Determination of nine pharmaceutical active compounds in surface waters from Paraopeba River Basin in Brazil by LTPE-HPLC-ESI-MS/MS

Abstract

A simple, inexpensive, versatile, and environment-friendly extraction method, using low-temperature partitioning extraction (LTPE), was validated to quantify pharmaceutical-active compounds (PhACs) in surface water samples by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-ESI-MS/MS). The PhACs analyzed were acetaminophen, bezafibrate, diclofenac, diltiazem, fluconazole, linezolid, miconazole, ondansetron hydrochloride, and trimethoprim. The detection and quantification limits ranged from 0.15 to 12.30 ng L⁻¹ and 0.43 to 40.60 ng L⁻¹, respectively. Recovery rates ranged from 46 to 135%, and relative standard deviation (RSD%) varied between 0.49 and 6.13%. This method was applied to monitor water contamination by PhACs in the Paraopeba River Basin (PRB), Minas Gerais state, Brazil. All PhACs, except linezolid which was not detected, were found in PRB water samples in concentrations that ranged from 2.6 ng L⁻¹ to 2.62 μg L⁻¹.

Photooxidation of Octahydro Tetramethyl Naphthalenylethanone in Perfumes and Aftershaves

Photochemistry and Photobiology, EarlyView.

Solvent-Extracted Wool Wax: Thermotropic Properties and Skin Efficacy

Background/Aims: Wool wax is a soft, yellow, waxy substance that is secreted by the sebaceous glands of sheep. The purpose of wool wax is to waterproof and protect the wool. Chemically, wool wax is a complex mixture of esters, fatty acids, and alcohols. Wool waxes with different prop­erties can be obtained by following different extraction methodologies. Methods: Two differently extracted wool waxes are compared in this study. Their effectiveness in mimicking the properties of skin lipids is evaluated. In addition, the lipid compositions and thermotropic behaviours of the 2 differently extracted wool waxes were evaluated. Results: The solvent-extracted wool wax was found to have a significantly higher polar lipid content than that of the water-extracted wool wax. This increase in the polar character of the solvent-extracted wool wax was also demonstrated by increased values of transition and degradation temperatures in the differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analyses, respectively. In addition, solvent-extracted wool wax demonstrated the ability to reinforce stratum corneum lipids, which led to improved skin barrier function. Conclusions: The suitability of the solvent-extracted wool wax for application in the preparation of cosmetics and dermatological products was demonstrated.
Skin Pharmacol Physiol 2018;31:198–205

Against reductive ethical naturalism

Abstract

This paper raises an objection to two important arguments for reductive ethical naturalism. Reductive ethical naturalism is the view that ethical properties reduce to the properties countenanced by the natural and social sciences. The main arguments for reductionism in the literature hold that ethical properties reduce to natural properties by supervening on them, either because supervenience is alleged to guarantee identity via mutual entailment, or because non-reductive supervenience relations render the supervenient properties superfluous. After carefully characterizing naturalism and reductionism, we will present, explain, and raise objections against each of the main reductionist arguments: (a) that supervenience does not support the claim that ethical properties and their subvenient natural properties are mutually entailing; (b) that reductive views undermine the claim that ethical properties yield resemblance; and (c) that supervenience does not entail that non-descriptive ethical properties are superfluous in the most fundamental sense.

Nivolumab und Ipilimumab beim Nierenzellkarzinom

Trampas diagnósticas: nidos seudomelanocíticos en el contexto de la inflamación liquenoide

Publication date: Available online 8 May 2018
Source:Actas Dermo-Sifiliográficas
Author(s): D. McClanahan, S. Choudhary, J. Zahniser, J. Ho

Adjusting oral oxybutynin medication for hyperhidrosis to reflect seasonal temperature variations

Dermatologic Therapy, EarlyView.

Assessment of vestibular function in patients with chronic middle ear disease using the VHIT and VEMP test

Clinical Otolaryngology, EarlyView.

Blood-Based Biomarkers for the Diagnosis and Monitoring of Gliomas

Effect of calcium lignosulfonate supplementation on metabolic profiles of confined lambs

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of calcium lignosulfonate associated with whole cottonseed in high-concentrate diets for sheep. Eight Dorper crossbred sheep with an average live weight of 42.5 ± 1.70 kg were assigned to two 4 × 4 Latin squares. The following experimental diets were evaluated: control diet (without calcium lignosulfonate) and diets with inclusion of 50, 100, and 150 g of calcium lignosulfonate/kg fresh matter. Diets were composed of soybean meal, ground corn, and whole cottonseed. Feed intake, digestibility, metabolic characteristics, and feeding behavior were evaluated. The intake of nutritional components did not show significant differences as a function of the lignosulfonate levels in the diet; however, the increase in calcium lignosulfonate levels linearly decreased the dry matter digestibility. Rumen ammonia nitrogen concentrations decreased linearly as the lignosulfonate levels in the diets were increased. There was no effect of lignosulfonate levels on blood parameters or feeding behavior of the animals. The use of lignosulfonate associated with cottonseed decreases the digestibility of dry matter and the concentration of rumen ammonia nitrogen, but does not change the intake of nutritional components, the blood parameters, or the feeding behavior of sheep.

Production of palm kernel shell-based activated carbon by direct physical activation for carbon dioxide adsorption

Abstract

The feasibility of biomass-based activated carbons has received a huge attention due to their excellent characteristics such as inexpensiveness, good adsorption behaviour and potential to reduce a strong dependency towards non-renewable precursors. Therefore, in this research work, eco-friendly activated carbon from palm kernel shell that has been produced from one-stage physical activation by using the Box-Behnken design of Response Surface Methodology is highlighted. The effect of three input parameters—temperature, dwell time and gas flow rate—towards product yield and carbon dioxide (CO₂) uptake at room temperature and atmospheric pressure are studied. Model accuracy has been evaluated through the ANOVA analysis and lack-of-fit test. Accordingly, the optimum condition in synthesising the activated carbon with adequate CO₂ adsorption capacity of 2.13 mmol/g and product yield of 25.15 wt% is found at a temperature of 850 °C, holding time of 60 min and CO₂ flow rate of 450 cm³/min. The synthesised activated carbon has been characterised by diverse analytical instruments including thermogravimetric analyser, scanning electron microscope, as well as N₂ adsorption-desorption isotherm. The characterisation analysis indicates that the synthesised activated carbon has higher textural characteristics and porosity, together with better thermal stability and carbon content as compared to pristine palm kernel shell. Activated carbon production via one-step activation approach is economical since its carbon yield is within the industrial target, whereas CO₂ uptake is comparable to the synthesised activated carbon from conventional dual-stage activation, commercial activated carbon and other published data from literature.

A laboratory study investigating the effects of dilution by precipitation on dissolved inorganic carbon and stable isotope evolution in surface waters

Abstract

Surface waters are a major pathway of carbon cycling between the atmosphere and the earth's surface. Yet studies describing water column processes that affect carbon cycling do not consider the effects of dilution by precipitation. In this study, we conducted a laboratory experiment in which we prepared undiluted (100%) and snowmelt diluted 25, 50, and 75% by volume of samples of NaHCO₃ solution and lake and river water and then exposed them to the laboratory atmosphere for up to 1000 h. We aim to determine how dilution by precipitation followed by water-atmosphere CO_2(g) interaction affects DIC and δ¹³C_DIC evolution. Dilution resulted in decreased pH, solutes, and DIC concentrations according to the dilution proportion. The decreased pH perturbed the carbonate equilibrium resulting in CO_2(g) outgassing. In all the samples, there was continuous enrichment in the δ¹³C_DIC composition. Isotopic evolution by CO_2(g) loss in the > 50% snowmelt-diluted samples lasted for about 10 h, while it took about 400 h for the diluted samples to evolve to a similar isotopic composition as the undiluted samples. Our laboratory results suggest that the effects of precipitation dilution should not be ignored in studying DIC evolution in surface waters during periods where precipitation dilution exceeds 50% by volume.

Characteristics and batch experiments of acid- and alkali-modified corncob biomass for nitrate removal from aqueous solution

Abstract

In this study, modified biochar was adopted as an adsorbent for the nitrate removal in aqueous solutions. Raw material was impregnated in sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄, 1 mol/L) and sodium hydroxide (NaOH, 2 mol/L) separately and then prepared at 600 °C. After treated with acid, the BET specific surface area was much higher than that of unmodified and alkali-modified biochars. The low adsorption capacity and specific surface area of alkali-modified biochar may be due to the precipitate on the surface according to the results of XRD. In addition, the C–OH and C–H functional groups played a major part during adsorption progress. The batch experiments demonstrated that the acid-modified biochar exhibited a more excellent absorbability (12.75 mg/g) under the circumstance of neutral solution and room temperature. The maximum adsorption capacity of MSA-CC was 34.20 mg/g, which was about 2.4 times higher than that of the unmodified. Low pH value can provide positive charge conditions to enhance the adsorption capacity. Overall, the biochar with excellent pore structure and chargeable functional group can be a potential application for nitrate removal which was low cost and effective. After treated with acid, biochar could adsorb negative charge species like nitrate due to electrostatic interaction.

Graphical abstract

Degradation of carbendazim in water via photo-Fenton in Raceway Pond Reactor: assessment of acute toxicity and transformation products

Abstract

This study aimed at investigating the degradation of fungicide carbendazim (CBZ) via photo-Fenton reactions in artificially and solar irradiated photoreactors at laboratory scale and in a semi-pilot scale Raceway Pond Reactor (RPR), respectively. Acute toxicity was monitored by assessing the sensibility of bioluminescent bacteria (Aliivibrio fischeri) to samples taken during reactions. In addition, by-products formed during solar photo-Fenton were identified by liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (UFLC-MS). For tests performed in lab-scale, two artificial irradiation sources were compared (UV_{λ > 254nm} and UV-Vis_{λ > 320nm}). A complete design of experiments was performed in the semi-pilot scale RPR in order to optimize reaction conditions (Fe²⁺ and H₂O₂ concentrations, and water depth). Efficient degradation of carbendazim (> 96%) and toxicity removal were achieved via artificially irradiated photo-Fenton under both irradiation sources. Control experiments (UV photolysis and UV-Vis peroxidation) were also efficient but led to increased acute toxicity. In addition, H₂O₂/UV_{λ > 254nm} required longer reaction time (60 minutes) when compared to the photo-Fenton process (less than 1 min). While Fenton's reagent achieved high CBZ and acute toxicity removal, its efficiency demands higher concentration of reagents in comparison to irradiated processes. Solar photo-Fenton removed carbendazim within 15 min of reaction (96%, 0.75 kJ L⁻¹), and monocarbomethoxyguanidine, benzimidazole isocyanate, and 2-aminobenzimidazole were identified as transformation products. Results suggest that both solar photo-Fenton and artificially irradiated systems are promising routes for carbendazim degradation.

Influence of composted poultry manure and irrigation regimes on some morpho-physiology parameters of maize under semiarid environments

Abstract

Poultry manure (PM), a rich source for crop nutrients, is produced in ample quantities worldwide. It provides necessary nutrient to soil and has a potential to improve plant water holding availability under semiarid environment. The effect of composted poultry manure (CPM) and irrigation regimes on morpho-physiology of selective maize (Zea mays L.) hybrids (H₁ = drought tolerant, H₂ = drought sensitive) was investigated in this study. Two field experiments were conducted during 2010 and 2011 under randomized complete block design with split split-plot arrangements and three replications of each treatment. Irrigation regimes (I₁ = 300, I₂ = 450, I₃ = 600 mm) were kept in main plots; the two maize hybrids (H₁ and H₂) in sub-plots and nutrient levels (L₁ = recommended rate of NPK (control), L₂ = 8 t ha⁻¹ CPM, L₃ = 10 t ha⁻¹ CPM, and L₄ = 12 t ha⁻¹ CPM) were arranged in sub sub-plots. The drought tolerant hybrid showed best growth under all treatments. Results revealed that maximum leaf area index (LAI) was recorded with the application of the recommended dose of NPK. Low irrigation regimes (I₁ and I₂) highly significantly (P < 0.01) reduced the photosynthesis and transpiration rate in both hybrids while application of 12 t ha⁻¹ CPM was able to partially alleviate the effect of water stress on these parameters. Resultantly, the application of 12 t ha⁻¹ CPM enhanced the plant growth and increased grain yield (21%; 4.17 vs 5.27) under limited water availability (I₂L₄) as compared to the recommended dose of NPK (I₂L₁). However, the nutrient application under control treatment had maximum grain yield. Therefore, shortage of water for maize production might be partially alleviated by the application of 12 t ha⁻¹ CPM.

Comparisons of three plant species in accumulating polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from the atmosphere: a review

Abstract

Plant leaves play a key role in the accumulation of PAHs, as they are able to capture PAHs from the air. In this paper, the mechanism, including absorption and adsorption, for plants to scavenge PAHs from the air was reviewed. Moreover, the differences of PAHs accumulating capability are mainly compared among three representative plant species, including pine needles, Holm oak leaves, and moss. On the whole, it is shown that oak leaves present the strongest PAHs accumulating capability for total PAHs among three plants species. Oak leaves and pine needles show higher accumulating tendency for light and medium molecular weight PAHs, whereas moss presents stronger accumulating tendency for heavy molecular weight PAHs. Environmental factors (i.e., temperature, seasonality, and photolysis) also account for the process of PAHs transferred from air to plants. With the temperature climbing, the concentration of PAHs in the air will increase. Due to the meteorological conditions and the human activities changed with seasons, it was shown that the PAHs were greatly accumulated in leaf surface in winter than in summer. Photolysis was also able to influence the PAHs on leaf surface, which are significant to this process. In conclusion, oak, pine, and moss can be used to filter PAHs when considering urban landscaping. Besides combining the traditional analytical methods with in situ determination, there might be able to provide a novel method to further study the specific absorption mechanisms. The accumulation of PAHs in crop leaf surface related to the application of surfactants is also worth studying.

Removal of urea from dilute streams using RVC/nano-NiO x -modified electrode

Abstract

Reticulated vitreous carbon (RVC), a high surface area electrode (40 cm²/cm³), has been modified with nickel oxide nanoparticles (nano-NiO_x ) and used for electrochemical oxidation of urea from alkaline solution. For the cyclic voltammetry measurements, the used dimensions are 0.8 cm × 0.8 cm × 0.3 cm. The purpose was to offer high specific surface area using a porous open network structure to accelerate the electrochemical conversion. NiO_x nanoparticles have been synthesized via an electrochemical route at some experimental conditions. The morphological, structural, and electrochemical properties of the RVC/nano-NiO_x are characterized by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), cyclic voltammetry (CV), and potentiostatic measurements. The fabricated electrode, RVC/nano-NiO_x , demonstrates high electrocatalytic activity towards urea oxidation in an alkaline electrolyte. The onset potential of the RVC/nano-NiO_x compared to that of the planar GC/NiO_x is shifted to more negative value with higher specific activity. The different loadings of the NiO_x have a substantial influence on the conversion of urea which has been evaluated from concentration-time curves. The urea concentration decreases with time to a limit dependent on the loading extent. Maximum conversion is obtained at 0.86 mg of NiO_x per cm³ of the RVC matrix.

Screening optimal substrates from Erhai lakeside for Ottelia acuminata (Gagnep.) Dandy, an endangered submerged macrophyte in China

Abstract

Because of the unstable hydrodynamic conditions in the wild, the endangered aquatic plant should be cultivated first in constructed wetlands for the protection and expansion of germplasm resources. Ottelia acuminata (Gagnep.) Dandy has become extinct in Erhai Lake, Yunnan province, China. In order to optimize substrates for this species to artificial cultivation, the native substrate (sandy soils) and the other three representative ones (red paddy soils, alluvial paddy soils, and purple paddy soils) collected from Erhai lakeside were applied to cultivate O. acuminata for 50 days. Multi indicators, such as antioxidant enzymes activity, malondialdehyde and chlorophyll-α concentration, and relative growth rate of O. acuminata, were discussed and statistically analyzed to classify the substrates. The results suggested that even disregarding the physiology significance of these indicators, hierarchical clustering analysis had high efficiency on optimizing substrates. Although various single indexes suggested different optimal substrates for macrophyte growth, red paddy soil was never excluded out the optimal substrate classes. Further study is needed to assess the substrates optimization functionalities of these indicators. This study offers amounts of physiology data and an effective method to optimize substrates of O. acuminata. It is helpful for environmental scientists and ecological engineers to conduct the similar study on endangered species.

Second best epistemology: fallibility and normativity

Abstract

The Fallibility Norm—the claim that we ought to take our fallibility into account when managing our beliefs—appears to conflict with several other compelling epistemic norms. To shed light on these apparent conflicts, I distinguish two kinds of norms: norms of perfection and norms of compensation. Roughly, norms of perfection tell us how agents ought to behave if they're to be perfect; norms of compensation tell us how imperfect agents ought to behave in order to compensate for their imperfections. I argue that the Fallibility Norm is a norm of compensation, and that thinking of it like this helps us make progress in debates surrounding disagreement, higher-order evidence, and coherence.

Male Breast Glandular Liposculpture Challenges