The protective effects of selenium supplementation on ambient PM 2.5- induced cardiovascular injury in rats

Abstract

Substantial epidemiological and experimental studies have shown that ambient fine particulate matter (PM_2.5) exposure can lead to myocardial damage in human and animal through the mechanism of inflammation and oxidative stress. The purpose of the current study was to investigate whether selenium yeast (SeY) supplementation could prevent cardiovascular injury caused by PM_2.5 in rats. Fifty-six Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into seven groups: saline control group; solvent control group, low-, middle-, and high-dose Se pretreatment groups, PM_2.5 exposure group, and high-dose Se control group. The rats were pretreated with different concentration of dietary SeY for 28 days, then were exposed to PM₂.₅ by intratracheal instillation every other day, a total of three times. The levels of inflammatory markers (tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1beta (IL-1β), soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1), and oxidative responses-related indicators total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured in blood and myocardium of the left ventricle. The results showed that although PM_2.5 caused a decrease of T-AOC, T-AOD, and GSH-Px and increase of MDA and sICM-1, pretreatment with SeY induced a dose-dependent increase in these anti-oxidative indicators and a decrease in oxidative indicators. In addition, the levels of TNF-α and IL-1β in Se pretreatment groups were significantly lower than that in PM_2.5 exposure group. The results indicated that Se supplementation could effectively prevent cardiovascular inflammation and oxidative stress induced by PM_2.5. The results also indicated that the nutritional supplementation might be an effective way to protecting people's health from air pollution.

Antifungal activity of selected natural preservatives against the foodborne molds Penicillium verrucosum and Aspergillus westerdijkiae

Abstract

The present study examines the inhibitory effect of the essential oil (EO) of Origanum vulgare, its active components carvacrol and thymol, and a few active components of other EOs, namely, eugenol, trans-cinnamaldehyde and 1,8-cineole, against Penicillium verrucosum CBS 302.48, Aspergillus westerdijkiae CBS 112803 and Aspergillus westerdijkiae CBS 112804. Therefore, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined by broth macrodilution of each antifungal agent. Regarding their antifungal activity, the following ranking in order of decreasing inhibitory action is: trans-cinnamaldehyde > carvacrol = thymol > O. vulgare EO > eugenol > 1,8-cineole.The combined effects of the natural preservatives were studied by checkerboard assay. The results are based on the fractional inhibitory concentration indices (FICIs), which are interpreted as 'synergy', 'no interaction' or 'antagonism'. The indices ranging from 0.8 to 1.3 and thus show no interaction.In addition, the dependence of the natural inhibitors on different pH values (pH 7.0, 5.6, 4.5 and 3.5) and water activity (0.99, 0.92, 0.90 and 0.87 a_w) was investigated. All tested natural preservatives are tolerant to the different examined milieu conditions, with the lowest MICs recorded at pH 3.5 and 0.87 a_w.

Antimicrobial activity of fusidic acid in Escherichia coli is dependent on the relative levels of ribosome recycling factor (RRF) and elongation factor G (EFG)

Abstract

During protein synthesis, elongation factor G (EFG) participates at the steps of translocation and ribosome recycling. Fusidic acid (FA) is a bacteriostatic antibiotic, which traps EFG on ribosomes, stalling them on mRNAs. How the bacterial susceptibility to FA is determined, and which of the two functions of EFG (translocation or ribosome recycling) is more vulnerable, has remained debatable. The in vivo studies addressing these aspects of FA mediated inhibition of protein synthesis are lacking. Here, we used a system of Escherichia coli strains and their complementation/supplementation with the plasmid borne copies of the inducible versions of EFG and RRF genes. Additionally, we investigated FA sensitivity in a strain with increased proportion of stalled ribosomes. We show that the cells with high EFG/RRF (or low RRF/EFG) ratios are more susceptible to FA than those with low EFG/RRF (or high RRF/EFG) ratios. Our in vivo observations are consistent with the recent in vitro reports of dependence of FA susceptibility on EFG/RRF ratios, and the notion that an overriding target of FA is the translocation function of EFG. An applied outcome of our in vivo study is that FA mediated growth inhibition could be facilitated by depletion or inactivation of cellular RRF.

Long-term (2005–2015) trend analysis of PM 2.5 precursor gas NO 2 and SO 2 concentrations in Taiwan

Abstract

Ground air monitoring stations have been installed in Taiwan since 1993 to ensure whether the criteria air pollutants meet the ambient air quality standards. In the present study, the data from the monitoring stations were used to evaluate long-term (2005–2015) trend of NO₂ and SO₂ in three metropolitan cities (northern Taipei, central Taichung, and southern Kaohsiung), two eastern coastal cities (Hualien and Taitung), and one agricultural city in west-central plain (Douliu); those cities essentially covered the entire region of Taiwan. The results indicate that SO₂ and NO₂ concentrations of all studied six cities meet the annual average standards of 30 and 50 ppb, respectively. After deseasonalizing the original data and using 7-month moving average, the trend analysis reveals a decreasing trend ranging from 0.15 to 0.57 ppb/year (R² from 0.33 to 0.85) for NO₂ and 0.06 to 0.45 ppb/year (R² from 0.32 to 0.92) for SO₂; the corresponding reductions over the 10-year span are 4 to 42% for NO₂ and 22 to 52% for SO₂. The reduction trend, despite the growth in GDP, vehicle numbers and energy consumption, industrial output, etc., is similar to those of developed countries. Clearly, there are seasonal/monthly variation patterns for these two precursor gases with minimum levels in summer (July) and maximum in winter (December). The concentration reductions, however, were lagging behind the respective emission reductions. There are significant correlations among six cites for NO₂ (r = 0.58–0.93) and, to some extent, SO₂ (0.32–0.66). The correlation between SO₂ and NO₂ (r = 0.46–0.74) indicates same or similar emission sources. Furthermore, the correlation between observed pollutant concentrations and their emission is excellent for SO₂ in two cities (0.79–0.96). The SO₂/NO₂ ratios vary with city and time and the value is site specific. For example, in 2005, the SO₂/NO₂ ratio was 0.38 in Kaohsiung and 0.18 in both Taipei and Taichung, the latter reflecting significant contribution from mobile sources. However, they all converged to 0.18–0.28 in 2015 in the six cities evaluated. All in all, the policies/measures made by the central and local government are effective in reducing ambient SO₂ and NO₂ levels.

Platelet rich plasma for the treatment of lichen planopilaris

Oral diabetes medications other than dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors are not associated with bullous pemphigoid: a Finnish nationwide case control study

Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor (DPP-4i) medication increases the risk of bullous pemphigoid. In this case control study from a Finnish patient registry, conventional oral anti-diabetic medications were not associated with increased risk of bullous pemphigoid. Diabetes medications other than DDP-4i may be safe to use in patients with bullous pemphigoid.

Custom paper shield to prevent perilesional hyperpigmentation post excimer laser for vitiligo

Restoration with pioneer plants changes soil properties and remodels the diversity and structure of bacterial communities in rhizosphere and bulk soil of copper mine tailings in Jiangxi Province, China

Abstract

To unravel the ecological function played by pioneer plants in the practical restoration of mine tailings, it is vital to explore changes of soil characteristics and microbial communities in rhizosphere and bulk soil following the adaptation and survival of plants. In the present study, the diversity and structure of rhizospheric bacterial communities of three pioneer plants in copper mine tailings were investigated by Illumina MiSeq sequencing, and the effects of pioneer plants on soil properties were also evaluated. Significant soil improvement was detected in rhizospheric samples, and Alnus cremastogyne showed higher total organic matter, total nitrogen, and available phosphorus than two other herbaceous plants. Microbial diversity indices in rhizosphere and bulk soil of reclaimed tailings were significantly higher than bare tailings, even the soil properties of bulk soil in reclaimed tailings were not significantly different from those of bare tailings. A detailed taxonomic composition analysis demonstrated that Alphaproteobacteria and Deltaproteobacteria, Chloroflexi, Acidobacteria, and Gemmatimonadetes showed significantly higher relative abundance in rhizosphere and bulk soil. In contrast, Gammaproteobacteria and Firmicutes were abundant in bare tailings, in which Bacillus, Pseudomonas, and Lactococcus made up the majority of the bacterial community (63.04%). Many species within known heavy metal resistance and nutrient regulatory microorganism were identified in reclaimed tailings, and were more abundant among rhizospheric microbes. Hierarchical clustering and principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) analysis demonstrated that the bacterial profiles in the rhizosphere clustered strictly together according to plant types, and were distinguishable from bulk soil. However, we also identified a large shared OTUs that occurred repeatedly and was unaffected by highly diverse soil properties in rhizosphere and bulk samples. Redundancy analysis indicated that water content and Cu and As concentrations were the main environmental regulators of microbial composition. These results suggest that the interactive effect of pioneer plants and harsh soil environmental conditions remodel the specific bacterial communities in rhizosphere and bulk soil in mine tailings. And A. cremastogyne might be approximate candidate for phytoremediation of mine tailings for better soil amelioration effect and relative higher diversity of bacterial community in rhizosphere.

Application of blueberry anthocyanins reduces perfluorooctane sulfonate toxicity on planarians ( Dugesia japonica ) in locomotion, regeneration, and gene expression and contents

Abstract

Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) which has been distributed worldwide is a persistent organic contaminant. Blueberry anthocyanins (ANT) are phytonutrients with antioxidant activities. The influence of different PFOS and ANT concentrations on the behavioral activities, regeneration of planarians (Dugesia japonica), and the expression levels and contents of Djnad6 and Djcox1 genes has been investigated. PFOS treatments affected the gene expression levels, induced a decrease in the planarians' locomotor velocity, and increased the time required for the regeneration of the transverse amputated fragments in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Additionally, ANT treatments, to a certain extent, alleviated the damage caused by PFOS to planarians. ANT increased the planarians' locomotor velocity and the percentage of regenerating planarians with eyespots and auricles. Furthermore, ANT alleviated the expression disorders of Djnad6 and Djcox1 induced by PFOS.

Green solid synthesis of polyaniline-silver oxide nanocomposite for the adsorptive removal of ionic divalent species of Zn/Co and their radioactive isotopes 65 Zn/ 60 Co

Abstract

A comparative study between two nanosorbents, nanopolyaniline (NPANI) and nanopolyaniline coated with nanosilver oxide (NPANI-NAg₂O) is explored to dispose the divalent species of Zn/Co from water and radioactive isotopes ⁶⁵Zn/⁶⁰Co from radioactive wastewater using batch and column techniques. NPANI-NAg₂O nanocomposite was synthesized via solid-solid reaction. Characterization was achieved using FT-IR, TGA, XRD, SEM, HR-TEM, and surface area analysis. The images of SEM and HR-TEM confirmed the success of the modification process and the particle size was found in the range 28.78–68.28 nm (NPANI) and 25.74–85.71 nm (NPANI-NAg₂O), respectively. Solution pH, contact time, solid dosage, and ionic concentration of the metals were studied as fundamental factors. The obtained results indicated that the optimum conditions to dispose Zn/Co divalent species using NPANI were pH 7 and 30–33 min, while NPANI-NAg₂O exhibited the optimum conditions at pH 7 and 20–30 min. The maximum removal capacities were 100.1 and 139.75 mg/g for Zn(II) and 57.93 and 112.1 mg/g for Co(II) using NPANI and NPANI-NAg₂O, respectively.

Graphical abstract

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Efficiency of biomonitoring methods applying tropical bioindicator plants for assessing the phytoxicity of the air pollutants in SE, Brazil

Abstract

In the tropical region, the greatest challenge of the biomonitoring approach is to establish linear relationships between biomarkers measured in plants and pollutant concentrations, since the bioindicator responses can be intensified or restricted by climatic variations. In southeastern Brazil, there are two regions affected by air pollution, where the Atlantic Forest remains and should be preserved. Consequently, both areas have been monitored by biomonitoring procedures using standardized and tropical plants. The industrial complex settled in Cubatão is one of the world's most famous examples of environmental pollution and degradation, with consequent decline of the Atlantic Forest. An oil refinery is among the most polluting industries in the Cubatão region. The other region is located in the Metropolitan Region of Campinas (MRC). The MRC has been affected by high levels of air pollutants originated from road traffic and is responsible for over 80% of CO, NOx, and hydrocarbon emissions and develops industrial activities that emit about 70% of the particulate matter present in the region. Both regions are distinguished by the climate, despite the fact that they are only about 130 km far from each other. Several studies carried out by our group in these regions aimed to establish the best native tree species and respective potential biomarkers for future assessment of pollution effects on tropical Forests. We present a critical review about the efficiency of native species compared to standardized bioindicator plants considering antioxidant defense system, nutrient accumulation, and microscopic aspects when exposed to atmospheric pollutants and climate.

Characterization of the trigeminovascular actions of several adenosine A2A receptor antagonists in an in vivo rat model of migraine

Migraine is considered a neurovascular disorder, but its pathophysiological mechanisms are not yet fully understood. Adenosine has been shown to increase in plasma during migraine attacks and to induce vasodil...

Dihydroergotamine inhibits the vasodepressor sensory CGRPergic outflow by prejunctional activation of α2-adrenoceptors and 5-HT1 receptors

Dihydroergotamine (DHE) is an antimigraine drug that produces cranial vasoconstriction and inhibits trigeminal CGRP release; furthermore, it inhibits the vasodepressor sensory CGRPergic outflow, but the recept...

The role of personality, disability and physical activity in the development of medication-overuse headache: a prospective observational study

Factors associated with development of medication-overuse headache (MOH) in migraine patients are not fully understood, but with respect to prevention, the ability to predict the onset of MOH is clinically imp...

État scléreux révélant une porphyrie cutanée tardive

Publication date: Available online 24 May 2018
Source:Annales de Dermatologie et de Vénéréologie
Author(s): A. Brunet, E. Hainaut
IntroductionLa porphyrie cutanée tardive (PCT) de type 1 est liée à une accumulation cutanée de porphyrines. Cette accumulation est due à un déficit en uroporphyrinogène décarboxylase strictement limité aux hépatocytes. Classiquement, elle se manifeste par une éruption bulleuse photo-distribuée.ObservationUne femme de 59 ans se présentait à la consultation de dermatologie pour des lésions scléreuses qui évoluaient depuis un an. Le reste de l'examen clinique et les explorations complémentaires n'orientaient pas vers une sclérodermie systémique. Le caractère photo-distribué des lésions conduisait à réaliser un dosage des porphyrines urinaires, qui étaient très élevées. Le taux sanguin d'uroporphyrinogène décarboxylase était en revanche normal, confirmant le diagnostic de PCT de type 1. La recherche d'une cause hépatique permettait de mettre en évidence une mutation hétérozygote H63D/C282Y du gène de l'hémochromatose. La patiente bénéficiait de saignées régulières, permettant une disparition complète de la sclérose cutanée.DiscussionLes lésions sclérodermiformes sont un mode de présentation inhabituel de la PCT, à l'origine de retards diagnostiques. L'accumulation d'uroporphyrines au niveau du derme stimulerait les fibroblastes, qui par la suite, synthétiseraient du collagène, expliquant la sclérose cutanée.BackgroundPorphyria cutanea tarda (PCT) is associated with cutaneous accumulation of porphyrins. This accumulation results from a deficiency of uroporphyrinogen decarboxylase occurring only in the liver. The classical presentation is blistering on sun-exposed areas.Patients and methodsA 59-year-old woman presented at the dermatology consultation for sclerotic lesions that had been present for one year. The remainder of the clinical examination and further investigations did not indicate systemic scleroderma. The sun-exposed nature of the lesions led us to perform an assay of urinary porphyrin, which was found to be elevated. Uroporphyrinogen decarboxylase levels were normal, confirming the diagnosis of type 1 PCT. Screening for a hepatic etiology revealed a heterozygous mutation H63D/C282Y of the hemochromatosis gene responsible for this clinical picture. The patient underwent regular bleeding, which led to complete disappearance of cutaneous sclerosis.DiscussionSclerodermatous lesions are an unusual presentation of PCT and cause delays in diagnosis. The accumulation of uroporphyrins in the dermis stimulates fibroblasts, which then synthesize collagen, resulting in cutaneous sclerosis.

In-time source tracking of watershed loads of Taihu Lake Basin, China based on spatial relationship modeling

Abstract

Influent river carrying cumulative watershed load plays a significant role in promoting nuisance algal bloom in river-fed lake. It is most relevant to discern in-stream water quality exceedance and evaluate the spatial relationship between risk location and potential pollution sources. However, no comprehensive studies of source tracking in watershed based on management grid have been conducted for refined water quality management, particularly for plain terrain with complex river network. In this study, field investigations were implemented during 2014 in Taige Canal watershed of Taihu Lake Basin. A Geographical Information System (GIS)-based spatial relationship model was established to characterize the spatial relationships of "point (point-source location and monitoring site)-line (river segment)-plane (catchment)." As a practical exemplification, in-time source tracking was triggered on April 15, 2015 at Huangnianqiao station, where TN and TP concentration violated the water quality standard (TN 4.0 mg/L, TP 0.15 mg/L). Of the target grid cells, 53 and 46 were identified as crucial areas having high pollution intensity for TN and TP pollution, respectively. The estimated non-point source load in each grid cell could be apportioned into different source types based on spatial pollution-related entity objects. We found that the non-point source load derived from rural sewage and livestock and poultry breeding accounted for more than 80% of total TN or TP load than another source type of crop farming. The approach in this study would be of great benefit to local authorities for identifying the serious polluted regions and efficiently making environmental policies to reduce watershed load.

Reclamation suitability evaluation of damaged mined land based on the integrated index method and the difference-product method

Abstract

Reclamation suitability evaluation is the basis for determining the reuse direction of damaged land. Most scholars' studies have focused on the improvement and innovation of evaluation models and methods, while the analysis of restrictive factors is rarely involved. This paper evaluates the reclamation suitability of damaged land around Longchi coal mine by the integrated index method and the analysis of restrictive factors is carried out by the difference-product method. The result shows damaged land around the Longchi coal mine is most suitable for being reclaimed as woodland. The main restrictive factors are the degree of contamination of the soil and water and the irrigation conditions. This study provides a basis for the rational reutilization and improvement options of damaged land around Long Chi coal mine. The study also verifies that the combination of the integrated index method and the difference-product method work well for evaluating reclamation suitability and for analyzing restrictive factors in case of no prominent evaluation indexes.

In vitro-induced erythromycin resistance facilitates cross-resistance to the novel fluoroketolide, solithromycin, in Staphylococcus aureus

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine whether in vitro induced erythromycin resistance facilitates the cross-resistance to the novel fluoroketolide, solithromycin, in Staphylococcus aureus. Four strains of methicillin-susceptible S. aureus strains S2, S3, S5 and S7 were successfully induced to establish erythromycin-resistant strains by continuous in vitro culture with erythromycin. Mutations at drug binding sites were shown to increase the minimal inhibitory concentrations for ketolides, including telithromycin and the novel compound solithromycin, but did not increase for lincosamides, chloramphenicols or oxazolidinones. In S2-, S5- and S7-derived strains, L22 protein mutations occurred first, resulting in a low level of cross-resistance to ketolides (≤4 μg/mL). The L4 protein mutations were dependent on the L22 protein, resulting in high-level cross-resistance to ketolides (≥8 μg/mL). In S3-derived strains, high levels of cross-resistance occurred concurrently in the 23S rRNA domains II/V and the L22 protein. Hence, long-term exposure of erythromycin results in resistance to ketolides in S. aureus through drug binding site mutations. These results demonstrate that since erythromycin has been used clinically for a long time, it is necessary to carefully evaluate the rewards and risks when prescribing solithromycin for the treatment of infectious diseases.

The Role of 27 Human Gut Microbiota Genera in Ischemic Heart Disease, Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Their Risk Factors: A Mendelian Randomization Study

Abstract

Manipulation of the gut microbiota presents a new opportunity to combat chronic diseases. Randomized controlled trials of probiotics suggest some associations with adiposity, lipids and insulin resistance, but no trials with hard outcomes have been conducted. We used separate-sample Mendelian randomization to obtain estimates of the associations of 27 gut microbiota genera with ischemic heart disease, type 2 diabetes mellitus, adiposity, lipids and insulin resistance, based on summary data from CARDIoGRAAMplusC4D and other consortiums. Among 27 genera, a 1 allele increase in single nucleotide polymorphisms related to higher Bifidobacterium was associated with lower risk of ischemic heart disease (odds ratio = 0.985, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.971, 1.000, P = 0.04) and 0.011 standard deviation lower body mass index (95% CI: −0.017, −0.005) but 0.026 standard deviation higher low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (95% CI: 0.019, 0.033), which, however, were not robust to exclusion of potential pleiotropy. We also identified Acidaminococcus, Aggregatibacter, Anaerostipes, Blautia, Desulfovibrio, Dorea and Faecalibacterium as nominally associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus or other risk factors. Results from our study indicate that these 8 genera should be given priority in future research relating the gut microbiome to ischemic heart disease and its risk factors.

Verrugas genitales, linfangioma y tratamiento con imiquimod

Publication date: Available online 24 May 2018
Source:Actas Dermo-Sifiliográficas
Author(s): B. Monteagudo, O. Figueroa, A. Varela-Veiga, O. Suárez-Amor

Verrugas genitales, linfangioma y tratamiento con imiquimod

Publication date: Available online 24 May 2018
Source:Actas Dermo-Sifiliográficas
Author(s): L. Padilla-España, J.B. Repiso-Jiménez, J.F. Millán-Cayetano

Luces y sombras de los filtros solares, específicamente de la oxibenzona

Publication date: Available online 24 May 2018
Source:Actas Dermo-Sifiliográficas
Author(s): F.J. Ortiz de Frutos

Utilidad de la radioterapia en adyuvancia en el carcinoma epidermoide cutáneo

Publication date: Available online 24 May 2018
Source:Actas Dermo-Sifiliográficas
Author(s): J. Cañueto, A. Jaka, A. Toll
El carcinoma epidermoide cutáneo (CEC) es el segundo tumor más frecuente en humanos y tiene una incidencia creciente. Aunque la cirugía representa el tratamiento de elección del CEC, la radioterapia adyuvante postoperatoria tiene un papel relevante en el control local y locorregional de la enfermedad. En esta revisión analizamos la utilidad de la radioterapia postoperatoria en el manejo del CEC de alto riesgo (especialmente con infiltración perineural), en el control del CEC con márgenes positivos tras la cirugía y en el CEC localmente avanzado (con metástasis parotídeas o ganglionares).Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) is the second most common cancer in humans and its incidence is rising. Although surgery is the treatment of choice for cSCC, postoperative adjuvant radiotherapy has an important role in local and locorregional disease control. In this review, we analyze the value of postoperative radiotherapy in the management of high-risk cSCC (in particular, cases with perineural invasion), cSCC with positive surgical margins, and locally advanced cSCC (with parotid gland and/or lymph node metastasis).

Ertapenem para el tratamiento de hidradenitis supurativa: ¿en qué medida lo necesitamos?

Publication date: Available online 24 May 2018
Source:Actas Dermo-Sifiliográficas
Author(s): P. Mendes-Bastos, A. Martorell, S. Magina

Effects of a natural sepiolite bearing material and lime on the immobilization and persistence of cadmium in a contaminated acid agricultural soil

Abstract

Soil contamination with cadmium (Cd) represents a substantial threat to human health and environmental quality. Long-term effectiveness and persistence of remediation are two important criteria for the evaluation of amendment techniques used to remediate soils polluted with potentially toxic metals. In the current study, we investigated the remediation persistence of a natural sepiolite bearing material (NSBM, containing 15% sepiolite) and ground limestone (equivalent to > 98.0% CaO) on soil pH, Cd bioavailability, and Cd accumulation by pak choi (Brassica chinensis L.) during the growth of four consecutive crops in a Cd-contaminated acid soil with different amounts of NSBM (0, 0.2, 0.5, 1, 2, and 5%). Soil pH levels ranged from 5.21 to 7.76 during the first crop, 4.30 to 7.34 during the second, 4.23 to 7.80 during the third, and 4.33 to 6.98 during the fourth, and increased significantly with increasing the application rate of NSBM. Soil CaCl₂-Cd and shoot Cd concentrations decreased by 8.11 to 99.2% and 6.58 to 94.5%, respectively, compared with the control throughout the four cropping seasons. A significant negative correlation was found between soil CaCl₂-Cd and soil pH. Combined use of 0.1% lime and NSBM showed greater effects than NSBM alone, especially, when the application rate of NSBM was ˂ 2%. Moreover, pak choi tissue Cd concentrations in the treatments with NSBM addition alone at ≥ 2% or at ≥ 1% NSBM combined with 0.1% lime met the maximum permissible concentration (MPC) over the four crops, allowed by the Chinese and European regulations. Based on the present study, safe crop production in the test soil is possible at a soil pH > 6.38 and CaCl₂-Cd < 14 μg kg⁻¹, and soil Cd immobilization by NSBM without or with lime is a potentially feasible method of controlling the transfer of soil Cd into the food chain.

When your patient's parent asks: “My child's alopecia areata is not getting better. Should he or she get tested for celiac disease?”

Pediatric Dermatology, EarlyView.

Magnetic nanocellulose from olive industry solid waste for the effective removal of methylene blue from wastewater

Abstract

The work shown in this article demonstrate a novel example of converting olive industry solid waste (OISW) into a magnetic cellulose nanocrystalline (MNCs) to serve as selective magnetic sorbents for methylene blue. Olive industry solid waste contains about 40% cellulose. The cellulose was extracted in a powder form from olive industry solid waste by subjecting it to a multistep pulping and bleaching process. The extracted powder cellulose was then converted to nanocrystalline cellulose (NCs) by acid hydrolysis. The NCs were then treated with a solution of FeCl₃.6H₂O, FeSO₄, and H₂O by a colloidal suspension method which produced free-flowing porous MNCs. The produced MNCs are characterized by several spectroscopic and analytical techniques such as SEM, TEM, XRD, FTIR VSM, and TGA. The efficiency of the three polymers cellulose powder, NCs, and MNCs toward extracting methylene blue (MB) from water was evaluated. Cellulose powder and NCs showed acceptable tendency for methylene blue. However, MNCs showed excellent extraction efficiency toward MB. The thermodynamic studies revealed a spontaneous adsorption of MB by MNCs at various temperatures. The spontaneous adsorption could be attributed to the electrostatic interaction and H-bonding between MNCs and MB. However, the interaction between cellulose, NCs, and MB is limited to the H-bonding.