Search Results (144)

Soils in industrially influenced areas are often exposed to elevated nickel (Ni) levels due to metallurgical and alumina production activities. In this context, this study evaluated bauxite residue (BR) as an amendment to mitigate Ni availability and mobility in five agricultural soils from the Attica region, Greece, selected according to their pH values. Apart from the pH, soil properties were greatly varied. A very small amount of 1% BR (w/w) was incorporated into soils and batch adsorption experiments with eight Ni concentrations ranging between 1 and 90 mg Ni L⁻¹ were performed, followed by the direct application of the Tessier sequential fractionation scheme. BR addition increased the Ni adsorption capacity of soils, particularly those of low and neutral pH. BR increased the pH of acid soils, thus increasing the negatively charged sites on soil colloids. The Langmuir b_L constant provided indications of advanced Ni surface precipitation in the presence of BR. However, the desorption results suggested that, in addition to pH, Fe-Mn free oxides, noticeably those of amorphous form, controlled Ni fractionation in the studied soils. The mobility factor (MF) showed that the availability of Ni was restricted in all soil–BR mixtures. Yet, the distribution of Ni among the chemically active phases was different depending mainly on Fe-Mn free oxide content. Due to its high content in iron oxides, BR assisted the retention of Ni in soils with low Fe-Mn oxide concentration and increased significantly the Ni proportion extracted from the reducible phase. However, in soils richer in Fe-Mn oxides, BR incorporation resulted in enhanced oxidizable and residual fractions, suggesting stronger Ni binding. The results demonstrate that even a low BR application effectively enhances Ni immobilization by increasing adsorption capacity, shifting Ni toward more stable geochemical fractions, and significantly reducing its mobility, highlighting its potential as a sustainable soil amendment for Ni-contaminated soils. Full article

The geochemistry of karstic paddy soils significantly influences Cd bioavailability and its accumulation by rice. However, there is limited research on Cd translocation and accumulation in rice, grown in paddy soil with elevated CaO and Zn levels. Addressing this, a field-based study in Hanyuan County, Sichuan Province, China, examined the Cd distribution and translocation patterns across the soil–root–straw–grain continuum, aiming to elucidate how elevated CaO and Zn levels regulate Cd accumulation in grains. The geochemical characterization of the soil revealed elevated concentrations of cadmium (Cd), calcium oxide (CaO), and zinc (Zn), with mean values of 2.12 ± 2.93 mg/kg, 5.77 ± 5.80 wt.%, and 359 ± 472 mg/kg, respectively. The sequential extraction results (by Tessier) demonstrated that the distribution of Cd followed the general order: residual > Fe-Mn oxide-bound ≈ exchangeable ≈ carbonate-bound > organic matter-bound. The exchangeable Cd content ranged from 0.063 to 0.93 mg/kg, accounting for up to 21.4% of the total Cd on average. The correlation analysis, Bioconcentration Factor (BCF), and Transfer Factor (TF) of Cd in different rice tissues, and structural equation modeling (SEM) revealed that elevated CaO and Zn levels in soil exhibit synergistic effects in inhibiting Cd accumulation in grains. Specifically, the CaO in soil reduces the Cd bioavailability by the formation of carbonate-bound specie (CdF2), thereby inhibiting Cd uptake by roots. In rice tissues, Zn could limit Cd translocation, particularly from roots to straws. Consequently, the regional rice Cd exceedance rate (25.8%) was significantly lower than that reported for other similar karst soils in China (over 50%). Full article

Soils in seven urban parks in Newark, New Jersey (NJ), United States, were evaluated for arsenic (As) and lead (Pb) by field and laboratory methods. Surface (S1, 0–3 cm) and near-surface (S2, 4–7 cm) soils in high-contact areas of the parks were analyzed by portable X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectroscopy. Median concentrations of As and Pb in S1 profiles were higher than median concentrations in NJ Urban soils. In S1 and S2 profiles, 39–50% of As and 56–58% of Pb concentrations exceeded the NJ Department of Environmental Protection limits for residential soils, with most hotspots located in two of the seven parks. The contamination factor (${CF}_{As}$ = 1.5–4.3; ${CF}_{Pb}$ = 1.7–9.8), enrichment factor (${EF}_{As}$ = 1.7–4.6; ${EF}_{Pb}$ = 2.0–10.4), and geoaccumulation index ($I_{geoAs}$ = −0.1–1.5; $I_{geoPb}$ = 0.1–2.7), calculated relative to NJ Rural soil concentrations, confirmed the contamination of park soils with As and Pb, with higher contamination and enrichment indices for Pb. Tessier sequential extraction indicated the metals were mostly in the reducible fraction, with median values of 80% As and 65% Pb bound to iron and manganese oxides. The fractionation suggests limited environmental mobility of the metals under current soil conditions. However, human exposure to As and Pb remains a concern as the soils are located in high-contact recreational areas. Full article

Alumina-spinel refractory bricks, composed of 82 wt.% alumina and 18 wt.% MgAl₂O₄ spinel phases, are used in steel ladles due to their ability to resist chemical attack and thermal shock. Thermal shock resistance is determined, in part, by the thermal conductivity of the material. Thermal conductivity measurements for alumina-spinel refractory, three model alumina ceramics, and single crystal sapphire were made with the laser-flash technique from 20 °C to 1000 °C. At room temperature, these gave 6.5 W m⁻¹ K⁻¹ for the refractory, 5.8 to 22 W m⁻¹ K⁻¹ for the alumina ceramics, and 36 W m⁻¹ K⁻¹ for sapphire, despite all materials containing >81 vol.% of alumina. The differences are explained by the roles of porosity, grain boundary thermal resistance, and the spinel phase (refractory). In order to estimate the thermal conductivity of alumina grains in each material, these microstructural effects are modelled with Landauer’s relation for porosity and thermal resistors in series for grains combined with grain boundaries. For two alumina ceramics, the grains yielded similar behaviour to the single crystal. By taking the spinel phase into account with a two-phase mixture relation, the alumina grains in the refractory were estimated with a value of 31 ± 2 W m⁻¹ K⁻¹, close to sapphire. Full article

Background Facial clefts are rare congenital malformations, occurring in approximately 1 in 700 live births for cleft lip and palate and fewer than 1 in 100,000 for atypical Tessier clefts. They pose significant diagnostic and surgical challenges. While genetic, vascular, and environmental factors are well documented, growing embryological evidence suggests that the trigeminal nerve may also contribute to craniofacial development. This narrative review explores the association between trigeminal nerve development and facial clefts, aiming to provide a neurodevelopmental perspective with clinical implications, particularly in the context of personalized medicine, where patient-specific neuroanatomical and developmental factors can guide tailored care. Methods A narrative review of embryological, anatomical, and clinical data was conducted. Histological analyses of malformed fetuses and normal human embryos were integrated with published studies. Clinical findings were compared with Paul Tessier’s facial cleft classification and mapped against trigeminal innervation territories. Results Two groups of facial clefts emerged according to the timing of trigeminal disruption. Early embryonic damage (before 10 weeks of gestation) produces superficial epidermal continuity with fibrotic tissue replacing normal deep structures. Later fetal damage results in complete clefts with full tissue discontinuity. The distribution of these clefts corresponds to trigeminal nerve terminal branch territories, supporting the hypothesis that trigeminal innervation exerts trophic effects on craniofacial morphogenesis through neurohormonal signaling. Conclusions Early impairment of trigeminal development may play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of certain clefts. The spatial and temporal relationship between nerve development and morphogenesis should be considered in classification and surgical planning. However, limitations of this narrative approach include selective literature coverage and lack of quantitative synthesis. Future directions include single-cell transcriptomics, organoid models, and fetal MRI tractography to clarify trigeminal–mesenchyme interactions and inform therapeutic strategies. These advances may foster a personalized medicine approach, enabling more precise prenatal diagnosis, individualized surgical planning, and optimized long-term outcomes. Full article

Background/Objectives: The sanitary measures implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic, although essential for limiting the virus propagation, hindered healthy behaviours and negatively affected mental health and quality of life. In immunosuppressed individuals at higher risk of COVID-19 complications, these measures may have influenced adherence to Canada’s Food Guide 2019 (CFG-2019). This study aims to describe whether changes in eating behaviours and food consumption during the COVID-19 pandemic were aligned with CFG-2019 and identify correlates of changes in immunosuppressed individuals and their relatives. Methods: A total of 210 participants completed an online questionnaire between May and September 2021. Changes in eating behaviours and food consumption were categorized as no change, change aligned with CFG-2019, or change not aligned. Multinomial logistic regressions examined the association between sociodemographic, lifestyle, clinical, and psychosocial characteristics and changes in eating behaviours and food consumption. Results: Participants reporting no change in eating behaviours, change aligned, and change not aligned with CFG-2019 were nearly equivalent (29.4%, 33.8%, and 36.8%, respectively). For food consumption, the proportions were 17.0%, 41.2%, and 41.8%, respectively. Reduced physical activity and elevated anxiety and depressive symptoms were associated with a change in eating behaviours not aligned with CFG-2019. Perceived weight gain and decreased body image satisfaction were associated with a non-aligned change in food consumption. Conclusions: Dietary changes, aligned or not with CFG-2019, were observed among immunosuppressed individuals and their relatives during the COVID-19 pandemic. Identifying factors associated with these changes can inform future studies to support healthy eating among vulnerable individuals amidst stressful events such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Full article

Depression is a major global health issue that significantly contributes to the burden of disease. Despite the wealth of existing research on depression, several key aspects remain underexplored, including factors that predict the onset, severity, and recurrence of depressive symptoms. The purpose of the current study was to assess the sociodemographic correlates and risk and protective factors of depression using a representative sample of the Canadian population. The data were drawn from the 2017–2018 Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS), a cross-sectional survey with a sample size greater than 113,000. Results from regression analyses identified sleep quality, social support, and perceived life satisfaction as protective factors for depression severity, while a current, self-reported diagnosis of an anxiety- or mood-related disorder was identified as a risk factor. Being younger emerged as the only pertinent sociodemographic risk factor for depression. Contrary to expectations, vigorous physical activity and sedentary behaviour did not significantly predict depression severity. Taken together, the results underscore the importance of identifying modifiable risk and protective factors to inform population-level mental health strategies (e.g., campaigns seeking to raise awareness regarding the importance of sleep, social support) to guide the development of targeted, evidence-based interventions. Full article

Municipal sewage sludge is a potential soil amendment rich in organic matter and nutrients, yet its reuse is often constrained by heavy metal contamination. This study evaluated six heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn) in sludge collected from seven centralized wastewater treatment plants in Bangkok, Thailand, by analyzing physicochemical properties, total metal concentrations, and chemical speciation. Three ecological risk indices, the geo-accumulation index (I_geo), risk assessment code (RAC), and potential ecological risk index (PERI), were applied to assess contamination status, mobility, and ecological threat. The sludge exhibited high levels of organic matter and essential nutrients, indicating potential for agricultural reuse; however, elevated electrical conductivity at some sites may pose salinity risks if unmanaged. Speciation analysis revealed that Cd and Zn were largely present in mobile and redox-sensitive fractions, Cr and Pb were primarily in stable residual forms, and Cu and Ni occurred in moderately mobile forms influenced by environmental conditions. Across all indices, Cd consistently posed the highest ecological risk, followed by Zn, in a site-dependent manner, while Cr and Pb represented low risk. These findings provide a clearer understanding of metal behavior in sewage sludge and underscore the importance of integrating chemical speciation with multi-index risk assessment in sludge management. Incorporating such approaches into national guidelines, particularly in countries lacking established heavy metal limits, can strengthen monitoring frameworks, guide safe and sustainable reuse, and support regulatory development in contexts with limited monitoring data. Full article

Lateral facial clefts are rare and often part of more complex syndromic neurocristopathies. According to Tessier’s classification, they correspond to facial cleft numbers 6, 7 and 8. Using micro-computer tomography (micro-CT), we analyzed their underlying bone defects (resolution 50 and 55 µm/voxel) in the context of the known syndrome-specific genetic background. Lateral facial clefts were diagnosed in three severely affected museum specimens representing mandibulofacial dysostosis type Treacher Collins syndrome (TCS), acrofacial dysostosis syndrome of Rodriguez (AFD-Rod) and tetra-amelia syndrome (TETAMS). The TCS specimen mainly showed an absence of the zygomatic bones and most of the lateral maxilla. The AFD-Rod specimen showed an extensive defect of the lateral maxilla, zygomatic bones, and mandible. The TETAMS specimen showed almost isolated agnathia. Possible relationships are discussed between the diverse facial bone defects due to apoptosis of neural crest-derived cells, known to be associated with ribosomopathies and spliceosomopathies, such as TCS and AFD-Rod, and the more targeted bone defects due to genetic variants known to cause TETAMS. Full article

This study investigates the weathering crust composite of serpentine, pyroxenite and granite in the Niangniangmiao area, the weathering crusts inside and outside the mining area were compared respectively, systematically revealing the distribution patterns, migration pathways, and ecological element activity characteristics of high-background elements (e.g., chromium (Cr) and nickel (Ni)) through precise sampling, the Tessier five-step sequential extraction method, and a migration coefficient model. Key findings include: (1) Element distribution and controlling mechanisms: The average Cr and Ni contents in the serpentinite profile are significantly higher than those in pyroxenite. However, the semi-weathered pyroxenite layer exhibits an inverted Cr enrichment ratio in relation to serpentinite, 1.8× and 1.2×, respectively, indicating that mineral metasomatic sequences driven by hydrothermal alteration dominate element differentiation; the phenomenon of inverted enrichment of high-background elements occurs in the weathering crust profiles of the two basic rocks. (2) Dual impacts of mining activities on heavy metal enrichment: Direct mining increases topsoil Cr content in serpentinite by 40% by disrupting parent material homology, while indirect activities introduce exogenous Zn and Cd (Spearman correlation coefficients with Cr/Ni are from ρ = 0.58 to ρ = 0.72). Consequently, the bioavailable fraction ratio value of Ni outside the mining area (21.14%) is significantly higher than that within the area (14.30%). (3) Element speciation and ecological element activity: Over 98% of Cr in serpentine exists in residual fractions, whereas the Fe-Mn oxide-bound fraction (F3) of Cr in extra-mining pyroxenite increases to 5.15%. The element activity in ecological systems ranking of Ni in soil active fractions (F1 + F2 = 15%) follows the order: granite > pyroxenite > serpentine. Based on these insights, a scientific foundation for targeted remediation in high-background areas (e.g., prioritizing the treatment of semi-weathered pyroxenite layers) can be provided. Full article

Mesenchymal dendritic cell neoplasms represent a distinct category of hematologic malignancies that challenge traditional classifications of histiocytic and classical dendritic/Langerhans cell neoplasms. Historically grouped under the broader umbrella of dendritic cell neoplasms, these entities differ significantly in their ontogeny, histopathologic features, molecular alterations, and clinical behavior. They are categorized into three main subtypes including follicular dendritic cell sarcoma, fibroblastic reticular cell tumor, and EBV-positive inflammatory follicular dendritic cell sarcoma/fibroblastic reticular cell tumor. They originate from mesenchymal stromal cells, and genetic alterations activating the NF- κβ pathway are frequent in follicular dendritic cell sarcomas. Immunophenotypic characterization is critical to distinguish these from other hematologic malignancies including histiocytic and classical dendritic/Langerhans cell neoplasms and other solid (non-hematopoietic) cancers. This review recapitulates current knowledge on existing classifications, details their diverse ontogeny from classical dendritic cell neoplasms, and provides insights into their clinicopathologic characteristics to improve diagnostic accuracy. We detail two case studies that demonstrate the challenges involved in the histopathologic diagnosis of these rare tumors, necessitating a comprehensive workup. Integrating developmental biology into practical diagnostic algorithms is essential to improve recognition and classification of these underdiagnosed neoplasms, ultimately guiding timely management. Full article

Through soil incubation experiments, the effects of aged PBAT + PLA (polybutylene adipate terephthalate + polylactic acid) film fragments were analyzed. Surface characteristics and chemical structures of the films changed significantly after one (T2) and two years (T1) of aging compared to new films (T3). Both new and aged fragments reduced soil pH, altered enzyme activities, and influenced dissolved organic matter (DOM) fluorescence. Alkaline phosphatase activity declined by 33.2%, 23.8%, and 11.6% for T1, T2, and T3, respectively, while urease and sucrase activities increased in a time-dependent manner. The degree of soil humification rose by 66.4%, 60.4%, 49.3%, and 88.6% for T1, T2, T3, and T4, respectively, compared to the control (CK). Aged films exhibited stronger DOM fluorescence intensity than new films. Tessier extraction analysis revealed a decrease in exchangeable Cd by 22.9%, 13.1%, and 10.2% for T1, T2, and T3, respectively, while organically bound Cu increased. Correlation analysis indicated a significant positive relationship between soil humification and heavy metal bioavailability. These findings provide insight into the ecological effects of biodegradable agricultural films, offering a theoretical foundation for assessing their environmental risks and safety. Full article

Developing effective treatment technologies for heavy metal-contaminated biomass is of great environmental significance. This study explores the hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) of biomass contaminated with heavy metals (Cu, Zn, Cd, and Pb), focusing on the migration, transformation, and ecological stability of these metals during the process. Biomass samples were treated under subcritical conditions at varying temperatures (170–260 °C) and reaction times (1–4 h). Results showed that heavy metals were mainly enriched in biochar (>98%), and Cu predominantly transformed into metallic copper (Cu⁰), Zn tended to form stable organometallic complexes or remain in non-volatile forms, Pb coexisted in both metallic and carbonate species, and Cd converted into metallic and oxidized states. The transformation of these metals was influenced by reaction parameters, such as temperature and time, which affected both their immobilization and the structural properties of the prepared hydrochar. The Tessier extraction experiments showed that the unstable state (F1, F2) of heavy metals in hydrochar was obviously reduced from 17.9% to 6.8%, and the heavy metals were significantly stabilized compared with the original biomass. This research highlights the potential of HTC as a dual-purpose technology for biomass conversion and heavy metal remediation, offering insights for stabilizing contaminants and producing environmentally stable biochar products. Full article

Pollution of soil by heavy metals has become a critical environmental issue. This study investigated an innovative approach to heavy metals removal, focusing on the desorption of nickel and zinc from vermiculite using a combination of leaching and ultrasonic (US) irradiation at 20 or 362 kHz. When 0.1 M HCl was used as a washing solution, Zn²⁺ desorption yields around 85% were obtained in all conditions. Under 20 kHz US, fragmentation of the particles occurred, leading to the formation of new sites where released Zn²⁺ could sorb, allowing improved decontamination by cation exchange. Even higher yields were obtained with the biobased citric acid. Ni²⁺ desorption yields were lower due to its distribution in less accessible Tessier fractions. They significantly increased under US, especially at 362 kHz. It is shown that US leads to transfer of the contaminant from less accessible fractions (in particular the residual one) to more accessible ones, and that at low frequency, new sorption sites are created by fragmentation, leading to readsorption in the exchangeable fraction. This study brought to light for the first time the potential of high-frequency US in enhancing soil washing, to a higher extent compared to low-frequency (20–50 kHz) US. Full article

Background/Objectives: Aerosolized medications are common practice for mechanically ventilated pediatric patients. Infants often receive nebulized medications via hand ventilation using an anesthesia bag, but evidence on optimal aerosol delivery with this method is limited. For this study, various configurations of the Mapleson breathing circuit were tested to optimize albuterol delivery to a simulated pediatric model. Methods: Using a simulated pediatric lung model (ASL 5000) with the semi-open Mapleson anesthesia circuit, 2.5 mg/3 mL of albuterol sulfate solution was nebulized to a viral/bacterial filter (Respiguard 202). Four models were compared with varying fresh gas flows (FGFs), small-volume nebulizer (SVN) placements, and adjusting dead space. Five Registered Respiratory Therapists (RRTs) bagged the aerosol into a collection filter following defined ventilation parameters. Each model was tested in random order to avoid fatigue bias. Albuterol concentrations eluted from in-line filters were measured by spectrophotometry (absorbance at 276 nm). Results: No inter-user variability was observed among the RRTs. Significant differences in albuterol recovered were noted between models (One Way ANOVA, Tukey’s post hoc, n = 5). Model 4, with the nebulizer closest to the collecting filter, recovered 21.77 ± 1.89% of albuterol. The standard clinical model was the least effective, with only 0.10 ± 0.17% albuterol recovery. Conclusions: Modifying the anesthesia breathing circuit significantly improved aerosol drug delivery efficiency. Our findings suggest that current clinical practices for nebulized drug delivery are inefficient and can be markedly improved with simple adjustments in nebulizer positioning and gas flow within the circuit. Full article