Tracing the sources of suspended sediment and particle-bound trace metal elements in an urban catchment coupling elemental and isotopic geochemistry, and fallout radionuclides

Abstract

The excessive supply of contaminants from urban areas to rivers during the last centuries has led to deleterious impacts on aquatic ecosystems. The sources, the behavior, and the dynamics of these contaminants must be better understood in order to reduce this excessive anthropogenic pollution. Accordingly, the current research investigated the particle-bound trace element (TE) contamination of the 900-km² Orge River (Seine basin, France) and the potential sources of these particles (agricultural or forest soils, channel banks, road deposited sediments), through the analysis of multiple fallout radionuclides, elemental geochemistry, and lead isotopic composition on suspended particulate matter (SPM) collected during a hydrological year at four stations following an increasing urbanization gradient (300 to 5000 inhab.km⁻²). Fallout radionuclide measurements showed an increasing contribution of recently eroded particles from urban areas to the SPM in downstream direction. However, this contribution varied depending on hydrological conditions. A greater contribution of particles originating from urban areas was observed during low stage periods. On the contrary, the contribution of agricultural soils and channel banks that are less enriched in contaminants and fallout radionuclides was higher during seasonal floods, which explained the dilution of radionuclide contents in sediment transiting the river during those events. Trace element contamination of SPM in Cu, Zn, Pb, and Sb increased from moderate to significant levels with urban pressure in downstream direction (with corresponding enrichment factors raising from 2 to 6). In addition, Pb isotopic ratios indicated that the main source of Pb corresponded to the "urban" signature found in road deposited sediments. The low variations in lead isotope ratios found in the SPM for contrasting hydrological conditions demonstrated the occurrence of a single source of Pb contamination. These results demonstrate the need to better manage urban runoff during both flood and low precipitation events to prevent the supply of diffuse particle-bound contamination to rivers draining urban areas.

Development of hybrid processes for the removal of volatile organic compounds, plasticizer, and pharmaceutically active compound using sewage sludge, waste scrap tires, and wood chips as sorbents and microbial immobilization matrices

Abstract

This study evaluated the reutilization of waste materials (scrap tires, sewage sludge, and wood chips) to remove volatile organic compounds (VOCs) benzene/toluene/ethylbenzene/xylenes/trichloroethylene/cis-1,2-dichloroethylene (BTEX/TCE/cis-DCE), plasticizer di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), and pharmaceutically active compound carbamazepine from artificially contaminated water. Different hybrid removal processes were developed: (1) 300 mg/L BTEX + 20 mg/L TCE + 10 mg/L cis-DCE + tires + Pseudomonas sp.; (2) 250 mg/L toluene + sewage sludge biochar + Pseudomonas sp.; (3) 100 mg/L DEHP + tires + Acinetobacter sp.; and (4) 20 mg/L carbamazepine + wood chips + Phanerochaete chrysosporium. For the hybrid process (1), the removal of xylenes, TCE, and cis-DCE was enhanced, resulted from the contribution of both physical adsorption and biological immobilization removal. The hybrid process (2) was also superior for the removal of DEHP and required a shorter time (2 days) for the bioremoval. For the process (3), the biochar promoted the microbial immobilization on its surface and substantially enhanced/speed up the bioremoval of toluene. The fungal immobilization on wood chips in the hybrid process (4) also improved the carbamazepine removal considerably (removal efficiencies of 61.3 ± 0.6%) compared to the suspended system without wood chips (removal efficiencies of 34.4 ± 1.8%). These hybrid processes would not only be promising for the bioremediation of environmentally concerned contaminants but also reutilize waste materials as sorbents without any further treatment.

Kinetics, isotherm, and optimization of the hexavalent chromium removal from aqueous solution by a magnetic nanobiosorbent

Abstract

Sorption is the most effective approach to the treatment of acid mine drainage (AMD) and wastewaters, but the removal of the adsorbents from water has always been a challenging problem which may be resolved by using magnetic separation. In this work, a magnetic bioadsorbent was prepared using low cost and high-performance sources and applied in Cr(VI) removal from a synthetic solution. Initially, magnetite nanoparticles were synthesized from iron boring scraps by chemical co-precipitation method. Results of dynamic light scattering (DLS) and vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM) analyses showed that the synthesized nanoparticles were around 40 nm in size and had a significant magnetization. Then, the magnetite nanoparticles were attached to the dead and alkaline activated biomass of Aspergillus niger. Central composite design (CCD) was applied to determine the optimal condition of Cr(VI) adsorption on the produced magnetic nanobiocomposite. The maximum chromium removal (~ 92%) was achieved at pH 5.8, Cr concentration 23.4 mg/l, adsorbent dose 3.72 g/l, agitation rate 300 rpm, and duration 11 min. Kinetic studies showed that regardless of temperature, the process was controlled by mass transfer and intraparticle diffusion with an equilibrium constant of 0.74 mg/g min^1/2 at 40 °C. Also, the adsorption isotherms followed the Temkin model, which indicated the physical adsorption of Cr(VI) on the produced sorbent. Therefore, the magnetic nanobiocomposite has a perfect ability to be used as the chromium adsorbent and can be collected by a low external magnetic field.

Graphical abstract

Synthesis of the magnetic nanobiosorbent and its application in the removal of Cr(VI) from wastewaters.

Air pollution, biological marker and lung function in children

Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma: Immediate or Delayed Implant Replacement?

Abstract

Introduction

Breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) is a rare and recently described type of peripheral T-cell lymphoma. Fewer than 550 cases have been reported worldwide. Although BIA-ALCL is usually indolent, early diagnosis and treatment have been shown to improve outcome.

Case Description

This case report describes the management of a 50-year-old healthy Caucasian woman presenting with rapid painful enlargement of the left breast. Imaging revealed findings consistent with BIA-ALCL. This diagnosis was confirmed by fine needle aspiration cytology and subsequent pathological analysis. Bilateral removal of implants, complete left capsulectomy and immediate bilateral implant exchange were performed.

Conclusion

No consensus currently exists regarding optimal time of implant exchange and management of the contralateral capsule. The immediate replacement with smooth implants was thoroughly discussed with the patient and endorsed by expert opinion, given complete removal of the disease. There was no sign of recurrence at 6 months. Close clinical and radiological visits are planned for the next years.

Level of Evidence V

This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266.

Response of soil phosphatase activities to contamination with two types of tar oil

Abstract

Tar oil is a complex mixture of hydrocarbon compounds obtained from high-temperature distillation of coal tar. It has been used for over 100 years from now to protect wood and has been applied to wood products, primary utility poles, and railroad ties by pressure methods. Composition of the tar oil depends on the source and typically consists of 85% polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), 10% phenolic compounds, and 5% heterocyclic compounds. In this research, we performed the laboratory experiment to compare two types of tar oil: C and GX-Plus, and their effects on P-cycling enzymes (phosphatases) in sandy loam and loamy sand. Tar oil was applied to soil samples at the following doses: 2, 10, and 50 g kg⁻¹. Soil without tar oil was used as a control sample. The experiment showed that the contamination of soil with tar oil affects the enzyme activities measured and with this most probably the P-cycle in soil. Phosphomonoesterases were the most sensitive to the contamination of soil with both type of tar oil: typeC and type GX-Plus. Greater changes in the enzymatic activity were observed in the loamy sand. Moreover, the type C tar oil demonstrated higher toxicity for phosphatases than type GX-Plus.

Effects of biological clogging on 1,1,1-TCA and its intermediates distribution and fate in heterogeneous saturated bio-augmented permeable reactive barriers

Abstract

Biological clogging in porous media was an important concern in the design of bio-augmented permeable reactive barriers (Bio-PRBs) that were used to remediate groundwater with dense non-aqueous phase liquids (DNAPLs). Here, we used laboratory sandbox experiments to develop and calibrate reactive transport models (C1 and C2) simulating 1,1,1-trichloroethane (1,1,1-TCA) change in heterogeneous saturated porous media. The routine (1,1,1-TCA chain kinetic reactions) and subroutine (the relationship between hydraulic conductivity (K) and time (t)) were included in the model computer code. The simulation results suggested that the model C1 had the applicability for simulating contaminant transport and fate in bio-augmented flow field. By using the model C1 which was suitable for constant K condition, the performance of different types of Bio-PRBs was evaluated, and the regularity of contaminants chain kinetic reactions in different heterogeneous saturated porous media was obtained. The results demonstrated that Bio-PRBs in immobilized microorganism (IM) protocol were more superior to Bio-PRBs in free microorganism (FM) protocol. In addition, by using the model C2 (updated model C1) which was suitable for decreasing K condition, the different and optimized regularity of contaminants transport and transformation was obtained. The results showed that microbial growth which further decreased K was beneficial to preventing the transport of contaminants and accelerating the transformation of contaminants. However, the negative effects of biological clogging on hydraulic conductivity and relative hydraulic conductivity ratio in FM Bio-PRBs were significantly stronger than that in IM Bio-PRBs. Deploying IM Bio-PRBs for groundwater remediation would be much more efficient and meet the design criteria. The research work had guiding significance to engineering and provided consultation for designing and optimizing Bio-PRBs system. To make the design and optimization of Bio-PRBs system convenient, it was very essential to choose the suitable mathematical model (C1 or C2).

Voxel-wise radiogenomic mapping of tumor location with key molecular alterations in patients with glioma

Abstract

Background

This study aims to evaluate the impact of tumor location on key molecular alterations on a single voxel level in patients with newly-diagnosed glioma.

Methods

A consecutive series of n=237 patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma and n=131 patients with lower-grade glioma was analyzed. Volumetric tumor segmentation was performed on preoperative MRI with a semi-automated approach and images were registered to the standard Montreal Neurological Institute-152 space. Using a voxel-based lesion-symptom mapping (VSLM) analysis, we identified specific brain regions that were associated with tumor-specific molecular alterations. We assessed a predefined set of n=17 molecular characteristics in the glioblastoma cohort and n=2 molecular characteristics in the lower-grade glioma cohort. Permutation adjustment (n=1000 iterations) was used to correct for multiple testing and voxel t-values that were greater than the t-value in >95% of the permutations were retained in the VLSM results (α=0.05, power >0.8).

Results

Tumor location predilection for isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH)-mutant tumors was found in both glioblastoma and lower-grade glioma cohorts, each showing a concordant predominance in the frontal lobe adjacent to the rostral extension of the lateral ventricles (permutation-adjusted p=0.021 for the glioblastoma and 0.013 for the lower-grade glioma cohort). Apart from that, the VLSM analysis did not reveal a significant association of the tumor location with any other key molecular alteration in both cohorts (permutation-adjusted p>0.05, each).

Conclusions

Our study highlights the unique properties of IDH-mutations and underpins the hypothesis that the rostral extension of the lateral ventricles is a potential location for the cell of origin in IDH-mutant gliomas.

Scholarly reputation

Abstract

The aim of this literature review on scholarly reputation is: (1) to clarify the concept of scholarly reputation; and (2) to identify the opportunities for scholars (and especially the early career ones among them) to build, maintain and showcase their reputation in today's increasingly open-values based, digital and networked environment. Thus, an in-depth discussion of the notion of scholarly reputation, inclusive of its multi-dimensional sub-constructs and antecedents, is followed by an attempt to establish how it is to be achieved and managed.

Bacterial type III secretion systems: A complex device for delivery of bacterial effector proteins into eukaryotic host cells

Abstract

Virulence-associated type III secretion systems serve the injection of bacterial effector proteins into eukaryotic host cells. They are able to secrete a great diversity of substrate proteins in order to modulate host cell function, and have evolved to sense host cell contact and to inject their substrates through a translocon pore in the host cell membrane. T3SS substrates contain an N-terminal signal sequence and often also a chaperone-binding domain for cognate T3SS chaperones. These signals guide the substrates to the machine where substrates are unfolded and handed over to the secretion channel formed by the transmembrane domains of the export apparatus components and by the the needle filament. Secretion itself is driven by the proton motif force across the bacterial inner membrane. The needle filament measures 20–150 nm in length and is crowned by a needle tip that mediates host cell sensing. Secretion through T3SS is a highly regulated process with early, intermediate, and late substrates. A strict secretion hierarchy is required to build an injectisome capable of reaching, sensing, and penetrating the host cell membrane, before host cell acting effector proteins are deployed. Here we review the recent progress on elucidating assembly, structure, and function of T3SS injectisomes.

Technique for Nonsurgical Lifting Procedures Using Polydioxanone Threads

This Surgical Pearl presents the technique for performing nonsurgical lifting procedures with polydioxanone threads.

Pliability and Elasticity of the External Nasal Skin in Patients With Unilateral Nasal Valve Collapse

This cohort study of patients with unilateral nasal valve collapse compares the pliability and elasticity of the external nasal skin on the side of the nose with valve collapse vs the side of the nose without collapse.

Static and Dynamic Ultrasound Imaging of the Iliotibial Band/Fascia Lata: Brief Review of Current Literature and Gaps in Knowledge

Abstract

Purpose of the Review

The physiopathology of iliotibial band syndrome (ITBS) remains obscure and ultrasound (US) imaging could be a low-cost modality improving our understanding of this condition as well as its diagnosis and management. This brief review synthesizes the up-to-date knowledge on static and dynamic US imaging measurements of the fascia lata and iliotibial band (ITB) in both asymptomatic individuals and patients with ITBS.

Recent Findings

Mean ITB thickness values for asymptomatic individuals ranged from 1.10 to 1.95 mm. Only three studies with very small sample size focused on ITBS patients and no quantitative data were reported. All dynamic US imaging studies involved asymptomatic participants. One study demonstrated a lateral movement of the ITB relative to the femoral condyle and a group of investigators showed 3D displacement of the fascia lata. No study could be found on ITB loose connective tissue measurements.

Summary

This review clearly indicates a paucity of research in the field of static and dynamic US measures. Measuring the loose connective tissue that lies between the deep fascia layers could be an interesting target to help our understanding of ITBS and improve care for the patients.

Are urban vertebrates city specialists, artificial habitat exploiters or environmental generalists?

Synopsis

Although urbanization is a major threat to biodiversity, some species are able to thrive in cities. This might be because they have specific adaptations to urban conditions, because they are able to cope with artificial habitats in general or because they are generalists that can live in a wide range of conditions. We use the latest version of the IUCN database to distinguish these possibilities in 25,985 species of the four classes of terrestrial vertebrates with the help of phylogenetically controlled methods. We first compare species occurrence in cities with that of the five other artificial habitats recognized by the IUCN and use principal components analyses to ask which of these most resembles cities. We then test whether urban species have a wider habitat breadth than species occurring in other, non-urban, artificial habitats, as well as species that occur only in natural habitats. Our results suggest that the proportion of terrestrial vertebrates that occur in urban environments is small and that, among the species that do occur in cities, the great majority also occur in other artificial habitats. Our data also show that the presence of terrestrial vertebrates in urban habitats is skewed in favor of habitat generalists. In birds and mammals, species occurrence in urban areas is most similar to that of rural gardens, while in reptiles and amphibians, urban areas most resemble pasture and arable land. Our study suggests that cities are likely not unique, as is often thought, and may resemble other types of artificial environments, which urban exploiters can adapt to because of their wide habitat breadth.

Clinical Characteristics of Asymmetric Bilateral Gynecomastia: Suggestion of Desirable Surgical Method Based on a Single-Institution Experience

Methadon gegen Krebs

Zusammenfassung

Die Wirksamkeit von Methadon als Krebstherapeutikum wird von einigen Ärzten und Wissenschaftlern propagiert. Grundlage dafür sind mehrere In-vitro-Studien und individuelle Heilversuche. Die große mediale Aufmerksamkeit hat in der Öffentlichkeit zu dem Eindruck geführt, Methadon sei ein vielversprechendes Heilmittel gegen Krebs. In unserem Beitrag analysieren wir die ethischen Aspekte dieser Debatte. Ethische Fragen ergeben sich hinsichtlich der guten wissenschaftlichen Praxis, der Selbstbestimmung von Patienten und der Darstellung von Methadon in den Medien. Wir kommen zu dem Schluss, dass nach derzeitigem Stand der Forschung die Propagierung von Methadon als Heilmittel gegen Krebs ethisch unzulässig ist. Einerseits gerät ein solches Vorgehen aufgrund der mangelnden empirischen Evidenz mit der guten wissenschaftlichen Praxis in Konflikt. Andererseits sind dadurch die Selbstbestimmung von Patienten und das Patientenwohl gefährdet. Des Weiteren führt besonders die mediale Darstellung der Thematik zu Konflikten in der Beziehung von Patient und Arzt.

Selenium and drinking water quality indicators in Mongolia

Abstract

Mongolia is characterized by restricted sources of drinking water and intensive water pollution due to high rates of urbanization, mining industry development, enormous amount of livestock, and ever-growing attempts in domestic production of cereals and vegetables. Among others, Se is the least studied element in Mongolian water resources. Based on fluorimetric method of analysis, the first results on Se levels in drinking water of five aimags, Ulaanbaatar, and Erdenet were obtained. Uneven distribution of Se in Mongolia was manifested, the highest Se concentrations being typical for the southern resources (up to 18,600 μg/L) and the lowest, for the Northern ones (up to 0.022 μg/L). ICP-MS data of Al, As, B, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, I, K, Li, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, P, Pb, Si, Sn, Sr, V, and Zn contents indicate poly-microelementosis existence in the South of Mongolia (Dorno-Gobi aimag) where ground water is characterized by elevated levels of As and extremely high levels of Se, Li, Na, F, Cl, B, and nitrates ions, exceeding maximum permissible levels by 1.86; 4.3; 3.1; 3.1; 2.7; 3.4; and 1.8 times respectively. Toxic concentrations of Se in groundwater of Dorno-Gobi aimag contradict with the published low human serum Se and low content of the element in horseflesh that suggests the possible effect of the above pollutants on Se bioavailability. Revealed phenomenon and mosaic distribution of heavy metals in areas with high and low Se content in water resources indicate the need of direct search for Se and other pollutant transfer in food chain in various ecological loading conditions, creation of a map of Se distribution in water resources of other Mongolian regions, and large-scale evaluation of the human poly-elemental status.

Behavior and histopathology as biomarkers for evaluation of the effects of paracetamol and propranolol in the neotropical fish species Phalloceros harpagos

Abstract

Pharmaceutical drugs in the aquatic environment can induce adverse effects on nontarget organisms. This study aimed to assess the short-term effects of sublethal concentrations of both paracetamol and propranolol on the fish Phalloceros harpagos, specifically light/dark preference, swimming patterns, skin pigmentation, histopathology, and liver glycogen levels. Fish were acutely exposed to sublethal concentrations of both paracetamol (0.008, 0.08, 0.8, 8, 80 mg L⁻¹) and propranolol (0.0001, 0.001, 0.01, 0.1, 1 mg L⁻¹) under controlled conditions. For scototaxis, a significant preference for the dark compartment was observed for the group exposed to the highest concentration of paracetamol (80 mg L⁻¹). Propranolol exposure significantly altered the swimming pattern, especially in fish exposed to the 0.001 mg L⁻¹ concentration. Pigmentation was reduced in propranolol-exposed fish (0.1, 1 mg L⁻¹). The lowest concentration of propranolol (0.0001 mg L⁻¹) induced a decrease of histochemical reaction for hepatic glycogen. These data demonstrate that pharmaceuticals can induce sublethal effects in nontarget organisms, even at low concentrations, compromising specific functions of the individual with ecological relevance, such as energy balance and behavior.

Hepatozelluläres Karzinom

Answers to the comments on “Air pollution, biological marker and lung function in children”