Hydrochars produced with by-products from the sucroenergetic industry: a study of extractor solutions on nutrient and organic carbon release

Abstract

Hydrothermal carbonization transforms biomass into value-added material called hydrochar. The release of nutrients (P, N, Ca, Mg, and K) and organic carbon (TOC) from hydrochar in different extractive solutions was investigated in this study. Two sets of hydrochar were produced: (i) hydrochar prepared from sugarcane bagasse and vinasse mixture (BV-HC) and (ii) hydrochar prepared by the addition of H₃PO₄ to this mixture (BVA-HC). Both hydrochar types released significative amounts of nutrient and organic carbon, mainly Ca (5.0 mg g⁻¹) in the mixture (KCl, K₂SO₄, NaOH, 1:1:1) extractive solution and TOC (72.6 mg g⁻¹) in the NaOH extractive solution, for BV-HC. Nutrient release was influenced by pH and ionic strength. The release of P, Ca, and Mg was affected by the presence of insoluble phosphate phases in BVA-HC. The release of nutrients P, N, Ca, Mg, and K and organic carbon demonstrated that hydrochar has potential for soil application purposes.

http://bit.ly/2RBu0Bh

Understanding spatial and temporal patterns of fish diversity and assemblage structure vis-a-vis environmental parameters in a tropical Indian reservoir

Abstract

Reservoirs have been given priority as an important resource for fisheries enhancement in inland open waters. This paper described the spatial and temporal pattern of fish diversity using GIS platform, assemblage structure, and studied the influence of environmental parameters in these variables in a large tropical reservoir, Chandil, located in the eastern India using multiple approaches. Altogether, 42 fish species belonging to 30 genera were recorded from the reservoir, including two exotic species: pangas, Pangasianodon hypophthalmus, and Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus. The diversity indices indicated lowest fish diversity in the lacustrine zone, but without distinct seasonal variation. The taxonomic distinctness was lower in the lacustrine zone as compared to other zones, and the summer season exhibited higher taxonomic distinctness, though the number of species was lowest. Most of the physicochemical parameters recorded are within the favorable range for fisheries enhancement. Among the environmental parameters, pH and nitrate significantly influenced the fish abundance. The study recommends suitable measures and interventions for conservation of the native fish diversity and sustainable fisheries development: closed season, protected/conservation area, introduction of fish aggregating device (FAD), and regulated fish culture in enclosures.

http://bit.ly/2WHF6rV

Levels of phthalate acid esters and sex hormones and their possible sources in traffic-patrol policemen in Chongqing

Abstract

To investigate the correlation between the air phthalate acid ester (PAE) exposure and serum PAE concentration and the effects of PAE exposure on reproductive health among Chongqing traffic-patrol policemen. In 2013, 32 traffic-patrol policemen working in an area with poor air quality in Chongqing and 28 traffic-patrol policemen working in an area with good air quality were selected. Their blood levels of 14 PAEs and six reproductive hormones were determined. Air samples were collected from four traffic-patrol platforms. The concentrations of 14 PAEs in the air samples were evaluated. All 14 PAEs were detected in the blood samples. The concentrations of seven PAEs in the total suspended particulate, namely, dimethyl phthalate, diethyl phthalate, dibutyl phthalate, bis (2-ethox-yethyl) phthalate, dihexyl phthalate, benzyl butyl phthalate, and bis (2-n-butoxyethyl) phthalate, were positively and significantly associated with the blood levels of these PAEs in the participants. All the sex hormone levels measured here were significantly different between the participants from the two areas. The PAE concentrations in the blood samples were correlated with the reproductive hormone levels in the participants. Air PAE pollution may be a major source of PAE exposure in the traffic-patrol policemen of Chongqing.

http://bit.ly/2RBtPWD

Evaluation of the effect of teriparatide therapy on mandibular fracture healing in rats with medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw

Abstract

Objective

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of teriparatide therapy on mandibular fracture healing in rats with medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ).

Materials and methods

To induce MRONJ, a total of 120 rats received intravenous zoledronate 0.06 mg/kg once a week for 6 weeks and their right mandibular first molar was extracted. Eighty of 94 rats with MRONJ were randomly selected and underwent unilateral mandibular osteotomy to replicate a fracture. After surgery, the rats were randomly assigned to T (teriparatide-treated) and C (control) groups. Group T (n = 40) received subcutaneous injection of 2 μg/kg/day teriparatide and group C (n = 40) received the same volume of normal saline until sacrifice. Four and 8 weeks after surgery, 20 rats in each group were sacrificed. Fracture healing was scored using a histological grading system (1 to 10).

Results

In group C, at 4 weeks and 8 weeks post-fracture, fibrous and cartilaginous tissues and scant bone formation at the fracture site and lacunae without osteocyte in adjacent mandibular bone were seen. In group T, substantial amounts of new trabecular bone rimmed by osteoblasts and some areas of remodeled mature bone were seen. After 8 weeks, extensive replacement of trabecular bone with mature bone occurred. Except between C4 and C8 groups, the healing score was significantly different between all subgroups.

Conclusion

Teriparatide therapy successfully improved mandibular fracture healing in rats with MRONJ. However, this study was limited by the use of an animal model whose anatomy, physiology, and drug metabolism might be different from humans.

Clinical relevance

The present study showed that teriparatide therapy may be used adjunctive to surgery in the treatment of mandibular fractures in MRONJ patients.

http://bit.ly/2MN1sDU

Enhanced adsorption for Pb(II) and Cd(II) of magnetic rice husk biochar by KMnO 4 modification

Abstract

Novel KMnO₄-treated magnetic biochar (FMBC) was successfully synthesized by addition of Fe(NO₃)₃ during carbonization and KMnO₄ treatment following for Pb(II) and Cd(II) adsorption. SEM-EDS, XPS, and ICP-AES were used to evaluate the FMBC and magnetic biochar (FBC) on surface morphology, surface chemistry characteristics, surface functional groups, and Pb(II) and Cd(II) adsorption behavior. Results showed that the Langmuir maximum adsorption quantity of FMBC reached 148 mg/g for Pb(II) and 79 mg/g for Cd(II), nearly 7 times of that of FBC. The enhancement of FMBC for heavy metal adsorption was due to the successful load of manganese oxides and the increased oxygen functional groups consistent with XPS and FTIR results. The adsorption capacities of FMBC were maintained over 95% when the pH value was higher than 2.5 and 3.5 for Pb(II) and Cd(II), respectively. The adsorption performances of both heavy metals by FMBC were hardly influenced by ionic strength and humid acid. The adsorption capacities of FMBC could maintain over 50% and 87% after four cycles for Pb(II) and Cd(II), respectively. The saturation magnetization of FMBC was about 11.5 emu/g, which did not change after adsorption. This work proposed a new method to fabricate a magnetic biochar with high adsorption capacities of heavy metals Pb(II) and Cd(II).

http://bit.ly/2BgoxdG

Sediment phosphorus release in response to flood event across different land covers in a restored wetland

Abstract

The phosphorus (P) fraction and its release characteristics from sediment in response to flood events across different land covers (i.e., reclaimed land with dominant vegetation of Phragmites australis and/or Typha orientalis, grassland with dominant vegetation of annual and perennial forbs, and bare land) in the lakeshore of Chaohu Lake were investigated. The results indicated that the re-flooding of a restored wetland led to P release. IP (inorganic P) was the major P fraction in the soils pre-flood and post-flood. For all the soil samples, the rank order of P fractions was Ca-P (P associated with calcium) > OP (organic P) > Fe/Al-P (P bound to Al, Fe, and Mn oxides and hydroxides). During flooding, Fe/Al-P contributed the most as the P release source in the soils and to the P sources for the overlying water. In reclaimed land, Fe/Al-P release correlated significantly with soil pH. In grassland, Fe/Al-P release correlated significantly with soil pH and Al content. In bare land, Fe/Al-P release correlated significantly with Al and clay content. The max TP release rates were also significantly influenced by land cover, and the values in bare land, grassland, and reclaimed land were 9.91 mg P m⁻² day⁻¹, 8.10 mg P m⁻² day⁻¹, and 5.05 mg P m⁻² day⁻¹, respectively. The results showed that the P release processes might be regulated by different factors across different land covers, and that the re-introduction of vegetation during wetland restoration must be taken into account prior to flood events to avoid an undesirable degradation of water quality.

http://bit.ly/2TwnI7t

Evaluating giant panda as a surrogate species for conservation co-occurring species in the Baishuijiang National Nature Reserve

Abstract

The establishment of nature reserves is a key approach for biodiversity conservation worldwide. However, the effectiveness of nature reserves established by protecting the habitat needs of surrogate species is questioned. In this study, the Baishuijiang National Nature Reserve (Baishuijiang NNR), located in the Minshan Mountains, China, which is established mainly for the conservation of giant panda (a surrogate for the conservation of other endangered species) was selected. We quantitatively evaluated the conservation effectiveness of the reserve for giant panda and co-occurring species (here, seven protected species) using a maximum entropy model (Maxent), and analyzed spatial congruence between giant panda and other seven species. Results shown that the habitat of giant panda generally included the habitat of other seven protected species, suggesting that conservation of giant panda habitat also allows the conservation for the habitat of almost co-occurring species. Hence, the natural reserve established for giant panda as a surrogate species has a relatively high effectiveness. A high proportion of the suitable habitat for six species is inside the core zone, but a high proportion of the suitable habitat for two species is located in the experimental and buffer zones. Thus, the two species are affected by human activities. To improve the conservation effectiveness of the nature reserve, the management zones need to be amended. The result of the study will be beneficial for future conservation and management of the reserve. This study provides an effective method for evaluating the conservation effectiveness of nature reserves in other area of the worldwide.

http://bit.ly/2Bk1wGE

Impact of dietary nano-zinc oxide on immune response and antioxidant defense of broiler chickens

Abstract

This study aimed to elucidate the response of broiler chickens to the dietary nano-zinc supplementation in terms of immune response and antioxidant activity. Ninety-one-day-old chicks (Ross 308) were randomly assigned to one of three dietary treatments in three replicates, in a feeding trial that lasted for 5 weeks. Birds were fed a basal diet supplemented with inorganic zinc oxide at 40 mg/kg diet (control), zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) at 40 mg/kg diet (ZN1), or ZnONPs at 80 mg/kg diet (ZN2). Birds were injected with DNP-KLH at the 7th and 21st days from the beginning of the experiment, and blood samples were collected on days 7, 14, 21, 28, and 35 to determine the levels of immunoglobulin Y (IgY) and malondialdehyde as well as the antioxidant enzyme activities. Cellular immunity was assayed by estimation of phagocytic percentage and index of peripheral monocytes of blood and estimation of the T lymphocyte activity using a lymphocyte transformation test. The results showed that feeding broiler chickens a diet supplemented with ZnONPs increased (p < 0.05) the activity of superoxide dismutase and catalase and decreased the concentration of malondialdehyde compared to the control diet, without significant differences between NZ1 and NZ2 diets. Moreover, the chicks fed diets supplemented with ZnONPs showed a significant increase (p < 0.05) in serum IgY, total lymphocyte count, and macrophages compared to the control. A higher significant response for antibodies IgY concentration was observed in birds fed the NZ2 vs NZ1 diet. Also, there was a significant increase in phagocytic activity and phagocytic index in ZnONP-fed groups with a higher significance in the group fed NZ1 than with NZ2 diet as compared with the control. In conclusion, ZnONP application up to 80 mg/kg in the diet is safe for broiler chickens and could improve their antioxidant defense and cellular immunity.

http://bit.ly/2Tv1bbo

Serum biotin and zinc in male androgenetic alopecia

Summary

Background

Male androgenetic alopecia (MAGA) is caused by the conversion of the terminal to vellus hair. Zinc is one of the most studied trace elements in hair disorders and biotin is one of the most prescribed supplement for its treatment.

Objectives

The study aimed to evaluate serum zinc and biotin levels in MAGA patients to answer the question if there is a value to add zinc or biotin as a supplements in the MAGA treatment.

Patients and Methods

Sixty MAGA patients and 60 age, sex, and body mass index‐matched healthy volunteers were included. We measured serum biotin and zinc in all participants.

Results

Zinc (µg/dL) was lower significantly in patients compared to controls (P = 0.01), suboptimal biotin (ng/L) levels were in patients, and within normal values in controls (P = 0.01). A positive significant correlation was found between serum zinc and serum biotin (r = 0.489, P = 0.001). Serum zinc and biotin showed a nonsignificant correlation with age and disease duration. A non‐significant relation was obtained between the MAGA grades, and zinc (P = 0.485) and biotin levels (P = 0.367).

Conclusions

Serum zinc showed subnormal value and adding zinc supplement in MAGA treatment is recommended. Serum biotin showed a suboptimal level in MAGA patients that is not correlated with patients' age or disease severity. Biotin supplement in MAGA treatment may add value to hair quality and texture. We recommend future biotin evaluation in serum combined with its metabolites in MAGA patients' urine.

http://bit.ly/2SksjfS

Nanoanalytics: analytical methods for characterization of nano- and micro-objects

http://bit.ly/2HPqOCq

Technologies for deodorization of malodorous gases

Abstract

There is an increasing number of citizens' complaints about odor nuisance due to production or service activity. High social awareness imposes pressure on entrepreneurs and service providers forcing them to undertake effective steps aimed at minimization of the effects of their activity, also with respect to emission of malodorous substances. The article presents information about various technologies used for gas deodorization. Known solutions can be included into two groups: technologies offering prevention of emissions, and methodological solutions that enable removal of malodorous substances from the stream of emitted gases. It is obvious that the selection of deodorization technologies is conditioned by many factors, and it should be preceded by an in-depth analysis of possibilities and limitations offered by various solutions. The aim of the article is presentation of the available gas deodorization technologies as to facilitate the potential investors with selection of the method of malodorous gases emission limitation, suitable for particular conditions.

http://bit.ly/2t7gGKM

Huge rhinophyma in a complicated patient successfully treated with C02 laser

Abstract

Rhinophyma is a bothersome and disfiguring condition of the nose that is often cause of cosmetic embarrassment and social reclusion.

Nowadays the therapeutic possibilities are highly variable and have to be personalized case by case. These possibilities include pharmacological therapy, laser surgery, mechanical dermabrasion and surgical excision. For patients with cardiovascular comorbidies and anticoagulant therapy, the therapeutic choice is limited. We present a case of a giant rhinophyma in a patient with several comorbidities that we successfully treated with CO2 laser.

This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

http://bit.ly/2MQ1D17

Stress and Obesity: The Ghrelin Connection

Abstract

Ghrelin is a hormone associated with feeding and energy balance. Not surprisingly, this hormone is secreted in response to acute stressors and it is chronically elevated after exposure to chronic stress in tandem with a number of metabolic changes aimed at attaining homeostatic balance. In this review we propose that ghrelin plays a key role in these stress‐induced homeostatic processes. Ghrelin targets the hypothalamus and brain stem nuclei that are part of the sympathetic nervous system to increase appetite and energy expenditure and promote the use of carbohydrates as a source of fuel while sparing fat. Ghrelin also targets mesolimbic brain regions like the ventral segmental area (VTA) and the hippocampus to modulate reward processes, to protect against damage associated with chronic stress, and to potentially increase resilience to stress. In all, these data support the notion that ghrelin, like corticosterone, is a critical metabolic hormone that is essential for the stress response.

This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

http://bit.ly/2DQgF47

ATA supports dialogue on emergency preparedness around nuclear power stations

Here's what could happen in a nuclear disaster in Washtenaw County

The American Thyroid Association has called for pre-distribution of potassium iodide, also known as KI, to households within a 10-mile radius of nuclear power plants such as Fermi 2, and stockpiling it in public facilities such as schools, hospitals, clinics, post offices and police and fire stations in up to a 50-mile radius.
Michigan Live (www.MLive.com)

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The post ATA supports dialogue on emergency preparedness around nuclear power stations appeared first on American Thyroid Association.

http://bit.ly/2BiUiTr

Short and long‐term responsiveness to low dose GH in adult Growth Hormone Deficiency (GHD): role of GH receptor (GHR) polymorphism

Abstract

Purpose

in patients with Growth Hormone Deficiency (GHD), low doses of recombinant human Growth Hormone (rhGH) have a similar or better long‐term clinical effect than higher doses. Pharmacogenetic studies suggest that GH receptor (GHR) polymorphism influences only some metabolic parameters. Nonetheless there is no clear scientific evidence proving the effects of lower rhGH dose regimens on metabolic parameters. The aim of our prospective study is to evaluate the effects of GHR polymorphism in adult GHD patients treated with low rhGH dose during short (6 and 12 months) and long‐term (5 years) follow‐up.

Methods

Sixty‐nine GHD adult patients were studied, before and during treatment with rhGH, using a standardized low‐dose protocol calculated on the basis of body weight (0.01‐0.03 mg/kg/week) and monitored by IGF‐I plasma assay, anthropometric and metabolic parameters. The GHR genotype (flfl, fld3, or d3d3) was determined from peripheral blood.

Results

d3‐GHR carriers showed a more effective short and long‐term response to low rhGH dose in LDL reduction, body composition and blood pressure (homozygous patients only); d3‐GHR homozygosity is related to a significant IGF‐I increase during short‐term follow‐up. Regression analysis demonstrated that rhGH dose, age at diagnosis and GHR genotype are the major determinants of IGF‐I increase at 6 and 12 months of replacement therapy.

Conclusions

the d3d3‐GHR genotype may influence some metabolic effects during short and long‐term follow‐up of low rhGH dose and could be an independent determinant of the increase of IGF‐ I during short‐term follow‐up.

This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

http://bit.ly/2SblHBn

A role for taste receptors in (neuro)endocrinology?

Summary/Outline

The sense of taste is placed at the forefront when it comes to the interaction of our body with food‐borne chemicals. However, the role of our taste system and, in particular its associated taste receptors, is not limited to drive food preferences leading to ingestion or rejection before other organs take over responsibility for nutrient digestion, absorption, and metabolic regulation, taste sensory elements do much more. On the one hand extra‐oral taste receptors from brain to gut continue to sense nutrients and noxious substances after ingestion and, on the other hand, the nutritional state is acting backwards on the taste system. This intricate regulatory network is orchestrated by endocrine factors secreted in response to taste receptor signaling and, in turn regulating taste receptor cells themselves. This work summarizes current knowledge on the endocrine regulation of the taste perceptual system and the release of hunger/satiety regulating factors by gastrointestinal taste receptors. Furthermore, the regulation of blood glucose levels through the activation of pancreatic sweet taste receptors and subsequent insulin secretion as well as the influences of bitter compounds on thyroid hormone release will be addressed. Finally, central effects of tastants will be discussed briefly.

This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

http://bit.ly/2UCgkYn

NDP‐MSH reduces oxidative damage induced by palmitic acid in primary astrocytes

Abstract

Recent findings relate obesity to inflammation in key hypothalamic areas for body weight control. Hypothalamic inflammation has also been related to oxidative stress. Palmitic acid (PA) is the most abundant free fatty acid found in food, and in vitro studies indicate that it triggers a pro‐inflammatory response in the brain. Melanocortins are neuropeptides with proven anti‐inflammatory and neuroprotective action mediated by melanocortin receptor 4 (MC4R), but little is known about the effect of melanocortins on oxidative stress. The aim of this study was to investigate whether melanocortins could alleviate oxidative stress induced by a high fat diet (HFD) model. We found that NDP‐MSH treatment decreased PA‐induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in astrocytes, an effect blocked by the MC4R inhibitor JKC363. NDP‐MSH abolished nuclear translocation of Nrf2 induced by PA and blocked the inhibitory effect of PA on superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and glutathione (GSH) levels while it also per se increased activity of SOD and γ‐glutamate cysteine ligase (γ‐GCL) antioxidant enzymes. However, HFD reduced hypothalamic MC4R and BDNF mRNA levels, thereby preventing the neuroprotective mechanism induced by melanocortins.

This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

http://bit.ly/2SooOF7

Dendritic pattern: Unique onychoscopic feature in endonyx

Publication date: Available online 2 February 2019

Source: Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology

Author(s): Deepak Jakhar, Chander Grover, Ishmeet Kaur

http://bit.ly/2HQ1hZP

Factors associated with the utilization of Mohs surgery in the treatment of microcystic adnexal carcinoma

Publication date: Available online 2 February 2019

Source: Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology

Author(s): Walter Liszewski, Derek R. Blanchette, Ian A. Maher

http://bit.ly/2t0xFyu

Pediatric Anesthesia: A Problem-Based Learning Approach

No abstract available

http://bit.ly/2WDeE2N