Effectiveness of simultaneous foliar application of Zn and Mn or P to reduce Cd concentration in rice grains: a field study

Abstract

Excess cadmium (Cd) in agricultural soils can be taken up by rice plants and concentrated in the grain, presenting a human health risk. In this study, we field tested the effects of three foliar treatments (zinc (Zn) alone, or combined with manganese (ZnMn) or phosphorus (ZnP)) on the Cd concentration and grain yield of six rice cultivars (C Liangyou 7, Fengyuanyou 272, Xiangwanxian 12, Tianyouhuazhan, Xiangwanxian 13, and Jinyou 284) at the grain filling stage. Our results showed that rice yield and Cd, Zn, Mn, P, and K concentrations were significantly different among the cultivars (p < 0.05); for example, Jinyou 284 recorded lower Cd levels than any other cultivar. Application of Zn, ZnMn, and ZnP had no significant effect on rice yield and Mn, P, and K concentrations for all cultivars. Compared with the control, Cd concentrations after treatment with Zn, ZnMn, and ZnP decreased by 19.03–32.55%, 36.63–55.78% (p < 0.05), and 25.72–49.10%, respectively, while Zn concentrations increased by 11.02–29.38%, 10.63–32.67%, and 11.97–36.82%, respectively. There was a significant negative correlation between Cd and Zn concentrations (p < 0.01). All three treatments increased Zn and reduced Cd concentration in rice grains, though ZnMn was most effective. Therefore, cultivar selection and Zn fertilizer application are effective strategies to minimize Cd concentration in rice grains. However, the lowest result still exceeded the Chinese Cd safety limit (0.2 mg Cd kg⁻¹) by a factor of 2.6, demonstrating that additional effective measures should be simultaneously used to further reduce the accumulation of Cd in rice grains.

http://bit.ly/2SvYtVy

An update on clinical safety of adalimumab in treating psoriasis: A systematic review and meta‐analysis based on 20 randomized controlled trials

Summary

Purpose

The current meta‐analysis was conducted to better evaluate the role of adalimumab for patients with psoriasis in terms of its safety profile on the basis of eligible randomized controlled trials (RCTs).

Methods

The following electronic databases such as Cochrane, PubMed, and Embase database involving the index words were screened and identified for qualified studies updated to December 2018. Associated publications and sources were hand‐searched for more related details. To further analyze the main outcomes, the odds ratio (OR) and mean difference (MD) with its 95% confidence interval (95% CI) were utilized.

Results

There were a total of 20 RCTs involving respective 3795 and 3266 patients in the adalimumab and control group that met our inclusion criteria. According to the aggregated results, the adalimumab group was highly associated with significant improvement in the incidence of adverse event (AE), infection, and injection site reaction on comparison of the control group. Nevertheless, no remarkable differences were found between the two study groups in terms of the incidence of serious AE, serious infection as well as the discontinuation of study drug caused by AE.

Conclusion

Adalimumab was proved to be linked to higher incidence of AE, infection, and injection site reaction during the therapy process of psoriasis based on high‐quality RCTs. In addition, there was no association between adalimumab therapy and serious AE, serious infection and the discontinuation of study drug caused by AE in patients harboring psoriasis according to eligible RCTs.

http://bit.ly/2RF7oQ3

Capecitabine-induced bilateral ectropion: A rare ocular manifestation requiring surgical intervention

Sedat Tatar, Can E Yalçın, Billur Sezgin, Ayşe Y Taş, Orkun Müftüoğlu, Selahattin Özmen

Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery 2018 11(4):241-244

It has been established that many chemotherapeutic agents are associated with a variety of ocular side effects. As an antineoplastic agent, 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) is the chemotherapeutic agent that is frequently linked with cicatricial ectropion. Capecitabine is a prodrug of 5-FU and has a more favorable side effect profile than 5-FU. Frequent side effects of capecitabine include gastrointestinal events and hand–foot–mouth syndrome; cicatricial ectropion is rather uncommon. Enzyme deficiencies affecting the capecitabine metabolism have been reported to be associated with exaggerated generalized systemic and cutaneous side effects; however, there are no cases in the literature reporting capecitabine-induced isolated bilateral-progressive ectropion. Although cessation of the agent is frequently sufficient for the treatment of ectropion, close follow-up is indicated in such patients as permanent damage may occur if the problem is left untreated. We report a case of capecitabine-induced bilateral cicatricial ectropion refractory to treatment cessation, ultimately requiring surgical treatment.

http://bit.ly/2Twf60R

Injection lipolysis: A systematic review of literature and our experience with a combination of phosphatidylcholine and deoxycholate over a period of 14 years in 1269 patients of Indian and South East Asian origin

Mohan K Thomas, James A D'Silva, Ateesh J Borole

Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery 2018 11(4):222-228

Background: Phosphatidylcholine and deoxycholate (PC–DC) injections have been used as nonsurgical alternatives to liposuction. DC as a constituent for lipolysis has recently been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration. Aim: PC and DC have independently been used in lipolysis. We hereby present a systematic review of literature on injection lipolysis and share our experience of using DC in combination with PC for injection lipolysis. We have retrospectively evaluated the effects of PC–DC treatments in varied age groups, both sexes, and over different target areas. Materials and Methods: This study spans over 14 years wherein 1269 patients of different age groups and sex were treated with injection lipolysis with PC–DC combination. The PC–DC cocktail injection was given to all patients for an average four sessions every 4 weeks, and the results were assessed after 8 weeks from the last session. Results: The effects were best appreciated over the face (malar, jawline, and submental areas) and upper arm, whereas average effect was observed on the thighs and around the knees. We have also used lipolysis as a primary modality as well as a touch-up modality following liposuction. The results are better appreciated in primary lipolysis. The need for follow-up sessions (1–2 sessions) of lipolysis and the quantification of results in subsequent sessions reveal that maximal improvement is achieved in the first session. Conclusion: PC–DC cocktail used for lipolysis as a local administration is effective for reducing unwanted fat. It shows great efficacy in treating localized fat, especially over the face and bra roll in the women of younger age group (20–30 years).

http://bit.ly/2BiKIje

Overview of medical therapies and phototherapy in vitiligo based on their pathogenetic action and the role of platelet-rich plasma

Kabir Sardana, Gunjan Verma

Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery 2018 11(4):167-168



http://bit.ly/2TAHYFm

Learning from the past, gleaning into future

Venkataram Mysore, Manjot K Marwah

Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery 2018 11(4):165-166



http://bit.ly/2BiKDvW

Logic of hair transplantation

Aniketh Venkataram, Venkataram Mysore

Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery 2018 11(4):169-172

Hair transplant is a seemingly illogical process wherein we are using a small number of hairs to cover a large area of baldness. This is possible if one understands the logic of this equation. Understanding the pattern of hair distribution, and the sequence of balding, helps us learn the limitations of this technique and give the best possible results to the patient. In this article, we aim to give an understanding of all the processes associated with hair transplantation and the logic behind the same.

http://bit.ly/2Ty4oGX

Is prophylactic immunosuppressive therapy for patients with a history of postsurgical pyoderma gangrenosum necessary?

Christina Nicole Canzoneri, Dustin L Taylor, Daniel J Freet

Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery 2018 11(4):234-236

Postsurgical pyoderma gangrenosum (PSPG) is a rare but serious surgical complication with a predilection for the breast and abdomen. Immunosuppression is the mainstay of treatment of PSPG. In addition, it has become a common practice for clinicians to prophylactically treat patients with a history of PSPG with corticosteroids or immunomodulators during subsequent operative procedures to prevent recurrence. Although many practitioners have reported successful outcomes with these measures, currently no protocol exists for prophylactic perioperative therapy. Here, we present the clinical course and 10-year follow-up of a woman who developed PSPG after undergoing body-contouring surgery, subsequently underwent multiple operative procedures without prophylactic immunosuppression, and has not experienced recurrence of PSPG. This case suggests that prophylactic therapy may not be necessary in all patients with a history of PSPG and shows that further research into the use of perioperative immunosuppression to prevent PSPG recurrence may be warranted.

http://bit.ly/2BlB8Mz

Controversies in hair transplantation

Muthuvel Kumaresan, Venkatram Mysore

Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery 2018 11(4):173-181

Hair transplantation being a relatively new field, several aspects raise issues and controversies. The issues refer to both ethics and evidence and how practitioners and the community need to deal with them. This article deals with few of such diverse issues as follicular unit transplantation versus follicular unit excision, safe donor area, platelet-rich plasma, and minimum qualification for performing hair transplantation.

http://bit.ly/2TvWIoT

“Jigsaw puzzle” advancement flap

Maria M Sanches, Ana I Pinto, Paulo L Filipe, Joao M Silva

Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery 2018 11(4):248-249



http://bit.ly/2BiKdFY

Complications in hair transplantation

Amit S Kerure, Narendra Patwardhan

Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery 2018 11(4):182-189

Hair transplantation is a relatively safe surgery and is associated with very few complications. It is a cosmetic surgery so the complications may impact social and psychological aspect of the patient. Every hair transplantation surgeon should be aware of possible complications and techniques for the prevention and techniques of their management. Most of the complications are avoidable and can be minimized by proper surgical technique and wound care. Counseling and discussion with the patient before surgery help in proper planning and avoid patient dissatisfaction. Every patient should be individualized, planned, and operated with an aim to zero-down the complications and complaints.

http://bit.ly/2Tx9cfU

Fractional carbon dioxide laser in combination with topical corticosteroid application in resistant alopecia areata: A case series

Imran Majid, Shazia Jeelani, Saher Imran

Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery 2018 11(4):217-221

Introduction: Intradermal steroid injections are used as treatment option in resistant alopecia areata. However, it is difficult and quite painful to treat large areas of alopecia with this modality. Objective: To assess the efficacy and safety profile of a combination of fractional carbon dioxide (CO2) treatment followed by topical corticosteroid application in resistant alopecia areata. Materials and Methods: Ten cases of resistant alopecia areata who had not responded to multiple treatment modalities were treated with fractional CO2 laser followed by topical application of triamcinolone spray (10mg/mL) on the resistant lesions. Patients received 4–8 sessions that were repeated at an interval of 3–4 weeks. Response to treatment was assessed on a quartile physician assessment scale and labeled as excellent (>75% regrowth), good (50%–75% regrowth), fair (26%–50% response), and poor (<25% regrowth). Results: Eight of these ten cases completed the treatment process. Seven of these eight patients had complete recovery of the area treated. One patient however did not show good response even after four sessions. No significant adverse effects were noted in any of the patients. Conclusion: Fractional CO2 laser in combination with topical triamcinolone can prove to be an effective treatment option in resistant alopecia areata.

http://bit.ly/2Bl0x9r

Donor harvesting: Strip dissection

Kapil Dua, Shraddha Uprety, Aman Dua

Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery 2018 11(4):190-194

Hair transplant is a constantly evolving science. From the time that it was conceived by Dr. Norman Orentreich to the present state, the procedure of hair transplant has undergone multiple advancements. In this article, we discuss in brief regarding the strip follicular unit transplantation. We summarize the major points regarding the procedure of strip follicular unit transplantation along with some nuggets of experience that we have gathered over time. We briefly deal with the indications, anesthesia, procedure, and complications of strip follicular unit transplantation and some special scenarios like the repeat excision of strip.

http://bit.ly/2TyPuAo

Deoxycholate (ATX-101) mixed with lidocaine to minimize pain/discomfort in nonsurgical treatment of submental fullness appearance

Raffaele Rauso

Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery 2018 11(4):229-233

In the present study pain/discomfort reduction in submental fullness treatment with the injections of a DC based drug (ATX-101, Allergan, Dublin, Ireland) premixed with lidocaine 2% on a sample of 12 patients retrospectively evaluated has been performed All patients indicated improvement in skin tightening from the 2nd month postinjection. Three patients had minor ecchymoses at the injection sites, which resolved spontaneously within 10 days posttreatment. One patient experienced dysesthesia of the treated area, which lasted approximately 40 days and resolved spontaneously. No other complications—such as nerve paresis or alopecia—were recorded. No patient required analgesic drugs postinjection.

http://bit.ly/2BiK1Xa

Donor harvesting: Follicular unit excision

Anil K Garg, Seema Garg

Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery 2018 11(4):195-201

FUE or follicular unit excision is one of the methods for hair follicle harvesting in hair transplantation. FUE involves harvesting hairs from the donor area, under local anesthesia which is most commonly the scalp but occasionally beard, chest and other parts of the body, using a circular punch less than a mm, mounted on a manual handle or a motorized hand device or more recently a robotic device.First hair transplant was done by Dr Shoji Okuda in 1937. The term "follicular unit extraction" was coined by William Rassman in 2002. The modern era of FUE begins with the work of several surgeons Woods, Rassman, Cole, Harris and Rose. FUE has gone through various stages of development from manual to motorized and blunt to sharp, serrated trumpet and flared punches. Now the use of the robot in FUE with extraction and incision making is also in use.In 2017 nomenclature committee headed by Parsa Mohebi of ISHRS, recommended the term "FOLLICULAR UNIT EXCISION" is most appropriate as it explains the two steps of the process: incision and extraction and incision is done by a physician. FUE is a surgeon based time-consuming procedure with the long learning curve. Use of motorized device and sharp punches has certainly helped to increase speed in an experienced hand. FUE method of hair transplant is the most demanding procedure. If done properly it is a safe procedure. with the experience, use of better quality of instrument the disadvantages of FUE like transection can be reduced. The above informations were collected from various papers published in authentic journals and textbooks.

http://bit.ly/2Ty7ET0

Impacted foreign bodies in the maxillofacial region–A series of three cases

Pulkit Khandelwal, Vikas Dhupar, Francis Akkara, Neha Hajira

Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery 2018 11(4):237-240

Penetrating injuries to the maxillofacial region are very common. Foreign bodies embedded deep in the maxillofacial region due to these injuries pose a challenge to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. These objects may become a potent source of pain and infection. Early diagnosis of these foreign bodies can be achieved by the use of plain radiographs, ultrasonography, computed tomographic scans, and magnetic resonance imaging. Once diagnosed and located, these foreign bodies should be removed. Here, we report three such cases where early diagnosis of these foreign bodies embedded in the maxillofacial region lead to their early and successful removal without complications.

http://bit.ly/2BiKhp6

Recipient area

Manjot K Marwah, Venkataram Mysore

Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery 2018 11(4):202-210

Recipient area is the canvas in a hair transplant surgery, where the surgeon can truly display his artistic creativity and deliver an aesthetic masterpiece, after all hair transplantation is as much about art as science. There are four main steps in dealing with the recipient area. Marking the hairline and estimation of grafts is the most important steps to give a natural look. There are multiple anatomical markers that need to be addressed while drawing a hairline. The second step is the anesthesia and it should be as painless as possible. This is followed by implantation, which can be achieved by various techniques. There are multiple technicalities to be considered while implanting, such as density, angle, and direction. Once implantation is done, the final step is appropriate postoperative care. Each of these steps has been discussed in detail in this chapter.

http://bit.ly/2TAHXBi

Asymptomatic pinkish-red nodule over the posterolateral tongue

Mahima Agrawal, Sidharth Sonthalia, Abhijeet K Jha, Mohamad Goldust

Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery 2018 11(4):245-247

A young otherwise healthy male presented with asymptomatic pinkish-red nodule over postero-lateral tongue with the suspicion of having developed oral cancer. Biopsy from the lesion showed multiple circumscribed nodules in the lamina propria comprised of numerous oval and spindle-shaped cells. Abundant lymphatic tissue with germinal centres were also observed. Differentials included mucosal neuroma, traumatic neuroma, subgemmal neurogenous plaque, neurofibroma, and lingual tonsils. This quiz discusses the diagnosis and approach to the differential diagnoses in such a clinical setting.

http://bit.ly/2BkxOBw

A randomized controlled, single-observer blinded study to determine the efficacy of topical minoxidil plus microneedling versus topical minoxidil alone in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia

Muriki K Kumar, Arun C Inamadar, Aparna Palit

Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery 2018 11(4):211-216

Background: Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is the most common form of hair loss in adults, which is generally progressive in the absence of treatment. As a head full of healthy hair adds to the cosmetic appeal of the individual, the consequences of AGA are predominantly psychological. Currently, topical minoxidil is the first-line treatment for AGA. Many adjuvant treatment modalities have been used synergistically with minoxidil. Microneedling is one among such adjuvant treatments, which works by various mechanisms to stimulate the dermal papillary cells that play a key role in hair growth. Aim: To compare the efficacy of microneedling along with topical minoxidil and topical minoxidil alone in the treatment of AGA in men. Materials and Methods: Sixty-eight men with Norwood–Hamilton grade III and IV AGA were recruited for the study. After randomization, one group was treated with weekly microneedling and twice daily application of 5% minoxidil solution and the other group was treated with twice daily application of 5% minoxidil solution alone. Global photographs were taken at baseline (pretreatment) and at end of the study duration. Trichoscopic images were taken from a targeted fixed area before treatment (baseline) and at end of the therapy from where hair count was also carried out. The two primary efficacy parameters were assessed: increase in the hair count from that of the baseline and patient self-assessment of hair growth at the end of the study. Results: The mean increase in hair count in the targeted area of one square inch at the end of the treatment was significantly greater for the combination treatment group (12.52/inch2) compared to that for the minoxidil alone group (1.89/inch2). Four patients in the "microneedling plus topical minoxidil" group reported a 50% improvement versus none in the "minoxidil alone" group. Conclusion: Our study showed that the combination of microneedling and topical minoxidil treatment was superior compared to topical minoxidil alone with regard to increase in the hair count and patient satisfaction, although the response achieved was not cosmetically significant.

http://bit.ly/2TwIMLk

Chemical peeling for nail disorders: Author response to the published comment

Deepashree Daulatabad, Soni Nanda, Chander Grover

Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery 2018 11(4):250-251



http://bit.ly/2DS9s3M

Patient-Reported Satisfaction and Quality of Life in Postmastectomy Radiated Patients: A Comparison between Delayed and Delayed Immediate Autologous Breast Reconstruction in a Predominantly Minority Patient Population

J reconstr Microsurg
DOI: 10.1055/s-0039-1677798

Background Delayed immediate (DI) autologous breast reconstruction consists of immediate postmastectomy tissue expander placement, radiation therapy, and subsequent autologous reconstruction. The decision between timing of reconstructive methods is challenging and remains to be elucidated. We aim to compare patient reported outcomes and quality of life between delayed and DI reconstruction. Methods A retrospective review of all patients, who underwent autologous breast reconstruction at Montefiore Medical Center from January 2009 to December 2016, was conducted. Patients who underwent postmastectomy radiotherapy were divided into two cohorts: delayed and DI autologous breast reconstruction. Patients were mailed a BREAST-Q survey and their responses, demographic information, complications, and need for revisionary procedures were analyzed. Results A total of 79 patients met inclusion criteria: 34.2% (n = 27) in the delayed and 65.8% (n = 52) in the DI group. 77.2% (n = 61) of patients were a minority population. Patients in each cohort had similar baseline characteristics; however, the DI cohort was more likely to have bilateral reconstruction (46.2% [n = 24] vs. 7.4% [n = 2]; p = 0.0005) and to have major mastectomy flap necrosis (22.4% [n = 17] vs. 0.0% [n = 0]; p = 0.002). Premature tissue expander removal occurred in 17.3% (n = 9) of patients in the DI group. BREAST-Q response rates were 44.4% (n = 12) in the delayed group and 57.7% (n = 30) in the DI group. Responses showed similar satisfaction with their breasts, well-being, and overall outcome. Conclusions Delayed and DI autologous breast reconstruction yield similar patient-reported satisfaction; however, patients undergoing DI reconstruction have higher rates of major mastectomy necrosis. Furthermore, patients in the DI group risk premature tissue expander removal.
[...]

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Article in Thieme eJournals:
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Assessment of ventilation noise impact from metro depot with over-track platform structure on workers and nearby inhabitants

Abstract

In order to alleviate the shortage of land use accompanied with urbanization, over-track building complexes above metro depots are developed rapidly in China, resulting in the larger mechanical ventilation needs in the metro depot. Excessive noise exposure caused by the huge ventilation system will bring serious impacts on the health of workers in the metro depot. This research intends to evaluate the noise annoyance in the metro depot and the noise influences on adjacent residential buildings by the ventilation system. A questionnaire survey of 100 people working in a metro depot of Guangzhou Metro Line 6 was conducted, and field measurements inside the metro depot and inside adjacent residential buildings were carried out. The environmental noise level in the metro depot and the ventilation fan–induced noise level inside adjacent residential buildings exceed the corresponding criterion limit of China. Dose-response relationship modeled by logistic function was used to assess the noise annoyance, which is found underestimating the percentage of "Annoyed" (% A) and percentage of "Little Annoyed" (% LA) of staffs in the metro depot, especially for the % LA. This may be attributed to the reducing reliability of dose-effect curves as the L_dn is higher than 65 dB(A). In order to alleviate the noise impact, noise-controlling measures need to be took. However, traditional noise-controlling measures cannot solve low-frequency noise disturbance.

http://bit.ly/2HQJAZT

Integration of Melatonin Related Redox Homeostasis, Aging, and Circadian Rhythm

Rejuvenation Research, Ahead of Print.


http://bit.ly/2WFKX14

Impact of regulatory focus on express packaging waste recycling behavior: moderating role of psychological empowerment perception

Abstract

To effectively solve environmental pollution and resource waste problems caused by the rapid growth of express packaging waste, government intervention is needed in the separation and recycling of household waste at the source. Considering the correlation between behavior and individual psychological preference and concerns, this study administered a questionnaire survey (N = 847) and used factor analysis, hierarchical regression, and sensitivity analysis to evaluate the responses and determine the influence of individual focus tendency and empowerment perception on waste recycling behavior. The results showed that individuals with a high prevention focus or a high promotion focus were more likely to have good waste recycling behaviors. Furthermore, the higher the psychological perception of waste recycling empowerment (reflected in the meaning, competence, choice, and impact), the more inclined an individual to participate in recycling and waste reduction activities. In terms of interaction effect, psychological empowerment perception and its dimensions can positively moderate the effect of promotion focus on waste recycling behaviors. In other words, psychological empowerment perception acts as an "amplifier," and its dimension of meaning was the most important moderating variable. The study results supported policy suggestions to promote individuals' active participation in waste source separation and recycling activities.

http://bit.ly/2Dc5jWE

Multi-objective optimized scheduling model for hydropower reservoir based on improved particle swarm optimization algorithm

Abstract

In order to make hydropower station's development and operation harmonious with ecological protection, the optimal operation of hydropower stations to meet the needs of ecological protection is studied. Firstly, the ecological protection function of river course is defined according to the minimum ecological runoff and suitable ecological runoff. Then, a multi-objective optimal running model of reservoir which can maximize the capacity of ecological protection and generation is proposed. Finally, an improved multi-objective particle swarm optimization algorithm (MOPSO), which can construct a neighborhood for each particle and choose the neighborhood optimal solution by adopting self-organizing mapping (SOM) method, is proposed to solve the model. The model is applied to the Shui-Kou Hydropower Station in Minjiang, China. The results show that the model can get the optimal schedule with balanced consideration of ecological benefits and power generation benefits, which has not a great impact on the economic benefits of reservoirs while achieving the goal of ecological environment. The research results can provide theoretical basis and concrete scheme reference for reservoir operation.

http://bit.ly/2Gb5BRK

Liver disorders related to exposure to gasoline fumes in male rats and role of fenugreek seed supplementation

Abstract

Progressive effects of inhalation of gasoline fumes on the liver and the protective potential with fenugreek seed supplementation were evaluated in adult male rats. Twenty-four rats were divided into four groups, unexposed control and fenugreek groups, as well as exposed groups to gasoline fumes for 6 h/6 days/week for 10 weeks, with and without supplementation of fenugreek seed powder in food (5%w/w). Exposure to gasoline fumes resulted in a significant elevation in serum alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, gamma-glutamyl transferase, total bilirubin, total cholesterol, total triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein, along with a significant decrease in high-density lipoprotein, total protein, and albumin contents compared to the control. Meanwhile, liver oxidative stress markers, malondialdehyde, hydrogen peroxide, and nitric oxide, were highly detected with decreased antioxidants, superoxide dismutase and catalase. Also, levels of inflammatory markers, interleukin(IL)-1β and IL-6, were significantly elevated with fibrotic markers, transforming growth factor (TGFβ1), fibroblast growth factor (FGF1), and collagen I. Histopathological studies illustrated that rats exposed to gasoline fumes have degenerated hepatocytes with cellular infiltration and necrotic areas, along with remarkable deposition of collagen fibers, suggesting an incidence of liver fibrosis. Administration of fenugreek seeds, rich with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory components, during gasoline exposure showed significant amelioration through suppressing oxidative stress and inflammation.

http://bit.ly/2DbxAwH

HSPF-based watershed-scale water quality modeling and uncertainty analysis

Abstract

This paper presents findings on uncertainties, introduced through digital elevation model (DEM) resolution and DEM resampling, in watershed-scale flow and water quality (NO₃, P, and total suspended sediment) simulations. The simulations were performed using the Better Assessment Science Integrating Point and Nonpoint Sources/Hydrological Simulation Program Fortran watershed modeling system for two representative study watersheds delineated with both the original DEMs of four different resolutions (including 3.5, 10, 30, and 100 m) and the resampled DEMs of three different resolutions (including 10, 30, and 100 m), creating 14 simulation scenarios. Parameter uncertainties were quantified by means of the GLUE approach and compared to input data uncertainties. Results from the 14 simulation scenarios showed that there was a common increasing trend in errors of simulated flow and water quality parameters when the DEM resolution became coarser. The errors involved in the watershed with a mild slope were found to be substantially (up to 10 times) greater than those of the other watershed with a relatively steep slope. It was also found that sediment was the most sensitive and NO₃ was the least sensitive parameters to the variation in DEM resolution, as evidenced by the maximum normalized root mean square error (NRMSE) of 250% in the simulated sediment concentration and 11% in the simulated NO₃ concentration, respectively. Moreover, results achieved from the resampled (particularly coarser) DEMs were significantly different from corresponding ones from original DEMs. By comparing uncertainties from different sources, it was found that the parameter-induced uncertainties were higher than the resolution-induced uncertainties particularly in simulated NO₃ and P concentrations for studied watersheds. The findings provide new insights into the sensitivity and uncertainty of water quality parameters and their simulation results, serving as the guidelines for developing and implementing water quality management and watershed restoration plans.

http://bit.ly/2Gaz0vh

Migration characteristics and toxicity evaluation of heavy metals during the preparation of lightweight aggregate from sewage sludge

Abstract

A lightweight aggregate (LWA) was manufactured from municipal sewage sludge, gangue, and coal ash. The product performance and environmental safety of the sintered material were evaluated by changing the sludge blending ratio and sintering temperature. The distribution and migratory transformation characteristics of heavy metals in LWA were examined by BCR sequential extraction in combination with inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). The environmental safety performance of LWA was comprehensively evaluated by the OPTI index for the first time. The leaching concentration of the heavy metals Pb, Ni, Cu, and Zn in raw materials without sintering reached 1.17, 1.6, 7.84, and 7.56 mg/L, respectively, far exceeding the regulatory threshold value. At 1250 °C, sintering with 60% sludge content resulted in Cu and Zn leaching concentrations of only 0.41 mg/L and 0.37 mg/L, respectively. Furthermore, a big portion of heavy metals were in the residual fraction of sintered LWA. The proportion of comprehensive pollutant toxicity index is only 199.17. Additionally, the mechanical properties of sintered LWA exceed the standards stipulated in the GB/T1743.1-2010 standard. Using sewage sludge to manufacture lightweight aggregate is not only environmentally safe but also produces LWA with good engineering characteristics.

http://bit.ly/2D8qHwc

Characteristics and management modes of domestic waste in rural areas of developing countries: a case study of China

Abstract

A huge accumulation of domestic waste has caused serious environmental contamination in rural areas of developing countries (RADIC). The characteristics and management of domestic waste are carefully discussed, based on field surveys and a literature review. The results indicate that the generation in most of RADIC is less than the median of 0.521 kg day⁻¹ per capita in China, and much smaller than in rural areas of developed countries (RADEC). Organic waste and inert waste with an accumulative mass percentage of 72.31% are dominant components of domestic waste in the rural areas of China. There are trends of increasing amounts of kitchen waste, paper/cardboard, and plastic/rubber and a decreasing trend of ash waste. The RADIC composition of domestic waste had a high content of organic waste and a low content of recyclable waste compared to the RADEC. Domestic waste has good compressibility and a light bulk density ranging from 40 to 650 kg m⁻³. The moisture, ash, combustible, and calorific values of domestic waste were 53.31%, 18.03%, 28.67%, and 5368 kJ kg⁻¹, respectively. The domestic waste has an abundance of nutrients including organic matter (39.05%), nitrogen (1.02%), phosphorus (0.50%), and potassium (1.42%). In RADIC, domestic waste can be used as an agricultural manure only after it has been collected and sorted for the potential risk of heavy metal accumulation. Based on these characteristics of domestic waste and the different situations of rural areas, four waste management modes including centralized treatment, decentralized treatment, group treatment, and mobile treatment are designed and discussed.

http://bit.ly/2GbBlpA

The efficacy and limitations of USI for diagnosing TMJ internal derangements

Abstract

Introduction

This study was conducted to determine the effectiveness of ultrasonographic imaging for diagnosing temporomandibular joint internal derangements.

Materials and methods

Ultrasonographic and magnetic resonance imaging scans of temporomandibular joints were obtained bilaterally in 55 patients who had temporomandibular joint disorders and who were diagnosed with temporomandibular joint internal derangements following a clinical examination. Diagnostic accuracy of ultrasonographic imaging was assessed considering magnetic resonance imaging as the gold standard method.

Results

When the results of ultrasonographic imaging and magnetic resonance imaging were compared, the diagnostic accuracy of ultrasonographic imaging was 0.81 for detecting TMJ disc displacement. The diagnostic accuracy of ultrasonographic imaging in detecting TMJ disc position was 0.81 in the closed-mouth position and 0.93 in the open-mouth position.

Conclusion

As a noninvasive and reproducible imaging method acquiring dynamic images, ultrasonographic imaging is a successful method in the evaluation of temporomandibular joint disc displacement.

http://bit.ly/2SsxOJn

Can combination of glucocorticoids with other immunosoppressive drugs reduce the cumulative dose of glucocorticoids for moderate-to-severe and active Graves’ orbitopathy?

http://bit.ly/2SrepbD

Assessment of acute toxicity and cytotoxicity of fluorescent markers produced by cardanol and glycerol, which are industrial waste, to different biological models

Abstract

The amphyphylic triazoanilines recently synthesized 1-(4-(3-aminophenyl)-1H-1,2,3- triazole-1-yl)-3-(3-pentadecylphenoxy)propan-2-ol (1) and 1-(4-(4-aminophenyl)-1H- 1,2,3-triazole-1-yl)-3-(3-pentadecylphenoxy)propan-2-ol (2), synthesized from cardanol and glycerol, have photophysical properties which allow their use in the development of fluorescent biomarkers with applicability in the biodiesel quality control. Based on this, the present research evaluated the toxic effects of both compounds in different biological models through the investigation of survival and mortality percentages as a measure of acute toxicity on Daphnia similis and Oreochromis niloticus, larvicidal assay against Aedes aegypti, and cytotoxic activity on mammary cells. Results demonstrate that these triazoanilines 1 and 2 have shown low acute toxicity to the biological models investigated in this study up to the following concentrations: 4.0 mg L-1 (D. similis), 4.0 mg L-1 (A. aegypti larvae), 1.0 mg L-1 (O. niloticus), and 1.0 mg mL-1 (mammary cells). This fact suggests the potential for safe use of compounds 1 and 2 as fluorescent markers for the monitoring of biodiesel quality, even in the case of environmental exposure. Besides all of that, the reuse of cardanol and glycerol, both industrial wastes, favors the maintenance of environmental health and is in agreement with the assumptions of green chemistry.

Graphical abstract

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http://bit.ly/2SxrRuY

Enlarged adrenal glands: the long-term consequence of Cushing’s disease

http://bit.ly/2Ss1pCJ

Clinical perspectives in congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 deficiency

Abstract

Purpose

3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 deficiency (3βHSD2D) is a very rare variant of congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) causing less than 0.5% of all CAH. The aim was to review the literature.

Methods

PubMed was searched for relevant articles.

Results

3βHSD2D is caused by HSD3B2 gene mutations and characterized by impaired steroid synthesis in the gonads and the adrenal glands and subsequent increased dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) concentrations. The main hormonal changes observed in patients with 3βHSD2D are elevated ratios of the Δ5-steroids over Δ4-steroids but molecular genetic testing is recommended to confirm the diagnosis. Several deleterious mutations in the HSD3B2 gene have been associated with salt-wasting (SW) crisis in the neonatal period, while missense mutations have been associated with a non-SW phenotype. Boys may have ambiguous genitalia, whereas girls present with mild or no virilization at birth. The existence of non-classic 3βHSD2D is controversial. In an acute SW crisis, the treatment includes prompt rehydration, correction of hypoglycemia, and parenteral hydrocortisone. Similar to other forms of CAH, glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid replacement is needed for long-term management. In addition, sex hormone replacement therapy may be required if normal progress through puberty is failing. Little is known regarding possible negative long-term consequences of 3βHSD2D and its treatments, e.g., fertility, final height, osteoporosis and fractures, adrenal and testicular tumor risk, and mortality.

Conclusion

Knowledge is mainly based on case reports but many long-term outcomes could be presumed to be similar to other types of CAH, mainly 21-hydroxylase deficiency, although in 3βHSD2D it seems to be more difficult to suppress the androgens.

http://bit.ly/2GnuWXZ

Enlarged adrenal glands: the long-term consequence of Cushing’s disease

http://bit.ly/2Ss1pCJ

Clinical perspectives in congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 deficiency

Abstract

Purpose

3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 deficiency (3βHSD2D) is a very rare variant of congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) causing less than 0.5% of all CAH. The aim was to review the literature.

Methods

PubMed was searched for relevant articles.

Results

3βHSD2D is caused by HSD3B2 gene mutations and characterized by impaired steroid synthesis in the gonads and the adrenal glands and subsequent increased dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) concentrations. The main hormonal changes observed in patients with 3βHSD2D are elevated ratios of the Δ5-steroids over Δ4-steroids but molecular genetic testing is recommended to confirm the diagnosis. Several deleterious mutations in the HSD3B2 gene have been associated with salt-wasting (SW) crisis in the neonatal period, while missense mutations have been associated with a non-SW phenotype. Boys may have ambiguous genitalia, whereas girls present with mild or no virilization at birth. The existence of non-classic 3βHSD2D is controversial. In an acute SW crisis, the treatment includes prompt rehydration, correction of hypoglycemia, and parenteral hydrocortisone. Similar to other forms of CAH, glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid replacement is needed for long-term management. In addition, sex hormone replacement therapy may be required if normal progress through puberty is failing. Little is known regarding possible negative long-term consequences of 3βHSD2D and its treatments, e.g., fertility, final height, osteoporosis and fractures, adrenal and testicular tumor risk, and mortality.

Conclusion

Knowledge is mainly based on case reports but many long-term outcomes could be presumed to be similar to other types of CAH, mainly 21-hydroxylase deficiency, although in 3βHSD2D it seems to be more difficult to suppress the androgens.

http://bit.ly/2GnuWXZ

Disruption of Cortical Dopaminergic Modulation Impairs Preparatory Activity and Delays Licking Initiation

Abstract

Dysfunction of motor cortices is thought to contribute to motor disorders such as Parkinson's disease (PD). However, little is known on the link between cortical dopaminergic loss, abnormalities in motor cortex neural activity and motor deficits. We address the role of dopamine in modulating motor cortical activity by focusing on the anterior lateral motor cortex (ALM) of mice performing a cued-licking task. We first demonstrate licking deficits and concurrent alterations of spiking activity in ALM of head-fixed mice with unilateral depletion of dopaminergic neurons (i.e., mice injected with 6-OHDA into the medial forebrain bundle). Hemilesioned mice displayed delayed licking initiation, shorter duration of licking bouts, and lateral deviation of tongue protrusions. In parallel with these motor deficits, we observed a reduction in the prevalence of cue responsive neurons and altered preparatory activity. Acute and local blockade of D1 receptors in ALM recapitulated some of the key behavioral and neural deficits observed in hemilesioned mice. Altogether, our data show a direct relationship between cortical D1 receptor modulation, cue-evoked, and preparatory activity in ALM, and licking initiation.

http://bit.ly/2WCZ9YC

Early Interactive Acoustic Experience with Non-speech Generalizes to Speech and Confers a Syllabic Processing Advantage at 9 Months

Abstract

During early development, the infant brain is highly plastic and sensory experiences modulate emerging cortical maps, enhancing processing efficiency as infants set up key linguistic precursors. Early interactive acoustic experience (IAE) with spectrotemporally-modulated non-speech has been shown to facilitate optimal acoustic processing and generalizes to novel non-speech sounds at 7-months-of-age. Here we demonstrate that effects of non-speech IAE endure well beyond the immediate training period and robustly generalize to speech processing. Infants who received non-speech IAE differed at 9-months-of-age from both naïve controls and those with only passive acoustic exposure, demonstrating broad modulation of oscillatory dynamics. For the standard syllable, increased high-gamma (>70 Hz) power within auditory cortices indicates that IAE fosters native speech processing, facilitating establishment of phonemic representations. The higher left beta power seen may reflect increased linking of sensory information and corresponding articulatory patterns, while bilateral decreases in theta power suggest more mature automatized speech processing, as less neuronal resources were allocated to process syllabic information. For the deviant syllable, left-lateralized gamma (<70 Hz) enhancement suggests IAE promotes phonemic-related discrimination abilities. Theta power increases in right auditory cortex, known for favoring slow-rate decoding, implies IAE facilitates the more demanding processing of the sporadic deviant syllable.

http://bit.ly/2RzRZAN

Histological and MRI Study of the Development of the Human Indusium Griseum

Abstract

To uncover the ontogenesis of the human indusium griseum (IG), 28 post-mortem fetal human brains, 12–40 postconceptional weeks (PCW) of age, and 4 adult brains were analyzed immunohistochemically and compared with post-mortem magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of 28 fetal brains (14–41 PCW). The morphogenesis of the IG occurred between 12 and 15 PCW, transforming the bilateral IG primordia into a ribbon-like cortical lamina. The histogenetic transition of sub-laminated zones into the three-layered cortical organization occurred between 15 and 35 PCW, concomitantly with rapid cell differentiation that occurred from 18 to 28 PCW and the elaboration of neuronal connectivity during the entire second half of gestation. The increasing number of total cells and neurons in the IG at 25 and 35 PCW confirmed its continued differentiation throughout this period. High-field 3.0 T post-mortem MRI enabled visualization of the IG at the mid-fetal stage using T2-weighted sequences. In conclusion, the IG had a distinct histogenetic differentiation pattern than that of the neighboring intralimbic areas of the same ontogenetic origin, and did not show any signs of regression during the fetal period or postnatally, implying a functional role of the IG in the adult brain, which is yet to be disclosed.

http://bit.ly/2WCUGFv

Multimodal Parcellations and Extensive Behavioral Profiling Tackling the Hippocampus Gradient

Abstract

The hippocampus displays a complex organization and function that is perturbed in many neuropathologies. Histological work revealed a complex arrangement of subfields along the medial–lateral and the ventral–dorsal dimension, which contrasts with the anterior–posterior functional differentiation. The variety of maps has raised the need for an integrative multimodal view. We applied connectivity-based parcellation to 1) intrinsic connectivity 2) task-based connectivity, and 3) structural covariance, as complementary windows into structural and functional differentiation of the hippocampus. Strikingly, while functional properties (i.e., intrinsic and task-based) revealed similar partitions dominated by an anterior–posterior organization, structural covariance exhibited a hybrid pattern reflecting both functional and cytoarchitectonic subdivision. Capitalizing on the consistency of functional parcellations, we defined robust functional maps at different levels of partitions, which are openly available for the scientific community. Our functional maps demonstrated a head–body and tail partition, subdivided along the anterior–posterior and medial–lateral axis. Behavioral profiling of these fine partitions based on activation data indicated an emotion–cognition gradient along the anterior–posterior axis and additionally suggested a self-world-centric gradient supporting the role of the hippocampus in the construction of abstract representations for spatial navigation and episodic memory.

http://bit.ly/2RE2cMC

The Cortical Neuroimmune Regulator TANK Affects Emotional Processing and Enhances Alcohol Drinking: A Translational Study

Abstract

Alcohol abuse is a major public health problem worldwide. Understanding the molecular mechanisms that control regular drinking may help to reduce hazards of alcohol consumption. While immunological mechanisms have been related to alcohol drinking, most studies reported changes in immune function that are secondary to alcohol use. In this report, we analyse how the gene "TRAF family member-associated NF-κB activator" (TANK) affects alcohol drinking behavior. Based on our recent discovery in a large GWAS dataset that suggested an association of TANK, SNP rs197273, with alcohol drinking, we report that SNP rs197273 in TANK is associated both with gene expression (P = 1.16 × 10⁻¹⁹) and regional methylation (P = 5.90 × 10⁻²⁵). A tank knock out mouse model suggests a role of TANK in alcohol drinking, anxiety-related behavior, as well as alcohol exposure induced activation of insular cortex NF-κB. Functional and structural neuroimaging studies among up to 1896 adolescents reveal that TANK is involved in the control of brain activity in areas of aversive interoceptive processing, including the insular cortex, but not in areas related to reinforcement, reward processing or impulsiveness. Our findings suggest that the cortical neuroimmune regulator TANK is associated with enhanced aversive emotional processing that better protects from the establishment of alcohol drinking behavior.

http://bit.ly/2WIpfts

Mapping Alterations of the Functional Structure of the Cerebral Cortex in Obsessive–Compulsive Disorder

Abstract

We mapped alterations of the functional structure of the cerebral cortex using a novel imaging approach in a sample of 160 obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) patients. Whole-brain functional connectivity maps were generated using multidistance measures of intracortical neural activity coupling defined within isodistant local areas. OCD patients demonstrated neural activity desynchronization within the orbitofrontal cortex and in primary somatosensory, auditory, visual, gustatory, and olfactory areas. Symptom severity was significantly associated with the degree of functional structure alteration in OCD-relevant brain regions. By means of a novel imaging perspective, we once again identified brain alterations in the orbitofrontal cortex, involving areas purportedly implicated in the pathophysiology of OCD. However, our results also indicated that weaker intracortical activity coupling is also present in each primary sensory area. On the basis of previous neurophysiological studies, such cortical activity desynchronization may best be interpreted as reflecting deficient inhibitory neuron activity and altered sensory filtering.

http://bit.ly/2RE2vqy

The Subplate: A Potential Driver of Cortical Folding?

Abstract

In many species of Mammalia, the surface of the brain develops from a smooth structure to one with many fissures and folds, allowing for vast expansion of the surface area of the cortex. The importance of understanding what drives cortical folding extends beyond mere curiosity, as conditions such as preterm birth, intrauterine growth restriction, and fetal alcohol syndrome are associated with impaired folding in the infant and child. Despite being a key feature of brain development, the mechanisms driving cortical folding remain largely unknown. In this review we discuss the possible role of the subplate, a developmentally transient compartment, in directing region-dependent development leading to sulcal and gyral formation. We discuss the development of the subplate in species with lissencephalic and gyrencephalic cortices, the characteristics of the cells found in the subplate, and the possible presence of molecular cues that guide axons into, and out of, the overlying and multilayered cortex before the appearance of definitive cortical folds. An understanding of what drives cortical folding is likely to help in understanding the origins of abnormal folding patterns in clinical pathologies.

http://bit.ly/2WJbWZo

ESSFN The Mission

Stereotact Funct Neurosurg 2018;96:421–422

http://bit.ly/2D6I9kB

ASSFN Society News

Stereotact Funct Neurosurg 2018;96:420–420

http://bit.ly/2G8KU8T

WSSFN Society News

Stereotact Funct Neurosurg 2018;96:419–419

http://bit.ly/2Ddb8mG

Toripalimab or Placebo With Paclitaxel and Cisplatin in Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Condition:   Advanced or Metastatic Esophageal Squamous Cell Cancer Without Previous Systemic Chemotherapy
Intervention:   Biological: JS001
Sponsor:   Shanghai Junshi Bioscience Co., Ltd.
Recruiting

http://bit.ly/2I3HMx5

TreatmENT of AnastomotiC Leakage After Esophagectomy

Conditions:   Esophageal Cancer;   Esophageal Neoplasms
Intervention:   Other: Intervantions for anastomotic leakage after esophagectomy
Sponsors:   Radboud University;   Dutch Upper-GI Cancer Audit group (DUCA);   Oesophago-Gastric Anastomosis Audit (OGAA)
Not yet recruiting

http://bit.ly/2t5qNQw

Radiotherapy, Carboplatin/Paclitaxel and Nivolumab for High Risk HPV-related Head and Neck Cancer

Condition:   Oropharynx Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Interventions:   Drug: Nivolumab;   Drug: Carboplatin;   Drug: Paclitaxel;   Radiation: Radiation Therapy
Sponsors:   University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center;   Bristol-Myers Squibb
Not yet recruiting

http://bit.ly/2HPI6iB

TPST-1120 as Monotherapy and in Combination With (Nivolumab, Docetaxel or Cetuximab) in Subjects With Advanced Cancers

Conditions:   Hepatocellular Carcinoma;   Metastatic Castration Resistant Prostate Cancer;   Renal Cell Carcinoma;   Non-small Cell Lung Cancer;   Colorectal Cancer;   Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck;   Triple-Negative Breast Cancer;   Urothelial Carcinoma;   Cholangiocarcinoma;   GastroEsophageal Cancer;   Pancreatic Cancer;   Sarcoma
Interventions:   Drug: Part 1 TPST-1120;   Drug: Part 2a TPST-1120 + nivolumab;   Drug: Part 2b TPST-1120 + docetaxel;   Drug: Part 2c TPST-1120 + cetuximab;   Drug: Part 3 TPST-1120;   Drug: Part 4a TPST-1120 + nivolumab;   Drug: Part 4b TPST-1120 + docetaxel;   Drug: Part 4c TPST-1120 + cetuximab
Sponsor:   Tempest Therapeutics
Not yet recruiting

http://bit.ly/2G8dbMR

Safety and Efficacy of KY1044 and Atezolizumab in Advanced Cancer

Conditions:   Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck;   Non-small Cell Lung Cancer;   Hepatocellular Carcinoma;   Esophageal Cancer;   Gastric Cancer;   Melanoma;   Renal Cell Carcinoma;   Pancreatic Cancer;   Cervical Cancer;   Triple Negative Breast Cancer;   Advanced Cancer
Interventions:   Drug: KY1044;   Drug: KY1044 and atezolizumab
Sponsor:   Kymab Limited
Recruiting

http://bit.ly/2D7Dm2g

Photon Therapy Versus Proton Therapy in Early Tonsil Cancer.

Condition:   Tonsil Cancer
Intervention:   Radiation: Radiotherapy
Sponsor:   Lund University Hospital
Recruiting

http://bit.ly/2GeoFi7

PD-L1 ImagiNg to prediCt Durvalumab Treatment Response in HNSCC

Condition:   Head and Neck Cancer
Interventions:   Diagnostic Test: PD-L1 imaging;   Drug: Durvalumab
Sponsors:   Radboud University;   AstraZeneca
Not yet recruiting

http://bit.ly/2D9Ywwy

Pressurized intraperitoneal aerosol chemotherapy and its effect on gastric-cancer-derived peritoneal metastases: an overview

Abstract

This manuscript aspires to portray a review of the current literature focusing on manifest peritoneal metastasis (PM) derived from gastric cancer and its treatment options. Despite the development of chemotherapy and multimodal treatment options during the last decades, mortality remains high worldwide. After refreshing important epidemiological considerations, the molecular mechanisms currently accepted through which PM occurs are revised. Palliative chemotherapy is the only recommended treatment option for patients with PM of gastric cancer according to the National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines, although cytoreductive surgery in combination with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy demonstrated promising results in selected patients with regional PM and localized intraabdominal tumor spread. A novel treatment named pressurized intraperitoneal aerosol chemotherapy may have a promising future in improving overall survival with an acceptable postoperative complication rate and stabilizing quality of life during treatment. Additionally, the procedure has been proved to be safe for the patient and medical personnel and a feasible, repeatable method to deter metastatic proliferation. This overview comprehensively addresses this novel and promising treatment in the context of a scientifically and clinically challenging disease.

http://bit.ly/2Bl4lHx

A methodological approach to standardize and control the quality of the position and alignment of lamina implants on two-dimensional radiographs

Abstract

Objectives

We sought to validate a new method to detect the degree of correlation between simulated and real tilted blade implants as they appear on a single two-dimensional radiograph.

Methods

The angular correction factor (CF^) was defined as the coupling of two subsequent angle transformations, a set of five angular values describing the theoretical radiographic appearance of the blade implant: (1) three consecutive rotations about the axes of the blade ( \(\varphi\) , θ, and ψ, standing for pitch, roll, and yaw, respectively) to represent the polarization directions; (2) a two-dimensional projection defined by two angles (λ and \(\phi\) , respectively, longitude and latitude) to represent the vector of the X-ray beam intersecting the detector plate. Data of patients who received fixed prostheses supported by blade-form implants were employed to calculate a dimensional correction factor (CF°), a specific length through the major axis. The simulation of a distorted radiograph of a blade positioned in space was compared with the real radiograph. Differences in the angular measurements served as an initial test to assess the effectiveness of the method.

Results

In the acquired sets of periapical radiographs, mean misalignments of + 3.58° in longitude and − 0.04° in latitude were registered. The following variations were detected during the accuracy testing: the absolute error was 0.1 ± 7.5° for angle \(\varphi\) ; 2.4 ± 6.7° for angle θ; − 1.0 ± 3.7° for angle ψ; 4.5 ± 8.6° for angle λ; and 2.0 ± 9.3° for angle \(\phi\) . The linear dependence between CF° and CF^ was estimated by a robust linear regression: slope + 0.991, intercept + 0.007, and adjusted R² 0.992.

Conclusions

This a posteriori analysis introduces the explicit trigonometric equations of the theoretical standard (CF^) used to describe the blade implant radiographic position and misalignment on two-dimensional radiographs.

http://bit.ly/2UE2WmQ

An empirical investigation of the determinants of CO 2 emissions: evidence from Pakistan

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to examine the relationship between CO₂ emissions and its possible determinants and their direction of causality for Pakistan over the period of 1972 to 2017. The survey of literature guides us that the most frequently discussed factors are real GDP per capita, energy consumption, urbanization, trade openness, and financial development. Testing of environmental Kuznets curve (EKC) hypothesis is the most common in environment literature so we also incorporated the real GDP per capita squared term in the model. Autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) bound testing approach to cointegration with structural break and error correction method (ECM) are applied to the selected time series to investigate the long-run relationship between CO₂ emissions and real GDP per capita, real GDP per capita squared term, energy consumption, urbanization, trade openness, and financial development. The empirical evidence confirms the cointegration among the variables and EKC holds for Pakistan support H1 of the study, which though contradictory to the previous studies conducted on Pakistan but all of previous work faces the exclusion bias and their findings were skewed. The findings also suggest that energy consumption and urbanization have a positive effect on CO₂ emissions, supporting H2 and H3. However, H4 and H5 rejected as trade openness and financial development found positively significant. Moreover, bidirectional Granger causality was exists only between CO₂ emissions and trade openness. The findings suggests that Pakistan need to settle the economic agenda of the nation through the resolution of economic controversies, energy mix need to tilt toward clean and renewable energy, and rural-urban migration need to manage for better air, water, and living.

http://bit.ly/2Bf0lIr

Modeling the non-linear relationship between financial development and energy consumption: statistical experience from OECD countries

Abstract

The linkage between financial development and energy consumption is widely investigated in the literature. However, the non-linear relationship between financial development and energy demand is still under debate. Therefore, this study aims to examine the non-linear relationship between financial development, economic growth, and energy consumption in OECD countries. The study uses the Driscoll–Kraay standard errors panel regression model for spanning from 1980 to 2016. The empirical findings indicate that an inverted U-shape relationship exists between financial development and energy consumption as well as between economic growth and energy consumption. Moreover, the feedback hypothesis is found between financial development and energy use. Additionally, income and energy use granger cause each other. The innovative findings contribute to extant literature, which is of special interest to the country's policymakers regarding energy efficiency.

http://bit.ly/2TwTEsG

A new method to estimate the temperature-CVD mortality relationship

Abstract

Few detailed, individual-focused studies have researched the added effect of temperature on cardiovascular disease (CVD), particularly in China. Moreover, no prior studies have explored the exposure-response relationship among all populations and different sub-sociodemographic groups. A distributed lag nonlinear model (DLNM) was applied to evaluate the adverse health effects of temperature on CVD mortality for all populations and different sub-sociodemographic groups (by age, sex, educational level, living arrangement, and occupation) in Beijing. Based on the exposure-response relationships, firstly, we proposed a new model (COCKTAIL, Code Of Climate Key To An Ill) for revealing the split-and-merge relationships of the temperature-CVD mortality curve. This method could be used to apply the CVD deaths in a studied area to forecast the exposure-response relationships in the same area in the future. Secondly, this is the most detailed study to analyze the relationship between temperature and CVD mortality for different subgroups among the existing researches for developed and developing countries. We found that the cold temperature (at − 14 °C) was the risk factor for people with low socioeconomic status, especially for single people (including unmarried, divorced, and widowed), for indoor workers, and for people with low education, compared with the minimum mortality temperature, with a cumulative increase of 3.9 (80%CI, 2.9–5.4), 3.8 (80%CI, 2.8–5.1), and 4.5 (80%CI, 3.1–6.3) times respectively. Meanwhile, the hot temperature (at 35 °C) was the risk factor for CVD death, with a cumulative increase of 2.6 (80%CI, 2.0–3.4) for females, and 3.1 (80%CI, 2.4–4.2) for single people. The varying CVD vulnerability in terms of CVD mortality among various groups may assist governments in preparing health resources and taking measures to prevent or reduce temperature-related deaths.

http://bit.ly/2BjjXv0

Idiopathic Generalized Exfoliative Dermatitis and Association with Antihypertensive Drugs and Statins: A Retrospective Case-Control Study

Background/Aims: We aim to examine the hypothesis that antihypertensive drugs and statins may be responsible for the development of idiopathic generalized exfoliative dermatitis (GED) with a case-control study. Methods: All inpatients who were hospitalized under the dermatology service at the Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore, between 1 May 2013 and 31 May 2015, were analysed. Idiopathic GED cases had consistent clinical and histological features but no apparent cause despite comprehensive evaluation. Controls were randomly selected from inpatients with other dermatological conditions in a 1: 1 ratio during the same period. Their relationship was analysed using univariate (χ² or Fisher exact tests) and multivariate logistic regression analysis. Results: There were 78 cases and 83 controls. Of the 78 cases, 42 patients had a history of treatment with antihypertensive drugs or statins. Cases were not found to be more likely on angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers, β-blockers, calcium channel blockers, thiazides or statins compared to controls (OR: 0.81; 95% CI: 0.43–1.51; p = 0.507). Conclusions: There was insufficient evidence to suggest a significant relationship between the chronic use of antihypertensive drugs or statins and idiopathic GED in this study, despite previous evidence reporting this might be so. Further case-control studies with larger sample sizes are needed to evaluate this association.
Dermatology

http://bit.ly/2Spjv8l

Aryl hydrocarbon receptor-mediated potencies in field-deployed plastics vary by type of polymer

Abstract

Plastic is able to sorb environmental pollutants from ambient water and might act as a vector for these pollutants to marine organisms. The potential toxicological effects of plastic-sorbed pollutants in marine organisms have not been thoroughly assessed. In this study, organic extracts from four types of plastic deployed for 9 or 12 months in San Diego Bay, California, were examined for their potential to activate the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) pathway by use of the H4IIE-luc assay. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), including the 16 priority PAHs, were quantified. The AhR-mediated potency in the deployed plastic samples, calculated as bio-TEQ values, ranged from 2.7 pg/g in polyethylene terephthalate (PET) to 277 pg/g in low-density polyethylene (LDPE). Concentrations of the sum of 24 PAHs in the deployed samples ranged from 4.6 to 1068 ng/g. By use of relative potency factors (REP), a potency balance between the biological effect (bio-TEQs) and the targeted PAHs (chem-TEQs) was calculated to 24–170%. The study reports, for the first time, in vitro AhR-mediated potencies for different deployed plastics, of which LDPE elicited the greatest concentration of bio-TEQs followed by polypropylene (PP), PET, and polyvinylchloride (PVC).

http://bit.ly/2S69UE4

Regeneration of 4-chlorophenol from spent powdered activated carbon by ultrasound

Abstract

Ultrasound-assisted regeneration of powdered activated carbon (PAC) saturated with 4-chlorophenol (4-CP) was investigated in this work. The variables, i.e., acoustic frequency, density levels, regenerating solution species, spent PAC mass, and the number of repeated cycle, were optimized. The UV–Vis spectra, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET), and pore structure analysis were used to characterize the regenerated PAC as compared to the virgin and spent PAC. The adsorption experiments indicated that the adsorption kinetics of 4-CP fitted well with the pseudo-second-order model, and the main chemisorption process was nonlinear and heterogeneous. The desorption results showed that the optimized regenerated conditions were identified as 40 kHz of frequency, 0.18 W/mL of sonication intensity, 0.1 M NaOH and 50% (v/v) ethyl alcohol mixture of regeneration solution, and 1 g/L of saturated PAC mass. Under this condition, the regeneration efficiency reached up to 86.81%. Hydroxylated oxidation products especially benzoquinone and hydroquinone were formed during ultrasound regeneration. Ultrasound mainly acted on surface functionalities, mesopores, and macropores of PAC through the hydroxyl radical oxidization resulted from the cavitation effect.

http://bit.ly/2t7uZyY

Ammonia and greenhouse gas emissions following the application of clinoptilolite on the litter of a breeding hen house

Abstract

The husbandry of chicken for meat generates high levels of gases, being a serious problem for the health of birds and workers as well as for the environment. The aim of the present study was to assess the effect of clinoptilolite as litter additive on the concentrations and emissions of ammonia (NH₃), nitrous oxide (N₂O), carbon dioxide (CO₂), and methane (CH₄) from a breeding hen house under Mediterranean climate conditions. Two similar breeding hen houses were selected, and one house was assigned as control whereas the other house was treated with clinoptilolite as a litter additive. Data were collected during the winter season, in two occasions, first between 26 November and 18 December 2017 and second from 1 to 20 February 2018. Results showed that the application of clinoptilolite on the litter of a breeding hen house reduces the NH₃ and N₂O losses in 28 and 34%, respectively, but appears to have no effect on CO₂ losses. In addition, the in-house CH₄ concentrations were below the detection limits.

http://bit.ly/2HOK17d

Beneficial influences of pelelith and dicyandiamide on gaseous emissions and the fungal community during sewage sludge composting

Abstract

Reducing the emissions of NH₃ and greenhouse gases (GHGs) during composting is essential for improving compost quality and controlling environmental pollution. This paper investigates the effects of pelelith (P) combined with dicyandiamide (DCD) on gaseous emissions and the fungal community diversity during sewage sludge (SS) composting. Results showed that the P and P + DCD treatments decreased the cumulative gaseous emissions by 41% and 22% for NH₃, 21% and 34% for N₂O, and 31.5% and 33.0% for CH₄, respectively. The evolution of the fungal community analysis showed that Ascomycota and unclassified fungi dominated during the thermophilic stage, while only Ascomycota was the dominant fungal phylum during the maturity stage, composing 62%, 66%, and 73% of the total fungal community in the control, P, and P + DCD, respectively. The P and P + DCD significantly increased the fungal community richness at the genus level. Fungal community abundance was found to be significantly related to temperature, pH, organic matter, and total Kjeldahl nitrogen, which also influence the gaseous emissions during SS composting. It suggested that the combined addition of pelelith and dicyandiamide (DCD) was an effective method for reducing the emissions of NH₃ and greenhouse gases during SS composting.

http://bit.ly/2t7uW6g

Comparative study on laser and LED influence on tissue repair and improvement of neuropathic symptoms during the treatment of diabetic ulcers

Abstract

To compare the influence of laser and LED on tissue repair and neuropathic symptoms during treatment of diabetic foot. An intervention survey conducted in a health center located in Brazil, contemplating ten sessions, twice a week, with randomization in two groups. In one group, the wounds were treated with GaAlAs laser, with a wavelength of 830 nm, 30 mW, and power density 0.84 W/cm², the other group by LED 850 nm, 48 mW, and power density 1.05 W/cm². For the analysis of wound size, photographic records analyzed by the ImageJ® software were used, and the neuropathy evaluation card examined. With regard to the laser group, a reduction in wound extension of 79.43% was observed at the end of the 10th session; the patients in the LED group had a 55.84% decrease in the healing process; comparing the two therapies was observed a better healing in the participants of the laser group, with 81.17%, in relation to the LED after the end of the sessions; regarding the evaluation of the neuropathic condition, there was a significant improvement in both therapies. There was improvement of the neuropathic signs and symptoms, also improvement of the tissue repair in the two therapeutic modalities; however, the laser presented a higher rate of speed in relation to the LED.

http://bit.ly/2DRUM4I

Estimates of carbon dioxide emissions based on incomplete condition information: a case study of liquefied natural gas in China

Abstract

Recent calculations of carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions have faced challenges because data consist of only partial information, which is called "incomplete information." According to the emission factor method, energy consumption and CO₂ emission factors with incomplete information may lead to unmatched multiplication between themselves, which affects accuracy and increases uncertainties in emission results. To address a specific case of incomplete information that has not been fully explored, we studied the effects of incomplete condition information on the estimates of CO₂ emissions from liquefied natural gas (LNG) in China. Based on Chinese LNG sampling data, we obtained the specific-country CO₂ emission factor for LNG in China and calculated the corresponding CO₂ emissions. By applying hypothesis testing, regression analysis, variance analysis, or Monte Carlo (MC) simulations, the effects of incomplete information on the uncertainty of CO₂ emission calculations in three cases were analyzed. The results indicate that calorific values have more than a 9.8% impact on CO₂ emission factors and CO₂ emissions with incomplete sample information. Regarding incomplete statistical information, the impact of statistical temperature on CO₂ emissions exceeds 5.5%. Regarding incomplete sample and statistical information, sample and statistical temperatures can individually increase estimate biases by more than 5.2%. Significantly, the impacts of sample temperature and statistical temperature may offset each other. Therefore, the incomplete condition information is quite important and cannot be ignored in the estimation of CO₂ emissions from LNG and international fair comparison.

http://bit.ly/2WHKgEe

State of rare earth elements in the sediment and their bioaccumulation by mangroves: a case study in pristine islands of Indian Sundarban

Abstract

The mangrove ecosystems are known to efficiently sequester trace metals both in sediments and plant biomass. However, less is known about the chemistry of rare earth elements (REE) in the coastal environments, especially in the world's largest mangrove province, the Sundarban. Here, the concentration of REE in the sediment and plant organs of eight dominant mangrove species (mainly Avicennia sp.) in the Indian Sundarban was measured to assess REE sources, distribution, and bioaccumulation state. Results revealed that light REE (LREE) were more concentrated than the heavy REE (HREE) (128–144 mg kg⁻¹ and 12–15 mg kg⁻¹, respectively) in the mangrove sediments, with a relatively weak positive europium anomaly (Eu/Eu* = 1.03–1.14) with respect to North American shale composite. The primary source of REE was most likely linked to aluminosilicate weathering of crustal materials, and the resultant increase in LREE in the detritus. Vertical distribution of REE in one of the long cores from Lothian Island was altered by mangrove root activity and dependent on various physicochemical properties in the sediment (e.g., Eh, pH, organic carbon, and phosphate). REE uptake by plants was higher in the below-ground parts than in the above-ground plant tissues (root = 3.3 mg kg⁻¹, leaf + wood = 1.7 mg kg⁻¹); however, their total concentration was much lower than in the sediment (149.5 mg kg⁻¹). Species-specific variability in bioaccumulation factor and translocation factor was observed indicating different REE partitioning and varying degree of mangrove uptake efficiency. Total REE stock in plant (above + live below ground) was estimated to be 168 g ha⁻¹ with LREE contributing ~ 90% of the stock. This study highlighted the efficiency of using REE as a biological proxy in determining the degree of bioaccumulation within the mangrove environment.

http://bit.ly/2RCnJoP

Oxygenated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in mussels: analytical method development and occurrence in the Belgian coastal zone

Abstract

An analytical method was developed for the trace quantification of oxygenated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (oxyPAHs) in mussels. Compounds included were naphthalene-1-ol, 9H-fluoren-9-one, anthracene-9,10-dione, 7H-benz[de]anthracene-7-one, naphtacene-5,12-dione, and benzo[a]anthracene-7,12-dione. Pyrene-1-carboxaldehyde was applied as an internal standard. Sample extraction by pressurized liquid extraction was followed by cleanup on silica, separation by high performance liquid chromatography, and quantitative measurement by mass spectrometry with atmospheric pressure chemical ionization. The method was validated by the analysis of spiked mussel samples, resulting in trueness values of 90–124% and measurement uncertainties of 6–49%, except for naphthalene-1-ol. Quantification limits varied from 0.25 ng·g⁻¹ to 10.7 ng·g⁻¹. The developed analytical oxyPAH method was applied on mussel samples from groynes and quaysides along the Belgian coastline and oxyPAH data were compared to PAH concentration data. The sum of 14 US EPA priority PAHs reached maxima at the eastern side of the Belgian coastal zone, with on average 202 ng·g⁻¹ wet weight for quayside Zeebrugge and 38.4 ng·g⁻¹ wet weight for groyne Knokke mussels. Anthracene-9,10-dione concentrations reached maxima of 19.1 ng·g⁻¹ wet weight at the most industrialized quayside of Zeebrugge. For other oxyPAHs, no clear relationship could be made with direct PAH emissions. Concentrations of anthracene-9,10-dione and 9H-fluoren-9-one were found to exceed corresponding parent PAH concentrations.

http://bit.ly/2WFVauo

Degradation of cefradine in alga-containing water environment: a mechanism and kinetic study

Abstract

Large quantities of antibiotics are manufactured, used, and eventually discharged into alga-containing water environment as prototypes, by-products, or transformation products. Different activities of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii toward cefradine (CFD) were studied, and the results indicated that CFD is resistant (removal rate of 5.45–14.72%) in simulated natural water environment. Cefradine was mainly removed by hydrolysis, adsorption, desorption, photodecarboxylation, and photoisomerization. The effects of C. reinhardtii density, initial solution pH, and different light sources on CFD removal efficiency were investigated. The optimum conditions occurred at a density of algae 10 × 10⁴ cells/mL, a solution pH of 9.0, and the ultraviolet (UV) light. Additionally, the removal kinetics under 16 different conditions was explored. The results showed that the removal of CFD fits well with a pseudo-first-order kinetic, and the half-life times are from 0.8 to 261.6 days. This study summarizes the CFD removal mechanisms in alga-containing water environment, highlights the important role played by light irradiation in eliminating CFD, and obtains the important kinetic data on CFD removal.

http://bit.ly/2RyyRmJ

Relationship between magnetic properties and heavy metal contamination of street dust samples from Shanghai, China

Abstract

In this study, for exploring the relationship between selected magnetic properties and heavy metal contamination of street dust in Shanghai, China, 160 samples from five different functional areas (industrial, high traffic density, commercial, residential and "clean" area) were collected and investigated by magnetic and geochemical analyses. It is found that the street dust exhibits a high concentration of ferrimagnetic minerals, which are predominantly coarse-grained. Meantime, the magnetic properties of the street dust samples exhibit significant differences between the five functional areas, namely, the values of χ_lf, SIRM, χ_ARM, and S_{− 300 mT} in the five functional areas all decrease in the following order: industrial > commercial > high traffic density > residential > clean. Calculation of enrichment factors (EF) and the Tomlinson pollution load index (PLI) indicates that the street dust samples are highly polluted in terms of their degree of heavy metal contamination. The values of χ_lf, SIRM, and χ_ARM are significantly correlated with Pb, Cu, Zn, Ni, Mn, Cr, Ba, and Fe concentrations as well as PLI. In accordance with similar findings in other urban areas, these results indicate that magnetic parameters, such as χ_lf, SIRM, χ_ARM, can be used as an efficient proxy for heavy metal pollution and anthropogenic activities in Shanghai. In addition, the results demonstrate that it is possible to distinguish different heavy metal pollution sources using a combination of magnetic measurements and geochemical analysis.

http://bit.ly/2WDZBpo

Antioxidant properties and instrumental quality characteristics of spray dried Pangasius visceral protein hydrolysate prepared by chemical and enzymatic methods

Abstract

Fish protein hydrolysates are digested form of protein with various bioactive properties where, the cleavages of molecular bonds of proteins can be broken by the enzymatic and chemical process. In this study, antioxidant properties of spray dried protein hydrolysate prepared from Pangasius viscera by using enzymatic (papain and pepsin), and chemical methods (hydrochloric acid and sodium hydroxide) were evaluated. Among the different treatments, pepsin-derived visceral protein hydrolysate showed the maximum antioxidant activity when used at higher concentrations. Essential amino acids (EAA) and hydrophobic amino acids are higher in papain-derived visceral protein hydrolysate. In pepsin-derived visceral protein hydrolysate, major proportion was contributed by glycine (Gly), glutamine (Glu), proline (Pro), and asparagine (Asp). Higher amount of aromatic amino acids are found in alkali-derived FVPH. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images of pepsin fish visceral protein hydrolysate showed better globular structure than the other treatments. It can be concluded that among the different treatments, the visceral protein hydrolysate prepared with pepsin had better overall quality regarding antioxidant properties and papain in nutritional point of view.

http://bit.ly/2RE5nDM

A durability study of a compression ignition engine operating with Thumba ( Citrullus colocyntis ) vegetable oil

Abstract

Vegetable oils are found suitable alternate of diesel fuel as per the results of short-run studies. Long-run studies with vegetable oil as a fuel pointed out the problems related to wear and maintenance of the engine. A single cylinder, variable compression ratio diesel engine was tested for 512 h (32 cycles of 16 h per day) to investigate longevity implications of fueling Thumba vegetable oil. Results of the study revealed that a very little damage was observed over the running surface of the cylinder liner, piston rings, valves, and valve seats. Wear in the piston outer diameter was observed to be 13 to 30 microns. Cylinder wear was about 80 microns. The closed gap in the oil piston ring increased up to 200 microns. Heavy carbon deposition was found on different internal parts of the engine, which indicates poor combustion of fuel. Amount of copper (66 mg/kg) and silicon (112 mg/kg) dissolved in the lubricating oil was found more than permissible limits (Cu 50 mg/kg, Si 25 mg/kg), after 450-h engine test run. But all the dissolve materials remain in allowable limits when the durability test conducted with diesel. Smoke, CO, HC, and NO_X emissions were found to increase initially then decrease in the further engine running hours. But these emissions were found inferior to the engine emissions fueled with diesel in all the running hours. CO2 emissions were found superior throughout the test with the preheated T20 Thumba oil blend than diesel. The maximum reduction in the viscosity of the lubricating oil, during endurance testing, was found 60 centipoises but it was found 25 centipoises when the test conducted with diesel.

http://bit.ly/2WDZr1g

Thermochemical degradation of furfural by sulfate radicals in aqueous solution: optimization and synergistic effect studies

Abstract

In this study, thermochemical degradation of furfural by sulfate radical has been investigated to find the best-operating conditions. For this purpose, the response surface methodology (RSM) based on central composite design (CCD) was applied to optimize the five independent variables of thermally activated persulfate (TAP)/nZVI oxidation process including pH, PS concentration, furfural concentration, nZVI dosage, and heat. The ANOVA results ("P > F value" < 0.0001 and \( {\mathrm{R}}_{\mathrm{adj}}^2 \)  = 0.9701) showed the obtained quadratic model is acceptable to predict furfural removal. Based on the reduced quadratic model PS concentration, nZVI dosage, and heat revealed the positive effects on removal efficiency, while pH and furfural concentration had a negative effect. Accordingly, 98.4% of furfural could be removed within 60 min of reaction under the optimum conditions: pH 5.26, PS concentration of 20.52 mM, furfural concentration of 84.32 mg/L, nZVI dosage of 1.15 mg/L, and a temperature of 79 °C. In such circumstances, the furfural removal efficiency for TAP, PS/nZVI, PS, and nZVI was 94.5, 9, 3, and 2%, respectively. Therefore, based on the synergy index (SI) values, the combination of PS, nZVI, and heat can lead to a synergistic effect in the performance of the thermochemical process.

http://bit.ly/2RCcrAV

The use of vegetation, bees, and snails as important tools for the biomonitoring of atmospheric pollution—a review

Abstract

The continuous discharge of diverse chemical products in the environment is nowadays of great concern to the whole world as some of them persist in the environment leading to serious diseases. Several sampling techniques have been used for the characterization of this chemical pollution, although biomonitoring using natural samplers has recently become the technique of choice in this field due to its efficiency, specificity, and low cost. In fact, several living organisms known as biomonitors could accumulate the well-known persistent environmental pollutants allowing their monitoring in the environment. In this work, a review on environmental biomonitoring is presented. The main sampling techniques used for monitoring environmental pollutants are first reported, followed by an overview on well-known natural species used as passive samplers and known as biomonitors. These species include conifer needles, lichen, mosses, bees and their byproducts, and snails, and were widely used in recent research as reliable monitors for environmental pollution.

http://bit.ly/2WDZjii