Ecological risk of phenol on typical biota of the northern Chinese river from an integrated probability perspective: the Hun River as an example.

Phenol, known for its bioaccumulative nature and severe toxicity to riverine organisms, poses complex challenges for ecological risk assessment. To tackle this issue, we developed a three-stage incremental assessment method, providing an integrated perspective on phenol toxicity risk for aquatic organisms. The findings indicated that phenol concentrations were generally higher in the aquatic environments of northern rivers, such as the Hun River, Taizi River, and Liao River, compared to those in southern China. The evaluation results at individual points showed that the ecological risk of phenol to aquatic organisms ranked from high to low during rainy, dry, and normal seasons, showing seasonal variation characteristics. Regarding spatial variation along the river, the ecological risk of phenol gradually increased from upper reaches, peaked in the middle reaches, and then decreased in the lower reaches. Considering the different species types, fish face a higher risk of toxic effects of phenol than invertebrates when exposed to phenol over a long period of time, probably due to the bioaccumulative nature of phenol. To address ecological risk control at the watershed scale, there is an urgent need to revise China's current river water quality standards. It is essential to increase the emphasis on ecological risk control for aquatic organisms. Developing more targeted and refined ecological risk control strategies for river phenols is crucial to maintain a healthier and more vibrant river ecosystem.

Efficacy and safety of phenol-based partial matricectomy in treatment of onychocryptosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Chemical matricectomy is an established treatment modality of onychocryptosis. In this meta-analysis, we studied the efficacy and safety profile of phenol-based matricectomy. We performed an electronic database search of PubMed, EMBASE and grey literature using the search terms '(onychocryptosis OR ingrown toe nail) AND (phenol OR chemical matricectomy)' from inception till 31-12-2020, for controlled clinical trials with phenol in one of the treatment arms and at least 10 participants in each arm. From the initial search of 335, eighteen articles were included in the final analysis. There were a total of 1655 patients, of which 856 received phenol as an intervention modality. We found that nail matrix phenolisation was associated with a 49 fewer number of recurrences per thousand patients compared with other modalities (OR: 0.28-0.57, CI 95%). It also had a reduction in 175 cases of discharge or haemorrhage per thousand patients compared with other modalities (OR: 0.25, 95% CI: 0.14-0.45). However, we found that TCA- and NaOH-based matricectomies fared better compared with phenol in incidence of postoperative discharge and haemorrhage. Patients also experienced less pain (257 fewer number per 1000, OR: 0.52, 95% CI: 0.43-0.63). Nearly, half of the included studies had some concerns about the risk of bias. As of now, phenol matricectomy combines a low recurrence rate with favourable adverse effect profile and is the preferred modality for matricectomy in grade II and III onychocryptosis.

Novel monocyclic amide-linked phenol derivatives without mitochondrial toxicity have potent uric acid-lowering activity.

Although benzbromarone (BBR) is a conventional, highly potent uricosuric drug, it is not a standard medicine because it causes rare but fatal fulminant hepatitis. We transformed the bis-aryl ketone structure of BBR to generate novel monocyclic amide-linked phenol derivatives that should possess uric acid excretion activity without adverse properties associated with BBR. The derivatives were synthesized and tested for uric acid uptake inhibition (UUI) in two assays using either urate transporter 1-expressing cells or primary human renal proximal tubule epithelial cells. We also evaluated their inhibitory activity against mitochondrial respiration as a critical mitochondrial toxicity parameter. Some derivatives with UUI activity had no mitochondrial toxicity, including compound 3f, which effectively lowered the plasma uric acid level in Cebus apella. Thus, 3f is a promising candidate for further development as a uricosuric agent.

Depth Map for Face and Neck Deep Chemical Peel Resurfacing.

BACKGROUND: Chemical peels are applied to the face and neck to improve rhytides and the photoaged appearance of the skin. Peels can be applied to different skin depths depending on the types of chemicals, the volume of solution, and the amount of pressure or friction applied. If a peel is applied too superficially, rhytides will not be removed. If a peel is applied too deeply, scarring or hypopigmentation could occur. OBJECTIVE: To create face and neck depth maps for chemical peeling, which can guide safety when removing rhytides and improving the skin's appearance. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A multicenter retrospective review of records was conducted of patients who underwent phenol-croton oil peeling, from January 1, 2018, to December 31, 2018. Information was collected on facial and neck cosmetic units peeled, peel formula and strength used, outcomes, and complications. RESULTS: A total of 410 patients received deep peels. Two depth maps were created that corresponded to the most common patterns of deep chemical peel applications. CONCLUSION: Different areas of the face and neck are treated with different chemical peel application depths to safely improve rhytides and appearance. Depth maps are created to balance safety and efficacy.

Growth and antioxidant response in Ceratophyllum demersum L. under sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), phenol and joint stress.

Surfactants and phenolic compounds are common organic pollutants in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. However, the ecological risks of their combination are still unknown. This study investigated the effects of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), phenol and their mixture on the growth and physiological responses of Ceratophyllum demersum L. Antagonistic effects were elicited with Phenol-SDS mixtures (≤10 + 20 mg l-1). The results showed that photosynthetic pigments were sensitive to these toxins. The chlorophyll a, b and total chlorophyll of the plant significantly decreased under individual or the combined stress of SDS and phenol. Soluble protein content declined obviously in high stress conditions (≥1.0 mg l-1 Phenol, ≥10 mg l-1SDS, ≥0.5 + 1.0 mg l-1 Phenol+SDS). To cope with oxidant stress, C. demersum can activate antioxidant defense systems, such as the increase of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and peroxidase (POD). Moreover, under combined stress, the activities of catalase (CAT), SOD and POD significantly increased relative to a single stress. Our results showed that the toxicity of SDS and phenol may be antagonistic in C. demersum in its natural environment, and their mixture did not produce more severe effects on the growth of C. demersum than each toxin individually. Furthermore, the chlorophyll content can be considered an indicator of the combined toxicity of SDS and phenol.

Screening allergic reactions to resol resin based on phenol and formaldehyde in a clinic of occupational dermatology.

BACKGROUND: Allergic reactions to resol-type phenol formaldehyde resin [phenol formaldehyde resin 2 (PFR2)] are relatively common. It has been suggested that PFR2 should be included in baseline series. However, a recent international study found clinical relevance in only 25% of patients. OBJECTIVES: To report the results of screening with PFR2 over a 5-year period (2012-2016), and to study the clinical relevance of allergic reactions to PFR2 over a 15-year period (2002-2016). METHODS: At the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, PFR2 was added to the baseline series in 2012. We had previously tested PFR2 in the plastic and glue series. We searched the patch test files for patients with allergic reactions to PFR2, and analysed their patch test results, occupation, exposure, and diagnosis. RESULTS: During the screening period of 5 years, a total of 10 (1.6%) patients reacted positively to PFR2. Seven of these had occupational allergic contact dermatitis caused by phenol formaldehyde resin (PFR). In 3 patients, we found no exposure to PFR. Over the preceding 10 years, the clinical relevance of 10 additional allergic reactions to PFR2 was similarly high. CONCLUSIONS: In an occupational dermatology clinic, 70% of PFR2 reactions were clinically relevant. Further studies in general dermatology clinics are needed.

Chemodenervation for treatment of limb spasticity following spinal cord injury: a systematic review.

STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review. OBJECTIVES: To systematically review the literature on chemodenervation with botulinum toxin (BoNT) or phenol/alcohol for treatment of limb spasticity following spinal cord injury (SCI). SETTING: British Columbia, Canada. METHODS: EMBASE, MEDLINE, CINAHL, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched for English language studies published up until March 2014. Studies were assessed for eligibility and quality by two independent reviewers. RESULTS: No controlled trials were identified. A total of 19 studies were included: 9 involving BoNT and 10 involving phenol/alcohol. Owing to the clinically diverse nature of the studies, meta-analysis was deemed inappropriate. The studies produced level 4 and level 5 evidence that chemodenervation with BoNT or alcohol/phenol can lead to improvement in outcome measurements classified in the body structure and function, as well as activity domains of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health framework. The Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) was the most commonly used outcome measure. All six studies on BoNT and three of the four studies on phenol/alcohol measuring MAS reported a decrease in at least one point. An improvement in MAS was not always associated with improvement in function. The effect of phenol/alcohol has the potential to last beyond 6 months; study follow-up did not occur beyond this time point. CONCLUSION: Chemodenervation with BoNT or phenol/alcohol may improve spasticity and function in individuals with SCI. However, there is a lack of high-quality evidence and further research is needed to confirm the efficacy of these interventions.

[Selection of decontaminants for experimental phenol burn wounds].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of the decontaminants frequently used for phenol burn wounds. METHODS: The central part of the dorsal skin of adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were burned with 90% (W/V)phenol solution for 2 min, and water, 75% ethanol, polyethylene glycol 400 (PEG400), and Diphoterine were applied for decontamination for 15 min. The changes in wounds were observed, and the depth of skin burns at 24 hours after treatment and changes in six indicators of organ injuries, i.e., serum levels of total bilirubin (TBil), creatinine (Crea), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alanine aminotransferase (AST), creatine kinase (CK), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), at 6 hours after treatment were compared. RESULTS: After phenol burns, the Diphoterine group had a significantly better effect and significantly lower degrees of skin and organ injuries compared with the water group (P<0.05). The effect of decontamination and degrees of skin and organ injuries were similar between the 75% ethanol group and the PEG400 group, and both groups had a better effect of decontamination compared with the water group; the 75% ethanol group had significantly lower serum levels of CK and LDH than the water group (P<0.05). Among these four groups, the water group had the worst effect, the deepest wounds, and the most severe organ injuries. CONCLUSION: After phenol burns, early decontamination with water has a poor effect, while Diphoterine can reduce the depth of phenol burns and the degrees of injuries of vital organs, and has a good effect of decontamination.

Urinary Phenols in Early to Midpregnancy and Risk of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: A Longitudinal Study in a Multiracial Cohort.

Environmental phenols are ubiquitous endocrine disruptors and putatively diabetogenic. However, data during pregnancy are scant. We investigated the prospective associations between pregnancy phenol concentrations and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) risk. In a nested matched case-control study of 111 individuals with GDM and 222 individuals without GDM within the prospective PETALS cohort, urinary bisphenol A (BPA), BPA substitutes (bisphenol F and bisphenol S [BPS]), benzophenone-3, and triclosan were quantified during the first and second trimesters. Cumulative concentrations across the two times were calculated using the area under the curve (AUC). Multivariable conditional logistic regression examined the association of individual phenols with GDM risk. We conducted mixture analysis using Bayesian kernel machine regression. We a priori examined effect modification by Asian/Pacific Islander (A/PI) race/ethnicity resulting from the case-control matching and highest GDM prevalence among A/PIs. Overall, first-trimester urinary BPS was positively associated with increased risk of GDM (adjusted odds ratio comparing highest vs. lowest tertile [aORT3 vs. T1] 2.12 [95% CI 1.00-4.50]). We identified associations among non-A/Ps, who had higher phenol concentrations than A/PIs. Among non-A/PIs, first-trimester BPA, BPS, and triclosan were positively associated with GDM risk (aORT3 vs. T1 2.91 [95% CI 1.05-8.02], 4.60 [1.55-13.70], and 2.88 [1.11-7.45], respectively). Triclosan in the second trimester and AUC were positively associated with GDM risk among non-A/PIs (P < 0.05). In mixture analysis, triclosan was significantly associated with GDM risk. Urinary BPS among all and BPA, BPS, and triclosan among non-A/PIs were associated with GDM risk. Pregnant individuals should be aware of these phenols' potential adverse health effects.

Therapeutic outcomes of one-minute application of sodium hydroxide versus phenol in the chemical cauterization of ingrown toenails.

BACKGROUND: Ingrown nails are frequently encountered in dermatology practice. The recurrence tendency of the disorder makes chemical cauterization essential during surgical procedures. In studies comparing nail matrix cauterization with sodium hydroxide (NaOH) versus phenol, phenol's application time was highly variable. OBJECTIVE: To compare the therapeutic outcomes of matrix cauterization for a standard duration of one minute for NaOH versus phenol in stage II and III ingrown nails. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The medical records of patients undergoing matrix cauterization with 10% NaOH or 88% phenol were evaluated. The primary outcome measure was the lack of recurrences on long-term follow-up. The secondary outcome measures were complete healing duration, patient-reported pain scores, and adverse effects related to the procedure. RESULTS: Enrolled in this study were 62 ingrown toenail sides treated with 10% NaOH and 56 ingrown toenail sides treated with 88% phenol. The mean follow-up duration was 25.17 months. Recurrence was observed in four nail sides of the NaOH group (%6.45) and three nail sides of the phenol group (%5.35). The difference between the recurrence rates did not reach statistical significance. Patients treated with both methods were free of pain on the post-procedural tenth day. The visual analog scale pain scores and complete healing duration were similar between the two groups (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: In a large group with long-term follow-up results, the short-term and long-term post-operative treatment outcomes were similar between the one-minute applications of 10% NaOH versus 88% phenol groups.

[Burning ankle sensation after partial nail extraction]. / Brandende enkel na partiële nagelextractie.

A59-year-old patient reports back to general practice with a burning sensation at the ankle a few hours after a partial nail extraction with phenolization of the nail bed. There is a chemical burn caused by a drop of phenol spilt during the procedure.

Geospatial correlation between COVID-19 health misinformation and poisoning with household cleaners in the Greater Boston Area.

INTRODUCTION: Calls to poison control about exposure to household cleaners have increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. This dynamic may reflect increased exposure from public health efforts as well as health misinformation shared on social media. METHODS: We analyzed the dynamics of calls to the Regional Center for Poison Control and Prevention serving Massachusetts and Rhode Island (MARI PCC) and tweets discussing treating COVID-19 with house cleaners from January 20, 2020 to May 5, 2020. We obtained publicly available tweets discussing the use of household cleaners to "cure COVID" from the same time period with geographic co-ordinates indicating that they were emitted from the Greater Boston Area. RESULTS: Our main finding is that public health efforts were followed by a sustained increase in calls after March 15, 2020 (10 ± 2 calls per day before to 15 ± 2.5 after) while misinformation on social media was associated with intermittent spikes in calls. Overall, calls significantly increased during the study period by 34% as compared to the previous 8 years, mostly reporting unintentional ingestions with no serious effects. The daily volume of tweets and retweets was significantly correlated with daily call rates to MARI PCC for the surrounding 7-10 days. CONCLUSIONS: Health misinformation on social media about using household cleaning agents to treat COVID-19 and public health efforts lead to different dynamics in PCC calls. Public health efforts were followed by a sustained increase in calls after March 15, 2020 while misinformation on social media was followed by intermittent spikes in calls. This analysis is the first to link the geospatial dynamics of social media and public health interventions to poison center calls about exposure to household cleaners.

595-nm long pulsed dye laser and 1450-nm diode laser in combination with intralesional triamcinolone/5-fluorouracil for hypertrophic scarring following a phenol peel.

Hypertrophic scars and keloids are a therapeutic challenge because of the low response to treatment and recurrences after treatment. A variety of treatment regimens have been used with different degrees of success, with no universally accepted treatment protocol resulting in their complete and permanent resolution. We offer this case to demonstrate a combination approach for the treatment of hypertrophic scarring. A 75-year-old woman (with Fitzpatrick skin type II) presented with a 4-month history of scarring, which had developed following a phenol peel for perioral rhytides. The patient underwent 10 treatment sessions with the 595-nm long-pulsed dye laser followed immediately by the 1450-nm diode laser in combination with intralesional triamcinolone and 5-fluorouracil. After the fifth treatment session, about 90% improvement was noted; at the last treatment session, greater than 95% overall improvement was noted. Two and a half years after the last treatment session, the patient and treating physician noted no regression. A limitation of this therapy is that the combination approach makes it difficult to determine what individual contributions each treatment modality had on the final result. We have illustrated a successful multifaceted treatment regimen for hypertrophic scars and keloids using a combination approach.

Comparative evaluation of phenol and thimerosal as preservatives for a candidate vaccine against American cutaneous leishmaniasis.

For decades thimerosal has been used as a preservative in the candidate vaccine for cutaneous leishmaniasis, which was developed by Mayrink et al. The use of thimerosal in humans has been banned due to its mercury content. This study addresses the standardization of phenol as a new candidate vaccine preservative. We have found that the proteolytic activity was abolished when the test was conducted using the candidate vaccine added to merthiolate (MtVac) as well as to phenol (PhVac). The Montenegro's skin test conversion rates induced by MtVac and by PhVac was 68.06% and 85.9%, respectively, and these values were statistically significant (p < 0.05). The proliferative response of peripheral mononuclear blood cells shows that the stimulation index of mice immunized with both candidate vaccines was higher than the one in control animals (p < 0.05). The ability of the candidate vaccines to induce protection in C57BL/10 mice against a challenge with infective Leishmania amazonensis promastigotes was tested and the mice immunized with PhVac developed smaller lesions than the mice immunized with MtVac. Electrophoresis of phenol-preserved antigen revealed a number of proteins, which were better preserved in PhVac. These results do in fact encourage the use of phenol for preserving the immunogenic and biochemical properties of the candidate vaccine for cutaneous leishmaniasis.

Investigation of a one-time phenol application for pilonidal disease.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate wound healing rates and postoperative recovery of patients after a one-time phenol application for pilonidal disease. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A total 30 consecutive patients with chronic pilonidal disease ranging from midline to complex sinuses were enrolled in the study. No preoperative laboratory examinations or bowel preparation were required. No antibiotic prophylaxis or sedation was used. A small incision was made on the midline and hair/debris in the sinuses was removed. A cotton swab with saturated phenol was moved into the cavity and the phenol was left for 2 min. No special dressing was necessary and patients left the hospital immediately afterwards. Patients filled out a daily questionnaire for 7 days. We did not intervene in the wounds with a second phenol application or curettage during the observation period. Wounds were inspected at weekly intervals for 2 months. RESULTS: At the end of the third day, 97% of the patients were pain-free and 100% of the patients were free from analgesics. Time off work was 2 days for most patients (93.3%). Twenty-eight (93.3%) patients were satisfied with the procedure, they found it easy and painless and suggested the procedure to other patients. Twenty-five (83%) patients were asymptomatic at the end of 2 months' observation and the remaining 5 patients had unhealed sinuses. Mean time for wound healing was 25 days (range 10-63 days). There were 4 recurrences after a mean of 14 months' follow-up and the overall success rate was 70%. CONCLUSIONS: A one-time phenol application was an effective treatment for pilonidal disease with acceptable wound healing rates, less postoperative pain and less time off work. Hence it can be an alternative treatment modality.