Protective Action Mechanisms of Extract and Its Nano-Formulation against Nephrotoxicity in Rats as Revealed via Biochemical, Histopathological, and UPLC-QTOF-MS/MS Analyses.
Plants belonging to the genus have been extensively utilized ethnopharmacologically to treat a variety of diseases, including kidney disorders. Chromium is a common industrial pollutant that has been linked to kidney disease. The present work was designed for the investigation of the UPLC-QTOF-MS/MS metabolite profile of the ethanolic extract (LME), along with assessing the mechanistic protective actions of LME and its nano-silver formulation (LMNS) against KCrO-induced nephrotoxicity in rats. LMNE was successfully biosynthesized and confirmed using UV-Visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The nephroprotective effects of LME and LMNE was assessed in rats exposed to potassium dichromate (KCrO, 15 mg/kg BW) to cause nephrotoxicity. LME and LMNS, separately, were administered twice daily for 14 days at doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg BW, respectively. The kidney function, catalase, UGT, Nrf2, PGE2, Cox-2, ERK, and MAPK levels in renal tissue were all assessed, along with histopathological examinations for exploring their ameliorative effects. Forty-five bioactive metabolites were annotated belonging to flavonoids, phenolic and organic acids, coumarins, and fatty acids. Metabolite profiling revealed that chlorogenic acid, apigenin, and luteolin glycosides were the main phenolics, with chlorogenic acid--hexoside reported for the first time in LME. The findings revealed that the serum kidney function indicators (urea and creatinine) were markedly elevated in KCrO-intoxicated rats. Furthermore, inflammatory indicators (COX-2 and PGE2), MAPK, and ERK were all markedly elevated in kidney tissue, whereas catalase, UGT, and Nrf2 levels were downregulated. Histological and immunohistochemical assays confirmed the toxic effects of KCrO in the kidneys. In contrast, the administration of LME and LMNS prior to KCrO considerably improved the architecture of the renal tissue, while also restoring levels of most biochemical markers. Functioning via the inhibition of the MAPK/ERK pathway, activating Nrf2, and modifying the antioxidant and metabolic enzymes, LME and LMNS exerted their nephroprotective effects against KCrO-induced toxicity.
PubMed: 37512493
DOI: 10.3390/metabo13070786 -
Bioengineering (Basel, Switzerland) Jul 2023Converting more CO absorbed by plant photosynthesis into biomass-activated carbon effectively reduces carbon emissions. In this study, we used a one-step preparation of...
Converting more CO absorbed by plant photosynthesis into biomass-activated carbon effectively reduces carbon emissions. In this study, we used a one-step preparation of biomass-activated carbon loaded with MgO nanoparticles to investigate the effect of Mg loading on the catalytic pyrolysis process. The influences of magnesium loading on biochar yield and fixed carbon production were assessed. The addition of 1% Mg weakened the carbonyl C=O, inhibited the dehydroxylation reaction, enhanced the C-H signal strength, and the formation of MgO inhibited the weaker- bound substituent breakage. Additionally, the addition of magnesium altered the morphological features and chemical composition of the biochar material. It also increased the activated carbon mesoporosity by 3.94%, biochar yield by 5.55%, and fixed carbon yield by 12.14%. The addition of 1% Mg increased the adsorption capacity of the activated carbon to potassium dichromate, acid magenta, methylene blue, and tetracycline effluents by 8.71 mg, 37.15 mg, 117.68 mg, and 3.53 mg, respectively. The results showed that MgCl played a significant role in promoting the thermal degradation of biomass and improving the solid yield and adsorption performance of activated carbon.
PubMed: 37508863
DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering10070836 -
Frontiers in Veterinary Science 2023Coccidiosis caused by the spp., an Apicomplexan protozoon, is a major intestinal disease that affects the poultry industry. Although most cases of coccidiosis are...
INTRODUCTION
Coccidiosis caused by the spp., an Apicomplexan protozoon, is a major intestinal disease that affects the poultry industry. Although most cases of coccidiosis are subclinical, infections impair bird health and decrease overall performance, which can result in compromised welfare and major economic losses. Viable sporulated oocysts are required for challenge studies and live coccidiosis vaccines. Potassium dichromate (PDC) is typically used as a preservative for these stocks during storage. Although effective and inexpensive, PDC is also toxic and carcinogenic. Chlorhexidine (CHX) salts may be a possible alternative, as this is a widely used disinfectant with less toxicity and no known carcinogenic associations.
METHODS
testing of CHX gluconate and CHX digluconate exhibited comparable oocyst integrity and viability maintenance with equivalent bacteriostatic and bactericidal activity to PDC. Subsequent use of CHX gluconate or digluconate-preserved Eimeria oocysts, cold-stored at 4°C for 5 months, as the inoculum also resulted in similar oocyst shedding and recovery rates when compared to PDC-preserved oocysts.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
These data show that using 0.20% CHX gluconate could be a suitable replacement for PDC. Additionally, autofluorescence was used as a method to evaluate oocyst viability. Administration of artificially aged oocysts exhibiting >99% autofluorescence from each preserved treatment resulted in no oocyst output for CHX salt groups.
PubMed: 37496751
DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1226298 -
Iranian Journal of Basic Medical... 2023Our study was conducted to evaluate the synergistic effect of arginine (ARG) and against potassium dichromate (K2Cr2O7) induced-acute hepatic and kidney injury.
OBJECTIVES
Our study was conducted to evaluate the synergistic effect of arginine (ARG) and against potassium dichromate (K2Cr2O7) induced-acute hepatic and kidney injury.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Fifty male Wistar rats were divided into five groups. The control group received distilled water. The potassium dichromate group (PDC) received a single dose of PDC (20 mg/kg; SC). The arginine group (ARG) and group received either daily doses of ARG (100 mg/kg, PO) or (10 CFU/ml, PO) for 14 days. The combination group (ARG+) received daily doses of ARG (100 mg/kg) with (10 CFU/ml), orally for 14 days, before induction of acute liver and kidney injury. Forty eight hours after the last dose of PDC, serum biochemical indices, oxidative stress biomarkers, pro-inflammatory cytokines, histopathological and immunohistochemical analysis were evaluated.
RESULTS
Combining ARG with restored the levels of serum hepatic & kidney enzymes, hepatic & renal oxidative stress biomarkers, and TLR 4/ NF-κB signaling pathway. Furthermore, they succeeded in decreasing the expression of iNOS and ameliorate the hepatic and renal markers of apoptosis: Caspase-3, Bax, and Bcl2.
CONCLUSION
This study depicts that combining ARG with exerted a new bacteriotherapy against hepatic and renal injury caused by PDC.
PubMed: 37427328
DOI: 10.22038/IJBMS.2023.68855.15108 -
International Journal of Molecular... Jun 2023Environmental and occupational exposure to hexavalent chromium, Cr(VI), causes female reproductive failures and infertility. Cr(VI) is used in more than 50 industries...
Hexavalent Chromium Disrupts Oocyte Development in Rats by Elevating Oxidative Stress, DNA Double-Strand Breaks, Microtubule Disruption, and Aberrant Segregation of Chromosomes.
Environmental and occupational exposure to hexavalent chromium, Cr(VI), causes female reproductive failures and infertility. Cr(VI) is used in more than 50 industries and is a group A carcinogen, mutagenic and teratogenic, and a male and female reproductive toxicant. Our previous findings indicate that Cr(VI) causes follicular atresia, trophoblast cell apoptosis, and mitochondrial dysfunction in metaphase II (MII) oocytes. However, the integrated molecular mechanism of Cr(VI)-induced oocyte defects is not understood. The current study investigates the mechanism of Cr(VI) in causing meiotic disruption of MII oocytes, leading to oocyte incompetence in superovulated rats. Postnatal day (PND) 22 rats were treated with potassium dichromate (1 and 5 ppm) in drinking water from PND 22-29 and superovulated. MII oocytes were analyzed by immunofluorescence, and images were captured by confocal microscopy and quantified by Image-Pro Plus software, Version 10.0.5. Our data showed that Cr(VI) increased microtubule misalignment (~9 fold), led to missegregation of chromosomes and bulged and folded actin caps, increased oxidative DNA (~3 fold) and protein (~9-12 fold) damage, and increased DNA double-strand breaks (~5-10 fold) and DNA repair protein RAD51 (~3-6 fold). Cr(VI) also induced incomplete cytokinesis and delayed polar body extrusion. Our study indicates that exposure to environmentally relevant doses of Cr(VI) caused severe DNA damage, distorted oocyte cytoskeletal proteins, and caused oxidative DNA and protein damage, resulting in developmental arrest in MII oocytes.
Topics: Rats; Female; Animals; Male; Follicular Atresia; Chromium; Oxidative Stress; Oocytes; DNA Damage; Microtubules; Chromosomes
PubMed: 37373153
DOI: 10.3390/ijms241210003 -
Environmental Science and Pollution... May 2023Hexavalent chromium salt, like potassium dichromate (PD), is chromium's most precarious valence state in industrial wastes. Recently, there has been increasing interest...
Combined β-sitosterol and trimetazidine mitigate potassium dichromate-induced cardiotoxicity in rats through the interplay between NF-κB/AMPK/mTOR/TLR4 and HO-1/NADPH signaling pathways.
Hexavalent chromium salt, like potassium dichromate (PD), is chromium's most precarious valence state in industrial wastes. Recently, there has been increasing interest in β-sitosterol (BSS), a bioactive phytosterol, as a dietary supplement. BSS is recommended in treating cardiovascular disorders due to its antioxidant effect. Trimetazidine (TMZ) was used traditionally for cardioprotection. Through the administration of BSS and TMZ, the cardiotoxic effects of PD were to be countered in this study, in addition to examining the precise mechanism of PD-induced cardiotoxicity. Thirty male albino rats were divided into five groups; the control group: administered normal saline daily (3 mL/kg); the PD group: administered normal saline daily (3 mL/kg); BSS group: administered BSS daily (20 mg/kg); TMZ group: administered TMZ daily (15 mg/kg); and the BSS + TMZ group: administered both BSS (20 mg/kg) and TMZ (15 mg/kg) daily. All experimental groups, except the control, received on the 19th day a single dose of PD (30 mg/kg/day, S.C.). Normal saline, BSS, and TMZ were received daily for 21 consecutive days p.o. The exposure to PD promoted different oxidative stresses, pro-inflammatory, and cardiotoxicity biomarkers. BSS or TMZ succeeded solely in reducing these deleterious effects; however, their combination notably returned measured biomarkers close to normal values. The histopathological investigations have supported the biochemical findings. The combination of BSS and TMZ protects against PD cardiotoxicity in rats by reducing oxidative stress and apoptotic and inflammatory biomarkers. It may be promising for alleviating and protecting against PD-induced cardiotoxicity in people at an early stage; however, these findings need further clinical studies to be confirmed. HIGHLIGHTS: • Potassium dichromate induces cardiotoxicity in rats through the upregulation of oxidative stress, proinflammatory, and apoptotic pathways biomarkers. • β-Sitosterol possesses a possible cardioprotective effect by modulating several signaling pathways. • Trimetazidine, the antianginal agent, has a potential cardioprotective impact on PD-intoxicated rat model. • The combination of β-Sitosterol and trimetazidine was the best in modulating different pathways involved in PD cardiotoxicity in rats via the interplay between NF-κB/AMPK/mTOR/TLR4 and HO-1/NADPH signaling pathways.
Topics: Male; AMP-Activated Protein Kinases; Biomarkers; Cardiotoxicity; NADP; NF-kappa B; Potassium Dichromate; Saline Solution; Signal Transduction; Toll-Like Receptor 4; TOR Serine-Threonine Kinases; Trimetazidine; Animals; Rats
PubMed: 37115449
DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-27021-1