Increasing spruce budworm defoliation increases catchment discharge in conifer forests

Forest insect outbreaks cause significant reductions in the forest canopy through defoliation and tree mortality that modify the storage and flow of water, potentially altering catchment runoff and stream discharge patterns. Despite a growing understanding of the impacts of insect outbreaks on the hydrology of broadleaf forests, little is known about these impacts to catchment hydrology in northern conifer-dominated forests. We measured the effects of cumulative defoliation by spruce budworm (Choristoneura fumiferana) on stream discharge and runoff in 12 experimental catchments (6.33-9.85 km2) across the central Gaspé Peninsula in eastern Québec, Canada over a three-year period (2019-2021). Six catchments were aerially treated with BtK (Bacillus thuringiensis kurstaki) insecticide to suppress the outbreak and six catchments were left untreated, leading to a defoliation gradient across the study sites. Stage-discharge relationships were established between June and October from 2019 to 2021. Stream volumetric discharge (r = 0.71, p < 0.01, t(34) = 5.85), runoff (r = 0.55, p < 0.01, t(34) = 3.81) and runoff ratios (r = 0.67, p < 0.01, t(33) = 5.19) were all strongly positively correlated with cumulative defoliation intensity, likely by reducing available water storage in the catchment and therefore enhancing runoff generation. Seasonally, volumetric discharge, runoff, and runoff ratios were more strongly correlated with defoliation in the summer than autumn months, likely because available catchment storage was more limited following the freshet. Overall, we found that insect defoliation impacts forested catchment hydrology similar to other landscape disturbances, and such consequences should be considered in forest management and the control of forest insect outbreaks.

Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation and hemochromatosis: a narrative review

Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) and hemochromatosis have a complex relationship. This review explores its mechanisms, prevalence, correlations, and clinical manifestations. Hereditary hemochromatosis (HH) involves iron overload due to HFE protein mutations, while atrial fibrillation (AF) is characterized by irregular heart rhythms. Iron overload in hemochromatosis can promote cardiac arrhythmias. AF is prevalent in developed countries and may be linked to cryptogenic strokes. Genetic variations and demographic factors influence the occurrence of both conditions. HH affects multiple organ systems, including the heart, while AF causes palpitations and reduced exercise tolerance. Diagnosis involves iron markers, genotypic testing, and electrocardiogram (ECG) findings. Treatment strategies focus on reducing iron levels in hemochromatosis and managing AF through antithrombotic therapy and rhythm control. Untreated hemochromatosis carries a higher risk of complications, and PAF is associated with increased cardiovascular-related mortality. For better understanding of the mechanisms and to improve management, additional studies are required. Tailored approaches and combined treatments may enhance patient outcomes.

Unraveling Intravascular Lobular Capillary Hemangioma: A Comprehensive Scoping Review

This scoping review focuses on intravascular lobular capillary hemangioma (ILCH), a rare and distinct subset of lobular capillary hemangioma (LCH). This study provides a comprehensive overview of ILCH, delving into its clinical characteristics, origins, pathogenesis, diagnostic methods, treatment options, and outcomes. Despite its rarity, ILCH presents unique diagnostic and management challenges due to its intravascular origin. The review emphasizes the importance of accurate differentiation from other vascular lesions and underscores the need for histopathological confirmation. This article discusses the presentation of ILCH in the reported literature. The pathogenesis remains uncertain, with factors such as trauma, inflammation, hormonal changes, and medications being considered potential contributors. Histopathological features, imaging techniques, and diagnostic tools are discussed, highlighting the distinct histological architecture of ILCHs and the importance of immunohistochemical staining for accurate diagnosis. Surgical excision is the primary approach for managing ILCH due to its potential complications, including superior vena cava (SVC) occlusion and thrombosis. This review concludes by outlining potential directions for future research, including investigating genetic and molecular mechanisms underlying ILCH development, developing targeted therapies, building patient registries for collaborative efforts, and exploring minimally invasive surgical techniques. The importance of long-term patient outcome studies and international collaborations is emphasized to enhance our understanding of this rare vascular anomaly.

Role of Oral Retinoids in Treatment of Acne Vulgaris With a Bioinformatics-Based Perspective of Personalized Medicine

Acne vulgaris is a skin condition characterized by the inflammation or hyperactivity of sebaceous glands on the skin, which results in the creation of comedones, lesions, nodules, and perifollicular hyperkeratinization. Increased sebum production, follicular blockage, and bacterial colonization may contribute to the disease etiology. Environmental factors, hormonal imbalance, and genetic predisposition can alter the severity of the disease. Its mental and monetary effects can be problematic for the society. In this study, we examined the role of isotretinoin in the treatment of acne vulgaris based on evidence from prior research. This review literature study compiled publications on the treatment of acne vulgaris from 1985 to 2022 based on PubMed and Google Scholar publications. Additional bioinformatics analyses were accompanied by GeneCards, STRING model, and DrugBank databases. These complementary analyses were designed to obtain a better perspective of personalized medicine which is highly required for dose-precise administrations of acne vulgaris treatment. Isotretinoin has been recognized as an effective treatment for acne vulgaris, particularly in cases that have been resistant to previous medications or have resulted in scarring, according to gathered data. Oral isotretinoin inhibits the proliferation of Propionibacterium acne, a critical factor in the development of acne lesions; also, it has been shown to be effective in reducing the number of Propionibacterium-resistant patients and regulating sebum production and reducing sebaceous gland size more effectively than other treatment options resulting in general improvements in skin clarity and acne severity and reduce inflammatory in 90% of patients. In addition to its efficacy, the majority of patients have shown that oral isotretinoin is well tolerated. This review highlights the use of oral retinoids, particularly isotretinoin, as an effective and well-tolerated treatment option for acne vulgaris. It has been proven that oral isotretinoin is useful for achieving long-lasting remission in patients with severe or resistant instances. Despite the fact that oral isotretinoin is related to a number of potential harmful effects, skin dryness was the most common side effect reported by patients that can be managed with the aid of suitable monitoring and drug administration against specific genes identified by genotyping of the susceptible variants of genes involved in TGFβ signaling pathway.

Post-traumatic endophthalmitis with retained intraocular foreign body - a case report with review of literature

INTRODUCTION

Endophthalmitis following penetrating eye injuries has a poor prognosis and presents a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. The aim of reporting this case was to identify the causative organism of post-traumatic endophthalmitis due to retained iron foreign body and to highlight the importance of carrying out diagnostic investigations.

CASE

A 20-year-old male presented with tenderness and blurring in the right eye 3 days after injury with an iron particle. Visual acuity was perception of light with accurate projection of rays in all quadrants. The slit-lamp examination revealed ciliary and conjuctival congestion. There was a vertically-oriented self-sealed, full-thickness laceration in the cornea adjacent to the limbus. The anterior chamber evaluation revealed + 4 cells, +3 flare and a 2 - mm hypopyon. There was cataract with a ruptured anterior lens capsule. Posterior synechae was present at 5�0 clock position. B-scan showed echogenic metallic foreign body in the posterior chamber, with vitreous opacities. The vitreous tap was done and intra-vitreal antibiotics injections of 1 mg in 0.1 ml vancomycin and 2.25 mg in 0.1 ml ceftazidime were given. Culture and sensitivity of the tap revealed staphylococcus as the causative agent. The patient was put on moxifloxacin eye drops, fortified tobramycin and cephazolin eye drops 1 hourly along with atropine eye drops. The patient was referred to the vitreoretinal surgeon urgently for pars plana vitrectomy and foreign body removal. At follow up, the patient's BCVA was improved.

CONCLUSION

The causative organism isolated was similar to that documented in other reports. Endophthalmitis must be treated with vitrectomy and intra-vitreal injections of antibiotics after a proper vitreous tap.

Hypodontia, ankylosis and infraocclusion: report of a case restored with a fibre-reinforced ceromeric bridge

Retained primary molars without permanent successors often undergo progressive infra-occlusion, without predictable exfoliation. Early prophylactic removal, after assessment of root resorption and adjacent periodontal support loss as well as age of onset, is often indicated. This article describes the joint orthodontic-restorative care of such a case and describes an alternative method of restoration using a fibre-reinforced ceromeric bridge. As well as a conservative preparation and good aesthetics, an overlay restoration provided a fully functional occlusion.

Transabdominal cervicoisthmic cerclage: initial experience

Pregnancy outcome before and after insertion of transabdominal cervical cerclage is evaluated. The series also reports on the first cases of second pregnancies with the original suture left in situ. It is our view that transabdominal cervical cerclage should only be performed in units that have specialists in Perinatal Medicine.

A randomised controlled trial evaluating a novel cytotoxic drug delivery system for the treatment of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the efficacy of a novel method for the treatment of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia. A cytotoxic drug delivery system using a bilaminar bioadhesive polymeric film was applied directly to the cervix. This cytotoxic drug delivery system allowed the dose, the site and the duration of application of the cytotoxic drug (5-fluorouracil) to be controlled.

DESIGN

A prospective, double-blind randomised controlled trial.

SETTING

The Departments of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and Pathology of Belfast City Hospital and The Queen's University of Belfast, and the Department of Pharmacy of The Queen's University of Belfast.

PARTICIPANTS

One hundred and four patients who had been referred to the colposcopy outpatient clinic because of abnormal cervical cytology were recruited into the trial. They were assessed colposcopically and biopsies for histopathology were obtained. Only patients with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia lesions Grades 1 and 2 were recruited.

INTERVENTIONS

All patients were re-assessed one, three, and six months after application of the cytotoxic drug delivery system by colposcopy. Clinical endpoints were noted.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Pre-treatment histopathological biopsy results were compared with those obtained after treatment.

RESULTS

The cytotoxic drug delivery system fulfilled the requirements for treatment of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia without causing any architechtural damage, but the chemotherapeutic agent, 5-fluorouracil, did not provide effective treatment of disease.

CONCLUSIONS

This study showed that the delivery system was effective, and further studies using this mechanism are now possible.

A comparative study of the diuretic, natriuretic, and kaluretic effects of furosemide when administered at 07:00 h and at 19:00 h

Furosemide (0.5 mg/kg, i.v.) was administered to 31 healthy, day-active adults (Group 1) at 07:00 h (study 1) and urine output during the next 2 h was collected. Urine volume, urinary sodium, potassium and creatinine were determined. After 60 h, furosemide (0.5 mg/kg, i.v.) was administered at 19:00 h (study 2) and urine output during the subsequent 2 h (19:00 h to 21:00 h) was collected for estimation of urine volume, sodium, potassium and creatinine. Twenty-two healthy, day-active adults (Group 2) who constituted the control group underwent study 1 and study 2 and received 2 ml of normal saline instead of furosemide. There was no significant difference in urinary volume, urinary sodium, potassium and creatinine excretion between study 1 and study 2 in the control subjects (Group 2). In contrast, administration of furosemide at 07:00 h (study 1) resulted in greater diuresis (247.1 +/- 202.07 ml), more marked sodium excretion (42.66 +/- 29.06 mmol), increased potassium excretion (5.14 +/- 4.014 mmol), and greater creatinine excretion (0.415 +/- 0.414 mmol) as compared to study 2. In conclusion, the diuretic, natriuretic and kaluretic effects of furosemide are greater when administered at 07:00 h than at 19:00 h. Therefore, in clinical practice, the time of administration of furosemide can be so chosen as to achieve a greater diuresis or to prevent a marked loss of sodium.