Contributions and perspectives of Indigenous Peoples to the study of mercury in the Arctic

Arctic Indigenous Peoples are among the most exposed humans when it comes to foodborne mercury (Hg). In response, Hg monitoring and research have been on-going in the circumpolar Arctic since about 1991; this work has been mainly possible through the involvement of Arctic Indigenous Peoples. The present overview was initially conducted in the context of a broader assessment of Hg research organized by the Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Programme. This article provides examples of Indigenous Peoples' contributions to Hg monitoring and research in the Arctic, and discusses approaches that could be used, and improved upon, when carrying out future activities. Over 40 mercury projects conducted with/by Indigenous Peoples are identified for different circumpolar regions including the U.S., Canada, Greenland, Sweden, Finland, and Russia as well as instances where Indigenous Knowledge contributed to the understanding of Hg contamination in the Arctic. Perspectives and visions of future Hg research as well as recommendations are presented. The establishment of collaborative processes and partnership/co-production approaches with scientists and Indigenous Peoples, using good communication practices and transparency in research activities, are key to the success of research and monitoring activities in the Arctic. Sustainable funding for community-driven monitoring and research programs in Arctic countries would be beneficial and assist in developing more research/ monitoring capacity and would promote a more holistic approach to understanding Hg in the Arctic. These activities should be well connected to circumpolar/international initiatives to ensure broader availability of the information and uptake in policy development

NK-cell and T-cell functions in patients with breast cancer: effects of surgery and adjuvant chemo- and radiotherapy

Breast cancer is globally the most common malignancy in women. Her2-targeted monoclonal antibodies are established treatment modalities, and vaccines are in late-stage clinical testing in patients with breast cancer and known to promote tumour-killing through mechanisms like antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity. It is therefore increasingly important to study immunological consequences of conventional treatment strategies. In this study, functional tests and four-colour flow cytometry were used to detect natural killer (NK)-cell functions and receptors as well as T-cell signal transduction molecules and intracellular cytokines in preoperative breast cancer patients, and patients who had received adjuvant radiotherapy or adjuvant combined chemo-radiotherapy as well as in age-matched healthy controls. The absolute number of NK cells, the density of NK receptors as well as in vitro quantitation of functional NK cytotoxicity were significantly higher in preoperative patients than the post-treatments group and controls. A similar pattern was seen with regard to T-cell signalling molecules, and preoperative patients produced significantly higher amounts of cytokines in NK and T cells compared to other groups. The results indicate that functions of NK and T cells are well preserved before surgery but decrease following adjuvant therapy, which may speak in favour of early rather than late use of immunotherapeutic agents such as trastuzumab that may depend on intact immune effector functions

The value of C-reactive protein (CRP) determinations in patients with suspected acute appendicitis.

The clinical usefulness of the preoperative determination of C-Reactive protein (CRP) in patients with suspected acute appendicitis was studied in 156 consecutive patients undergoing acute appendicectomy. The CRP values were found to increase with an advancing stage of the appendiceal inflammation found at operation and the length of the preoperative phase of illness. Eight out of 66 patients with a phlegmonous appendix found at operation showed no signs of bacterial infection, as revealed by an increased C-Reactive protein level. These results suggest that a preoperative quantitative determination of the C-Reactive protein in patients with suspected acute appendicitis might add a valuable parameter to the laboratory profile in this condition and can be used for the selection of those patients who would benefit from a preoperatively administered antibiotic prophylaxis. Furthermore, these results might support the theory that an obstruction of the appendix lumen is the most important factor in the genesis of acute appendicitis

Computed tomography of ano-rectal anomalies : Correlation between radiologic findings and clinical evaluation of faecal incontinence

Computed tomography (CT) was performed in 9 patients with faecal incontinence more than 8 years after rectoplasty for high imperforate anus. The radiologic findings were correlated with the clinical evaluation of faecal incontinence. No statistically significant correlation was found between function and anatomic findings as demonstrated by CT. Thus, although CT demonstrates the post-operative anatomy in a detailed way, the information does not seem to be directly applicable when selecting the type of reoperation for faecal incontinence

The level of copper, zinc and certain free amino acids in the plasma of patients with acute appendicitis

Many forms of inflammatory conditions are associated with alterations in physiology, metabolism and concentrations of trace elements such as copper, magnesium, zinc and calcium and of amino acid patterns and C-Reactive protein levels in plasma (1). Decreased levels of zinc and a reciprocal increase of copper in plasma has been seen in many human diseases (2). Nothing concrete is documented concerning these changes in acute appendicitis. The present study was performed to investigate the possible changes in the levels of trace elements such as copper, zinc, magnesium and calcium and electrophoretic patterns, C-Reactive protein and amino acid patterns in plasma in patients admitted for suspected acute appendicitis. The effect of surgical trauma on copper and zinc levels was also investigated

Laparoscopy for nonpalpable testis in childhood : Is inguinal exploration necessary when vas and vessels are not seen?

A case of bilateral nonpalpable testes is described. Ultrasonography showed no testis. Laparoscopy revealed no intraabdominal testis, vas or vessels. Human chorionic gonadotrophine test suggested the presence of testicular tissue Computed tomography showed a testis present in each inguinal canal. Inguinal exploration confirmed the finding. This case stresses the importance of careful interpretation of the laparoscopic findings together with other diagnostic methods in localizing testicular tissue in patients with nonpalpable testes

Computed Tomography and Magnetic Resonance Tomography Findings in Children Operated for Anal Atresia

Computerised tomography and magnetic resonance tomography were performed in nine faecally incontinent patients more than eight years after rectoplasty for high imperforate anus. No statistically significant correlation was found between function, i. e. degree of faecal incontinence, and anatomical findings. Thus, in spite of a detailed demonstration of the post-operative anatomy, the information does not seem to be directly applicable in indicating a way to reoperate for faecal incontinence in this group of patients

The value of physiotherapy for faecal continence after correction of high anal atresia. A clinical and electromyographic study

A follow-up study of 12 patients who had undergone Stephens rectoplasty for high imperforate anus is presented. Clinical assessment and anal electromyography were performed more than 7 years after surgery, both before and after a year's physiotherapeutic training of the perianal musculature. Electromyography showed correlation between faecal continence and tonus of the anal sphincter, the anocutaneous reflex and maximal voluntary activity in the perianal muscles. After the physiotherapeutic training there was significant improvement of faecal continence. This effect was electromyographically corroborated. The results confirmed clinical observations that postoperative physiotherapy and training of the voluntary muscles in the perianal region is of value for the achievement of faecal continence