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European Journal of Case Reports in... 2023Sweet's syndrome or acute febrile neutrophilic dermatosis is characterized by an acute inflammatory skin eruption of oedematous and erythematous papules, plaques or...
UNLABELLED
Sweet's syndrome or acute febrile neutrophilic dermatosis is characterized by an acute inflammatory skin eruption of oedematous and erythematous papules, plaques or nodules, accompanied by fever, and leucocytosis with possible extracutaneous involvement. Aetiologies include infections, inflammatory bowel disease, pregnancy or malignancy, or the syndrome may be drug-induced by many classes of medications or very rarely, radiocontrast exposure. Herein, the authors report a case of radiocontrast-induced bullous Sweet's syndrome and contrast-induced acute kidney injury in a woman in her 60s with a complex medical history.
LEARNING POINTS
Patients with Sweet's syndrome (SS) typically present with acute-onset fever, leucocytosis, and erythematous, tender plaques with dense neutrophilic infiltration in the dermis. The condition is classified into three subtypes: classic SS, malignancy-associated SS, and drug-induced SS.Drug-induced SS is characterized by an abrupt onset of a painful erythematous rash, dense neutrophilic dermal infiltrate without vasculitis, a temporal relationship between exposure and onset, and resolution of symptoms after drug discontinuation and/or corticosteroid therapy.Treatment options include systemic corticosteroids as first-line therapy, while colchicine, dapsone, indomethacin, naproxen, clofazimine, ciclosporin, α-interferon, and potassium iodide may be considered as second-line therapies in cases resistant to corticosteroids.
PubMed: 37051479
DOI: 10.12890/2023_003781 -
Cureus Mar 2023Graves' disease is an autoimmune condition in which the patient develops autoantibodies that stimulate the thyroid gland, leading to thyrotoxicosis. We report the case...
Graves' disease is an autoimmune condition in which the patient develops autoantibodies that stimulate the thyroid gland, leading to thyrotoxicosis. We report the case of a 29-year-old female who presented one month postpartum with typical symptoms and signs of thyrotoxicosis. Biochemical and radiological investigations confirmed thyrotoxicosis due to Graves' disease. She received methimazole (MMI) treatment, leading to an allergic reaction in the form of a generalized rash on the body precluding its use. We later started the treatment with propylthiouracil, which she initially tolerated well. During her treatment, she became pregnant and delivered a baby girl by cesarean section at 37 weeks of gestation. The baby developed neonatal thyrotoxicosis due to the transplacental transmission of maternal thyrotropin receptor antibodies. Thyrotoxicosis was short-lived, without consequences, and treated with antithyroid drugs. Three months after delivery, thyroid hormone levels rose considerably, requiring higher doses of propylthiouracil, which resulted in severe hepatic dysfunction, and therefore we stopped the therapy. We admitted her to the hospital for rapid correction of thyroid hormones using steroids, supersaturated potassium iodide, and cholestyramine before she underwent a total thyroidectomy. Our case highlights the challenges the patients and clinicians can face while managing Graves' disease. We discuss the role of a multidisciplinary team approach to care and the options available for treatment in such difficult situations.
PubMed: 37050997
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.36028 -
Scientific Reports Apr 2023Iodine-containing formulations have been widely used to treat iodine deficiency and as antiseptics. Lecithin-bound iodine (LBI) has been approved to treat allergic...
Iodine-containing formulations have been widely used to treat iodine deficiency and as antiseptics. Lecithin-bound iodine (LBI) has been approved to treat allergic diseases in Japan; however, its underlying mechanism remains unknown. In this study, we show that LBI ameliorated disease symptoms in an ovalbumin (OVA)-induced allergic rhinitis mouse model. LBI suppressed OVA-specific IgE production by attenuating germinal center (GC) reaction in the draining lymph nodes. The antiallergic effect of LBI is most likely attributed to increased serum iodine levels but not thyroid hormone levels. In vitro treatment of activated B cells with potassium iodide induced ferroptosis by increasing intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and ferrous iron in a concentration-dependent manner. Accordingly, LBI diets increased ROS levels in GC B cells of the draining lymph nodes. This study suggests that iodine directly promotes ferroptosis in activated B cells and attenuates GC reactions, leading to the alleviation of allergic symptoms.
Topics: Mice; Animals; Ferroptosis; Reactive Oxygen Species; Rhinitis, Allergic; Iodine; Anti-Allergic Agents; Ovalbumin; Mice, Inbred BALB C; Disease Models, Animal; Cytokines
PubMed: 37012320
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-32552-1 -
Polymers Mar 2023Microplastic pollution has become a global environmental problem. Textile microplastics are an important component of microplastic pollution, but little is known about...
Microplastic pollution has become a global environmental problem. Textile microplastics are an important component of microplastic pollution, but little is known about their contamination in the industrial environment. The lack of standardized methods for detecting and quantifying textile microplastics is a major obstacle to determining the risks they pose to the natural environment. This study systematically examines the pretreatment options for the extraction of microplastics from printing and dyeing wastewater. The effectiveness of potassium hydroxide, nitric acid-hydrogen peroxide mixed solution, hydrogen peroxide, and Fenton's reagent for the removal of organic matter from textile wastewater is compared. Three textile microplastics, polyethylene terephthalate, polyamide, and polyurethane, are studied. The effects of the digestion treatment on the physicochemical properties of textile microplastics are characterized. The separation efficiency of sodium chloride, zinc chloride, sodium bromide, sodium iodide, and sodium chloride-sodium iodide mixed solution on the textile microplastics is tested. The results showed that Fenton's reagent achieved a 78% removal rate of organic matter from printing and dyeing wastewater. Meanwhile, it has less of an effect on the physicochemical properties of textile microplastics after digestion and is the best reagent for digestion. The zinc chloride solution achieved a 90% recovery for separating textile microplastics with good reproducibility. It does not affect the subsequent characterization analysis after separation and is the best solution for density separation.
PubMed: 36987174
DOI: 10.3390/polym15061394 -
ACS Omega Mar 2023With increasing industrial production, pollutants generated in the process of bleaching or dying disperse to the natural water medium. Therefore, an effective...
With increasing industrial production, pollutants generated in the process of bleaching or dying disperse to the natural water medium. Therefore, an effective photocatalytic material must be prepared for water treatment quickly. In the present study, a novel and effective V-scheme AgWO/BaO/NiO heterostructure photocatalyst with high photocatalytic performance for the degradation of different organic pollutants was designed and formed by a simple precipitation method. Scanning electron microscopy images showed that BaO, NiO, and AgWO/BaO/NiO have a nanopipe, spherical, and nanorod morphology, respectively. X-ray diffraction results indicated that cubic phases were obtained with higher crystallite structure and lower crystallite distortion. The optical properties of the samples exhibited UV-absorption regions with about 3.35, 3.38, and 3.28 eV band gaps for BaO, BaO/NiO, and AgWO/BaO/NiO, respectively. The photocatalytic activity was investigated by the degradation of Congo red under UV-light irradiation. To investigate the photocatalytic mechanism, the photodegradation performance of the catalyst was analyzed with different scavengers such as isopropyl alcohol, ascorbic acid, and potassium iodide (KI), and it was shown that the main active species were O radicals and that OH radicals have a significant contribution toward the degradation process. Compared to bare BaO and BaO/NiO samples, AgWO/BaO/NiO showed excellent photocatalytic activity and about 41%, 66 and 99% of Congo red photodegraded under UV light within 30 min. The reason for this is that the AgWO/BaO/NiO heterostructure displayed wider contact which promoted more charge-transfer ways to shorten the electron transportation path and increase the inhibition of electron-hole pairs.
PubMed: 36936279
DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.2c08090 -
BMC Plant Biology Mar 2023Cotton (Gossypium sp.) has been cultivated for centuries for its spinnable fibers, but its seed oil also possesses untapped economic potential if, improvements could be...
BACKGROUND
Cotton (Gossypium sp.) has been cultivated for centuries for its spinnable fibers, but its seed oil also possesses untapped economic potential if, improvements could be made to its oleic acid content.
RESULTS
Previous studies, including those from our laboratory, identified pima accessions containing approximately doubled levels of seed oil oleic acid, compared to standard upland cottonseed oil. Here, the molecular properties of a fatty acid desaturase encoded by a mutant allele identified by genome sequencing in an earlier analysis were analyzed. The mutant sequence is predicted to encode a C-terminally truncated protein lacking nine residues, including a predicted endoplasmic reticulum membrane retrieval motif. We determined that the mutation was caused by a relatively recent movement of a Ty1/copia type retrotransposon that is not found associated with this desaturase gene in other sequenced cotton genomes. The mutant desaturase, along with its repaired isozyme and the wild-type A-subgenome homoeologous protein were expressed in transgenic yeast and stably transformed Arabidopsis plants. All full-length enzymes efficiently converted oleic acid to linoleic acid. The mutant desaturase protein produced only trace amounts of linoleic acid, and only when strongly overexpressed in yeast cells, indicating that the missing C-terminal amino acid residues are not strictly required for enzyme activity, yet are necessary for proper subcellular targeting to the endoplasmic reticulum membrane.
CONCLUSION
These results provide the biochemical underpinning that links a genetic lesion present in a limited group of South American pima cotton accessions and their rare seed oil oleic acid traits. Markers developed to the mutant desaturase allele are currently being used in breeding programs designed to introduce this trait into agronomic upland cotton varieties.
Topics: Oleic Acid; Gossypium; Linoleic Acid; Alleles; Saccharomyces cerevisiae; Potassium Iodide; Plant Breeding; Fatty Acid Desaturases; Seeds; Cottonseed Oil; Plant Proteins
PubMed: 36932365
DOI: 10.1186/s12870-023-04160-8 -
Annals of Translational Medicine Feb 2023Cutaneous sporotrichosis is prevalent worldwide and a common subcutaneous fungal disease in northeast China. The incidence of cutaneous sporotrichosis in southern China...
BACKGROUND
Cutaneous sporotrichosis is prevalent worldwide and a common subcutaneous fungal disease in northeast China. The incidence of cutaneous sporotrichosis in southern China cannot be ignored. Previous studies have revealed differences between different regions in China regarding populations susceptible to infection, cause of infection, and pathological mechanisms of sporotrichosis. Therefore, This study aimed to analyze the differences in the epidemiological characteristics of cutaneous sporotrichosis in different regions of China to provide a reference for regional prevention, control, and treatment.
METHODS
We searched PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, CNKI, WanFang Data, and VIP for published reports on cutaneous sporotrichosis in China. The information about the characteristics of populations getting cutaneous sporotrichosis, causes of infection, disease types, and treatment regimens was extracted from studies to construct a knowledge database of cutaneous sporotrichosis in China. Taking the Qinling Mountains-Huaihe River line as the boundary to divide China into the northern and southern, the epidemiological characteristics of cutaneous sporotrichosis in two parts of China were analyzed.
RESULTS
In northern China, more women than men get cutaneous sporotrichosis (60.4% 39.6%), while it is the other way around in southern China (men women: 50.6% 49.4%). In northern China, the incidence of this disease was more concentrated in spring (34.0%) and winter (35.7%), while in southern China, this disease frequently spread in spring (48.1%) and summer (26.9%). In the north, cutaneous sporotrichosis usually affected the face (50.1%) and limbs (45.3%), while in the south, it targets limbs (72.6%). In northern China, potassium iodide (30.5%) and combination therapy (37.8%) were preferred, while in southern China, potassium iodide (86.0%) was the main choice. Although there was a significant difference in treatment regimens (P<0.05), no significant difference emerged in cure rates between northern and southern China (98.5% 98.4%, P>0.05).
CONCLUSIONS
It is the first retrospective study on sporotrichosis in China. It describes the prevention of sporotrichosis in China since it was first reported and also reflects the differences in sporotrichosis between the northern and southern of China. This study provides a valuable reference for the prevention, control, and treatment of sporotrichosis in different regions of China.
PubMed: 36923077
DOI: 10.21037/atm-23-448 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Feb 2023Sulfonamides are a conventional class of antibiotics that are well-suited to combat infections. However, their overuse leads to antimicrobial resistance. Porphyrins and...
Sulfonamides are a conventional class of antibiotics that are well-suited to combat infections. However, their overuse leads to antimicrobial resistance. Porphyrins and analogs have demonstrated excellent photosensitizing properties and have been used as antimicrobial agents to photoinactivate microorganisms, including multiresistant (MRSA) strains. It is well recognized that the combination of different therapeutic agents might improve the biological outcome. In this present work, a novel -arylporphyrin and its Zn(II) complex functionalized with sulfonamide groups were synthesized and characterized and the antibacterial activity towards MRSA with and without the presence of the adjuvant KI was evaluated. For comparison, the studies were also extended to the corresponding sulfonated porphyrin TPP(SOH). Photodynamic studies revealed that all porphyrin derivatives were effective in photoinactivating MRSA (>99.9% of reduction) at a concentration of 5.0 μM upon white light radiation with an irradiance of 25 mW cm and a total light dose of 15 J cm. The combination of the porphyrin photosensitizers with the co-adjuvant KI during the photodynamic treatment proved to be very promising allowing a significant reduction in the treatment time and photosensitizer concentration by six times and at least five times, respectively. The combined effect observed for TPP(SONHEt) and ZnTPP(SONHEt) with KI seems to be due to the formation of reactive iodine radicals. In the photodynamic studies with TPP(SOH) plus KI, the cooperative action was mainly due to the formation of free iodine (I).
Topics: Humans; Photosensitizing Agents; Staphylococcus aureus; Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus; Porphyrins; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Sulfanilamide; Staphylococcal Infections; Adjuvants, Immunologic; Adjuvants, Pharmaceutic; Iodine; Photochemotherapy
PubMed: 36903314
DOI: 10.3390/molecules28052067 -
Journal of the Indian Society of... 2022Caries management in the modern era has shifted away from the traditional surgical method toward a medical paradigm, which often includes fluoride therapy. Fluoride used... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
BACKGROUND
Caries management in the modern era has shifted away from the traditional surgical method toward a medical paradigm, which often includes fluoride therapy. Fluoride used in various forms has been proven to be effective in dental caries prevention. Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) and sodium fluoride (NaF) varnish are effective in arresting caries in primary molars.
AIM
This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of 38% SDF and 5% NaF varnish in arresting caries in primary molars.
SETTINGS AND DESIGN
This study was a split-mouth randomized controlled trial.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
The randomized controlled trial comprised 34 children aged 6-9 years with teeth having caries in both right and left primary molars without pulpal involvement. Teeth were randomly allocated into two groups. In Group 1 (n = 34), 38% SDF + potassium iodide was applied and in Group 2 (n = 34), 5% NaF varnish was applied. The second application was done after 6 months in both groups. Children were recalled at 6- and 12-month intervals and evaluated for caries arrest.
STATISTICAL ANALYSIS
Chi-square test was used to analyze the data.
RESULTS
Caries arresting potential was found to be higher in the SDF group compared to the NaF varnish group at both 6-month (SDF - 82% and NaF varnish - 45%) and 12-month intervals (SDF - 77% and NaF varnish - 42%) and the difference was found to be statistically significant (P = 0.002 and 0.004, respectively).
CONCLUSION
SDF was more effective in arresting dental caries in primary molars compared to 5% NaF varnish.
Topics: Child; Humans; Sodium Fluoride; Dental Caries; Fluorides, Topical; Fluorides; Dental Caries Susceptibility; Molar; Sodium
PubMed: 36861553
DOI: 10.4103/jisppd.jisppd_239_22 -
International Journal of Emergency... Mar 2023Subarachnoid hemorrhage and thyroid storm are similar in their clinical symptomatology, and diagnosis of these conditions, when they occur simultaneously, is difficult....
BACKGROUND
Subarachnoid hemorrhage and thyroid storm are similar in their clinical symptomatology, and diagnosis of these conditions, when they occur simultaneously, is difficult. Here, we report a rare case of concurrent subarachnoid hemorrhage and thyroid storm we encountered at our hospital.
CASE PRESENTATION
The patient was a 52-year-old woman. While bathing at home, the patient experienced a sudden disturbance of consciousness and was brought to our hospital. The main physical findings upon admittance were Glasgow Coma Scale score of E1V2M4, elevated blood pressure (208/145 mmHg), and tachycardia with atrial fibrillation (180 bpm) along with body temperature of 36.1 °C. Brain computed tomography revealed subarachnoid hemorrhage associated with a ruptured aneurysm of the posterior communicating artery branching from the left internal carotid artery, and aneurysm clipping was performed. Blood tests upon admission revealed high levels of free T3 and free T4 and low levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone. Upon determining that the patient had hyperthyroidism, thiamazole was administered. However, due to continuous impaired consciousness, fever, and persistence of tachycardia, the patient was diagnosed with thyroid storm. Oral potassium iodide and hydrocortisone were added to the treatment. The treatment was successful as the patient's symptoms improved, and she became lucid. In this case, we believe that in the presence of untreated hyperthyroidism, the onset of subarachnoid hemorrhage induced thyroid storm. Tachycardia of 130 bpm or higher, which is the diagnostic criterion for thyroid storm, rarely occurs with subarachnoid hemorrhage. Therefore, we believe it is an important factor for recognizing the presence of the thyroid storm. In this case, clipping surgery was prioritized which resulted in a favorable outcome. However, it is possible that invasive surgery may have exacerbated thyroid storm, suggesting that treatment should be tailored as per patient's condition.
CONCLUSION
If a pulse rate of 130 bpm or higher is observed alongside subarachnoid hemorrhage, we recommend considering the possibility of concomitant thyroid storm and testing for thyroid hormone. If concomitant thyroid storm is present, we believe that a treatment plan tailored to the patient's condition is critical, and early diagnosis will lead to a favorable outcome for the patient.
PubMed: 36858963
DOI: 10.1186/s12245-023-00490-4