Nontreated Sites Research Articles

Integrative assessment of in situ combined bioremediation strategies applied to remediate soils spilled with sewage sludges

Landfills and waste disposal sites in the Basque Country are summarized in the inventory of soils that either currently support or have supported potentially polluting activities or facilities (Law 4/2015). Notably, “Landfill 17,” located in Gernika-Lumo, has been receiving, for decades, sewage sludges from the local wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) as agricultural amendment. In order to decontaminate and recover soil functionality, a combination of bioremediation (which involved bioagumentation and phyto- and vermitechnologies) and complementary bioremediation strategy (i.e., promotion and maintenance of the native vegetation) was implemented in situ. Physicochemical and ecotoxicological characterization were achieved. Furthermore, an ecotoxicological assessment of the soils upon flora and fauna was carried out through the application of different bioassays and biomarkers. Additionally, an integrative biomarker response (IBR/n) index was calculated to provide a holistic view of the soil general status. Critical pollutants [Cd, Cr, Ni, Pb, benzo(a)pyrene, and dieldrin] were observed in most of the treated sites. Microbial parameters did not present remarkable differences among sites. However, plant indicators pointed the non-treated site (MN8) as the unhealthiest. This was also observed in earthworms’ immune system, where cytotoxicity appears when exposed to non-treated soils. In conclusion, this field study showed that the combination of bioaugmentation, phytoremediation with native species, and vermiremediation is highly useful in eliminating mixed contamination, improving soil health, and ultimately restoring ecosystem functionality and biodiversity.

The sustained and generalized effects of multifaceted treatment on unsignalized pedestrian crossings

IntroductionOne method of improving pedestrian safety is through a multifaceted intervention program to enhance awareness and enforcement of pedestrian right-of-way laws, which has been shown to significantly improve driver behavior toward pedestrians at unsignalized crosswalks. An intervention using this approach was performed in Saint Paul, Minnesota in 2018. However, the sustainability of the intervention's positive effects on yielding, as well as the potential contributing role of police enforcement and infrastructure such as crosswalk markings, are not as well understood. MethodsThe present study provides a reassessment of driver yielding to pedestrians at unsignalized crosswalks in Saint Paul three years after the original intervention, as well as a comparison with unsignalized crosswalks in neighboring Minneapolis, the latter of which has not received any form of high visibility enforcement. The methodology employed the use of staged crossings and natural pedestrian observations at selected unsignalized crosswalk sites. ResultsAn analysis of driver yielding found that there was a sustained improvement in driver yielding in the reassessment period at generalized non-treated sites in Saint Paul in the final phase of the 2018 intervention, compared to the original baseline pre-treatment measures. Second, comparisons between Minneapolis baseline and original 2018 Saint Paul baseline showed significantly higher yielding averages for Saint Paul, which had prior iterations of high visibility enforcement. ConclusionsThe present research indicates long-term benefits to employing a multi-method intervention to improve pedestrian safety at unsignalized crosswalks and suggests there are moderate benefits to including high visibility enforcement as a component of these programs.

Influence of exposure to pesticides on telomere length and pregnancy outcome: Diethylphosphates but not Dimethylphosphates are associated with accelerated telomere attrition in a Palestinian cohort

Exposure to environmental pesticides during pregnancy is associated with adverse health outcomes such as low birth weight and impaired neuro-development. In this study, we assessed maternal leukocyte telomere lengths (TL) in Palestinian pregnant women and compared the data with urinary organophosphate concentrations, demographic, lifestyle and dietary factors, birth weight, body length, gestational age, and head circumference. Women with high urine levels of creatinine adjusted diethylphosphate(DE)derived pesticide metabolites DEP, DETP or DEDTP had shorter telomeres (p = 0.05). Women living in proximity to agricultural fields had shorter telomeres compared to women not living in proximity to agricultural fields (p = 0.011). Regular consumption of organic food was associated with shorter telomeres (p = 0.01), whereas the consumption of other vegetables such as artichokes was rather associated with longer telomeres. By contrast, urine levels of dimethylphosphate(DM)-derived pesticide metabolites DMTP and DMDTP were associated with lower birth weight (p = 0.05) but not with shrter telomeres. In conclusion organophosphate pesticides and living in proximity to agriculture are associated with shorter TL, likely due to higher consumption of contaminated fruits and vegetables and/or the transport of pesticides to non-treatment sites. DE and DM substituted pesticides seem to have different effects on telomeres and development.

Plague mitigation for prairie dog and black-footed ferret conservation: Degree and duration of flea control with 0.005% fipronil grain bait

Sylvatic plague, a primarily flea-borne zoonosis, is a significant threat to prairie dogs (Cynomys spp., PDs) and their specialized predators, endangered black-footed ferrets (Mustela nigripes, BFFs). Host-fed fipronil baits have proven effective in controlling fleas on PDs for the purposes of plague mitigation and BFF conservation. Currently, annual treatments are the norm. We tested the long-term efficacy of fipronil bait treatments with black-tailed PDs (C. ludovicianus, BTPDs) and BFFs in South Dakota, USA. During 2018–2020, we provided BTPDs on 21 sites with grain bait formula, laced with 0.005% fipronil (50 ​mg/kg); 18 non-treated sites functioned as baselines. In 2020–2022, we live-trapped, anesthetized, and combed BTPDs for fleas. Flea control was significant for at least 639–885 days. Flea abundance on the treated sites was < 0.5 fleas/BTPD for ∼750 days. During 2020–2022, we sampled BFFs for fleas on 4 BTPD colonies treated with fipronil grain bait and 8 non-treated colonies. Flea control was significant with BFFs, but flea abundance began to rebound within ∼240 days post-treatment. When feasible, the combination of insecticide treatments, such as fipronil baits, and BFF vaccination against plague provide a “two-pronged” protection approach for these endangered carnivores. If fipronil bait treatments are less effective with predatory BFFs than PDs, as found herein, the “two-pronged” approach might be used to protect BFFs and biennial fipronil bait treatments might be used to protect PDs. If BFF vaccination is not possible, or few BFFs can be vaccinated, annual fipronil bait treatments might be used as a precaution to protect BFFs. Flea densities might be surveyed to determine when/where more frequent treatments seem useful.

Community efforts to monitor and manage Aedes mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) with ovitraps and litter reduction in east Tennessee

BackgroundEast Tennessee (USA) is burdened by mosquito-borne La Crosse virus disease, but minimal resources for mosquito surveillance, management, or related community education exist in the region. To address these needs, we developed a program to train middle and high school educators in basic medical entomology. The educators then used their skills in the classroom to teach students about La Crosse virus disease and conduct mosquito collection experiments. As a case study of a potential application of classroom-collected data, we also partnered with a local non-profit organization to assess the potential for a volunteer litter cleanup to reduce mosquito populations in a Tennessee neighborhood.MethodsOur first objective was to investigate the ability for educators and their students (schools) to collect high-quality mosquito surveillance data. In 2019 and 2020, we collected Aedes (Diptera: Culicidae) eggs during the same study period as schools and assessed whether data collected by schools reflected the same findings as our own data. Our second objective was to investigate the impact of a volunteer litter cleanup event on Aedes mosquito abundance. In 2021, we collected Aedes eggs before and after a neighborhood trash cleanup while schools conducted their own mosquito egg collections. Using the school collections as non-treatment sites, we used a Before-After-Control-Impact analysis to determine if there was a significant decline in egg abundance after the cleanup.ResultsIn 2019, mosquito abundance trends were similar between our data and school data but differed significantly during some weeks. After refining our protocols in 2020, school data was highly similar to our data, indicating that schools consistently collected high-quality surveillance data in the program’s second year. In 2021, we found a significant decline in Aedes egg abundance after the litter cleanup event in comparison to the schools, but the number of adults reared from those eggs did not differ between sites after the cleanup.ConclusionThe results of our work demonstrate the potential for community-driven programs to monitor mosquito abundance trends and for volunteer-based cleanup events to reduce the burden of Aedes mosquitoes. In the absence of infrastructure and resources, academic-community partnerships like the ones evaluated here, provide opportunities to help resource limited areas.

Can Hardware Removal be Avoided Using Bioresorbable Mg-Zn-Ca Screws After Medial Malleolar Fracture Fixation? Mid-Term Results of a First-In-Human Study

Twenty patients with isolated, bimalleolar, or trimalleolar ankle fractures were treated with bioresorbable screws made of Mg, 0.45wt% calcium (Ca) and 0.45wt% zinc (Zn) (ZX00). Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) including visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain, the presence of complications 6 and 12 months after surgery and the AOFAS scale after 12 months were reported. The functional outcomes were analysed through the range of motion (ROM) of the ankle joint with a standard goniometer. Degradation products and the bioresorbability of the screws were evaluated using plane radiographs. One patient was lost to follow-up. All patients were free of pain, no complications, shoe conflict or misalignement were reported after 12 months of follow-up. No Mg screws were surgically removed. An additional fixation of the distal fibula or the dorsal tibial fragment with conventional titanium implants (Ti) was performed in 17 patients. Within 12 months after primary refixation, 12 of these patients (71%) underwent a second surgery for Ti hardware removal. The mean AOFAS score was 89.8±7.1 and the difference between the treated and the non-treated site in the ROM of the talocrural joint was 2°±11° after 12 months. Radiolucent areas around the screws were attributed to degradation and did not affect clinical or functional outcomes. After one year, the Mg screw heads could not be detected in the plane radiographs of 17 patients which suggests that the majority of the screw head is degraded without introducing adverse reactions. At 6 and 12 months, the bioresorbable Mg screws show excellent PROMs without complications or need for screw removal. The resorbability of the screw heads in most of the patients after one year could also provide an advantage over conventional bio-inert implants by avoiding related skin irritation due for instance to shoe conflict.

Rodent control to fight plague: field assessment of methods based on rat density reduction.

Rodents represent a serious threat to food security and public health. The extent to which rodent control can mitigate the risk from rodent‐borne disease depends on both the effectiveness of control in reducing rodent abundance and the impact on disease epidemiology. Focusing on a plague‐endemic region of Madagascar, this study compared the effectiveness of 3 methods: live‐traps, snap‐traps, and rodenticides. Control interventions were implemented inside houses between May and October 2019. Tracking tiles monitored rodent abundance. Rodent fleas, the vector involved in plague transmission, were collected. Rodent populations consisted of Rattus rattus and Mus musculus. In terms of trap success, we found that our live‐trap regime was more effective than snap‐traps. While all 3 control strategies appeared to reduce in‐house rodent activity in the short term, we found no evidence of a longer‐term effect, with in‐house rodent abundance in treated sites comparable to non‐treatment sites by the following month. Endemic flea, Synopsyllus fonquerniei, is a key plague vector usually found on rats living outdoors. Although we found no evidence that its abundance inside houses increased following control, this may have been due to a lack of power caused by significant variation in S. fonquerniei abundance. The presence of S. fonquerniei in houses was more likely when S. fonquerniei abundance on outdoor rats was higher, which in turn correlated with high rat abundance. Our results emphasize that control strategies need to consider this connectivity between in‐house rat–flea populations and the outdoor populations, and any potential consequences for plague transmission.

Prolonged Usage of an Adhesive Wound Closure Device in Postoperative Facial Scar Management: A Split-Wound Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background: Additional skin support is promising in scar management, especially for wounds under high tension. Options for effective skin support are limited. This study aimed to determine whether prolonged use of an adhesive wound closure (AWC) device prevents scar spread and improves final appearance. Patients and Methods: This is a split-wound randomized evaluator-blinded study of 14 patients with facial wounds under high tension. After surgical closure, one half of each wound was randomly allocated to receive either standard care or additional 3-month treatment with an AWC device. Scar width, scar scale, and side effects were evaluated 12 months after surgery. Results: A significant difference was observed in scar width between the treated and nontreated sites at 12-month, with a mean difference of 1.024 (95% confidence interval, 0.347-1.700) mm in favor of the treated group. Scar widths in both groups increased rapidly in the first month after surgery and gradually increased until the sixth month. Scale for vascularization and relief were significantly lower in the treated sites. No significant differences were found in complications between two groups. Conclusions and Relevance: Prolonged usage of the AWC device prevented scar spread at 12 months and improved final scar scores in vascularization and relief. Clinical Trial Registration number: ChiCTR1900027155.

Fipronil Pellets Reduce Flea Abundance on Black-Tailed Prairie Dogs: Potential Tool for Plague Management and Black-Footed Ferret Conservation.

In western North America, sylvatic plague (a flea-borne disease) poses a significant risk to endangered black-footed ferrets (Mustela nigripes) and their primary prey, prairie dogs (Cynomys spp.). Pulicides (flea-killing agents) can be used to suppress fleas and thereby manage plague. In South Dakota, US, we tested edible "FipBit" pellets, each containing 0.84 mg fipronil, on free-living black-tailed prairie dogs (Cynomys ludivicianus). FipBits were applied along transects at 125 per ha and nearly eliminated fleas for 2 mo. From 9-14 mo post-treatment, we found only 10 fleas on FipBit sites versus 1,266 fleas on nontreated sites. This degree and duration of flea control should suppress plague transmission. FipBits are effective, inexpensive, and easily distributed but require federal approval for operational use.

A lean bioabsorbable magnesium-zinc-calcium alloy ZX00 used for operative treatment of medial malleolus fractures: early clinical results of a prospective non-randomized first in man study.

AimsThis study is a prospective, non-randomized trial for the treatment of fractures of the medial malleolus using lean, bioabsorbable, rare-earth element (REE)-free, magnesium (Mg)-based biodegradable screws in the adult skeleton.MethodsA total of 20 patients with isolated, bimalleolar, or trimalleolar ankle fractures were recruited between July 2018 and October 2019. Fracture reduction was achieved through bioabsorbable Mg-based screws composed of pure Mg alloyed with zinc (Zn) and calcium (Ca) ( Mg-Zn0.45-Ca0.45, in wt.%; ZX00). Visual analogue scale (VAS) and the presence of complications (adverse events) during follow-up (12 weeks) were used to evaluate the clinical outcomes. The functional outcomes were analyzed through the range of motion (ROM) of the ankle joint and the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score. Fracture reduction and gas formation were assessed using several plane radiographs.ResultsThe follow-up was performed after at least 12 weeks. The mean difference in ROM of the talocrural joint between the treated and the non-treated sites decreased from 39° (SD 12°) after two weeks to 8° (SD 11°) after 12 weeks (p ≤ 0.05). After 12 weeks, the mean AOFAS score was 92.5 points (SD 4.1). Blood analysis revealed that Mg and Ca were within a physiologically normal range. All ankle fractures were reduced and stabilized sufficiently by two Mg screws. A complete consolidation of all fractures was achieved. No loosening or breakage of screws was observed.ConclusionThis first prospective clinical investigation of fracture reduction and fixation using lean, bioabsorbable, REE-free ZX00 screws showed excellent clinical and functional outcomes.Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2020;9(8):477–483.

Managing plague on prairie dog colonies: insecticides as ectoparasiticides

Human health practitioners and wildlife biologists use insecticides to manage plague by suppressing fleas (Siphonaptera), but insecticides can also kill other ectoparasites. We investigated effects of deltamethrin and fipronil on ectoparasites from black-tailed prairie dogs (Cynomys ludovicianus, BTPDs). In late July, 2018, we treated three sites with 0.05% deltamethrin dust and 5 sites with host-fed 0.005% fipronil grain. Three non-treated sites functioned as experimental baselines. We collected ectoparasites before treatments (June-July, 2018) and after treatments (August-October, 2018, June-July, 2019). Both deltamethrin and fipronil suppressed fleas for at least 12 months. Deltamethrin had no detectable effect on mites (Arachnida). Fipronil suppressed mites for at least 12 months. Lice (Phthiraptera) were scarce on non-treated sites throughout the study, complicating interpretation. Concentrating on eight sites where all three ectoparasites where found in June-July, 2018 (before treatments), flea intensity was greatest on BTPDs carrying many lice and mites. These three ectoparasites co-occurred at high numbers, which might facilitate plague transmission in some cases. Lethal effects of insecticides on ectoparasite communities are potentially advantageous in the context of plague management.

Assessment of a novel antimicrobial surface disinfectant on inert surfaces in the intensive care unit environment using ATP-bioluminesence assay

Cross-contamination from inanimate surfaces can play a significant role in intensive care unit (ICU)-acquired colonization and infection. This study assessed an innovative isopropyl alcohol/organofunctional silane solution (IOS) to reduce microbial contamination on inert surfaces in a medical ICU. Baseline adenosine triphosphate bioluminescence testing (ABT)-measurements (N = 200) were obtained on designated inert ICU surfaces followed by IOS treatment. At 1 and 6 weeks, selective surfaces were randomized to either IOS-treated or nontreated controls for comparison using ABT (N = 400) and RODAC colony counts (N = 400). An ABT value of ≤45 relative light units (RLU) was designated as "clean," whereas >45 was assessed as "dirty." Mean RLU baseline values ranged from 870.3 (computer keyboard) to 201.6 (bed table), and 97.5% of surfaces were assessed as "dirty." At 6 weeks, the mean RLU of surfaces treated with IOS ranged from 31.7 (physician workstation) to 51.5 (telephone handpiece), whereas values on comparative control surfaces were 717.3 and 643.7, respectively (P < .001). Some 95.5% of RODAC cultures from IOS-treated sites at 6 weeks were negative, whereas 90.5% of nontreated sites were culture-positive, yielding multiple isolates including multidrug-resistant gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. IOS-treated surfaces recorded significantly lower RLU and RODAC colony counts compared with controls (P < .001). A single application of IOS resulted in a persistent antimicrobial activity on inert ICU surfaces over the 6-week study interval.

Tailor-made solutions to tackle rodent pests of rice through community-based management approaches in Cambodia

Rodents are a major pest of rice throughout Southeast Asia, causing both pre- and post-harvest losses. In Cambodia, where 90% of the cultivated land is used for rice production, rodent damage to rice can cause significant impacts to smallholder farmers’ livelihoods and to food security. To help smallholder farmers minimize yield losses from rodent pests, adaptive research experiments were established in two villages in Takeo province. In each village, three replicate 5-ha sites were selected for treatment and three for control. In each treatment site, groups of farmers implemented ecologically-based rodent management (EBRM) methods over two rice cropping seasons. The management methods were adapted based on the local situation and preferred practices of farmers and included maintaining basic hygiene in field margins, synchronous planting of rice crops, community rat hunts, no electric fencing and the implementation of a Community Trap Barrier System (CTBS) along with a Linear Trap Barrier System (LTBS) in an area of intensive rice monoculture, and a LTBS with targeted and limited bromadiolone rodenticide in an area growing recession rice on lake margins. Over 130 rats were caught at each treatment site per season and rodent damage levels were reduced from a mean of 22–34% per site and season in the non-treatment sites to less than 6% in the treatment sites. Following the implementation of EBRM, rice yields were, on average, 20–32% higher in the treatment sites than in the non-treatment sites, giving a 53–169% increase in net income and a benefit-cost ratio ranging from 3:1 to 11:1 per season. We show that rodent damage to rice in Cambodia and the associated yield loss can be significantly reduced following the implementation of cost-efficient EBRM approaches that were locally adapted to village-specific agro-ecological and social conditions. We conclude by discussing incentives that support the adoption of these practices by smallholder farming communities.

Intratumoral Injection of CpG-ODN Plus Systemic Ibrutinib Induces an Anti-Tumor Immune Response Affecting T Cell Subsets in the Microenvironment of Both Injected and Non-Injected Tumor Sites in Patients with Low-Grade Lymphoma

BACKGROUND: Low-grade B cell lymphoma is often characterized by an infiltration of immune effector cells including T, NK and dendritic cells. But, despite the presence of effector cells within the tumor, these cells fail to control tumor growth.In a preclinical mouse model, we showed that Ibrutinib, an inhibitor of Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK), but also ITK (IL-2-inducible T cell kinase), synergized with intratumoral CpG to facilitate complete regression of tumors at the treated site as well as a distal, non-treated site, curing all the mice. This was accompanied by a potent anti-tumor memory T cell response by both CD4 and CD8 T cells that rejected the tumor on re-challenge. (Sagiv-Barfi I, et al. Blood. 2015 March:125(13):2079-2086)STUDY: In an ongoing clinical trial (NCT02927964), patients with previously treated low-grade lymphoma receive low dose (2Gyx2) radiotherapy to a single tumor site followed by 5 weekly intratumoral injections of 3 mg CpG-ODN (SD-101, Dynavax Technologies) into the same site. 1 day after the second injection, patients begin taking a daily 560 mg dose of Ibrutinib. A fine needle aspirate (FNA) of the injected site and a non-injected site outside the radiation field is performed prior to radiotherapy, one week after the first injection, and at week 6, 1 week after the final injection of CpG. FNA samples are stained for flow cytometry with panels of antibodies to delineate all major cell populations and their subsets. Cellular activation as well as T cell exhaustion, inhibition and function are also characterized. When feasible, a biopsy is performed prior to treatment providing tumor cells to be used in an immune response assay to evaluate induced anti-tumor responses by circulating peripheral blood T cells obtained throughout the study.RESULTS: To date, 12 patients have been entered onto the study. Of these patients, 4 had excisional biopsies and subsequent immune response assays performed. All 4 patients exhibited CD8 anti-tumor responses as determined by an increase in the activation marker CD137 as well as the functional marker granzyme B above pretreatment CD8 T cells. At week 12, 7 weeks after the last CpG injection, the average increase above pretreatment baseline for CD137 and granzyme B was 6.1% and 9.3%, respectively. In 3 of these patients, we observed an increase in CD8 T cells expressing CD137 and granzyme B from the FNA of the non-injected site. The 4th patient did not have adequate number of cells for staining. Two patients exhibited CD4 immune responses as characterized by an up-regulation of CD137 and CD278.FNA of 7 patients produced enough cells to analyze the tumor microenvironment from both the injected and the non-injected sites over all 3 time points; 1 patient was evaluable through week 2 for both sites. In 7 out of these 8 patients, CD3 T cells increased at the injected and non-injected sites by week 6. The proportion of CD4 and CD8 T cells did not stay constant, however, as reflected by the changes in CD4:CD8 ratios. This suggests that the increase in T cells was not purely the result of a loss of tumor B cells in the samples. Notably, we observed a significant increase in the effector CD4 T cells in all patients at the injected site by week 2 (14.1% ± 6.5%, p = 0.005) and 5 of 8 patients in the non-injected site by week 6 (12.4% ± 10.4%). Moreover, the proportion of T follicular helper cells significantly decreased in all patients at the treated site by week 2 (17.7% ± 9.7% of T cells, p = 0.0012) and in 5 of 8 patients at the non-treated site by week 6 (8.1% ± 5.5% of T cells). Tregs were more variable, decreasing in 5 of 8 patients in the treated and 3 of 8 patients in the non-treated site by week 6.CONCLUSION: CpG is known to activate antigen-presenting cells such as dendritic cells and macrophages. Ibrutinib is a small molecule that has been shown to have direct anti-tumor effects in B cell lymphoma and may skew an immune response towards that of a TH1 type. Here we show that together, they can effect changes in the tumor microenvironment in both treated and in untreated sites of disease.This clinical trial is ongoing and open to accrual. DisclosuresKhodadoust:Innate Pharma: Research Funding.

Focused ultrasound therapy combined with pembrolizumab in metastatic breast cancer.

TPS19 Background: Focused ultrasound (FUS) is an ablative therapy which can heat tumors rapidly to cell damaging temperatures and simultaneously perturb the microenvironment, the microvasculature, and the lymphatics. At typical energy levels, FUS can induce controlled apoptotic cell death rather than liquefactive necrosis. FUS does not involve radiation. FUS is a partially ablative therapy using high energy ultrasound waves to induce heat shock proteins, cytokine release and cellular mediated mechanisms resulting in T cell activation and recognition of tumor antigens. FUS has been demonstrated to be an effective method for inducing tumor antigen exposure and presentation to dendritic cells, thus acting as an auto-vaccine. Pembrolizumab (PBZ) is a PD-1 targeted antibody used in multiple solid tumors to augment T cell activation. It is hypothesized that the combination of these two modalities will result in T cell infiltration into breast tumors as well as systemic immune responses. Methods: In this pilot study, we will examine PBZ therapy in combination with FUS to assess for immune stimulation and antitumor effects at local ablation sites, distant non-treated sites and in the blood. Biopsy before and after treatments will examine the tissue in the peripheral zone of ablation as well as at distant metastatic sites for CD8 and CD4 T cells, MDSC’s, T-regulatory cells and cytokine responses. Twelve patients will be randomized to receive either PBZ 14 days before or 7 days after a single time FUS partial tumor ablation on day 15. Biopsies will be on days 1, 22 and 64 and tumor imaging will be every 12 weeks. Patients must have metastatic or unresectable breast cancer, adequate organ function, and prior therapy in the metastatic setting. They must also have a tumor in the breast or axilla amenable to FUS and biopsy. Clinical trial information: NCT03237572.

Removal of cosmetic oral mucosal tattoos with Nd:YAG laser—histological and clinical observations

Background: The cosmetic oral mucosa tattoos occur infrequently but the social stigma that may be associated generally with tattoos is motivating factor for its removal. The development of infrared lasers has revolutionized the ability to remove cosmetic oral tattoo effectively. The wave-length of choice is 1,064 nm but there is no relevant histological data regarding effects of Nd:YAG laser on oral tissues after tattoo removal. The aim of this study is to provide histological evidences and to clarify the healing processes in oral mucosa after tattoo removal with 1,064 nm wavelength laser. Methods: Five patients with professional black tattoo of inner lip were included in this study. The clinical procedures were performed using 1,064 nm wavelength. Two equal specimens were taken from the treated and non-treated sites for further histological evaluation. Results: The specimens after the treatment revealed fragmentation of black ink particles up to 1.5 mm below the surface. Mild fibrosis was observed in the superficial submucosal area where collagen fibers replaced the pigment-containing cells altered by the laser. Clinically, the treatment results showed excellent recovery of the oral mucosa. One year later, the laser treated areas were healthy and without esthetical and functional disturbances. Conclusions: Both histological and clinical results advocated Nd:YAG laser treatment as safe and very effective means of removing cosmetic tattoos on the oral mucosa.

TROPICS FIELD STUDY (PANAMA), 32-YEAR SITE VISIT: OBSERVATIONS AND CONCLUSIONS FOR NEAR SHORE DISPERSANT USE NEBA AND TRADEOFFS

ABSTRACT (#2017-141) The Tropical Oil Pollution Investigations in Coastal Systems (TROPICS) experiment initiated in 1984 on the Caribbean coast of Panama has become one of the most comprehensive field experiments examining effects of oil exposure to a combination of tropical marine reef, seagrass, and mangrove communities. The experimental dosage was chosen to simulate a severe but realistic spill scenario so that results could be useful in decisions about the extent to which dispersants reduced or exacerbated the effects of an oil spill on tropical environments of mangroves, seagrasses, and corals. Research has been conducted in the area prior to and 30+ years following exposure to evaluate long term effects. In July 2016, an international research team revisited the TROPICS field sites. In previous data collection visits, visual observations and core samples of the mangrove substrate at the non-treated (Oil only) site revealed the presence of oil. This “trapped” oil also apparently resulted in lower recovery rates for mangroves in that site. Of particular interest in the 2016 revisit was to determine the presence/non-presence of oil in core samples via new petroleum biomarker triple quadrupole mass spectrometry technology. Additionally, data collection and observations of the extent, diversity, and health of the shallow coral reefs, seagrass, and mangroves were conducted at the three sites. The focus was on the initial disruption and recovery of the study ecosystem over 32 years from the original dosing with crude oil or dispersed crude oil. Analysis qualitatively compared the 2016 results to 1984 pre-spill and post-spill conditions of each site. This paper discusses the results of the 2016 TROPICS study site revisit and conclusions for oil spill preparedness and response, particularly as it applies to the trade-offs for the use of dispersants in near shore tropical marine ecosystems.

Hard and soft tissue changes following alveolar ridge preservation: a systematic review

Two focused questions were addressed within this systematic review. Q1) What is the effect of alveolar ridge preservation on linear and volumetric alveolar site dimensions, keratinised measurements, histological characteristics and patient-based outcomes when compared to unassisted socket healing. Q2) What is the size effect of these outcomes in three different types of intervention (guided bone regeneration, socket grafting and socket seal). An electronic search (MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register LILACS, Web of Science) and hand-search was conducted up to June 2015. Randomised controlled trials (RCT) and controlled clinical trials (CCT); with unassisted socket healing as controls: were eligible in the analysis for Q1. RCTs, CCTs and large prospective case series with or without an unassisted socket healing as control group were eligible in the analysis for Q2. Nine papers (8 RCTs and 1 CCTs) were included in the analysis for Q1 and 37 papers (29 RCTs, 7 CCTs and 1 case series) for Q2. The risk for bias was unclear or high in most of the studies. Q1: the standardised mean difference (SMD) in vertical mid-buccal bone height between ARP and a non-treated site was 0.739mm (95% CI: 0.332 to 1.147). The SMD when proximal vertical bone height and horizontal bone width was compared was 0.796mm (95% CI: -1.228 to 0.364) and 1.198 mm (95% CI: -0.0374 to 2.433). Examination of ARP sites revealed significant variation in vital and trabecular bone percentages and keratinised tissue width and thickness. Adverse events were routinely reported, with three papers reporting a high level of complications in the test and control groups and two papers reporting greater risks associated with ARP. No studies reported on variables associated with the patient experience in either the test or the control group. Q2: A pooled effect reduction (PER) in mid-buccal alveolar ridge height of -0.467mm (95% CI: -0.866 to -0.069) was recorded for GBR procedures and -0.157mm (95% CI: -0.554 to 0.239) for socket grafting. A proximal vertical bone height reduction of -0.356mm (95% CI: -0.490 to -0.222) was recorded for GBR, with a horizontal dimensional reduction of -1.45mm (95% CI: -1.892 to -1.008) measured following GBR and -1.613mm (95% CI: -1.989 to -1.238) for socket grafting procedures. Five papers reported on histological findings after ARP. Two papers indicated an increase in the width of the keratinised tissue following GBR, with two papers reporting a reduction in the thickness of the keratinised tissue following GBR. Histological examination revealed extensive variations in the treatment protocols and biomaterials materials used to evaluate extraction socket healing. GBR studies reported a variation in total bone formation of 47.9±9.1% to 24.67±15.92%. Post-operative complications were reported by 29 papers, with the most common findings soft tissue inflammation and infection. ARP results in a significant reduction in the vertical bone dimensional change following tooth extraction when compared to unassisted socket healing. The reduction in horizontal alveolar bone dimensional change was found to be variable. No evidence was identified to clearly indicate the superior impact of a type of ARP intervention (GBR, socket filler and socket seal) on bone dimensional preservation, bone formation, keratinised tissue dimensions and patient complications.

Self-Resetting Traps Provide Sustained, Landscape-Scale Control of a Rat Plague in New Zealand

Author(s): Carter, Anna; Peters, Darren | Abstract: Control of invasive mammals is central to the conservation and restoration of native habitats, especially in unique and vulnerable island ecosystems. While methods for eradication of pest mammals on offshore islands are well-established, long-term suppression at mainland sites and in other locations with an extremely high risk of re-invasion remains challenging. We examined the use of CO2-powered, self-resetting traps for control of rats during a beech forest mast on the New Zealand mainland. Goodnature® A24 automatic traps installed on a 100 × 50-m grid reduced tracking indices for ship rats from 68% to 0% within a 200-ha area over a period of four months. The extent of the trapped area was then increased to 700 ha, with the resolution of the trapping grid reduced to 100 × 100 m. Tracking indices within the expanded area decreased from 44% to 0% within an additional two months. Activity of rats in a non-treatment site remained at around 70% for the duration of the project. Tracking indices for house mice decreased from 22% to 0% within four months and remained low for the duration of the project, indicating that non-targeted control of house mice was also achieved within the project area. Our results show that Goodnature® A24 self-resetting traps can successfully knock down and suppress rats from plague levels within an unprotected, mainland site.

Alcohol intake may impair bone density and new cementum formation after enamel matrix derivative treatment: histometric study in rats.

Alcohol intake may interfere with bone metabolism; however, there is a lack of information about the outcomes of regenerative approaches in the presence of alcohol intake. Enamel matrix derivative (EMD) has been used in periodontal regenerative procedures resulting in improvement of clinical parameters. Thus, the aim of this histomorphometric study is to evaluate the healing of periodontal defects after treatment with EMD under the influence of alcohol intake. Twenty Wistar rats were randomly assigned to two groups: G1 = alcohol intake (n = 10) and G2 = non-exposed to alcohol intake (n = 10). Thirty days after initiation of alcohol intake, fenestration defects were created at the buccal aspect of the first mandibular molar of all animals from both groups. After the surgeries, the defects of each animal were randomly assigned to two subgroups: non-treated control and treated with EMD. The animals were killed 21 d later. G1 showed less defect fill for non-treated controls. Bone density (BD) and new cementum formation were lower for G1 when compared to G2, for EMD-treated and non-treated sites. EMD treatment resulted in greater BD and new cementum formation in both groups and defect fill was not significantly different between groups in the EMD-treated sites. The number of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase-positive osteoclasts was significantly higher in G1 when compared to G2 and in EMD-treated sites of both groups. Alcohol intake may produce a significant detrimental effect on BD and new cementum formation, even in sites treated with EMD. A limited positive effect may be expected after EMD treatment under this condition.