Effects of amendments on the bioavailability,transformation and accumulation of heavy metals by pakchoi cabbage in a multi-element contaminated soil

This study aims to assess the effect of green waste compost (GWC), biochar (BC) and humic acid (HA) amendments of an alkaline heavy metal-contaminated soil. In this study, amendments with GWC, GWC + BC and GWC + HA were applied to the heavy metal-contaminated soil in four application rates (0, 1, 2 and 5%), and was aimed at substantially mitigating the bioavailability of heavy metals for pakchoi cabbage from the sewage irrigation soils. The addition of different ratios of amendments can increase the pH of the soil by 0.11–0.30 units and also increase the organic matter content by 3.1–35.1%. The concentration of available arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) in the CaCl₂ extract was decreased effectively by all the amendments, except for the increase in the available concentration of As by compost–humic acid (T8) in the soil. Compared with the control, the CaCl₂ extractable Cd was decreased by 33–48% after the addition of different ratios of amendments in the soil. Moreover, by increasing the content of compost and compost–biochar in combinations, easily exchangeable fractions of As, Cd, Zn and Cu were decreased, while the oxidation fraction and residual fractions were increased. When the soil amendments were applied, fresh weight of the root and shoot increased by 29–63% and 39–85%, respectively. Cd concentration in the roots and shoots of the pakchoi cabbage decreased by 21–44% and 26–53%, respectively, after adding different ratios of amendments. All the amendments were effective in reducing the Cd, Zn and Cu uptake by the roots and shoots of the pakchoi cabbage, and simultaneously reduce the absorption of As in the roots of pakchoi cabbage. As soil amendments, GWC alone or GWC + BC/GWC + HA application can significantly reduce the heavy metal levels in pakchoi cabbage while increasing the biomass production and higher application rate is more effective than the lower application rate.

The concentration of available arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) in CaCl₂ extract was effectively decreased by all the amendments, except the available concentration of As was increased by compost–humic acid (T8) in soil.     

Na–Ga–Si type-I clathrate single crystals grown via Na evaporation using Na–Ga and Na–Ga–Sn fluxes

Single crystals of a Na–Ga–Si clathrate, Na₈Ga_5.70Si_40.30, of size 2.9 mm were grown via the evaporation of Na from a Na–Ga–Si melt with the molar ratio of Na : Ga : Si = 4 : 1 : 2 at 773 K for 21 h under an Ar atmosphere. The crystal structure was analyzed using X-ray diffraction with the model of the type-I clathrate (cubic, a = 10.3266(2) Å, space group Pm$\bar{3}$n, no. 223). By adding Sn to a Na–Ga–Si melt (Na : Ga : Si : Sn = 6 : 1 : 2 : 1), single crystals of Na₈Ga_xSi_46−x (x = 4.94–5.52, a = 10.3020(2)–10.3210(3) Å), with the maximum size of 3.7 mm, were obtained via Na evaporation at 723–873 K. The electrical resistivities of Na₈Ga_5.70Si_40.30 and Na₈Ga_4.94Si_41.06 were 1.40 and 0.72 mΩ cm, respectively, at 300 K, and metallic temperature dependences of the resistivities were observed. In the Si L_2,3 soft X-ray emission spectrum of Na₈Ga_5.70Si_40.30, a weak peak originating from the lowest conduction band in the undoped Si₄₆ was observed at an emission energy of 98 eV.

Single crystals of a Na–Ga–Si clathrate, Na₈Ga_4.94Si_41.06, of size 3.7 mm were grown via the evaporation of Na from a Na–Ga–Si–Sn melt with the molar ratio of Na : Ga : Si : Sn = 6 : 1 : 2 : 1 at 873 K for 3 h under an Ar atmosphere.     

Risk profile,antithrombotic treatment and clinical outcomes of patients in Nordic countries with atrial fibrillation – results from the GARFIELD-AF registry

AimsThe objective was to evaluate the clinical characteristics, management and two-year outcomes of patients with newly diagnosed non-valvular atrial fibrillation at risk for stroke in Nordic countries.MethodsWe examined the baseline characteristics, antithrombotic treatment, and two-year clinical outcomes of patients from four Nordic countries.ResultsA total of 52,080 patients were enrolled in the GARFIELD-AF. Out of 29,908 European patients, 2,396 were recruited from Nordic countries. The use of oral anticoagulants, alone or in combination with antiplatelet (AP), was higher in Nordic patients in all CHA₂DS₂-VASc categories: 0–1 (72.8% vs 60.3%), 2–3 (78.7% vs 72.9%) and ≥4 (79.2% vs 74.1%). In Nordic patients, NOAC ± AP was more frequently prescribed (32.0% vs 27.7%) and AP monotherapy was less often prescribed (10.4% vs 18.2%) when compared with Non-Nordic European patients. The rates (per 100 patient years) of all-cause mortality and non-haemorrhagic stroke/systemic embolism (SE) were similar in Nordic and Non-Nordic European patients [3.63 (3.11–4.23) vs 4.08 (3.91–4.26), p value = .147] and [0.98 (0.73–1.32) vs 1.02 (0.93–1.11), p value = .819], while major bleeding was significantly higher [1.66 (1.32–2.09) vs 1.01 (0.93–1.10), p value < .001].ConclusionNordic patients had significantly higher major bleeding than Non-Nordic-European patients. In contrast, rates of all-cause mortality and non-haemorrhagic stroke/SE were comparable. Clinical Trial RegistrationUnique identifier: NCT01090362. URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Key MessageNordic countries had significantly higher major bleeding than Non-Nordic-European countries. Rates of mortality and non-haemorrhagic stroke/SE were similar .     

Cu–Cd–Zn–S/ZnS core/shell quantum dot/polyvinyl alcohol flexible films for white light-emitting diodes

We present a facile route for the synthesis of water-soluble Cu–Cd–Zn–S/ZnS core/shell quantum dots (QDs) by simple pH regulation. The PL spectra of Cu–Cd–Zn–S/ZnS core/shell quantum dots can cover the whole visible light region in the case of only two ratios of Cu/Cd/Zn. The emission wavelength of Cu–Cd–Zn–S/ZnS QDs can be conveniently tuned from 474 to 515 and 548 to 629 nm by adjusting the pH value when the ratios of Cu/Cd/Zn are fixed at 1 : 5 : 80 and 1 : 5 : 10, respectively. It is worth noting that under the condition of a constant Cu/Cd/Zn ratio, the UV-vis absorption spectra do not change with the fluorescence spectra, indicating that the band gap of QDs remains unchanged during the change of pH value. The photoluminescence (PL) quantum yield of the as-prepared QDs with yellow emission is up to 76%. The QDs also show excellent chemical stability after the deposition of the ZnS shell. Luminescent and flexible films are fabricated by combining Cu–Cd–Zn–S QDs with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). The QD/PVA flexible hybrid films are successfully applied on top of a conventional blue InGaN chip for remote-type warm-white LEDs. As-fabricated warm-white LEDs exhibit a higher color rendering index (CRI) of about 89.2 and a correlated color temperature (CCT) of 4308 K.

We present a facile route for the synthesis of water-soluble Cu–Cd–Zn–S/ZnS core/shell quantum dots (QDs) by simple pH regulation.     

Adsorption–desorption behavior of carbendazim by sewage sludge-derived biochar and its possible mechanism

Biochar application in agricultural soil for environmental remediation has received increasing attention, however, few studies are focused on sewage sludge based biochar. The present study evaluated the effect of raw sewage sludge and sewage sludge based biochars produced at different pyrolysis temperatures (100–700 °C) on the adsorption–desorption of carbendazim in soil. Sewage sludge derived biochar significantly enhanced the sorption affinity and limited the desorption capacity of the soil for carbendazim. A maximum removal efficiency of 98.9% and a greatest value of 144.05 ± 0.32 μg g⁻¹ sorption capacity occurred in soil amended with biochar pyrolyzed at 700 °C (BC700). As the pyrolysis temperature and the amendment rate of biochars increased, the sorption of carbendazim was promoted and desorption was further inhibited. The adsorption–desorption hysteresis index of carbendazim was consistently higher in soils amended with biochars (>0.85) than in the unamended soil (0.42–0.68), implying that carbendazim could be immobilized in soil amended with sewage sludge derived biochars. The partition effect was dominant in the sorption process for carbendazim in the biochar–soil mixtures. This study will be helpful for the disposal of sewage sludge and its utilization, and it is the first report for the study the sorption–desorption process of carbendazim in soil amended with sewage sludge derived biochar. Furthermore, these findings may be also useful for understanding the distribution and transport of carbendazim in the environment and will be of great significance in remediation strategies for contaminated soil.

Biochar application in agricultural soil for environmental remediation has received increasing attention, however, few studies are focused on sewage sludge based biochar.     

Association between recorded medication reviews in primary care and adequate drug treatment management – a cross-sectional study

ObjectiveTo investigate the association between a recorded procedure code for a medication review and adequate drug treatment management, and to explore factors associated with this code.Design and settingCross-sectional study; two primary health care centres, in Region Västra Götaland, Sweden.SubjectsA total of 302 consecutive patients (≥65 years old, 59% female; median number of drugs: six) requiring a non-urgent consultation with a physician in October–November 2017.Main outcome measureAdequate drug treatment management (treatment that did not require any further action), determined in consensus by two specialists in family medicine blinded to the medication review code.ResultsAdequate drug treatment management was, overall, less common in those with a recorded medication review over the last year: 63% versus 73% (p = 0.047). This negative association was evident among patients aged 65–74 years: 49% versus 74% (p = 0.003), but absent in those ≥75 years old: 67% versus 70% (p = 0.77). Recommendations from consensus included the search for additional information to be able to make a decision regarding initiation or withdrawal of a drug (n = 53), withdrawal of a drug (n = 41), or ordering a laboratory test (n = 25). Factors associated with a recorded procedure code included age above the remuneration limit of 75 years (odds ratio: 9.8; 95% confidence interval 5.0–19), type 2 diabetes (3.0 (1.5–6.2)), hypertension (2.4 (1.2–4.8)), and depression (2.5 (1.02–6.0)).ConclusionsThe presence of a recorded medication review was not positively associated with adequate drug treatment management but was associated with the age limit for remuneration, and some chronic diseases.

Key points

• To improve drug treatment in older people in primary care, a remuneration system linked to recorded medication reviews has been introduced.
• In this study, fewer patients with than without a recorded medication review (63% versus 73%) had adequate drug treatment management.
• A recorded medication review was ten times more common in those ≥75 years, that is, the age limit for remuneration.
• Recorded codes for medication reviews were also common in those with type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and depression.

     

Facile fabrication of bimetallic Fe–Mg MOF for the synthesis of xanthenes and removal of heavy metal ions

This work reported the preparation of Mg-MOF, Fe-MOF and Fe–Mg MOF by a solvothermal technique and their characterization with FT-IR, XRD, SEM, EDS, TEM and S_BET analyses. The nanoparticle diameter ranged from 3.1 to 10.9 nm. The acidity of the MOFs was measured by nonaqueous potentiometric titration of n-butylamine. It was observed that the formation of a bimetallic MOF sharply increases the surface acidity and the catalytic activity. The catalytic results of the Fe–Mg MOF catalyzing the synthesis of 14-aryl-14-H-dibenzo[a,j]xanthenes in comparison with those of parent MOFs showed a higher yield of the desired product in a lower time and among various Fe : Mg, the (0.6 : 1) Fe–Mg MOF showed the highest catalytic activity and acidity. Even after the 4^th run, the Fe–Mg MOF catalyst still maintained nearly the initial catalytic activity. The adsorption performance of Mg-MOF, Fe-MOF and Fe–Mg MOF was evaluated by batch experiments. The effect of contact time, the solution pH, the adsorbent dose and the initial concentration of the heavy metal ions was discussed. It was found that the capacity of the bimetallic Fe–Mg MOF for Pb(ii), Cu(ii) and Cd(ii) adsorption was higher than that of the Mg-MOF and Fe-MOF, the kinetic data followed the pseudo-second-order kinetic model and the isothermal data obeyed the Langmuir isotherm model. The mechanism of the removal of the heavy metal ions was discussed.

This work reported the preparation of Mg-MOF, Fe-MOF and Fe–Mg MOF by a solvothermal technique and their characterization with FT-IR, XRD, SEM, EDS, TEM and S_BET analyses.     

Post-COVID-19 neuropsychiatric manifestations among COVID-19 survivors suffering from migraine: a case–control study

BackgroundThe burden of post-coronavirus disease (COVID)-19 symptoms has been increasing and is of great concern in patients with pre-existing chronic medical conditions.This study aimed to delineate the post-COVID-19 neuropsychiatric symptoms among migraine patients compared to the non-migraine control group.MethodsTwo groups, each of 204 COVID-19 survivors, were enrolled in the study after 3 months of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, one group fulfilling the episodic migraine criteria and the other serving as a matching control group. Subjects were evaluated through an in-person interview for post-COVID-19 neuropsychiatric symptoms, including detailed headache patterns and severity, using the visual analogue scale.ResultsThe Frequency of headache during the acute phase of COVID-19 was more frequent in migraine patients (OR = 1.60, 95%CI = 1.04–2.45, P-value = 0.031). The reported significant post-COVID-19 neuropsychiatric symptoms in migraine patients compared to controls were fatigue (OR = 1.662, 95%CI = 1.064–2.596, P-value = 0.025), anosmia/hyposmia (OR = 2.06, 95%CI = 1.164- 3.645, P-value = 0.012), cacosmia (OR = 2.663, 95%CI = 1.145–6.195, P-value = 0.019), depression (OR = 2.259, 95%CI = 1.284- 3.975, P-value = 0.004), anxiety (OR = 3.267, 95%CI = 1.747- 6.108, P-value ≤ 0.001), insomnia (OR = 2.203, 95%CI = 1.298- 3.739, P-value = 0.003), and headache (OR = 3.148, 95%CI = 1.616–6.136, P-value =  ≤ 0.001).While there was no statistically significant difference between migraine patients and controls regarding the post-COVID-19 functional status score (P-value = 0.102). The pattern of post-COVID-19 headache was reported as chronic headache transformation in 17.6% of the migraine group, with the median intensity rate being 5.5 and IQR (3–7). In the control group, 14% experienced chronic headache attributed to systemic viral infection with a median intensity rate of 2 and IQR (2–5), while 12% experienced a new daily persistent headache with a median intensity of 5 and IQR (1–6).ConclusionThe study highlighted the importance of follow-up migraine patients upon recovery from COVID-19 infection, being more vulnerable to post-COVID-19 symptoms.     

Total and bioaccessible heavy metals in cabbage from major producing cities in Southwest China: health risk assessment and cytotoxicity

Green leafy vegetables are economical and nutritious, but they may be contaminated with heavy metals. In this study, we assessed the total and bioaccessible concentrations of As, Cd, Pb and Cr in a popular vegetable cabbage (Brassica oleracea) from four major producing cities in Yunnan, Southwest China. With the mean concentrations of As, Cd, Pb and Cr being 0.24, 0.20, 0.32 and 1.28 mg kg⁻¹, the As, Cd and Pb concentrations were within the limits of 0.2–0.5 mg kg⁻¹ based on Chinese National Standards and the WHO/FAO, but Cr concentration was 2.6-times greater than the limit of 0.5 mg kg⁻¹. Based on an in vitro bioaccessibility assay of the Solubility Bioaccessibility Research Consortium (SBRC), As bioaccessibility was the lowest at 11% while those of Cd, Pb and Cr were much greater at 68–87%. The estimated daily intake (EDI) of metals through cabbage ingestion was similar for children and adults. Among the four metals, only Cr''s EDI at 2.29–1.87 exceeded 1 based on total and bioaccessible concentrations. The high Cr concentration at 1.28 mg kg⁻¹ coupled with its high bioaccessibility at 67.5% makes Cr of concern in cabbage. However, human gastrointestinal cells exposed to the gastric digesta with high bioaccessible heavy metals and risky EDI, showed no obvious cytotoxicity, indicating that existing models based on total or bioaccessible heavy metals may overestimate their human health risk. Taken together, to accurately assess the human health risk of heavy metals in cabbage, both total/bioaccessible concentrations and the gastrointestinal cell responses should be considered.

We analyzed the total and bioaccessible concentrations of heavy metals in a popular vegetable cabbage (Brassica oleracea) from producing cities in Yunnan, Southwest China and assessed their health risk based on both bioaccessibility and cytotoxicity.     

Simultaneous removal of Sb(iii) and Cd(ii) in water by adsorption onto a MnFe2O4–biochar nanocomposite

In this study, a jacobsite–biochar nanocomposite (MnFe₂O₄–BC) was fabricated and used to simultaneously remove Sb(iii) and Cd(ii) from water via adsorption. The MnFe₂O₄–BC nanocomposite was prepared via a co-precipitation method and analyzed using various techniques. The results confirm the successful decoration of the biochar surface with MnFe₂O₄ nanoparticles. The maximum Sb(iii) removal efficiency was found to be higher from bi-solute solutions containing Cd(ii) than from single-solute systems, suggesting that the presence of Cd(ii) enhances the removal of Sb(iii). The Langmuir isotherm model describes well Sb(iii) and Cd(ii) removal via adsorption onto the MnFe₂O₄–BC nanocomposite. The maximum adsorption capacities are 237.53 and 181.49 mg g⁻¹ for Sb(iii) and Cd(ii), respectively, in a bi-solute system. Thus, the prepared MnFe₂O₄–BC nanocomposite is demonstrated to be a potential adsorbent for simultaneously removing Sb(iii) and Cd(ii) ions from aqueous solutions.

In this study, a jacobsite–biochar nanocomposite (MnFe₂O₄–BC) was fabricated and used to simultaneously remove Sb(iii) and Cd(ii) from water via adsorption.     

Single crystal growth and structure analysis of type-I (Na/Sr)–(Ga/Si) quaternary clathrates

Single crystals of (Na/Sr)–(Ga/Si) quaternary type-I clathrates, Na_8−ySr_yGa_xSi_46−x, were synthesized by evaporating Na from a mixture of Na–Sr–Ga–Si–Sn in a 6 : 0.5 : 1 : 2 : 1 molar ratio at 773 K for 12 h in an Ar atmosphere. Electron-probe microanalysis and single-crystal X-ray diffraction revealed that three crystals from the same product were Na_8−ySr_yGa_xSi_46−x with x and y values of 7.6, 2.96; 8.4, 3.80; and 9.1, 4.08. It was also shown that increasing the Sr and Ga contents increased the electrical resistivity of the crystal from 0.34 to 1.05 mΩ cm at 300 K.

Single crystals of (Na/Sr)–(Ga/Si) quaternary type-I clathrates, Na_8−ySr_yGa_xSi_46−x, were synthesized by evaporating Na from a mixture of Na–Sr–Ga–Si–Sn in a 6 : 0.5 : 1 : 2 : 1 molar ratio at 773 K for 12 h in an Ar atmosphere.     

Recovery of NH4+–N and PO43−–P from urine using sludge-derived biochar as a fertilizer: performance and mechanism

Sludge-derived biochar (BS) was prepared by pyrolyzing municipal sludge at different temperatures and was used to recover NH₄⁺–N and PO₄³⁻–P from urine. The effects of dosage, adsorption time, and urine concentration on the adsorption of NH₄⁺–N and PO₄³⁻–P were investigated, and the adsorbed BS was used as a fertilizer to study its effect on the growth of pakchoi cabbage. The Elovich model was more consistent with the adsorption processes of NH₄⁺–N and PO₄³⁻–P. Both the NH₄⁺–N and PO₄³⁻–P adsorption isotherm model agreed with the Redlich–Peterson model. The Langmuir model showed that the largest adsorption capacity of BS600 for NH₄⁺–N and PO₄³⁻–P could reach 114.64 mg g⁻¹ and 31.05 mg g⁻¹, respectively. The NH₄⁺–N adsorption mechanism of BS may have complexation with O-containing functional groups and precipitation reactions, while the removal mechanism of PO₄³⁻–P was co-precipitation. The pot experiment demonstrated that adsorbed BS600 can better promote the growth of pakchoi cabbage with the same amount of addition. With the addition of 5% adsorbed BS600, the weight of cabbage was 64.49 g heavier than without the addition of BS600. This research provided theoretical support for the recovery of NH₄⁺–N and PO₄³⁻–P from urine as a fertilizer.

Sludge-derived biochar (BS) was prepared by pyrolyzing municipal sludge at different temperatures and was used to recover NH₄⁺–N and PO₄³⁻–P from urine.     

FeS–biochar and Zn(0)–biochar for remediation of redox-reactive contaminants

To enhance the removal of redox-reactive contaminants, biochars including FeS and Zn(0) were developed via pyrolysis. These biochars significantly promoted the removal of 2,4-dichlorophenol (DCP) by means of sorption and reduction. Compared to direct reduction with FeS and Zn(0), the formation of reduction intermediates and product was enhanced from 21% and 22% of initial DCP concentration to 41% and 52%, respectively. 2,4-Dinitrotoluene (DNT), chromate (CrO₄²⁻) and selenate (SeO₄²⁻) were also reductively transformed to reduction products (e.g., 2,4-diaminotoluene [DAT], Cr³⁺, and selenite [SeO₃²⁻]) after they sorbed onto the biochars including FeS and Zn(0). Mass recovery as DAT, Cr³⁺ and selenite was 4–20%, 1–3%, and 10–30% under the given conditions. Electrochemical and X-ray analyses confirmed the reduction capability of the biochars including FeS and Zn(0). Fe and S in the FeS–biochar did not effectively promote the reductive transformation of the contaminants. Contrastingly, the stronger reducer Zn(0) yielded faster reductive transformation of contaminants over the Zn(0)-containing biochar, while not releasing high concentrations of Zn²⁺ into the aqueous phase. Our results suggest that biochars including Zn(0) may be suitable as dual sorbents/reductants to remediate redox-reactive contaminants in natural environments.

To enhance the removal of redox-reactive contaminants, biochars including FeS and Zn(0) were developed via pyrolysis.     

In situ electrochemical investigation of the reaction progress between Zr and a CuCl–SnCl2 mixture in a LiCl–KCl molten salt

The electrochemical behaviors of CuCl, SnCl₂ and a CuCl–SnCl₂ mixture were investigated by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and square wave voltammetry (SWV). The reduction potentials of Cu(i) and Sn(ii) on CV curves are −0.49 and −0.36 V, respectively, while the reduction potentials of Cu(i)–Sn(ii) in the CuCl–SnCl₂ mixture almost overlap. The co-chlorination reaction progress between CuCl–SnCl₂ and Zr was also studied by monitoring the concentration changes of Cu(i), Sn(ii) and Zr(iv) ions in situ by CV, SWV and inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES) analyses. The results indicate that during the reaction, the concentration of Zr(iv) ions increases gradually, while those of Cu(i) and Sn(ii) decrease rapidly until they disappear. When the molar ratios of Cu(i) to Sn(ii) are 1 : 1 and 1 : 0.5, the reaction between Cu(i) and Zr is faster but cannot exceed twice that of Sn(ii) and Zr in a short time. When the theoretical product of ZrCl₄ is a constant, and with the proportion of CuCl to SnCl₂ decreasing from 1 : 0 to 0 : 1, the chlorination reaction time periods increase from 40 to 170 min. Chloride products such as Cu_xSn_y, Sn_xZr_y, and Cu_xZr_y, are formed with different molar ratios. The coupling effect caused by the formation of alloys will promote the chlorination reaction when the ratios of CuCl to SnCl₂ are 0.66 : 0.17 and 0.5 : 0.25. The results provide a theoretical basis for the electrolytic refinement of zirconium.

A LiCl–KCl–ZrCl₄ melt was prepared via a co-chlorination reaction between a binary mixture of CuCl–SnCl₂ and Zr, and the reaction progress was electrochemically monitored.     

Application of hydrotalcite in soil immobilization of iodate (IO3−)

Radioactive iodine is quite mobile in soil and poses threats to human health and the ecosystem. Many materials, including layered double hydroxides (LDH), have been synthesized to successfully capture iodine from aqueous environments. However, limited information is available on the application of LDH in soil to immobilize iodine species. In the present study, the feasibility of using Mg–Al–NO₃ LDH for retention of soil iodate (IO₃⁻) in both batch and column systems was analyzed. The 2 : 1 Mg–Al–NO₃ LDH exhibited the greatest removal efficiency of IO₃⁻ from aqueous solution, compared with 3 : 1 and 4 : 1 Mg–Al–NO₃ LDH. The Mg₂–Al–NO₃ LDH demonstrated a strong affinity for IO₃⁻, with a high sorption capacity of 149 528 mg kg⁻¹ and a Freundlich affinity constant K_F of 21 380 L kg⁻¹. The addition of Mg₂–Al–NO₃ LDH in soil resulted in significant retention of IO₃⁻ in both the batch and column experiments. The affinity parameter K_F of soil with the addition of 1.33% Mg₂–Al–NO₃ LDH was 136 L kg⁻¹, which was 28.6 times higher than soil without LDH added. Moreover, the eluted iodate percentage was only 12.9% in the soil column with the 1.33% Mg₂–Al–NO₃ LDH addition, whereas almost 43.5% iodate was washed out in the soil column without LDH addition. The results suggested that Mg₂–Al–NO₃ LDH could effectively immobilize iodate in soil without obvious interference.

Addition of Mg₂–Al–NO₃ LDH at a very low dosage significantly retarded iodate in soil.     

Monometallic and bimetallic Cu–Ag MOF/MCM-41 composites: structural characterization and catalytic activity

Monometallic and bimetallic MOF/MCM-41 composites (Cu, Ag and Cu–Ag) were synthesized via a solvothermal method. The synthesized composites were characterized by XRD, FTIR, SEM, EDX and BET surface area measurements. The acidity was determined through two techniques; potentiometric titration with n-butyl amine for determining the strength and the total number of acid sites and FTIR spectra of chemisorbed pyridine on the surface of MOFs for determining the type of acid sites (Brønsted and/or Lewis). All the prepared MOFs showed Lewis-acid sites and the higher acidity was observed for the bimetallic Cu–Ag MOF/MCM-41 composite. The catalytic activity was examined on the synthesis of 1-amidoalkyl-2-naphthol via the reaction of benzaldehyde, 2-naphthol and benzamide. The best yield (92.86%) was obtained in the least time (10 min) with a molar ratio 1.2 : 1.2 : 1.7 of benzaldehyde : β-naphthol : benzamide and 0.1 g bimetallic Cu–Ag MOF/MCM-41 composite under solvent-free conditions at 130 °C. Reuse of the catalysts showed that they could be used at least four times without any reduction in the catalytic activity.

Monometallic and bimetallic MOF/MCM-41 composites (Cu, Ag and Cu–Ag) were synthesized via a solvothermal method.     

Alleviation of cadmium phytotoxicity to wheat is associated with Cd re-distribution in soil aggregates as affected by amendments

Soil aggregates exert a significant influence on the retention and bioavailability of Cd in soil. This study investigated how applications of various soil amendments affected soil aggregation and Cd phytotoxicity. A staple crop, wheat (Triticum spp.), was grown in Cd-polluted soil amended with either clay mineral (CM), rock mineral (RM), humic substances (HS), biochar (BC) or iron-based biochar (Fe-BC). Results indicate that addition of soil amendments promoted the formation of large soil aggregates (0.2–2 mm and 0.02–0.2 mm) with greater mass loading of Cd (total Cd or DTPA-extractable Cd). Moreover, significant negative correlations between the mass loading of Cd in large aggregates and Cd accumulation in wheat tissues were observed. The effectiveness in mitigating Cd phytotoxicity was dependent on the type of amendment applied. Among them, addition of HS was most effective with the highest total Cd accumulation observed in the soil fraction of 0.2–2 mm (138.1% of the control) and lowest Cd concentration observed in wheat grain (56.9% of the control). The results suggest that the re-distribution of Cd among soil aggregates was the likely factor that controlled the quantity of plant available Cd in the soil-plant system.

Soil aggregates exert a significant influence on the retention and bioavailability of Cd in soil.     

Rapid determination of lambda-cyhalothrin residues on Chinese cabbage based on MIR spectroscopy and a Gustafson–Kessel noise clustering algorithm

Pesticide residues exceeding the standard in Chinese cabbage is harmful to human health. In order to quickly, non-destructively and effectively qualitatively analyze lambda-cyhalothrin residues on Chinese cabbage, a method involving a Gustafson–Kessel noise clustering (GKNC) algorithm was proposed to cluster the mid-infrared (MIR) spectra. A total of 120 Chinese cabbage samples with three different lambda-cyhalothrin residue levels (no lambda-cyhalothrin, and cases where the ratios of lambda-cyhalothrin and water were 1 : 500 and 1 : 100) were scanned using an Agilent Cary 630 FTIR spectrometer for collecting the MIR spectra. Next, multiple scatter correction (MSC) was employed to eliminate the effects of light scattering. Furthermore, principal component analysis (PCA) and linear discriminant analysis (LDA) were utilized to reduce the dimensionality and extract the feature information from the MIR spectra. Finally, fuzzy c-means (FCM) clustering, Gustafson–Kessel (GK) clustering, noise clustering (NC) and the GKNC algorithm were applied to cluster the MIR spectral data, respectively. The experimental results showed that the GKNC algorithm gave the best classification performance compared against the other three fuzzy clustering algorithms, and its highest clustering accuracy reached 93.3%. Therefore, the GKNC algorithm coupled with MIR spectroscopy is an effective method for detecting lambda-cyhalothrin residues on Chinese cabbage.

Pesticide residues exceeding the standard in Chinese cabbage is harmful to human health.     

Prognostic value of the albumin–globulin ratio and albumin–globulin score in patients with multiple myeloma

ObjectiveThe albumin–globulin ratio (AGR) has been identified as a promising prognostic predictor of mortality in patients with hematological malignancies. This study investigated the prognostic significance of AGR in patients with multiple myeloma.MethodsTwo hundred patients diagnosed with multiple myeloma from January 2010 to October 2018 were retrospectively analyzed and followed up until December 2019. Kaplan–Meier curves and multivariate Cox regression analysis were applied to detect the prognostic value of AGR.ResultsThe median follow-up period was 36 months. The optimal cutoff of AGR was 1.16 according to receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. High AGR was significantly correlated with better overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). Multivariate analysis revealed that low AGR was an independent prognostic factor for worse OS (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.82, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.15–2.94) and PFS (HR = 1.53, 95% CI = 1.09–2.17).ConclusionsAGR may represent a potential prognostic biomarker in patients with multiple myeloma.Mini Abstract: We demonstrated that high AGR was associated with a favorable overall survival and progression-free survival in patients with multiple myeloma.     

Synthesis of Pd–Ru solid-solution nanoparticles by pulsed plasma in liquid method

We have synthesized solid-solution nanoparticles (Pd : Ru = 1 : 3, 1 : 1 and 3 : 1) in an immiscible Pd–Ru system by the pulsed plasma in liquid method using Pd–Ru mixture bulk electrodes. The particle sizes of the floated and sedimented samples were measured to be <10 and <20 nm, respectively, via high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM). The lattice parameters of nanoparticles followed the Vegard''s law, and the energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) results almost coincided with those obtained for the starting bulk mixtures. The solid-solution structures and local structure were confirmed via HR-TEM, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy (XAFS).

We have synthesized solid-solution nanoparticles (Pd : Ru = 1 : 3, 1 : 1 and 3 : 1) in an immiscible Pd–Ru system by the pulsed plasma in liquid method using Pd–Ru mixture bulk electrodes.