Detection of the natural origin hydrocarbon contamination in carbonate aquifers (central Apennine, Italy)

Abstract

The water–rock interaction is discussed in this study for some Central Apennine aquifers and their relative springs, where the geological and hydrogeological setting is potentially responsible for hydrocarbon contamination. The contamination is related to the presence of limestone formations with high organic content that are connected to the genesis of hydrocarbons in the Central-Southern Apennines. Thanks to a multidisciplinary approach based on a seasonal monitoring of hydrogeological, hydrogeochemical, organic chemical, and isotopic variables, and to a detailed geological analysis, it was possible to demonstrate that the bituminous schists within the bituminous dolomite formation (a Triassic Formation presents in the Gran Sasso acquifer), the bituminous intercalations within the Bolognano Formation (an Olocenic calcareous Formation in the Majella acquifer), and the petroleum-saturated rocks of the Bolognano Formation (in the Morrone acquifer) are all able to leach hydrocarbons into groundwater. The results suggest that more detailed studies are required for areas where lithologies with fossil organic components are present. Insights should further investigate the interaction between groundwater and rocks in terms of organic compounds as well as inorganic compounds. In particular, the study also suggests that the supplementary quantification of hydrocarbon compounds in bituminous rock and the leaching tests are analyses that provide reliable results. From the normative point of view, the results of the study can be useful when dealing with hydrocarbon contamination resulting from anthropogenic activities within catchments where formations with high concentration of organic matter are present. In these cases, it will possible to assess the natural background concentrations and review the threshold values upwards.

http://ift.tt/2I0qCLw

The Homeostatic Force of Ghrelin

Publication date: Available online 22 March 2018
Source:Cell Metabolism
Author(s): Shigehisa Yanagi, Takahiro Sato, Kenji Kangawa, Masamitsu Nakazato
Ghrelin, a gastric-derived acylated peptide, regulates energy homeostasis by transmitting information about peripheral nutritional status to the brain, and is essential for protecting organisms against famine. Ghrelin operates brain circuits to regulate homeostatic and hedonic feeding. Recent research advances have shed new light on ghrelin's multifaceted roles in cellular homeostasis, which could maintain the internal environment and overcome metaflammation in metabolic organs. Here, we highlight our current understanding of the regulatory mechanisms of the ghrelin system in energy metabolism and cellular homeostasis and its clinical trials. Future studies of ghrelin will further elucidate how the stomach regulates systemic homeostasis.

Teaser

Yanagi, Nakazato et al. provide a comprehensive overview of the ghrelin system and highlight the regulatory mechanisms of ghrelin signaling in energy metabolism and feeding behavior. The authors describe ghrelin's recently uncovered multifaceted roles in cellular homeostasis, which could maintain the internal environment and overcome metaflammation and metabolic organ dysfunctions.


https://ift.tt/2IL6eiY

Metabolic Slowing and Reduced Oxidative Damage with Sustained Caloric Restriction Support the Rate of Living and Oxidative Damage Theories of Aging

Publication date: Available online 22 March 2018
Source:Cell Metabolism
Author(s): Leanne M. Redman, Steven R. Smith, Jeffrey H. Burton, Corby K. Martin, Dora Il'yasova, Eric Ravussin
Calorie restriction (CR) is a dietary intervention with potential benefits for healthspan improvement and lifespan extension. In 53 (34 CR and 19 control) non-obese adults, we tested the hypothesis that energy expenditure (EE) and its endocrine mediators are reduced with a CR diet over 2 years. Approximately 15% CR was achieved over 2 years, resulting in an average 8.7 kg weight loss, whereas controls gained 1.8 kg. In the CR group, EE measured over 24 hr or during sleep was approximately 80–120 kcal/day lower than expected on the basis of weight loss, indicating sustained metabolic adaptation over 2 years. This metabolic adaptation was accompanied by significantly reduced thyroid axis activity and reactive oxygen species (F2-isoprostane) production. Findings from this 2-year CR trial in healthy, non-obese humans provide new evidence of persistent metabolic slowing accompanied by reduced oxidative stress, which supports the rate of living and oxidative damage theories of mammalian aging.

Graphical abstract

Teaser

Calorie restriction (CR) has been shown to have health benefits and to extend lifespan in diverse species. Redman et al. conducted a 2-year CR trial in healthy, non-obese humans and found evidence that prolonged CR enhances resting energy efficiency, resulting in decreased systemic oxidative damage.


https://ift.tt/2DQ5pS6

γ-Secretase Inhibition Lowers Plasma Triglyceride-Rich Lipoproteins by Stabilizing the LDL Receptor

Publication date: Available online 22 March 2018
Source:Cell Metabolism
Author(s): KyeongJin Kim, Ira J. Goldberg, Mark J. Graham, Meenakshi Sundaram, Enrico Bertaggia, Samuel X. Lee, Li Qiang, Rebecca A. Haeusler, Daniel Metzger, Pierre Chambon, Zemin Yao, Henry N. Ginsberg, Utpal B. Pajvani
Excess plasma triglycerides (TGs) are a key component of obesity-induced metabolic syndrome. We have shown that γ-secretase inhibitor (GSI) treatment improves glucose tolerance due to inhibition of hepatic Notch signaling but found additional Notch-independent reduction of plasma TG-rich lipoproteins (TRLs) in GSI-treated, as well as hepatocyte-specific, γ-secretase knockout (L-Ncst) mice, which suggested a primary effect on hepatocyte TRL uptake. Indeed, we found increased VLDL and LDL particle uptake in L-Ncst hepatocytes and Ncst-deficient hepatoma cells, in part through reduced γ-secretase-mediated low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) cleavage and degradation. To exploit this novel finding, we generated a liver-selective Nicastrin ASO, which recapitulated glucose and lipid improvements of L-Ncst mice, with increased levels of hepatocyte LDLR. Collectively, these results identify the role of hepatic γ-secretase to regulate LDLR and suggest that liver-specific GSIs may simultaneously improve multiple aspects of the metabolic syndrome.

Graphical abstract

Teaser

Kim et al. discover that hepatic γ-secretase inhibition improves glucose homeostasis and simultaneously reduces plasma triglycerides and non-HDL cholesterol, in part through blocking LDLR cleavage and degradation


https://ift.tt/2IOnwvl

Hsp83 regulates the fate of germline stem cells in Drosophila ovary

Publication date: Available online 22 March 2018
Source:Journal of Genetics and Genomics
Author(s): Dongsheng Chen, Shuang Wang, Xiaoqian Tao, Lijuan Zhou, Jian Wang, Fuling Sun, Mingzhong Sun, Xiaoli Gao




http://ift.tt/2pAvcc1

Zhen-wu-tang ameliorates adenine-induced chronic renal failure in rats: regulation of the canonical Wnt4/beta-catenin signaling in the kidneys

Publication date: 12 June 2018
Source:Journal of Ethnopharmacology, Volume 219
Author(s): Lei La, Lili Wang, Fei Qin, Jian Jiang, Songqi He, Chunxia Wang, Yuhao Li
Ethnopharmacological relevanceZhen-wu-tang (ZWT), composed of Radix Aconiti lateralis, Rhizoma Atractylodis macrocephalae, Poria, Radix Paeoniae alba and ginger, is a classic Chinese herbal formula for the treatment of chronic kidney diseases that may cause chronic renal failure (CRF).Aim of the studyTo better understand its clinical use, this study investigated the effects and underlying mechanisms of action of ZWT on CRF.Materials and methodsCRF was induced by adenine. ZWT was given via an oral gavage method. The serum biochemical parameters were measured enzymatically or by ELISA. The kidneys were examined pathohistologically. The gene expression was analyzed by real time PCR and Western blot.ResultsSimilar to the positive control losartan, ZWT extract inhibited adenine-induced increase in serum concentrations of creatinine, BUN and advanced oxidation protein products in rats. These effects were accompanied by attenuation of proteinuria and renal pathological changes and suppression of renal mRNA and protein overexpression of Collagen IV and fibronectin, two of the key components of fibrosis. Mechanistically, renal mRNA and protein expression of Wnt4, a Wnt signaling ligand, was increased in the adenine-treated group, compared to the vehicle-treated control. Consistently, Wnt4 downstream genes beta-catenin and Axin were also overexpressed. Treatment with ZWT extract and losartan suppressed adenine-stimulated overexpression of these mRNAs and proteins.ConclusionsThe present results demonstrate that ZWT extract ameliorates adenine-induced CRF in rats by regulation of the canonical Wnt4/beta-catenin signaling in the kidneys. Our findings provide new insight into the underlying renoprotective mechanisms of the ancient formula.

Graphical abstract

http://ift.tt/2HV26eX

Viscum articulatum Burm. f. aqueous extract exerts antiproliferative effect and induces cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in leukemia cells

Publication date: 12 June 2018
Source:Journal of Ethnopharmacology, Volume 219
Author(s): Ruchi Mishra, Saurabh Sharma, Radhey Shyam Sharma, Savita Singh, Milind Madhav Sardesai, Sadhna Sharma, Vandana Mishra
Ethnopharmacological relevanceViscum articulatum Burm. f. (leafless mistletoe) has been used in traditional system of medicines in India, China, Taiwan, Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam, to treat blood-related diseases and various inflammatory and degenerative diseases including cancer. Anticancer activities of some phytomolecules purified from Viscum articulatum Burm. f. have been tested. However scientific evidence for the anticancerous potential of aqueous extract of V. articularum (VAQE) used in traditional medicine is lacking.Aim of the studyTo study the antiproliferative and apoptotic effect of VAQE on Jurkat E6.1 and THP1 leukemia cells.Materials and methodsThe aqueous extract of the whole plant of Viscum articulatum Burm. f. was prepared in phosphate buffer saline. In VAQE, total soluble protein was estimated using Bradford's dye-binding assay; flavonoid content was determined using aluminum chloride colorimetric assay; and phenolic content was estimated following Folin-Ciocalteu colorimetric assay. XTT cell viability assay was used to test VAQE induced cytotoxicity in Jurkat E6.1 and THP1 leukemia cells and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). The effect of VAQE on cell cycle progression was analyzed by PI staining using flow cytometry. Annexin-V-FITC/PI differential staining method was used for detecting the onset of apoptosis in leukemia cells. Rhodamine 123 dye was used to detect the change in mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) using flow cytometry. DCF-DA fluorescence dye was used to estimate the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The ROS inhibitors were used to evaluate the role of ROS in mediating DNA degradation in VAQE-treated leukemia cells. The molecular mechanisms underlying VAQE induced apoptosis induction was studied by analyzing the expression of anti-apoptotic (Bcl-2) and pro-apoptotic (Bax) proteins, caspase-8 and caspase-3 enzymes using western blot. Diphenylamine (DPA) assay was used to determine the DNA fragmentation and conclusion of apoptosis.ResultsVAQE triggered cytotoxic effect on Jurkat E6.1 (IC50-2.4 µg/ml; 24 h) and THP1 (IC50-1.0 µg/ml; 24 h) cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner. The apoptosis induction and G2/M arrest of the cell cycle are the cause of VAQE-induced cytotoxicity in leukemia cells. The apoptosis in VAQE-treated Jurkat E6.1 and THP1 cells was mediated via a reduction in MMP, elevation of intracellular ROS, decreased expression of the anti-apoptotic (Bcl-2) and increased expression of the pro-apoptotic (Bax) protein, activation of caspase-8 and caspase-3 and DNA fragmentation.ConclusionVAQE has a high efficacy to exert a cytotoxic effect in Jurkat E6.1 and THP1 cells and to induce apoptosis and G2/M cell cycle arrest. VAQE induces extrinsic pathway of apoptosis in both the leukemia cell lines via disruption of MMP, intracellular ROS imbalance, increased ratio of Bax/Bcl-2, activation of caspase-8, caspase-3 and ROS-mediated DNA fragmentation. The knowledge gained from the outcomes of the study may encourage the identification of novel chemotherapeutic agent from Viscum articulatum Burm. f. to treat leukemia.

Graphical abstract

http://ift.tt/2pzgDpY

Calycophyllum spruceanum BENTH ameliorates acute inflammation in mice

Publication date: 12 June 2018
Source:Journal of Ethnopharmacology, Volume 219
Author(s): Ana Paula Azevedo Barros da Silva, Renata Morais Ferreira Amorim, Roberta de Freitas Lopes, Mário Rogério Lima Mota, Felipe Moura Araújo da Silva, Hector Henrique Ferreira Koolen, Emerson Silva Lima, Ana Maria S. Assreuy, Renildo Moura da Cunha
Ethnopharmacological relevanceCalycophyllum spruceanum (Benth.) Hook. F. ex K. Schum. is widely distributed in the Amazonian region of Brazil, where it is popularly known as "mulateiro", "pau-mulato", "pau-mulato-de-várzea", "escorrega-macaco" or "pau-marfim". Preparations of C. spruceanum barks are used in the form of tea, poultice or skin patches to treat stomach diseases, skin inflammation and uterus tumors.Purpose of the studyTo investigate in vivo the antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities of the hydroalcoholic extract of Calycophyllum spruceanum barks (HECSb) in order to validate its popular usage in inflammatory conditions.Materials and methodsChemical analysis of HECSb was performed using the UHPLC-MS system. Mice were treated per oral with HECSb (5–5000 mg/kg) and evaluated for acute toxicity (during 15 days); motor activity (Rota rod test); body weight (up to 72 h); antinociceptive activity: writhes induced by 0.8% acetic acid; paw licking induced by 2.5% formalin; paw withdrawal (von Frey test) induced by carrageenan (300 μg) or PGE2 (100 ng); anti-inflammatory (paw edema model). For histopathological analysis subplantar tissue fragments were collected 1 h after paw edema induction.ResultsHECSb chemical analysis revealed the presence of caffeoylquinic derivatives, small organic acids, and phenolic compounds. HECSb showed antinociceptive effect, reducing the number of acetic acid-induced writhes by 72% at 120 mg/kg, paw licking (phase 2- Formalin test) by 33% at 60 mg/kg and 49% at 120 mg/kg; and paw withdrawal elicited by carrageenan (53% at 120 mg/kg) and PGE2 (120 mg/kg) at 0.5 h (48%) and 1 h (45%). HECSb (120 mg/kg) also inhibited the paw edema elicited both by carrageenan (48%) and PGE2 (92%). Histopathological analysis (leukocyte infiltration, edema, focal areas of hemorrhage, vascular congestion) of HECSb treatment at 120 mg/kg demonstrated normal morphology [median 0 (0,1)] compared to PGE2, showing severe alterations [median 3 (2,3); p = 0,0035]. HECSb did not induce acute toxicity nor altered body mass or motor coordination.ConclusionsHECSb shows antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effect in mice without inducing apparent acute toxicity.

Graphical abstract

http://ift.tt/2DOQYOj

Phytochemical characterization and biological activity evaluation of ethanolic extract of Cinnamomum zeylanicum

Publication date: 12 June 2018
Source:Journal of Ethnopharmacology, Volume 219
Author(s): Ishrat Husain, Rumana Ahmad, Anu Chandra, Syed Tasleem Raza, Yogeshwer Shukla, Farzana Mahdi
Ethnopharmacological relevanceIndia being a multicultural nation, every region of the country offers a distinct culinary flavor and taste. These flavors are attributed to spices and condiments which form the mainstay of Indian cuisine. Most of these spices and condiments are derived from various biodiversity hotspots in India and form the crux of India's multidiverse and multicultural cuisine. Apart from their varying aromas, flavors and tastes, these spices and condiments are known to possess several medicinal properties also. Most of these spices find considerable mention in Ayurveda, the indigenous system of medicine, as panaceas for several aliments. Cinnamomum zeylanicum (CZ), belonging to family Lauraceae and commonly known as cinnamon is one such spice known to have diverse medicinal properties since time immemorial.Aim of the studyIn the present study, apoptotic and anti-microbial activity of ethanolic extract of CZ was evaluated against human breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231 and compared for its effect on normal kidney epithelial cell line Vero.Materials and methodsEthanolic extract of tree bark of CZ was used to determine the cytotoxic effect on MDA-MB-231 using Trypan blue dye exclusion method and cytometry. The tested dose of the extract was 10–100 µg/mL. Antibacterial activity was determined using disc diffusion method against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli in the range 2–10 mg/mL. Apoptotic activity was determined using DNA fragmentation assay.ResultsEthanolic extract of CZ was found to have an IC50 value of 25 µg/mL against MDA cell line. On the other hand, CZ extract did not have any significant effect on Vero cells even at 100 µg/mL (IC50 > 100 µg/mL). The ethanolic extract of CZ bark showed significant antibacterial activity against S. aureus at 10 mg/mL while no appreciable activity was detected against E. coli. DNA isolated from extract treated cancer cells showed a fragmentation pattern characteristic of apoptosis. However, no DNA fragmentation was observed in DNA isolated from extract treated Vero cells.ConclusionEthanolic bark extract of CZ could be potentially beneficial in treating breast cancer and may be of interest for future studies in developing integrative cancer therapy against proliferation, metastasis, and migration of breast cancer cells.

Graphical abstract

http://ift.tt/2pzfZc2

A tumor-activatable particle with antimetastatic potential in breast cancer via inhibiting the autophagy-dependent disassembly of focal adhesion

Publication date: June 2018
Source:Biomaterials, Volume 168
Author(s): Yang Wang, Sheng Yin, Li Zhang, Kairong Shi, Jiajing Tang, Zhirong Zhang, Qin He
In attempts to explore the role of autophagy in breast cancer metastasis, we here report a tumor-activatable particle (named as "D/PSP@CQ/CaP") with the ability of efficient autophagy inhibition. D/PSP@CQ/CaP was prepared by coprecipitating chloroquine phosphate (CQ) with calcium chloride, in the form of chloroquine-calcium phosphate coprecipitate (CQ/CaP), onto the surface of a deep-tumor-penetrating doxorubicine (DOX)-loading core particle (named as "D/PSP"). CQ/CaP could partly disintegrate and release CQ within tumor microenvironment and totally be dissolved within lysosomes. Paxillin is a key component of focal adhesion which functions to anchor tumors cells within the primary tumor for limiting cancer cells' detachment from the primary tumor. We tested that autophagy inhibition caused by CQ released from CQ/CaP could reduce the degradation of paxillin by 2.9 folds in vitro and 2.5 folds in vivo (vs. Control), respectively. Thus metastasis could be influenced by exploiting autophagy-dependent paxillin degradation. Data analysis together proved that D/PSP@CQ/CaP decreased the cancer metastatic extent by 7.5 folds (vs. Control) on mice model via inhibiting the autophagy-dependent disassembly of focal adhesion. At the same time, the growth rate of tumors treated by D/PSP@CQ/CaP was inhibited by 9.1 folds (vs. Control), which could be attributed to its effective tumor drug delivery.

Graphical abstract

http://ift.tt/2FYkN4L

Scholar : Acta Oto-Laryngologica, Volume 138, Issue 4, April 2018 is now available online on Taylor & Francis Online

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The online platform for Taylor & Francis Online content Acta Oto-Laryngologica, Volume 138, Issue 4, April 2018 is now available online on Taylor & Francis Online. This new issue contains the following articles: Research Article Cochlear volume as a predictive factor for residual-hearing preservation after conventional cochlear implantation Masahiro Takahashi, Yasuhiro Arai, Naoko Sakuma, Kenichiro Yabuki, Daisuke Sano, Goshi Nishimura, Nobuhiko Oridate & Shin-ichi Usami Pages: 345-350 | DOI: 10.1080/00016489.2017.1393840 Foam pad of appropriate thickness can improve diagnostic value of foam posturography in detecting postural instability Bo Liu, Yangming Leng, Renhong Zhou, Jingjing Liu, Dongdong Liu, Jia Liu, Su-Lin Zhang & Wei-Jia Kong Pages: 351-356 | DOI: 10.1080/00016489.2017.1393842 Necessity of admission to improve the hearing-recovery rate in idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss Min Jae Kim, Kyung Wook Heo, Pil Hyun Jeon, Jae Jun Lee & Jun Ho Lee Pages: 357-362 | DOI: 10.1080/00016489.2017.1397744 Effects of anesthesia with nitrous oxide on tympanoplasty outcomes: a randomized controlled trial Ali Kouhi, Fatemeh Hajimohammadi, Sasan Dabiri, Amin Amali, Neda Enayati, Sahar Manavi, Niloufar Saeedi & Ziba Bidar Pages: 363-366 | DOI: 10.1080/00016489.2017.1388541 Optical assessment of the in vivo tympanic membrane status using a handheld optical coherence tomography-based otoscope Kibeom Park, Nam Hyun Cho, Mansik Jeon, Sang Heun Lee, Jeong Hun Jang, Stephen A. Boppart, Woonggyu Jung & Jeehyun Kim Pages: 367-374 | DOI: 10.1080/00016489.2017.1395515 Diagnostic role of cone beam computed tomography for the position of straight array Seo-Young An, Chang-Hyeon An, Kyu-Yup Lee, Jeong Hun Jang, Yun-Hoon Choung & Sang Heun Lee Pages: 375-381 | DOI: 10.1080/00016489.2017.1404639 Utility of quick oculomotor tests for screening the vestibular system in the subacute and chronic populations Helen S. Cohen, Jasmine Stitz, Haleh Sangi-Haghpeykar, Susan P. Williams, Ajitkumar P. Mulavara, Brian T. Peters & Jacob J. Bloomberg Pages: 382-386 | DOI: 10.1080/00016489.2017.1398838 Diagnostic significance of serum periostin in eosinophilic chronic sinusitis with nasal polyps Ming Xu, Weiwei Zhang, Daishi Chen, Haojie Zhou & Lei Chen Pages: 387-391 | DOI: 10.1080/00016489.2017.1388540 Value of extranodal extension detected by computed tomography for predicting clinical response after chemoradiotherapy in head and neck squamous cell cancer Hyun Moon, Young Jun Choi, Yoon Se Lee, Sang Wook Lee, Sung Bae Kim, Jong-Lyel Roh, Seung-Ho Choi, Soon Yuhl Nam & Sang Yoon Kim Pages: 392-399 | DOI: 10.1080/00016489.2017.1395517 The value of narrow band imaging combined with stroboscopy for the detection of applanate indiscernible early-stage vocal cord cancer Yifan Yang, Jugao Fang, Qi Zhong, Wen Xu, Hongzhi Ma, Ling Feng, Qian Shi, Meng Lian, Ru Wang & Lizhen Hou Pages: 400-406 | DOI: 10.1080/00016489.2017.1388542 Recurrent pleomorphic adenoma: is treatment considerably delayed thus affecting surgical morbidity? Eran Glikson, Doron Sagiv, Jobran Mansour, Lev Bedrin, Yoav P. Talmi & Eran E. Alon Pages: 407-410 | DOI: 10.1080/00016489.2017.1398840 Cervical necrotizing fasciitis: an overlooked diagnosis of a fatal disease Mohamed A. Al-Ali, Ashraf F. Hefny, Kamal M. Idris & Fikri M. Abu-Zidan Pages: 411-414 | DOI: 10.1080/00016489.2017.1393841 Incidence and survival of sinonasal adenocarcinoma by site and histologic subtype Suat Kılıç, Ruwaa Samarrai, Sarah S. Kılıç, Mina Mikhael, Soly Baredes & Jean Anderson Eloy Pages: 415-421 | DOI: 10.1080/00016489.2017.1401229 A prognostic scoring system using inflammatory response biomarkers in oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma patients who underwent surgery-based treatment Young Min Park, Kyung Ho Oh, Jae-Gu Cho, Seung-Kuk Baek, Soon-Young Kwon, Kwang-Yoon Jung & Jeong-Soo Woo Pages: 422-427 | DOI: 10.1080/00016489.2017.1404640 Ectonucleotidase CD39 expression in regional metastases in head and neck cancer Magis Mandapathil, Mehtap Boduc, Marion Roessler, Christian Güldner, Ute Walliczek-Dworschak & Robert Mandic Pages: 428-432 | DOI: 10.1080/00016489.2017.1405278 Pretreatment serum lactate dehydrogenase as a prognostic indicator for oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma Yukinori Takenaka, Ryohei Oya, Kengo Aoki, Hiroko Hamaguchi, Kazuya Takemura, Masayuki Nozawa, Takahiro Kitamura, Yoshifumi Yamamoto & Atsuhiko Uno Pages: 433-436 | DOI: 10.1080/00016489.2017.1398839 Erratum Correction to: An et al., Diagnostic role of cone beam computed tomography for the position of straight array Pages: (i)-(i) | DOI: 10.1080/00016489.2017.1412571 To update which email alerts you receive, manage your alerts within the My Account area. Unsubscribe from new content alerts for this journal (both new issue and latest article notifications) with one click. If you need any further help, please contact us at support@tandfonline.com Please do not reply to this email. To ensure that you receive your alerts and information from Taylor & Francis Online, please add "alerts@tandfonline.com" and "info@tandfonline.com" to your safe senders list. Taylor & Francis, an Informa business. Taylor & Francis is a trading name of Informa UK Limited, registered in England under no. 1072954. Registered office: 5 Howick Place, London, SW1P 1WG.

Active methods of mercury removal from flue gases

Abstract

Due to its adverse impact on health, as well as its global distribution, long atmospheric lifetime and propensity for deposition in the aquatic environment and in living tissue, the US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) has classified mercury and its compounds as a severe air quality threat. Such widespread presence of mercury in the environment originates from both natural and anthropogenic sources. Global anthropogenic emission of mercury is evaluated at 2000 Mg year⁻¹. According to the National Centre for Emissions Management (Pol. KOBiZE) report for 2014, Polish annual mercury emissions amount to approximately 10 Mg. Over 90% of mercury emissions in Poland originate from combustion of coal.

The purpose of this paper was to understand mercury behaviour during sub-bituminous coal and lignite combustion for flue gas purification in terms of reduction of emissions by active methods. The average mercury content in Polish sub-bituminous coal and lignite was 103.7 and 443.5 μg kg⁻¹. The concentration of mercury in flue gases emitted into the atmosphere was 5.3 μg m⁻³ for sub-bituminous coal and 17.5 μg m⁻³ for lignite. The study analysed six low-cost sorbents with the average achieved efficiency of mercury removal from 30.6 to 92.9% for sub-bituminous coal and 22.8 to 80.3% for lignite combustion. Also, the effect of coke dust grain size was examined for mercury sorptive properties. The fine fraction of coke dust (CD) adsorbed within 243–277 μg Hg kg⁻¹, while the largest fraction at only 95 μg Hg kg⁻¹. The CD fraction < 0.063 mm removed almost 92% of mercury during coal combustion, so the concentration of mercury in flue gas decreased from 5.3 to 0.4 μg Hg m⁻³. The same fraction of CD had removed 93% of mercury from lignite flue gas by reducing the concentration of mercury in the flow from 17.6 to 1.2 μg Hg m⁻³. The publication also presents the impact of photochemical oxidation of mercury on the effectiveness of Hg vapour removal during combustion of lignite. After physical oxidation of Hg in the flue gas, its effectiveness has increased twofold.

http://ift.tt/2IMhQSB

Biocompatibility and biomineralization assessment of mineral trioxide aggregate flow

Abstract

Objective

Evaluate, in vivo, the biocompatibility via subcutaneous inflammatory tissue response and mineralization ability of the new MTA Flow compared to MTA Angelus and ProRoot MTA.

Materials and methods

Forty male Wistar rats were assigned and received subcutaneous polyethylene tube implants containing the test materials and a control group with empty tube (n = 10 animals/group). After days 7, 15, 30, and 60, the animals were euthanized and the polyethylene tubes were removed with the surrounding tissues. Inflammatory infiltrate and thickness of the fibrous capsule were histologically evaluated. Mineralization was analyzed by Von Kossa staining and under polarized light. Data were analyzed via Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn's test with a significance level of 5%.

Results

MTA Angelus induced the mildest reaction after 7 (P > .05) and 15 days (P < .05) followed by MTA Flow, both cements achieving mild inflammatory reaction after 15 days. ProRoot MTA induced a severe inflammation on day 7 and was reducing after day 15 (P > .05). No difference was observed after days 30 or 60 (P > .05). Von Kossa staining and birefringent structures were positive to all materials.

Conclusions

At the end of the experiment, the novel MTA Flow showed biocompatibility and induced biomineralization in all time periods.

Clinical relevance

The final consistence obtained in MTA Flow may facilitate several procedures, indicating that the MTA Flow has a promising application in endodontics.

http://ift.tt/2HZxCsr

Syncope in a middle aged female: Splenic artery aneurysm revisited

Publication date: November–December 2018
Source:Clinical Imaging, Volume 52
Author(s): Nour Al Jalbout, Anna Jean Moreland
Splenic artery aneurysm (SAA) is a rare potentially fatal condition with an estimated prevalence in the general population ranging between 0.2 and 10.4%. Ruptured splenic artery aneurysm poses a great diagnostic challenge to emergency physicians due to non-specific and potentially fatal presentations. Dual (arterial and venous) phase imaging is very important for identifying the source of an active intraabdominal bleed when patients are stable enough to tolerate the exam. Here, we present a case of a 54-year-old female who presented with syncope to the emergency department, diagnosed with ruptured splenic artery aneurysm.



http://ift.tt/2pvIg3d

Reducing artifacts of gadoxetate disodium-enhanced MRI with oxygen inhalation in patients with prior episode of arterial phase motion: intra-individual comparison

Publication date: November–December 2018
Source:Clinical Imaging, Volume 52
Author(s): Tomohiro Namimoto, Kie Shimizu, Masataka Nakagawa, Yoko Kikuchi, Masafumi Kidoh, Seitaro Oda, Takeshi Nakaura, Daisuke Utsunomiya, Yasuyuki Yamashita
PurposeTo determine whether oxygen inhalation reducing artifacts in patients with previous transient severe motion (TSM) on gadoxetate-disodium-enhanced MRI.Materials and methodsFifty-one patients with TSM on previous gadoxetate-disodium-enhanced MRI (Baseline examination) were evaluated. Image quality in the examination with oxygen inhalation (Oxygen examination) and that in Baseline examination and the examination before Baseline examination without oxygen inhalation (Past examination) were qualitatively compared in dynamic study.ResultsImage quality was significantly higher in Oxygen examination than Baseline examination in arterial phase, but there was no statistical difference between Baseline and Past examinations.ConclusionOxygen inhalation improved image quality in patients with a prior episode of arterial phase TSM.



http://ift.tt/2G6kf99

ADC at 3.0 T as a noninvasive biomarker for preoperative prediction of Ki67 expression in invasive ductal carcinoma of breast

Publication date: November–December 2018
Source:Clinical Imaging, Volume 52
Author(s): Lu Shen, Guoxing Zhou, Tong Tong, Fei Tang, Yi Lin, Jie Zhou, Yibin Wang, Genlin Zong, Lei Zhang
PurposeTo investigate the role of apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) as an imaging biomarker for invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) in the breast.MethodsSeventy-one patients undergoing 3.0 Tesla DWI were retrospectively enrolled. Correlations between the ADC values and prognostic factors were evaluated.ResultsMultivariate regression analyses showed that Ki67 expression and molecular subtype were independently associated with the ADC. Discriminant analysis excluded the ADC as a good biomarker for subtype, but the mean ADC significantly distinguished Ki67-positive (low ADC) from Ki67-negative (high ADC) lesions, as observed in the in ROC curves, with a diagnostic sensitivity of 1.00 and a cut-off value of 0.97 × 10⁻³ mm²/s.ConclusionThe ADC may be helpful for predicting Ki67 expression in IDC preoperatively.



http://ift.tt/2pBjCOw

Tuberculosis mastitis presenting as bilateral breast masses

Publication date: November–December 2018
Source:Clinical Imaging, Volume 52
Author(s): Yujie Qiao, Jessica H. Hayward, Ronald Balassanian, Kimberly M. Ray, Bonnie N. Joe, Amie Y. Lee
Tuberculosis mastitis can be a challenging diagnosis, often presenting with clinical and imaging findings that are suspicious for malignancy. We present a case of a 49-year-old female with a breast mass initially diagnosed as idiopathic granulomatous mastitis. Failure to respond to standard treatments, development of new breast masses, and discovery of a concurrent ulcerating thigh rash with similar histologic findings as the breast masses prompted further investigation, which ultimately lead to the diagnosis of tuberculosis mastitis. There was rapid resolution of both breast and skin symptoms after initiation of empiric drug therapy.



http://ift.tt/2pyuCeE

Reliability of 3D arterial spin labeling MR perfusion measurements: The effects of imaging parameters, scanner model, and field strength

Publication date: November–December 2018
Source:Clinical Imaging, Volume 52
Author(s): Yoshihito Tanaka, Yusuke Inoue, Yutaka Abe, Hiroki Miyatake, Hirofumi Hata
The aim of this study was to investigate the reliability of cerebral blood flow (CBF) measurements obtained by 3D pseudo-continuous arterial spin labeling (pCASL) imaging according to imaging parameters, scanner model, and field strength. We acquired 3D pCASL images in 12 healthy volunteers using four different scanners: two 3.0 T scanners and two 1.5 T scanners. Reliability was evaluated using intraclass correlation coefficient. Our results indicate that the influence of the post-labeling delay and scanner model on CBF measurements should be taken into consideration. If two scanners of the same model are used, scannerdependent differences may be small.



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Clinical and Experimental Dermatology, Ahead of Print.

Clinical and Experimental Dermatology, Ahead of Print.


http://ift.tt/2pAgPEB

Daytime variation of aerosol optical depth in North China and its impact on aerosol direct radiative effects

Publication date: June 2018
Source:Atmospheric Environment, Volume 182
Author(s): Jingjing Song, Xiangao Xia, Huizheng Che, Jun Wang, Xiaoling Zhang, Xiaojing Li
Daytime cycles of aerosol optical depth (AOD) and Angstrom exponent (AE) climatology were analyzed based on long-term (5–15 years) measurements at 18 stations of the China Aerosol Remote Sensing Network (CARSNET) in North China. AOD in Northwest China (NWC) exhibits a daytime trend with negative departures in the early morning and later afternoon while positive departures at midday. Daytime AOD relative departure in different sites and seasons varies from −30.26% to 30.28%. AE in NWC shows an opposite pattern to daytime variation of AOD. Daytime variation of AE is negligible in North China Plain (NCP), AOD increases steadily throughout the day. This trend is consistent and repeatable in four seasons. Such pronounced variability in AOD and AE should be taken accounted for in the estimation of diurnal aerosol direct radiative effects (ADRE), as suggested by the radiative transfer model simulations. The replacement of the observed daytime variation of AOD and AE by daytime mean values in NWC results in ADRE differences of 0.31 Wm⁻² at the surface and 0.05 Wm⁻² at the top of the atmosphere (TOA). ADRE in NWC will be underestimated by −0.47 Wm^-2 and -0.25 Wm^-2 at the surface and TOA, respectively, if instantaneous AOD and AE during the overpass time of Terra and Aqua are taken as the daytime mean values. The annual mean ADRE at the surface and TOA will be underestimated by −0.17 Wm^-2 and -0.03 Wm^-2 if daytime variations of AOD and AE are replaced by daytime mean values in NCP. ADRE will be underestimated by −0.07 Wm^-2 at the surface and −0.06 Wm^-2 at the TOA if instantaneous AOD and AE during the overpass time of Terra and Aqua other than daytime variation of AOD and AE are used in the calculations.

Graphical abstract

http://ift.tt/2pBqDyb