Volatile sulfur compounds in asthmatic children and adolescents: A cross-sectional study in breath and saliva

BACKGROUND

Halitosis in children implies psychosocial repercussions. Risk factors associated with this condition are unclear, and detection methods are inaccurate.

AIM

To quantify the levels of sulfur-like compounds in children with asthma and healthy children from a novel validated assay, and to establish the risk factors related to halitosis.

DESIGN

One hundred and twenty-eight individuals (63 healthy and 65 asthmatic) from 3 to 17 years of age were tested using a passive colorimetric sensor to measure the levels of sulfur-like compounds in breath and saliva. Information was collected on oral hygiene habits, gingival and dental health, breathing type, and dental malocclusion.

RESULTS

The mean values of hydrogen sulfide were 4.0 ± 6.8 and 19.7 ± 12.2 ppbv (parts per billion in volume) in the control and asthmatic groups, respectively (p < .001). The presence of higher concentrations of sulfur compounds was significantly associated (p < .05) with the presence of gingival inflammation, tongue coating, dental plaque, mouth breathing, hypomineralization, age, tongue brushing, and the use of dental floss.

CONCLUSION

The level of sulfur in breath and saliva was significantly higher in patients with asthma. These results can serve as a precedent to raise awareness among paediatricians and parents about oral hygiene care in children and adolescents.

Trends in pediatric CNS tumors in Armenia: a multicenter retrospective study

PURPOSE

Central nervous system (CNS) tumors are the most common solid malignancies in children worldwide, including in Armenia. The current study aims to analyze epidemiological data, treatment, and outcomes of children and young adults (≤25 years) with CNS tumors in Armenia during the last 26 years.

METHODS

We collected data from pediatric and young adult patients treated in selected sites in Armenia from 1st January 1995 to 31st December 2020. Incidence by sex, age at diagnosis, time from first complaints to diagnosis, histopathology results, treatment strategies, complications, and overall survival (OS) rates were calculated.

RESULTS

The multicenter data analysis revealed 149 patients with diagnosed primary CNS tumors over 26 years. Among them, 84 (56.4%) were male. The median age at diagnosis was 7 years (range, 3 months to 25 years), and the median time from the first complaints to diagnosis was 2 months (range, 1 week to 70 months). Medulloblastomas and other embryonal tumors (47), low-grade gliomas (32), and high-grade gliomas (22) were the most commonly diagnosed malignancies. Ependymomas, craniopharyngiomas, germ cell tumors, and other malignancies were observed in 22 patients. For 26 patients, no histopathological or radiological diagnosis was available. Follow-up information was available for 98 (65.8%) patients. The 5-year OS rate for the whole study group was 67.7%.

CONCLUSION

Consistent with international data, embryonal tumors, and gliomas were the most commonly diagnosed CNS malignancies in Armenia. Multimodal treatment was often not available in Armenia during the study period, especially for early cases.

EPID-03. Epidemiology, treatment and outcomes of children and young adults with CNS tumors in Armenia

BACKGROUND: CNS tumors are the most common solid tumors in children and the leading cause of cancer related deaths. The incidence of CNS tumors is 1.7-6.21 cases per 100000 children. The aim of current study is to analyze epidemiological data, treatment and outcomes of children and young adults (<25 years) with CNS tumors in Armenia during last 25 years. METHODS: We have collected data of pediatric and young adult patients treated in neurosurgery department, three major chemotherapy clinics and radiation therapy department from 01.01.1995 to 31.12.2020 in Armenia. Incidence by gender, age at diagnosis, the time from first complaints to diagnosis, histopathology results and overall survival rates were calculated. RESULTS: The population-based data revealed 176 patients diagnosed with primary CNS tumors during 25 years. Among them 98 (55.7%) were males. Mean age at diagnosis was 7.07 years and the mean time from the first complaints to diagnosis was 6.55 months. Medulloblastomas and other embryonal tumors (26.7%), low grade gliomas (16.5%), retinoblastomas (12.5%) and high grade gliomas (10.8%) were the most common diagnosed malignancies. Craniopharyngiomas, germ cell tumors and other malignancies were observed in 9.1% of patients. For 24.4% histopathological data was missing. Surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy were performed in Armenia for 62.5%, 33.5% and 19.3% patients respectively. Follow up information was available for 119 (67.6%) patients. 5-year overall survival was 76%. CONCLUSION: Embryonal tumors and gliomas were the most common diagnosed CNS malignancies in Armenia which is consistent with international data. Multimodal treatment was often not available in Armenia during study period, especially for early cases. We hope recent advances in surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy will help to improve treatment outcomes.

Improving Sustainability of the Griess Reaction by Reagent Stabilization on PDMS Membranes and ZnNPs as Reductor of Nitrates: Application to Different Water Samples

A new approach based on the use of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) membranes doped with Griess reagents for in situ determination of NO2− and NO3−^- in real samples is proposed. The influence of some doping compounds, on the properties of the PDMS membranes, such as tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS), or/and ionic liquids (OMIM PF₆) has been studied. Membrane characterization was performed. To apply the procedure to NO3− determination, dispersed Zn nanoparticles (ZnNPs) were employed. The analytical responses were the absorbance or the RGB components from digital images. Good precision (RSD < 8%) and detection limit of 0.01 and 0.5 mgL⁻¹ for NO2− and NO3−, respectively, were achieved. The approach was satisfactory when applied to the determination of NO2− and NO3− in drinking waters, irrigation and river waters, and waters from canned and fresh vegetables. The results obtained were statistically comparable with those by using nitrate ISE or UV measurement. This approach was transferred satisfactory to 96 wells for multianalysis. This study enables the improvement in the on-site determination of NO2− and NO3− in several matrices. It is a sustainable alternative over the reagent derivatizations in solution and presents several advantages such as being versatile, simplicity, low analysis time, cost, and energy efficiency. The response can be detected visually or by portable instruments such as smartphone.

Treating rare tumors with the assistance of the expert virtual consultation system: two cases of juvenile granulosa cell tumors

BACKGROUND

The lack of internationally recognized guidelines for very rare tumors, such as juvenile granulosa cell tumors (JGCTs), which are nonepithelial, unusual ovarian tumors, is a challenge for pediatric oncologists, especially in developing countries with limited resources and experience in treating rare tumors.

METHODS

We report clinical data of 2 girls with JGCTs treated at the Pediatric Cancer and Blood Disorders Center of Armenia with the assistance of the EXPeRT (European Cooperative Study Group for Pediatric Rare Tumors) international cooperation panel.

CASE PRESENTATION

Two girls (16 and 15 years old) with JGCTs of the ovaries, stage Ic, underwent surgery and, with consultation through an online advisory board (http://vrt.cineca.it/), received 4 cycles of chemotherapy according to the PEI regimen (cisplatin, etoposide, ifosfamide).

CONCLUSION

Very rare tumors, especially in advanced stages, have limited data and a low survival rate. International collaboration with the EXPeRT group is beneficial for physicians with limited experience and facilitates research in pediatric oncology.

NQS-Doped PDMS Solid Sensor: From Water Matrix to Urine Enzymatic Application

The development of in situ analytical devices has gained outstanding scientific interest. A solid sensing membrane composed of 1,2-naphthoquinone-4-sulfonate (NQS) derivatizing reagent embedded into a polymeric polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) composite was proposed for in situ ammonium (NH₄⁺) and urea (NH₂CONH₂) analysis in water and urine samples, respectively. Satisfactory strategies were also applied for urease-catalyzed hydrolysis of urea, either in solution or glass-supported urease immobilization. Using diffuse reflectance measurements combined with digital image processing of color intensity (RGB coordinates), qualitative and quantitative analyte detection was assessed after the colorimetric reaction took place inside the sensing membrane. A suitable linear relationship was found between the sensor response and analyte concentration, and the results were validated by a thymol-PDMS-based sensor based on the Berthelot reaction. The suggested sensing device offers advantages such as rapidity, versatility, portability, and employment of non-toxic reagents that facilitate in situ analysis in an energy-efficient manner.

LINC-14. TREATMENT OF PEDIATRIC CNS TUMORS IN ARMENIA. 10 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE IN A 29 YEARS OLD RESOURCE-LIMITED SETTING

BACKGROUND

Pediatric CNS tumors are the most common solid childhood malignancies with many challenges facing optimal outcome due to multimodality complex therapies, abandonment, and long-term morbidity. In our three-decades young, country the field of neuro-oncology is in its infancy. MATERIALS: The aim of our study is to assess incidence, epidemiology and treatment outcomes of children diagnosed and treated with CNS tumors within the last 10 years (2009–2019) in the Chemotherapy Clinic of “Muratsan” Hospital Complex of Yerevan State Medical University.

RESULTS

During these periods 20 patients with CNS tumors were treated in our clinic. 13 patients (65%) were diagnosed with medulloblastoma (2 patients were infants), two patients (10%) with optic pathway glioma, and 5 patients each with pilocytic astrocytoma, ATRT, ETANTR, DIPG, and glioblastoma. Five patients (3 patients with medulloblastoma, 1 patient with pilocytic astrocytoma, 1 patient with ATRT) had metastatic disease at the time of diagnosis. Seventeen patients (80%) had undergone surgery, 8 patients with medulloblastoma received chemo-RT with vincristine. Median follow up time was 15.5 months (range 5–94). Twelve patients (60%) are alive without evidence of disease. 5 patients had disease progression and three patients relapsed. From them, 3 patients died. Long-term survivors are mainly standard risk medulloblastoma patients. All medulloblastoma patients were treated according to HIT-MED guidelines.

CONCLUSION

Here we report about the pediatric brain tumors of one of the main pediatric oncology units in Armenia for a period of 10 years. The numbers are quite small for firm conclusions, but it shows the emerging need for further research.

Ionic-liquid doped polymeric composite as passive colorimetric sensor for meat freshness as a use case

A composite membrane containing 1,2-naphthoquinone-4-sulfonic acid sodium salt (NQS) embedded in an ionic liquid (IL)- polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)- tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS)- SiO₂ nanoparticles (NPs) polymeric matrix is proposed. The selected IL was 1-methyl-3-octylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate (OMIM PF6). It is demonstrated that ILs chemical additives of PDMS influenced the sol-gel porosity. The sensor analytical performance for ammonia atmospheres has been tested as a function of sampling time (between 0.5 and 312 h), temperature (25 °C and 4 °C) and sampling volume (between 2L and 22 mL) by means of diffuse reflectance measurements and sensor photos, which can be registered and saved as images by a smartphone, which permit RGB measurements too. Flexible calibration was possible, adapting it to the sampling time, temperature and sampling volume needed for its application. Calibration linear slopes (mA vs ppmv) between 1.7 and 467 ppmv^-1 were obtained for ammonia in function of the several studied conditions. Those slopes were between 48 and 91% higher than those achieved with sensors without ILs. The practical application of this sensing device was demonstrated for the analysis of meat packaging environments, being a potential cost-effective candidate for in situ meat freshness analysis. NQS provided selectivity in reference to other family compounds emitted from meat products, such as sulphides. After 10 days at 4 °C ammonia liberated by the assayed meat was 20 ± 4 μg/kg and 18 ± 3 μg/kg, quantified by using diffuse reflectance and %R measurements, respectively. Homogeneity of the ammonia atmosphere was tested by using two sensors placed in two different positions inside the packages.

Nylon-Supported Plasmonic Assay Based on the Aggregation of Silver Nanoparticles: In Situ Determination of Hydrogen Sulfide-like Compounds in Breath Samples as a Proof of Concept

A procedure for supporting silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) on nylon is proposed. Besides, the membrane has been developed as a solid-phase colorimetric plasmonic sensor for volatile sulfide compounds (VSCs) like H₂S, CH₃SH, and (CH₃)₂S. AgNP behavior in the membrane has been studied by UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectrometry, Raman spectrometry, High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM), and Scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The sensor responded by changing its color from yellow in absence of VSCs to several orange/brown colors in the function of VSC concentration as occurs in solution; an increase in the hydrodynamic diameter, estimated by both asymmetrical flow field-flow fractionation (AF4) coupled on line to Dynamic light scattering (DLS) detector and batch DLS, is achieved when sulfide is added to the citrate-capped AgNPs. Diffuse reflectance spectrometry and processed digital images obtained with a smartphone have been used as measurements and several transformations for quantitation are proposed; a linear concentration range of hydrogen sulfide from 150 to 1000 ppbv and a detection limit (LOD) of 45 ppbv were achieved, measuring after 10 min of the sensor exposition to the hydrogen sulfide atmosphere (2 L) for humidity percentages between 50 and 96% and room temperature. Satisfactory results in terms of precision (<10%) and selectivity were obtained. The new sensor reported was stable, sensitive, inexpensive, disposable, safe, and user-friendly. Furthermore, it has successfully been applied to determine VSCs expressed as hydrogen sulfide in breath samples (2 L and 250 mL) as a proof of concept. The limit of detection can be improved by increasing the exposition time, if necessary.

Younger age and previous exposure to radiation therapy are correlated with the severity of chemotherapy-induced thrombocytopenia

Background

Aim

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Denosumab treatment for progressive skull base giant cell tumor of bone in a 14 year old female - a case report and literature review

Background

Giant cell tumor of bone (GCT) is a rare primary bone tumor, which can metastasize and undergo malignant transformation. The standard treatment of GCT is surgery. In patients with unresectable or metastatic disease, additional therapeutic options are available. These include blocking of the receptor activator of NF-kappa B ligand (RANKL) signaling pathway, which plays a role in the pathogenesis of GCT of bone, via the anti-RANKL monoclonal antibody denosumab.

Case Presentation

Herein we report on a female teenager who presented in a very poor clinical condition (cachexia, diplopia, strabismus, dysphonia with palsy of cranial nerves V, VI, VIII, IX, X, XI and XII) due to progressive disease, after incomplete resection and adjuvant radiotherapy, of a GCT which affected the cervical spine (C1 and C2) as well as the skull base; and who had an impressive clinical response to denosumab therapy. To the best of our knowledge, this is the youngest patient ever reported with a skull base tumor treated with denosumab.

Conclusion

In situations when surgery can be postponed and local aggressiveness of the tumor does not urge for acute surgical intervention, upfront use of denosumab in order to reduce the tumor size might be considered. Principally, the goal of denosumab therapy is to reduce tumor size as much as possible, with the ultimate goal to make local surgery (or as in our case re-surgery) amenable. However, improvement in quality of life, as demonstrated in our patient, is also an important aspect of such targeted therapies.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13052-017-0353-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

A sustainable on-line CapLC method for quantifying antifouling agents like irgarol-1051 and diuron in water samples: Estimation of the carbon footprint

In this work, in-tube solid phase microextraction (in-tube SPME) coupled to capillary LC (CapLC) with diode array detection has been reported, for on-line extraction and enrichment of booster biocides (irgarol-1051 and diuron) included in Water Frame Directive 2013/39/UE (WFD). The analytical performance has been successfully demonstrated. Furthermore, in the present work, the environmental friendliness of the procedure has been quantified by means of the implementation of the carbon footprint calculation of the analytical procedure and the comparison with other methodologies previously reported. Under the optimum conditions, the method presents good linearity over the range assayed, 0.05-10μg/L for irgarol-1051 and 0.7-10μg/L for diuron. The LODs were 0.015μg/L and 0.2μg/L for irgarol-1051 and diuron, respectively. Precision was also satisfactory (relative standard deviation, RSD<3.5%). The proposed methodology was applied to monitor water samples, taking into account the EQS standards for these compounds. The carbon footprint values for the proposed procedure consolidate the operational efficiency (analytical and environmental performance) of in-tube SPME-CapLC-DAD, in general, and in particular for determining irgarol-1051 and diuron in water samples.

Adhesive Properties and Acid-Forming Activity of Lactobacilli and Streptococci Under Inhibitory Substances, Such as Nitrates

One of the main requirements for probiotics is their ability to survive during passage through gastrointestinal tract and to maintain their activity at different adverse conditions. The aim of the study was to look for the strains of lactobacilli and streptococci with high adhesive properties even affected by inhibitory substances, such as nitrates (NO3 (-)). To study the adhesion properties hemagglutination reaction of bacterial cells with red blood cells of different animals and humans was used. The acid formation ability of bacteria was determined by the method of titration after 7 days of incubation in the sterile milk. These properties were investigated at different concentrations of NO3 (-). The high concentration (mostly ≥2.0 %) NO3 (-) inhibited the growth of both lactobacilli and streptococci, but compared with streptococcal cultures lactobacilli, especially Lactobacillus acidophilus Ep 317/402, have shown more stability and higher adhesive properties. In addition, the concentrations of NO3 (-) of 0.5-2.0 % decreased the acid-forming activity of the strains, but even under these conditions they coagulated milk and, in comparison to control, formed low acidity in milk. Thus, the L. acidophilus Ep 317/402 with high adhesive properties has demonstrated a higher activity of NO3 (-) transformation.

Treating Adults with Hodgkin Lymphoma in the Developing World: a Hospital-Based Cohort Study from Armenia

BACKGROUND

With advances in diagnostics and treatment approaches, patients with Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL) in developed countries can nowadays expect to have excellent outcomes. However, information about the characteristics and outcomes in the developing world is very scarce, and this is important given the fact that there are several reports about differences of disease characteristics depending on geographic location and the development level of the country.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this retrospective study we assessed the features of 36 adult (≥18 years old) patients with HL and their diagnosis and treatment and outcomes in the Clinic of Chemotherapy of Muratsan University Hospital of Yerevan State Medical University, Armenia, between 2008- 2014.

RESULTS

All patients had classic HL and among them 19 (53%) had nodular sclerosis subtype, 8 (22%) mixed cellularity and 9 (25%) lymphocyte-rich. 16 (44.5%) patients were at stage II, 13 (36%) stage III and 7 (19.5%) stage IV. Median follow-up time was 24.5 months (range 1-71 months) and during the whole follow- up period only two relapses (early) were documented and there were no deaths. Twenty-three (64%) patients received a BEACOPP (bleomycin, etoposide, doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide, vincristine, procarbazine, and prednisone) regimen, and 13 (36%) ABVD (doxorubicin, bleomycin, vinblastine and dacarbazine) regimen. A total of 25 (69.5%) patients received radiation in addition to chemotherapy.

CONCLUSIONS

Although the number of patients involved in the study is small and the median follow-up time was just two years, this retrospective study shows that treatment of HL can be successfully organized in a resource-limited setting.

Contamination of raisin by filamentous fungi – potential producers of ochratoxin A

The forty-one samples of Armenian made and eleven samples of imported raisins collected in several markets in Yerevan were studied. The sample collections were carried out during of years 2004 to 2008. Thirty two species of filamentous fungi from Aspergillus, Penicillium, Alternaria Trichoderma and Syncephalastrum genera were isolated and identified. Among species isolated from studied samples species belonging to Aspergillus genera have a very high frequency of occurrence, 65.2% of all investigated filamentous fungi. Species from Nigri section show the highest occurrence: 66.7% of all isolated fungi belonging to Aspergillus genera. Species A. carbonarius and A. niger were dominated among isolated fungi from section Nigri. Both Armenian and imported samples of raisin had a high contamination level by these fungi which are potential producers of ochratoxin A. In Armenian samples were detected two more ochratoxigenic species belonging to Aspergillus section Nigri: A. sclerotioniger and A. lacticoffeatus. But their frequency of occurred was low. Thirty seven strains of A. flavus were isolated, 92% of them were isolated from Armenian samples. Influence of рН and aw on contamination level of raisin by fungi was studied.  It was revealed that highest contamination level by filamentous fungi occurred in raisins with relatively high aw value. Contamination level of raisin doesn't depend on pH.